Dog Days of Summer

“Dog days of summer” in Bend . . .  images of pet parades through downtown, hotdogs and small town wood bat baseball (The Elks) at Vince Genna stadium, floating the Deschutes on a hot afternoon, a frosty IPA at Cascade Lakes Brewery, or a quick, uncrowded nine at Pronghorn

. . . in short, the good life.

This summer, it feels like lots of folks are after that good life . . . the lines at the roundabouts are longer, there are an inordinate number of California and Washington plates in town, reservations are required at many of the popular eating establishments, there are no rental cars available, and all hotels are booked each weekend. I guess you could say that it’s a summer of change. Our town is growing up.

250 Sales in Bend

The Bend real estate market performance continued to dispel any rumors of another “bubble.” 250 sales . . . a good solid number (and a far cry from just five years ago). In-migration continued at a near record rate, unemployment figures and interest rates remained low, new construction flourished.

Granted, inventory remained tight (just 2.7 months overall) and the higher end market remained a bit sluggish. Of course, we continued to see struggles for those seeking affordable housing.

High End Bend

The most expensive home sold in Bend last month was a spectacular LEED certified plan in Tetherow. It offered a wonderful melding of mid-century modern and NW rustic. The four bedroom, three bath, 4193 square foot home sold for $1,877,566 or $478 per square foot.

The design boasted a spacious great room, a serene sitting room with a causal built-in desk, and a roof top deck with magnificent Cascade views.

Bend’s Median . . . $363,000

The median price in Bend has hovered in the same range for the last few months. For $363,000 one could expect to find a home like this charming 3/1, 900 square foot westside mill home in a cool area of other dinky lots. The home, at $402 per square foot offered lots of character and an unfinished basement.

It feature a fenced back yard with mature trees and an detached alley-accessed garage.

One block to the Deschutes River; only steps to the Riverside Market.

Affordable Bend

I suppose some would call it an oxymoron . . . “affordable Bend.” Regardless, the low end leader for the month was a 4/2.5, 1812 square foot home that sold for $175,000. Certainly a “fixer”  . . . not exactly your green lawn and picket fence; but quite a bargain at just $97/square foot.

The home, on a 1/3 acre lot,  backed to Boyd Park on Bend’s NE side. It was built in 1995

Significant Sales in Bend

Again, these sales were notable only because we made them; it was a good month!

The best new townhome (overlooking the pond) at Painted Ridge in Broken Top at $779,950.

A clean manufactured home and outbuildings on an acre in wonderful setting in La Pine at $167,500.

A classic little cabin (2,1, 960 square feet) on the Deschutes at $360,000.

A watercolor of the above mentioned contemporary home in Tetherow at $1,877,566.

Bend Real Estate . . . Looking Forward

The seemingly nonstop in-migration and increased tourist activity continue to drive things higher. Pending sales (263) continued to rock, and building permits were issued at a record pace. There’s talk that the election will have an impact . . . but who knows what? Until then, we’ve still got some strong months in front of us.