My name is Alison Derse (pronounced like “mercy’) and I am a Top Ranked Realtor in Portland, OR.
My love of wide open, green spaces, old homes with charm and character, creative energy, and the totally not over-hyped notion of building community with your neighbors drew my family and I from California to Portland, Oregon.
Originally from Los Angeles, I started my trek north with a pit stop at UC Davis where I graduated with a BA. From there, I spent a decade in San Francisco working in Business Development, Partnerships and Marketing for fast-paced, high-growth tech startups like Yelp, Trulia and Instacart.
The “wear 10 hats at once” mentality of startups taught me the value of meticulous organization and processes, thorough research, the ability to be nimble and the experience to be an intuitive and strong communicator and negotiator, all of which I use today as a Realtor® in Portland, OR!
What sets me apart?
I'll be straight with you: I take this job seriously. Not in a buttoned-up, corporate way, but in the way where I'm going to tell you the truth even when it's not what you want to hear and show up prepared every single time.
Integrity and clear communication aren't things I lead with because they sound good on a website. They're just how I'm wired. You'll always know where things stand, what I think, and what I'd do if it were my money on the line.
But honestly? My favorite part of this job isn't the deal. It's what happens after. The clients who become friends, the check-ins years later, the "hey can I get your plumbers's number again" texts at 6pm. Those relationships are the whole point for me.
The paperwork ends, the friendship doesn't, and I don't take that lightly.
CLEAR GUIDANCE, START TO FINISH
I break down each step of the buying or selling process into clear, organized milestones—so you always feel informed and confident, not overwhelmed.
01
STRONG STRATEGY AND SHARP NEGOTIATION
Whether it’s winning in a multiple-offer scenario or navigating inspections, I bring thoughtful strategy, experience, and calm negotiation to the table.
02
TRUSTED BY REPEAT CLIENTS AND REFERRALS
100% of my sellers who stayed local hired me again to help them buy—and 100% of my past buyers who sold returned to work with me. That trust means everything.
03
DEEP LOCAL EXPERTISE
From Sellwood to the Bridlemile, I’ve helped clients buy and sell in 25+ Portland neighborhoods—and I bring hyperlocal insights into every deal.
04
OFF-MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
My husband jokes that I am the worst person to go on walks with because I stop and chat with everyone! His loss is your gain. ;) I regularly help clients find homes before they hit the market—through agent connections, networking, and a proactive approach to sourcing inventory.
05
DESIGN-FORWARD LISTING PREP
My listings are known for thoughtful styling, sharp marketing, and attention to detail—leading to faster sales and stronger offers.
06
NATIONAL RECOGNITION & LOCAL RESPECT
I’m consistently ranked in the top 200 Realtors in Portland (of over 9,000), with multiple designations and national features recognizing both sales and marketing excellence.
07
VERIFIED, AWARDED, AND PUBLISHED
Diamond Platinum PMAR Circle of Excellence (Masters Circle). Verified on RealTrends. 5-Star Professional Award recipient. Named a Top Producing Portland Realtor by Real Producers Magazine, and acclaimed on PropertySpark, and Feedspot for my social media marketing presence.
08
STRATEGIC DIGITAL PRESENCE
With over 5K highly engaged followers on Instagram and strong local reach, my social media presence helps put your home in front of the right audience—quickly and effectively.
09
A PEOPLE-FIRST APPROACH
At the end of the day, this business is about people. I care deeply about my clients’ outcomes and experience—and I work hard to make the process feel thoughtful, informed, and dare I say...even fun.
10
When I am not working, I love to entertain friends and fam at our home in SE Portland, cook, read, travel, exercise, garden, watch pretty much everything on HBO, music, politics and explore the PNW via food carts, wine country, hikes and of course… jungle gyms.
I’m also deeply inspired by design—whether it’s a beautifully curated outfit, thoughtful product packaging, a well-styled home, or a perfectly worn vintage rug.
I love being a Realtor® in such a beautiful city with homes that have so much unique character and charm.
I love Portland architecture!
POV: A walking tour of some of Portland’s most common architecture styles 🏡
Foursquare → Victorian → Mediterranean → Tudor Revival → Colonial Revival → Craftsman
Which styles are your favorites?