Miyagi Ramen Has Great Food at Great PricesIn our ongoing effort to support local restaurants which are struggling during the Covid-19 restrictions, Bend Premier Real Estate Brokers are focusing on Miyagi Ramen this week.Located in the Box Factory on Industrial Way near the Old Mill Shopping Center in Bend, we purchased the Black Sesame Dan Dan (spicy minced pork, baby bok choy, cilantro, lime and fermented black bean) and the Tonkotsu (chashu pork belly, nori, pickled burdock root, bamboo shoot, soft egg, scallion) and an order of Tempura Miatake Mushroom steamed buns (two per order).  For a price of $33, we were totally satisfied and felt our meal was well priced and delicious. The to-go service was ready right when I arrived to pick up our meal; they would have walked the food out to... 04/17/2020

Need a Caffeine Fix Today? During this quarantine it is essential to practice CDC safety guidelines, but does that mean your coffee options are restricted? Definitely NOT! Below are a few coffee establishments in Bend that are still open for take-out and bean orders. Help support local businesses during this chaotic time, and also feed your caffeine needs. Lone Pine Roasters* Also a shout out to Lone Pine Roasters! I recently purchased a bag of their Ethiopian Suke Quto beans. After brewing this coffee today, I can attest to the quality of this roastery. The Ethiopian beans were bursting with aromas of stone fruits and citrus, and the final product was gorgeous. Bright peach notes, with some honey, and a baking spice finish; definitely a great way to start the day. Lone Pine Roasters i... 04/15/2020

It's not often that we experience the luxury of time standing still.  The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a glimpse of what the world feels like on pause.  Is it a blessing, or a curse?  Or perhaps both?!Our family experienced a very personal pause 1.5 years ago when my hubby was diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer.  We were told to go home and get our affairs in order.  In that moment, we were stunned as time stood still. Since then, many of our plans/decisions have been altered in light of the knowledge of that ticking time bomb.  It's been a blessing (in the midst of a curse) being afforded time to refocus and rediscover who we are.I wonder what many of you are feeling in this moment.  Are you being forced to make decisions that you would have never considered if it weren't for a ... 04/14/2020

Adopt a Bend Oregon Restaurant - This Week Chomp ChompWe love Bend! Part of the Bend culture is the variety of places to eat and socialize. With all of Bend's restaurants shut down and only open for take out due to Covid-19 restrictions, we need to support them however possible.  Each week Bend Premier Real Estate brokers are adopting a new restaurant and we invite you go join us.  It takes a lot of food sales just to pay the rent. This week we are supporting Chomp Chomp in downtown Bend.We ordered "Our Ramen" which was fabulous with garlic baby bok choy, nori, oyster mushroom, a soft boiled egg, chicken (we substituted chicken for pork belly) and scallions. Our second order was "All Mighty Gyudon" which was thinly sliced sirloin over rice with stewed onions, fried egg, pickled ginger, ... 04/11/2020

Central Or Real Estate Sales Feeling Impact of Covid-19 PandemicThe March 2020 real estate trends have been published and they reflect both the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the closings from strong February home sales. Central Oregon schools shut down Friday, March 13th and stay at home became the norm the following week.  Since the start of the pandemic, home sales have dropped, new listings have slowed, and more sale fails than normal have occurred, often due to buyers losing jobs and no longer qualifying for loans.  However, Central Oregon real estate sales are still happening, although at a different rate than normal for this time of year.Bend Oregon Home Sales MixedWhen March of 2020 is compared with March of 2019 for the sales of Bend single family homes on less than an acre... 04/07/2020

Great To Go Food in Bend OregonIf you are anything like us, we have been very sad about not being able to go out to our favorite restaurants during this quarantine. However, this just means we have been changing our focus from dine-in opportunities to the best "To Go" locations in Band! Last week we had the opportunity to try Cody's Catering and for anyone looking for a lot of great BBQ at a fantastic price, this is a must try!Currently through the end of April, Cody's is offering a special where you can buy one dinner for 4 hot and get a second "easy to heat up" dinner for 4 for half price! For a total of $46 we got enough food for about 4 meals for the two of us. Well of course this was exactly the kind of To Go bargain we were hunting for and it sure was delicious! We ordered the BBQ... 04/06/2020

Bessie Butte is a Little Known Bend Hike Just a short drive east on China Hat Road in SE Bend you can find Bessie Butte. A quick 1.5 mile round trip, the hike has 500 feet elevation gain and easy access. Although not as well known or used as Pilot Butte, Bessie Butte is a great hiking option and provides for wonderful views from the top. On Sunday, March 22, 2020, after being at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, we drove the short distance to the Bessie Butte trail head and hiked to the top. During the walk, we did pass several parties coming down, but there were plenty of places to step aside and keep the distance needed to maintain safe separation. It was a beautiful day and although we wished the hike could have been longer, the views were stunning.   If you have hiked Pilot Butte S... 03/23/2020

Bend Oregon Home Sellers Have Options - Use Matterport 3D to Tour Virtually In this never before seen world with the coronavirus pandemic changing how we live our lives, having options on how buyers can tour a home is invaluable. At Bend Premier Real Estate, we invested as a brokerage in Matterport 3D two years ago. We currently own two cameras complete with all the set ups required and have two videographers trained to film these tours.  For our sellers, the benefit of having buyers virtually walking through their home enables us to screen through buyers for whom the house may not work - all without physically being there. For buyers, the opportunity to view the home in 3D can help them determine if that property makes their top list and eliminates time and work in viewing homes which ... 03/18/2020

As new information continues to evolve regarding the Coronavirus, so does the need to address potential health issues that impact the real estate industry.  Some states have created a Coronavirus Addendum, addressing the need for escrow extensions due to unforeseen delays.  Some real estate brokerages have put moratoriums on open houses.  Other offices have created a health questionnaires, requiring agents and their clients to complete prior to showing a home.  What can we do to protect ourselves and others?  Besides the obvious CDC recommendations regarding handwashing and social distancing, you can consult your brokerage and Local/State Associations regarding policies being implemented locally.  Most State Associations have legal departments where you can ask crucial questions on how ... 03/18/2020

I've often said... character doesn't shine when things are going hunky-dory.  Who needs refining around the edges when business is booming, money is plentiful, love is ever abounding, and toilet paper is in huge supply?  Everyone, said no one!Character SHINES when the $#IT hits the fan!Are you gracious?  Check out the comment box on Facebook, where you'll often find a tally of wrongs coupled with not-so-gracious name-calling and finger-pointing.  Do you participate, or quell social bullies?  Are you kind?  Do your words pack a bite bigger than your neighborhood doberman...  when the waitress gets your order wrong, or that person cuts you off in traffic, or someone grabs the last roll of toilet paper in the midst of a global pandemic?  THESE are perfect scenarios to 'demo' your character... 03/15/2020

  Being the foodies we are, we really enjoy finding restaurants that are off the beaten path. One such restaurant we recently enjoyed was Boxwood Kitchen. Although located in the Old Mill District, this dining experience will not be found on the main road but rather was tucked in behind Naked Winery and Jimmy Johns.  We have visited Boxwood on several occasions since they opened their doors last year and their wonderful dishes have yet to disappoint. On our most recent visit we were able to enjoy an intimate setting with some close friends and really take the "Supperclub" name to heart. We were able to enjoy a nice leisurely dinner with plenty of good food, drinks and even some laughs with our server.  We began our meal with their Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs. We didn't get a photo o... 03/10/2020

Lack of Inventory Impacting Bend Oregon Real Estate A mild winter and continued high demand has led to a boom for February 2020 home sales in Bend. When the February 2020 sales of Bend single family homes on less than an acre are compared with February 2019, the following changes can be noted: Homes for sale down 36.7% to 252* Homes sold up 17.6% to 127 Homes pended up 51% to 219 Average price per square foot up 7.3% to $265 Average day s on market up 10.1% to 131 Sold/Original listing price difference percentage unchanged Average active price up 13.2% to $771,000 Average sold price up 11.7% to $564,000 Months of inventory  down 46.1% to 2 Bend Oregon Home Sales Not Following Normal Trends Winter is typically a slower time for Bend home sales. Snow and inclement weather impacts the abil... 03/07/2020

Several years ago, I took some staging courses and became a certified Stager.  My intent was to use the skills I learned to accessorize my marketing plan by adding a complimentary staging consult to my listing package.  The investment has paid off in spades.When I take a new listing, I spend a considerable amount of time with the Seller preparing the home in advance for picture day.  It's a two-step process, where the first meet and greet is spent walking around the home, discussing what needs to be done to prepare the home for market.  The Seller is given a homework assignment to declutter and depersonalize prior to the second visit, where we stage the home.I ask for creative license from the Seller to move furniture, rearrange odds and ends, and accessorize the home.  This next step s... 03/04/2020

Cascade Lakes Brewing Produces a Meal to RememberBend Oregon has become a beer hot spot for any hop connoisseur. With over 27 breweries to choose from, there seems to be a flavor and experience for any palate. Last week, we were able to have a fun and unique dining experience at one of our favorite brew stops, Cascade Lakes. Founded in 1994, Cascade Lakes Brewing has its origins in Redmond, Oregon. Over 25 years later, the brewery has greatly expanded its brewing system and also has added "The Lodge,",our go-to weekend stop in Bend, Oregon on the way to Mt. Bachelor. On our most recent visit, Cascade Lakes offered an exclusive, 30 ticket only event for a 5 course beer pairing which was called "Beer and Bites." Based on teaser photos leaked on social media, this looked as though it promi... 02/21/2020

It's no surprise that Oregon touts the Nation's 10th-fastest rate of net migration.  What does this mean?  People are moving to Oregon and not leaving.  Here are 7 reasons why people love Oregon.Oregon is beautiful.  You don't have to drive far to experience towering redwood trees, clean coastal beaches, gorgeous Cascade mountain range, flowing rivers, and tons of wildlife.  There is so much to do outdoors; from biking, hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting, or simply taking in nature at its finest.Oregon is friendly.  People tend to be more patient and kind here.  Perhaps it's the clean air, or the chill lifestyle that puts them at ease.  In any case, don't expect to rush through the coffee line without chatting to the Barista about your plans for the day.  They genuinely want to know =)Ore... 02/18/2020

Bend Oregon Home Sales Surging The Bend real estate market has been strong since coming out of the recession.  However, the figures from January 2019 were beyond expectations with the number of new ratified sales contracts hitting new highs. When January 2019 is compared with January 2018, the following trends can be noted for Bend single family residences on less than an acre of land: Homes for sale were down 29.6% to 269* Homes sold up 3.1% to 131 Homes pended up 24.6% to 177 The average price per square foot on sold home was up 6.1% to $259 The days on market were up 1.6% to 130 The sold/original listing price difference was up 1.1% to 96% The average active price was up 5.8% to $752,000 The average sold price was up 6.7% to $525,000 The months of inventory based on closed sales was ... 02/07/2020

With Superbowl Sunday just around the corner, I thought I would share one of my favorite dip recipes.  I'm not a huge football fanatic, but I certainly enjoy a party, and I like to cook!  This recipe is super easy to to make, healthy to eat, and quite tasty too!  Your Superbowl friends and family will be delighted, and they'll likely be singing your Dip Dip Hooray praises!If you have a Trader Joe's in your area, pick up a 16oz container of organic sour cream, and a 2oz bottle of onion salt (in the spice section).  Mix half the bottle of onion salt (1 oz) with 16oz sour cream and garnish with chives.  Voila... you've got an award winning yummy onion dip for your party in just minutes!  If you don't have a Trader Joe's in your area, any sour cream and onion salt will do, but add a little ... 01/28/2020

New Italian Restaurant a Great Addition to Downtown Bend Being a restaurant owner in Bend is not easy. From tight food margins to difficult customers, building a new business to a place people talk about and come back to is no easy task. Bend's newest restaurant is on track to follow that challenging path. Salute' Bend is an Italian restaurant in Bend worth remembering.  This cozy restaurant is located in the old High Tides location, or more recently the old Citizen location on Bond in Downtown Bend across from Deschutes Brewery. This space has a strange hallway entrance that looks more like the beginning of a bad horror movie with unique lighting and a sterile feel than the entrance to a wonderful Italian eating establishment. Make your way past the elevator to a glass doorway on your ... 01/25/2020

You've heard the ole' cliche... He who speaks first, loses.  Have you ever been in the middle of a negotiation, and suddenly, the room is filled with a deafening silence?  Do you find yourself fidgeting uncomfortably during the loooong pause, waiting for someone to say something?  Are you tempted to jump in to fill empty space, or do you silently contain yourself while others yak their lips and spill their beans?Listening is an art, pausing is a discipline.  Both are highly coveted pearls of wisdom when engaging in negotiation.  The goal with any exchange is to seek to understand.  Sometimes that means you gotta zippa your lippa.When silence fills a room, practice your pause.  Let others yak their lips while you quietly assess the situation.  Then, ask questions for clarity.  Start with... 01/19/2020

Bend Home Sales 2019 Show More of the Same As we move from 2019 to 2020, it is always good to look back and see how the sales from one year may affect the next. For Bend Real Estate in 2019, the trends provided more of the same with lack of inventory impacting home prices, days on market and closed sales. When the 2018 figures from Bend single family homes sales on less than an acre are compared with those from 2019, the following can be seen: The numbers of homes offered for sale were down 17.2% from 396 to 328 at the end of the year The numbers of homes sold were down 4.2% from 2452 to 2352 The number of homes pended were down .8% from 2417 to 2397 The average days on market were unchanged at 103 The sold/original listing price difference was down 1% from 97% to 96% The average price ... 01/08/2020