whybend.com

1. Bend, Ore.: Stiff demand from second-home buyers helped nearly double median home prices in lovely Bend, Ore., between 1999 and 2006. But the subsequent real estate collapse has dragged the area’s price-to-income ratio from 3.4 in the third quarter of 2006 to 1.7 in the fourth quarter of 2009. That’s below Bend’s average price-to-income ratio of 2 for the 15 years ending in 2003. This increased affordability makes retirement property in Bend particularly attractive today, says Lester Friedman, president-elect of the Central Oregon Association of Realtors. “Central Oregon has always been a place where people came to get away,” Friedman says. “And, of course, that is kind of the definition of retirement.” Friedman points to a number of activities that can keep seniors busy in Bend year round, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, boating, and volunteering. “We have wonderful college facilities, so continuing education is easy,” he says. “You name it, we’ve got it.”

I am having another open house for those of you who could not make it last weekend.  Go to the Blog roll on the left to see the virtual tour.  Hope to see you there!

Come see this beautiful home.   From Neff rd go south on Providence and lft on Locksley to NE Cromwell ct.    The address is 3153 NE Cromwell ct.  For more information on the house go to www.nicburke.com and click on bend real estate.  It is the featured property.