Posts with tag 'Sisters'

Over the past few years, affordability has been the biggest challenge for homebuyers. Between rapidly rising home prices and higher mortgage rates, many have felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.

But, something pretty encouraging is happening. While affordability is still tight, mortgage rates have shown signs of stabilizing in recent months. And that may finally make it a bit easier to plan your move.

Mortgage Rates Have Stabilized – For Now

Over the past year, mortgage rates have had their share of ups and downs, making it tough for buyers to know what to expect. But recently, rates have started to level out and have settled...

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Click Here to see the Q2 Market Trends for Bend Real Estate and Redmond Real Estate, as well as the Q2 real estate trends in Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, Powell Butte, and Black Butte Ranch. In Q2 2025, the Bend Oregon Real Estate market and surrounding communities experienced a change, typically seeing a significant increase in inventory year over year with more homes, more new listings, and consistently more days on market. Buyers had more choices with the increased number of homes for sale and sellers were more inclined to consider offers under asking price. The number of listings grew, days on market increased in many markets, and prices decreased slightly in the larger markets of Bend and Redmond. However, despite the increased number of homes for sale, Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville and Madras reflected a seller's market, although much less strong than in earlier quarters; Black Butte Ranch, La Pine and Sunriver were in a balanced market with Powell Butte in a very strong buyer's market with 32 months of supply.

A Bend Premier real estate broker understands the local market trends, which is crucial to properly representing buyers and sellers. We can provide insights into which areas are popular, price trends, and the average time properties stay on the market. We can also provide you with access to listings that match your criteria, some of which may not be widely advertised. We also have the first word on properties about to hit the market, giving you an edge in a competitive market.

To learn more about buying or selling Bend real estate, contact one of our Premier Agents at (541) 323-2779 any day of the week.

Patjens Lakes Loop Trail is a Moderate Hike in the Mt. Washington Wilderness

For those who are looking for a Bear grass hike in Central Oregon, Patjens Lakes Loop Trail is hard to beat the end of June 2025. When hikers leave Hwy 20 to drive to the paved trailhead near the end of Big Lake Road, blooming Bear grass can be seen on each side of the road, a great indicator that the hike has a significant amount of it seen during the trek. Patjens Lakes Loop Trail runs adjacent to Big Lake at Santiam Pass before it leaves the lake to run south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness where it skirts the 4 small Patjens Lakes before returning to the starting point next to Big Lake. There are still signs of the B & B complex fire of 2003 which burned over 90,000 acres in the Mt Washington and Mt Jefferson Wildernesses, running along the crest of the Cascades. However devastating the fire was to the area, the burned areas provided more growing areas to sun-loving plants, such as Bear grass.

Areas untouched by the fire retain the lush undergrowth and tall trees of most Western Oregon old growth forests, complete with shade-loving plants and many birds. The last two miles of the hike, however, are in the burned area. Part of the path climbs a ridge from which hikers have amazing views of the Three Sisters, Black Crater, Hoodoo Ski Area, Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Washington. The slope of this ridge is covered with Bear grass and the Cascade views would not be evident had the area remained unburned.

The entire hike is under 7 miles with a little over 700 feet of elevation gain, considered by many a moderate route.

A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door.

But today's housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer. And more sellers are having to cut their prices.

So, how do you still come out on top? It all starts with one thing, pricing your house right from the start. Today, that matters more than ever – and it can make or break your sale.

There's a Real Price Disconnect Between Buyers and Sellers

A recent survey from Realtor.com shows 81% of home sellers believe they'll get their askin...

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There Are Two Trailheads to Summit Black Butte

Many people will hike to the summit of Black Butte during the summer. It is an iconic volcano located just outside of Sisters next to Black Butte Resort which challenges both visitors and locals. Most people will take the gravel road which transitions into a terrible dirt road to the upper trailhead which is located 1500 feet below the summit. Hikers who start here will find a limited space parking area complete with facilities which require a current forest pass. Those who really want to challenge themselves can start at the base of Black Butte at the historic trail head located near Camp Sherman. The road to this trailhead is mostly paved until the turn off to the parking area so hikers avoid driving over challenging dirt roads before they start their trek. No parking pass but very limited parking available.

For those hiking the historic route, the trail gradually climbs as hikers pass through the old growth forest located at the base of Black Butte. In May, 2025, early signs of spring were evident with blooming wildflowers. After roughly 3/4 of a mile, the path steepens and hikers start climbing Black Butte. Peek-a-boo views of Black Butte Ranch, Suttle Lake, and the Cascades can be seen through the tall Ponderosa Pines.

After 3 miles the Historic Black Butte Trail reaches the upper trailhead and the last two mile of the hike is along this route. At the top of Black Butte in the middle of May, 2025, snow patches remained which were easily crossed. The top of the Butte was relatively snow free with all structures still locked and inaccessible to early visitors.

Hikers can enjoy the top of Black Butte with amazing Cascade Views. On a clear day, as many as 13 peaks can be seen from Mt. Bachelor in the south all the way to Mt. Adams in Washington to the north. After spending time at the summit, hikers need to descend back to the trail head in Camp Sherman. All in all, the historic Black Butte Trail is over 10 miles with 3400 feet of elevation gain in the ascending 5 miles.