Give Them Honey: My Secret to Winning in Real Estate

There’s an old saying that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, and it’s something I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately. For me, it’s become more than just a saying—it’s my mantra, my reminder to stay grounded, and sometimes even my reset button.

Because let’s be honest: in real estate (and in life), the easy way out can be to lose your patience or snap back when things get tough. But I’ve learned that choosing kindness—especially when it’s not easy—always gets me further. That’s why I’ve made “Give Them Honey” my motto.

It’s not just a phrase I say; it’s how I approach every part of my business. From negotiations to tough conversations, from guiding first-time buyers to helping longtime homeowners transition to their next chapter, kindness is the foundation of how I work.

Where Give Them Honey Comes From

Before real estate, I spent years in retail leadership. My role required me to influence and negotiate with cross-functional partners across every level of the organization. And what I saw, time and again, was that the leaders who tried to push things through by being nasty, cruel, or bullying rarely won in the long run.

I learned that the best way to create real, lasting results was by leading with empathy, kindness, and respect. That experience shaped me—and when I entered real estate five years ago, I brought that same philosophy with me.

Why Kindness Works in Real Estate

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of a lifetime. Stress runs high. Stakes feel enormous. And sometimes, the conversations get hard.

What I’ve found is that grace and kindness open more doors than pressure or force ever could. Whether I’m navigating a multiple-offer situation, coordinating contractors for pre-listing renovations, or helping a downsizing seller prepare a home filled with memories, my “Give Them Honey” approach creates the space for better outcomes.

Real Stories From Portland Negotiations

I’ve had buyers “win” in multiple-offer situations not because they offered the highest price, but because I built trust with the listing agent. A calm, respectful approach made them confident that we would get to the finish line smoothly.

I’ve also had sellers achieve stronger results because I listened first—to their needs, their concerns, and even the needs of the buyer on the other side. By approaching negotiations with understanding, while still being firm on what matters most for my clients, I’ve been able to secure outcomes that felt like wins all around.

Luxury Service at Every Price Point

When I say luxury, I don’t mean a specific price tag—I mean the level of service. My concierge-style approach includes preparing homes for market with care, coordinating updates with trusted vendors, and marketing with modern tools like video, social media, and professional staging. Every home deserves to shine, whether it’s a first-time buyer’s condo in Multnomah Village or a multimillion-dollar estate in the West Hills.

And through it all, I “give them honey.” Because even the best strategy works better when delivered with kindness.

Why This Matters for You

If you’re a Portland-area homeowner considering selling—especially if you’ve been in your home for many years and want a gentle, thoughtful transition—my approach may be the right fit. And if you’re a buyer navigating a competitive market, having an agent who leads with kindness while negotiating firmly on your behalf can make all the difference.

Real estate is about people first. And people respond to honey.

Thinking about buying or selling in Cedar Mill, Multnomah Village, Portland’s Westside suburbs, or beyond? I’d love to share how my “Give Them Honey” approach can create a smooth, successful experience for you.

📞 Contact me today to start the conversation.