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Common ADU Design Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have exploded in popularity across Central Oregon — and for good reason. Whether you’re a Bend homeowner looking to generate rental income, build a guest suite, or create multigenerational housing, an ADU can dramatically boost both your property value and livability . But as more homeowners rush to build, many overlook key design details that can make or break their investment. From poor layouts to costly permitting mistakes, even small miss

Greg Powell
6 days ago4 min read
Renting Out Your ADU: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Strategies (2025 Guide for Central Oregon Homeowners)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are one of the smartest investments homeowners in Bend and Central Oregon can make right now. With rising housing demand and evolving ADU rules, these small secondary homes can serve as rental income generators , family spaces , or flexible living solutions . If you’re planning to rent your ADU, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go short-term (like Airbnb) or long-term (traditional tenant) . Both have major pros and cons —

Greg Powell
7 days ago4 min read
Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Building an ADU in Central Oregon
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming increasingly popular in Central Oregon. From Bend to Redmond and Sisters, homeowners are discovering the benefits of adding a flexible, self-contained living space to their property. Whether for multi-generational living, rental income, or home office space, ADUs offer tremendous value. However, building an ADU isn’t without its pitfalls. Many homeowners make costly mistakes that can lead to delays, extra expenses, or regulatory he

Greg Powell
Nov 113 min read
Multi-Generational Living in Central Oregon: Why ADUs Are Perfect for Family Flexibility
As Central Oregon continues to grow in popularity, families are rethinking how they live and interact under one roof. From Bend to Redmond and beyond, multi-generational living is becoming a practical and appealing solution for families who want to stay close while maintaining independence. One of the most flexible ways to achieve this is through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) . These small, self-contained living spaces on the same property as your main home are perfect for

Greg Powell
Nov 103 min read
Eco-Friendly ADUs: Sustainable Living in Central Oregon
In Central Oregon, sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s a way of life. Between the region’s outdoor culture, energy-conscious homeowners, and evolving building codes, more residents are turning to eco-friendly Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a way to live lighter, smarter, and more efficiently. Whether you’re building an ADU for family , rental income , or long-term investment , designing with sustainability in mind can help you save money, reduce environmental impact

Greg Powell
Nov 94 min read
How Much Does It Really Cost to Build an ADU in Central Oregon (2025 Edition)
If you’re considering adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property in Central Oregon, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How much is this going to cost? ” The truth: there’s no fixed number. Costs vary widely depending on the type of ADU, lot conditions, finish level, and location (city vs rural). But in 2025, with updated rules and strong demand in the Bend & Deschutes County region, you can better estimate and plan your project. In this post, we’ll break

Greg Powell
Nov 75 min read
How to Finance an ADU in 2025: Loans, Grants & Creative Funding Options
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Central Oregon is one of the smartest ways to increase property value, generate rental income, and create flexible living space. But before breaking ground, most homeowners face the same question — how do you actually pay for it? In 2025, financing options for ADUs have expanded significantly, thanks to updated state housing initiatives, creative lending programs, and increased local support from Oregon banks. Here’s a breakdown of

Greg Powell
Nov 64 min read
The ADU Advantage in Central Oregon: Why More Homeowners Are Building Smart in 2025
As Central Oregon’s population keeps growing and housing affordability remains a challenge, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have emerged as one of the smartest ways for homeowners to add value, flexibility, and financial security. Whether it’s a backyard cottage in Bend, a converted garage in Redmond, or a small rental unit in Sisters, ADUs are transforming how Central Oregonians think about homeownership. In 2025, new state and local laws are making it even easier to build

Greg Powell
Nov 54 min read
How Oregon’s Housing Legislation Is Shaping ADU Opportunities in 2025
Oregon continues to lead the nation in progressive housing reform — and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative years yet. Across the state, lawmakers and local governments are making it easier for homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as part of a broader effort to address housing shortages, promote affordability, and encourage smarter land use. For Central Oregon homeowners — particularly those in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and unincorporated Des

Greg Powell
Nov 55 min read
ADU, Guest House, or Home Addition? Which One Fits Your Property Best
As Central Oregon’s population continues to grow and housing costs rise, more homeowners are exploring creative ways to make the most of their properties. Whether your goal is to add income potential, make space for family, or simply boost resale value, three main options come up again and again: building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) , a guest house , or a home addition . While these structures may look similar from the outside, they serve very different purposes — and ar

Greg Powell
Nov 54 min read
Deschutes County vs. City of Bend: Understanding the Differences in ADU Rules (2025 Update)
If you own property in Central Oregon , you’ve likely noticed a growing buzz around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These small, secondary homes — often built as backyard cottages, garage conversions, or standalone rentals — have become one of the most popular ways to expand housing options across the region. But before you start planning your ADU project, it’s crucial to know that rules differ dramatically depending on whether your property is inside the City of Bend or i

Greg Powell
Nov 54 min read
Navigating the ADU Permit Process in Bend and Deschutes County
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Central Oregon can be an incredible way to add value, flexibility, or rental income to your property. But before you break ground, there’s one crucial step that can make or break your project — the permit process . Whether your property is inside the City of Bend or in unincorporated Deschutes County , understanding the rules, paperwork, and approval timelines can save you months of delays and thousands in unexpected costs. Here’s

Greg Powell
Nov 54 min read
The New ADU Rules in Bend: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2025
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become one of the most popular ways for Bend homeowners to add space, flexibility, and value to their properties. Whether you’re thinking about housing a family member, generating passive income, or planning for multi-generational living, ADUs are at the center of Bend’s evolving housing strategy. In 2025, the City of Bend updated its ADU legislation to make the process smoother, faster, and more affordable. These changes align with Orego

Greg Powell
Nov 43 min read
Do Buyers Still Care About Curb Appeal as Much as Interior Upgrades in 2025?
When it comes to selling your home, everyone knows first impressions matter — but in 2025, many sellers are wondering: Do buyers still care about curb appeal as much as interior upgrades? With social media, online listings, and virtual tours driving most first impressions today, the balance between exterior and interior presentation has shifted — but not as much as you might think. Especially in competitive markets like Bend, Redmond, and Prineville , curb appeal still plays

Greg Powell
Nov 33 min read
Are Homes Finally Becoming Affordable Again, or Is That Wishful Thinking?
When you hear headlines about the housing market “cooling” or “buyers getting more choices,” it’s natural to wonder: Does that mean homes are becoming affordable again? The short answer: Not quite—affordability is very slowly improving in some places, but for most buyers it’s still a major challenge. Let’s dig into what the data says, what’s happening regionally (including Central Oregon), and whether now might be a good time to buy—or whether you still need to wait and stra

Greg Powell
Nov 24 min read
Is Land Ownership the Next Big Wealth Strategy?
For years, “real estate investing” has meant houses, condos, or apartment buildings. But in 2025, something interesting is happening: land itself—undeveloped, raw, and often overlooked—is becoming a serious wealth play again. With rising property costs, limited housing supply, and new infrastructure growth, many investors and homeowners alike are asking: Is land ownership the next big wealth strategy? Let’s unpack the trend. Why Land Is Back in the Spotlight A decade ago, buy

Greg Powell
Nov 14 min read
How Are Builders Adapting to Stricter Green Regulations in 2025?
As energy codes tighten and environmental standards rise across the U.S., homebuilders are navigating a changing landscape. New regulations are pushing them to build more efficiently, sustainably, and with forethought for the future. Here’s a deep dive into how builders are adapting — and what it means for you if you’re buying, selling, or investing in markets like Central Oregon. Why the Shift Toward Stricter Green Regulations? Several forces are driving the change: More jur

Greg Powell
Oct 314 min read
Is Smart-Home Tech Actually Increasing Resale Value?
Smart-home technology — things like smart thermostats, automated lighting, security systems, connected appliances and home automation hubs — is everywhere these days. But when it comes to real estate resale value , does it truly pay off? If you’re buying, selling, or investing in a place like Bend, Redmond or the Central Oregon region, here’s what you need to know. What the Research Says Various industry analyses suggest homes with smart-home features can command a 3 %–5% hig

Greg Powell
Oct 304 min read
Is the Housing Shortage Easing Up — or Are We Still Way Behind on Supply?
The idea of a “housing shortage” has dominated headlines for years. But in 2025, one key question for buyers, sellers and investors is: Are we finally closing the gap — or is the supply deficit still worsening? The short answer: yes, the shortage persists — in fact, in many places it’s still deepening — and we’re not yet “back to normal” in terms of supply. Let’s dive into what the data says, what the implications are, and how this plays out in markets like Central Oregon (B

Greg Powell
Oct 294 min read
Are People Moving Back to Cities Now That Hybrid Work Is the Norm?
The pandemic reshaped how and where people work, and in turn, how they live. With hybrid work (part-remote / part-office) now firmly established, it’s natural to ask: Are people moving back to cities, or is the shift away from urban cores here to stay? The answer is nuanced. Yes, some are returning to city living, but many are not , and the trend varies by metro, job type, and lifestyle. Let’s break it down and explore what this means for housing markets — especially places

Greg Powell
Oct 284 min read
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