Your No-Nonsense Guide to Landing the Right Home
(Without Losing Your Mind)
Buying a home in Portland is a little like dating—there are plenty of options, but if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might waste time on some serious fixer-uppers. The good news? We know the market inside and out, and whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading to your dream property, we’ll make sure you buy strategically, invest wisely, and actually enjoy the process.
Why Portland Real Estate is Worth It
Portland isn’t just quirky bookstores and excellent food (though, let’s be honest, we love those aspects). It’s a thriving real estate market that blends history, innovation, and stunning landscapes. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy, spoiler: it probably is—but you need the right strategy.
At the core of everything we do is this: Homeownership is a tool for transformation. We believe in breaking down barriers, empowering buyers, and ensuring that real estate isn’t just for the privileged few. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we help you move with integrity, strategy, and a deep commitment to equity.
What Makes Portland’s Housing Market Unique?
- Competitive, but strategic buyers win. Knowing how to structure an offer (without overpaying) is key.
- Luxury homes are appreciating fast. From modern marvels in the West Hills to classic estates in Laurelhurst, the high-end market is thriving.
- Historic homes vs. new builds. Want a 1905 Craftsman with original hardwoods? Or a sleek LEED-certified home? We have it all here but knowing the pros and cons of each matters.
HOW TO BUY A HOUSE IN PORTLAND
We’ve helped hundreds of buyers navigate this market with confidence. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Get Pre-Approved (Yes, before you even look at listings)
But here’s the deal: Not all lenders are created equal. While it’s tempting to get a quick pre-approval online from a random lender, this can backfire big time. A weak or unreliable pre-approval can:
- Cause delays when you’re ready to make an offer (and in a competitive market, speed is everything).
- Raise red flags with sellers and listing agents, making them hesitant to accept your offer.
- Leave you with unexpected costs or bad loan terms because online lenders often lack the local expertise to guide you through Portland’s market.
Need lender recommendations? We’ve got a vetted list of pros who get results. OR you can check out our lives with local Portland lenders here, here and here.
2. House Hunting: Finding the One
This is where the fun begins. Whether you want an urban penthouse, a historic home, or a modern masterpiece with mountain views, we’ll help you find it. Pro tip: What you think you want and what you actually want can change once you start looking—stay open.
Check out How to Buy a House Remotely in Portland if you’re moving from out of town. OR see the live Q&A I had with my awesome out-of-state clients here.
3. Making a Winning Offer (Without Overpaying)
Portland’s market is competitive, but it’s not always about throwing money at the problem. It’s about crafting an offer that stands out while protecting your investment. We’ll help you with:
- Strategic offer price (bidding wars aren’t always the answer).
- Contingencies that keep you safe.
- Terms sellers actually care about.
4. Negotiation: Our Superpower
Our negotiation style? Collaborative, but fierce. We believe deals should end with everyone happy—but that doesn’t mean we won’t fight for you. We know how to:
- Get credits for repairs.
- Ensure your earnest money is protected.
- Avoid appraisal and inspection nightmares.
We also believe success is collective. Every time we help someone buy a home, we’re strengthening neighborhoods, building generational wealth, and creating opportunities for a more equitable housing future.
Check out our testimonials to hear from our buyers yourself!
Costs You Should Expect (Outside of Your Down Payment)
No surprises here — buying a home isn’t just about the down payment. Here’s what you need to budget for:
- Earnest Money (1-3% of purchase price, part of your down payment)
- Inspections (~$1,000)
- Closing Costs (2-3% of purchase price)
- Property Taxes & Insurance (varies by location and home value)
Check out our full breakdown of Home Buying Costs.
What it’s Like Working With Us
- We guide you through every step (and answer your late-night panicked texts).
- We believe in housing justice and wealth-building. Our mission is making homeownership accessible and ethical while helping you make smart investments.
- We are breaking down barriers—especially for communities of color, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ buyers who have historically been shut out of homeownership opportunities.
- We help buyers navigate capitalism to come out ahead—because real estate is one of the best ways to build wealth in an unfair system.
WATCH & LEARN
Want even more insight? Check out these videos:
GET A TASTE OF MY PORTLAND NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES:
Ladd’s Addition Tour
Mt. Tabor Tour
