By Cristen Lincoln, April 6, 2020
The seller’s counter offer was sitting in everyone’s inbox. It’s great to be in a position of choice, but sometimes the right direction is hard to see. When Adam and Jordan wrote the offer on a bright and shiny new construction house with ADU, they were stepping outside of their price range. The neighborhood near where they both teach, and walking distance to their kid’s school, paired with the newness of the house and the ADU made it seem like the right move. The house had been on the market for a while, so we came in under the asking price. Then, we got the news that there was another offer. What to do? They decided to stick with their original price and see what happened. The seller chose to counter them, for a little bit more. But, they were already pushing their price. As they were going back and forth over what to do, a new listing came up in the same neighborhood, a few blocks away. I encouraged them to meet me there. “It’s better to go in with no regrets! Let’s look at this other one.” We met at the house and were all excited by what we found. Another new house, only 2 years old, and barely lived in by it’s part time owner. It even smelled new! Not only was it on a little bit nicer street, it had everything the other house had, minus the ADU, which they didn’t need anyway. Adam noted that it didn’t have a deck like the other one. I was quick to point out that with the money he was saving he could build the nicest deck of all time! “Wait, what’s the price of this one?” he asked. He had heard my call to meet at the house, but didn’t check the price! It was $70,000 less! He burst into laughter at how obvious a choice this had suddenly become. Of course this amazing house was the one! No more agonizing over the other, outside of the price range option. They were literally tearing up with joy at the timing, and how perfect the new place was. We wrote the offer, with a short timeline for response, giving the seller everything she wanted, and got it accepted. We breezed through one of the best home inspections I’ve ever seen and now are delivering keys. The other house sold right after they declined the seller’s counter offer, so it was meant for someone else all along, and this one was meant for this awesome family.
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
