Today we’d like to introduce you to ALISON DERSE.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Alison Derse, pronounced like “mercy,” and I’m a Realtor here in Portland, Oregon.
I’m originally from Los Angeles, and after college at UC Davis, I spent about ten years in San Francisco working in tech startups. I was in business development, partnerships, and marketing roles at fast-growing startups like Yelp, Trulia, and Instacart. It was a really formative decade. Startup life meant wearing a lot of hats at once, moving quickly, building systems from scratch, and learning how to communicate and negotiate clearly in high-stakes situations. At the time, I didn’t realize how transferable those skills would be, but they’ve absolutely shaped the way I work today.
After years in San Francisco, my husband and I started craving something different, slower and more grounded. We wanted more space, more greenery, and a stronger sense of day-to-day community. We were drawn to older homes with character, walkable neighborhoods, and a city that felt creative and charming. Portland ended up feeling like the right fit almost immediately.
Now we live in Southeast Portland with our two young children, and I truly love the life we’ve built here. Outside of work, I’m very rooted at home. I love hosting friends and family, cooking, reading, gardening, and spending time with my kids. At the same time, I love exploring the city and the Pacific Northwest, whether that’s trying new food carts, visiting wine country, getting outside for hikes, or spending an unreasonable amount of time at jungle gyms.
I’m also deeply inspired by design, in all forms. That might be a beautifully curated outfit, thoughtful packaging, a well-styled home, or a perfectly worn vintage rug. That appreciation for design and detail is a big part of why real estate feels like such a natural fit for me, especially in a city like Portland where the homes have so much history and personality.
Becoming a Realtor brought together everything I had done before, strategy, research, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building, and grounded it in something deeply personal. I get to help people make meaningful decisions about where and how they live, and I get to do that in a city I genuinely love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I joke that I learned how to ski in a snowstorm. I got licensed in 2019, right before the pandemic, so there really wasn’t a slow on-ramp. The market shifted almost overnight, and I had to learn the ropes in real time, under pressure.
Early on, that meant navigating constant uncertainty, rapidly changing regulations, intense competition, and clients who were understandably anxious. There was no playbook. I had to build confidence quickly, get very sharp on contracts and negotiations, and learn how to be a steady, calming presence when everything around us felt unpredictable.
It was challenging, but it forced me to develop strong systems, clear communication habits, and a thick skin much faster than I might have otherwise. Coming from a startup background helped. I was used to adapting quickly, problem-solving on the fly, and staying organized in chaotic environments.
Looking back, starting during that time shaped the way I work today. It taught me how to stay grounded in high-stress moments, advocate fiercely for my clients, and make thoughtful decisions even when the market feels noisy and chaotic!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I help people buy and sell homes in Portland, with a focus on character-rich properties in established neighborhoods. Many of my clients are buying and selling at the same time, relocating from California or out of state, or making thoughtful moves as their lives change.
I’m known for being very prepared and strategic, while also keeping the process grounded and human. I spend a lot of time educating my clients, explaining trade-offs, and helping them make decisions that actually align with how they want to live. I’m hands-on and detail-oriented, especially when it comes to pricing, preparation, and negotiation.
I’m also very design-forward. I have a strong eye for potential and presentation, which helps both in positioning listings well and in guiding buyers to see past surface details.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. A large portion of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals, which means everything to me. What sets me apart is the combination of strategy and care. I bring a calm, organized presence to a process that can feel overwhelming, and I’m always focused on helping people land in the right place with clarity and confidence.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think mentorship and networking work best when you stop trying to “network.” The forced coffee dates and transactional vibes rarely lead to anything meaningful. Instead, I focused on paying attention to people who were a few steps ahead of me and whose work I genuinely admired, then learning from how they actually operated.
What’s worked well for me is showing up prepared and not wasting people’s time. I ask thoughtful questions, I do my homework, and I follow through. That alone sets you apart more than you’d think. I’ve also learned that relationships build faster when you’re contributing something, making an introduction, sharing insight, or simply being supportive, rather than leading with an ask.
Networking doesn’t have to be loud or performative. Some of my strongest connections came from repeated, low-pressure interactions, open houses, local events, even everyday conversations. Over time, those relationships naturally turned into mentorships and collaborations, without ever needing to label them as such.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alisonpdx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisondersepdx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisondersepdx/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonhillmanderse/
