What's in the June 2023 Bend Premier Real Estate Newsletter?

• May Bend Home Sales Remain Mixed
• Watermelon Shrub
• Real Estate is Still Considered the Best Long Term Investment
• Tumalo Mountain June 2023
• Moving Now Can Give Your Home its Day in the Sun

 Bend Single Family Home Sales Figures Remain Mixed

The May 2023 Bend real estate sales have been published and reflect a market in transition. Inventory levels are growing, but a strong seller's market remains. High mortgage interest rates continue to impact buyer's purchasing power and while average home prices are down slightly, they are not at a level that would significantly affect most Bend home buyers. As we enter our summer peak selling season, the question on how mortgage rates and inventory levels will reflect in 2023 home sales will be answered.

When May 2023 Bend single family home sales on less than an acre are compared with those from May of 2022, the following changes can be noted:

• Average sales price down 3.1% to $861,432
• Median sales price up .8% to $746,250
• New listings down 26.7% to 222
• Homes for sale down 21.1% to 265
• Pending sales down 21.8% to 172

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Tumalo Mountain Trail Covered With Snow

We typically hike Tumalo Mountain once a year - usually late spring/early summer once the snow melts. However, we have been anxious to get back into the Cascades after a winter of hiking in the High Desert and the opportunity to tackle Tumalo Mountain arose last Saturday. Tumalo Mountain, just north east of Mt. Bachelor, has a height of 7,779 feet. The hike up to its peak climbs over 1400 feet in two miles and is considered difficult due to its steepness.  However, we have never attempted this hike with snow on the ground and found the trail challenging. The snow drifts were from 3 to 6 feet, although the snow was compacted and we managed with a GPS to somewhat follow the trail to the summit using trekking poles and micro spikes. Once reaching the summit, the views towards Mt Bachelor and towards the Three Sisters and Broken Top were outstanding. After enjoying the views and a quick lunch, the return trip had additional challenges as the snow softened with the warm weather. All in all, we saw only one other hiking couple and a pair of paragliders jumping from the peak on our return. It will be awhile before the snow fully melts in the Cascades after the winter storms. But in the meantime, we will take advantage of any hike we can access as soon as it becomes passible. 

Laurenn Schiek Has Joined Bend Premier Real Estate

After spending many years on Maui, Laurenn moved to Oregon in 2019 and never looked back.

She was the accounting administrator for one of the largest landscape contractors on Maui, as well simultaneously functioning as the volunteer bookkeeper/office administrator for a Maui non-profit, and she served on the board as their assistant Treasurer. She has also worked as the bookkeeper for a busy Bend law firm.

Laurenn has a son & a daughter, and an incredibly joyful golden retriever named Winnie Monroe. When she is not at work you will find her adventuring somewhere in nature, cooking a beautiful meal, or finding creative ways to live in the moment with her children. She is passionate about health & wellness in the mind, body, heart & soul; and is currently pursuing her passion and earning her certificate to become a Functional Medicine Health Coach.

What's in the May 2023 Bend Premier Newsletter?

• Bend Home Sales Take a Downward Turn
• Rancher Butcher Chef
• Downsizing for the Win?
• 6 Books to Change Your Real Estate Perspective
• Reasons to Sell Your House in Today's Market