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...
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...