The phone calls started coming in last week. Buyers who'd been sitting on the sidelines since rates climbed above 7% suddenly wanted to talk numbers again. The reason? Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest point in over a year, hovering just above 6% for qualified borrowers.For Bend's real estate market, this shift changes the equation in ways that go beyond simple monthly payment calculations. The question isn't whether lower rates matter—they do. The question is what smart buyers should do about it right now.The Monthly Payment RealityA half-point drop in interest rates might not sound dramatic until you run the numbers on Bend's median home price. On a $650,000 purchase with 20% down, the difference between a 6.5% rate and a 6% rate amounts to roughly $170 per month. Over a year... 01/26/2026

Hiking the Cascades in Winter is Possible January 2026It is typically challenging to hike in the Cascades in winter. When snow piles up, those who venture into the mountains normally utilize snowshoes or skis to access the higher trails. However, January 2026 has been unusual for warm days with little snow. As a result, some of those trails that most people hike in summer can be hiked in winter, providing for experiences that few have.On January 24, 2026, the trailhead to Iron Mountain was snow free. Located on Highway 20 at Tombstone Pass, the hike to Iron Mountain is favored by many residents in Central Oregon and  the Willamette Valley as a wonderful place to see wildflowers in the spring/summer. Over 300 species of wildflowers have been identified on Iron Mountain and the summertime... 01/24/2026

For years, Bend's housing market has been defined by extremes: a relocation boom during the pandemic, a sharp reset as interest rates climbed, and then a long stretch where low inventory kept competition fierce. As we move through 2026, the ground finally feels more balanced — especially for relocation buyers looking for a lifestyle upgrade without the bidding-war chaos of years past.Below is a look at what's driving the shift: interest rates, supply, buyer behavior, and the enduring lifestyle appeal that keeps Bend on the relocation shortlist for Seattle, Bay Area, and Portland households.Mortgage Rates Are Quietly Opening the Door AgainAfter peaking in the 7%+ range, mortgage rates have been sliding steadily into the low 6% band this winter. For financed buyers, that move is meaningfu... 01/21/2026

Expert Forecasts Point to Affordability Improving in 2026 — What That Means for Central Oregon Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You're not alone. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest obstacle between buyers, sellers, and their next move. High mortgage rates, limited inventory, and rapid price growth forced many households across Central Oregon to sit on the sidelines. The good news is this: conditions are finally shifting. In 2025, affordability improved to its best level in three years, and most economists agree that progress should continue into 2026. That outlook is based on three fundamentals that matter everywhere—including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine: mortgage rates, inventory, and home prices. Mortgage Rates: Lower Than Last... 01/15/2026

What's In the January 2026 Bend Premier Newsletter?Our January version of your newsletter has some great articles on the local real estate market, a hearty winter soup, myths about selling your home in winter and reasons to hire a real estate agent. Bend Single-Family Market : 2025 Year-End Snapshot Hearty Beef & Barley Soup Winter Selling Myths That Shouldn't Keep You From Listing Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent 01/13/2026

NorthWest Crossing (NWX) isn't just another neighborhood in Bend – it's a community by design. Developed on roughly 486 acres by the West Bend Property Company in the early 2000s, NWX pairs tree‑lined streets and welcoming front porches with a thoughtful mix of homes, parks, schools and local businesses. The result is a walkable, small‑town atmosphere that feels like a modern take on Bend's classic neighborhoods, yet it enjoys easy access to downtown and the Old Mill.Architectural Charm & Housing ChoicesNWX stands out for its variety of architecture. Instead of cookie‑cutter models, the developers sold individual lots to a guild of builders so streetscapes would feel diverse and timeless. Craftsman‑style cottages sit alongside modern farmhouses and contemporary townhomes, all linked by ... 01/09/2026

Bend Single-Family Home Market Trends: 2025 Year in Review As 2025 wraps up, the Bend single-family home market shows a year defined by steady pricing, increased activity, and a slower pace than the year before. Compared to 2024, the market gained momentum in volume but continued to push back on pricing power and speed. Here's how 2025 stacked up against 2024. Prices: Flat, Not Falling — But Buyers Had Leverage The median sales price ended 2025 at $734,950, up just 0.7% year over year. In real terms, pricing was essentially flat. At the same time, price per square foot declined 1.3% to $388, confirming what many buyers felt all year: sellers no longer controlled the conversation the way they once did. Homes sold for an average of 95.5% of original list price, down 1.3% from 2024. Price... 01/08/2026

What's in the December 2025 Bend Premier Newsletter?Our latest newsletter has winter and holidays articles on the following topics: Buyer Activity Picks Up as New Listings Fall Layered Peppermint Hot Chocolate Jar Holiday Electrical Safety: Preventing Overloaded Outlets and Fire hazards Chush Falls in Winter is Beautiful Your Roadmap to Homeownership Original blog can be read at Bend Premier Real Estate's website. 12/10/2025

Buyer Activity Picks Up as New Listings Fall Sharply November brought a shift in the Bend real estate market: strong buyer interest paired with a significant drop in new listings. Pending sales saw a sizable jump from one year ago, even though closed sales held flat and overall pricing trended slightly lower. With fewer homes hitting the market, buyers had to act quickly on the most desirable properties, while sellers benefited from motivated purchasers—even if final sale prices continued to come in below original asking. When comparing November 2025 with November 2024 for Bend single family home sales on less than an acre, the following changes can be noted: Median sales price down 2% to $697,500 Closed sales unchanged at 124 Pending sales up 30.7% to 132 New listings down 22.8% to 95... 12/09/2025

Why This Hike Tops the List If you're looking for a high-country hike near Bend that delivers big rewards, the Todd Lake to No Name Lake route is hard to beat. It's a staple for locals and a must-do for hikers visiting Central Oregon. Clear views, striking geology, and a turquoise lake tucked under Broken Top's cliffs—this trail earns every bit of its reputation. Trailhead: What to Know Before You Go Todd Lake is the gateway to the high country and a gentle start to an otherwise rugged hike. Summer permits are required, and parking fills up early—no sense pretending luck will save you. Get there ahead of the crowd and you'll have a smoother day. The hike begins with calm lakeside views, but you'll leave the easy terrain behind quickly. Plan for a steady climb and pack more water than y... 11/18/2025

A Cooler Fall Market Emerges for Bend Home Sales October brought signs that the Bend real estate market is continuing to find balance as the year winds down. While closed sales and overall sold volume rose modestly from a year ago, several key indicators—such as new listings, pending sales, and median home price—show the market is cooling after a busy late-summer season. With homes taking longer to sell and buyers showing more caution, Bend's fall housing market reflects a shift toward more normal seasonal behavior after several years of atypical trends. When comparing October 2025 to October 2024 for Bend single family home sales on less than an acre, the following changes can be noted: Median sales price down 3.1% to $770,000 Closed sales up 7.9% to 163 Pending sales down 7.6% to 133... 11/07/2025

As the holidays approach, many Bend homeowners find themselves asking the same question: Should I list my home now or wait until after the New Year?The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are compelling reasons to consider making your move before the year ends.Why Selling Before the Holidays Can Work in Your Favor Motivated Buyers Are Still LookingNot everyone slows down for the season. Many buyers in Bend are relocating for work, making year-end moves to take advantage of tax benefits, or finally finding time to focus on their home search during the holidays. These buyers are serious—and they're often ready to make strong offers. Less Competition Means More AttentionInventory in Central Oregon typically dips during November and December. Fewer listings mean your hom... 11/06/2025

Don't be scared of a tough listing — sometimes the biggest fright hides the brightest opportunity.Every agent has that one listing that gives them chills. You know the type — the one that lingers on the market while others fly off the shelf, the one buyers love online but vanish after the showing. For one Bend agent, it felt like the house itself was haunted.A Spooky ReputationPerched on a quiet, tree-lined street, the craftsman looked perfect from the curb. But once inside, visitors whispered that "something felt off." Lights flickered during showings. The air felt drafty. Doors creaked when no one was near them. Word spread quickly — the house was haunted!Before long, even seasoned buyers hesitated to schedule tours. The seller was frustrated, the listing grew stale, and the agent beg... 10/31/2025

Click Here to see the Q3 Market Trends for Bend Real Estate and Redmond Real Estate, as well as the Q3 real estate trends in Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, Powell Butte, and Black Butte Ranch. In Q3 2025, the Bend Oregon Real Estate market and surrounding communities experienced a change when mortgage interest rates dropped in late summer. This enabled many Buyers who had been on the fence to finally make offers when their financed purchase became more affordable. Sellers who hadn't sold during the peak summer selling season were more inclined to consider below asking offers and to negotiate repairs. The number of active listings grew in all markets but Redmond, days on market increased in all markets but Redmond, and prices were up or down depending on the city. There ... 10/16/2025

What's in the October 2025 Bend Premier Newsletter?Our latest newsletter has some great articles containing information on the following topics: Lower Mortgage Rates are Making a Difference Pumpkin Pancakes Get Spooky While Saving: Budget-Friendly Halloween Decor Ideas Carl Lake is a Little Known Hike 3 Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home Today   10/08/2025

Lower Mortgage Interest Rates Are Making a Difference for Bend Home Sales For many Bend real estate brokers, the first half of 2025 had mixed sales results. Home prices moderated, and inventory levels increased. With more homes on the market, buyers had more choices. However, high mortgage interest rates kept many would-be home buyers off the market. Home sales proceeded through the summer at a relatively lower pace than was typical for Central Oregon. However, the market changed in September. In the beginning of September, mortgage rates dropped below 6.5%. This coupled with more motivation from sellers in accepting buyer's terms and prices resulted in an increase in pending sales, an increase in closed sales, and a lowering of original sales price. This is great news for Bend home bu... 10/07/2025

The Hike to Carl Lake is Little Known Many in Central Oregon know of the hike to Three Fingered Jack via Canyon Meadow. This trailhead to this hike is accessed from Jack Lake which is at the end of Forest Service Road 1234 in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. Forest Service Road 1234 splits off Forest Service Road 1230 roughly two miles off paved Jack Lake Road. If instead of turning on 1234 to the Jack Lake Trailhead, people wanting a different experience can continue on 1230 for seven miles to reach the Cabot Lake (Carl Lake) trailhead (the last two miles of this road is rough).  The first mile and a half of this hike is through the recovering burned forest of the B & B complex fire of 2003, but after that, the hike is in old growth forest. Two miles in the trail passes an overgrown and u... 10/03/2025

Take the Climbers' Trail to Reach Hayden GlacierFor Central Oregon hikers looking for something different that does not require a paid permit, the climbers' trail on Middle Sister is well worth it. Most hikers would start in the burned forest at the Pole Creek Trailhead located off forest service road 15 outside of Sisters (the parking at the trailhead requires $5 payment or a forest pass). After hiking the trail to the junction with Green Lakes Trail 17, trekkers continue on Trail 17 toward Park Meadow. Shortly after crossing Soap Creek is the junction with Camp Lake which hikers should take to reach the unmarked junction with the Climbers' Trail. If hikers miss this trail, it loops with another section of the Camp Lake trail near one of the branches of Wychus Creek which hikers to Cam... 09/22/2025

What's in the September 2025 Bend Premier Newsletter?Our latest newsletter has great articles on Bend home sales, a fun fall recipe, a great fall hike in Central Oregon, information on a fall home improvement project and what concessions are. It's a Mixed Market for Bend Home Sales Butternut Squash Soup Why September is the Best Month to Paint Your Home's Exterior Jefferson Park Has Had 2 Fires in 8 Years What You Need to Know About Concessions Original article can be read at Bend Premier Real Estate. 09/10/2025

Its a Mixed Market for Bend Home SalesAugust is usually a month where home buyers with young children close their purchases and get settled before school starts. It is also a month in which sellers who didn't sell their properties during the peak summer selling season consider their next options. Often, for those who really need to sell, lowering the asking price can be the answer. For others, taking their property off the market may make more sense. However, in 2025, the August Bend home sales reflected a mixed market with prices up, closings up, inventory up and days on market up.When August 2025 is compared with August 2024, the following changes can be noted for Bend single family home sales on less than an acre: Median sales price up 8.3% to $768,913 Closed sales up 8.2% to 172 New... 09/09/2025