Not long ago, a young woman walked in to our Real Estate office and wanted information about a house she had seen with our company's "For Sale" sign in the front yard.  After talking to us briefly and getting the information she had wanted she said she was in a hurry to go.  She explained that in order to get the information that she needed by the end of the day about the two other houses she was interested in, she would have to get moving because they were "with" other companies.  Wondering why she was going to all of this work on her own we asked her if she was already being represented by an agent, and to our surprise she said "Yes."We realized at that moment that our new friend neither understood about how the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) worked, nor what should have been the prop... 09/19/2007

At first thought, selling your house by yourself on the open market without the assistance or the cost of an Agency representing you, might seem tempting. After all, how much work could it possibly be to sell a house anyway? You just plunk a sign out in the yard, run a couple newspaper ads, park yourself in the rocker on the front porch for a while and wait for the buyers to start showing up, literally at your doorstep. I’ll admit that perhaps that particular strategy has worked, and may still work on that rarest of rare occasions… at least getting the buyers to your door, that-is. The problem is that even if that was the extent of your Marketing strategy, there’s still some major hurdles to be cleared before you’ve got signatures on the dotted line and have actually closed the transact... 09/18/2007

So, you think your local Realtor® is making piles and piles of money?  Depending on the market and that broker's actual sphere of influence, he or she just might be doing just that.  More than likely however, that agent and/or broker is making far less than you might suspect.  The Real Estate business is a tough field in which to operate over the long haul, where the Darwinian notion of "survival of the fittest" is most definitely the name of the game.  Unlike what many might believe, Real Estate for the vast majority of professionals is often a world of short periods of feast, followed by brutally long episodes of famine, with no mercy for the weak.The vast majority of Real Estate professionals are not paid a salary and live purely on commissions generated by sales represented by that ... 09/18/2007

You don't have to be a Real Estate guy to have guessed by now that it's a buyer's market out there.  As evidenced by the new sprouting of "For Sale" signs on seemingly every block, the current inventory of property available has hit new records in, not only Central Oregon, but beyond.  As much as we in the industry may try to argue that Real Estate trends are locally driven and are, by their very nature, affected primarily by local variables, it's hard to deny that this massive influx of inventory being accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in buyers, appears to be, at least presently, a national phenomenon.Say what?  I'm saying that there's a lot for sale out there, not only here, but everywhere it seems, but I'll leave the explanations for another time.  Going beyond the one stab in ... 09/18/2007

I sometimes think my job is the best one on the planet; for me that is.  After all, as a Realtor I get to do two of my favorite things almost all of the time.. hang out with and get to know lots of people for most of the day as well as keeping my head buried in my computer for the balance.  Yep, I get to hang out and talk with people and play with my computer all day.  What a life!  Of course if any other Realtors were ever to read this column, they'd all be screaming by now.  Keep in mind I said that it's only sometimes that I'm so enamored with the lifestyle that I'm motivated to express such optimistic sentiments because the life of a Real Estate person is far more...complicated, lets say.   Some of my colleagues suggested that I do a little "Day in the Life" piece at some point, so ... 09/18/2007

 After having a brief conversation with Thesa Chambers earlier today in regards to First Time Homebuyers and FHA, she told me that I should write about this. She thought FHA was only for first time homebuyers. This is far from the truth and this has nothing to do with Thesa and her knowledge of real estate. She is great at what she does and how she helps her clients buying or selling in the Sunriver, Bend, La Pine, Oregon areas. FHA mortgages can be used over and over and over. The two major questions that are sometimes overlooked by loan officers when first screening the consumer is :Do you own or have you sold other real estate in the past 60 months on which there was a HUD/FHA mortgage?If so, is it to be sold?  ( and if it is to be sold, the requirements below don't count then)This i... 08/06/2007

We all know that the market is saturated with listings and that the buyers are coming around but they are still taking their time in making decisions.Today I was curious to see just what is happening in La Pine, Oregon with pendings and solds. The numbers are depressing to say the least. Do they mean your home or property will not sell, no, but they do show that you need to be priced right and ready to work with a buyer.I am looking at frame and manufactured homes in La Pine, from June 1, 2007 to July 31, 2007. I did not restrict the amount of land and this is what it shows.Pending (in escrow) - 8 properties are currently in escrow Contingent (could be many reasons the most popular that another home must sell) 2SOLD (closed escrow - new owners) 2 Active 412 - currently on the market and... 08/01/2007

Changes in the Market Conditions in Central Oregon Have Created Challenges and Competition for Sellers. Currently most of Central Oregon has an abundance of inventory (homes for sale), thus creating the need for sellers to consider more than how much money you may want for your home or how much your neighbors may have sold their home for, even a short time ago.Selecting an experienced, motivated, honest and trustworthy REALTOR® should be your first step in the process of selling your property. He or she should be familiar with your neighborhood and surrounding area and be able to easily identify the differences that separate your property from the competition (like properties for sale in your area). Conversation With Your Real Estate ProfessionalPrior to listing your home, your REALTOR... 07/15/2007

Manufactured homes are a large part of the Central Oregon real estate market. Many lenders are shying away from lending on them which makes the public think that they are not a good investment. Today one of the easiest way to fund a manufactured home purchase is with an FHA loan. There are other products available, U.S. Bank has a good program and I am sure there are other banks that have some options too.So, what is the attraction to a manufactured home? Many first time home buyers, retirees' and people wanting a little more room or space find a manufactured home the perfect solution. This manufactured home is currently available in La Pine, it offers more than you would expect in this price range. ________________________________________________________________________________________... 07/09/2007

So you want to invest in Real Estate in Central Oregon. This week I had a buyer looking for lower end rental homes. This investor has a plan and has done his homework. You too can invest in property in La Pine and do well with rentals.La Pine is located 30 miles south of Bend, Oregon. Most of the renters in La Pine do one of three things. They own their own business and work locally, they commute to Bend for a little higher pay or they work in La Pine. Because of the commute and the lower wages being offered in La Pine, this investor is looking for homes he can pay cash for do a few repairs and rent them for $600 a month or less.This market is a stable and steady market in comparison to the rentals that exceed $800. We have looked at properties between $65,000 and $125,000. It amazes me... 07/05/2007

Dreaming of riverfront property in Central Oregon? Here it is, this lot & the neighboring lot are both approved for septic & have a peak-a-boo views of Mt. Bachelor & Broken Top, river front & paved road frontage. This is a dream come true for many. Seller is willing to put together a package of the two lots. Fantastic view for reverse living home.This property is located at the corner of Controta Place and Riverview the neighboring property is located at the corner of Vale Ct and Riverview. Properties both run from the pavement to the river, there are a couple angles in the lot lines, be sure to ask for a plot plan to see the exact lay of the land. Corners are marked and this lot has had the survey done for the 100 year flood plane. For a complete search of property in Central Oregon b... 06/21/2007

La Pine Oregon Home ReportAll Homes View a current list of La Pine Homes for sale.If you are looking to buy or sell a home in La Pine, please contact me today. For a complimentary La Pine Home Evaluation contact me today. The La Pine area is Includes south of La Pine State Rec Rd to Gilchrist May 2007# of HomesMedian PriceLowest PriceHighest PriceNew Listing62$244,900$69,987$925,000Pending5$169,900$89,000$192,500Sold2$120,250$100,500$140,000 Last 12 months SalesSquare FeetBedroomsBathroomsMinimum40010Maximum364854 Last 12 Months SalesDays on MarketMinimum7Average152Maximum1117La Pine ResourcesBend / La Pine SchoolsLa Pine Chamber of CommerceFor all your Central Oregon Real Estate needs, contact me today! Thesa Chambers Sunriver Realty Cell: 541-771-7064 These statistics were compiled fr... 06/21/2007

Riverfront Homes In Central OregonKnowing what you want from your riverfront property is one of the most important questions to answer. Waterfront properties are most often found on The Big Deschutes River, The Little Deschutes River, Fall River and Spring River. Each of these rivers have a uniqueness about them.When purchasing property on any of these rivers there are things you need to know, there are issues that an experienced Realtor® should know and also will need to disclose to you. I am available to answer questions and show you the beauty that Central Oregon has to offer. Central Oregon offers more choices than a lot of areas through out the United States. The show below is just a few of the reasons vistiors turn into locals. _____________________________________________________... 06/07/2007

Spring is ending and here in Central Oregon we are getting a taste of summer. Today it was 85 degrees in La Pine, which is located at the base of the Cascade Mountains. I had clients in town today that had never been to Central Oregon and are moving here because of a job transfer. After finding our top picks of Central Oregon Real Estate we were all ready for some sight seeing. I needed photos for my website and of course I love to share them with all of you on ActiveRain. My clients came along for the ride, over the next couple days I will post articles about each location we visited. This one was their favorite - remember I said it was 85 degrees? I promise you this photo was taken 14 miles from my house and the temperature was 70 degrees. Mt. Bachelor from Cascades Lake Hwy - taken M... 05/30/2007

Were I to relocate to central Oregon, my first contact would be La Pine real estate broker Thesa Chambers. I have grown to respect her as a fellow REALTOR through reading her blogs and contributions on the ActiveRain real estate network; I appreciate her professionalism and dedication to customer service. I am not a close friend or relative; just a fellow agent making some observations based on what I have seen of Thesa Chambers online. Thesa grew up in Central Oregon, and raised her family there - so she knows the different areas of Central OR very well and can help you make an informed decision when it comes to finding the perfect home for sale to claim as your own.Thesa's La Pine real estate website focuses on Sunriver, Caldera Springs, Three Rivers South, and Bend, in addition to L... 05/28/2007

La Pine OregonLa Pine is the newest city in Oregon. Although a new city it is certainly not a new area to Oregon. La Pine is one of the most popular destination areas in Oregon. La Pine offers many outdoor recreational opportunities year around. La Pine Oregon RecreationNo matter what your recreational interests are you can most likely find it in La Pine. Fishing your thing? Try any of these wonderful places to cast a line, The Big Deschutes River, Little Deschutes River, Wickiup Reservoir, Crane Prairie, North Twin, South Twin, Cultus Lake, Lava Lake, Paulina Lake, East Lake; there are many more but there are only so many I can mention here. Most of these areas also have camping facilities.Skiers there you are not left out head down the slopes of Mt. Bachelor any time as you are only 1... 05/24/2007

Home is Where You Are Loved! No matter how far apart we ever are home will always be where we are loved.I specialize in selling houses in La Pine and Sunriver, but when the day is done I go Home. Our Roof keeps the sky from falling onto our shoulders it provides shelter from the elements - the love of my husband is represented by the roof - he is the protector and provider of our family. He is big, strong, and stands firmly by his family, his honesty and faithfulness is what protects us from the world. The walls of our home holds up the roof, they give everyone their own space, they allow for areas of living where we can gather or be alone. I am the walls - I stand by my husband unconditionally and love my children enough to give my life so that they can succeed and carry on. The window... 05/22/2007

La Pine, Oregon Real EstateLa Pine, Oregon offers more than homes - I found out why people often describe La Pine, Oregon as a special place where you'll find "The Outdoors at Your Front Door" I've had the pleasure of getting to know an exceptional Central Oregon Realtor, Thesa Chambers. Thesa is a knowledgeable, experienced, long-time resident of Central Oregon who really cares about her clients.  Thesa shared her piece of outdoor "paradise"  - La Pine in Central Oregon La Pine offers many things we don't have here in Clearwater, Florida. Since Thesa and I both serve communities that attact people because of the exceptional outdoor lifestyles we offer-  I found it interesting to see why people here can be attracted to Thesa's area of Central Oregon.  Central Oregon Real EstateWhen look... 05/22/2007

I had the privilege of Speaking to Thesa Chambers from SunRiver Oregon yesterday morning on the phone! Now I'm here to tell you that this little Lady knows her business from Top to Bottom. She's sharp as a tack and prepared to speak to you about any subject possible pertaining to Real Estate. Bring your best to the table with Thesa or you will walk away wondering how she did it! So I say give this Little Lady a Big Hand! If your a client lucky enough to have Thesa as your agent you can be assured the Hand she holds will be a winning hand.               Welcome to Sunriver Realty          http://www.centraloregonbuzz.com/               http://activerain.com/thesa SunriverThree Rivers South,Caldera Springs La Pine offer new listings by emailMLS search Central Oregon Real Estatesearch the ... 05/18/2007

Everyone who visits falls in love with Central Oregon. From La Pine to Bend, from the Deschutes River to Smith Rock State Park there is something for everyone.  Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in Central Oregon from rock climbing, to kayaking and rafting, to fishing and birdwatching. La Pine Oregon is just 20 miles to Mt. Bachelor and all of the fabulous skiing you can handle. It is also just 30 miles south of Bend, Oregon home to two of my favorite businesses - Deschutes Brewery, home of favorites like Black Butte Porter, Cindercone Ale, Obsidian Stout and Mirror Pond Pale Ale - and Metolius Climbing which makes all sorts of quality rock climbing gear.  La Pine is named after the largest Ponderosa Pine in Oregon. If you are looking for real estate around La Pine Oregon your bes... 05/04/2007