I like to advise my buyer clients to work from a plan of preparation in searching for their perfect home in Bend, Oregon.
   
Five essential prerequisites that will allow you to react quickly:
1)  Road Map:  Identify the target areas which fulfill your needs and wants within your budget. (A good buyers’ agent is important to hire at the ‘get-go’ as the expert advice and time he/she will save a client is remarkable).  It probably will make the difference between getting what you want, or missing out.  A buyer’s agent will listen carefully to your “want list” and “wish list” and identify areas and homes that fit the bill! You will have your own advocate for finding and obtaining the best deal!  And, the seller or builder usually pays the agent’s fee.  Why would you choose otherwise?

2)  Obtain a Pre-Approval letter from your lender.   It is critical to have your qualification process completed in order to be competitive with the other bids that might be already presented. Stay a step ahead of the competition!

3) Your lender will advise you not to make large purchases right before you apply for a mortgage—i.e. new car, new boat, extra expenditures, run up on credit cards…do watch the spending since you are now focused on buying that perfect home!

4) You do want that perfect home, but at what price?  Decide ahead of time, before you are just dying to buy that home, what your limit is.  Very much like attending an auction, don’t get caught up in the flurry of the moment!

5) Don’t forget to calculate Taxes and Homeowners dues within your monthly payment. These will be recurring costs associated with your home, and with Taxes and HOA dues, might go up or down depending on the market and assessments by individual HOAs.

In the Bend, Oregon real estate market, we are seeing a continuation of soft home prices and great mortgage interest rates.  Right now is an unbelievable opportunity to purchase a home in our market.

Many of our buyers are “waiting” for the bottom-------and I ask, “How will you know?”
“Had you rather purchase one day too soon…..or, one day too late!

For buyer and seller resources, links to Central Oregon area information, a Photo Gallery, and a user-friendly Property Search, please visit www.hendrick.com. You can save your searches, or have new listings emailed to you automatically when they hit the market.

Golf at the Pronghorn™ Club in Bend, Oregon

I specialize in Bend’s local real estate market including golf communities, second homes, primary homes, and land. I like to work with my real estate clients as a “Real Estate Consultant” because I want to know all the facts and the information, but I don’t like being “Sold.” Many of my clients also appreciate the ability to obtain all the information, preview the homes they want, and know when they make a decision, every detail will be handled smoothly by me.

And please note that I own the Martha Hendrick Realty site, so your email addresses are never sold or shared.

65765 Pronghorn Estates Drive
Bend, OR 97701
$695,000

Private estate lot boasts every amenity you are looking for in Pronghorn! Just reduced! Size: .64 acre. View, looking West across of Nicklaus #6 and #8, the stunning mountain peaks of Cascade Range. With privacy of common areas, one almost feels you own and enjoy half of the development! East are views of the Ochoco mountains. Convenient to the front gate access, easy walk to the clubhouse, practice facility,Trailhead pool and sports courts.This is one of the premier view lots in Pronghon - a must see!

For more information about this Bend land for sale, click on the provided link. http://hendrick.com/featured_listings

I wanted to share some information I came across in a recent article published in REALTOR magazine by the National Association of Realtors regarding the kitchen and bath features buyers want most.

If you are selling your home in Bend Oregon today, most everyone knows that it can take a while. In all areas of Central Oregon real estate currently—from destination resorts, horse properties, golf communities, neighborhoods and subdivisions—it is indeed “a price war” and “a beauty contest.”

So, rather than moving up or contracting down, why not think of remodeling your current home, enjoy the results, and sell later if you have that option?  I think it is important to keep in mind not only current trends  but concentrate on “Trends with Staying Power”—that won’t ‘date’ the property—as in the older colors of olive green appliances and pink or mauve plumbing fixtures—eeek!

Do keep in mind that colors are so very personal, like a work of art, and that the more permanent fixtures of the home should be neutral or a soft shade of white or taupe.  Those sellers who plan to sell in five years should focus on personalizing the home by using paint (inexpensive to change), backsplashes, and accessories.

The two rooms that consistently make the biggest impression on buyers are—without a doubt—kitchens and bathrooms.  Even in today’s uncertain economic times, home owners and buyers are willing to spend on upgrades to these rooms.  Their goal:  Create that polished high-end look they’ve seen in magazines and on TV.

That being said, the NAR article gives statistics regarding the FIVE Kitchen and Bath Features Buyers want most:     
36% - Separate shower enclosure in master bath
31% - Eat-in Kitchen
24% - High end appliances
23% - Granite countertops
21% - Kitchen Island
Source:  NAR 2007 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences

65603 Pronghorn Estates Dr
Bend, OR 97701

This incredible homesite sits on the Signature 13th hole of the Jack Nicklaus course at Pronghorn with stunning views of the 13th green, waterfall and lake that attracks an array of native bird species. Close to Pronghorn amenities and main gate entrance/exit. This .58 acre homesite has some common area to the West and North, making it very large and private.

Fore more details on this Bend land for sale, click the provided link.

0 65836 Sage Canyon Ct
Bend, OR 97701

This amazing flagstone homesite is truly one of a kind at Pronghorn and sits between the 2nd hole of the Signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and the 9th fairway of the Championship Tom Fazio Golf Course. Located at the end of a private drive, this homesite has fantastic views of golf and the Cascade Mountains. This large .75 acre lot is a spectacular site for your dream home, and is conveniently located near the members short game practice area and is within walking distance of the Clubhouse.

For more details on this Bend land for sale, click on the provided link.