By Cristen Lincoln, April 1, 2021
Our architect client was getting ready to close on a lot to build on, when the most amazing mid-century home came on the market in the same coastal neighborhood as their lot. This new listing was not only an architectural gem, but boasted views of the horizon and ocean waves, and was so perfectly situated amongst the mature trees, that it felt like a tree house. With floor to ceiling windows all through the main floor, the light was streaming in and the forest was just an extension of the home. Switching gears quickly, we set about getting strategic. We all knew a home this special was going to get an emotional reaction from many buyers, and it would be competitive. When strategizing under these circumstance, buyers have a few decisions to make. First, how much do they love and want to make this place their home? Second, is it an investment, where the math is driving the price, or is it a place to make memories and create a home? Third, how long term of a home might this be? If you are planning to sell in the next 3-5 years, you shouldn’t necessarily plan to make money on a house unless you are buying one that needs improvements and has room to build equity.
In the current market, buyers have to “overpay” to win. This sounds scary, but it’s the reality. These buyers had lost out on quite a few places prior to locking up this beauty (I think it was meant to be that way, this place is by far the best home they looked at and one of the coolest places I’ve had the honor to help someone buy.) A year into the process, prices that seemed unreasonable at the beginning, now looked like bargains. Lesson learned. It’s tough to come out swinging, especially for a second home, when you have just entered the market and are still getting a feel for how things are going. But, hindsight is always 20/20 and by now they could see that if they had just “overpaid” a year ago, the appreciation would have already caught up to them, plus they would have had an extra year in their beach house.
They pulled out all the stops on this offer, and came out on top! Just by the skin of their teeth, but those small nuances to writing a competitive offer really make a difference, and they won! I’m very much looking forward to visiting this magical home again when we hand over keys. They are looking forward to a summer of beach life and we couldn’t be more happy for them!
Cristen Lincoln
Cristen Lincoln
Principal Broker | Earth Advantage | Business Development | OR
She/Her
Cristen has been a Portland real estate broker since 1993, giving her an exceptional understanding of the industry and the local market. She was born here, grew up here, and raised her own family here. She knows the parks, the farmers’ markets, the schools, the hidden corners, and the joyful quirks of Portland’s bustling neighborhoods.
Cristen’s deep-rooted knowledge of the area means she understands the audience for a house. She understands what a potential buyer is looking for, the process they go through when choosing a home, and what details matter most. This makes her the ideal guide to help you prepare your home for market. She is an expert in maximizing the value of your home while minimizing unnecessary improvements.
With the confident and tranquil mastery that comes with experience, Cristen is often three steps ahead—holding future possibilities, ideas, and strategies that will navigate her clients toward achieving their long-term goals. Known for her calm demeanor in the face of any size challenge, Cristen is respected in her industry for being an exceptional negotiator and strong advocate for her clients, even in the toughest of circumstances.
With intention and spirit, Cristen has built her real estate team around her core values of honesty, hard work, follow-through, and serious play.
A top broker in the city, Cristen has been named a Portland Monthly Five Star Agent year after year. She has received the Seven Star Certificate of Excellence and the Top 500 in the nation award from Broker★Agent™ Advisor. Cristen is a key member of Living Room Realty’s leadership team where she mentors, teaches, and coaches Portland’s top real estate brokers.
When not working, Cristen is likely immersed in outdoor play with her husband, her kids, or a pup by her side. Whether she’s hiking, gardening, snowboarding, or walking the sands of the Oregon Coast, nature is the place Cristen goes for inspiration and restorative balance.
ADDITIONAL AWARDS & AFFILIATIONS- Broker★Agent™ Advisor ‘Top 500" and "Certificate of Excellence"
- Portland Monthly Five Star Agent for past 7 years
- 10 Best of 2015: Client Satisfaction – American Institute of Real Estate Professionals
- Mt Tabor Park Stewardship Fund Committee Member
- Past PMAR Public Relations Committee Member
- Former Mt Tabor Middle school PTA and Auction Committee Member
- Past PTA board member at Atkinson school and Auction Committee Member
- Franklin High School PTA Member
- Impact NW Volunteer and Community Liaison
- Past Member Rose Chapter National Charity League
- Member 99 Girlfriends Collective Giving For Impact