Bend High End Home Sales Reflect a Changing Market

It has been awhile since we last reported on Bend luxury home sales. We pulled a report showing year to date activity over the past three years. While Bend home prices in general are back to a small upward trajectory year over year, the numbers of sales are significantly down, as they are in all price points in most of the markets in Central Oregon and across the country.  Higher interest rates have changed the buying power of would-be home purchasers, even in the high end, and have also kept many would-be sellers off market. Why sell when the mortgage interest rate many homeowners have is so good? A replacement home, while potentially being better for the current lifestyle of a home seller, may cost more on a monthly basis with the higher interest rate with which they may need to purchase.

When the first six months of high end Bend home sales are compared year over year between 2022 and 2023, the following change...

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We have hiked in the Three Sisters Wilderness many times and have always enjoyed our experience.  However, accessing views of Collier Glacier can be a bit of a challenge. Located in the saddle between North and Middle Sister, Collier Glacier views, on the north edge of Collier Cone, are obtained after a seven and a half mile hike from Lava Camp Lake Trailhead through Matthieu Lakes or the Obsidian Trailhead. While only 1/2 mile off the Pacific Crest Trail, to reach the edge of Collier Cone involves a scramble up a steep pumice hill, but once you arrive, the setting is spectacular with the glacial lake and towering vistas of North and Middle Sister and Little Brother.  We hiked this trail 7-15-23 during one of the hottest days of the year. Although we started the hike early, it took almost 8 hours to complete it and much of the trail was exposed to the sun in lava fields or burned forest. However, there were beautiful shaded areas near Matthieu Lakes and our experience was wonderful. We brought a lot of water and enjoyed refilling a water container at Minnie Scott Spring where water can be seen percolating through the small stones. The total hike was over 15 miles and over 2500 feet of elevation gain.

Redmond Real Estate Sales Reflect a Market in Transition

It has been awhile since we last looked at the data for Redmond Oregon home sales. Redmond's housing has consistently been more affordable than that available in Bend with the majority of homes in the city what most would considered middle income suburban. The Covid-19 housing boom impacted Redmond as it did most of the country, and now rising interest rates, lack of inventory, and relatively high prices are creating a housing market in transition.

We looked at Redmond home sale for the first half of 2023.  When the first six months of 2023 are compared with the first six months of 2022, the following changes can...

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What's in the July 2023 Bend Premier Real Estate Newsletter?

• Bend Home Sales Reflect Mixed Results
• Iron Mountain Hike 2023
• Today's Housing Market is a Sweet Spot for Sellers
• The Bend Oregon Pet Parade
• The Benefits of Downsizing for Homeowners

The Obsidian Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness is Available by Permit Only

We have hiked the Obsidian Trail several time over the past few years, but the hike done July 2, 2023 was extra special. Late snow has delayed access to the high Cascades and we found patches of snow on our hike. However, these were easily traversed with trekking poles. The 11.5 mile loop connects with the Pacific Crest Trail for several miles and at the peak of the elevation, hikers walk by and on glaciated obsidian which sparkles in the sunlight. Photos do not properly reflect the actual experience of the glittering rock. The hike also passes through high alpine meadows, which had wildflowers blooming, and several shallow creeks to cross. Obsidian Falls can be a great rest stop, but our favorite lunch spot is in the sun taking in the amazing views of Middle and North Sister as well as Little Brother. All in all, the 11.5 miles gained 2165 feet in elevation and took 5.5 hours of actual walking time. Bring bug spray this time of year as the mosquitos are out.