Facing uncertainty during turbulent times, I found the strength to redefine my life on my own terms by embracing change and finding what brings me true fulfillment and purpose.

 

For eight years, I worked as an immigration advisor, assisting with international exchange programs at UC Berkeley and Western Oregon University. It was fulfilling work for a long time, but when the pandemic hit, everything changed. We transitioned to remote work for the foreseeable future, and I knew that wasn’t what I wanted. I started looking for a new job and just a few days later, I was laid off. It forced me to confront a tough question: Was this job something I loved, or just something I was good at?

 

This period of uncertainty made me realize that even the most secure jobs could fall apart unexpectedly. I decided to take this as an opportunity to reassess my life and career. I spent time traveling, reconnecting with friends, family, and professional contacts, and thinking about my next steps. During one of these trips, I spent a weekend in Portland to meet up with a friend.

 

Something about Portland felt right. Despite having lived in different places, including Berkeley and smaller towns in California and Oregon, Portland immediately gave me a sense of belonging. I knew I could build a home base there, a place to return to no matter where my work or travels took me.

 

Initially, I did some contract work for a tech startup, conducting first-round phone interviews. It was a nice change but soon became monotonous. Then, in the summer of 2022, I received a call from a principal broker who saw potential in my resume and invited me to explore a career in real estate. Though skeptical at first, I met with them and was excited by the prospect of working directly with clients, helping them through a significant transition.

 

In 2023, I received my REALTORS® license. I was like a sponge, absorbing all the information I could and asking many questions. The initial phase involved building relationships, as I knew very few people here. While it was very challenging in the beginning, completing multiple transactions and being awarded Rookie of the Year confirmed I was on the right track. What I love most about real estate is the people. The connections I make with clients, colleagues, and the community are incredibly fulfilling and have given me a strong sense of purpose in this new chapter.

 

Running has also been a transformative aspect of my life in Portland. I started running at 27, training for a half marathon, which led to marathons and ultra-marathons. These runs have taught me perseverance and mental toughness. Through running, I have also been able to meet some incredible people and some of my closest friends who inspire me every day. They face challenges head-on and continue to show up for others. Joining the FoPo Run Club in Southeast Portland has been a great way for me to connect with people here and have a supportive group I can rely on.

 

Since moving to Portland and rebuilding my life, my confidence has grown immensely. I feel like I'm reconnecting with the person I was as a kid—free and unhindered by exterior pressures. Embracing new challenges and building a supportive community has allowed me to shed the insecurities that once held me back. Now, I am more confident and truer to myself, which has brought me immense happiness and a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing I am on the right path.

 

Moving to Portland has been more than a relocation—it has been a journey of finding myself and aligning my life with my passions. I’m grateful for those in my life who have supported me through this transition, including family, friends, and the clients I serve. 

 

My approach to real estate is rooted in empathy and understanding, especially when working with first-time home buyers and sellers, along with relocators. Having navigated new beginnings myself, I understand the uncertainty and excitement that comes with these significant life events. I strive to make the process smooth and reassuring for my clients, leveraging my own experiences to relate to their journeys. 

 

My core values—curiosity, accountability, perseverance, and integrity—guide my professional and personal life, ensuring that I provide the highest level of service and care to everyone I work with. My experience as an immigration advisor honed my ability to navigate complex processes and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people. These abilities have been invaluable in real estate, where understanding contracts, staying adaptable, and building strong relationships with clients is crucial. It is my goal to continue growing my business and helping more people each year navigate the buying and selling process with ease!

 

Sincerely,

 

Sarah Nagel

REALTOR®

LIC# 201251790

(707) 234-9887

sarah.nagel16@gmail.com

www.sarahnagelrealtor.com