How much do I need for a down payment?

Often less than people think. Several loan programs allow low down payments, and assistance programs can help eligible buyers. A lender can tell you exactly what you qualify for, and I can connect you with one.

How do I know what I pay you as a buyer?

We'll go over exactly how I'm paid, in writing, at our first meeting, before you see a single home. No surprises.

Is now a good time to buy in Bend?

That depends on your finances and how long you plan to stay, not on headlines. I'll walk you through the local numbers at the time so you can decide with confidence.

Road toward the Cascade mountains in Bend, Oregon

View over Bend, Oregon neighborhoods toward the Cascades

Moving to Central Oregon

People move here for the sun, the trails and the pace. The hard part is sorting it out from three states away, when every town looks the same on a listing site. I grew up in Oregon, I have lived in Bend for 11 years, and my job is to get you into the right town and the right neighborhood the first time.

Tour homes from wherever you are. I walk through houses on live video so you see what photos leave out: the road noise, the slope of the lot, the shop building next door, how dark the back bedroom really is.

See the area in person when you can get here. We can spend a day driving Central Oregon so you can feel the difference between them instead of guessing.

Buy the whole way from a distance. Offer, inspections, repair negotiations, appraisal and closing can all be handled remotely. I will be at the house for the walkthroughs you cannot attend.

The people you need on day one. Lenders who know Oregon, movers, contractors, insurance. I will make the introductions so you are not starting from a search engine.

How a Move From Out of State Actually Works

1. A call about timing, budget and what you are leaving behind
2. A town-by-town rundown so you know where to point the search
3. Live video tours of homes as they hit the market
4. An in-person area tour on your next trip out
5. Offer, inspection and negotiation, handled remotely if you are not here
6. Closing, keys, and introductions to the people you will need

Can I really buy a house here without flying out first?

Yes. I tour the home on live video and walk the street, the yard and the parts a listing photo never shows. Inspections and the appraisal happen while you are still at home, the paperwork is electronic, and I can stand in for you at the final walkthrough. I would still rather get you out here once before you commit, but it is not a requirement.
Which Central Oregon town should I be looking at?

It depends on what you are trading off. Bend has the most going on and the highest prices. Redmond costs less and sits next to the airport. Sisters is small and scenic with thin inventory. Prineville and La Pine stretch a budget the furthest and add drive time. I will walk you through the real differences in price, commute and what is actually for sale, and I am not going to steer you toward the bigger number.
I have a home to sell before I can buy here.

That is most people, and the timing is the whole game. We work backwards from when you need to be in Central Oregon and line up your sale, your offer here and the move, so you are not carrying two payments or sitting in a rental for four months. If you want an agent you can trust where you live now, I can make that referral too.

Moving to Central Oregon

How a Move From Out of State Actually Works

Start With a Conversation

Tell me where you are moving from and roughly when, and I will tell you honestly what your budget buys in each town out here.

Call or text James at 541-280-3400, or send a message.

Leaving Central Oregon instead? See the Moving Away page.