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...

When people imagine living in Bend, Oregon, they often picture mountain views, miles of trails, championship golf, vibrant local restaurants, and easy access to year-round recreation. Nowhere is that lifestyle more evident than on Bend's coveted northwest side. Home to some of the city's most established and desirable neighborhoods, Northwest Bend offers a unique blend of luxury, convenience, outdoor adventure, and community.
From the gated fairways of Awbrey Glen to the elevated vistas of Awbrey Butte and the welcoming neighborhoods of Awbrey Village and Awbrey Woods, these five exceptional homes showcase the diverse opportunities available in one of Central Oregon's most sought-after locations.
The Bend housing market weakened in September 2026 as rising mortgage rates reduced buyer purchasing power and pushed more prospective purchasers to the sidelines. Although the median sales price remained nearly unchanged from last year, closed sales declined 16%, pending sales fell more than 21%, and the number of listings withdrawn, canceled or allowed to expire increased 65%.
Those figures tell a more complete story than the median price alone. Bend is not experiencing a flood of inventory or distressed sales, but buyers have become considerably more cautious. Homes that are not priced correctly are receiving fewer showings, undergoing substantial price reductions or leaving the market without selling.
Bend Premier Real Estate is proud to announce that Managing Principal Broker Natalka Palmer has been named the 2026 REALTOR® of the Year by the Cascades East Association of REALTORS®.
Presented to one member each year, the REALTOR® of the Year recognition honors outstanding service to the REALTOR® organization, the real estate profession and the community. Natalka's selection reflects the integrity, leadership and commitment she brings to real estate throughout Central Oregon.
Natalka's influence extends beyond individual transactions. She is committed to upholding high professional standards, strengthening the real estate community and helping brokers navigate their responsibilities with knowledge and sound judgment.
As Managing Principal Broker of Bend Premier Real Estate, Natalka provides the company's brokers with exper...
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...