10 Tips for Navigating Your Central Oregon Home Search

Central Oregon is a wonderful area to live, and we understand why you're dreaming of owning a home here. Whether you're a current resident looking to buy your first home or someone planning to move to the Central Oregon area, we're so excited for this homeowner journey you're embarking on! In addition to a home being a great investment, many people find it makes more sense to buy rather than rent. If you’re considering buying a Central Oregon home, there are several tips that our team of realtors has to help you navigate the real estate landscape and find your dream home.

Tips to Discover Your Central Oregon Home Search

1. Do Your Legal Research Real estate laws and regulations are local to the area you're looking to buy in. Each state and sometimes individual counties can have different laws regulating real estate transactions. It's important that you consult with a real estate broker about the laws in Deschutes County and how they may effect your purchase of a new home.
   

2. Get Your Finances in Order Buying real estate, be it in Central Oregon or elsewhere, is a large investment and requires certain financial requirements. Before you start seriously searching for homes, be sure to take steps towards getting your finances in order. Hold off on opening new credit cards or changing jobs, and carefully watch how you’re spending your money. By showing lenders you have stable finances, you’re more likely to lock down a great mortgage rate. If you're concerned about your current financial state or credit score and want more information about how to improve it, talk with a finance professional who can help build you a roadmap to success (and better loan rates.)
   

3. Interview a Few Lenders Before Diving into the Central Oregon Home Search Before truly starting your Central Oregon home search, start by talking to several lenders. Comparing companies can help you find a lender you’re comfortable with and solidify your financial backing. It will also help you find a lender that best connects with you on a personal level and that you will feel comfortable working with. Different lenders will provide different rates and opportunities, so it's good to do your research. If you would like lender recommendations, check out our list of trusted local lenders.
   

4. Choose the Right Time to Buy While times of economic downturn result in a buyer’s market, times of economic growth often benefit sellers. It all comes down to supply and demand. Take a hard look at your financials and your ideal timeline for purchasing. Sometimes you don't have much wiggle room in when you can buy (some buyers need a home as soon as possible.) If you have some flexibility in your buying timeline, talk to a real estate professional to discuss the current market, market projections, and when may be the best time for you to enter the buyer's market given your position and goals.
   

5. Research Our Different Cities and Neighborhoods No matter where you live in Central Oregon, it’s bound to have advantages that are attractive to your lifestyle (and perhaps some disadvantages that will help you decide which area suites you best.) While many communities have similarities, it’s important to do your research and ask yourself what your location priorities are. Is it important for you to have land and easy access to nature? Want to be close to family activities and community culture? There are areas and neighborhoods in Sunriver, La Pine, Bend, and Sisters will suite different needs, and each city has it's own unique culture focus with sub communities within it. If you want local insight, feel free to reach out to our team of professionals who live in these areas.
   

   
   

   

   
   

6. Choose a Broker You’re Comfortable With Real estate brokers offer buyers a wealth of knowledge about the local market and can help locate properties within your price range. When it comes to a large investment like real estate, it’s important to feel comfortable with your realtor. Interview several brokers before settling. Don’t feel bad about not going with the first person you talk to, or even the fifth. This decision affects your life in a very big way, so take the time to choose a realtor you can trust and that has experience in the area and with the type of property you're looking to buy.
   

7. Be Realistic with Your Home Expectations While we all have this vision of the perfect home, it’s important to be realistic in our expectations. Make a list of priorities and deal breakers (including your must-haves and the items you can compromise on) and use these criteria to help guide your home search. While your “perfect” home may exist, it just might not be in your price range, which is something to be prepared for. A realtor can help you meet as many of your criteria as possible, but it helps to know ahead of time what items are most important to you and in what order.
   

8. Trust Your Instincts While it might be nice to get some input from a few trusted and experienced friends and family members about your Central Oregon home search, keep in mind that too many differing opinions might leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. You’re the one making this final decision, and in the end it's your opinion that will matter the most. Since you will be the one spending every day in the home that you purchase, make sure that your opinion is the one that assists the most in your buying decision.
   

9. Insist on a Home Inspection Love at first sight may exist, but you should avoid it when making home buying decisions. In a competitive market, most buyers might only walk through a home once and some might even make an offer with the sight unseen. Avoid getting into knee-jerk commitments and protect yourself and your investment by having a home inspection done by a licensed inspector. Find out everything you can about the state of the home before signing on the dotted line, as there are many properties that have more than what meets the eye (in both posative and negative ways.) A home inspection may prevent you from buying a home that has one of your deal breakers that wasn't apparent at first glance!
   

10. Don't Forget to Have Fun We know that while a Central Oregon home search can be stressful, remember that this is the beginning of an exciting new era! There’s great reward in being a homeowner and once you are is when the real fun starts. Remember to keep it light as you go through the buying process and that you've worked hard to assemble the right team to get you to your goal. Allow yourself to daydream of your plans and goals as you investigate each listing and let the excitement flow. Follow these tips above will help you avoid additional stress and be able to navigate the Central Oregon home search like a seasoned veteran.

    
    

Are you ready to begin your Central Oregon home search? Village Properties at Sunriver is home to some of Central Oregon’s most trusted real estate brokers. We’re ready and eager to help you navigate the real estate landscape with ease – no matter where you’re searching throughout Central Oregon. While we’re located in Sunriver, we serve all of Central Oregon and are excited to meet you.