Take Me Home Archives - The Source

Why Bend is Worth the Price Tag

The real value of living in Bend goes far beyond the home itself

by Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend October 28, 2026October 26, 2026

Bend isn’t cheap. With median home prices hovering around $725,000, living here requires a significant financial commitment. But what if the value of living here isn’t measured solely by the square footage of your home, but by everything waiting just outside your front door? From world-class outdoor recreation to an increasingly impressive dining scene, Bend […]

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We Are Bend Strong

This column is usually about real estate. This week, it isn’t.

by Karen Malanga, Kristin Marshall and Jonny Malanga, Licensed brokers, RE/MAX Key Properties October 21, 2026October 20, 2026

This column is usually about real estate. This week, it isn’t. Like everyone in Bend, we have been heartbroken since learning of the tragic event at Silver Rail Elementary School. We don’t have the right words for what the children, teachers, families, first responders and community members are going through, and we won’t pretend to. […]

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Want to Buy a New Home, But Need to Sell Yours First?

There’s more than one way to make a move

by Ann Willis October 4, 2026October 5, 2026

Have you ever thought, “I’d love to move, but I need the money from this house to buy the next one“? I hear this all the time. Most homeowners don’t have an extra down payment sitting around. Their equity is in their current home, which can make buying the next one feel like a chicken-and-egg […]

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Central Oregon Homes, by Design

From craftsman to mountain modern: A guide to Central Oregon home styles

by Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend September 25, 2026September 25, 2026

Central Oregon homes come in a wide range of styles. From historic Craftsman bungalows near downtown Bend to sleek contemporary homes designed around Cascade views, the region’s architecture reflects both its history and evolving lifestyle. But what makes a Craftsman a Craftsman? How is a ranch style different from a farmhouse? And what does “Northwest […]

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The Biggest Misconception in Real Estate Right Now

What the recorded sale price means

by Kenzie Carlstrom, Broker REMAX Key Properties September 18, 2026September 21, 2026

As a full-time real estate advisor and investor, I’ve watched a misconception about how concessions have grown over the last four years. Today, nearly half of all home sales in Bend include them (according to data pulled from Cascades East MLS). Maybe you’ve heard the term, maybe you haven’t. Either way, let me break it […]

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The Buyer’s Market Has Changed. Have You?

Four questions Central Oregon homebuyers should ask before making their next move

by Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend September 11, 2026September 11, 2026

The Bend housing market has shifted in ways that give buyers more room to negotiate — and they’re starting to take advantage of it. More options, longer days on market and a growing willingness from sellers to negotiate have created opportunities for buyers to be more selective and strategic. But having leverage and knowing how […]

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Bend Real Estate Market: Beyond the Headlines

National housing headlines rarely tell the full story of what is happening here in Bend

by Tenley Houghton, Licensed broker, RE/MAX Key Properties September 7, 2026September 3, 2026

As I move into 2027, I will be celebrating 10 years in real estate. One lesson I have learned is that national housing headlines rarely tell the full story of what is happening here in Bend. Even local Bend statistics can miss the mark because they often include ZIP code 97707—Sunriver and Three Rivers. In […]

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What Does $500,000 Buy You in Central Oregon

How far can your budget go—and what kind of Central Oregon lifestyle does it buy?

by Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend August 30, 2026August 28, 2026

If you have $500,000 to spend on a home in Central Oregon, the biggest question may not be whether you can afford to live here. It may be where you want to live. The same $500,000 budget can buy dramatically different properties—and lifestyles—depending on which community you choose. Using year-to-date data from local FlexMLS, including […]

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Think You Can’t Afford to Buy a Home? You Might Be Surprised.

Have you actually looked at what you qualify for?

by Megan Hunt Broker REMAX Key Properties August 24, 2026August 24, 2026

I hear the same thing from potential homebuyers all the time: “I’d love to buy, but interest rates are too high.” Or: “I just don’t have enough saved for a down payment.” And my response is usually the same: Have you actually looked at what you qualify for? Because you might be surprised. With rental […]

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The House You Want Has a Price. Your Lifestyle Does, Too.

Buying a home is about more than what you can afford. It’s about what you’re willing to give up to own it.

by Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend August 14, 2026August 17, 2026

Buying a home has always involved compromise. Maybe the house has the perfect kitchen but a less-than-perfect backyard. Maybe the location is ideal, but the square footage isn’t quite what you had in mind. Increasingly, buyers are facing a different question: How much house can I afford without letting the house dictate how I live? […]

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