The Offer That Almost Didn’t Happen

How do you stay hopeful when every offer gets beat out?

A few weeks ago, we were working with a first-time buyer in Northeast Portland—sweet mid-century neighborhoods, just walkable enough, with a few fixer-uppers still priced under the competition. She’d been renting in 97213 for years and dreamed of staying close to her job and community. But after writing and losing three offers, she was tired. Her words: “I’m starting to think this just isn’t going to happen for me.”

That week, a cute two-bedroom with original hardwoods and a massive backyard came on the market. We booked a showing the first hour. It wasn’t flashy, but it was her. She smiled the moment she walked in. We talked strategy, and even though she felt nervous about offering full price, we knew the market in this part of Portland was still competitive—especially for well-maintained homes in this price range.

She took a deep breath and said, “Okay. Let’s try one more time.”

We wrote a clean offer with thoughtful terms. We positioned her as a serious, flexible buyer—and included a letter that shared a bit about her roots in the neighborhood.

This time, it landed. The seller had multiple offers but said ours felt the most sincere.

Watching her hold those keys at closing—there was relief, yes. But more than that, there was pride. She didn’t just buy a house. She stayed the course, even when it was hard.

What this reminded us:
Portland real estate can be a rollercoaster, especially for buyers trying to compete without massive cash. But what makes the difference isn’t just timing or budget—it’s having someone who knows how to write a smart offer and walk with you through the emotional ups and downs.

These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do. We’re not just chasing closings—we’re helping people come home.

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

Previous
Previous

Why We Said “Not This One”

Next
Next

The Showing That Turned Into a Therapy Session