By Ariel Kempf, February 6, 2026
Spring is Here: Navigating the Portland Market
Here we are at the start of the spring housing season! The sun has been shining and the flowers are on their way—even if we’re technically in for six more weeks of winter according to the groundhog and his shadow. Across the Portland metro, new “For Sale” signs are popping up every week. Browsing listings or visiting open houses on your own is a fantastic place to start. It’s an exciting time to be out there!
While you might be starting this journey solo, it helps to know who you’re meeting when you walk through the front door of an open house. As someone who often hosts open houses for colleagues, I find great joy in the process. People come full of curiosity, their eyes on the possibility of how this spot may be the one they’ve been looking for. It is electric when the answer to their question, “Is this the one?” is “YES!”
Sometimes, you walk into an open house and the answer is an immediate ‘Yes’… but you’re unrepresented and haven’t the slightest clue where to start. Don’t worry—that’s a perfectly fine place to be. That’s where I can help. I adore the opportunity to jump into action and navigate the home-buying process with you.
1. Who is the Person in the Kitchen?
When you walk into an open house, the agent greeting you might be the Listing Agent (who represents the seller’s interests), or they might be a Hosting Agent—a colleague or partner of the listing agent who is there to manage the event.
If the person you meet is not the listing agent, they are in a unique position. Because they aren’t tied to the seller’s bottom line in the same way, they can act as your dedicated advocate. They can help you navigate the complexities of contracts, inspections, and the little details that make a particular Portland neighborhood special.
2. Clear Communication is Key
When you attend an open house, the host will likely ask if you have an agent or if you are “working with anyone.”
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If you are represented: Let them know right away! It is helpful to provide your agent’s name and contact information, especially if you are considering putting together an offer for the home.
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If you are unrepresented: It’s okay to say, “I’m just starting out and exploring my options.” This opens the door for that hosting agent to offer their expertise and help you build a strategy.
3. The Coffee Invite: Why You Should Say “Yes”
If you hit it off with a hosting agent, they might offer to grab coffee with you later in the week. Take them up on it! Think of this as a low-stakes audition. Buying a home in a competitive market like Portland requires a high level of trust and chemistry. A quick coffee is the perfect way to:
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Get a Market Download: Ask about recent activity in the market, particularly in neighborhoods that interest you.
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Pick Their Brain: Take the time to ask detailed questions about the process and how to best position yourself for success.
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Build Your Team: See if their communication style matches yours before you’re in the heat of writing offers and navigating competitive situations.
The spring market often moves fast, but you don’t have to go it alone. When I am the hosting agent and I offer to sit down and walk you through the process over a latte, grab the opportunity! Having a pro in your corner might be the difference between “Just Browsing” and “Just Sold.” It can be a wild ride, but I am with you every step of the way.
Ariel Kempf
Broker | OR
She/Her
I was first inspired to get into real estate after I purchased my first home. I was so well taken care of throughout the process by my realtor that I wanted to be able to offer the same support and service for others. Home ownership opens so many doors, and everyone deserves a place to call home.
Finding the perfect home is an adventure, and I am always up to the task. I approach finding a home for my clients much the same way I hunt for the period appropriate fixture or piece of vintage furniture for my 1927 home. My eye for detail, and some personal know how serve me remarkably well when marketing a property for sale and having a vision for renovation work as well as a working knowledge of period styles in architecture.
I love what I do! Whether I’m helping someone buy or sell real estate, I enjoy every part of the process. I pride myself on communicating clearly and thoroughly throughout the experience. It is important to me that my clients feel confident from start to finish. I will be with you every step of the way, and will do everything I can to make the process a pleasant one, and I aim to build relationships beyond closing. As a member of your team, we can turn your dreams into reality!
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- T: 503-704-0760
- hello@arielkempf.com
