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Bend, OR Real Estate News

By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Discovery West Is A New Westside Bend Oregon Subdivision Discovery West is the latest subdivision in the NorthWest Crossing area of Bend's Westside. Developed west of Summit High School and with 40 acres of parks with miles of trails, the project offers a variety of housing options, ranging from apartments, town homes, cottages and single-family homes. Discovery West is being built under the "transect" concept of urban development in which the housing density decreases the further out people go from the urban core. The goal with this type of development is to help mitigate wildfire risk and the impact on wildlife.  Discovery West Is Popular With Bend Home Buyers There is a lot of new construction occurring in Discovery West.  As a new subdivision, many contractors are building spec hom...
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By Maria Peace, MBA, GRI
(THE BROKER NETWORK OF CENTRAL OREGON, LLC)
The Beacon Report came out this last week with figures for Bend and Redmond real estate.  We did a recap of the graph data and came up with some interesting numbers on Redmond.  As housing has been unaffordable for much of the work force in Bend, people are moving to other cities and commuting (see link to Bend Bulletin article).   I think this has a lot to do with the increase in activity for Redmond and increase in median sales price. Bend Summary Aug-16 Aug-16 % Change         Median Bend Sales Price 345,000 359,000 4% Number of Sales in Bend 223 259 16% Days on Market-Bend 79 74 -6% Median Price/s.f.-Bend 187 201 7%                 Redmond Summary Aug-16 Aug-16 % Change         Median Redmond Sales Price 219,000 283,000 29% Number of Sales in Redmond 88 98 11% Days on Market-Redmond...
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By Esther Preston
(Heartland Realty)
 Bend — the largest in Central Oregon — boasts 71 parks and 48 miles of recreational trails. Less than an hour outside town, you’ll find 26 golf courses, whitewater rafting and fly-fishing in the Deschutes River, more than 1,000 climbing routes and 3,600 skiable acres at Mount Bachelor. Within two hours? More than 1,200 miles of narrow dirt mountain bike trails (or singletrack), which double as snowshoeing and Nordic skiing trails in the winter.You can paddleboard on one of the 40 lakes in the region, hike and camp in the Three Sisters Wilderness, or summit Pilot Butte, a 479-foot-tall cinder cone in the center of town. Or just find something that floats — an inner tube, an inflatable mattress — and drift on a mellow stretch of Deschutes from Bend Park to the center of town; a $5 shuttl...
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By Esther Preston
(Heartland Realty)
I've lived in Redmond, Or. for over 20yrs. and know that Central Oregon is one of the Best Places in Oregon to Live. In Outside's "The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S.: 2016," Bend and Yachats are the only two Oregon towns to get the shout-out. And, let's be honest, they both kind of deserve it.Back in January, this very publication named Yachats the best place to stay on the Oregon coast. With Cape Perpetua, Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Hobbit Trail, plus empty beach, delicious food and tide pools, this mid-coast village benefits from being between big cities and is generally a little less crowded than your Seasides and your Newports. Outside calls it "Oregon's loveliest sea­side town."They aren't wrong.And Bend. What hasn't been said about Bend at this point? Do you like to ski? G...
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By Esther Preston
(Heartland Realty)
 Bend feels like it is bursting at the seams this summer with crowds filling the streets, trails, restaurants and shops. A record-breaking summer tourism season is partly the cause, but the fact is that more people move here every day to make our fair city their new home.The slump that followed the Great Recession is over. Bend's population is increasing again, and that has many residents worried that the city is losing its small-town feel. In fact, some people are even whispering the 'M' word—Moratorium.Why not put the brakes on for a few months or a year? Can we give the community a breather, time to catch up on infrastructure, widen a few roads, put in more sidewalks, and kick out a Californian or two?That's not in the cards. There'll be no moratorium on construction or growth for a ...
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Bend Brewfest celebrates hand-crafted beers! The 14th annual Bend Brewfest returns to three days in 2016—that’s right we’ll be pouring delicious beverages Thursday-Saturday, August 18-20—at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. This is your chance to drink in some fine beverages.This year’s event is slated to offer 180+ craft beers. New breweries for 2016 include Kobold Brewing, Ballast Point Brewing, Fat Heads Brewing, Old 99 Brewing Co. and Plank Town Brewing.Stop by the X-Tap in the Brewtality Tent to sample low production beers from a variety of brewers. Cider row grows to twelve cideries this year and includes No. 6, Doc Fields, and d’s Wicked, Whiskey Barrel, Reverend Nat’s, Three Mugs, Portland Cider and more. Enjoy a variety of wines by Willamette Valley Vineyards.   Bend is here and so ...
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By Maria Peace, MBA, GRI
(THE BROKER NETWORK OF CENTRAL OREGON, LLC)
I came across this website about a different type of tiny home -larger than your typical tiny home on wheels.  They are bigger and cost a lot less.  They are an evolving project among architecture students and cost less than $20,000 to build.  Here is the link to the website for this project: http://www.fastcoexist.com/3056129/this-house-costs-just-20000-but-its-nicer-than-yours?cid=ps002ros&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=newsfeed&utm_term=changegeneration&utm_campaign=ps002ros Like tiny homes, they face the same dilemmas of zoning, ability to obtain a mortgage, and acceptance of construction methods by city planners.  I must say these look attractive and I even think I could live in one.  A lot of people who want to minimize their carbon footprint and obtain affordable housing are attr...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
Zillow may have the facts... (albeit skewed at times) but it's usually the neighbors who have the skivvy.  Yes indeed... everything you ever want to know about a home or property, just ask a neighbor.  After all, it's only neighborly, right?!Sometimes neighbors can be so helpful.  They love to share things... like the last time your house flooded from a broken pipe, or the year before last when you replaced your roof because it leaked.  Some neighbors even know about your extra-curricular activities (if you know what I mean).  Yes indeed, neighbors tell all.   If you're planning on selling your home or property, make sure you carefully consider the part on the Seller's Property Disclosure Statements about 'material facts.'  What's a material fact, you ask?  Anything that may possibly in...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
From underdogs, to underprivileged, to plain ole' under the weather... nothing grabs my attention more than people in need.  Perhaps it comes from a heartfelt place of having experienced all of those things personally.  Recently, my friend and chairman of CRS Oregon, Adam Bogle, threw down the gauntlet and challenged his fellow CRS designees to donate to the Maslow Project for its annual Back-to-School event.  He asked for donations to purchase backpacks to fill them with school supplies for underprivileged kids.  No brainer... consider it done!Another friend and fellow ActiveRainer, Tammy Lankford, set-up a GoFundMe.com site to gather donations for medical expenses for fellow Realtor and ActiveRainer, Steve Loynd.  Steve fell from a 30 ft' ladder last year and broke his pelvis and jaw ...
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By Maria Peace, MBA, GRI
(THE BROKER NETWORK OF CENTRAL OREGON, LLC)
According to our local news station KTVZ, the Bend City Council is leaning towards relaxing ADU (additional dwelling unit) development restrictions which apparently can be more stringent than those for building a single family residence.  I think this is ridiculous.   First of all, the downtown Bend area has serious parking issues on residential streets, many of which have no sidewalks or off street parking, so they are already bike and pedestrian unfriendly.  It is a hazard to walk down these streets.  I can guarantee that most of the additional dwelling units will not be for family, but rental properties to take advantage of our out of control rental market with skyrocketing prices.  I can't blame people for taking the opportunity,  but realistically, due to our high rental rates, the...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
My Magic Potion...  Seriously!
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
From Trails to Ales... The New York Times has tagged Bend Oregon as one of the top 52 Places to Go in 2015.  It's no surprise the area attracts outdoor enthusiasts for its world-class skiing, biking, hiking, fishing and paddle boarding. But here's some facts you may not know...  Bend, Oregon has close to 300 miles of single track bike trails... a mountain bikers paradise by definition.  In fact, Oregon is the only state in the Union to designate 5 scenic bike ways for its passionate riders.  Bend is clearly the place to BikeInOregon.com! That's not the only thing that gets our wheels in motion. Bend Oregon is becoming the ale capital of the Pacific Northwest with a bit of national notoriety burgeoning the Bend scene.  Seriously... Central Oregon has more bikes and breweries than any oth...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
Thank-You's Matter!     This is a brilliant marketing video from Coca-Cola with a simple take-away message for all of us.  People matter.  Kindness matters.  Thank-you's matter.  Smiles are priceless.  Happy Sunday everyone!  Let's make someone else's day a little brighter =) 
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By Team Birtola High Desert Realty
(Team Birtola High Desert Realty)
Bend ranks on the USA Today Readers 10Best list!                           Chosen by readers of USA today and 10Best. Beer lovers of America have made their voices heard!  Bend came in number 4 for the “Best Beer Town” title. Here is the complete list of winners! Grand Rapids, Mich. Tampa Asheville, N.C. Bend, Ore. Fort Collins, Colo. San Diego Portland, Maine Portland, Ore. Denver Burlington, Vt Not only did Bend rank in the top 10. Bend’s famous Deschutes Brewery of launches with several events in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The beer, which is now in 26 states, is being distributed by West Side Beer.   All we have to say is.... CHEERS TO THAT!    Birtola Garmyn High Desert Realty www.bendoregonrealestate.com 541-312-9449
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
There's something yummy going on in Bend, Oregon, and it's a screamin' BIG deal to the locals.  I'll let you in on a creamy little secret, if you promise not to call the police! It ain't your typical babe or BFF, but it rivals both, and it's name is Bonta!  It's the most wonderfully delicious gelato I've ever tasted and it's handmade right here in Bend, Oregon. Bonta's incredible flavor challenges the biggies like Talenti and Ciao Bella, but it's small town goodness stands alone in the Pacific Northwest.  Hand-crafted by two artisans, Jeff and Juli Labhart, who found their gelato love by traveling around the world in 365 days.  If the Labhart's romantic journey doesn't grab you, the yummy goodness at the end of your spoon will.  Bonta is sure to be your new BFF or babe on those lonely ...
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By Team Birtola High Desert Realty
(Team Birtola High Desert Realty)
Team Birtola Garmyn is Now a Part of Shark Tank Nation!   Bend, OR– Tune in to ABC’s Shark Tank premiering on Friday Sept. 26 at 8/7c to see Ruben Garmyn and Jim Birtola of Team Birtola Garmyn High Desert Realty side-by-side with real estate magnate Barbara Corcoran. Corcoran is Shark Tank’s resident real estate mogul and a prominent self-made multi millionaire. She is now endorsing a select few of the best real estate minds in the country, Birtola and Garmyn included. Ruben Garmyn and Jim Birtola will appear in a commercial airing during the Shark Tank season premier on Friday September 26th at 8pm, and in several additional episodes throughout the season. Birtola and Garmyn’s company, Team Birtola Garmyn High Desert Realty, is a dominant leader in the real estate industry, providing p...
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
Certain things ignite my senses.  It could be the sun shining brightly on a cloudy day, or a daffodil reaching full bloom, or the smell of French bread baking in an oven.  I'm never lacking for things that make me smile.  Simple things speak to me.  Some more profoundly than others.   While on a recent trip to Bend, Oregon, I found a lot to smile about.  After a 2.5 hour drive along a wooded stretch of highway, I reached my destination with pure delight.  As if the beautiful scenery wasn't enough to ease my cares, the sweet smell of sage and pine trees permeated my nostrils.  I breathed in, and exhaled all that had built up inside me. As I transferred my scant belongings from my SUV to my woodsy cottage, I couldn't wait to jump back into my car and explore this new wonderland.  The smi...
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By Team Birtola High Desert Realty
(Team Birtola High Desert Realty)
Selling your home doesn't have to be a pain.... Are you considering selling your home? Do you want it sold now, in 6 months, in a year? Well, you have come to the right place! We can sell your home in the least amount of days for top dollar! To see what your home could sell for this fall, click the link below! Anyone can say that they are the best in the business, we want to bring you the facts! Check out our past sales on Zillow!    If you have any questions, or would like to get your home on the market today, feel free to give us a call! 541-312-9449   Birtola Garmyn High Desert Realty 101 NE Greenwood Ave Bend, Oregon 97701 541-312-9449 www.bendoregonrealestate.com
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By Team Birtola High Desert Realty
(Team Birtola High Desert Realty)
Reasons to Love Bend, Oregon     Oregon to most people is a far off distant land that never makes the news, gets by-passed on the weather channel, and has been the brunt of many Jeff Foxworthy jokes.  If you actually live in Oregon, especially Bend, you realize the beauty of the state and just how spoiled you are if you have the opportunity to live here, and who else can say “I walked up a dormant volcano on my lunch break.”?   Bend is a unique place with a variety of things to do and see.   You can start your day by eating at a great local restaurant and then travel ten minutes and hop on a paddle board or get an air mattress and take a relaxing float down the Deschutes River through the Old Mill District where you’re likely to see runners, bikers, shoppers, and maybe a rock chuck or ...
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By Team Birtola High Desert Realty
(Team Birtola High Desert Realty)
Dogs are important members of many households and families! During summer we tend to leave our homes for weekend trips and vacations! This is when dogs play an even more essential role in our lives! They become our constant companions, braving the heat, soaking up the sunshine, frolicking in the sand next to the beach or even paddleboarding down the deschutes with their families!    These dogs are having such a blast this summer, you may just be jealous!    Rudi loves going for walks in the summertime... or should we say rides?? Binx likes spending time on the deck soaking up the sun! Cinnamon is ready to hop in the river and cool off! Subi loves spending time at the park in her favorite swing! Rudi loves going for hikes and exploring outdoors! Hercules spends an evening outside to dry ...
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By Team Birtola High Desert Realty
(Team Birtola High Desert Realty)
        Are you ready to sell in the next 30 days....?   If so, great! Zillow recently introduced "Coming Soon" inventory *** ONLY TO THEIR PREMIER AGENTS LIKE US!!! ***   Home shoppers can search for and find properties that are not yet listed on the market, but expect to be listed for sale within 30 days.     What does this mean for you.... You will get a head start on marketing before being placed in our incredible Exclusive Listing program backed by our elite marketing power! Now Zillow’s Premier Agents and you, through Zillow, can gauge buyer interest and test the list price against current market conditions before occurring any days on the market! Your “coming soon” listing will appear on top of all property searches through Zillow maximizing your exposure to more than 81 million ...
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