As we look ahead to 2026, home-buying priorities continue to shift. Based on widespread industry research — including insights from Zillow — one feature emerges as the clear frontrunner for what buyers will want most: resilience + sustainability integrated seamlessly into the home.  In other words, homes that are energy-efficient, climate-prepared, and tech-equipped will move from “nice to have” to “must-have”. Let’s break down what this means for the 2026 market, especially

The question on every homebuyer’s mind in 2025: Are home values rising faster than wages again? Unfortunately for many Americans — including those in Central Oregon — the answer is yes . Home prices have continued to climb at a faster pace than income, even as wage growth has ticked up modestly. In Bend, Redmond, and Prineville, this growing gap between what people earn and what homes cost is reshaping what “affordable housing” means and making it harder for new buyers to ent

In today’s competitive real estate market, many buyers feel like the only way to win a home in a desirable neighborhood is to bid thousands over asking . But what if you could still get into a great area without overpaying ? If you’re looking to buy in Central Oregon  — whether it’s Bend, Redmond, or Prineville — you’re not alone in wondering how to land the right home without blowing your budget. The good news? It’s possible, especially as the market continues to shift in 20

For many homeowners who locked in historically low interest rates (2 %–3 %) during the pandemic era, the idea of selling is complicated. Moving would mean giving up a major financial advantage: the low monthly payment tied to that low rate. But in 2025, many things have shifted — market conditions, personal needs, rates, equity — so the question is whether these “locked-in” homeowners are now starting to sell. Let’s dig in. Why 2-3% Rate Homes Have Been “Locked In” When inter

Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword anymore — it’s becoming a real factor in how homes are valued, marketed, and sold. In 2025, buyers are more conscious about sustainability, long-term costs, and carbon impact than ever before. That shift has made energy scores and green certifications more than just bragging rights — they can directly influence your resale value. What Are Energy Scores and Green Certifications? These are standardized ways to rate how efficiently a home

If you’re active in real estate in Central Oregon — in markets like Bend, Redmond, Sisters and the surrounding area — you’ve likely heard about tight inventory, rising rates, and green homes. But there’s one emerging trend that hasn’t yet grabbed headlines, and it could reshape how people buy, live in, and invest in property: the convergence of risk-resilience, smart home infrastructure, and sustainability premium . In short: homes are increasingly valued not just for locatio

Short answer: Yes — in 2025 renting is still cheaper than buying in the majority of U.S. metros , though the gap and the right decision for you depend on where you live, how long you’ll stay, and your financial picture. Below I explain the data, the math, and what this means for buyers and renters — with practical takeaways for people in Central Oregon (Bend / Redmond / Prineville) too. The big picture (what the recent studies say) Multiple 2025 analyses show renting is cheap

If you’re shopping for a home in Central Oregon  — from Bend to Redmond to Sisters — you’ve probably faced this dilemma: “Should I buy a smaller home in a great location, or a bigger house with more space a little farther out?” It’s a question of lifestyle, investment, and long-term value — and the “right” answer depends on what matters most to you. The Case for a Smaller Home in a Prime Location Buying smaller in a desirable neighborhood — close to amenities, schools, and em

The idea of a “dream home” has often meant a large house on a spacious lot, a white picket fence, a 3-car garage, and years of mortgage ahead. But as younger generations—Millennials and Gen Z—enter the housing market, especially in regions like Central Oregon (think Bend, Oregon, Redmond, Oregon, and the surrounding areas), the definition of “dream home” is shifting. Let’s explore how they’re redefining it, why it matters for buyers and sellers alike, and what it means for th

As more homeowners across Central Oregon  look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint — and their energy bills — the buzz around carbon-neutral homes  is growing fast. But while the concept sounds great on paper, many buyers wonder: Do carbon-neutral homes really save money long-term, or are they just a trendy upgrade? Let’s dive into what “carbon-neutral” really means, how these homes perform in our region’s climate, and whether the savings justify the investment.

Is the 2025 Rental Market Favoring Long-Term Leases or Mid-Term Stays? As the Central Oregon housing market evolves, so do rental strategies. Investors across Bend, Redmond, and Prineville are asking the same question in 2025: “Should I stick with traditional year-long leases, or pivot toward mid-term stays?” Let’s unpack what’s happening in today’s rental landscape — and what it means for property owners and investors in Central Oregon. Understanding the Difference Before di

The short-term rental (STR) landscape is changing fast — and not just because of city regulations. Across Central Oregon and beyond, homeowners associations (HOAs)  are stepping in with tighter restrictions, higher fines, and stricter oversight  on vacation rentals. If you’re an investor, homeowner, or potential buyer hoping to generate rental income, it’s crucial to understand how HOA policies are evolving in 2025 — especially in popular areas like Bend, Redmond, and Sisters

The housing market in 2025 continues to walk a fine line — with high mortgage rates , rising prices , and buyers tightening their budgets , sellers are getting creative to attract serious offers. One strategy gaining traction again? Offering buyers help with closing costs. But is it actually worth it — or just money left on the table? Let’s break down how this works, when it helps, and how to use it strategically. What Does “Closing-Cost Help” Mean? When a seller offers “clos

As mortgage rates remain higher than buyers were used to just a few years ago, many home shoppers across Central Oregon  — from Bend to Redmond to Sisters — are looking for creative ways to make homeownership more affordable. One of the best tools in the toolbox? Seller credits  (also known as seller concessions ). These can still help you buy down your mortgage rate , reduce upfront costs , and make your monthly payment far more manageable. Let’s break down how it works — an

With energy costs rising and more buyers seeking sustainable living, homes with solar panels and battery storage  are becoming highly...

Buying in the right neighborhood can be the difference between building wealth and losing equity. Whether you’re purchasing in Bend,...

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate in 2025, one of the biggest questions is where to put your money: multi-family units,...

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate in 2025, one of the biggest questions is where to put your money: multi-family units,...

If you’ve been home shopping in Central Oregon  (Bend, Redmond, Prineville), you’ve probably noticed that the best homes seem to get...

In today’s competitive real estate market, buyers have to act fast — but that doesn’t mean you should ignore warning signs in a listing...