By Stephanie Martin, January 23, 2026
I love celebrating successful homeownership journeys. Especially those shaped by patience, resilience, and smart strategy.
At first, the search was challenging. After touring multiple homes and writing several offers, this buyer faced repeated disappointment. Being outbid is never easy. However, each experience brought more clarity about what truly mattered.
Then, everything changed. The right home appeared. A beautifully updated property in the heart of Multnomah Village. From the moment the door opened, it felt right. The charm. The warmth. The walkable location.
Not surprisingly, Multnomah Village is one of Portland’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Tree-lined streets. Local shops. Cozy cafés. Most importantly, a strong sense of community. From Village Coffee to Annie Bloom’s Books, Gabriel Park, and the farmers market, it offers a small-town feel right inside the city.
Because the market is competitive, I moved quickly. I submitted an offer more than $25,000 above asking. The goal was simple—to stand out and show serious intent. As a result, the offer was accepted.
Next came inspections. Every detail mattered. After reviewing the findings, I negotiated with the sellers. Ultimately, the final price was brought back down to the original asking price. A big win.
Here’s the key takeaway for buyers. A strong offer can secure the home. However, inspections and appraisals often create room to negotiate. That may mean credits. It may mean a price adjustment. In the end, writing aggressively does not mean overpaying. It means competing smart.
Now, this buyer is settling into a home that fits both lifestyle and location. Full of character. Perfectly placed. Ready for new memories.
Above all, helping clients navigate Portland real estate with confidence is always the goal.
Welcome home.
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