"How can I possibly compete in this market?!?"

It’s a seller’s market—you’ve probably heard that already. And it’s not just in Portland; it’s happening across most markets. The COVID era has created a significant shortage of inventory. Homeowners are staying put, while buyers are eager to take advantage of low interest rates and find homes with extra space for working remotely.

Of course, it’s not quite that simple, and it’s important not to overlook the real challenges many people have faced over the past year. Still, the bottom line is this: there are far fewer homes available than there are buyers. That imbalance creates a situation that’s actually quite complex to navigate—multiple offers on nearly every home that hits the market. It’s not unusual to see 10 or more offers on a single property, with winning bids coming in $100K or more above the asking price. Well-staged, well-maintained homes often last only a few days on the market, and open houses can feel like a zoo.

In this market, every buyer needs a great agent to win. Unfortunately, a great agent doesn’t magically appear with the quick press of a Zillow or Redfin button. It’s important to ask people you trust for referrals, do your research, and interview agents until you feel confident you’ve found the right one.

So how do you know you’ve found a great agent?

Great agents love what they do. They’re excited about it, they talk about it, and that enthusiasm shows. They answer their phone and respond promptly to messages. They’re available nights and weekends when needed. They understand that time is critical in this market, and they move fast.

Great agents are knowledgeable and take the time to explain the home-buying process. They want you to understand everything and feel confident every step of the way. They know contracts inside and out and can clearly explain contingencies, timelines, and terms that protect you as the buyer. This becomes crucial when it’s time to write an offer and potentially adjust contingencies to make it more appealing.

Great agents genuinely care about you. They take the time to get to know you so they can serve you better. One of my favorite parts of being a real estate broker is building relationships during such an important and emotional process. Strong, honest connections are the foundation of successful outcomes.

Great agents aren’t shy. They know when and how to communicate with the seller’s agent and ask the right questions. They assess the competition and uncover what matters most to the seller. A great agent gathers the right information and uses it strategically.

Great agents are friendly, smart, and easy to work with. That matters more than you might think. You want an agent other agents respect and enjoy working with. A strong reputation can give you an edge, because the listing agent can confidently assure the seller that your transaction will be smooth, professional, and reliable.

Great agents know how to write and present a compelling offer. I love helping my clients stand out. I’m prepared to speak confidently about their qualifications, their lender, and their ability to close. It matters.

Great agents know the market inside and out. They understand local trends, track recent sales, and know how quickly homes are moving. If I’m not familiar with an area, I’ll connect you with someone who is.

Great agents know how to strengthen your offer without putting you at unnecessary risk or simply telling you to bid higher. Here are a few examples:

• Stronger earnest money (EM): This acts as a good-faith deposit and shows the seller you’re serious. A great agent ensures your EM is protected through contingencies and timelines while using it strategically to demonstrate commitment.

• Appraisal gap coverage: If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to cover the difference. Structuring an offer to bridge that gap—within your comfort level—can make your offer far more competitive.

• Flexible repair terms: Offering to handle smaller repairs or even purchasing a home as-is (while still protected by inspection contingencies) can be very appealing to sellers.

Great agents also know what not to ask for in a competitive market. That fancy hot tub? Maybe. Closing costs? Forget it.

Finally, great agents will protect you from risky decisions, like waiving critical contingencies. You do not have to give up your protections to win a deal!

"What I want is for you to get the house you want, feeling confident that you were informed and protected every step of the way. I want to be YOUR great agent, and get you packing and unpacking". - The PDX House Fairy