Bend, with a population of over 70,000, is central Oregon’s largest city and is one of the state’s thriving urban hubs. Its mild climate that allows year-round recreation, its scenic setting in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and its growing economy have caused Bend to become the sixth-fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country.
Are you buying a home in Bend? Whether you are a new or experienced homebuyer, it is important to know the tricks of the trade.
 |
||
| Population 52,029 | Median Age 34.8 yrs | Household Size: 2.42 |
| Avg Commute: 15.4 min | Avg Income $40,857 | Avg Home Value: $145,500 |
| July High: 80.8°F | January Low: 22.6°F | |
Buying a Home in Bend
Bend basics
Bend is located on the high desert plateau of central Oregon in Deschutes County. In the 2000 census, the city had a population of 52,029 people. At an elevation of 3,629 feet, Bend has a cool, mild climate with winter temperatures usually ranging in the 30s and 40s and summer temperatures usually ranging in the 70s and 80s.
Due to the city’s climate and location, those buying a home in Bend will be able to enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. The rivers that run through Bend offer great kayaking, rafting, and fly fishing. The snow-covered mountains are great for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. For the daring, one of Bend’s relatively new activities is spelunking, or exploring underground caves. Bend also offers less extreme activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, biking and golf. In fact, Bend has 20 top-rated local golf courses.
Home buying basics
If you are serious about buying a home in Bend, be sure you know the common procedures and pitfalls you may encounter during the process. Below are a few tips to help you have a successful home buying experience.
Get your credit report.
It is advised to get your credit score before shopping for a home. A credit score is based on several different variables and ranges between 300 and 850, with higher numbers being better. A score above or near 700 is likely to get you approved for a variety of loans by lenders.
Choose a good real estate agent.
Buying a home in Bend can be a much easier process with the help of a real estate agent. One of the best ways to secure a good real estate agent is by talking to people you know who have worked with that particular agent. If that is not possible, you can look in your local real estate listings and find an agent who has been successful selling a variety of homes. Choose an agent who is professional, yet aggressive, and has your best interests in mind. Also, try to help out your real estate agent by giving him or her specifics such as, how much you are willing to spend on a home, what style and size of home you are looking for, which neighborhoods you prefer, etc.
Remember there is always room for negotiation.
A large portion of home buying is simple negotiation. In a sense, the market sets the price of homes, not the seller. If you think the home is overpriced, don’t be afraid to offer less than the asking price.
Be patient.
Don’t rush into buying the first home that you like. Finding a real estate agent, choosing a home, and setting up financing can take several months. You need time to carefully evaluate all the homes on the market and see which one best fits into your budget and lifestyle. If you take the time to look at many different homes, you are more likely to get a better price on the home you finally decide on.
Go for it!
Once you decide what kind of home you’re looking for, obtain your credit score, and hire a trusted real estate agent, buying a home in Bend will be a breeze. With several different homes in a variety of styles, sizes, and prices, your next step will be packing the moving vans.
A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®