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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 emp

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