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Is Buying a Smaller Home in a Prime Location Smarter Than a Big One Farther Out?
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

Greg Powell
5 days ago2 min read
Is the 2025 Rental Market Favoring Long-Term Leases or Mid-Term Stays?
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

Greg Powell
7 days ago3 min read
Are HOAs Getting Stricter About Short-Term Rentals in 2025?
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

Greg Powell
Oct 93 min read
Is It Worth Offering Buyers Closing-Cost Help to Stand Out in 2025?
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

Greg Powell
Oct 83 min read
Can I Still Get Seller Credits to Help Lower My Interest Rate?
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

Greg Powell
Oct 73 min read
Can I Buy a House That’s Already Set Up for Solar + Battery Storage and Get Tax Credits?
With energy costs rising and more buyers seeking sustainable living, homes with solar panels and battery storage are becoming highly...

Greg Powell
Sep 172 min read
How Do I Know if a Neighborhood Is About to Gentrify or Lose Value?
Buying in the right neighborhood can be the difference between building wealth and losing equity. Whether you’re purchasing in Bend,...

Greg Powell
Sep 172 min read


Is It Better to Wait Until There’s More Inventory, or Sell Now While Competition Is Low?
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,...

Greg Powell
Sep 162 min read


What’s the Hottest Property Type for Long-Term Wealth Right Now — Multi-Family, Single-Family, or Mixed-Use?
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,...

Greg Powell
Sep 152 min read


How Do I Find Homes That Never Hit the Market?
If you’ve been home shopping in Central Oregon (Bend, Redmond, Prineville), you’ve probably noticed that the best homes seem to get...

Greg Powell
Sep 142 min read


What Red Flags Should I Look for in a Listing Description?
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...

Greg Powell
Sep 123 min read


Are Build-to-Rent Communities Better Investments Than Single-Family Homes?
Real estate investors in 2025 have more choices than ever — and one of the hottest trends is build-to-rent (BTR) communities . These are...

Greg Powell
Sep 112 min read


Would a Pre-Inspection Help Me Sell Faster?
When preparing to sell your home in Central Oregon , one question often comes up: “Should I get a pre-inspection before I list?” While...

Greg Powell
Sep 102 min read


Is It Smarter to Buy Near New Transit Projects or in Quieter, Established Areas?
When shopping for a home, one of the most important questions you can ask is: What will this neighborhood look like in 5–10 years? With...

Greg Powell
Sep 92 min read


Can I Trust Zillow’s Estimate, or Is It Complete Nonsense?
Zillow’s “Zestimate” has become one of the most Googled numbers for homeowners and buyers. It’s quick, free, and always just a click away...

Greg Powell
Sep 92 min read


Do Buyers Care More About the Kitchen or the Smell of My House?
If you’re prepping your home for sale, you probably already know the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to buyers. But here’s...

Greg Powell
Sep 82 min read


Is Buying a Home Still Part of the “American Dream,” or Just a Trap?
For decades, buying a home has been considered a cornerstone of the American Dream —a symbol of stability, success, and financial...

Greg Powell
Sep 72 min read


Is Waiving the Inspection Ever Actually a Good Idea, or Just Reckless?
When the Central Oregon housing market heats up, buyers sometimes consider bold moves to stand out—like waiving the home inspection . But...

Greg Powell
Sep 52 min read


What’s the Worst Thing I Could Do During a Showing That Would Tank My Sale?
Selling your home is about more than price and photos—it’s also about the impression you leave during showings. In today’s Central Oregon...

Greg Powell
Sep 52 min read


Can I Actually Get Rich from Rental Properties, or Is That Instagram Hype?
Scroll through Instagram or TikTok and you’ll find endless real estate “gurus” claiming you can retire early just by buying a couple of...

Greg Powell
Sep 43 min read
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