new website

http://www.kristin-bryan.com

Gorgeous home of the week

207 NE 10th Street.
Bend, OR 97701

4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1726 square feet

$344,900

Pictures coming later today

New Features

I gave my blog a little face-lift this morning.

I have added seperate pages for:

-Featured Properties (houses & land that are a great value)
-Monthly Statistics (statistics about which properties are selling, and which aren’t)
-Contact (because I know you’re all dying to get in contact with me)
-My Listings (information on the properties that I have listed)
-Open Houses (updated weekly, this page will have the properties that I will be holding open and which days/times you can find me)

Let me know what you think of the new features.  Anything else you would like to see on this site?

Bend Real Estate in the News

Bend touted for home ‘bargains’ – one for $6 million

Video Gallery Pricey Bend home draws national spotlight (7/29) 2: 04

This five-bedroom, seven-bath chateau style home in Broken Top gated community can be yours for $6 million

Also on KTVZ.com USA Today salutes Bend as real estate ‘bargain’

Broken Top home no longer priciest on the market

By Deanne Goodman, KTVZ.COM

Bend is in the national spotlight again, this time hailed as a great place to buy a home.

Tuesday’s USA Today article features one of the most expensive homes in Bend. But while the $6 million dollar Bend home was the most expensive on the market when the article was written, it was not by the time the paper hit newsstands. In that short time a more expensive home went up for sale.

With so many homes for sale right now, brokers say bargains are everywhere.

Could a $6 million home be considered a bargain? In another city definitely, but in Bend it’s among the most expensive homes ever on the market.

“With a property like this, we do need to reach out to the rest of the country and hit those high-end buyers” broker Dan Reedy said Tuesday.

The home has a wine cellar, golf course views, a media center and granite imported from Italy. Lucky for Reedy, the Broken Top property, on the market for about three months, got free national exposure in Tuesday’s edition of USA Today.

The article pinpoints Bend as a great place to buy a home. Realtors couldn’t agree more.

“It’s definitely a buyer’s market,” said Tom Greene, president of the Central Oregon Association of Realtors. But he added, “If you have to sell, you have to be realistic. Our market is down anywhere from 29 to 39 percent. ”

Sales are down as well, but Greene believes the market will bounce back in a couple of years. “We hit that $270,000 median price two months ago, and now its back to up to $315,000.”

Greene says the only drawback to buying now is facing the overwhelming decision of choosing just one.

“The problem I’m seeing with Bend is that there’s 2,300 homes on the market,” he said. “Buyers are having trouble making up their minds.”

Whether it’s a high-end home or one closer to the median price, Realtors have the challenge of luring interested buyers, even in a scenic city like Bend.

USA Today takes a look at housing markets across the U.S. each week. Las Vegas gets the attention in next week’s article.

COBA Tour of Homes Awards

2008 Award Recipients

Overall Best of Show – # 65 Gary Norman Homes

Over $2,000,000

Best Architectural Design- # 65 Gary Norman Homes

Best Kitchen- # 68 Schumacher Construction, Inc.

Best Interior Finish- # 47 PCL Homes and Cascade Design Center

Best Master Suite- # 65 Gary Norman Homes

Best Landscaping- # 65 Gary Norman Homes

Best Garage- # 47 PCL Homes and Cascade Design Center

Best Feature- # 47 PCL Homes and Cascade Design Center (Theater Room)

Best Value- # 65 Gary Norman Homes

Best of Show- # 65 Gary Norman Homes

$1,500,000 to $2,000,000

Best Architectural Design- # 21 Gary Norman Homes

Best Kitchen- # 21 Gary Norman Homes

Best Interior Finish– # 48 Pacwest Homes

Best Master Suite- # 74 Demarco Design & Building

Best Landscaping- # 48 Pacwest Homes

Best Garage- # 74 Demarco Design & Building

Best Feature- # PGC Building & Design (Theater room)

Best Value- # 21 Gary Norman Homes

Best of Show- # 48 Pacwest Homes

$1,000,000 to $1,500,000

Best Architectural Design- # 49 Branic Homes

Best Kitchen- # 64 Bend Trend Homes

Best Interior Finish – # 49 Branic Homes

Best Master Suite- # 49 Branic Homes

Best Landscaping- # 51 Pacific Crest Building & Design

Best Garage- # 73 Sun Forest Construction

Best Feature- # 73 Sun Forest Construction (Exposed Timber Truss Design)

Best Value- # 49 Branic Homes

Best of Show- # 49 Branic Homes

$800,000 to $1,000,000

Best  Architectural Design- # 50 Blue Skies Development & High Desert Homes

Best Kitchen- # 50 Blue Skies Development & High Desert Homes

Best Interior Finish – # 50 Blue Skies Development & High Desert Homes

Best Master Suite- # 50 Blue Skies Development & High Desert Homes

Best Landscaping- # 22 SunTerra Homes

Best Garage- # 22 SunTerra Homes

Best Feature- # 22 SunTerra Homes (Radiant floor heating system)

Best Value- # 24 Wild River Homes

Best of Show- # 50 Blue Skies Development & High Desert Homes

$700,000 to $800,000

Best Architectural Design- # 58 SolAire Homebuilders

Best Kitchen- # 63 Pahlisch Homes, Inc.

Best Interior Finish – # 63 Pahlisch Homes, Inc.

Best Master Suite- # 58 SolAire Homebuilders

Best Landscaping- # 52 Viking Construction

Best Garage- # 63 Pahlisch Homes, Inc.

Best Feature- # 52 Viking Construction (Outdoor Living Area)

Best Value- # 52 Viking Construction

Best of Show- # 63 Pahlisch Homes, Inc.

$600,000 to $700,000

Best Architectural Design- # 37 Pahlisch Homes

Best Kitchen- # 37 Pahlisch Homes

Best Interior Finish – # 37 Pahlisch Homes

Best Master Suite- # 37 Pahlisch Homes

Best Landscaping- # 6 Sun Forest Construction

Best Garage- # 37 Pahlisch Homes

Best Feature- # 6 Sun Forest Construction (Pond)

Best Value- # 37 Pahlisch Homes

Best of Show- # 37 Pahlisch Homes

$500,000 to $600,000

Best Architectural Design- # 59 Diamond Built Homes

Best Kitchen- # 62 Plaza Bend

Best Interior Finish – # 62 Plaza Bend

Best Master Suite- # 39 Pahlisch Homes

Best Landscaping- # 70 Tamarack Homes

Best Garage- # 59 Diamond Built Homes

Best Feature- # 59 Diamond Built Homes (Hot Tub and Patio)

Best Value- # 39 Pahlisch Homes

Best of Show- # 62 Plaza Bend

$450,000 to $500,000

Best Architectural Design- # 56 Ridgeline Custom Homes

Best Kitchen- # 56 Ridgeline Custom Homes

Best Interior Finish – # 56 Ridgeline Custom Homes

Best Master Suite- # 56 Ridgeline Custom Homes

Best Landscaping- # 10 Alder Creek Homes

Best Garage- # 10 Alder Creek Homes

Best Feature- # 56 Ridgeline Custom Homes (Outside Courtyard)

Best Value- # 56 Ridgeline Custom Homes

Best of Show- # 56 Ridgeline Custom Homes

$400,000 to $450,000

Best Architectural Design- # 29 Braatz Earle

Best Kitchen- # 29 Braatz Earle

Best Interior Finish – # 29 Braatz Earle

Best Master Suite- # 43 AB Premier Homes

Best Landscaping- # 29 Braatz Earle

Best Garage- # 29 Braatz Earle

Best Feature- #  29 Braatz Earle (Exposed headers with antique bridge washers)

Best Value- # 29 Braatz Earle

Best of Show- # 29 Braatz Earle

$350,000 to $400,000

Best Architectural Design- # 38 Bilyeu Fine Homes

Best Kitchen- # 38 Bilyeu Fine Homes

Best Interior Finish – # 38 Bilyeu Fine Homes

Best Master Suite- # 38 Bilyeu Fine Homes

Best Landscaping- # 57 Craftsman Homes

Best Garage- # 57 Craftsman Homes

Best Feature- # 12 Sage Builders, LLC (Multi Level Ceiling and Paver Court Yard)

Best Value- # 11 D.R. Horton

Best of Show- # 38 Bilyeu Fine Homes

$300,000 to $350,000

Best Architectural Design- # 34 Woodhill Homes, Inc.

Best Kitchen- # 34 Woodhill Homes, Inc.

Best Interior Finish – # 34 Woodhill Homes, Inc.

Best Master Suite- # 31 Palmer Homes

Best Landscaping- # 34 Woodhill Homes, Inc.

Best Garage- # 34 Woodhill Homes, Inc.

Best Feature- # 31 Palmer Homes (Extra double car detached garage)

Best Value- # 31 Palmer Homes

Best of Show- # 34 Woodhill Homes, Inc.

$250,000 to $300,000

Best Architectural Design- # 13 Sunwest Builders

Best Kitchen- # 13 Sunwest Builders

Best Interior Finish – # 40 Pahlisch Homes, Inc.

Best Master Suite- # 13 Sunwest Builders

Best Landscaping- # 13 Sunwest Builders

Best Garage- # 13 Sunwest Builders

Best Feature- # 13 Sunwest Builders (Placement of home on lot to maximize views)

Best Value- # 30 Stone Bridges Homes

Best of Show- # 13 Sunwest Builders

$200,000 to $250,000

Best Architectural Design- # 35 Schumacher Construction, Inc.

Best Kitchen- # 7 Hayden Homes

Best Interior Finish – # 35 Schumacher Construction, Inc.

Best Master Suite- # 35 Schumacher Construction, Inc.

Best Landscaping- # 27 Woodhill Homes, Inc.

Best Garage- # 16 Viking Construction

Best Feature- # 35 Schumacher Construction, Inc. (Walk-Out Patio)

Best Value- # 28 Edge Development Group

Best of Show- # 35 Schumacher Construction, Inc.

Green Building Award

Under $300,000- # 66 Woodhill Homes, Inc.

$300,000-$400,000- # 57 Craftsman Homes

$400,000-$700,000- # 70 Tamarack Homes

Over $700,000- # 58 SolAire Homebuilders

Let me know if you would like information on any of these homes.

What do you think of the Tour of Homes houses?

There has been a little discussion occurring on my “If you have 1.5 Million Lying around” post.

But it has me curious as to what you all think of the houses that you have seen on the Tour of Homes this year.

As I mentioned in a couple earlier posts: I am hosting the open house at the Reserve at Broken Top but I am not the listing agent.  I have 2 lot listings in The Reserve, and will be holding open houses up there (pretty much until the end of time), but I won’t be offended by your feedback (I have some of my own in fact)

Buyer feedback is an essential aspect to selling real estate.  It keeps the seller in touch with what people (that aren’t emotionally attached to the house) actually think about the house and how it is priced.

Obviously there is a lot of media hype about the state of the real estate market, but the bottom line always comes down to the fact that houses are worth what people are willing to pay.  Asking way too much for your house to begin with, and then having to sell it for 30% less than the listing price (because that’s what someone was willing to pay) doesn’t mean that the real estate market is “bad”, it just means your house isn’t worth what you want it to be worth.

Now don’t take this to mean that I think the real estate market is booming (I think my bank account speaks to the contrary) I am simply trying to get a feel for what people like/dislike about the houses on tour this year and your opinion on their pricing.

Are you impressed?

Are you disappointed?

Do you think the homes you’re viewing are a value?

Would you want to live in those houses?

Are there any neighborhoods that stand out in your mind?

etc….

Great Investment Opportunity

If you are looking to snatch up a great buy in Bend that will generate some cash flow then I have just the property for you.

This turn-key vacation rental is located at the top of the Old Mill District in Bend. a 2 minute walk to the movie theater and shops and a 5 minute walk (carrying a flotation device) to the Deschutes River.

The owners are investors with too many properties and they just need to dump one – It comes fully furnished and all of the reservations that are on the book are yours as well.

It is a fully functioning business with a website. Listed at $244,900
Contact me if you have any questions, or would like more information, or want to see the property.

The Reserve at Broken Top – Tour of Homes

I have been holding a house open for the Tour of Homes in the Reserve at Broken top.

It’s 3477 sq. ft. 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths that is surrounded on 3 sides by common area (that won’t ever be built on) and backs to a walking/biking trail that connects to the Phil’s Trail System.

This home is listed at $1,075,000 or you could purchase a lot (lot prices range from the low $200’s to the high $200’s) and build this model or one of 4 others at a build price of around $200 a square foot.

Here are some photos:

2008 COBA Tour of Homes

The time has come once again for the Central Oregon Builders Association’s Tour of Homes

July 18,19,20 and July 25,26,27, 2008

20th Annual Central Oregon Builders Association Tour of HomesTM

The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) is pleased to present the 20th Annual 2008 Tour of HomesTM sponsored by Columbia River Bank. The field of 73 homes is set for the 2008 Tour, and we anxiously await the tour dates of July 18, 19, 20 and July 25, 26, 27. Hours for the tour this year will be the same as past years Fridays Noon – 6, Saturdays & Sundays 10-6. Remembering that it will be the height of summer, we advise attendees to dress appropriately and to bring plenty of water in their cars.

The 20th Annual 2008 Tour of HomesTM tour guide will be available in each Tour home as well as being delivered in The Bulletin right before the Tour begins. If you are interested in advertising in the tour guide please contact The Bulletin at 382-1811.

The 20th Annual 2008 COBA Tour of HomesTM is annually presented in July with the generous support of our sponsors. The 20th Annual 2008 Tour of HomesTM is sponsored by Columbia River Bank, and supported by Earth Advantage, The Garner Group, W.L. May Company, Robberson Ford, Deschutes Heating & Cooling, Central Oregon Cable Advertising, The Bulletin, and KOHD News.

The 20th Annual 2008 Tour of HomesTM field is set at 74 homes. Our second largest Tour! Prices on the Tour range from $207,950 to $3,200,000!

I will be holding The Reserve At Broken Top open every day of the tour (Friday 12-6, Saturday 10-6 & Sunday 10-6)

Please come see me!

New Blogsite

I created a new blog centered around interior design.

Please visit it and let me know what you think.

http://designbend.wordpress.com