Lisa Mehlhoff

Start with clarity on your goals, lifestyle, and finances before you ever start touring. The right home isn’t just about price — it’s about how it fits your daily life, commute, and long-term plans. Partner with an experienced REALTOR® who knows how to spot hidden value, guide you through lending options, and negotiate beyond the list price. In a competitive Portland market, having a local agent who understands micro-neighborhood trends and has trusted relationships with lenders and inspectors makes all the difference.

Preparation and presentation are everything. Buyers decide within seconds if a home feels right, so invest in staging, professional photography, and targeted marketing that tells your home’s story. Pricing strategically — not emotionally — ensures your home attracts maximum attention and offers. At Lisa Mehlhoff Homes, our C³ approach (Clarity, Care, Communication) gives sellers a clear plan, honest feedback, and marketing that goes far beyond the basics to achieve top value in today’s market.

Lisa has represented a diverse range of clients over her 19-year career, including luxury sellers, relocating physicians, first-time buyers, and new-construction purchasers throughout Portland, Lake Oswego, Vancouver, Battle Ground, and Brush Prairie. She’s also helped clients through major life transitions — from divorce to downsizing — with care and discretion. Her background in first-time homebuyer education and luxury marketing allows her to meet clients where they are, whether it’s purchasing their first condo or selling a legacy estate.

One of my favorite recent transactions was helping a veteran in his 70s buy his first home. He had been pre-approved for two years but had never taken the next step until he called on one of my listings. After a short, genuine conversation, he agreed to meet me. I showed him homes in areas I don’t typically serve — all through handwritten forms, phone calls, and wet signatures. It was old school, honest, and heartfelt. Though he began as a skeptic, he trusted me completely by the end, and seeing him hold the keys to his first home was unforgettable.

My journey began after my first son was born at just 25 weeks, weighing only 1 lb. 4 oz. Returning to teaching at that time didn’t allow me to balance caring for my fragile son and my students the way I wanted to. I had always loved homes and the emotions they carry — so I turned that passion into a new career. Real estate became the perfect blend of my background in education, communication, and design, allowing me to teach clients and guide them through one of life’s biggest decisions with heart and purpose.

Absolutely. My background as a math and science teacher gives me a unique ability to explain complex information clearly and analyze market data with precision. I also have training from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Tom Ferry Elite Coaching, and as a Divorce Real Estate Specialist. I love blending the psychology of negotiation with real-world strategy—helping clients feel confident, informed, and empowered every step of the way.