Name
Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE Central Oregon Real Estate - Sisters, Tumalo, Bend & Redmond
Company
Alpine Real Estate
E-mail
Contact Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE Central Oregon Real Estate - Sisters, Tumalo, Bend & Redmond (Alpine Real Estate)
Website
http://www.CentralOregonHome4You.com
Office Phone
(541) 388-1600
Cell Phone
(541) 480-0987
Fax
(541) 728-0862
Description
Your Resource for Central Oregon Real Estate sales & information, especially Rural, Resort & Horse Properties in Sisters, Tumalo, Bend & Redmond. Learn more at www.CentralOregonHome4You.com

Why Invest in Central Oregon Real Estate?

If Central Oregon sunset in springyou've ever visited Central Oregon, that's an easy question to answer: because it's one of the most gorgeous settings in the country, with an unparalleled quality of life (can you tell I love it here?).

Comprising three counties-Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson -- and three main cities -- Bend, Redmond and Sisters, plus a handful of smaller communities (Prineville, Powell Butte, Tumalo, Sunriver, La Pine and Caldera Springs -- Central Oregon is one of the fastest growing regions in the Pacific Northwest. With its combination of ideal climate (300 days of sunshine), extensive recreational opportunities, its entrepreneur-friendly environment and broad slate of cultural outlets, Central Oregon has proven a popular destination among young and old alike.

To find out more about Central Oregon or to search for properties in the area, please visit my website, http://www.centraloregonhome4you.com/.

Why Me?

Good question. And, in truth, there are a number of things that should factor into your decision about whom you select to represent you in your next real estate transaction.

But what expectations do you have for the real estate professional you choose to work with? And remember, you do have a choice -- actually, in Central Oregon you have a lot of choices -- so don't settle for just any real estate broker; we really aren't all the same.

What qualities do you value in the people you do business with? Obviously, you want someone who's experienced, competent, trustworthy and knowledgeable, so consider more than just their skill sets. Think about the type of person you're most comfortable working with. Because the business of real estate is really a business built on relationships. As Realtors®, we live or die based on the success with which we satisfy our clients' expectations. And remember: The decision you make about the real estate professional you choose can affect not just the type of experience you have (i.e., an enjoyable one or a nightmare) but the quality of the process itself.

Those of us who take our job seriously spend our time focused on our clients, ensuring that they are well-informed, well-educated and well-prepared for every aspect of their transaction. Yet we aren't focused solely on the transaction itself, because we know our job doesn't end with that transaction. Our goal is to establish clients for life, so we follow up and nurture the relationships we have so they'll endure over the long haul.

Here's what you can expect from me:

I'm not a native Central Oregonian, but I love this place. Even before I became a Realtor®, I explored the area every chance I could get. And I love the business of real estate. I love making what can be a very stressful, intimidating process for my clients a positive experience for everyone I work with (that means clients, other agents, lenders, title officers, home inspectors -- everyone).  

I'm passionate about what I do and give 100 percent of my focus to every task I undertake. I don't do things halfway. I was a journalist for 20-plus years, so I actually enjoy asking questions, solving problems and investigating issues. Research is my middle name.

But if you're looking for a fast-talking, Palm-toting, appointment-driven, call-me-at-midnight-on-a-Sunday-if-it-means-a-sales-tonight style agent, I'm not your gal. I spent 25 years living life on the edge, and too much of the really important stuff (my family, friends, personal life, etc.) passed me by while I was out working myself sick. My approach these days is much more relaxed, and my business is, by design, primarily referral-based. I don't ever want to be too busy juggling transactions to devote the time to my clients that they deserve.

But if you're looking for someone who will work diligently to make your real estate experience a positive one, who will work closely with you to address each issue that comes along in an effort to find the ideal outcome, look no further.

So What’s Happening with Real Estate in Central Oregon?

Not surprisingly, the Central Oregon real estate market has shown the effects of its rapid growth. From 1988 (when the city ended its last major real estate slump) until 2007, the average price of a Bend home rose an average of 11.3 percent per year, In 2006, home prices here appreciated faster than any other city in the country, according to the National House Price Index. (To put that in perspective, nationwide, the price index rose 5.9 percent.) From the beginning of 2002 to the end of 2006, home prices in Bend appreciated 104.5 percent.

For a while there, the real estate speculating and building-for-the sake-of-buildling mentality got out of control. City and county planners could no longer keep up with the workload, appraisers could no longer keep up with the price increases, and buyers and sellers could no longer agree to much of anything.

Meanwhile, too many builders built too many spec homes and too many investors hung their fortunes on the quick flip. So after what seemed like an unstoppable boom, things came to a grinding halt. Inventory began to pile up. The national mortgage industry's free-wheeling lending policies began to catch up with them. Homeowners who thought they were on firm financial ground found out otherwise. More and more people began to learn the meaning of "short sale" and "foreclosure."

Consequently, home prices in Central Oregon began to decrease. Because of the high inventory, homes that once would have sold in four days now sat dormant for up to 14 months (or longer), so sellers began to slash their prices accordingly. Home values declined significantly (up to 50 percent in some Central Oregon locales).

Over time, that sharp decrease in value began to once again attract buyers to the region -- many of whom had previously not been able to afford to live in the destination of their choice. 

Now, as we approach 2013, we're beginning to see signs of life once again in the Central Oregon real estate market. Inventory is down, buyer activity is up, and the long-term real estate picture in Central Oregon is enviable. This is an incredible place to live!

Green Lakes trail in Central Oregon

"People are going to continue to come here," Roger Lee of Economic Development for Central Oregon predicts. "It's a very attractive Western U.S. community. It's hard to find other places that are comparable. They're out there, but many of them are larger or are smaller and don't have the amenities that the tri-county area offers."

So How Can I Help You?

My areas of expertise include resort, rural and horse properties, investor opportunities and first-time home buyers. I've earned the Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) designation, and as such have completed a course (including 90 hours of specialized education) that most real estate professionals never even pursue and have gained skills many agents will never have.

I've also received my Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, which provided me extensive education in dealing with sellers facing foreclosure and buyers interested in purchasing short sales. Like most communities, Central Oregon has seen a significant increase in the number of short sale and foreclosure properties on the market in the past several years.

I'm committed to the business of real estate, but I'm also committed to my community. I'm a member of the Communications Committee for the Central Oregon Association of Realtors® and participate in fellowship whenever possible at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

If you'd like to know more about me, please visit my website, www.centraloregonhome4you.com, email me at lisa@sistersoregonhomes.com or give me a call at (541) 480-0987.