Bend Population Growth Fastest in State

The population in Bend Oregon grew 2.9% from 2012 to 2013 according to census estimates recently released.  Bend's population is estimated to be 81,236 as of July 1, 2013 and it looks to continue if you look at the real estate market.

Another interesting statistic is that baby boomers no longer represent the largest segment of the population.  There are currently more 22 year olds in the United State than any other age.

The Bend real estate market is reflecting the growing population.  I'm finding there are more retired couples moving to Bend than in recent history.  This is putting a high demand on single level homes and homes with the master suite on the main level.

Prices of homes in Bend are also going up.  Prices last year went up approximately 12.9% and it looks like they are going up even more this year.  The cost of new construction has gone up close to 20% and there is shortage of moderately priced lots.

New home construction is booming once again.  One reason prices are going up is that there is a shortage on subcontractors available.  The cost of labor is going up as well as the cost of materials.

A client of mine is building a single level home in Awbrey Glen which is a very nice gated golf course community on the west side of Bend. It has a triple car garage and looks like it will be priced around $750,000.

I built a passive solar home last year and my builder tells me it would cost about 15% more to build it this year.   I paid $45,000 a few years ago for my lot and the lot 3 doors down just came on the market for $99,500 and I'm told it has a very good offer already.

So, once again the Bend is growing and our real estate prices are going up.  Now is the time to buy.  You know the old saying "you snooze you loose."  Give me a call, text or email and let me know how I can help you find your new home in Bend.

Awbrey Glen Market Update

The real estate market in Awbrey Glen is very limited as most of the lots have been built out.  There are a few lots still available.  To see lots that are currently for sale click on the following link.  Awbrey Glen Lots for sale. 

A client of mine is currently building a single level home on a half acre lot he will be selling it this fall.  To see homes currently for sale in Awbrey Glen click on the following link.  Awbrey Glen Homes for sale.

I have been selling quality homes in Bend Oregon since 1981.  Feel free to contact me with any of your real estate questions.  I specialize is the sale of quality homes.

Bend Oregon Passive Solar Homes

BEND OREGON PASSIVE SOLAR HOMES will become more and more popular as heating costs continue to rise.  There are many things to consider when building or buying a passive solar home.

Orientation to the sun, type of construction, solar mass, heating system, windows, style, heat recovery ventilation systems and landscaping are a few factors to consider.

My wife and I have lived in our passive solar home for less than a year as of this post but it is proving to be extremely efficient and very comfortable.  We installed a Trombe wall which is a large amount of solar mass inside the home sitting behind a windows that have high solar gain.

The temperature between the wall and the window reached 94 degrees this past December and the inside temperature reached 76 when we decided to open a few windows.  It's really nice to have fresh air coming into your home in the dead of winter!

For more information on our passive solar home click on the link in the first sentence.  Feel free to contact me with any questions about solar homes or Bend Oregon real estate in general.

Real Estate is Booming In Bend Oregon

Bend Oregon Real Estate is booming again.  Home prices are rising and the rental market is extremely tight.  Inventory of homes for sale is low and there is a shortage of affordable rentals.  A recent report by KTVZ, Bend's local TV station, was titled: C.O. rental crunch: The squeeze is on.

Property owners gain while others face hardships.  They reported the vacancy factor is around one half of one percent.  The working class is having a hard time finding affordable housing again.

Meanwhile the construction industry is back to full production.  Tracy Thompson owner of Tyee Development said construction costs, both labor and materials, are up 10 to 12 percent over last year.

Bank Foreclosures are almost none existent this year.  One reason for the lack of foreclosures is that prices are starting to catch up with owners property who were previously underwater.

To search the Central Oregon Multiple Listing Service click here.  Free MLS Real Estate Search.

Awbrey Glen Homes for Sale

 Awbrey Glen is an established neighborhood with a limited number of homes available.  Here's a link to Awbrey Glen Homes for Sale.  Retired buyers are always looking for single level homes with a triple car garage.  A client of mine is currently designing a single level home that will break ground in the spring of 2014.

Awbrey Glen is a gated golf course community located on the west side of Awbrey Butte and close to down town Bend Oregon.  Homes are built around an 18-hole championship Bunny Mason designed golf course. Be sure and check out the pro shop for sales on quality golf equipment and clothing.

The neighborhood features tennis courts, trout fishing lake, swimming pool and a nice resturant with good food.  The times I have eaten lunch there the service and food has been excellent.  During nice weather be sure and eat out side with a view of the golf course.

If you have interest in this home or any other Awbrey Glen homes contact Jim at Bend Oregon Real Estate Expert.  541-389-4511

Bend Oregon CRS

Jim Johnson is a Certified Residential Specialist and has been selling homes in Bend, Oregon since 1981.  Broker Referrals.  I am the owner and principal broker of Bend Oregon Real Estate Expert.  Whether you are a broker referring your clients to me, a buyer or seller, you will receive top professional service.

I raised my children here and now my grand children are enjoying the Bend schools and the great number of outdoor activities provided in Bend.  Feel free to contact me today about referrals or buying or selling a home in Bend.  Bend Oregon CRS

Northwest Crossing Is Booming

Northwest Crossing in Bend Oregon is a booming neighborhood.  A lottery for the NorthWest Crossing Phases 20 – 22 was in September with 42 of 52 lots available selected by 19 NWX Guild Builders that participated in the lottery. These are the last residential lots on the east side of Mt. Washington Drive. As a result, West Bend Property is currently seeking land use approval for a 175 lot tentative plan west of Mt. Washington Drive referred to as the Discovery Park area. Prior to any subdivision construction, major grading and compaction earthwork will be taking place.

Part of the new development is a 32 acre park which includes a 12 acre parcel that will be developed and will include a 3 acre pond.  The city of Bend Park and Recreation will eventually take over the park once it is developed.  This new neighborhood  will surely prove to be as attractive to buyers as the rest of Northwest Crossing has been.

West Bend Property LLC anticipates completing the earthwork and the first phase of residential lots (Phase 24) in spring/summer 2014. Phase 24 will include 53 lots varying in size from 4,500 square feet to over 9,000 square feet.

Stay tuned for more progress report for Northwest Crossing.