By Stephanie Martin, January 13, 2026
The Portland real estate market continues to shift, but one thing remains true—homes that are priced well and in good condition are still moving fast. Even though we’re no longer in the frenzied bidding wars of previous years, smart, strategic offers are more important than ever if you’re hoping to buy a home in Portland.
Why the Way You Write Your Offer Matters
If you’re buying a home in Portland, it’s essential to understand that how you write your offer matters just as much as what you’re offering. A key mindset shift we encourage our buyers to adopt is this: make an offer based on the true market value of the home—not just what you want it to be worth.
Let’s break that down.
Lowball Offers Can Hurt More Than Help
Everyone wants a great deal—it’s natural to try and save where you can. But in today’s Portland housing market, submitting a lowball offer—especially on a well-priced home—can do more harm than good. It might turn off the seller before you even have a chance to negotiate.
In a city where demand remains strong in many neighborhoods, a competitive offer can be your ticket to getting the home you love.
Why Strong Offers Win in Portland
Making a smart, strong offer—even if it’s at or slightly over asking price—is often a better long-term strategy. Here’s why:
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You get the seller’s attention. A fair offer shows respect for the time, effort, and money the seller has put into preparing their home for sale.
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You strengthen your position. A strong offer puts you in a better place to negotiate if something comes up during the inspection.
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You reduce your risk of losing the home. Many Portland buyers are still waiving contingencies or offering flexible terms. A low offer simply doesn’t compete.
You’ll Pay What the Home Is Worth—One Way or Another
Here’s the bottom line: whether your initial offer is high or low, you’ll ultimately pay what the home is actually worth. If an inspection reveals issues, there’s room to renegotiate. But if the house is in great shape, your original offer will likely reflect fair market value.
Our Portland Home Buying Advice
If you’ve found a home you love in Portland, make a competitive, realistic offer based on current market data and neighborhood trends. Inspections are in place to protect you—and they provide an opportunity to revisit the terms if necessary.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about making an offer—it’s about making a smart offer.
Need Help Navigating the Portland Real Estate Market?
We’re here to guide you through every step of the home buying process—from writing offers to negotiating repairs and closing the deal. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, we’ll help you make strategic decisions that align with your goals.
Let’s connect and talk about your next move in the Portland real estate market.
Stephanie Martin
Broker | OR
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Originally from the Bay Area, Stephanie is a wife, mom of two, and daughter navigating the realities of aging parents. After moving more times than she can count, she became a professional problem-solver long before becoming a real estate broker.
As a transplant herself, Stephanie understands what it truly takes to uproot your life and start fresh in a new place. She and her husband have moved across the country—west to east, east back to west—and ultimately put down roots in Portland. They’ve relocated with kids, without kids, for work, for family, and in pursuit of a better quality of life. When they moved to Portland, they toured 30 homes in a single weekend, called school districts, mapped commutes, researched neighborhoods, and did everything possible to find the right place to land. Those experiences shaped Stephanie deeply, building resilience, resourcefulness, and a firsthand appreciation for the value of having a knowledgeable, supportive guide by your side.
Today, Stephanie brings that same clarity, empathy, and lived experience to her work as a Portland real estate broker, Certified Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Certified Staging Expert (CSE), and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES). Caring for aging parents gives her a personal connection to her SRES training, allowing her to help older adults and their families navigate transitions with dignity, understanding, and confidence. Her PSA certification equips her to deliver data-driven pricing strategies and clear, thoughtful guidance at every stage. Stephanie believes a home is more than square footage—it’s where life is lived.
Before entering real estate, Stephanie built her career in people-centered roles, including hairstyling, pastry work, real estate administration, and transaction coordination. Each chapter strengthened her ability to listen deeply, anticipate needs, communicate clearly, and support people through meaningful life moments.
Whether clients are buying their first home, relocating to Portland, upsizing, downsizing, or preparing a longtime property for market, Stephanie approaches every goal with warmth, strategy, and a deeply service-driven mindset. She loves bringing people together—matching clients with the right home, neighborhood, resources, and even the perfect local coffee spot. As a Certified Staging Expert, she also helps sellers elevate their home’s presentation to maximize value and leave a lasting impression.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring Portland’s food scene, thrifting, and adventuring with her family and their pit bull, Vince. Portland has given her a true sense of home, and she would be honored to help others find theirs.
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- T: 510-926-7721
- stephaniemartin@livingroomre.com