Why We Said “Not This One”

Sometimes, the best advice we can give a buyer is to walk away.

A few months ago, we toured a home in outer Southeast Portland with a sweet young couple buying their first place. It was one of those listings that looks fantastic online—great light, nice staging, new countertops. But the moment we stepped into the basement, something didn’t feel right.

There was a faint smell of moisture. A wall that looked newly painted was just a bit too fresh. And the listing mentioned “recent drainage work,” which sounded vague. We dug deeper, asked the listing agent questions, and requested disclosures. That’s when we saw the catch: the home had experienced two previous water intrusions—and no licensed contractor documentation on file.

The couple was in love with the layout, the neighborhood, and the price. I could see them trying to justify it: “We could just keep an eye on the basement… maybe it’s not that bad?”

That’s when we had the hard conversation: “I know you’re excited. But we think this one’s going to cost you more in the long run—and bring more stress than joy.”

They stepped back, took a breath, and decided not to write the offer.

A few weeks later, they found a different house—solid inspection, cleaner history, still in their price range. It wasn’t as flashy, but it felt like home the moment we walked in.

This experience was a reminder:
Being a trusted real estate advisor isn’t about pushing every deal forward. It’s about knowing when not to. Especially in Portland real estate, where older homes can carry hidden baggage, we see our role as protectors as much as negotiators.

Trust is earned in those moments when we put your long-term happiness over a fast closing.

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