Posts made by author 'Rachel Kirk, Broker'

If you've ever thought, "Buying a home seems so much harder today than it was for my parents," you're not imagining it.

There are many reasons housing feels different today, but one simple comparison helps explain why.

Economists often compare the median home price with the median household income. This is known as the price-to-income ratio. It doesn't predict whether a particular family can afford a home, but it does provide a useful way to compare housing affordability across different places and different points in time.

Years ago, a typical home in the United States cost about three times the median household income.

Click Here to Read More...

When people think about buying a home in Bend, they often focus on the home itself. But sometimes it's the location and the lifestyle that become the deciding factors.

One neighborhood that deserves a closer look is Marken Summit.

Many of the homes here have been built within the last five to ten years, making it an attractive option for buyers who appreciate newer construction. Some of these homes enjoy mountain views, and another feature that appeals to many buyers is the absence of an HOA.

What I also find interesting about Marken Summit is its location.

The neighborhood sits just across from Central Oregon Community College (COCC), making it easy to enjoy everything the campus offers. Even if you're not taking classes, C...

Click Here to Read More...

As the days grow longer and Central Oregon begins to feel unmistakably like summer, Bend's cultural calendar is filling up quickly. From opera and live music to bookstores, documentaries, farmers markets, and wildflower hikes, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Here are a few upcoming events and ongoing activities happening around Bend and Central Oregon.

Farmers Markets Around Central Oregon

Farmers market season has officially returned, bringing local produce, flowers, food vendors, handmade goods, and a lively community atmosphere.

Bend Factory Stores Farmers Market

May through October
Fridays | 3:00 p...

Click Here to Read More...

Rivers Edge Village, en el lado este de Awbrey Butte, ocupa un lugar muy especial en el lado oeste de Bend. Para quienes buscan un equilibrio entre naturaleza, comodidad y conveniencia, ofrece algo cada vez más difícil de encontrar: un vecindario ya establecido, con jardines maduros, belleza natural y un ritmo de vida más tranquilo, a pocos minutos del centro de Bend.

El vecindario está muy ligado al cañón del río Deschutes. Dependiendo de la ubicación de la casa, algunas propiedades disfrutan de vistas al campo de golf, al cañón, o incluso a las montañas. El sendero del río Deschutes también forma parte importante de la vida cotidiana aquí. Muchas personas salen a caminar, correr o simplemente disfrutar de la tranquilidad y del paisaje de Central Oregon.

En cuanto a la arquitectura, Rivers Edge Village ofrece más variedad y personalidad que muchas comunidade...

Click Here to Read More...

Tucked along the eastern slope of Awbrey Butte, Rivers Edge Village occupies a distinctive place on Bend's west side. For buyers seeking a balance of nature, comfort, and convenience, it offers something increasingly difficult to find: an established neighborhood with mature landscaping, river canyon beauty, and a quieter pace of life, all within minutes of downtown Bend.

Rivers Edge Village tends to appeal to people who are not simply searching for square footage. Many buyers drawn to the neighborhood are looking carefully at how they want daily life to feel. They value natural surroundings, walkability, thoughtful architecture, and homes that support an easier lifestyle over time.

A Neighborhood Shaped by the River Canyon

One of the defining features of Rivers Edge Village is its relationship to the Desc...

Click Here to Read More...