Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

REAL ESTATE NEWS | JAN 2026

Newsletters

REAL ESTATE NEWS | JAN 2026

 
January 2026
 
January always feels like a collective exhale, a chance to reset, refocus, and step into a new year with intention. Here in Central Oregon, winter invites us to slow down just a bit, enjoy the snow-dusted landscapes, and appreciate the comfort of home.
 
As we settle into 2026, we’re excited about what this year holds, for our community, for the real estate market, and for the people we get to serve every day.
 
Thank you for continuing to trust us, refer us, and cheer us on. It means more than you know. If there’s anything you need this month, from market insight to contractor recommendations to trail suggestions, we’re just a message away.
 
Here’s to a calm, grounded, and meaningful start to the year.
 
Market Update
As we wrapped up 2025, Central Oregon showed some truly encouraging signs, and we’re heading into the new year with a lot of optimism.
 
Across the region, we saw days on market and months of inventory drop, while sales activity and building permits increased. Even more interesting? Prices softened slightly, creating a healthier balance between buyers and sellers.
 
Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’re seeing locally:
  • Bend: Inventory has tightened to 2.5 months, down from 3.5 in November
  • Sisters: A big shift here, inventory dropped from 6 months to just 3 months
  • Redmond: Leading the pack with 1.5 months of inventory, signaling strong demand
We’re also hearing from escrow partners that Redmond’s activity is a mix of financed and cash purchases, with many buyers using gifted funds for down payments. The area continues to attract working families, retirees, and seasonal residents creating steady, diverse demand.
 
All signs point to a strong, active start to 2026, and as always, timing and strategy matter more than ever. If you’re curious how these trends apply to your specific neighborhood or plans for the year ahead, we’re always happy to talk.
 
Mortgage Rates: A Welcome Shift for Central Oregon
Mortgage rates have recently dropped to their lowest average in more than three years, according to an article from Homes.com, citing data from Freddie Mac. While rates remain above the historic lows of the pandemic years, this downward trend is a positive signal as we head into 2026.
 
Nationally, market dynamics are still adjusting. As reported by The Washington Post and shared by Morning Brew, more homeowners now hold mortgage rates above 6% than below 3%, a reflection of how long higher rates have shaped buyer and seller behavior. Life changes such as new jobs, family transitions, or retirement continue to bring movement back into the market.
 
Locally in Central Oregon, this shift is already making an impact. We’re seeing renewed buyer activity, especially in price ranges where even a modest rate improvement can significantly affect monthly payments. At the same time, inventory remains relatively tight, as many homeowners with mortgages under 5% are still selective about selling.
 
The takeaway? Momentum is building, but strategy matters. If you’re curious how these trends play out in your neighborhood or price point, we’re always happy to help you take a closer look.
Kick Off the New Year Strong: Get Ready for Bend Races 2026!
 
New year, fresh goals. Explore Bend’s 2026 race lineup and find inspiration to get outside, get moving, and feel your best.
 
Local Spotlight: Bend’s Olympic Momentum
Bend halfpipe skier Hunter Hess is on the verge of qualifying for the Olympics, a milestone that highlights the incredible talent coming out of Central Oregon. As reported by the The Bend Bulletin, Hess’s dedication and recent performances have him within reach of the world’s biggest stage.
 
Stories like this remind us why Bend is such a special place to live. From snow-covered mountains to a community that supports big dreams, Central Oregon continues to shape athletes, adventurers, and everyday moments worth celebrating.
Photo credit to The Bend Bulletin.
New Year, New Vacation: Central Oregon Resort Communities to Explore in 2026
 
Thinking about a 2026 getaway? Explore Central Oregon’s resort communities and discover destinations perfect for rest, recreation, and investment in 2026.
 
Neighborhood Spotlight
Highlands at Broken Top:
Spectacular custom homes on acreage in Bend's West side
The Highlands at Broken Top is a luxury enclave within the renowned Broken Top community, offering homes surrounded by fairways, trees, and mountain views. Just minutes from the Old Mill District and downtown Bend, the neighborhood combines tranquility with accessibility. Residents enjoy access to Broken Top Club’s golf, dining, and recreation facilities, along with nearby parks and trails. Homes range from elegant townhouses to custom estates, designed with high-end finishes and Northwest-inspired architecture.
Jargon Made Simple:
Short Sale
 
Selling for Less Than Owed
 
In a short sale, the seller’s lender agrees to let the home sell for less than the outstanding mortgage balance. It’s often an alternative to foreclosure when the owner is facing financial hardship.
 
For buyers, short sales can mean good deals, but they also take longer and require lender approval. Patience is key when navigating this process.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
3 B | 2FB | 1HB | 2,352 SF
 
Offered at $899,000
 
Move-in-ready, single-level home in coveted Tollgate, Sisters. This 2,352 SF residence sits on a private 0.72-acre lot bordering open space, featuring an open floor plan, vaulted great room, abundant natural light, and extensive updates including a new roof. Enjoy a fenced backyard oasis with deck, lawn, greenhouse, ample storage, and Tollgate amenities, all just minutes from downtown Sisters.
Avenir Realty's Active Listings
 
4 B | 4 FB | 2HB | 6,000 SF
Offered at $4,999,999
 
 
3 B | 3 FB | 1HB | 3,026 SF
Offered at $1,865,000
 
3 B | 3 FB | 1HB | 3,591 SF
Offered at $1,720,000
 
2 B | 2 FB | 2,193 SF
Offered at $1,649,000
 
 
3 B | 2 FB | 1HB | 2,310 SF
Offered at $849,900
 
 
3 B | 2 FB | 1,538 SF
Offered at $565,000
Buying a home today looks very different than it did even a few years ago. Rising costs and limited inventory have made solo homeownership more challenging, which is why many buyers are now considering pooling resources with friends or family.
 
Buying together (co-buying) can make homeownership more accessible, while owning together over time (co-owning) involves shared responsibilities, decisions, and long-term planning. When approached thoughtfully, with clear expectations and structure, co-ownership can be organized, fair, and sustainable.
That’s where Joynt comes in.
 
Tools like Joynt help simplify the process by providing clarity around planning, purchasing, and shared ownership, allowing buyers to focus on building a future together rather than navigating uncertainty.
 
If buying together is something you’ve been curious about, this may be worth exploring.
Suzanne Carvlin &
Maddie Fischer
 
 
473 W. Hood Ave #102
Sisters, OR 97759,
United States
(541) 595-8707
 
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, this is not a solicitation of brokerage services. Avenir Admin, License , Avenir Realty.
 
This email was sent to • View Online • Unsubscribe • Powered by ActivePipe, a MoxiWorks Product
Equal Housing Opportunity

ActivePipe Message ID: 3544725

Work With Us

Serving all of Central Oregon, we specialize in sellers and buyers looking to downsize for retirement, move into a larger home, or a home with closer proximity to trails, rivers, or local amenities.

Contact Us
Get in Touch
Contact Details

Avenir Realty

(541) 595-8707

[email protected]

 

 



473 W. Hood Ave #102,
Sisters, OR 97759