Bend Oregon Real Estate

Fred Funk won the 2008 Tradition Golf tournament at Crosswater Club in Sunriver.  He shot -19.  He was followed by Mike Goodes -16, Tom Watson -14, Jay Hass -14 and Scott Hoch -13.  Saturday’s weather was a scorching 99 degrees but Sunday ended up cooler with a little thunder and lightning nearby but nothing dangerous.  Mike Goodes tees off in the picture above.

It was another great tournament and emphasizes the importance of golf to the Bend Oregon real estate market and Central Oregon.  There are several great homes available with golf course frontage in Central Oregon. 

There are currently 10 homes available in Sunriver’s Crosswater Golf Club.  They range in price from $915,000 to $2,795,000.  The most expensive home is located along the signature 12th hole of the Crosswater Club, home of the Jeld-Wen Tradition Golf Tournament, this stately European Lodge style home was crafted by Sun Forest Construction.  Sun Forest is one of Bend’s premier builders.  The picture above is courtesy of Sunriver Realty and the Central Oregon MLS through their reciprocity agreement.

Jim Johnson has been selling luxury golf course homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.

We have been spending most of our evenings on our deck which over looks the Deschutes River in SW Bend Oregon.  The days have been hot but the evenings are nice with the breeze blowing off the river.  We feed the birds and have a bird bath which attracts all kinds of birds this time of year.  We have over 1/2 dozen Rufus Hummingbirds that are constantly chasing each other.  It makes for quite an enjoyable evening.

The moon is now full making for enjoyable walks down our quiet street after dark.  The moon has been really bright and the large pine trees cast moon shadows!  After our evening on the deck and walk in the moon light it’s time to go to bed with the windows open and listen to the Deschutes River below as it softly flows by gently lulling you to sleep.

I recently listed my neighbor’s home three doors down.  They just reduced the price and plan on selling before the snow flies.  Here’s a virtual tour - http://www.distinctivehometours.com/tour.asp?tour=Branham  Good river front properties with Cascade mountain views are rare in Bend.  This is a great property for someone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Jim Johnson has been selling quality homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.

There are approximately 125 golf course lots for sale listed in the Bend Oregon MLS.  Prices start at $179,000 on Bend Golf and Country Club and top out at $2,000,000 for a lot located on the Signature 8th hole of the Tom Fazio course at Pronghorn.

A lot just came on the market overlooking the 2nd green at River’s Edge Golf course.  It’s an elevated site and should be out of range of stray golf balls.  It’s a down hill lot with Easterly views and views of the 4th of July fireworks launched from the top of Pilot Butte.  The driveway faces South allowing for easily melted snow in the winter.  Here’s a link to a virtual tour of this lot.  http://www.distinctivehometours.com/tour.asp?tour=FairwayHeightslot

There are some really nice golf course lots available for prices to fit any one’s budget.  Prices are down and now is a good time to buy with a great selection.

Jim Johnson has been selling golf course homes and lots in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.

A report out of Washington showed real estate sales down in most states including Bend Oregon but not in California or Nevada.  The California real estate market is a leading indicator for the Oregon real estate market.  The better the California market does the better the Oregon market does.  4 out of the last  6 sales my partner and son Matt Johnson and I have made have been to California buyers.  One was to a local buyer and one was from local school teachers teaching in Dubai and spending summers in Bend.

News that the California market is picking may be a good sign.  I have 4 buyers scheduled to arrive in Bend in the next couple of months and 1 in November to buy property.   4 are from California and one is from Montana.  Price ranges are between $250,000 to $800,000.  Golf course lots and golf course homes are being looked at.

I do read on California real estate blogs that there are still plenty of short sales and bank foreclosures in certain parts of California.   That will indicate that prices in these areas will remain depressed for a while longer.  Over all though Bend Oregon real estate prices are looking very attractive to many out of area buyers.  Even the Portland market has remained fairly strong.

There are many well priced homes for sale in Bend making for some great buys for the out of town buyer as well as for the local buyer.

Jim Johnson has been selling quality homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.

I just listed a luxury golf course home in the Awbrey Glen gated community in Bend Oregon.  My client was nice enough to take my wife and I out for a steak dinner at the restaurant there.  The food, service, and views of the golf course were all excellent!

We ate outside at the only table that was in full shade from the trees.  It was the table farthest away from the building.  It was hot yesterday but there was a gentle cool breeze coming off the golf course.  It was a pleasant experience and I would recommend it to anyone.  The restaurant is open to the public.

There are a few golf course homes available in Awbrey Glen.  My clients home is the only luxury single level home on the golf course.  You can see a virtual tour by clicking this link. http://www.distinctivehometours.com/tour.asp?tour=CottonPlace

Jim Johnson has been selling luxury golf course homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.
 

One of a kind, luxury golf course home in the gated community of Awbrey Glen in Bend Oregon!  This exquisite single level home sits high over the 3^rd fairway/green at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a large secluded lot.  It features a circular driveway, 2 water features, gated court yard entry, large gallery with low voltage art lights and 5 skylights, limestone tile, two fireplaces, huge great room, wet bar and all the features you would expect in a truly luxury home. 

It has a large great room with a view of the golf course and green from almost every room.  The master suite is secluded in it’s own wing in one end of the home and has a nice granite tiled fireplace, coved ceiling and luxurious master bath with extensive use of glass block for a very light and bright atmosphere. 

The kitchen overlooks the breakfast nook, golf course and living room with fireplace.  The cabinets are seldom seen clear alder over slab granite and stainless steel appliances including trash compactor.  This is a one of a kind home offered for only $1,359,500. 

It has 3 spacious bedrooms, great room with living room, kitchen and breakfast nook, formal dining room and billiards/game room all with nice views and a secret 600 square foot room tucked behind the house with an outside entrance.  This room has a gas fireplace and additional bath. 

The elevated rear deck and driveway are made of cobble stone pavers.  This great home is loaded with features including including triple car garage.  Please see the virtual tour. http://www.distinctivehometours.com/tour.asp?tour=CottonPlace 

Jim Johnson has been selling luxury golf course homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .

 If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.

There are several great golf courses in Bend Oregon.  Central Oregon is becoming a mecca for second homes and retirees living here for the great summer time golf.  There is no better place in the United States to play 18 holes during July, August and September.

Awbrey Glen, Bend Golf and Country Club, Broken Top, Lost Tracks, Pronghorn, Tetherow and Widgi Creek are courses that are in the immediate area of Bend.  There are numerous other courses within an hours drive.  There are over 21 golf courses in Central Oregon.

Courses open to the public include River’s Edge, Lost Tracks, Widgi Creek and Tetherow Golf Club.  Private Courses include Awbrey Glen, Broken Top and Pronghorn.  Tetherow will eventually become private as they sell more property and there are enough members to support the course.  There are several golf course homes available in Bend.  Prices have fallen and now is a good time to buy.

For more information on Bend and Central Oregon golf courses visit the Visit Bend web site.  http://www.visitbend.com/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation/Outdoor-Recreation/Summer-Fun/Golf-Courses/default.aspx The picture above is courtesy of River’s Edge Golf Course.

Jim Johnson has been selling golf course homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .  If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.

Bend Oregon and Sunriver will host the Tradition Golf Tournament this coming Thursday through Sunday at the Crosswater Golf Club.  The tournament is for professional golfers on the Champions Tour, which is for players age 50 and over.

Some top pros in the tournament include, John Cook, Fred Funk, Hay Haas, Bernhard Langer, Mark McNulty (2007 winner), Loren Roberts, Eduardo Romero, Jeff Sluman, Tom Watson and other top players.  For more information you can visit the PGA web site http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/s558/ .

There are several great golf course homes for sale in the Bend area.  Prices are down and now is a great time to buy.  The Bend real estate market is always a good investment.

Jim Johnson has been selling golf course homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.

Financing a home in Bend Oregon is still easy.  Rates on 30 year fixed mortgages didn’t change last week  Freddie Mac reported that 30 year, fixed rate mortgages averaged 6.52% for the week ending August 7.  That was the same as the prior week’s rate, which marked the second-highest of the year.

Interest rates around 6 1/2% are still great.  I can remember back in the early 80s when interest rates on mortgages were 16%.  We were really happy when they finally came down to 12%!

There are a lot of good values on the market right now.  There are a lot of people that are going to look back in a few years and wish they had bought Bend Oregon real estate in 2008.

Jim Johnson has been selling quality homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.  Jim is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Principal Broker for Century 21 Gold Country Realty.

Financing luxury Homes in Bend Oregon is not a problem according to Kevin Pangle branch manager of Evergreen Home Loans. 

“Mortgages for Luxury Homes or more commonly know as “Jumbo Loans” are still available and as time passes, have become easier to obtain.  The earlier versions of “No Doc”, “Limited Doc” and “Stated Doc” have not come back in the fashion we saw in 2004 – 2006.  However, with credit scores over 680, Jumbo Loans are still available.  With scores over 720, the rates and terms are favorable.  Mortgages that range from 1/1, 3 /1 and 5/1 adjustable to the standard 30 year Jumbo Loan provide more options for most Luxury Home Buyers.”

“It is simple, we may never see Central Oregon home prices this low for many years to come.  But we do know that lower mortgage rates will return. It makes sense to buy when the home prices are low; knowing that rates will go back down allowing opportunities to refinance for lower monthly payments.”

Kevin went on to say that by law he cannot advertise interest rates without quoting the Annual Percentage Rate.  That is the interest rate plus the cost of financing.  So the APR will be a little higher than the interest rate.  Of course interest rates change daily and can go up or down on any given day.  You can see Evergreen Home Mortgage’s web site at http://kevinpangle-evergreenhomeloanslo.mortgagewebcenter.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

The photo of the luxury home above is provided by Total Property Resources LLC through the Central Oregon MLS and their reciprocity agreement.  It is currently listed for sale at $6,000,000. 

Jim Johnson has been selling luxury homes in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com .  To see more information on Bend Oregon click on the link below http://bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/bendoregon.asp .If you would like to make a comment on this post or on the Bend Oregon real estate market click on “comments” below.