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Looking for a realtor in Bend to purchase a property? You may have many options to explore, so it’s important to find the right real estate agent for your relocation plans. While online research and referrals from the experts can help, nothing compares to having a real conversation with the realtor you would be working with. Here are some of the best questions to ask them.

1. How is Your Commission Calculated?

This question gets right to the nuts and bolts of comparing realtor costs. You need to know what percentage of commission the buyer’s realtor would be paid, if the commission varies based on property or services, and if specific situations like dual representation will change the commission numbers. Some realtors list this information, but you often need to speak them to find out the details.

2. How Long Have You Been Working in the Area, and What Kind of Clients Have You Had?

Ideally, you want to work with a realtor that has plentiful experience with Central Oregon real estate and is used to helping clients like you (especially when it comes to the type of property you are looking for). Look at the realtor’s testimonials and ask them about what kinds of recent properties they have helped clients find. You may also want to ask them when they earned their license/realtor membership to get an idea of their history.

3. What are the Price Ranges of Property in Bend Right Now?

Homes in Bend are currently selling for around $292 per square foot. However, property price ranges can vary significantly based on the type of residence, yard space, location, views, amenities, and much more. Talk about the type of property you are looking for and ask what recent sales prices have been like so you can prepare. This is also an excellent time to ask how homes are selling. How many cash offers is the realtor seeing? How receptive are sellers to counteroffers?

4. Where are the Best Neighborhoods in Bend?

The perfect neighborhood in Bend will vary based on how you feel about commuting, what sort of schools or city centers you want to be near, what sort of recreation you enjoy, and so on. Ask your realtor what they think the best neighborhoods in Bend currently are located. Their answer will tell you a lot about their experience and their understanding of your needs.

5. Where Can I Temporarily Stay When Moving to Bend?

Realtors should be able to recommend the appropriate hotels to stay in while you are in the city temporarily. Remember that relocation services in Central Oregon can also help you find a long-term rental if you plan on staying for a significant period like looking for a home.

6. How Can I Tour a Property I Am Interested In?

Real estate agents are offering 3D and virtual reality tours for those touring at a distance, as well as complying with COVID-related regulations or concerns. A realtor may also be able to do a live tour of a property with their phone or other measures so you can get a personalized look even if you aren’t there in person.

7. Do You Know About Any Properties That Will Soon Be Listed?

Bend Oregon real estate is selling fast – very fast. When you start working with a local realtor, ask them to let you know about any new property that’s about to hit the market. You may be able to submit an offer early directly to the seller or act immediately to help improve your chances of getting a property that you want.

8. What Information Do You Need from Me to Submit an Offer?

Your realtor will want to submit offers as quickly as possible, so it’s important to ask them for everything they need. They will want documentation of pre-approval for a mortgage or proof that you are able to pay in cash, for a start. They will probably also want an email or fax where they can reach you quickly for signing documents if you aren’t currently in Central Oregon. Make sure you have everything ready!

9. How Can I Contact You Quickly When I Need To?

Ask about dedicated phone numbers and email addresses where your realtor will be most responsive, and when the best times are for contacting them and getting an immediate response

10. What Happens If I Find Another Realtor I Want to Work With?

You should also know what the realtor’s contract says about switching to a different realtor. This could come with additional fees or complications, so double-check the details when discussing it with your realtor.

Finally, remember if you need help buying a home, finding the right neighborhood when living in Bend, and much more, Moving To Bend has all the relocation resources you need!

We like to talk about how Bend is an especially friendly place for entrepreneurs: Today, let’s look at real startups in Bend that are filled with potential for their unique approaches and products – we will enjoy watching their future growth!

1. Dutchie

Dutchie is a tech-and-cannabis company: While it doesn’t grow cannabis itself, the venture is an e-commerce provider that helps develop online portals to enable easy, effective shopping for cannabis products. The venture estimates that its work has supported $2.4 billion in sales so far throughout North America and has currently raised $53 million in funding. Chances are good that if you’ve shopped around cannabis sites, you’ve experienced some of their work.

2. Tribe Pilot

Tribe Pilot is a social app that’s a perfect fit for Bend and other areas across the world with plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation. The app allows someone to create a detailed plan for an outdoor adventure, then share and invite others so they all have access to it as well. It’s perfect for multi-day camping trips, climbing expeditions, and many other outdoor trips that involve a group of people.

3. Odysys

Odysys is a booking engine empowering the hospitality industry by making it easier than ever to offer and manage online reservations for all kinds of activities (but particularly focused on hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and similar companies). It combines booking tools, mobile-friendly optimization, SEO analysis, and social media compatibility into one hub that offers a more seamless experience than traditional online booking methods.

4. SmartyPits

Bend saw a number of new ventures relocate to the city to ramp up production or expand during the struggles of 2020. One of the most unique is SmartyPits, which offers aluminum-free options for deodorant for those who want to be careful what hygienic items they are using. After the move from California, most production is done right here in Central Oregon.

5. Volansi

Volansi is an ambitious company that offers drones for specific commercial deliveries. They recently closed their Series B round of funding and are offering drones – and related logistics help – for industries like healthcare, construction, oil, mining, and defense. Volansi believes that one day drone deliveries will become common across a wide array of industries and is prepared to offer enterprises the services they need.

6. Golfboard

Think of Golfboard as a Segway-like scooter that’s specifically designed for more varied terrain and includes enough space for supplies or even other people…you know, for something like golfing. It’s a lighter, more eco-friendly option than traditional golf carts, and golf course clubs can lease a fleet right from the venture for a monthly fee…. or head over to Central Oregon for an in-person tryout on one of our plentiful golf courses.

7. Eyce

When you think of a bowl or bong, you probably don’t think of silicone. Eyce is trying to change that with its line of silicone-based smoking apparatus, which allows for clever designs, makes them highly heat-resistant, and – of course – offers products that will never shatter when you drop them.

As always, if you are making plans for living in Bend, Moving to Bend has the services, rentals, and information that you need to make relocation possible and cut down on the headaches!

Bend has its share of famous people, who enjoy the beauty and relaxation of the mountain city just like the rest of us. If you’re moving to Bend, take a little break and read about them! For those celebrities living in Bend, they like to blend in like the rest of us locals.

1. Christina “Kiki” Cutter

With Mt. Bachelor and the rest of the Cascades nearby, it’s no surprise that Bend’s list of celebrities includes a lot of snow sports professionals and Olympic medal winners. Cutter was one of the very first, an alpine ski racer who was born in Bend and won the first American medal in the 1968 Olympics in Oslo (fun fact – back in those days Mt. Bachelor was actually called Bachelor Butte until a big rebranding push). Cutter ultimately won five international victors over three years, a record that remained unbroken for a decade.

2. Donald M. Kerr

Kerr is held in high regard throughout the state for his founding of the incredible High Desert Museum in Bend, where he lived and managed the facility for its first 16 years and created the famous combination of science, entertainment, education, and love of wildlife that now makes the Museum such an interesting and active place. The Museum will be happy to tell you more about his fascinating story but to really honor his memory, be sure to stop by the Birds of Prey center at the museum.

3. Philip Hampson Knight

For Nike fans, Knight probably doesn’t need any introduction, but he is one of the chief cofounders of Nike, Inc, and has served as both chairman and CEO for the company in past years (he is now retired). Forbes recognizes Knight as one of the richest people in the world these days, so it’s no surprise he has homes everywhere, including his primary residence in La Quinta – but he still makes seasonal escapes to his Bend home and we’re more than glad to welcome him.

4. John Thomas Chambers

Chambers is well-known as the CEO and chairman of Cisco Systems Inc., as well as for his role in a variety of other tech giants like IBM. Much like Knight, he spends most of his time in California but has a home in Bend that he visits for special events and getaways.

5. Matthew Chandler Fox

Famous actors who live in Bend generally prefer to keep their heads down and enjoy life like the rest of us, but they are here – Fox is one popular example and is most widely known for his role as Jack Shepard on Lost, although he has an extensive filmography beyond that.

6. Drew Bledsoe

Northwest native Drew Bledsoe is most well-known for his 14-season run in the NFL where – among other achievements – he served as QB for the New England Patriots. Of course, Bledsoe is long retired but happily living in Central Oregon where he enjoys a bit of skiing, likes experimenting with making wine, and occasionally even teaches a bit of football at the local high schools.

7. Rainn Wilson

While Wilson is widely known for his role as Dwight in The Office, he deserves great credit for his extended career as a comedian, director, producer (he also wrote his own autobiography, which is probably more of a polite way of learning about him than shouting at him in public).

Who we are and what we do

Comfort Keepers provides in-home care for seniors and disabled adults in Central Oregon. We have the unique opportunity to benefit someone’s life at home – keeping them safe and secure, while fostering their independence. All of us will at some time face the decision of extra caregiving, be it from family, friends or professionals. The caregivers at Comfort Keepers not only provide exceptional services for the client, but can ease the stress and worry of family members. Our job is not just to take care of the client, but to make sure everyone involved benefits from our services. Whether it’s basic companion care, personal care, or hospice-level care, Comfort Keepers is the one company that can do it all. Our in-home assessments are free, so give us a call and let us put your mind at ease.

What sets us apart

The passion, integrity and skill level of our care-team members – hands-down the best in Central Oregon – and the reason our community partners recommend us first over any other in-home care agency. We pride ourselves on hiring those with heart and grit – caregivers are born, not made – and we are so lucky to have the best team in the area. By respecting and rewarding their work, our team gives so much back in return. We communicate, listen and work as a team – so everyone benefits! 

Come work for us

Take advantage of our $500 sign-on bonus, competitive rates and flexible schedules! Our office staff is open to meeting your needs so that you can best meet the needs of our clients. We offer benefits for full AND part-time workers, such as dental, vision and telehealth services. Online training programs are available as well as college credit courses. Comfort Keepers provides all PPE and paid training – online and in the field. Ask any of our current care team members – we support and value you. Come work for the best!

With Earth Day upon us, it’s a great time to check our daily habits and see what simple changes we can make to be more eco-friendly and live sustainably. Fortunately, Oregon is already skilled in this area, and Bend offers many opportunities – in groups and solo – to go green. Here are a few of our favorite options if you’re looking to make more of a difference living in Bend!

1. Dispose of Your E-Waste Properly

E-waste or electronic waste is generally anything with a circuit board and any electrical appliances you may be using. These devices can contain toxic metals and other harmful materials that cannot be leached into the environment. When the time comes to upgrade your laptop or phone, look for local options to properly recycle old devices! Businesses like Best Buy and Lowes usually have drop-off points for smaller devices, and the city does accept electronic waste if it’s properly identified.

2. Support Local Eco-Tourism and Green Businesses

Many businesses in Bend make it a point to practice sustainability and encourage green practices in the community. Supporting these businesses and their efforts are an excellent way to make difference around Earth Day! Notable businesses around town include Strictly Organic, Wanderlust Tours, Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe, Ouzel Outfitters, Ruff Wear, and more.

If you want to support organic foods and related practices, Newport Market and Market of Choice are great options. If you are staying in Bend briefly, the Oxford Hotel and Riverhouse on the Deschutes River are both known for their eco-friendly practices!

3. Take a Green Spa Day

If you are wondering what to do in Bend and feel like pampering yourself a little, check out Anjou Spa, a green spa service that uses sustainable and organic products. If you prefer to take your spa days at home, check out Angelina Organic Skin Care products instead!

4. Cut Your Commute Footprint

Bend is small enough that most destinations are easy to reach without lengthy commutes, and many parts of the city are bike-friendly while working in Bend. There are also public transportation options via CET! In other words, there are many ways to cut down on driving or remove driving altogether in your daily life. That helps reduce your overall carbon footprint – and biking or walking is great for your health, too.

5. Look for Earth Advantage Certification

Earth Advantage is a certification you can find on rentals, homes, and other properties throughout Central Oregon. This is a sign that the building was built in specific ways to address energy efficiency, recycled materials, landscaping that helps save on water usage, and lots more.

6. Volunteer for the Environment

Check out Central Oregon volunteer options and Bend Parks & Recreation to see if there are any activities you may be interested in. There are usually nonprofit efforts looking for help with things like cleaning up parks, planting more wildlife-friendly flora, removing invasive species, and much more. If you like making a difference by being active in the community, this is a great place to start!

If you need help with your landscaping, contact a local landscaper.

Remember, visit Moving to Bend for updates on the latest policies and practices that will have an impact on you!