When most buyers start looking at homes in Bend, they focus on one number:
The purchase price.
That makes sense—but it's rarely the full picture.
Over the years, I've seen buyers stretch financially for the "perfect" home, only to realize later that the monthly ownership costs were much higher than expected. And in Central Oregon, those costs can vary quite a bit depending on location, property type, and how the home is set up.
That's why I always encourage buyers to look beyond the mortgage payment and evaluate the full cost of ownership before making a decision.
Because two homes with the same price can feel very different financially once the real monthly costs kick in.
Acreage properties around Bend have a strong pull.
More space. More privacy. Room for shops, animals, or just a quieter lifestyle.
And for a lot of buyers — especially those relocating — it feels like the upgrade they've been working toward.
But acreage purchases are also where I see some of the most expensive mistakes happen.
Not because buyers aren't smart…
But because there are details that don't show up in photos — or even in a typical home tour.
Here are a few things I consistently help buyers slow down and really understand before moving forward.
Every year I talk with buyers who are relocating to Bend, Oregon. Many of them have spent time visiting, fallen in love with the scenery, and are excited about making Central Oregon home.
But relocating to a new area is different from buying in a place you already know well.
After more than 20 years helping buyers move to Bend, I've noticed that the people who have the best experience usually ask a few key questions before they buy.
Here are three of the most important ones.
One of the biggest surprises...
Every year I talk with buyers who are relocating to Bend, Oregon. Many of them have spent time visiting, fallen in love with the scenery, and are excited about making Central Oregon home.
But relocating to a new area is different from buying in a place you already know well.
After more than 20 years helping buyers move to Bend, I've noticed that the people who have the best experience usually ask a few key questions before they buy.
Here are three of the most important ones.
One of the biggest surprises...