Bend, Oregon for sale!

I'm sure you have read about us or have seen us featured in national news stories in the past. Donald Trump even mentioned us! You know, one of the best small towns to live in, the next Aspen, Vail, Sun Valley..... Somebody must have because they came in droves, Bend's population went from 52,000 in 2000 to 78,000 in 2008. Impressive, I know. As you all know when demand outweighs the supply prices rise, and they did. Along with the buyers came the builders, and they built. It's a story not uncommon to most destination locations with so much to offer the boomers.

Then it happened, the economy tanked, consumer confidence disappeared overnight and the boom was over. The people have slowed to a trickle, the builders have gone bankrupt and the housing market is beginning to drown in short sales and foreclosures.

Like all business that face tough economic times and slumping sales, they have a sale. We are not "going out of business", just slashing prices!

So come check Bend, Oregon out, kick the tires, take us for a test drive or better yet load up the family we've got room!

Troy Batson ~ A licensed Central Oregon Real Estate Broker ~ Duke Warner Realty ~ Bend ~ troybatson.com

Bend, Oregon Home Pricing

What makes one home sale go quickly while other homes linger on the market for months? The answer is usually price. Determining a home's worth in Central Oregon is a tough question these days. For many, it is difficult to reconcile what their home is worth today versus what it was valued at one year ago.  Deciding on the right price from the beginning is one of the most crucial aspects for an expedient home sale.

Popular wisdom says that the first 21 days of a listing are the most important, and interest begins to fall off after that time period. This is why it is important for homeowners to do their homework and enlist the help of a qualified real estate agent. Pricing a home right from the start is better than having to reduce the price later. Not to mention, there is cost and frustration incurred when a home remains on the market month after month.

Begin by looking at comparable sales in the neighborhood, keeping in mind physical barriers that may affect price. For instance, proximity to busy streets or parkways, school district lines and local amenities can all impact the price of houses in the same neighborhood or even on the same street. Pay attention to how long houses in the neighborhood stayed on the market. Determine why some houses sold faster than others. Was it location? Was it the condition of the home? Most likely it was the price.

As a homeowner begins to prepare for selling, they should ask a qualified real estate agent to prepare a Comparative Market Analysis, known as a CMA. This will give the seller detailed information about the local real estate market, as well as outline marketing strategies and selling price recommendations.

Home prices in Central Oregon have been tumbling because of foreclosures and short sales. These properties have affected certain areas more than others.  If you have these types of properties in your neighborhood you will have to adjust your price accordingly.

With the historically low mortgage interest rates, it is a good time to buy a home. However, the poor economy is causing most Oregonians to be cautious with their money. This means there are fewer buyers out there for more homes. Sellers have to be aggressive and willing to be realistic about what their home is worth in the current market.

In these tough economic times, everybody is looking for a deal. That is why price is the most important component in a quick home sale.  The good news is homes are selling, if you are realistic yours will too.

Troy Batson is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Oregon.  Duke Warner Realty ~ Bend troybatson.com

Welcome to my Central Oregon Real Estate Blog

I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year.  My year has started with an engagement to my beautiful fiance, Nichole and a transfer to Duke Warner Realty in Bend, Oregon.  Both are significant changes and I look forward to the exciting times ahead! The move to Duke Warner Realty has better positioned myself in the Central Oregon Real Estate Market.

The Central Oregon Real Estate Market is starting to show signs of improvement.  While our market is saturated with short sales and bank owned properties there has been a nice bump in home sales and pending home sales this month. If this continues along with the slow down in building we can cut into our bloated inventory and hopefully see home price stabilization.

Another factor that is effecting the market in a positive fashion is the historically low mortgage rates that are now available to those with good credit.  If these rates remain low, with all indication pointing in that direction, and credit markets are restored financing a new home could not be better.

There are some great deals out there.  The time to jump in is now. If you are looking for a new home or an investment property I know there is a deal to be made.  Don't wait for the prices to plateau then rise, by then competition will be increased and the bargains will be gone.

My outlook for 2009 is optimistically hopeful.  I will continue to remain positive and hope that you do as well.

Troy

P.S.  If you or someone you know is interested in the Central Oregon Real Estate Market please contact me at:

Troy Batson - Broker

Duke Warner Realty

1033 NW  Newport Ave.

Bend, OR 97701

541.382.8262 - Office

541.678.3725 - Cell

troybatson@dukewarner.com

www.troybatson.com