When Saying “Not Yet” Is the Best Advice

It’s easy to assume a real estate agent’s main job is to help people buy or sell as quickly as possible. But sometimes, the best advice we can give is: “Not yet.”

A couple I’ve been working with recently had their hearts set on a home in Southeast Portland. It checked almost every box—charming character, walkable neighborhood, and a price point that looked just within reach. But after reviewing the inspection report, it was clear that the home needed significant work: outdated wiring, an aging roof, and a foundation issue that wasn’t just cosmetic.

We sat together at the kitchen table with the report spread out in front of us. I could see the disappointment in their eyes. They wanted me to tell them it was manageable. Instead, I told them the truth: “I don’t think this is the right home for you right now.”

Walking away was hard for them, but it was the right call. And here’s the part that matters most: they trusted me more afterward, not less. A few weeks later, we found another home—smaller, newer, and without the looming repair costs. It wasn’t the “dream house” on paper, but it was a place they could grow into without financial stress.

That experience reminded me why patience is such a big part of this work. In Portland real estate, where competition and emotions run high, slowing down can feel counterintuitive. But helping clients pause, reassess, and choose wisely is one of the best ways we can serve.

We don’t measure success by how quickly someone closes—we measure it by whether they’re still happy with their decision years later. That’s why clients trust us to walk with them, even when the answer is “not yet.”

Every home has a story. We’re here to help you write the next chapter.