The Showing That Wasn’t Meant to Sell

It’s a strange feeling—walking into a home and knowing, almost instantly, that it’s not the right one.

We’d toured half a dozen properties that week, and this one looked perfect on paper. The photos were beautiful, the location was ideal, and the price was right. But as soon as we stepped inside, I could see my clients’ faces change. The light wasn’t what they’d imagined. The layout felt more cramped than cozy. And there was a lingering sense—hard to explain—that this wasn’t where their next chapter would begin.

We stayed anyway. Opened every door, measured the living room, checked the water pressure. I asked them to picture their mornings there, their holidays, the way the house might feel on a rainy Portland day. By the time we were back in the car, the decision was clear: they weren’t going to make an offer.

Some might call that a wasted showing. I call it a win. In Portland real estate, avoiding the wrong purchase is just as important as finding the right one. This showing gave my clients clarity—and the confidence to wait for a home that truly felt like theirs.

These moments remind me why patience matters. My role isn’t to push someone toward the next set of keys—it’s to help them recognize the home that’s worth turning the lock for. That’s why the people we work with trust us to see past the staging, the listing photos, and even the perfect price tag.

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