And on with our weekly briefing on deals and non-deals from the MLS Tuesday tour of Bend OR homes for sale. As you know, there are MLS listings in Bend that are excellent values, and I look for those on the weekly tour. This week there were two small acreages that are considered farms or ranches in Central Oregon.
First, the losers! Recently I searched homes in Bend under $200,000 on .2 acres (approximately 8,500 sq ft lots) with 3 bedrooms or more and 2 bathrooms or more, and I came up with almost 200! (this in a town that had nothing under $250,000 in 2006). So a home with 2 bedrooms and one bath on a large lot, even one that borders a park, is a non-performer at $189,900. Similarly, at $265,000 a 1,710 sq ft home with lovely surface finishes and views is still overpriced at $265,000, even though it is a builder's own home and only 5 years old. But those views are awesome!
For homes on acreage, which can be considered mini ranches, a house that is old (1985) and shows old (sculpted carpet is definitely OUT!), will be a hard sell for $335,000, but it is on 2 1/2 acres. $299,000 anyone?? The remaining homes on acreage were similarly a disappointment. One was on 2 1/3 acres for nearly $400,000! Gasp. Part of the home had been remodeled, but most of it felt very Seventies -- convenient since it was built in 1977. A mini ranch at $455,000 was a better deal. It is a 2,000 sq ft home with awesome Cascade views, is on nearly 5 acres, has a very basic horse set-up and irrigation and a detached shop/garage. It also has that rare Central Oregon offering -- an in-ground pool with decking! I come to the conclusion that one can find great small acreage/horse property in the $300,000 range.
And those winners! How about almost 3,800 sq ft with an attached apartment plus a potting shop on a huge lot (almost 1/2 acre) close in to town for $299,900? Wow! And a totally remodeled 3,100 sq ft home with incredible views, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, large lot for $399,000? In the same price range I saw a home near schools and shopping for almost $400,000 which is also a 4-bedroom home, Craftsman style with wood floors and a huge bonus room currently set up for media and a play room.
So I am out there scouting out the perfect deals for you! Give me a call or email me at Lynne@LynneConnelley.com. I can set up a search for you, and those great deals will come to you automatically in your email. Buy Bend the EASY WAY!!!