The Showing That Changed Everything

Sometimes the most ordinary appointments end up teaching us the biggest lessons.

A few weeks ago, I met a couple in Northeast Portland who had been searching for their first home for months. They’d toured plenty of properties, but nothing felt “right.” On this particular day, we walked into a house that checked every single box on paper—great location, updated kitchen, perfect size. I thought we might have found the one.

But as we walked through, I noticed something in their faces. They were polite, they smiled, but the spark wasn’t there. Instead of pushing the positives, I paused and asked, “What are you feeling right now?” After a moment, they admitted it didn’t feel like home. They couldn’t picture themselves there.

It would have been easy to encourage an offer—after all, it was a strong property in a competitive Portland real estate market. But that moment reminded me why listening is more important than selling. The right house isn’t just about the checklist—it’s about connection, comfort, and vision.

Walking away from that house wasn’t a loss. A week later, we found another home, this time in the 97211 zip code, that gave them that unmistakable sense of belonging. When they walked in, I didn’t even need to ask. Their eyes said everything.

That showing reminded me that patience is powerful. In Portland real estate, where competition can tempt buyers to compromise, slowing down and honoring gut instinct can make all the difference.

At the end of the day, our job isn’t just to find houses—it’s to help people find home.

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