If Buying a Home Feels Out of Reach — Here’s What I Tell My Clients

Buying a home is a huge milestone, and for many people I talk to, it can feel more like a far-off dream than a real possibility. Whether it’s the rising prices, the confusing process, or just not knowing where to start, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or even a little discouraged. If that’s where you’re at—you’re not alone. I hear this all the time, and I want you to know: there’s always a path forward.

This post is for the folks who are curious, hopeful, maybe even quietly planning—but unsure how or when to make a move. You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out to someone like me. In fact, that’s exactly what I’m here for.

Here’s what I walk through with my clients when they feel like buying a home might be out of reach—and how we take it one step at a time together.

First, Let’s Talk About the Market (and Your Place in It)

The market is always shifting—and so are your options. If you’re scrolling listings or hearing chatter about interest rates and feeling like it’s “too late” or “too expensive,” I want you to take a deep breath. The truth is, timing the market perfectly is almost impossible. The real magic happens when you understand what you can afford and how to make the most of your position.

One of the first things I help my clients do is get a realistic sense of the landscape: What’s happening in the Portland market right now? Where are the opportunities? How are buyers getting creative to make things work? It’s not just about what you can afford—it’s also about where you’ll feel good investing and building your life.

Get Curious About the Numbers—Without Judgment

A lot of people feel nervous about their finances when they start thinking about buying a home. I totally get it. Whether it’s student debt, credit scores, or just not having a clear picture of what’s possible—it’s normal to feel a little avoidant.

But here’s the thing: you can’t make a plan without getting honest about where you are right now.

I always encourage folks to connect with a lender early, even if you’re a year or more out. This gives you time to understand your buying power, improve your credit score if needed, and make a strategy for saving. I’ve got a trusted list of local lenders I can connect you with, and we’ll walk through the whole process together.

And no—you do not need a 20% down payment. There are tons of programs that require far less. What matters most is understanding your options and building from there.

Dream Big, Then Prioritize

This is the fun part. Once you understand your financial picture, we can start building your vision for what home means to you. For some people, it’s a cozy condo close to their favorite coffee shop. For others, it’s a house with a big yard for the dog and a vegetable garden. Maybe you want space for guests, or a dreamy kitchen, or proximity to public transit.

We’ll talk about your must-haves, your nice-to-haves, and what you’re willing to compromise on. This is where I help my clients balance hope with strategy—so you can get excited about your future without feeling stuck in the fantasy.

Know That There’s No “One Right Way” to Buy a Home

I think a lot of the pressure people feel comes from outdated ideas about how homebuying should look. The truth? There are so many ways to get into the market, and your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Some of my clients buy with a friend or a chosen family member. Some start with a smaller property and plan to upgrade in a few years. Some buy a duplex and rent part of it out. Others wait until the exact right thing comes along, even if that means taking it slow.

Your journey can (and should) reflect your life, your values, and your goals. I’m here to support you in finding the route that actually works for you.

Start Before You’re “Ready”

One of the biggest things I tell people is that you don’t have to wait until everything is perfect to start the conversation. In fact, the earlier we connect, the more we can do together.

Want to buy in a year or two? Great—let’s talk strategy and timeline.
Thinking about buying someday, but unsure where to start? Perfect—let’s just talk it out.
Feeling overwhelmed but curious? Let’s take the pressure off and see what’s possible.

When we work together, you’re not just hiring an agent—you’re gaining a steady partner, a strategic brain, and a calm presence in your corner. Whether you're ready to tour tomorrow or just dipping your toe in, I’ve got you.

You Deserve a Guide Who Will Keep It Real

Buying a home is emotional. It’s financial. It’s logistical. And if you’ve never done it before—or if your last experience was rough—it’s okay to feel vulnerable. That’s why my whole approach is grounded in care, transparency, and making sure you always feel informed and empowered.

I walk my clients through each step, answer every question (no matter how small), and make sure you’re never left wondering what’s next. You’ll never feel rushed, pushed, or “sold to.” I treat this work with the depth it deserves—because your future deserves that level of care.