Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as mother-in-law quarters, are popular to homeowners for multigenerational living and are often converted to rentals for additional income. This year, the housing shortage in Bend has led to a closer look at the possibility that ADUs may be used to help add affordable housing and increase density within […]
Real Estate
Posted inNews
Portland Restaurants Come Down to Meet Housing Needs
More than 50 percent of Oregonians spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Thus, it is not surprising that affordable housing has become a hot issue from the governor’s office to the Portland Development Commission and very much so here in Bend. Even though more affordable housing is desperately needed in Portland […]
Posted inNews
New Habitats Tiny Home Community Shows How It’s Done
A new neighborhood of 50 tiny homes averaging 300 square feet is under construction in San Diego. The homes are expected to cost occupants $750 per month space rent plus the cost of the home. This is compared to the average rent of $1,152 for a one-bedroom apartment in San Diego. Habitats Tiny Homes is […]
Posted inNews
Take Me Home 3/30-4/6
Subsidized Housing Proposals for Middle Class Wage Earners
Realtors see that the housing crisis is very apparent on a daily basis. Articles published on the subject of affordable housing are often based on cities much larger than Bend, but the principal causes are similar. The common problem is lack of affordable housing for lower and middle income wage earners. According to a recent […]
Posted inCulture
Take Me Home: Inclusionary Zoning in Bozeman
Last November, an affordable housing program was adopted by the Bozeman Commissioners that included requirements for a percentage of housing units in new developments to be priced at levels considered affordable. The current median price of a home listed for sale in Bozeman, Mont., is $300,000. In Bend, it’s $360,000, according to realtor.com, with a […]
Posted inCulture
Take Me Home 3/16-3/23
Growing Pains
Bend has changed a lot over the past 15 years and definitely has experienced a lot of growing pains. With the expansion of the urban growth boundary and as we move from a small mountain town to a city, based on our actual and projected population growth, one hopes we can do better and learn […]
Posted inCulture
Take Me Home 3/9-3/16
First Impressions Are Very Important
When sellers put their homes on the market, they often focus a lot on major interior work in terms of updating, but often forget the importance of the exterior and simple details. First impressions are important to potential buyers, and this is why the notion of curb appeal is a big factor in how fast […]
Posted inNews
Spring’s Tight Market is
Coming Early
The spring real estate season is already upon us with lots of people wanting to buy homes earlier due to the relatively low housing inventory in many cities, including Bend. Analysis of the nationwide data gathered by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for the first three weeks in February indicates time on the market […]
Posted inCulture
Take Me Home 2/24-3/2
Effect of Commuting Costs On Home Buying Decisions
Last year, millenials surpassed baby boomers as the nation’s largest living generation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These 20 and 30-somethings are now becoming first-time home buyers and their needs for affordable housing and difficulty in finding housing are the subject of many real estate blogs. Another aspect of this generation not often considered […]
Posted inCulture
Take Me Home 2/10-2/17
Good Things in Small Packages Downsizing is a popular trend manifesting right now in millennials’ and baby boomers’ penchant for smaller and alternative homes. Retirees downsizing may look to purchase a smaller home with the equity in their existing homes. Budget-conscious millennials look to smaller homes for affordability. With the two largest segments of the […]