Buying a Home in Bend, Oregon: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

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Buying a home in Bend involves more than finding a property with mountain views or easy access to trails. Buyers must compare neighborhoods, property types, insurance, wildfire exposure, winter access, HOA restrictions, taxes, repair needs, and current market conditions before making an offer.

Bend remains an expensive housing market by Oregon standards. Over the three months ending May 2026, the city’s median sale price was approximately $704,000, down 6.4% from the same period a year earlier. The price movement does not mean every neighborhood or property type changed equally, but it shows why buyers need current, property-level information rather than relying on older market headlines.

The process also differs depending on the buyer. A first-time purchaser comparing townhomes has different financing and maintenance concerns than a retiree seeking a single-level home, a family reviewing school boundaries, or a luxury buyer purchasing in a golf community.

This Bend Oregon home buying guide explains the complete process from setting a budget to receiving possession. It is intended for local buyers, relocating households, first-time homeowners, retirees, investors, luxury buyers, and people purchasing a second home.

This guide provides general real estate information. Financing, inspection, tax, insurance, zoning, and legal decisions should be reviewed with qualified professionals familiar with the specific property.

Quick Answer

Buying a home in Bend begins with four decisions: how the property will be used, how much the household can comfortably spend, which parts of Bend fit the daily routine, and what risks require additional investigation.

The standard process includes mortgage preapproval, property search, offer preparation, inspections, insurance review, appraisal, financing approval, final walkthrough, and closing. The timeline may take several weeks for a completed resale home and much longer for new or custom construction.

Current Bend conditions provide opportunities for prepared buyers, but the market is not uniformly favorable. Well-priced homes in desirable locations can still attract fast interest, while overpriced, unusual, or higher-maintenance properties may provide more room for negotiation.

Is Bend a Good Place to Buy a Home?

Bend can be a strong place to buy for households that value:

• Outdoor recreation
• Mountain access
• Parks and trails
• Golf
• A smaller regional city
• Remote-work lifestyle
• Central Oregon scenery
• Long-term community plans

The main tradeoffs include:

• High housing prices
• Limited entry-level inventory
• Wildfire and insurance considerations
• Winter driving
• Seasonal smoke
• Tourism traffic
• Higher costs in premium neighborhoods
• Limited public transportation compared with larger cities

A buyer should evaluate Bend as a year-round place to live rather than only as a vacation destination.

Is Bend a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

Bend currently shows characteristics of a more balanced and selective market rather than a market controlled entirely by buyers or sellers.

Prices were lower year over year during the three-month period ending May 2026, but homes continued to sell and desirable properties remained competitive. Buyers may have greater leverage on listings that have been available longer, experienced reductions, need repairs, or appeal to a smaller group.

Market strength also varies by price range. Entry-level detached homes may attract more buyers than high-priced luxury homes, while unique acreage and golf properties can require specialized pricing.

How Much Money Do Buyers Need?

The required cash depends on the loan, purchase price, closing costs, inspection expenses, property condition, and reserves.

A buyer may need funds for:

• Down payment
• Earnest money
• Inspection
• Appraisal
• Closing costs
• Prepaid property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA charges
• Moving
• Immediate repairs
• Emergency reserves

A buyer should not use every available dollar at closing. Bend ownership may also require wildfire work, winter equipment, landscaping, air filtration, irrigation repairs, or higher-than-expected insurance premiums.

How Long Does the Process Take?

A financed resale purchase commonly moves from accepted offer to closing within several weeks, but timing depends on:

• Financing
• Appraisal
• Inspections
• Negotiations
• Title review
• Insurance
• Seller schedule
• Property condition
• HOA documents

New construction, rural properties, custom homes, and complex transactions may take longer.

Step 1 — Define Your Buying Goals

Before reviewing listings, determine what role the home will play in your life. The property’s purpose affects financing, location, inspections, taxes, insurance, and resale planning.

Primary Residence

A primary residence should support the household’s regular routine.

Review:

• Work commute
• Grocery access
• Healthcare
• Schools
• Parks
• Noise
• Winter travel
• Storage
• Long-term maintenance

A scenic property may not be practical when it creates difficult daily travel.

Family Home

Families should evaluate:

• Bedroom layout
• School boundaries
• Childcare
• Yard space
• Street safety
• Parks
• Sports facilities
• Future household growth
• Medical access

School information should be verified with the district rather than relying only on listing portals.

Retirement Home

A retirement property should support both current activity and future mobility.

Useful features may include:

• Single-level layout
• Step-free access
• Main-floor laundry
• Low-maintenance yard
• Nearby healthcare
• Walk-in shower
• Attached garage
• Manageable driveway
• Proximity to recreation and social activities

A steep view lot or large home may become difficult to maintain later.

Second Home

Second-home buyers should consider:

• Vacancy periods
• Property management
• Winterization
• Insurance
• Security
• HOA rules
• Guest use
• Travel time
• Maintenance access

Financing and insurance for a second home may differ from a primary residence.

Investment Property

An investment purchase requires analysis of:

• Long-term rent
• Operating expenses
• Vacancy
• Repairs
• Property management
• Local rental rules
• HOA restrictions
• Taxes
• Insurance
• Resale value

Short-term rental eligibility should be confirmed before making an offer. Bend requires permits and operating licenses, and some whole-house rentals in residential areas are subject to a 500-foot density buffer. A future owner may need to reapply under the rules in effect at that time.

Luxury or Golf Property

Luxury and golf-community buyers should evaluate:

• Club membership
• HOA dues
• Resort fees
• Specialized inspections
• Landscaping
• Custom systems
• Replacement cost
• Longer resale time
• Limited comparable sales
• Property-management needs

The purchase price is only one part of the ownership cost.

Step 2 — Set a Complete Housing Budget

A mortgage calculator does not show the complete cost of owning a Bend home.

The budget should include purchase expenses, monthly payments, maintenance, insurance, utilities, transportation, and property-specific obligations.

Purchase Price

Set a target price that allows room for closing costs, repairs, and reserves.

A lender may approve more than the household wants to spend. Approval should not replace personal budgeting.

Down Payment

Down-payment requirements vary by loan program, property type, occupancy, credit, and lender.

A larger down payment may:

• Reduce the loan balance
• Lower monthly payments
• Improve offer strength
• Reduce mortgage insurance
• Preserve appraisal flexibility

However, buyers should avoid putting so much down that they lack emergency savings.

Closing Costs

Closing expenses may include:

• Lender fees
• Appraisal
• Title services
• Escrow
• Prepaid insurance
• Property-tax reserves
• Recording
• Discount points
• HOA charges

The lender should provide an estimate early in the process.

Property Taxes

Bend property taxes are based on taxable assessed value and local taxing districts, not simply on purchase price.

Review the exact Deschutes County record and current tax statement. The county assessor maintains property assessment information, while tax statements can be accessed through county resources.

Insurance

Insurance cost depends on:

• Location
• Replacement value
• Roof condition
• Wildfire exposure
• Construction type
• Claims history
• Rental use
• Secondary-home use
• Outbuildings

Obtain an address-specific quote during the contingency period.

HOA and Club Fees

A property may have:

• Master association dues
• Neighborhood dues
• Condo fees
• Club membership
• Resort charges
• Transfer fees
• Special assessments

These costs are separate from property taxes.

Utilities and Maintenance

Budget for:

• Electricity
• Gas or propane
• Water
• Sewer
• Garbage
• Internet
• Irrigation
• Landscaping
• Snow removal
• HVAC servicing
• Roof and gutter care

Rural properties may require well, septic, road, fencing, and land maintenance.

Emergency Reserve

Maintain funds for unexpected costs such as:

• Heating failure
• Roof leak
• Insurance deductible
• Tree removal
• Sewer repair
• Well pump
• Septic work
• Appliance replacement
• Wildfire mitigation

Step 3 — Get Mortgage Preapproval

Preapproval should happen before serious home shopping. It helps the buyer establish a realistic price range and shows sellers that financing has been reviewed.

Prequalification vs Preapproval

Prequalification is often based on basic information supplied by the buyer.

Preapproval usually involves a more detailed review of:

• Income
• Credit
• Assets
• Debts
• Employment
• Documentation

A preapproval is generally more useful when making an offer.

Required Documents

A lender may request:

• Pay statements
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Investment statements
• Identification
• Employment history
• Debt information
• Gift documentation
• Business records
• Retirement-account statements

Self-employed and commission-based buyers may need additional documentation.

Conventional Loans

Conventional financing is commonly used for primary homes, second homes, condos, and investment properties.

Terms depend on:

• Credit
• Down payment
• Debt-to-income ratio
• Property type
• Occupancy
• Loan amount

FHA and VA Loans

FHA financing may support buyers with lower down payments, subject to loan and property requirements.

Eligible veterans and service members may use VA financing. Property condition, appraisal, and lender requirements still apply.

Jumbo Financing

Higher-priced Bend homes may require jumbo financing.

Jumbo lenders may require:

• Stronger credit
• Larger reserves
• More documentation
• Lower debt ratios
• Larger down payment
• Multiple appraisals in some situations

Second-Home and Investment Loans

Second-home and investment financing may involve:

• Larger down payment
• Higher interest rate
• Additional reserves
• Rental-income documentation
• Different insurance
• Occupancy restrictions

Cash Purchases

Cash buyers should still complete:

• Inspections
• Title review
• Insurance research
• Property-tax review
• HOA review
• Appraisal or value analysis

Removing financing does not remove property risk.

Step 4 — Choose the Right Area

Bend is not one uniform housing market. Each side of the city offers different access, home styles, prices, and daily routines.

West Bend

West Bend is popular for:

• Trails
• Parks
• Restaurants
• Schools
• Mountain access
• Established neighborhoods
• Luxury communities

Homes may be more expensive, and some properties sit on steep or forested lots.

Central Bend

Central Bend offers:

• Downtown access
• Older neighborhoods
• River proximity
• Restaurants
• Local shops
• Greater walkability

Buyers should evaluate home age, parking, renovations, lot size, and potential noise.

North and Northeast Bend

North and northeast Bend provide:

• Newer development
• Highway access
• Employment areas
• Shopping
• New construction
• Airport access through Redmond

Some areas continue to experience construction and infrastructure growth.

Southeast Bend

Southeast Bend offers:

• Established homes
• New subdivisions
• Larger development areas
• Access to shopping
• Family-oriented neighborhoods

Buyers should review future phases and road improvements.

Southwest Bend

Southwest Bend provides:

• Access toward Mt. Bachelor
• Old Mill proximity
• Trails
• Newer housing
• Luxury options

Some properties may have slope, wildfire, or traffic considerations.

Rural Bend

Rural properties can provide:

• Acreage
• Privacy
• Workshops
• Horse facilities
• Mountain views

They may also involve:

• Wells
• Septic
• Private roads
• Irrigation
• Wildfire work
• Snow access
• Longer emergency response

Communities Near Bend

Buyers should also compare Redmond, Sisters, Tumalo, Sunriver, Three Rivers, La Pine, Prineville, and Eagle Crest.

Step 5 — Compare Bend Neighborhoods

The best neighborhood depends on how the buyer actually lives.

NorthWest Crossing

NorthWest Crossing offers:

• Planned streets
• Parks
• Trails
• Shops
• Restaurants
• Newer homes
• Neighborhood events

Homes may command a premium for location and community design.

River West

River West provides access to:

• Downtown
• River trails
• Parks
• Restaurants
• Westside recreation

Housing ranges from older cottages to renovated and newly built homes.

Old Bend

Old Bend appeals to buyers who value:

• Historic character
• Downtown access
• River proximity
• Walkability
• Community identity

Older homes may require more maintenance or modernization.

Summit West

Summit West offers:

• Westside location
• Trails
• Schools
• Newer development
• Access toward mountain recreation

Prices may be high, and neighborhood conditions vary by development.

Awbrey Butte

Awbrey Butte is known for:

• Views
• Larger homes
• Hillside settings
• Central access
• Luxury properties

Buyers should inspect driveway slope, snow exposure, retaining walls, landscaping, and insurance.

Broken Top

Broken Top is a gated golf community with established landscaping and westside access.

Review:

• HOA dues
• Club arrangements
• Design rules
• Home age
• Renovation restrictions
• Membership terms

Tetherow

Tetherow offers:

• Modern homes
• Golf
• Resort amenities
• Trails
• Access toward Mt. Bachelor

Ownership may involve substantial HOA, club, landscaping, and insurance costs.

Family-Oriented Growth Areas

Northeast, southeast, and other developing parts of Bend may offer:

• Newer homes
• Parks
• Schools
• Larger subdivisions
• Townhomes
• More modern layouts

Future traffic, development phases, and construction should be reviewed.

Step 6 — Understand the Current Market

Market conditions affect offer strategy, but they should never replace property-level analysis.

Median Prices

Bend’s median sale price was approximately $704,000 over the three months ending May 2026, down 6.4% year over year.

The citywide median includes many property types and neighborhoods. It does not predict the value of a specific home.

Inventory

Inventory varies by season and price range.

A buyer may find many luxury listings but limited entry-level detached homes. Townhomes, condos, acreage, and new construction each operate differently.

Days on Market

A home’s market time can help identify negotiation opportunities.

Longer exposure may indicate:

• Overpricing
• Property condition
• Limited buyer appeal
• Seasonal timing
• Insurance concerns
• Unusual design

Short market time may indicate strong demand or accurate pricing.

Price Reductions

A reduction does not automatically mean the home is a bargain. Compare the reduced price with recent closed sales and repair needs.

Seller Concessions

Concessions may help pay:

• Closing costs
• Rate buydowns
• Repairs
• Prepaid expenses

The strongest use depends on the buyer’s cash and loan structure.

Competition by Price Range

Competition may be strongest for:

• Well-maintained entry homes
• Single-level properties
• Desirable school areas
• Updated central homes
• Rare lots
• Homes with practical layouts

Luxury, rural, and unusual properties may have fewer competing buyers but require more due diligence.

Step 7 — Select the Right Property Type

Single-Family Home

A detached home offers privacy, yard space, and greater control but usually requires more maintenance.

Townhome

Townhomes may provide lower exterior maintenance and a lower entry price. Review shared walls, HOA dues, parking, and rental restrictions.

Condominium

Condo ownership includes the individual unit plus shared interests.

Review:

• Master insurance
• Reserve funding
• Assessments
• Maintenance responsibility
• Sound transfer
• Parking
• Storage

New Construction

New construction can offer modern systems and lower immediate repair needs but may involve lot premiums, upgrades, landscaping, warranty rules, and incomplete tax assessments.

Rural Acreage

Acreage requires extra inspection of:

• Well
• Septic
• Roads
• Irrigation
• Fencing
• Outbuildings
• Wildfire risk
• Zoning
• Legal access

Golf-Community Home

Golf and resort properties may include:

• HOA dues
• Membership costs
• Resort fees
• Design standards
• Landscaping rules
• Rental restrictions

Vacation or Second Home

Vacation properties need reliable maintenance, insurance, security, and occupancy planning.

Step 8 — Start the Home Search

A good search is specific enough to save time but flexible enough to reveal alternatives.

Define Must-Haves

Must-haves may include:

• Bedrooms
• Single-level layout
• Garage
• Home office
• Yard
• School area
• Acreage
• Accessibility
• Location

Separate Needs From Preferences

A view may be desirable, while a safe commute or main-floor bedroom may be essential.

Rank features before touring.

Set Search Areas

Choose areas based on daily routines rather than reputation alone.

Review New Listings

New listings should be compared with:

• Recent sales
• Active competition
• Price history
• Days on market
• Property records
• Tax history

Attend Private Showings

Private showings allow buyers to inspect:

• Noise
• Light
• Layout
• Views
• Neighboring uses
• Road conditions
• Maintenance
• Odors
• Storage

Compare Active and Sold Homes

Active listings show seller expectations. Closed sales show what buyers actually paid.

Step 9 — Evaluate Each Property

Location and Commute

Drive routes during the times you expect to use them.

School Boundaries

Verify with the school district before relying on a listing.

Home Condition

Look beyond staging and finishes.

Review:

• Roof
• Foundation
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Windows
• Drainage
• Exterior
• Appliances

Sunlight and Seasonal Conditions

Consider:

• Winter shade
• Icy driveways
• Summer heat
• Tree cover
• Snow storage
• Wind
• Outdoor living

Wildfire Exposure

Review vegetation, nearby open land, roof material, vents, decks, access, and evacuation routes.

Insurance

Get a quote before the contingency period ends.

Utilities and Internet

Confirm:

• Service providers
• Heating type
• Water
• Sewer
• Well
• Septic
• Internet speed
• Propane
• Garbage

Resale Potential

Consider how future buyers may view:

• Location
• Layout
• Stairs
• Lot
• Parking
• Condition
• Views
• HOA
• Insurance
• Maintenance

Step 10 — Make an Offer

An offer should reflect both market conditions and the property’s specific strengths and risks.

Offer Price

Use recent comparable sales, condition, competition, and market time.

Earnest Money

Earnest money demonstrates commitment and may be at risk if the buyer defaults outside permitted contract rights.

Financing Contingency

This protects the buyer when loan approval cannot be obtained under the contract terms.

Inspection Contingency

This provides time to investigate the property and negotiate, accept, or withdraw according to the agreement.

Appraisal Contingency

An appraisal contingency can protect a financed buyer if the property appraises below the agreed price.

Closing Date

Choose a realistic date that supports:

• Financing
• Seller needs
• Moving
• Lease end
• Possession
• Inspections

Seller Concessions

Concessions can support cash flow, but they must comply with lender rules.

Competing Offers

In competition, buyers may adjust:

• Price
• Earnest money
• Closing date
• Possession
• Contingency timing
• Concessions

Avoid removing protections without understanding the risk.

Step 11 — Complete Inspections

General Home Inspection

A general inspection reviews major visible systems and conditions.

Sewer Scope

A sewer scope can identify damage, blockage, roots, poor connections, or debris.

Radon Testing

The Oregon Health Authority recommends that homebuyers test for radon during the inspection process.

Roof Inspection

A specialist may provide more detail about remaining life, flashing, leaks, and repairs.

Well and Septic

Rural buyers should evaluate:

• Well flow
• Water quality
• Pump
• Pressure tank
• Septic tank
• Drain field
• Maintenance history

Pest and Dry Rot

Wood-destroying organisms and moisture damage can create expensive repairs.

Chimney and Wood Stove

Inspect chimneys, fireplaces, flues, and wood-burning systems for safety and insurance compliance.

Specialized Systems

Some homes may require inspection of:

• Solar
• Generator
• Hot tub
• Irrigation
• Elevators
• Radiant heating
• Smart systems
• Private roads

Step 12 — Review Insurance and Wildfire Risk

Obtain a Quote

Request an address-specific quote early.

Confirm Coverage

Verify that the policy can be issued for the closing date.

Review Replacement Cost

Replacement cost should reflect rebuilding, not only market value.

Inspect Defensible Space

Review vegetation and combustible materials near the structure.

Check Rental or Second-Home Coverage

Disclose how the property will be used.

Step 13 — Review HOA and Community Documents

Dues

Confirm amount, due date, and included services.

Reserve Study

A reserve study can reveal whether the association is preparing for major repairs.

Meeting Minutes

Minutes may identify disputes, repairs, owner concerns, and upcoming projects.

Assessments

Check for approved, pending, or discussed special assessments.

Rental Rules

Confirm short-term and long-term rental restrictions.

Design Standards

Review rules governing exterior changes, landscaping, solar, fences, sheds, and paint.

Club Membership

Golf or resort membership may be separate from HOA ownership.

Step 14 — Appraisal and Financing

What the Appraiser Reviews

The appraiser evaluates the property, condition, location, and comparable sales for the lender.

Low Appraisal Options

Possible responses include:

• Renegotiate price
• Increase cash
• Challenge appraisal
• Restructure loan
• Cancel under applicable contract rights

Final Loan Approval

Avoid opening new credit, changing jobs, moving money without documentation, or making large purchases before closing.

Interest-Rate Lock

Understand the rate, expiration, extension cost, and terms.

Closing Disclosure

Review the final loan terms, payment, cash required, and fees.

Step 15 — Final Walkthrough and Closing

Verify Repairs

Confirm agreed repairs were completed and obtain receipts where appropriate.

Confirm Property Condition

Check that the home remains in the expected condition.

Review Included Items

Confirm appliances, fixtures, remotes, keys, and other agreed property remain.

Transfer Funds Safely

Wire fraud is a serious risk. Verify instructions directly with the title or escrow company using trusted contact details.

Sign Closing Documents

Review documents carefully and ask questions before signing.

Receive Possession

Possession may occur at recording or at another agreed time. Confirm the contract terms.

Bend-Specific Buyer Due Diligence

Wildfire Risk

Inspect the property and surrounding land.

Winter Access

Evaluate slopes, shaded driveways, private roads, plowing, and snow storage.

Smoke Season

Consider HVAC filtration, portable air cleaners, and indoor activity needs.

Irrigation

Confirm system condition, water rights, district charges, and seasonal operation.

Wells and Septic

Review permits, maintenance history, testing, and replacement exposure.

Property Taxes

Confirm current assessed value, tax statement, exemptions, and recent improvements.

Short-Term Rental Rules

Do not assume an existing or desired use is permitted. Bend’s rules distinguish several rental types and impose permits, fees, operating requirements, and concentration limits for certain whole-house rentals.

Unpermitted Improvements

Compare the home with county and city records. Unpermitted work can affect insurance, appraisal, safety, financing, and resale.

Buying From Out of State

Virtual Showings

Use live video rather than relying only on listing photographs.

Remote Inspections

Attend by video where possible and review the report with the inspector.

Temporary Housing

Renting first can help buyers compare neighborhoods and seasonal conditions.

Travel Planning

Allow time for:

• Showings
• Inspection
• Final walkthrough
• Moving
• Delays

Local Representation

Local knowledge is especially helpful with wildfire, snow, rural systems, neighborhoods, and market differences.

Moving Timeline

Coordinate housing, employment, schools, healthcare, utilities, and transport rather than treating closing as the only deadline.

First-Time Buyer Guidance

Budget Conservatively

Leave room for repairs and rising ownership costs.

Avoid Draining Savings

A home emergency can happen immediately after closing.

Understand HOA Costs

Low purchase prices may be offset by monthly dues and assessments.

Prioritize Condition

A slightly smaller, well-maintained home may be safer financially than a larger home needing major work.

Consider Townhomes and Condos

Attached housing may provide a lower entry price, but documents and reserves require careful review.

Use Available Assistance Carefully

Evaluate program requirements, repayment terms, income limits, and resale restrictions.

Luxury and Golf-Community Buyers

Specialized Comparable Sales

Luxury valuation may require broader geography and detailed property adjustments.

Club Memberships

Confirm initiation fees, dues, access, transferability, and waiting lists.

HOA and Resort Fees

Review every layer of cost.

Custom-Home Inspections

Large homes may require roof, pool, landscape, smart-system, HVAC, and structural specialists.

Longer Market Time

Luxury properties often take longer to sell because the buyer pool is smaller.

Resale Buyer Pool

Highly personalized design can reduce future appeal.

Common Homebuyer Mistakes

Choosing a Neighborhood From Vacation Experience

A weekend visit does not show weekday traffic, winter shade, school routines, or smoke season.

Ignoring Full Monthly Costs

Include taxes, insurance, HOA, utilities, commuting, and maintenance.

Skipping Insurance Research

Insurance problems can affect financing and affordability.

Removing Essential Contingencies

Understand the financial risk before limiting inspection, financing, or appraisal rights.

Underestimating Repairs

Obtain specialist estimates for major concerns.

Buying Only for a View

A view should not outweigh access, layout, condition, or long-term usability.

Failing to Verify Schools and Rentals

Confirm both directly with the responsible authority.

Homebuyer Checklist

Before Searching

• Define property purpose
• Set complete budget
• Obtain preapproval
• Choose representation
• Research neighborhoods
• Identify must-haves

During Showings

• Check location and noise
• Inspect condition
• Review light and slope
• Examine neighboring land
• Test commute
• Compare property records

Before Offering

• Review comparable sales
• Estimate ownership costs
• Request insurance guidance
• Review tax history
• Confirm rental plans
• Select contingencies

Under Contract

• Complete inspections
• Obtain insurance
• Review title
• Review HOA documents
• Complete appraisal
• Negotiate repairs
• Maintain financing

Before Closing

• Review final loan terms
• Complete walkthrough
• Verify repairs
• Confirm utilities
• Transfer funds securely
• Confirm possession

After Closing

• Change locks
• Register warranties
• Update insurance
• Complete urgent repairs
• Create maintenance schedule
• Store documents
• Update emergency plans

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Bend requires a clear plan, realistic budget, and property-specific due diligence.

The strongest buyers do not begin with a listing. They begin by defining how the property will be used, establishing a full ownership budget, selecting areas that support their daily routine, and preparing financing before making an offer.

Once a home is identified, buyers should investigate:

• Market value
• Condition
• Insurance
• Wildfire exposure
• Winter access
• Property taxes
• Utilities
• HOA rules
• Rental restrictions
• Resale potential

Bend offers a wide range of housing, from central cottages and family subdivisions to rural acreage, golf communities, new construction, and luxury homes. The best purchase is not necessarily the newest home, the largest property, or the house with the best view. It is the property that remains financially manageable and practical through every season.