“Snowpocalypse” in January

If we got hammered in December in Bend, it was full on “Snowmageddon 2017” in January. Schools were closed for days on end; the roof of the old gym at Kenwood School collapsed (thankfully, no one inside); we lost the cherished (even I knew where everything was), though closed, Ray’s Food Market.

All the snow even seemed to spawn a new vocabulary, as terms like “ice dam”

and “snow rake”

and “ice melt” suddenly became meaningful members of the local vernacular.

On a positive note, ski conditions at Mt. Bachelor remained nothing short of epic.

January Figures

The weather did a number on real estate in Bend too. We saw the purchase of just 130 homes, with very few sales (30) over $500,000. A testament that it’s tough to look at homes when the streets make driving near impossible, and driveways behave more like skating rinks.

The median price rose a little to $370,000; “pended” sales likewise made a bit of a resurgence at 175 . . . perhaps a nod to the days ahead (grass, flowers, sunshine).

As in past months, the shortage of available inventory (just 326 homes on the market in Bend . . . the lowest total in over 4 years) inhibited sales numbers as well.

Notable Sale . . . $2,375,000

One very significant sale for us . . . a stellar way to start the new year! Our wonderful listing on 10 acres in The Highlands sold. The four bedroom, 4.5 bath, 6662 square foot northwest lodge style home went for $2,375,000.

Appropriately, the commission earned went towards the purchase of cool new ergonomic snow shovels as well as one of the fancy, aforementioned snow rakes!

Bargain Bend . . . $176,900

While, on the surface, a bargain, it seems there’s always something wrong  with each month’s low priced leader. This one was no exception.

The 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 1040 square foot house offered an “open” great room with a wood stove. It was conveniently located near the Old Mill and next to the parkway. In fact, so close to the latter, it actually abutted the sound wall.

The bank-owned home (one of only six in January) did feature a one-of-a-kind, custom wood garage door.  It closed in just 23 days at $170/square foot.

Bend’s Median . . . $370,000

Bend’s overall median price bumped a bit to $370,000. As an interesting aside, homes on Bend’s westside reached a scary $524,000 median price.

For the median price, if  lucky, one might find a home like this single level in a desirable neighborhood on Bend’s SE side.

Set amidst tall, old growth evergreens, this 3/2, 1476 square foot home sold for 104% of list price at $251/square foot. It received multiple offers.

High End Bend . . . $1,255,000

For once, the winner didn’t come from Shevlin Commons, Broken Top, or Awbrey Butte (our “notable” sale in The Highlands was not eligible as it sat on 10 acres) . . . the most expensive home purchased last month was a four bedroom, four bath, 4394 square foot northwest contemporary in The Reserve.

It backed to forested area and featured a great room plan that opened to a wonderful covered paver deck with firepit.

The home featured all the usual high end finishes; it attained an Earth Advantage platinum rating and sold for $279/square foot.

Going Forward

There are undoubtedly going to be some repercussions resulting from “Snowmageddon 2017.” There will certainly be folks unhappy with the length and intensity of this winter’s snowfall; some people will even make the decision to leave town.

Hot tip . . . I think I’m simply going to invest in a U-Haul franchise!

Sick of the snow? Tired of shoveling? Want to list your home? Click here