The Day We Told a Buyer to Wait

Have you ever wanted something so much that every part of you screamed, “Let’s just do it”? That’s where our client, Sarah, was last month—a first-time buyer in Portland who’d fallen in love with a cute craftsman in Sellwood.

The house checked all the boxes: charming porch, tree-lined street, walkable to coffee shops. But something didn’t sit right. The price was a little high for the condition, and the inspection report had a few quiet red flags—nothing major, but the kind that add up over time. We could tell Sarah was emotionally attached, and who could blame her? Portland homes like that don’t come up often.

Still, we paused. We pulled data, looked at comps, and revisited her goals. When we laid everything out, Sarah sighed and said, “You’re right. I think I’m just rushing because I’m scared I’ll miss my chance.” That moment mattered. Instead of chasing a dream that might’ve turned into a burden, she decided to wait.

A few weeks later, another listing hit the market—better bones, lower price, and in the same zip code. She made an offer, and it was accepted. When she got the keys, she said, “Thank you for telling me no when it mattered.”

Moments like that remind us why patience is part of the job. Portland real estate isn’t about how fast you can buy—it’s about how right the fit feels when you do.

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