Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Río Palomares. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Río, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on?

One of the best pieces of advice I ever gave to a client came from deeply understanding not just what they wanted in a house, but what they needed from a home—as a queer and trans person building both a life and a livelihood under one roof.

This particular client was dreaming of a space where they could safely live, express themselves freely, and also run their arts practice. As a person who believes housing is not just a right, but a foundation for liberation – especially for marginalized communities – this journey was more than just a real estate transaction. It was about helping them claim space in a society that often tries to keep us out.

During the early part of our search, they were focused on affordability, location, and accessibility. We ended up finding a beautiful, historic property that turned out to be extremely competitive. The potential was evident and everything about this property was in alignment with my client’s values and overall vision; it was a no brainer to do everything within my power to make this home their own. Using strategic terms and being in constant communication, I was able to secure this home for my client!

Seeing their vision come to life over the past few years has been a wonderful thing to witness. My client not only created a peaceful sanctuary for themselves, but also a welcoming space for their own clients, many of whom are also part of the queer community.

This was just one of many experiences that reaffirmed why I do this sort of work. Who you choose to help advise you on one of the biggest decisions of your life can make all the difference. Find a realtor who will advocate for you and who encourages you to be your unapologetic self; don’t ever settle for less than that.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Welcome to inclusive real estate. My business is primarily focused on helping all marginalized communities who have struggled and/or continue to struggle in systemic oppression — especially within the world of real estate. Coming from a huge part of these communities as well, I vow to represent and advocate for you to the best of my ability. Let’s help you build generational wealth and get your roots planted here.

Originally from Southern California, Río immediately felt at home in Portland after landing in the St. Johns neighborhood in 2016.

Between the lush landscapes, phenomenal food, and friendly residents, it didn’t take long for them to fall in love with the city. After working in the service industry for over a decade, real estate became a natural next step in Río’s career. They are fiercely empathetic and their good sense of humor becomes apparent within minutes of chatting with them. Through their previous service industry experience as a barber, barista, and bartender (just to name a few), Río has come to highly value building and maintaining a relationship with each and every one of their clients.

Río is meticulous when it comes to the details. Whether you’re looking for a groovy, wood paneled Mid-Century Modern or a hauntingly beautiful Victorian, they are determined to make your vision a reality. They are here to take the stress out of home buying and to make this exciting journey a breeze for you!

In their free time, Río can often be found spending quality time with their partner and friends, playing video games, binging horror movies, or ghost hunting! They have a genuine appreciation for Portland’s ever-changing seasons, taking them in while driving through the countryside or walking through one of Portland’s many gorgeous neighborhoods (and petting cats along the way).

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’ve built my reputation in the market by showing up consistently with integrity, reliability, and communal care. Clients know they can trust me to advocate fiercely for them, especially those from marginalized backgrounds who are often underserved in the housing world. I approach every transaction not just as a “deal”, but as a relationship rooted in respect, transparency, and shared values.

Being community-oriented isn’t just a talking point for me; it’s how I choose to show up every day. I stay engaged, listen actively, and prioritize people over profit. Whether I’m working with an eager first-time homebuyer or a seasoned third-time homebuyer, I represent everybody with a strong sense of purpose and care. That level of commitment is what keeps people coming back, and why they feel confident referring others to me. I’m very proud of how far I’ve come.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has consistently been referrals from past clients who’ve had a positive, affirming experience working with me. I’m deeply grateful that so many of my clients feel seen, supported, and advocated for—and they pass that on by sharing my name with their friends, family, and overall community.

Trust is everything in this work, especially for folks who haven’t always felt represented or protected in real estate spaces. I’ve built a practice rooted in honesty, care, and advocacy, and that trust has become the foundation of my business. When people feel that you truly have their back, they not only remember that but they make sure others know it too. I’m incredibly honored to have gained the trust of so many!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wranglingrio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wranglingriopdx/