Bend & Beyond Real Estate Blog

2010 COBA Award Winner for Sale in SE Bend's South Briar Neighborhood

2010-11-15T13:01:00.001-08:00

2010 COBA Tour of Homes winner for Best Architecture under $200K! Packed with features for this price. Two story, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, open living area floor plan includes wood kitchen floor, knotty alder cabinets, stainless appliances, gas fireplace with slate surround, wood doors, knotty pine trim. Fully-landscaped and sprinkled, rear fenced. Other lots and house plans available. Convenient to S. Bend 3rd Street business district.

Contact Kryste Adams with Taft dire for more information on this home. 541.706.1556

via Posterize

What's in a Short Sale Packet?

2010-10-17T19:54:00.001-07:00

When listing your Bend, OR home as a short sale you'll need to prepare a short sale packet.

When listing your home as a short sale in Bend it is a good idea to begin gathering your financial documents while interviewing real estate agents. A well prepared short sale packet can make the process a bit easier. As the seller you will be responsible for providing your financial information and your real estate agent will help prepare the contracts and assist you along the way.

What is the short sale packet?

The short sale packet is the collection of documents your real estate agent will submit to your lender. The lender will then review the documents, assess the value of your home and determine whether or not to approve a short sale.

What is in the short sale packet?

Listing Agreement

Sales Agreement

HUD-1

2 Years tax returns

2 Months of bank statements

2 Months of mortgage statements from each loan

1 Month of Pay-Stubs

Financial Hardship Letter

Financial Worksheet

Authorization to Release Information

Additional supporting financial documents

Short sales can take several months to receive bank approval. During this time your lender may ask you to resubmit financial documents such as pay-stubs and bank statements. After you submit the initial financial documents to your real estate agent, it is a good idea to keep a file with any new pay-stubs, bank statements, mortgage statements and any other pertinent bills. This way you have the paperwork ready to go when the bank asks for it and you can help speed up the road to approval.

At Taft Dire we are experienced in negotiating short sales. If you have any questions regarding the short sale process or listing your Bend, OR home please contact us for free confidential information.

via Posterize

Home Prices in Bend are UP - Here's Hoping it's a Trend!

2010-10-13T20:10:00.001-07:00

Home Prices in Bend are Up in August - Here's hoping it's a trend!

The Bend Bulletin posted the following article this morning:

The median sales price of a single-family home in Bend bounced back up last month to $190,000 after diving to $175,000 in August, according to a report Tuesday from Bratton Appraisal Group of Bend.

While September's median was 8.6 percent higher than August, it was still 4.5 percent below September 2009, when the price was $199,000.

Redmond's median sales price also rebounded in September, rising 19.6 percent from August to $122,000. But that was down 21.3 percent from the September 2009 median of $155,000.

Bend's peak sales price was $396,000 in May 2007. Redmond's was $289,000 in November 2006.

Bratton's numbers do not include condominiums, townhomes, manufactured homes and acreage.

In Bend, the median sales price per square foot — considered in the industry to be a better measure of value — was $108 in September, up from $99 in August, but down from $113 in September 2009. In Redmond, the median sales price per square foot rose to $76 from $70 in August, but was down from $86 a year ago.

I personally have seen an increase in activity from both buyers and sellers. In addition to these numbers, there are currently 95 bank owned homes listed for sale in Bend. With the nationwide halt to foreclosures by several national lenders we may see a decrease in bank owned homes hitting the market in Bend. Not all lenders are halting foreclosures so the constant stream of bank owned homes hitting the market in Bend may be here to stay. Since Sunday 10 foreclosures have come on the market. Either way, it's a good time to buy a home in Bend!

via Posterize

Sunriver Bank Owned Homes

2010-10-10T15:15:00.001-07:00

Sunriver, OR Bank Owned Homes.

Bank owned homes update: As of Sunday, October 10, 2010, there are currently 5 bank owned homes for sale in Sunriver. Over the past week there have been numerous reports in the news regarding Bank of America as well as other banks stopping their foreclosure process. This may temporarily slow the number of bank owned homes hitting the Bend real estate market, making short sales a more popular option for purchasing homes at below market prices.

Contact us today to have a free list of bank owned homes delivered directly to your email. For a customized list please include any specifications in your email: price, size, location, etc.

Visit our website for a complete list of bank owned homes in Sunriver.

Bend Bank Owned Homes

2010-10-10T14:49:00.001-07:00

Bend, OR Bank Owned Homes.

Bank owned homes update: As of Sunday, October 10, 2010, there are currently 85 bank owned homes for sale in Bend. Over the past week there have been numerous reports in the news regarding Bank of America as well as other banks stopping their foreclosure process. This may temporarily slow the number of bank owned homes hitting the Bend real estate market, making short sales a more popular option for purchasing homes at below market prices.

Contact us today to have a free list of bank owned homes delivered directly to your email. For a customized list please include any specifications in your email: price, size, location, etc.

Visit our website for a complete list of bank owned homes in Bend.

via Posterize

Foreclosure Help

2010-10-10T10:58:00.001-07:00

Bend Oregon Home Owners - Helpful Links to Help you Avoid Foreclosure

While Google searching for foreclosure resources in Bend, Redmond or anywhere I've come across tons of sites that say they'll help if you sign up for this or that. The last thing you need if you're concerned about the foreclosure process is to be bogged down by un-helpful information.

So, here it is - the links you need. All of the links below are government or national agencies that are here to help you, the home owner. I haven't personally spoken with the folks on the other end of the line so I can't verify the level or ease of service or the outcome, but hopefully it gives you a place to start.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure. Information includes local counseling services, refinance information, and details on the foreclosure process.

HUD Approved Counseling Agencies in Oregon (this link will take you to the list of local agencies in Central Oregon).

Making Home Affordable

Making Home Affordable is a government program implemented by the Obama administration designed to assist homeowners who have loans backed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae refinance their mortgages in order to say in their homes. The website will assist you in determining if you qualify for the program as well.

Freddie Mac

Avoiding Foreclosure. Includes detailed information on counseling agencies, talking to your lender and basic terms.

Working with your Lender has a list of questions to ask as well as documents to have available when discussing foreclosure with your bank representative.

Mortgage Bankers Association

Foreclosure Prevention Resource Center. Information on the foreclosure process and what steps can be taken to avoid foreclosure.

The Lender Contact page has phone numbers and websites to contact your lender directly regarding difficulty in making payments. The majority of the Big Name banks are listed here. Also, remember to talk with the Loss Mitigation Department not Customer Service.

Internal Revenue Service

For tax information on home foreclosure and debt cancellation view the IRS website, although, you may need a qualified accountant to help make sense of the details and jargon.

If you're a Bend, Oregon home owner looking to stall the foreclosure process hopefully these links will provide you with the assistance you need.

via Posterize

Things to Do in Bend - Munch and Music Free Concerts in Drake Park

2010-07-08T12:27:00.001-07:00

Things to Do in Bend - Munch and Music Free Concerts in Drake Park I hope you're as excited as I am! Tonight marks the first night of Bend's annual Munch and Music Free Concerts in Drake Park. 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of Munch and Music. Cameron Clark the owner of C3 Events is the brains behind the event - way to go Cameron! So pack up your blankets, small chairs, snacks and family and head over to Drake Park for this fantastic free concert series perfect for adults, kids, families everyone!! If sitting in the grass and crowds aren't for you, get out your raft, kayak or canoe and listen to the music from the Deschutes River. Alder Creek Kayaks will be there with rentals as well.

Time: Thursday's 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

The Summer 2010 Munch and Music Line Up

July 8 - Aphrodesia

July 15 - Jerri Jheto Reggae

July 22 - Paula Clole

July 29 - Orgone

August 5 - Jah Sun

August 12 - Crazy 8's

You can bring a sack dinner to keep the evening completely free or bring a little cash and purchase your dinner from one of these fine local eateries:

Goodys, Famous Kettle Corn, Hawaiian Shaved Ice & Cotton Candy, Donut Divas, Hapa Treats, Sumi's Japanese Restaurant, A Crepe Affair, Rileys , York City Sub Shop Spork, Whole Foods, Taqueria Los Jalapenos, Ben & Jerrys Longboard Louie's, Pizza Mondo, Kebaba, Pita Pit, Keoke - Cactus Jacks + Ice Cream Dreams, Veraci Pizza, Demetri's Island Noodles, Morelia Grill, Pilot Butte Drive-In Trails End BBQ.

Thank you to Bend Memorial Clinic, The Bulletin and Whole Foods Market and the partner sponsors for bringing us the 2010 Munch and Music in Drake Park free concert series. In the tough Bend economy it is great to have a community of business' bring us free fun for the whole family. FREE MUSIC, FOOD, FUN, FAMILY & FRIENDS - You can't afford to miss Munch and Music at Drake park this year!

via Posterize

Fireworks Safetjy Tips for a Fun 4th of July in Bend, OR!

2010-07-04T08:48:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July, Bend! Hope everyone has a fun and safe day! If you're planning on lighting your own fireworks as most of us do; here's a few Safety Reminders for Fireworks Use from the Bend fire department via KTVZ.

Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of a fire. Choose a location on a non=combustible surface, such as concrete, dirt, or gravel, far away from buildings, trees, grass and vegetation. Only adults should handle and discharge fireworks. The minimum age to buy, sell, or use fireworks in the City of Bend is 18; the minimum age in the rest of Central Oregon in 16. Never alter fireworks or try to make your own. Never pick p or attempt to re-light a dud. Soak all spent fireworks and "duds" in a bucket of water before disposal.

Here's a little fireworks safety demonstration by the Consumer Products Safety Commission - YIKES! Another safe option is watching the Fireworks Spectacular at Pilot Butte which can be viewed from all over town. The fireworks are schedule to launch at 10:00pm. For more information on additional 4th of July events in Bend including the fireworks, pet parade, Drake Park Festival, Pancake breakfast and Free Staxx Concert; visit my previous post Bend, Oregon's July 4th, 2010 Activities, Events & Fireworks!

via Posterize

Bend, Oregon’s July 4th, 2010 Activities, Events & Fireworks!

2010-07-04T07:32:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July, Bend, Oregon!!

The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays! Nothing like a hot summer day spent with friends, family and great food.

Here are a few of the events going on around Bend, Oregon this July 4th.

St. Charles Free Summer Sunday Concert Series presents the Staxx Brothers. Bring a picnic, family, friends and even the dogs are allowed at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend’s Old Mill District for a fantastic afternoon of free music. The St. Charles Free Summer Concert Series goes from 2:30-4:30. Check out the web link for the entire summer concert schedule at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

The July 4th Pet Parade presented by Bend Parks & Rec, Bend Pet Express and Bend Kiwanis Club. The Pet parade The Pet Parade is an annual event for kids to bring their bikes, trikes, wagons, and of course pets live or stuffed (no cats or rabbits allowed) downtown to show off their holiday spirit. Flags, balloons and streamers are provided and live pets must be on a leash. Stuffed animals are free to roam about. Line up starts at 9:30 and the parade begins at 10 am.

Old Fashioned July 4th Festival at Drake Park. After the Pet Parade head down to Drake Park to eat delicious food prepared by local vendors, shop your way through artisan and craft booths, relax and listen to live music or join in on many of the games and activities. Of course there will be the Kid’s and Family Fun Area with a fire truck, games, music and usually a bouncy house or two. The Old Fashioned July 4th Festival at Drake Park runs from 11am – 4pm.

Pancake Breakfast in Drake Park Presented by Bend Sunrise Lions Club. Who doesn’t love pancakes, especially when they’re for a good cause! The charge is $6 for adults and $4 for children and the money is to support Central Oregon Sight and Hearing. The Pancake Breakfast in Drake Park is served from 8am to noon.

Bend Fireworks Spectacular at Pilot Butte! One of my favorite parts of the 4th of July Celebration are the fireworks displays! Bend proudly displays the fireworks from the top of Pilot Butte. They can be seen from all over town and many residents watch from the comfort of their own home to see what will be new this year and of course to see if when Pilot Butte catches on fire. Thank you Bend Fire Department for your efforts each year. The fireworks are scheduled to fire at 10:00pm. If you are not able to make it to a great viewing spot, KOHD will be airing the fireworks on television. The channel depends on your television provider and is listed on their website.

If Bend isn’t your Central Oregon city of choice for July 4th activities and festivals, the Bend Bulletin has a 3 page list of events going on around Redmond, Sister, Sunriver, LaPine and other Central Oregon areas.

Happy Independence day from all of us at Fred Real Estate Group! Have a fun and save holiday!

If I missed a favorite event of yours, please add it to the comments!

Tax Credit Closing Deadline Officially Extended to September 30, 2010

2010-07-01T15:09:00.001-07:00

Tax Credit Closing Deadline Officially Extended to September 30, 2010. Nothing like waiting until the last second. The tax credit extension sounded promising, doomed then passed a vote in both the House and the Senate as a stand alone bill. Home buyers all over America can breathe a sigh of relief now that they have several additional months to close on their homes. This extension should help thousands who were unable to close by yesterday due to delays in short sale approvals, delays from stricter lending guidelines or backed up lenders. The closing extension is only valid for buyers who had ratified sales agreements by the April 30, 2010 deadline. Short sale contracts benefit big! I personally have two short sale listings approved in Bend which were unable to close by June 30th. One was supposed to close yesterday but didn't quite make it out of underwriting. Fortunately, our short sale approval letter gives us until July 30th and the buyer will have a new home next week along with the $8000 tax credit. A second short sale is scheduled to close later this month. The loyal buyer has had their offer in since November and will also be able to benefit from the tax credit extension. Let's get closing!

via Posterize

Tax Credit Closing Deadline - Still Hope for an Extension

2010-06-29T15:15:00.001-07:00

Breaking News! - House OKs extension of tax credit closing deadline. However, a vote is still needed by the Senate. There is still a chance for an extension of the first time home buyer closing deadline as this vote occured on a stand alone bill. With the incredible influx of buyers, contracts on short sales and high demand on mortgage brokers; many Oregon first time home buyers will miss the closing deadline even though they had signed sales contracts on time. The following was just reported by Innman News:

Still Need Senate voteHouse OKs extension of tax credit closing deadline. In a 409-5 vote, House lawmakers have passed a standalone bill that would extend for three months Wednesday's deadline for closing on a home purchase in order to claim the federal homebuyer tax credit.

The Senate could vote on the bill, HR 5623, as soon as tomorrow, although the death of Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., has slowed the pace of work in that chamber.

Without an extension, the National Association of Realtors estimates as many as 180,000 homebuyers who were under contract by April 30 may miss the June 30 closing deadline, including 17,700 in California, 15,340 in Texas, 14,830 in Florida and 9,130 in New York.

Read full article.

via Posterize

OPEN HOUSE - Tuesday, June 29 at 90255 Royal Oak Circle in NE Bend 9am-12pm

OPEN HOUSE - Tuesday, June 29 at 20955 Royal Oak Circle in NE Bend 9am-12pm

2010-06-28T12:19:00.001-07:00

via Posterize

Just listed: 20955 Royal Oak Circle, Bend, OR 97701 for $849,000

2010-06-21T13:52:00.001-07:00

Extends Tax Credit Closing Deadline

Luxury home for sale in NE Bend on 2.5 acres in Royal Oak neighborhood. Click the slide show for full property details.

Posted via web from Central OR Posterous Blog

Senate Extends First Time Buyer Tax Credit Closing Deadline

2010-06-17T15:44:00.001-07:00

Senate Extends First Time Buyer Tax Credit Closing Deadline

Central Oregon home buyers and sellers may have 3 additional months to close their homes and still qualify for the first time home buyer tax credit.

According to the National Association of Realtors®, the US Senate has approved the First Time buyer tax credit closing deadline. In order to qualify for the first time home buyer tax credit or repeat buyer tax credits, buyers must have had a signed purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close on the home before July 30, 2010.

If the extension passes through both the Senate and the House then these buyers will have until September 30, 2010 to close on their new homes and still qualify for the tax credit.

This could be a huge benefit to buyers who are struggling to get their loans completed in time. It will be especially beneficial for buyers with contracts on short sales.

Here’s the full article:

The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to extend the home buyer tax credit closing deadline to Sept. 30, giving an estimated 180,000 buyers who met the contract deadline of April 30 extra time to close the transaction.

The extension was added to a bill to pay for jobless benefits.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® estimates that one-third of qualified applicants have been notified that they will be unable to close by the deadline. The Mortgage Bankers Association says delays are caused largely by the volume of transactions.

The measure still must be approved by the House.

Source: Associated Press, Andrew Taylor (06/16/2010)

2010 Balloons Over Bend Festival all Weekend in Old Mill District

2010-06-05T09:10:00.001-07:00

This Weekend in Bend is the annual 8th annual Northwest Community Balloons over Bend Festival in Old Mill District. Looking for a fun family activity this weekend in Bend, Oregon? Don't miss the annual Balloons over Bend Festival. Starting around 6:30 am on Saturday and Sunday balloons will launch from River Bend Park and can be seen from all over Bend. This is the first year the Balloons will be launching from River Bend Park, it's bound to be a beautiful morning on the Deschutes River. If you're not an early bird then come by Riverbend Saturday evening for Night Glow. Around sunset, Balloons will be tethered and inflated at the park. A beautiful display that lights up the night skies is a definite must see family event in Bend! Balloons Over Bend in Old Mill District Flickr River from past years events Saturday, June 5, 2010 Balloons Over Bend Event Schedule

6:00 am - 7:30 am: Balloon Launch and Breakfast in Riverbend Park on the Deschutes River

6:30 am: BALLOON LAUNCH!

10:00 am - 8:00 pm: Balloons Over Bend Festival at the Old Mill District

8:30 pm - ?: Night Glow in River Bend Bark

Sunday, June 6, 2010 Balloons Over Bend Event Schedule

6:00 am - 7:30 am: Balloon Launch & Breakfast at Riverbend Park on the Deschutes River

6:30 am: BALLOON LAUNCH

10:00 am - 6:00 pm: Balloons Over Bend Festival at the Old Mill District

The festival takes place across the river from the shopping at Old Mill District. The festival will include a fun filled day of performances all day by local artists, yummy local food and beer garden, bouncy houses and kids activities, street painting and local vendors. Form more information on the 2010 Northwest Community Balloons Over Bend Festival at Old Mill District visit their website http://www.balloonsoverbend.com/.

Click here to set a title.

2010-06-04T14:50:00.001-07:00

Understanding HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) Short Sales and how it can help Central Oregon home owners Part 1 - What is HAFA?

HAFA or the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) is the newest program designed to assist home owners who are underwater on their mortgages. Through a short sale or deed-in-lieu, HAFA may allow Central Oregon homeowners to avoid foreclosure and receive a financial stipend when completing a successful short sale. In addition to helping homeowners avoid foreclosure HAFA, provides financial incentives to investors / lenders in order to encourage them to facilitate the short sale process in a timely manner, which we all know isn't happening now. For the purpose of this series of posts we will discuss the short sale option.

A short sale is when the lender allows the homeowner to sell the home for less than they owe on the mortgage.

Allegedly, the HAFA program will streamline the short sale process for Oregon home owners through the following directives:

1. Complements HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) by providing viable alternatives for borrowers who are HAMP eligible.

2. Utilizes borrower financial and hardship information collected in conjunction with HAMP, eliminating the need for additional eligibility analysis.

3. Allows the borrower to receive pre-approved short sale terms prior to listing the property.

4. Prohibits the servicer from requiring, as a condition of approving the short sale, a reduction in the real estate commission agreed upon in the listing agreement.

5. Requires that borrowers be fully released from liability for the debt.

6. Uses standard processes, documents and time frames.Provides financial incentives to borrowers, servicers and investors.

Please remember HAFA is not a law it is a guideline. Meaning.....your lender may choose not to follow the guidelines outlined in the HAFA program.

Your first step to starting the HAFA short sale process for your Central Oregon Home is to determine if you are eligible. Check out: Understanding HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) Part 2 - Am I Eligible?

If you're underwater in your Central Oregon mortgage or would like more information on ways to avoid foreclosure though a short sale, contact Kryste Adams at Taft Dire for FREE no obligation information.

Bend Oregon Real Estate Market Ranks #1 for Retirement Property Deals!

2010-06-04T14:45:00.001-07:00

The Bend Oregon Real Estate Market has made the top of yet another list. US News & World Report recently ranked the Bend, OR Real Estate Market as the #1 place to purchase Retirement Property. Retirement property in Bend is not just a deal, it's a steal! US News & World Report obtained price-to-income data for 384 metropolitan statistical areas from Moody's Analytics and used this to express housing affordability.

According to the article, "By comparing a market's most recent price-to-income ratio with its longer-term averages, we can pinpoint areas that have become particularly affordable."

Listed as #1 in the country for Retirement Steals - here's what US News & World Report has to say about Bend.

Bend, Ore.: Stiff demand from second-home buyers helped nearly double median home prices in lovely Bend, Ore., between 1999 and 2006. But the subsequent real estate collapse has dragged the area's price-to-income ratio from 3.4 in the third quarter of 2006 to 1.7 in the fourth quarter of 2009. That's below Bend's average price-to-income ratio of 2 for the 15 years ending in 2003. This increased affordability makes retirement property in Bend particularly attractive today, says Lester Friedman, president-elect of the Central Oregon Association of Realtors. "Central Oregon has always been a place where people came to get away," Friedman says. "And, of course, that is kind of the definition of retirement." Friedman points to a number of activities that can keep seniors busy in Bend year round, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, boating, and volunteering. "We have wonderful college facilities, so continuing education is easy," he says. "You name it, we've got it."

Bend has recently been listed on the top of the list for unemployment, retirement deals, declining home prices, etc., etc. To sum it up if you're buying a home in Bend prices are GREAT! If you're selling a home in Bend, be ready for a tough road unless you have wiggle room. I personally am a fan of this list, hopefully it will remind folks retiring that they can get a great deal on a home for sale in Bend. People retiring to Bend may not need jobs but they may need services, food, and fun! So, come on Retire in Bend, you'll love it here!

For more information on Bend, Oregon Real Estate and great Retirement homes for sale contact Kryste Adams with Taft Dire.

View Larger Map Get Directions View Bird's Eye

West Side Living - Shevlin Crest Neighborhood in Bend, Oregon

2010-03-31T15:25:00.001-07:00

Shevlin Crest Neighborhood, West Side Living in NW Bend, Oregon brought to you by Kryste Adams of Fred Real Estate Group.

Shevlin Crest is a beautiful neighborhood of custom homes located just west of Central Oregon Community College (COCC) and the Mount Washington & Shevlin Park Road round-a-bout. Shevlin Crest is a great neighborhood for families or those who love an active lifestyle. Not a sunny day goes by where the streets aren't filled with children on scooters, couples walking dogs or friends heading off to the trails on mountain bikes.

Homes for sale in Shevlin Crest tend to sell quickly. Bank owned homes in Shevlin Crest typically receive multiple offers within the first few days of listing. The Homes in the neighborhood range in price from the low $300,000 through $600,000.

The Shevlin Crest neighborhood is near the outskirts of Bend's West side yet only minutes to downtown, just another reason Shevlin Crest is a great place to own a home in Bend, OR. Shevlin Crest is just a few minutes drive or bike ride from Shevlin Park a 652 acre park with an abundant trail system excellent for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Shevlin Park also has a small kids fishing pond the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife keeps stocked with rainbow trout.

Also nearby is the mixed use community NorthWest Crossing with a variety of businesses, delicious restaurants and and numerous festivals; Central Oregon Community College, Newport Market and the Athletic Club of Bend.

For more information on Homes for Sale in Shevlin Crest or other neighborhoods around Bend, Oregon contact Taft Dire.

Is Bend's Real Estate Market on the Way UP? Money Magazine thinks so! What's Your Opinion?

2010-03-31T15:14:00.001-07:00

Good News For the Bend, Oregon Real Estate Market - expect a 3.3% increase in home values for 2010.

According to a recent report by Money Magazine, Bend made the Top 10 list for for the nation's largest metro areas expected to see an increase in home values over the next year. Here's what Money Magazine had to say about the Bend market:

Poised where the Cascades meet the Great Basin desert, Bend is a sportsman's paradise, drawing tourists from all over the Northwest. Other economic engines include health care, tech services and wood products manufacturing. But unemployment is high, with 14.9% out of work as of December.

During the bubble, Bend was one of the strongest residential markets in the nation. Prices rose 130% from 2000 to early 2007 before dropping 34% since. A modest gain is projected for 2010, banking on the area's attractions to lure in enough new buyers, especially retirees, for prices to stabilize.

While the news is great, local reactions are mixed. Home prices are incredibly low leading some to say there's no where for the Bend real estate market to go - but up. It's a great time to buy but a tough time to sell. Notice of Defaults were at an all time high in January 2010 and unemployment is still incredibly high. People with jobs aren't seeing raises but our utility bills are. However, homes ARE selling and people ARE still moving to Bend. In fact, about 1/3 of the prospective buyer calls I recieve on a daily basis are from outside of Central Oregon. Investors are starting to purchase run down properties and housing IS affordable.

So, what's your opinion?

Has the housing market reached the bottom? Will we see a 3.3% increase in home values. As Bend home owner, I sure hope so!

Get your market report for your Bend home. Find out the property value for your Bend Oregon home with our free personalized market reports.

Homes for Sale in Elkhorn Estates - Affordable Neighborhoods in SW Bend, Oregon

2010-03-31T15:09:00.001-07:00

Elkhorn Estates - Affordable SW Bend, OR neighborhoods, brought to you by Kryste Adams of Fred Real Estate Group. Elkhorn Estates neighborhood is located off of Brookswood Blvd near Powers Road just a few miles south of the Old Mill District and the Deschutes River. Powers road gives the homes in Elkhorn Estates easy access to HWY 97, Fred Meyer and Walmart.

The Old Mill district houses botique shopping, a movie theater and several delicious restaurants. In addition to the shopping, the Old Mill District is a center for recreation. The walking and biking trail that follows the Deschutes River is one of the most popular trails for joggers, families biking and walking dogs. The trail takes you by the newest dog park in town, a children's play area and a popular launching site for floating the river.

Our featured home for sale in Elkhorn Estates is 1691 sqft 3 bedroom 3 bath home on Elkhorn Street. This well kept home has a large fended back yard that does not back to Brookswood. The house is close to river access and a short drive or bike ride to the Old Mill. Listed as a short sale - close to bank approval, 61357 Elkhorn St. in SW Bend, Oregon is an affordable place to call home. Families who have children in Elkhorn Estates will attend Pine Ridge Elementary, Cascade Middle School and Summit High School.

If you're interested in homes for sale in Elkhorn Estates or other neighborhoods in Bend, Oregon contact Kryste Adams at Fred Real Estate Group or visit our website.

Family Adventures in the Central OR Wilderness - Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery

2010-03-31T15:07:00.001-07:00

Family Adventures in the Central Oregon Wilderness - Wizard Falls Hatchery

The Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is located in Camp Sherman about 20 miles outside of Sisters, OR (about an hour drive from Bend). The Hatchery was built in1947 and raises Atlantic salmon, brook trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee, spring Chinook salmon and rainbow trout.

The Wizard Falls Hatchery in it's park like setting is a must see for families or children of all ages. Admission is free and fish food is only 25¢ a handful. I recommend bringing several quarters!

The second Saturday in June is the annual Free Kids Fishing Day, for children 10 and under. This is a must attend event for child angler because they get to fish in the "escape pond". The Escape Pond, as my 5 yr old calls it, is pictured below. This is where the some of the fish escape to "who don't want to live in the river." In the pond they thrive and grown into some of the largest trout I've ever seen!

The Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is open year round from 8am - 7pm. To find the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery from Bend take Highway 20 west past Sisters for 10 miles. Turn right on Road 14, you'll see the Camp Sherman road sign. The Hatchery entrance is located about 10 miles down Road 14.

Family Adventures in the Central Oregon Wilderness - The Metolius River Springs

2010-03-31T15:05:00.001-07:00

Family Adventures in the Central Oregon Wilderness - The Metolius River Springs

Located just outside of Sisters, the Camp Sherman area of the Central Oregon Wilderness offers abundant outdoor family recreation!

Here's a few pictures from our walk down the paved trail to the Metolius River Spring. Some of the other fun activities in this area include hiking trails to numerous to list, RV and tent camping sites, fly fishing and the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery.

The Metolius River at the source

Metolius River Springs

Admiring the River

The Metolius River is one of the largest spring-fed rivers in United States. The Metolius Springs is located north of Black Butte in the Camp Sherman area. The Metolius River flows 29 miles from the spring to Lake Billy Chinook.

Bank Approved Short Sale!! 63920 Deschutes Market Rd., Bend, OR 97701
Reduced $100K - 14345 SW Mountain View Dr., Powell Butte, OR 97753 - $299,900 Green Built Custom Home on 2.5+ Acres
Just Listed! $129,000 1758 NW Kingwood Pl, Redmond, OR 97756
Reduced! $129,000 - 21217 Darby Ct., Bend Oregon 97702
Reduce - $120,000 - 2917 SW Juniper Ave., Redmond, OR 97756

$378,100 - Bank Approved Short Sale - 63920 Deschutes Market Rd., Bend, OR

2010-03-18T15:49:00.001-07:00

Bank Approved Short Sale!! 63920 Deschutes Market Rd., Bend, OR 97701

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description

$378,100

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 4068 sqft
Lot: 435,600 sqft

Location

63920 Deschutes Market Road
Bend, OR 97701

Kryste Adams

Fred Real Estate Group
(541) 706-1556
kadams@fredrealestate.com
http://www.myhomeinbend.com

Listed by: Kryste Adams

Our recent listings

Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Bend, OR real estate for sale

Attention Parents: Today at the Riverhouse Convention Center is the Bend Family and Baby Fair.

2010-03-06T09:09:00.001-08:00

Attention parents and soon to be parents - Today at the Riverhouse Convention Center is the Bend Family and Baby Fair. This is the first ever Bend Baby and Family Fair benefiting Bend's Community Diaper Bank "Because every child or adult has the right to a clean, dry diaper."

Date: March 6, 2010

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cost: $7.00 for adults, children under 5 are free. OR FREE if you bring one package of clean unopened diapers per person. There are also discounts when multiple adult tickets are purchased.

The Bend Family and Baby Fair has several keynote speakers, booths and resources aimed at educating parents and expecting parents on issues that affect today's families as well as family resources available in our community. A few of the booths at the Event include:

True North Parenting Magazine
Motherwise Community Birth Center
Freedom Wellness Center
Central Oregon Birthing Network
Jewel Images - Photography
Kumon Math and Reading Center of Bend
Infant Swimming Resource
Family Access Network - High Desert
Bend's Community Diaper Bank
Grandma's House of Central Oregon
Discovery Toys
Healthy Beginning
Baby Phases
Central Oregon Stroller Strides
Breastfeeding Coalition of Central Oregon/WIC
And many more...

If you're looking for something to do in Bend today why not spend a few dollars or a pack of diapers to help our local families who are in need.

Central Oregon Home Sellers - Avoid the 10 Biggest Mistakes Most Home Sellers Make

2010-02-08T15:16:00.001-08:00

Central Oregon Home Sellers - Avoid the 10 Biggest Mistakes Most Home Sellers Make. With the majority of the sold homes in Central Oregon being short sales and foreclosures, there is tough competition for selling your home. View this short video for 10 easy steps to avoid making the same mistakes much of your competition is making.

While some of these tips are more costly than others, any extra steps you can take to make your home more appealing to potential buyers can help.

How To Avoid the 10 Biggest Mistakes Home Sellers Make on Howcast

Happy Selling! Contact us if you could use help selling your Central Oregon home fast.

Source (mistakes): Real Estate Checklists and Systems

5 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes & Solutions

2010-02-08T11:38:00.001-08:00

Home prices in Central Oregon have dropped incredibly, making this an excellent market for first time home buyers. If you're ready to jump off the fence and buy your first home, make sure to avoid these

5 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes.

1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

Solution - ASK, ASK, ASK and research. Make sure you're comfortable with the lender you choose and you're happy with their ability to answer your questions. Purchasing your first home is probably the biggest financial decions you've made, so remember there are no stupid questions and you can't ask to many.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

Solution - Get all your ducks in a row. Get preapproved for your loan, know your price range and how it effects your monthly payment so you are financially ready to make the offer. Also, make a list of what you must have and would like to have in your first home, it's easier to make the decision when you know what you want.

3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the homebuying process.

Solution - Just like your lender, you need to be comfortable with your real estate agent. ASK, ASK, ASK questions so you're comfortable with the process. Your agent should be happy to hold your hand from begining to end.

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

Solution - Again, ASK! In addition to the offer price there are ways to make your offer more appealing to the seller such as deceasing timeframes, increasing earnest money or adding/reducing additional stipulations.

5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Solution - Ask your real estate agent what they see as positives and negatives for resale of the house. Also, view my previous blog post Sell Your Central Oregon Home by Highlighting What Buyers Want.

Good luck in the purchase of your first Central Oregon home. We're happy to help when you need us.

Source (solutions): Me.

If Prineville wasn't a fan of Facebook is sure is now! Facebook is breaking ground on a new Data Center in Central Oregon.

2010-02-04T17:25:00.001-08:00

If Prineville wasn't a fan of Facebook is sure is now! Facebook is breaking ground on a new Data Center in Central Oregon. The Bend Bulletin reported, "Enterprise zone lured Facebook to Prineville." A Prineville Enterprising zone which allows the Facebook data center to operate without paying local taxes is cited as one of the prime reasons for Facebook selecting Prineville as the new home for it's Data Center.

The Data Center will be approximately 147,000 sqft on 124 acres of land owned by Facebook. Although the Facebook Data Center in Prineville will be excused from paying local taxes, it will still be largely contributing to the local economy. Facebook will be paying around $27,000 in property taxes, a $110,000 annual Community fee to Crook County and Prineville, as well as a franchise fee from Facebook power bill to the county. The Data Center will be built on only 30 acres of the 124 acres purchased by Facebook, leaving room for expansion.

Most importantly the construction of the data center is bringing jobs to Central Oregon! According to the Bulletin article, Facebook is planing on primarily hiring local for the approximately 200 workers needed to build the facility. Once the construction is completed, there will be approximately 35 permanent jobs. Facebook is required as part of the Enterprise Zone agreement to keep an average of 35 jobs paying 150% of the county's average annual wage for 15 years. The current unemployment rate in Crook County is 17.4%, the creation of any jobs will help.

The Data Center will fit in well in Central Oregon with their efforts to keep the facility GREEN. Facebook plans on using wind power along with striving to reach LEED standards. For more information on the new Facebook Data Center in Central Oregon....

Become a fan of the Prineville data center’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/prinevilledatacenter.

Sell Your Central Oregon Home by Highlighting What Buyers Want!

2010-02-04T17:23:00.001-08:00

Sell Your Central Oregon Home by Highlighting What Buyers Want! According to a recent survey, these are the top 10 amenities buyers are looking for in their next home purchase:

Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation, and high-efficiency windows.
Home offices
Main-floor master suite
Outdoor living space
Ceiling fans
Soaking tub in the master suite and/or an oversize shower with a seating area
Stone and brick exteriors rather than stucco or vinyl
Community walking paths and playgrounds
Two-car garages, but three-car garages are even more desirable

If you are currently selling or looking to sell your Central Oregon Home, be sure your listing highlights these amenities in your within your home or neighborhood and you're sure to attract more buyers!

FHA Suspends 90-day Flipping Rule potentially increasing the availability to affordable housing for Central Oregon home buyers.

2010-02-04T12:33:00.001-08:00

FHA Suspends 90-day Flipping Rule potentially increasing the availability to affordable housing for Central Oregon home buyers.

What is the 90-day flipping rule?

Prior to the suspension of the FHA 90-day flipping rule, home buyers we unable to purchase homes with FHA loans when the seller owned the home for less than 90-days.

How does this affect me, the buyer?

The suspension of the 90-day flipping rule will hopefully increase the availability of affordable housing for buyers choosing to finance their purchase with an FHA mortgage.

As of February 1, 2010, the FHA has temporarily suspended the 90 day flipping rule for the period of one year. Buyers are now eligible to use an FHA loan to purchase a home recently “flipped”. This typically applies to homes which are “Fixer-Uppers” an investor purchased, renovated / repaired and placed back on the market. According to FHA research, in many cases it takes less than 90 days for investors to acquire, rehabilitate and resell the house. Allowing FHA buyers to purchase the home within the 90-day time frame will hopefull decrease the amount of them these homes sit vacant on the market. Not only will this be beneficial to the buyer but the community as a whole.

Peale St., Bend, OR 97701 - $49,000 - Best Priced Lot in Yardley Estates!
Reduced! $129,000 - 21217 Darby Ct., Bend Oregon 97702
Just Listed - $150,000 61357 Elkhorn St., Bend, OR 97702
14345 SW Mountain View Dr., Powell Butte, OR 97753 - $459,900 Green Built Custom Home on 2.5+ Acres
Hwy 101 & Kenton Ave., Rockaway Beach, OR 97136 - $327,000 - 4.43 acres of Ocean View and River View Land for Sale on the Oregon Coast

It's Spring in Central Oregon Real Estate - The Time to List Your Home is Now!

2010-01-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

It's Spring in Central Oregon Real Estate - The Time to List Your Home is Now! Homebuyers are out early this year in Central Oregon trying to buy homes before the first-time homebuyer and move-up home buyer tax credit deadlines.

The typically height of the spring real estate buying season is March through May, however, buyers are already busy looking for homes. In 2010, the height of the real estate buying season is expected to be February through April due to the tax credit requirements. The first time homebuyer tax credit and move-up buyer tax credit requires buyers have a signed sales contract by April 30, 2010 and close on their Central Oregon home by June 30, 2010.

If you're thinking about selling your Central Oregon Home, spring into action now!

Fred Real Estate Group in Bend, Oregon

2010-01-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

$49,000 Price to Sell, Bring Offers! Lot for Sale in NE Bend, Oregon

2010-01-16T16:23:00.001-08:00

Peale St., Bend, OR 97701 - $49,000 - Best Priced Lot in Yardley Estates!

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood

$49,000

Lots and Lands
For Sale

Main Features

Lot: 0.15 acre(s)

Location

Peale St.
Bend, OR 97701

Kryste Adams

Fred Real Estate Group
(541) 706-1556
kadams@fredrealestate.com
http://www.myhomeinbend.com

Listed by: Kryste Adams

Our recent listings

Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Bend, OR real estate for sale

Reduced! 21217 Darby Ct, Bend, OR 97701 for $129,000

2010-01-09T09:48:00.001-08:00

Short Sale, just reduced in Bend, Oregon. Bring Offers!

Just listed: 61357 Elkhorn Street, Bend, OR 97702 for $150,000

2010-01-09T09:47:00.001-08:00

Short Sale just listed in Bend, Oregon. Bring offers!

Just listed: 14345 SW Mountain View Dr, Powell Butte, OR 97753 for $399,900

2010-01-09T08:51:00.001-08:00