One of my favorite parts of this job is helping clients see opportunities others might miss; especially in a market that’s often described as “slow,” when in reality, it’s anything but.
Recently, I helped a family relocate their daughter from California to Bend after being referred by a past client (the highest compliment). They were drawn to a specific neighborhood, River West, one of Bend’s most desirable neighborhoods. Filled with charm, walkable to coffee shops, Newport Market, trails, and overall proximity to everything that makes Bend special.
The Opportunity
They were drawn to a specific home that had been on the market for a while. It originally listed at $775,000, with the seller reducing the price by $5,000 each month. By October, it was priced at $677,500.
While the location checked every box, there were trade-offs: the layout wasn’t ideal, the condition needed work, and there was no garage. These details matter! In the right market conditions, they create leverage.
The Strategy
Rather than rushing, we took a thoughtful approach. We submitted an offer below list price, supported by market data and recent sales. When the seller countered higher, we didn’t panic.
Instead, we waited.
Timing matters just as much as price. We let the seller's counter offer expire and further strategized. A few days later, we responded with a carefully considered counter. This time slightly higher and intentionally specific. That patience paid off.
The seller accepted at $642,500, resulting in one of the lowest price-per-square-foot sales in River West over the past year.
The Takeaway for Buyers
This market isn’t slow, it’s strategic.
Well-priced, turnkey homes still move quickly. But properties with friction (whether it’s layout, condition, or uniqueness) can present incredible opportunities when paired with the right guidance and timing.
If you’re buying in Bend, success today isn’t about rushing or overpaying out of fear. It’s about understanding the micro-markets, reading seller motivation, knowing when to act and when to wait.
If you’re curious what this kind of strategy could look like for your own move, I’m always happy to talk through options and offer hyper-local insight into the Bend market.
