In starting something new, I realized how many of my past experiences had shaped me in ways I hadn’t seen before. They prepared me to do this work with empathy, patience, and a deeper sense of purpose.

In 2022, my grandmother and I decided to buy a house together. She had lived in the same home for 60 years, but it was time for a change. The house had become too much to manage, and her health was starting to decline. We wanted to find a place where she could move in with me, and I could help her day to day.

I took the lead on the process. I researched homes, found an agent through my mom’s church, and picked out two listings to tour. The first one we stepped into just felt right. We looked around and knew: this was it.

 Then the seller pushed back. The house needed a new sewer line and other major repairs, and with the holidays approaching, he didn’t want to deal with them. What he didn’t realize was that once those issues were disclosed, he’d be required to address them before relisting anyway. I told my agent, “Give him 24 hours. This is going to be my house.” I wasn’t going to let it go. I fought for it—not because it was perfect on paper, but because I knew what it would mean for both of us.

We got the house. And moving into that space with my grandmother gave us time I’ll never forget. I helped her sort through a lifetime of belongings—deciding what to keep, what to let go, and what could be donated—uncovering everything from family mementos to sugar packets she’d saved since her trip to Germany in the 70s. It was a slow but thoughtful process. And after we moved into our new home, I took care of her. And in those final months, being under the same roof, making her comfortable, and simply being present meant everything to me.

That experience was the reason I got into real estate. I realized how natural it felt to take on a support role. I had learned how to navigate the process, ask the right questions, and stay calm when things got complicated. And I thought, if I can do this for her, I can do this for other people too.

Before that, I’d earned a degree in marketing and advertising from Portland State because I was curious about how people think and what drives their choices. I bartended for years, which gave me hands-on experience in reading people, listening, and building relationships quickly over just a few conversations.

 Then in 2020, my mom and I opened a bakery. It was really exciting, but we quickly found ourselves baking until 3 am just to make it to the farmers' markets. Even though it was a lot of work, we made it fun—my mom even dressed up in a Cookie Monster costume at our booth. It showed me the possibilities of running your own business and how you can have fun and make it your own. In 2021, we closed our business, wanting a bit more flexibility with our time.

Real estate came at the perfect time. It allowed me to combine all the parts of my background—service, communication, problem-solving—and use them to help people through deeply personal transitions. There was certainly a learning curve, but I’ve found a great mentor, a supportive team, and a real sense of purpose in this work. I believe in leading with empathy and making a complicated process feel a little more manageable by offering support and kindness.

Outside of work, I take full advantage of this beautiful area, hiking and going to the river often when the weather allows. I also have three rescue cats—Schwarz, Nightmare, and Nightshade—who keep life interesting! 

Since starting my real estate career, I’ve helped clients with all kinds of residential needs, but I especially love working with seniors and veterans. Supporting my grandmother through her final move showed me how important it is to have someone patient and present during big life changes. My dad is a veteran, and after learning how little he knew about his benefits, I earned my Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification and got involved locally. I now serve as Chair of the Veterans Business Advisory Council, where I help plan events, connect veterans to resources, and build relationships between local businesses and the veteran community. My goal is to educate veterans on the benefits they’ve earned and how to utilize them.

No matter who I’m working with, I focus on clear communication, strong organization, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks. I connect people with trusted local vendors, help them understand their options, and keep the process from feeling overwhelming. Whether you're buying, selling, downsizing, or using VA benefits, I aim to be a steady, long-term resource for you and your family through every stage of life.

 

Sincerely,

 

Marissa Von Hollen