The first full month of the Covid-19 pandemic impacted Bend single family homes with sales significantly down over the same month in 2019. Some buyers lost jobs which in turn kept them from qualifying for their mortgage. In other cases, sellers took their homes off the market not feeling confident to sell during the stay at home orders. Other buyers delayed their trips to Bend and canceled appointments to view homes. While Bend home sales still are occurring, it is different than it was before Covid-19.
When April 2020 Bend single family home sales are compared with April 2019, the following differences can be noted:

In a recent survey by realtor.com, people thinking about selling their homes indicated they're generally willing to allow their agent and some potential buyers inside if done under the right conditions. They're less comfortable, however, hosting an open house. This is understandable, given the health concerns associated with social contact these days. The question is, if you need to sell your house now, what virtual practices should you use to make sure you, your family, and potential buyers stay safe in the process?
In today's rapidly changing market, it's more important than ever to make sure you have a digital game plan and an effective online marketing strategy when selling your house. One of the ways your agent can help...
We have hiked Bend's River Trail from Healy Bridge up the Deschutes River many times. However, this hike has often been very crowded and less than relaxing. Yesterday we drove past Sunriver and took South Century Drive west 15 miles to the Fall River day use area and hiked the Fall River Trail.
First we hiked a short distance west past the bridge to the headwaters of Fall River and then returned and took the hike down the river to the end; the full hike was an up and back and was just short of 6 miles.
There were very few people along the trail with the handful we met usually accompanied by one or more dogs. The walk was easy with little elevation change and although we had a couple of wet and icy spots to transverse, the majority of the hike was dry. There were a few fly fishermen on the river and we enjoyed watching them cast their fishing lines. We can imagine that in summer, families with young children may enjoy playing in the slow moving river or picnicking along its banks.
For those looking for another easy walk along a river that may be less crowded than Bend's River Trail, give the Fall River trail a try!
The March 2020 real estate trends have been published and they reflect both the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the closings from strong February home sales. Central Oregon schools shut down Friday, March 13th and stay at home became the norm the following week. Since the start of the pandemic, home sales have dropped, new listings have slowed, and more sale fails than normal have occurred, often due to buyers losing jobs and no longer qualifying for loans. However, Central Oregon real estate sales are still happening, although at a different rate than normal for this time of year.
When March of 2020 is compared with March of 2019 for the sales of Bend single family homes on less than an acre, the following can be noted: