In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia ANSWER

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🫡Bend Parade of Flags: Mtn. View HS Navy cadets, volunteers to install 275 flags downtown on Friday to mark Flag Day

📰New Costco Delayed opening

🎗️ Laura J. Harward Scholarship Fund Provides $28,000 to Graduating High School Students

🎗️ Over $700,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Central Oregon’s Advanced Young Music Students

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🚧 Road Closures

🏘️ Real Estate News

📰 Central Oregon Market Report | June 12, 2024 by Reece Melton

💲Lower home cooling bills: Six tips for savings this summer

🫴 Local Cause of the Month

🧒 "Building Brighter Futures: The Inspiring Work of Kids Inspired Non-Profit"

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

 🎈Rhubarb Festival - La Pine, OR

🎈Sister’s Folk Festival

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

Smith Rock State Park offers stunning views and a variety of trails for hikers. One of the most popular trails is a challenging loop that provides panoramic views of the park.

What is the name of this trail?

A) River Trail

B) Summit Trail

C) Misery Ridge Trail

D) Canyon Trail

Answer: C) Misery Ridge Trail

Expanded Answer: The Misery Ridge Trail is a popular and strenuous hike that rewards adventurers with panoramic views of Smith Rock and the surrounding landscape. The trail ascends steeply to the top of Misery Ridge, offering breathtaking vistas of the Crooked River, rock formations, and distant mountain peaks. Despite its name, the trail is a favorite for its scenic beauty.

BEND

LA PINE, OR

Bend Parade of Flags: Mtn. View HS Navy cadets, volunteers to install 275 flags downtown on Friday to mark Flag Day

To celebrate Flag Day on Friday, the Mountain View High School Navy Cadet Corps, under the leadership of Scott Buchanan, Major, USAF Retired and volunteers will install 275 flags in Bend beginning at 7:00 am, the Bend Heroes Foundation announced.

They will start at Bend Heroes Memorial in Brooks Park lining Veterans Memorial Bridge, Wall St., Bond St. and interconnecting streets with flags. They will finish at the Court House.

All flags were flown over our nation's Capitol and bear the names of veterans.

Flags will be removed at 4:00 pm.

New Costco Delayed opening

Apparently the new Costco, which is currently under construction is now not opening until sometime in October. Originally it was slated to be completed in August and opening in September.

Laura J. Harward Scholarship Fund Provides $28,000 to Graduating High School Students

The Family Access Network (FAN) announced that 14 Central Oregon graduating high school students have each received a $2,000 scholarship to pursue their post-secondary education. This is the third year that FAN is able to provide this opportunity to students through the Laura J. Harward Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is in honor of Laura J. Harward, a lifelong resident of Oregon. A graduate of Oregon public schools, Laura’s greatest joy was supporting her five children in their own school and extra-curricular activities. She organized her local elementary and middle school Battle of the Books teams and was a moderator for regional and state battles. Laura worked as a volunteer school librarian, was Sheldon High School football’s biggest (and loudest) fan, and believed in building a strong foundation through public education.

The 14 scholarship recipients will be attending schools as far away as Georgetown University and as close as Phagan’s Beauty College and COCC in Central Oregon.  Recipients worked closely with the FAN advocate in their high school to apply for the scholarship. Names of the fourteen students will remain anonymous to allow for confidentiality as FAN clients.

“I would like to tell you that I am so grateful that you have awarded me this scholarship. I deeply appreciate you and the opportunity that you have given me to better my higher education.” ~ A scholarship recipient

“All the recipients of this year’s Laura J. Harward Scholarship have shown grit, determination and a drive to succeed. Whether it was as student body president in high school, or volunteer librarian in her children’s school, Laura strengthened her school communities. We’re confident this year’s scholars will continue to be active members of their own communities and will continue to give back, just as Laura did. If she could have, Laura would have torn down every obstacle to education and opportunity. We’re so impressed by all these students have already accomplished in their own young lives.” ~ Tasha McFarland, FAN Foundation Board member and Laura’s sister

familyaccessnetwork.org • 541-693-5675

Over $700,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Central Oregon’s Advanced Young Music Students

Fifteen talented young musicians aged 13-24 receive scholarships from Sunriver Music Festival for music lessons, camps, or college tuition.

Scholarship recipients include Fiona Curley (20), Aurora Dixon (16), Mateo Garza (24), Aaron Goyal (17), Spencer Holliday (18), Juliana Ives (16), Carly King (24), Ian McNally (13), Lucinda Mone (19), Megan Nave (13), Jacob Nenow (20), Noah Ochander (23), Halle Phay (17), Gabriel Reed (24), and Matthias Santucci (19).

The festival's Young Artists Scholarship program has awarded over $700,000 to 172 students in Central Oregon. This year, $35,800 was given.

A fundraiser called "Raise the Baton: The Elements of Music" on July 14 will support future scholarships. The event features performances by scholarship recipients and offers insights into orchestral concerts. Tickets are available at sunrivermusic.org.

The festival's summer season, themed "Classical Elements," will run from August 10-23 in Bend and Sunriver, featuring world-class orchestra performances led by Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell.

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Bend

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the Week of June 8th - 16th

Deschutes County

Weekly Road Construction Update Week of June 9th - 15th

Redmond

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the Week of June 8th - 14th

ODOT - Region 4 Weekly Construction Update June 7th - 14th

Central Oregon Market Report | June 12, 2024

By Reed Melton

On October 10, 2023, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 7.11%, nearly identical to this morning's rate of 7.16%. Except for a brief peak in late October to 7.91%, rates have remained within a few basis points of today's rate for several months, bringing stability to the housing market. A modest rise in inventory throughout Central Oregon has provided buyers with more selection for the first time in years, keeping activity consistent. Year-to-date, in 2023, there were 1,267 sales of single-family homes in Deschutes County compared to 1,333 this year.Granted, total sales in 2023 were down considerably from the robust activity of the early 2020s. However, there appears to be a floor for activity in Central Oregon as the area continues to see an influx of new residents. You may have noticed that the marketing from the real estate industry has all but abandoned the "rate pivot" messaging that dominated the second half of 2023 and early 2024. The likelihood of mortgage rates changing significantly or the Federal Reserve pivoting even 25 basis points this year is almost nonexistent. The year-to-date median sale price in Deschutes County in 2023 was $629,900; this year, it is $692,619, an increase of 9.9%. 

Inventory in Deschutes County increased again this week, now at 1078 single-family homes listed, up fifty-two from last week. The average list price in the county is $1,205,373, an increase of nearly 39k since the previous week. The active listings' median days on the market is forty-seven. As more new listings hit the market, prices have increased with solid buyer demand. There were seventy-six pending sales, a slight drop from last week but well within the typical range for the last couple of years. Fifty-two closed sales at thirteen median days on the market and an average sale price of $903,615 round out the weekly statistics. The average price reduction for the closed sales was -1.5%. Remember, the reduction reflects changes before a buyer and seller come to terms, not the final negotiated sale price.

Crook County homes for sale increased by seven to 137, with a median listing time of fifty-one days and an average price of $958,168. Ten sales are pending this week, with five of those transactions in Powell Butte. Five of the eleven closed transactions were in Powell Butte, with the average sale price at $766,772. 

Jefferson County inventory declined two this week, now at an even 100. Five pending and five closed transactions have average prices of $476,730 and $503,952, respectively. None of the closed transactions reduced the asking price before finding a buyer, but two sold for the full asking price, two sold for less than asking, and the last sold over the list price.

Contrary to popular belief and activity in some areas of the country, sale prices are up in Central Oregon. Check out these year-over-year increases:

Bend: 2023 YTD Sales 913, Median Price $675,000

2024 YTD Sales 948, Median Price $735,000 +8.9%

Sisters: 2023 YTD Sales 77, Median Price $637,500

2024 YTD Sales 69, Median Price $739,999 +16.08%

Redmond: 2023 YTD Sales 329, Median Price $464,520

2024 YTD Sales 378, Median Price $529,808 +14.05%

Prineville: 2023 YTD Sales 168, Median Price $410,000

2024 YTD Sales 164, Median Price $424,947 +3.6%

Finding the right property for your needs can be the biggest challenge in Central Oregon. Past performance does not indicate future gains, but waiting for prices to drop or interest rates to decline has yet to be an effective strategy for buyers. Additional inventory today gives buyers more selection than in the past few years, and buyers are paying what it takes to secure those properties. With no expected changes in mortgage interest rates this year, the second half of 2024 is shaping up to look very much like the first. 

Click here for the full report.

Posted in 2024 Market Reports, Q2 Reports - 2024

Active Listings

Lower home cooling bills: Six tips for savings this summer

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that home cooling accounts for 12% of the average household’s monthly electric bills. As many homeowners experience higher-than-average utility costs, simple HVAC upgrades and routine maintenance can help reduce cooling expenditures by improving system efficiency. Before setting the thermostat to cool, homeowners should try these cost-saving tips:

1. Replace Filters and Clean Vents: HVAC filters help keep dust and debris from being recirculated throughout a home. However, when these filters become too full, they can limit airflow and cause the blower to work harder. Maintaining a filter replacement routine can help improve efficiency and extend the life of the HVAC system. For most systems, the recommendation is to replace the filter every one to three months, but homeowners should follow the frequency indicated by the HVAC system manufacturer. Routinely cleaning the grates of the air vents will also help to maintain efficient airflow.

2. Schedule Preventative Maintenance: The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) estimates that routine HVAC maintenance can reduce annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 30%. Routine maintenance involves cleaning and inspecting the evaporator coil, examining the drain pan and condensation line, evaluating blowers and fans, testing system controls and checking refrigerant levels. Establishing a routine of scheduled service prior to the hottest and coldest times of the year — when HVAC systems are used most — will ensure equipment is in peak working condition and can even help to reduce costly repairs over time.

3. Cover Windows: The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that as much as 76% of the sunlight that hits a standard, double-pane window will transfer as heat into the home. Window coverings of nearly any nature will help to reduce solar heat gains, especially when installed in south-facing rooms or homes with little to no exterior shade. But for the greatest energy reduction, homeowners should opt for insulated cellular shades certified by the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC). These specially designed shades incorporate an interior layer of insulation and can reduce solar heat that enters through the windows by as much as 60%.

4. Inspect and Seal Ductwork: EnergyStar estimates that as much as 20% of HVAC efficiency is lost to poorly connected or damaged ductwork. An HVAC technician can inspect the ductwork throughout a home and evaluate the system’s air supply and return balance. Airflow imbalances could be a sign of damage, loose seals or even that the ductwork isn’t sized correctly. Ductwork located within basements, attics or crawl spaces can also be a point of efficiency loss if the ductwork isn’t properly insulated.

5. Update the Thermostat: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the average homeowner could reduce their annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 10% by using a programmable thermostat to reduce HVAC demands overnight or while away from the home. Some smart thermostats incorporate geo-fencing features to further reduce energy use by detecting homeowners’ proximity to the house and adjusting the temperature based on home and away settings. Some thermostats can even alert homeowners to potential system issues and provide the option to grant their HVAC contractor with remote service access.

6. Utilize Inflation Reduction Act Savings: With higher-efficiency HVAC equipment from YORK^®, homeowners can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 50% compared to low-efficiency systems, helping homeowners see a reduction in their energy bills while lowering their environmental impact. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made the transition to high-efficiency systems, including heat pumps, even more affordable by offering tax rebates up to $2,000 dependent on household income. IRA incentives can also be combined with local and manufacturers rebates to further increase cost-savings. Since heat pumps are powered by electricity and operate by transferring heat rather than producing it, heat pumps can reduce site energy use by as much as two-thirds when compared to conventional, fuel-powered heating systems.

Everything You Need to Know About Rock Climbing in Bend

From Bend Magazine

Did you know that we have world-class rock climbing right in our backyard? People from all over the globe come to Central Oregon to spend a few days climbing at Smith Rock State Park.

Smith Rock’s 641 acres are just outside Terrebonne and roughly 30 minutes north of Bend. Other than rock climbing, Smith Rock offers some of the best hiking in Central Oregon. Explore the towering pines along the Crooked River or take in spectacular views from the top of the craggy rock faces.

If you are so bold as to strap on a harness and clip yourself to a 10mm climbing rope, Smith Rock is a beautiful place to climb. But what if you are new to climbing? Is Smith Rock the place you should start?

And what about climbing gear? What do you need to start rock climbing? Does it make sense to rent equipment or buy? Is there a community of rock climbers that you can join?

Rock climbing can be an incredibly daunting activity to get into. Just knowing where to start can be overwhelming. So, we decided to go straight to the experts.

We were fortunate enough to get in touch with Tim Han, Director of Operations at Bend Rock Gym. Bend Rock Gym has roughly 31,000 square feet of indoor climbing and training between three locations. They cover all climbing disciplines, from 15-foot bouldering walls to 50-foot for sport climbing.

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Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

The 14th Annual La Pine Rhubarb Festival promises to be a fun event! This is a community event for all ages. Over 120 vendors and food trucks. Our amazing Vendors will have a variety of items for sale. There will be a variety of food/goodies to tempt any appetite. Plus, a No Host Bar with many adult beverages to choose from. We will have ongoing, fantastic entertainment!

We will once again have a Rhubarb Dessert Contest with awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes! We will have fun activities for the kids too as well as the adults. Please join us for this family event that will be our best Rhubarb Festival yet!

Bend’s 4 Peaks Music Festival Announces their 2024 Schedule

4 Peaks Music Festival brings its musical summer solstice celebration back to Bend for their 16th family-friendly event June 20-23. 4 Peaks proudly announces their daily schedule on two stages from Thursday through Sunday. Each day includes having fun with your friends & family, shopping the vendors, access to reasonably-priced food and drinks. Full weekend passes and single day tickets are on sale now.

Deschutes Public Library Events

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