By Cristen Lincoln, April 12, 2018
Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality. ~ Author and scientist Jonas Salk
What started as the smallest spark of an idea, turned into a bold dream, and Diana and Gary went after it with such faith, and determination, that I’m writing this now to tell you they own the house of a lifetime. When an unhappy tenant wanted out of her lease, it was actually a relief. It’s hard to keep someone happy who is just in the wrong house. It wasn’t the first time, and the idea of how to leverage that house in a different way started to form. We talked about doing a trade to a possible vacation house, and it seemed like a fun idea. They love skiing, and spend most winter weekends up at the mountain. Why not have a vacation rental and space for themselves too? After looking casually online out of curiosity, Diana found a gem. I’m not even sure how to describe how special it is. The past owners are artists, and had poured their heart into building a mountain house with soul, and more impressively landscaping the almost 2 acres in a blend of espalier, zen garden, woodland, wild flowers and lavender fields with incredible hardscape and irrigation everywhere. Before we even had a price or plan in place for their rental, Diana sent me a link to the house. “THIS!” She said. And so it began. We fixed up the rental, staged it, and got 3 offers. Over a week in, it fell apart and we had to sell it again. We attacked it and found a new buyer quickly, then wrote the offer for the mountain house. It actually wasn’t even on the market at that point. The sellers had decided to take it off and perhaps change direction. We had to talk them into still selling it, and not only was it off market now, the price needed to be addressed. Long story short; Diana and Gary found the house they wanted, then, through reverse engineering, hard work, faith, and many stressful moments and weeks of waiting, made it happen. They sold their house for over the asking price. Then we got them the house of their dreams when it wasn’t even on the market, for under the asking price. The timing all worked perfectly, but not without some serious hustle on everyone’s part. I’m so very honored to have been able to help them manifest this dream!
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
- T: 503-260-2414
- cristen@livingroomre.com
