When Saying “Not Yet” Was the Best Advice We Could Give

What if the best move… is no move at all? That’s what we realized last week during a buyer consult that reminded us why trust and patience matter more than closing a deal.

A young couple reached out, excited and hopeful. They’d been renting in Northeast Portland and wanted to start building equity. We met over coffee in the Alberta Arts District to talk through their goals, and after running the numbers together, we saw it: they were close, but not quite ready. Their budget could technically get them into a home—but not one that aligned with their lifestyle, commute, or long-term plans.

We could’ve pushed. After all, the Portland real estate market is competitive, and homeownership is often seen as the end-all goal. But instead, we paused. We asked them to imagine life in a starter home that might strain their finances or feel like a compromise every day. And then we talked about saving strategies, credit optimization, and the benefits of waiting six more months.

They left our meeting with a clear plan—not for a quick buy, but for a confident future one.

That moment reminded us that real estate is about timing and clarity, not urgency. Our role isn’t to just unlock doors—it’s to help clients make decisions they can stand by, years from now. In this case, that meant standing still.

We’re not just in this business to help people buy homes—we’re here to help them make smart, lasting moves. Sometimes, that means saying “wait.” And that’s advice we’re always proud to give.

Want to talk real estate—or just swap stories? Reach out anytime.