M
aya Brodkey and Katrina Hanson left Oakland, California in 2020 due to financial constraints caused by the pandemic. Ms. Hanson lost her acupuncture practice, making it impossible for them to afford a larger apartment on Ms. Brodkey's salary alone. They moved 275 miles north to Eureka, where they both found jobs and began saving money. Eventually, they bought a home there.

    However, their love for Oakland lingered, and every few weeks, they'd make the five-hour drive from Eureka to stay in touch with friends. "All of our people are here," said Ms. Brodkey, 35. They had built strong relationships over the years, having met in college and worked together in AmeriCorps.

    By 2024, the couple felt ready to re-enter the Oakland housing market, where properties are often underpriced to incite bidding wars. Their Eureka home hadn't appreciated much in value, so they decided to hunt for a new place without selling it. They qualified for a $500,000 loan but needed more to make a dent, so they continued saving.

    By spring 2025, they had enough to qualify at $600,000 and had $50,000 to $60,000 for a down payment. However, finding the perfect home proved challenging. They wanted two bedrooms, good light, outdoor space, and storage for their outdoor gear. At their price range, they'd need to manage their expectations.

    Among their options were three homes: a two-bedroom condo in a former mattress factory with an industrial aesthetic; a 1922 bungalow with a backyard featuring a raised deck and redwood planter boxes; and a 1920 house from the Maxwell Park neighborhood with upscale updates. Each home had its pros and cons, but they ultimately needed to make a decision.

    The couple's determination and patience paid off as they navigated the competitive Oakland housing market. They were willing to thread the needle when it came to their wants and needs, and in the end, they found a home that suited them best.