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    Guide to Bend’s Dog Parks

    By Mark Garcia | March 15, 2023

    It’s estimated that about 49 percent of the population of Bend have canine companions, leading to the city being affectionately nicknamed, “Dog Town, USA.” As such, the City has invested in the development of an abundance of off-leash dog parks for our furry friends. We hope you enjoy exploring some of our favorites! Read More

    The March Newsletter

    By Mark Garcia | March 13, 2023

    I recently attended the 6th annual COBA (Central Oregon Builders Association) Builders’ Perspective Breakfast and thought I’d share some key takeaways. Nationally: Inflation made wage gains flat this year, however when averaged out over the last 3 years, workers have experience tremendous gains. Family homes pending contract nationally are down 26% year-over-year. Disposable income is down,... Read More

    The February Newsletter

    By Mark Garcia | February 8, 2023

    We are starting to see a turn in our local Bend market. I anticipate seeing a downward trend in inflation and mortgage rates. By all indications, buyers are starting to adjust to a higher interest rate environment. Over the past several weeks we’ve seen our market transition into a good buyer demand stage due to... Read More

    Best of Downtown Bend

    By Mark Garcia | January 14, 2023

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    The January Newsletter

    By Mark Garcia | January 10, 2023

    Mark’s Market Update Happy New Year from the Bend Homes Now Team! I’m sure many of you are planning for what’s to come in 2023. In the real estate world, we are adjusting to a completely different housing climate than what we were experiencing in the first half of 2022. I believe it’s important to... Read More

    The December Newsletter

    By Mark Garcia | December 12, 2022

    Mark’s Market Update  Is it a good time to buy or continue to rent?  As I’m sure you’ve heard, the State of Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis announced the maximum rent increase rate for 2023 to be 14.6%.  Of course, just because the law allows for that increase, most renters are not likely to receive a... Read More

    Seller Credit vs. Price Reduction

    By Mark Garcia | December 6, 2022

    Thank you to Matt Sieverson at NW Home Loans for providing this example. While this scenario is hypothetical, it is definitely worth weighing both options with your realtor and mortgage loan professional to see which one will deliver you the greatest value. If you want more information or to run through all of your options,... Read More

    November 2022 Newsletter

    By Mark Garcia | November 10, 2022

    Mark’s Market Update One of the negotiating strategies we are seeing in today’s market is the use of seller credits. Below we’ve illustrated how using seller credits to buy down interest rates can substantially reduce the monthly payment for buyers. Further, if you are a seller in this market, offering seller credits can make your... Read More

    October 2022 Newsletter

    By Mark Garcia | October 14, 2022

    Mark’s Market Update Fall is here and our real estate market continues to stabilize and slide in favor of buyers. Interest rates continue to rise slightly but we are hopeful that we will start to see those stabilize in the coming months. There are more opportunities out there for buyers now than there have been... Read More

    August 2022 Newsletter

    By Mark Garcia | September 7, 2022

    Mark’s Market UpdateThe recent drop in interest rates to below 5% on a 30-year mortgage has brought some life back into the market. There is three times the amount of housing inventory available compared to one year ago. House appreciation is expected to increase an average of 10%, based on the forecast of seven key... Read More