Mortgage rate buydowns, adjustable-rate loans, upgrades and independent representation: what Central Oregon buyers should know before signing a builder's contract.
Buying a newly constructed home in Bend or elsewhere in Central Oregon can be appealing. Modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, attractive finishes and the opportunity to move into a home that has never been occupied are compelling advantages. And in today's housing market, builders may offer another incentive: financing packages designed to make the monthly payment more attractive.
But a lower advertised mortgage rate does not necessarily mean you're getting the best overall deal.
Before purchasing a new-construction home, buyers should understand how builder incentives work, what can be...
Not all luxury homes sell at the same pace. In Bend's high-end market, some properties generate strong interest almost immediately. Showings are scheduled quickly, buyers engage, and offers often follow within a relatively short period of time. Meanwhile, other luxury homes can remain available for months despite impressive features, desirable locations, and significant marketing exposure. The difference is rarely explained by a single factor. Today's luxury buyers are thoughtful, selective, and increasingly focused on value, lifestyle alignment, and overall experience. Understanding what drives their decisions ca...
Luxury buyers in Bend are still active—but the way they evaluate homes has changed considerably over the past several years. A short time ago, demand often centered around urgency. Inventory was limited, competition was intense, and many buyers were willing to move quickly simply to secure a property in Central Oregon. Today's
When a home hits the market in Bend, most sellers assume the process unfolds over weeks or even months. Showings build, interest develops, and eventually the right buyer appears.
That's not how it works anymore. In today's market, the first seven days carry disproportionate weight. This is when buyers are paying the closest attention, when new inventory is evaluated, and when a home either gains momentum—or misses it.
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,