By Stephanie Martin, January 13, 2026
Let’s be real: Portland’s housing market is competitive. If you’ve fallen in love with a home recently, only to get outbid, you’re not alone. One of the biggest patterns we’re seeing right now? Buyers leaning heavily on comps (comparable sales) when writing their offers—and then losing out because they’re not reading the room.
So let’s talk about it. Because in this market, it’s not always about what the house should sell for—it’s about how badly you want it, and what you’re willing to do to win it.
The Problem with Relying Too Much on Comps
Comps are important, make no mistake. They’re a valuable guide for understanding what similar homes in the area have recently sold for. But here’s the catch: comps reflect the past.
In a market like Portland—where demand still outweighs supply in many neighborhoods—what a house sold for last month doesn’t always reflect what a similar house will go for today, especially in a multiple-offer situation.
The result? Some buyers make well-researched, “justified” offers that feel safe and smart—only to be blown out of the water by someone who offered $20k over asking with strong terms.
Barbara Corcoran Says It Best
The legendary real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran put it bluntly:
“You don’t buy a house based on comps, you buy it based on how bad you want it.”
And she’s right. The emotional piece matters. The reality is, in a bidding war, sellers don’t care what the spreadsheet says—they care about who is going to show up and close the deal with the best terms and strongest offer. That means price and everything else (think: earnest money, inspection terms, closing timelines, and more).
So… What Should Portland Buyers Do Differently?
If you really want that dream home in Raleigh Hills, Multnomah Village or West Slope, here’s what we recommend:
1. Know When to Go All In
If it’s the one, it’s time to play to win. That might mean offering over asking—even if the comps don’t totally support it on paper. Remember: value is subjective, and the winning offer is the one that meets the seller’s needs best.
2. Get Clear on Your Walk-Away Price
Know your limit before you write the offer. That way, if someone outbids you, you can walk away without regrets. But if you’re in love with the house, be honest with yourself: is $10K more really a dealbreaker if it secures the home you want for the next 10+ years?
3. Work With an Agent Who Knows the Game
Your agent should be reading more than just the MLS. They should be connected, strategic, and creative—able to guide you in structuring an offer that stands out beyond just price. That’s where we come in.
Bottom Line
Portland homebuyers: if you’re tired of losing out on homes, it might be time to rethink your approach. Comps are a helpful tool—but in this market, desire, preparation, and boldness often seal the deal.
If you find a home you love, don’t hold back. Let’s talk strategy, run the numbers, and go in strong.
Thinking about buying soon? Let’s chat about how to make your offer the one that gets the “yes.”
Stephanie Martin
Broker | OR
she/her
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