As our lives evolve, so do our needs—and housing is one of the most personal parts of that journey. Today, I’m thrilled to share a meaningful step forward in how I support my clients and community: I have officially earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation from the National Association of REALTORS®.

If you’re preparing to sell your home in Portland, you might be picturing bidding wars, multiple offers, and buyers driving up the price. And yes, that still happens in some cases! But in today’s more balanced Portland real estate market, it’s essential to look beyond just the number on the offer.

When you think of Portland, what comes to mind? Coffee, bikes, bridges… maybe even a food cart pod or two. But have you ever stopped to wonder what those five little numbers at the end of our addresses actually mean?

The Portland real estate market continues to shift, but one thing remains true—homes that are priced well and in good condition are still moving fast. Even though we’re no longer in the frenzied bidding wars of previous years, smart, strategic offers are more important than ever if you're hoping to buy a home in Portland.

As a blended family with six amazing kids, finding a home that offered space, comfort, and a central location for commuting and connecting with their family was essential.

For generations, the path to homeownership looked a little like this: buy a small, affordable “starter home,” live in it for a few years, build equity, then upgrade when life—and budget—allowed.

Let’s be real: Portland’s housing market is competitive. If you’ve fallen in love with a home recently, only to get outbid, you’re not alone. One of the biggest patterns we’re seeing right now? Buyers leaning heavily on comps (comparable sales) when writing their offers—and then losing out because they’re not reading the room.