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Bend, OR Real Estate News

By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Buyer Activity Picks Up as New Listings Fall Sharply November brought a shift in the Bend real estate market: strong buyer interest paired with a significant drop in new listings. Pending sales saw a sizable jump from one year ago, even though closed sales held flat and overall pricing trended slightly lower. With fewer homes hitting the market, buyers had to act quickly on the most desirable properties, while sellers benefited from motivated purchasers—even if final sale prices continued to come in below original asking. When comparing November 2025 with November 2024 for Bend single family home sales on less than an acre, the following changes can be noted: Median sales price down 2% to $697,500 Closed sales unchanged at 124 Pending sales up 30.7% to 132 New listings down 22.8% to 95...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
Joni Mitchell paints a lovely picture of idealism in her song; Both Sides Now.  Some of us look at clouds with such wonder and optimism... like ice cream castles in the air.  Others look at clouds as blocking the sun; raining and snowing on everyone.  Recently, I had a buyer who felt he missed out on a magical property.  In his mind, he saw ice cream castles in the air.  In my mind, he wasn't qualified to buy this home.  In that moment, he felt I was a dream killer.Many buyers start their home/property search with a dreamy wish list often accompanied by unrealistic expectations.  Then a stark reality sets in and buyers end up having to adjust their sails.  So, how do we navigate stormy waters without being viewed as dream killers?  Our ability to see clouds from both sides is the first ...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
The first full month of the Covid-19 pandemic impacted Bend single family homes with sales significantly down over the same month in 2019. Some buyers lost jobs which in turn kept them from qualifying for their mortgage. In other cases, sellers took their homes off the market not feeling confident to sell during the stay at home orders. Other buyers delayed their trips to Bend and canceled appointments to view homes. While Bend home sales still are occurring, it is different than it was before Covid-19.When April 2020 Bend single family home sales are compared with April 2019, the following differences can be noted: Homes available for sale down 16% from 971 to 811* New active listings during the month down 35% from 364 to 236 Pending home sales down 41% from 296 to 172 Homes closed dow...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Mortgage rates have dipped to a record low for the second time in as many months since the Covid-19 pandemic began.  The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to an average of 3.23% during the week ending April 30, a decrease of 10 basis points from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac. This represents the lowest level since Freddie Mac began tracking this data starting in 1971. A year ago, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.14%.  What Do Low Interest Rates Mean for Bend Home Buyers?Low interest rates mean that the average home buyer can afford more than before.  If you review the chart, you will see that the difference of 1% in the mortgage interest rate can be the difference between buying a $630,000 home vs a $700,000. In both cases, the monthly costs are roughly the sam...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Culture is a paramount piece of the Central Oregon community. During this temporary shut down it may feel like our community is losing its culture, but this situation is just challenging us to build something new. Here at Bend Premier Real Estate, we see the affects that COVID-19 is having on our community and we’ve decided to take this culture challenge and turn it into a platform to build upon.What is Central Oregon Culture? While this is different for each individual, we think it is safe to say that collectively we love our outdoors and being active. And with the weather turning in our favor, most of us are getting outside to bike, hike, run, and explore. But we know that the first few rides, hikes, and runs can welcome a new soreness we haven’t felt in sometime.Most of us understand...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Jackson's Corner Offers Two Great Date Night Meals Date night is such an important part of relationships. It's time that is actively allocated to spend with those that bring joy to your life. Don’t let this quarantine dull your connection. Whether it's making a meal at home together, or dining together over video chat, make it special for your special ones. If you’re having an arduous time figuring out what to do, we’ve got a few suggestions.  One of our favorite COVID-19 Date Night plans includes Jackson’s Corner's “Pizza Kit”. Only $20 to make two 14 inch pepperoni pizzas! Take this fun kit home; not only is it a scrumptious meal but also some great quality time in the kitchen. Oh but it doesn’t stop at pizza! Jackson’s Corner also offers a Burger kit. For $30 you get four 6 oz pattie...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Miyagi Ramen Has Great Food at Great PricesIn our ongoing effort to support local restaurants which are struggling during the Covid-19 restrictions, Bend Premier Real Estate Brokers are focusing on Miyagi Ramen this week.Located in the Box Factory on Industrial Way near the Old Mill Shopping Center in Bend, we purchased the Black Sesame Dan Dan (spicy minced pork, baby bok choy, cilantro, lime and fermented black bean) and the Tonkotsu (chashu pork belly, nori, pickled burdock root, bamboo shoot, soft egg, scallion) and an order of Tempura Miatake Mushroom steamed buns (two per order).  For a price of $33, we were totally satisfied and felt our meal was well priced and delicious. The to-go service was ready right when I arrived to pick up our meal; they would have walked the food out to...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Need a Caffeine Fix Today? During this quarantine it is essential to practice CDC safety guidelines, but does that mean your coffee options are restricted? Definitely NOT! Below are a few coffee establishments in Bend that are still open for take-out and bean orders. Help support local businesses during this chaotic time, and also feed your caffeine needs. Lone Pine Roasters* Also a shout out to Lone Pine Roasters! I recently purchased a bag of their Ethiopian Suke Quto beans. After brewing this coffee today, I can attest to the quality of this roastery. The Ethiopian beans were bursting with aromas of stone fruits and citrus, and the final product was gorgeous. Bright peach notes, with some honey, and a baking spice finish; definitely a great way to start the day. Lone Pine Roasters i...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
It's not often that we experience the luxury of time standing still.  The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a glimpse of what the world feels like on pause.  Is it a blessing, or a curse?  Or perhaps both?!Our family experienced a very personal pause 1.5 years ago when my hubby was diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer.  We were told to go home and get our affairs in order.  In that moment, we were stunned as time stood still. Since then, many of our plans/decisions have been altered in light of the knowledge of that ticking time bomb.  While it may seem like a curse, we're grateful everyday for more time to rediscover who we are.I wonder what many of you are feeling in this moment.  Are you being forced to make decisions that you would have never considered if it weren't for a ticking t...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Adopt a Bend Oregon Restaurant - This Week Chomp ChompWe love Bend! Part of the Bend culture is the variety of places to eat and socialize. With all of Bend's restaurants shut down and only open for take out due to Covid-19 restrictions, we need to support them however possible.  Each week Bend Premier Real Estate brokers are adopting a new restaurant and we invite you go join us.  It takes a lot of food sales just to pay the rent. This week we are supporting Chomp Chomp in downtown Bend.We ordered "Our Ramen" which was fabulous with garlic baby bok choy, nori, oyster mushroom, a soft boiled egg, chicken (we substituted chicken for pork belly) and scallions. Our second order was "All Mighty Gyudon" which was thinly sliced sirloin over rice with stewed onions, fried egg, pickled ginger, ...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Central Or Real Estate Sales Feeling Impact of Covid-19 PandemicThe March 2020 real estate trends have been published and they reflect both the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the closings from strong February home sales. Central Oregon schools shut down Friday, March 13th and stay at home became the norm the following week.  Since the start of the pandemic, home sales have dropped, new listings have slowed, and more sale fails than normal have occurred, often due to buyers losing jobs and no longer qualifying for loans.  However, Central Oregon real estate sales are still happening, although at a different rate than normal for this time of year.Bend Oregon Home Sales MixedWhen March of 2020 is compared with March of 2019 for the sales of Bend single family homes on less than an acre...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Great To Go Food in Bend OregonIf you are anything like us, we have been very sad about not being able to go out to our favorite restaurants during this quarantine. However, this just means we have been changing our focus from dine-in opportunities to the best "To Go" locations in Band! Last week we had the opportunity to try Cody's Catering and for anyone looking for a lot of great BBQ at a fantastic price, this is a must try!Currently through the end of April, Cody's is offering a special where you can buy one dinner for 4 hot and get a second "easy to heat up" dinner for 4 for half price! For a total of $46 we got enough food for about 4 meals for the two of us. Well of course this was exactly the kind of To Go bargain we were hunting for and it sure was delicious! We ordered the BBQ...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Bessie Butte is a Little Known Bend Hike Just a short drive east on China Hat Road in SE Bend you can find Bessie Butte. A quick 1.5 mile round trip, the hike has 500 feet elevation gain and easy access. Although not as well known or used as Pilot Butte, Bessie Butte is a great hiking option and provides for wonderful views from the top. On Sunday, March 22, 2020, after being at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, we drove the short distance to the Bessie Butte trail head and hiked to the top. During the walk, we did pass several parties coming down, but there were plenty of places to step aside and keep the distance needed to maintain safe separation. It was a beautiful day and although we wished the hike could have been longer, the views were stunning.   If you have hiked Pilot Butte S...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Bend Oregon Home Sellers Have Options - Use Matterport 3D to Tour Virtually In this never before seen world with the coronavirus pandemic changing how we live our lives, having options on how buyers can tour a home is invaluable. At Bend Premier Real Estate, we invested as a brokerage in Matterport 3D two years ago. We currently own two cameras complete with all the set ups required and have two videographers trained to film these tours.  For our sellers, the benefit of having buyers virtually walking through their home enables us to screen through buyers for whom the house may not work - all without physically being there. For buyers, the opportunity to view the home in 3D can help them determine if that property makes their top list and eliminates time and work in viewing homes which ...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
As new information continues to evolve regarding the Coronavirus, so does the need to address potential health concerns that may impact the real estate industry.  Some States have created a Coronavirus Addendum, addressing the need for escrow extensions due to unforeseen delays.  Some real estate brokerages have put moratoriums on open houses.  Other offices have created a health questionnaires, requiring agents and clients to complete prior to viewing a home.  What can we do to protect ourselves and others?  Besides the obvious CDC recommendations regarding handwashing and social distancing, you can consult your brokerage and Association regarding policies being implemented locally.  Most State Associations have legal departments where you ask questions on how to proceed (legally) in c...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
I've often said... character doesn't shine when things are going hunky-dory.  Who needs refining around the edges when business is booming, money is plentiful, love is ever abounding, and toilet paper is in huge supply?  Everyone, said no one!Character SHINES when the $#IT hits the fan!There are plenty of opportunities for character to shine.  Just check out the comments on Facebook, where you'll often find not-so-gracious name-calling and finger-pointing.  Do you participate, or quell social bullies?  Are you kind?  Do your words pack a bite bigger than your neighborhood Doberman?  What do you do when the waitress gets your order wrong, or that person cuts you off in traffic, or someone grabs the last roll of toilet paper in the midst of a global pandemic?  THESE are perfect opportunit...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
  Being the foodies we are, we really enjoy finding restaurants that are off the beaten path. One such restaurant we recently enjoyed was Boxwood Kitchen. Although located in the Old Mill District, this dining experience will not be found on the main road but rather was tucked in behind Naked Winery and Jimmy Johns.  We have visited Boxwood on several occasions since they opened their doors last year and their wonderful dishes have yet to disappoint. On our most recent visit we were able to enjoy an intimate setting with some close friends and really take the "Supperclub" name to heart. We were able to enjoy a nice leisurely dinner with plenty of good food, drinks and even some laughs with our server.  We began our meal with their Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs. We didn't get a photo o...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Lack of Inventory Impacting Bend Oregon Real Estate A mild winter and continued high demand has led to a boom for February 2020 home sales in Bend. When the February 2020 sales of Bend single family homes on less than an acre are compared with February 2019, the following changes can be noted: Homes for sale down 36.7% to 252* Homes sold up 17.6% to 127 Homes pended up 51% to 219 Average price per square foot up 7.3% to $265 Average day s on market up 10.1% to 131 Sold/Original listing price difference percentage unchanged Average active price up 13.2% to $771,000 Average sold price up 11.7% to $564,000 Months of inventory  down 46.1% to 2 Bend Oregon Home Sales Not Following Normal Trends Winter is typically a slower time for Bend home sales. Snow and inclement weather impacts the abil...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
Several years ago, I took some staging courses and became a certified Stager.  My intent was to use the skills I learned to add a complimentary staging consultation to my listing presentation.  The investment has paid off in spades.When I take a new listing, I spend a considerable amount of time with the Seller preparing the home for sale.  It's a two-step process, where the first meeting is spent walking throughout the home, discussing what needs to be done to prepare the home for market.  The Seller is given a list of items that address decluttering and depersonalizing the space to be completed prior to the second visit, where we stage the home.I ask for creative license from the Seller to move furniture, rearrange knickknacks, and accessorize the home with staging items.  This step s...
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By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Cascade Lakes Brewing Produces a Meal to RememberBend Oregon has become a beer hot spot for any hop connoisseur. With over 27 breweries to choose from, there seems to be a flavor and experience for any palate. Last week, we were able to have a fun and unique dining experience at one of our favorite brew stops, Cascade Lakes. Founded in 1994, Cascade Lakes Brewing has its origins in Redmond, Oregon. Over 25 years later, the brewery has greatly expanded its brewing system and also has added "The Lodge,",our go-to weekend stop in Bend, Oregon on the way to Mt. Bachelor. On our most recent visit, Cascade Lakes offered an exclusive, 30 ticket only event for a 5 course beer pairing which was called "Beer and Bites." Based on teaser photos leaked on social media, this looked as though it promi...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
It's no surprise that Oregon touts the Nation's 10th-fastest rate of net migration.  What does this mean?  People are moving to Oregon and not leaving.  Here are 7 reasons why people love Oregon.Oregon is beautiful.  You don't have to travel far to experience towering redwood trees, clean coastal beaches, gorgeous Cascade mountain range, flowing rivers, and tons of wildlife.  There is so much to do outdoors; from biking, hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting, boating or simply enjoying nature.Oregon is friendly.  People tend to be more patient and kind.  Perhaps it's the clean air, or the chill lifestyle that puts them at ease.  In any case, don't expect to rush through the coffee line without chatting to the Barista about your plans for the day.  They genuinely want to know =)Oregon has cle...
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