The House Was Cute—But We Said No

Ever fallen for a house too quickly? We almost did—on behalf of a client.

Last month, we toured a sweet little Craftsman in Portland’s Woodstock neighborhood (97206). Great curb appeal, updated kitchen, and the kind of backyard that made our client start dreaming out loud. But something wasn’t adding up. The listing photos had cleverly avoided a few things, and as we walked through, our gut said: slow down.

We dug in. The inspection revealed more than just a few cosmetic issues—there were serious drainage problems, a patchwork of DIY electrical work, and what looked like an unpermitted addition. To top it off, the seller wasn’t exactly forthcoming when we asked questions. Our client was emotionally invested by this point. They wanted it to work.

But we had to say it: This isn’t the right house.

We took a deep breath and walked them through everything—not just the repairs, but what those repairs would mean six months down the line, and how resale value could be impacted. It was a hard conversation, but the right one. They backed out of the deal.

A week later, we found a home in nearby Sellwood that checked even more boxes—and passed inspection with flying colors.

This moment reminded us that our job isn’t just opening doors—it’s knowing when to close one. We’re not here to sell at any cost. We’re here to protect, to guide, and to advocate for the long-term good of our clients, even when it means slowing things down.

In a fast-moving Portland real estate market, that kind of patience and honesty builds trust. And in the end, that trust is what helps people find the home that’s truly right for them.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Portland area, we’d love to be part of your story.