Buying a Single Level Home: Why the Right One Is Worth the Wait
If you’ve been looking at buying a single level home, you probably already know one thing: they don’t stay on the market for long.
I recently had the chance to help my client, Luong, buy his new single-level home in Vancouver, WA. It took us over a year to find the right fit, but neither of us wanted to compromise just to get a deal done. We had a clear vision of what he wanted, and we stuck with it until the perfect house came along.
Spoiler alert—it was worth every bit of the wait.
Why Buying a Single Level Home Can Take Longer
Single-level homes continue to be one of the most sought-after property types in the Portland and Vancouver area.
Whether you’re looking to age in place, want to avoid stairs, or simply love the convenience of one-level living, you’re competing with a lot of buyers who want the same thing.
Some of the reasons buyers specifically look for single-level homes include:
Easier accessibility
Open, functional floor plans
Lower maintenance over time
Better long-term resale appeal
Comfortable living without stairs
The challenge is that there simply aren’t as many single-level homes available, especially in established neighborhoods where demand is high.
Patience Pays Off
When Luong and I started looking, he knew exactly what he wanted. Instead of settling for a home that was “close enough,” we stayed patient.
Over the course of the year, we toured homes, watched the market closely, and waited for the right opportunity.
Eventually, everything lined up and he ended up with a home that truly fits his lifestyle.
That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned after helping buyers for years: buying a home isn’t about buying the first available house. It’s about buying the right house.
Having the Right Strategy Matters
Buying a single level home often requires a little more planning than other home searches.
Some things that can help include:
Getting pre-approved before you begin touring.
Setting up instant listing alerts.
Being ready to tour quickly when a home hits the market.
Knowing which features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
Working with an agent who understands the local inventory and can help you act quickly.
The more prepared you are, the easier it is to move when the right opportunity comes along.
Don’t Forget to Celebrate
After closing, Luong and I celebrated the only way that felt right—with burgers at In-N-Out.
At this point, I probably qualify as their unofficial brand ambassador.
Even better, I’ve been promised a future Hot Pot dinner and a lesson in Luong’s wok skills, so I’d say we both came away with a win.
Helping clients find the right home is one of my favorite parts of this job. Seeing someone finally get the keys after a long search makes all the waiting worthwhile.
Thinking About Buying a Single Level Home?
If you’re planning on buying a single level home in Portland, Vancouver, or the surrounding area, I’d love to help.
Every buyer’s situation is different, but having a clear strategy—and the patience to wait for the right home—can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to start your search, let’s talk.
