I Love Portland! (Sorry, California.)

I love Portland—and that’s coming from a gal who never (never!) thought she’d leave her beloved home state of California.

I grew up in a small farming town in the San Joaquin Valley, surrounded by orchards—peaches, plums, nectarines. My parents are farmers, and for a long time, I thought I’d end up in Santa Cruz or San Francisco.

Portland wasn’t on my radar. (Shout out to Ryan for getting in on my radar!)

The first time I visited, it was winter. There was snow on the ground, it was cold, and what surprised me most was that people were still out—walking around, going to restaurants, living their lives like it was no big deal. That stuck with me.

I came back a few more times (also in winter, somehow), and every time I was struck by how beautiful the city was and how friendly people felt. When I finally visited in the summer, I was sold. I moved here in 2014, and it’s felt like home ever since.

I live in Northwest Portland, and one of my favorite things is walking up to Washington Park. It’s one of those everyday moments that reminds me why I love it here—being surrounded by nature while still feeling connected to the city.

Another thing I love is exploring all the different neighborhoods. Each one has its own personality, and it’s part of what makes Portland feel so special. Portland was my vacation getaway before moving—and honestly, it still feels that way. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a neighborhood, a park, or a great place to eat. (Don’t get me started on the food scene here!)

Before real estate, I spent over two decades as a teacher. That experience shaped how I approach this work in a big way. I’m naturally organized, I think a few steps ahead, and I’m always focused on helping people understand what’s happening and what comes next.

More than anything, I learned that I really like working with people. I like helping them think through decisions, work toward goals, and feel confident in the path they’re on.

Real estate feels like a natural extension of that.

Because this isn’t just about buying or selling a house. It’s about finding a place where your life happens. A place to land. A place to grow. A place to dream a little bigger.

And when I’m not working, you can usually find me exploring Portland with my husband, Mario, trying new restaurants, or at home cooking (I make a pretty great pizza, if I do say so myself).

Or, of course, walking my retired racing greyhound, Daisy—who is truly the fastest couch potato you’ll ever meet!

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Portland, or even just starting to explore what that might look like, I’m always happy to help.