Mortgage rate buydowns, adjustable-rate loans, upgrades and independent representation: what Central Oregon buyers should know before signing a builder's contract.
Buying a newly constructed home in Bend or elsewhere in Central Oregon can be appealing. Modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, attractive finishes and the opportunity to move into a home that has never been occupied are compelling advantages. And in today's housing market, builders may offer another incentive: financing packages designed to make the monthly payment more attractive.
But a lower advertised mortgage rate does not necessarily mean you're getting the best overall deal.
Before purchasing a new-construction home, buyers should understand how builder incentives work, what can be...
Central Oregon is often discussed as though it were one housing market. It is not. Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine and Prineville differ considerably in inventory, price, property type, buyer pool and transaction volume.
As fall 2026 begins, buyers generally have more negotiating room in La Pine and Prineville than in Bend or Redmond. Sisters and Sunriver fall between those groups, although their smaller transaction counts and specialized properties make broad conclusions less dependable.
Negotiating room does not mean that every seller will accept a discounted offer. It means buyers have more alternatives, listings face more competition and sellers may need to be more flexible about price, rep...
Mortgage rates remain one of the biggest obstacles facing Bend homebuyers. Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.71% on September 3, 2026. At the same time, 44.7% of Bend single-family home sales in August included a seller concession, with an average concession of $7,400.
Rate update — October 8, 2026: The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reache...
The Bend real estate market has become increasingly selective in 2026. Homes are still selling, buyers are still moving to Central Oregon, and desirable properties continue to attract attention. But there is a noticeable difference between the homes buyers are responding to and those that remain on the market.
As we move through August, we are seeing inventory grow and buyer activity slow. We won't have fina...
Bend has long been one of the Pacific Northwest's most desirable places to live. What was once viewed primarily as a recreational destination has evolved into one of the West's premier luxury housing markets, attracting buyers from California, Washington, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and throughout Oregon. While every buyer has a unique reason for relocating, many share a common goal—they are looking for a place where exceptional homes and an exceptional lifestyle come together. Luxury buyers today are investing in far more than real estate. They are investing in how they want to live.