I grew up in a small college town in California where the backdrop was 1920’s bungalows, single level ranches and the San Gabriel Mountains. As a young boy I was an avid fort-builder and found myself drawn to architecture early. I can remember my mom dragging me through open houses in between soccer games on the weekend and watching my father tackle almost every home remodeling project under the sun.

While I loved the surf, a love of the outdoors and 90’s grunge rock drew me north for college where I studied design and architecture. Summer and winter holiday trips back home to see my family gave me an excuse to stop in Portland where I would indulge in Montage mud pie and late night coffees at the Rimsky Korsakoffee House.

Portland stuck with me and a couple years after college my wife Carrie and I moved here to start our family and my real estate career.

Unlike many generational REALTORS®, I started from scratch in 2002. I would spend every day reading up on neighborhood histories, studying market trends and beefing up on my construction knowledge. A couple years prior, I had bought my first home and while my REALTOR® was friendly, I was surprised that their level of service had considerable room for improvement. From the beginning of my real estate career I have always been with my clients at every stage of the process with an unwavering attention to detail, deep rooted understanding of contract negotiations and Portland home construction. Soon my practice was almost exclusively referral based as the support of past clients helped me grow to be one of the top agents in my company.

While accolades and awards have never served as motivation, I have always appreciated recognition by my peers and clients. Since 2005 I have been a Diamond-Platinum member of the Master’s Circle and in 2019 I was the Top Producer at Living Room Realty and one of less than 100 REALTORS® in the Portland metro awarded the Portland Monthly Five Star award for nine straight years.

Accolades aside, my goal of improving my trade has never wavered. I received my developer’s license in 2013 and my contractor’s license three years later, not as capitalistic endeavors but with the goal of enriching the counsel I could give my clients. What was initially an academic endeavor to bolster my construction knowledge turned into a variety of projects for my clients ranging from the construction of new homes and ADUs, to the design of new kitchens and bathrooms and even the occasional restoration of a historic property. Today when I show my clients homes, I can point out the implications of 2×6 dimensional lumber in a third story attic, how to reconstruct a basement stairwell to be code compliant or why all parge coats aren’t created equal.

When I am not picking a house apart for my clients, you can find me on the side of a soccer field cheering on one of my three children, with my wife in a ‘62 Grumman canoe on the Puget Sound or like my father, tackling remodeling projects at the hip roofed colonial I call home today.

Jim's Articles

Doughnut Miss Out On This Spot!

Jim Arnal

New to the area or just looking for your next favorite doughnut shop in town? Don’t...

Ahead of schedule!

Jim Arnal

It is always nice to start the new year by helping sellers close on their property...

Facetime and a Siblings Word

Jim Arnal

2021 has been a unique year in the Portland real estate market for many reasons.  Beyond...

Portland to Bend

Jim Arnal

Like a lot of people this year, my clients decided to make the move east.  REI had...

ONCE IN A LIFETIME!

Jim Arnal

How often do two siblings have the opportunity to live next door to one another?  The...

Welcome Back!

Jim Arnal

Over a decade ago I helped Mat and Jill sell their first home in the Clinton...

When you know you know.

Jim Arnal

Over a decade ago I got to know Bret and Libby.  We worked together to find...

CEDAR HILLS REMAINS HOT!

Jim Arnal

For the second time in just a month I had the privilege of listing a stunning rambler...

ALAMEDA BUNGALOW

Jim Arnal

When my good friends Paul and Laura reached out to ask me to sell their first...

DEKUM’S YOUNGEST TRIPLEX

Jim Arnal

You don’t come across too many eastside triplexes built in the last 20 years.  It was...

Hidden Gem for Urban Birders in Cedar Hills

Jim Arnal

The Commonwealth Lake Park in the Cedar Hills neighborhood of Beaverton is a tranquil escape in...

5225 NE Cleveland

Jim Arnal

Not all homes are created equal.  In the case of 5225 NE Cleveland it was originally...

Beams and Anchors

Jim Arnal

One of the best things about Portland is that it still feels like a small town. ...

Ladd’s Addition in 2021!?!

Jim Arnal

Take the hottest market in the history of our state and couple it with what is...

Concordia Charmer

Jim Arnal

Mike and Alison did everything they could do!  As sellers they are your dream team.  Sewer, oil...

Mid-Century Magic

Jim Arnal

One of the best parts of this job is helping past clients sell the home you helped...

Success in NW!

Jim Arnal

Congratulations JJ and Val!  We have known one another a long time and this sale takes...

An Encore

Jim Arnal

After my client broke the highest sales record in Concordia just a month ago, we followed...

A NEW RECORD!

Jim Arnal

We knew we had a rare home before we went to market, but we didn’t know...

Sabin Saltbox

Jim Arnal

For Anna and Kevin, this saltbox had a interesting past.  The good news is they tightened...

ALAMEDA RECORD!

Jim Arnal

Records are meant to be broken as they say.  In 2019 I helped Caitlin buy this...

BITTERSWEET!

Jim Arnal

When I first met Amy and Sky it only took a couple minutes to realize they...

Alameda to Beaumont

Jim Arnal

Late one evening in April I received a call from prospective clients who had identified a...

2 AMAZING MONTHS

Jim Arnal

What started off with a record breaking sale which escalated $140,000 over my clients’ asking price...

Ohio to Eastmoreland!

Jim Arnal

I had the pleasure of representing two doctors who are coming back to Oregon after training...

The Mighty Craftsman

Jim Arnal

Sometimes a search in a tough market can yield and early win.  My clients Emi and Craig...

Bittersweet!

Jim Arnal

On the one hand I am thrilled for my clients.  We just completed the sale of their...

ONE OF LADD’s BEST!

Jim Arnal

I had the distinct pleasure of helping my amazing clients close on the Roger and Marian Evans National...

FROM IRVINGTON GRANDEUR TO THE WEST SIDE

Jim Arnal

How do you find a grand, architecturally rich home in southwest Portland with the walking dynamics of...

12 offers!

Jim Arnal

With a dozen offers on the table, my clients and I drafted their offer with terms...

SOUTH TABOR RANCH!

Jim Arnal

Sometimes you just know.  When the market is red hot and you have a rare ranch...

END OF AN ERA

Jim Arnal

Real estate is rich with experiences that bring you joy and sadness.  Sometimes they combine when...

WHAT A RIDE!

Jim Arnal

As the new year set in, it became clear that a perfect storm was forming.  Take this...

19 OFFERS!

Jim Arnal

Standing proud on a quaint cul de sac in Garden Home is a southwest traditional that...

A Cully Ranchalow

Jim Arnal

If you know the blocks of NE Ainsworth east of 42nd Street then you know its...

ALAMEDA RIDGE RENOVATION!

Jim Arnal

BUTLER REDEVELOPMENT’S LATEST PROJECT IS AMONG THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOMES RENOVATED IN NORTHEAST PORTLAND OVER THE...

THE COVERED BRIDGE

Jim Arnal

On your way to my clients’ new home, you have to travel down a wooded SE road. ...

Wow, DOUBLE Wow!

Jim Arnal

I have been practicing real estate long enough to know when an incredibly rare and special...

TRUST IS EMPOWERMENT

Jim Arnal

Working with my past client Cyndi is why I love my job.  To have the complete...

BEAUMONT’S BEST STREET!

Jim Arnal

If you know Beaumont then you know 44th, south of Fremont is where its at.  The...

A SMALL WORLD!

Jim Arnal

In early 2020, I was hired by two amazing women to help them find a home...

Irvington Bound!

Jim Arnal

I often look back and the first sentiment I feel is one of gratitude.  While I...

PATIENCE PAYS OFF!

Jim Arnal

I met Ben and Gina at the beginning of 2020. Early on in the process it...

Stunning Arnold Creek Traditional!

Jim Arnal

Built in 1999, this stunning southwest traditional home is a testament to strong stewardship and sound...

New Next Door Neighbors!

Jim Arnal

How often do someone get to help their friends become their next door neighbors? This September...

Iconic Mid Century!

Jim Arnal

Built in 1959, this amazing southwest mid-century highlights the beauty of post and beam architecture coupled...

Moving To Maywood Park

Jim Arnal

Walter and Susan are dear friends of mine who I had the pleasure of representing as...

Traditional in Torreyview!

Jim Arnal

Phoebe is a long time client and dear friend of mine who I had the pleasure...

Magic of Wilcox Estates!

Jim Arnal

Danny and Christina started their hunt with the intention of finding the perfect family home in...

Just Listed: Butler’s Latest Project

Jim Arnal

3202 NE 52nd Ave Portland, OR 97213 Situated on a tranquil street, this newly built modern...

Just Sold in Tigard

Jim Arnal

Earlier this Spring my clients Brooke and Jeff reached out about purchasing a home Tigard. We...

Just Listed: Overlook’s Mid-Century Icon

Jim Arnal

3909 N Overlook Terrace Portland, OR 97227 Perched on the bluff that gave Overlook its name,...

Just Listed: Stunning Wilshire Cottage

Jim Arnal

4524 NE Prescott St. Portland, OR 97218 Built in 1943, this gorgeous cottage sits on a...

Just Listed: Picture Perfect Colonial

Jim Arnal

5114 NE WISTARIA DRIVE Portland, OR 97213 Originally built in 1917, this home stands proudly on...

Just Listed: Stunning SW Traditional

Jim Arnal

4803 SW ORCHARD LN Portland, OR 97219 The health and safety of our community is our...

The Modern Confectionery

Jim Arnal

From the first time we met, I knew I would love spending time with Kristyn and...

The Rents Rent No More!

Jim Arnal

Post Written By: Natalie Cavener, Licensed Assistant to Jim Arnal   Yep- that’s right! The rents...

An Alameda Mansion?

Jim Arnal

As I came home from work on a rainy Tuesday evening, I couldn’t wait to inform...

JUST LISTED: CLASSIC ROSEWAY BUNGALOW

Jim Arnal

4017 NE 64th AVE Portland, OR 97213 Originally built in 1926, this classic Roseway bungalow stands...

JUST SOLD: ORMANDY

Jim Arnal

I am thrilled to start out the new year by helping Tessa and Hayley purchase their...

Just Sold: A Spacious Lake Oswego Home

Jim Arnal

I met Mika and Craig over 10 years ago when they were still Portland newbies. In...

JUST LISTED: TURN-KEY NORTHEAST HOME

Jim Arnal

3105 NE 84TH AVE Portland, OR 97220 Built in 1945, this gorgeous Madison South home has...

JUST LISTED: INCREDIBLE SW TRADITIONAL

Jim Arnal

4935 SW ORCHARD LANE Portland, OR 97219 Originally built in 1992, this stunning Ash Creek traditional...

JUST LISTED: EASTMORELAND TIME CAPSULE

Jim Arnal

3681 SE LAMBERT ST Portland, OR 97202 Just two blocks from Duniway Elementary School sits this...

Just Sold: Southwest Views!

Jim Arnal

After helping my client purchase her home a few years ago, I was honored when she...

Welcome to Portland!

Jim Arnal

With all their children on the West coast, my clients were ready to make the move...

Tri-level on Tremont

Jim Arnal

It’s always a pleasure to help someone buy their first home but it’s the ultimate compliment...

Just Listed: Butler’s Encore

Jim Arnal

3919 NE 35th Place Portland, OR 97212 An encore to Butler Redevelopment’s record setting sale on...

JUST LISTED: Creston-Kenilworth Cutie!

Jim Arnal

4321 SE CORA STREET Portland, OR 97206 Built in 1987, this rare true ranch in Creston-Kenilworth...

Eastside Modern Living!

Jim Arnal

5260 NE 38th Avenue Portland, OR 97211 Butler Development’s latest project! Tucked nicely just blocks from...

Just Listed: Heart of Beaumont

Jim Arnal

3145 NE 40TH AVE Portland, OR 97212 Built in 1925 this Beaumont English sits proudly on...

HAPPY VALLEY HOTSPOT

Jim Arnal

14925 SE Elm Park Drive CLACKAMAS, OR 97015 Built in 2003, this townhome sits in one...

BEAUMONT BEAUTY

Jim Arnal

3404 NE 43RD AVE PORTLAND, OR 97213 Built in 1926 and situated perfectly on one of...

SAUVIE ISLAND STUNNER

Jim Arnal

18655 NW SAUVIE ISLAND RD PORTLAND, OR 97231 Originally built in 1992, this incredible Sauvie Island...

Montavilla Ranch

Jim Arnal

Built in 1949, this stunning Montavilla ranch combines incredible functionality with tasteful updates at every turn....

SUPER Cute Bungalow!

Jim Arnal

Built in 1923, this stunning Bungalow perched proudly at the corner of NE 56th Avenue and...

Alameda Tudor

Jim Arnal

Caitlin knew that when she moved to Portland from New York, she wanted a historic home...

Lake Oswego Views

Jim Arnal

Built in 1981 and cared for tirelessly since, this stunning Lake Oswego home sits perfectly at...

Remastered Foursquare

Jim Arnal

Remastered in 2013, this Old PDX home stands today as one of the most noteworthy addresses...

Staying In The Neighborhood

Jim Arnal

There are many reasons why my clients love Alameda so much, so it was no surprise...

Power Couple; Power Moves

Jim Arnal

Stefan and Emily moved from New York over to Portland in hopes of finding the perfect...

Albano’s Encore

Jim Arnal

When Ron Albano finished this project it generated one of the biggest Broker Open turn outs...

Roseway Winner

Jim Arnal

When you know what you like, stick with it!  My clients and I set out months...

Back to his Roots!

Jim Arnal

Having grown up in Alameda, my clients knew what they liked and they knew where they...

An Alameda Landmark

Jim Arnal

Just inches from Gladstone St. Pizza!

Jim Arnal

Some things are just meant to be.  As long time patrons of what some would argue...

Montavilla Gem!

Jim Arnal

Rare detached Montavilla condo with low HOAs! Main floor features: stunning kitchen w/ island, SS appliances,...

3 Year search pays off big! Really big!

Jim Arnal

Over a decade ago I helped two of my earliest clients buy their first bungalow in...

Alameda to LO

Jim Arnal

From the smallest home in Alameda to their forever home on an acre!  It has been...

RED SUNSET STUNNER

Jim Arnal

Built in 1976, this gorgeous one level ranch is noteworthy not just for its sweeping gables...

HISTORY IN KERNS

Jim Arnal

Built in 1900, this noteworthy Kerns Victorian sits proudly in the middle of what has become...

Timing, Timing, Timing

Jim Arnal

By Kristine Lebow: I started working with Dan and Shuli last fall.  With 3 children, they...

GRATITUDE BATTLE

Jim Arnal

A kid from Philly meets a kid from LA and sentiments rich with respect, gratitude and...

Room for the twins

Jim Arnal

Erin and Josh were motivated to move to a larger home that would afford room for...

Cross Country Sweethearts..

Jim Arnal

..find their  home at the base of a volcano.  Sam and Andrea’s new home is just...

The Grandkid Draw

Jim Arnal

Molly and Mert have one of the best reasons there is to move- 2 year old...

4 Year Search Pays Off!

Jim Arnal

Jace & Caren started thinking about moving a few years ago. We looked at a couple...

Montavilla Craftsman’s Home

Jim Arnal

Originally built in 1949, this gorgeous one level ranchalow sits on one of Montavilla’s most beautiful...

Beaumont Bungalow

Jim Arnal

The corner of 50th & Klickitat is about to get a new look! This 1922 bungalow...

MODERN CLASSIC

Jim Arnal

JUST LISTED: MODERN CLASSIC 3955 NE 34th Ave Portland, OR Virtual Tour Built in 2015, this stunning...

JUST LISTED: REMASTERED MID-CENTURY

Jim Arnal

  JUST LISTED: REMASTERED MID-CENTURY 4551 NE SHAVER STREET PORTLAND, OR Originally built in 1951, this...

STUNNING IN OVERLOOK

Jim Arnal

JUST LISTED: STUNNING IN OVERLOOK This stunning Overlook Cottage sits prominently on one of the neighborhood’s...

JUST SOLD: A CRAFTSMAN’S FARM

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: A CRAFTSMAN’S FARM   This gorgeous custom home is elegantly perched atop a breathtaking...

JUST SOLD: Storybook Dream Home

Jim Arnal

Kyle and Cate fell in love with this storybook Alameda English. Their kids love seeing the...

Light Filled & Tree Lined

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: NE Bungalow A gorgeous tree lined street with a central location just blocks to...

Home – This must be the place

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: Charming Laurelhurst Bungalow After searching high and low for the perfect combination of great...

Peek-A-Boo-River-Views

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: Heron Pointe Heron Pointe was originally developed in 1988 on a highly sought after...

MODERN SELLWOOD CRAFTSMAN

Jim Arnal

1314 SE MARION STREET | $699,900  This stunning Sellwood craftsman sits in one of the neighborhood’s...

HAZELWOOD RANCH

Jim Arnal

Congratulations to my client Autumn on closing on her first home. This sweet 1950’s corner lot...

BRIDLEMILE BEAUTY

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: Classic 50’s Ranch with stunning garden surround.  

Portland Heights Oasis

Jim Arnal

Just Sold: Portland Heights Oasis Congratulations to my clients on their purchase of this gorgeous urban...

Alameda Ridge Beauty

Jim Arnal

JUST LISTED: 4028 NE 26TH AVE This stunning Alameda home is perched perfectly on NE 26th...

JUST SOLD: Turn-Key in Alameda

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: TURN-KEY ALAMEDA ENGLISH  Originally built in 1926, this Alameda home may have no equal!...

MONTAVILLA RANCH

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD!!!  Congratulations to my awesome client Becky on her very first home purchase!! Today she...

MID-CENTURY URBAN FARM

Jim Arnal

JUST LISTED: 124 NE 143rd AVENUE Originally built in 1959, this Hazelwood mid-century ranch has been...

Stunning Alameda Colonial

Jim Arnal

JUST LISTED: 3020 NE 29TH AVE PORTLAND, OR 97212 Originally built in 1927, this stunning Dutch...

JUST SOLD: Craftsman Caterpillar

Jim Arnal

Originally built in 1924 this Craftsman caterpillar will be undergoing some big changes in the coming...

JUST SOLD: Alameda Beauty

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: Alameda Beauty Congratulations to my buyers who just purchased this 1925 beauty. Located  just off...

Siskiyou Storybook

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: STORYBOOK CRAFTSMAN This quintessential craftsman bungalow sits perfectly at the corner of NE 50th Ave...

BEAUMONT MODERN

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: BEAUMONT MODERN Standing tall on a rare, oversized lot and thoughtfully laid out across...

Hot in Hawthorne

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: HAWTHORNE CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW This classic craftsman sits proudly at the foot of Mt Tabor,...

Modern english

Jim Arnal

JUST SOLD: Modern English Renovated in 2018, this Beaumont English boasts 4 beds and 3-1/2 baths....

JUST SOLD: Beaumont Mediterranean

Jim Arnal

Built in 1917, this stunning Beaumont Mediterranean stands today as one of the neighborhood’s most noteworthy...

Sweet Home Alberta

Jim Arnal

After dreaming about moving to Portland for years my client finally made it a reality the...

Home is Madison South

Jim Arnal

After meeting 7 years ago and traveling the world (and spending the past 3 years saving...

May: The Month of Mason’s

Jim Arnal

May (the month of Mason’s) broke down like this: 5 addresses 3 buildings 6 buyers represented...

JUST SOLD: Turn-Key Southeast Victorian

Jim Arnal

Built in 1905, this beautifully remastered Victorian sits perfectly on SE 17th just blocks away from...

Beaumont Bungalow

Jim Arnal

Perfectly perched on a tiny tree lined street in Northeast’s Beaumont-Wilshire In close proximity to Wilshire...

Ladd’s Life

Jim Arnal

For the birdwatchers, the lovers of all things outdoors, the Master Gardener, the youthful spirit and...

Cully adventure and unwind

Jim Arnal

    Native Portlander finds the perfect Cully jumping point for adventure- hiking, biking and dog...

The Ranchelow You’ve Been Dreaming Of!

Jim Arnal

3057 SW Flower Terrace, PORTLAND OR 97239 2 BED | 2 BATH | 1,417 SQFT MLS#...

Pssst. Hey Buddy, Wanna Buy a House?

Jim Arnal

The email from my colleague was similar to the title of this post. A home that...

Perfect Perch

Jim Arnal

Perched perfectly at the foot of Forest Park and overlooking the Willamette- today my amazing client...

Springtime Serendipity

Jim Arnal

PROVIDENCE HEIGHTS MID-CENTURY!

Jim Arnal

4729 SE Ash Street, Portland OR 97215 Offered at: $689,900 3 bed | 2 bath |...

JUST LISTED: STUNNING IN BEAUMONT-WILSHIRE

Jim Arnal

STUNNING IN BEAUMONT-WILSHIRE  4121 NE Stanton St, Portland, OR 97212 Built in 1925, this stunning Beaumont-Wilshire...

Hazelwood on the Horizon

Jim Arnal

My longtime friend and client just closed on a 1959 bungalow nestled between four parks and...

A peak inside a gorgeous Beaumont English

Jim Arnal

This month I had the pleasure of helping my longtime neighbors and friends with the sale...

Contact Jim