For the 12 months ending May 2018, the median Bend Area sold price rose 10 percent over the 12 months ending in May 2017. Wages have been pretty stagnant, but despite this disparity, demand continues for housing, particularly in the lower end of the market. It’s very difficult to land a home for under $300,000. […]
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3-D Printer Homes Update
Back in March, I wrote a story about 3-D printer homes as an affordable new building technique that could help ease the housing affordability crisis. Being intrigued by this technique and passionate about affordable housing, I was curious if there had been any new developments. Like all new construction alternatives, building officials will need […]
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Issues Currently Impacting Real Estate
A recent report issued by the Counselors of Real Estate listing issues impacting the national real estate market is very similar to the issues facing our local market. Among the issues: Rising interest rates and the economy: Rising interest rates impact home affordability, particularly with income-sensitive, first-time buyers. Politics and political uncertainty: The upcoming midterm elections […]
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Competing with New Home Construction when Selling your Home
Existing homes often include attractions such as larger lots and privacy, more character, mature trees and landscaping, proximity to downtown and restaurants and entertainment, an established neighborhood—often with long term residents—and a greater sense of community. This is true of Bend as well, as shown in the preference of many to try to find housing […]
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Avoiding Home Improvement Scams
During the warmer season there’s a greater demand for contractors to tackle home improvement projects as well as repairs needed on homes for sale. Due to the shortage of construction labor, scammers often try to take advantage of homeowners. This is a good time for some reminders to protect yourself from falling victim to scammers. […]
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New VA loan option is good news for vets
The Department of Veterans Affairs released guidelines for 100 percent-financed rehabilitation loans for veterans that were much needed. Until recently, a VA-financed home had to be pretty much perfect, but with the new program, financing can be added to bring homes up to the standards of the VA. The rehab work is limited to repairs […]
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Mortgage Rates Rising
Mortgage rates crossed the 4 percent mark in January and have been increasing ever since. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, rates were 4.77 percent last week. Inflationary pressures such as the rise in oil prices and increased consumer spending are contributing to the increase as well. Interest rates are still relatively low compared to […]
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Bend and Redmond Housing Inventory Increasing
According to The Beacon Report, prepared by Beacon Appraisal Group and based on Central Oregon real estate statistics, the Bend median home sales price decreased from $424,000 in March 2018 to $415,000 in April 2018. The Bend median price per square foot increased from $219 per square foot in March to $217 for April. This […]
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Sprucing Up Your Home to Sell It, Without Losing Your Mind
Getting ready to sell your house? Spring and summer are typically higher-volume home sale times, and even though our area is very much a seller’s market, there’s a lot more involved than putting up a “For Sale” sign. Just like you might wash, wax and detail your car before selling it, similar principles apply to […]
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COBA Spring Home and Garden Show to Offer Free Gardening Classes
With spring in full bloom and summer around the corner, curb appeal becomes important in giving good first impressions to potential buyers of homes for sale. With the right plants and maintenance, the outside of a home can be transformed. Many people avoid investing in landscaping because they don’t know what to plant or how […]
