Tarris Rogers - Bend Oregon Real Estate

With the interest of Bank Foreclosed properties in the Bend and Central Oregon region at an all time high, I've decided to assist prospective home buyers by creating an instant notification service which send you an email alert the moment a new bank foreclosure hits our marketplace. Here is the link to sign up for Bend Foreclosures.

Buyers have been finding that they are too late in learning about these fast selling properties. In some cases these new listings have had as many as 15 offers and have sold for even more than the asking price. One of the greatest challenges faced by many buyers, especialy first time home buyers is learning about these properties before they are sold.

Because of this problem, I decided that an instant notification service would be just what prospective buyers could best use in their search for a great deal on Bend Homes. I can also assist you if you are looking for other Central Oregon locations such as Sisters, Sunriver, Redmond, La Pine, Madras, Prineville and other locales. Just let me know which cities here in Central Oregon you are most interested in getting notifications for, and I will make sure you get them.

I have successfully helped buyers to obtain bank owned homes and have even coaxed the banks to care for certain home repairs which can be difficult to do when it comes to the Repo market. It would be my pleasure to assist you in locating and obtaining that perfect Central Oregon home. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 541.390.7878.

Tarris Rogers, Broker

Link to Bend Foreclosures

Bend Oregon Real Estate

2009 Sisters Quilt Show Now Underway

Having lived here in Central Oregon for most of my life, I had always wanted to attend the Sisters, OR annual quilt show. It is said to be the largest Quilt show in the entire United States. For whatever reason it has taken my wife and I decades to finally attend it.

I've always known it was a big event, however once we were heading out of Bend towards Sisters, there was a traffic road sign that said 'Caution Slow Traffic, Sisters Quilt Show.'

Sure enough as we drove towards Sisters, about 1/2 a mile outside of town, there were cars that were parked alongside the Highway. We decided to chance it and drive into the town itself hoping to find a parking space that some sun weary tourist might be vacating to go back to their hotel and catch a cat nap.

We were fortunate enough to actually get one right off of main street in the middle of the Quilt show. The entire town of Sisters becomes a bazaar of handmade quilts of every shape, size and color.

I was instantly taken by what is called the 'Double Wedding Ring' quilts which as I understand were used as a traditional wedding gift to a newlywed couple. The intricacy was fascinating. Here is a photo of one such quilt along with a closeup to see the detail.

When you take the time to examine these intricately designed works of art, you can't help but marvel at the artistry that takes shape from seemingly worthless scraps of material that are sewn together in such a way that the whole becomes greater than it's individual parts and forms a striking, singular, artist rendering.

I was struck by the variety of ideas and designs that were presented. Every city block in Sisters was covered in these unique art pieces. Prices started at about $200 and went up to around $1,300. Most of the quilts were already sold to appreciative buyers.

It makes me wonder just how many tedious hours are put in to making one of these works of love. There were quilts that had been made as far away as Uganda, Africa where women gather together forging small community businesses that create these one of a kind treasures to sell to admiring buyers. the money they make not only help their families and themselves, but also help in providing needed services within their own communities, small loans to other women who wish to have their own business and provide rent monies for elderly widows who have no way to work. Who knew so much could come from a craft that is probably as old as civilized society!

The quilt show gave me yet another reason to reflect upon the blessing of living in Central Oregon. We have so much variety in the way of arts, crafts, music, theater and more to enjoy while living here. All it takes is taking a break from the routine of life and taking a moment to smell the proverbial roses...and we certainly have a lot of roses to smell in Central Oregon. Here are a few more pics of beautiful quilts I saw during the show.

So what kind of MLS tracked home sales did February 2008 hold for Bend Oregon Real Estate? It revealed two things. First that those who wrote offers in January, followed through in February and closed on them. The number of residential properties that went Pending (under contract) in January was 71. In February, 67 of that 71 closed sale.

The second thing it revealed is that the market has became more active. In February, 111 homes received accepted offers on them and are now under contract. It's also noteworthy that our inventory of homes currently for sale is significantly less compared to last years statistics according to Dana Bratton, Bend's leading Appraiser. If our housing supply continues to head lower, demand will undoubtedly move the price of homes upwards.

Prospective Buyers should be watching our market closely. At some point the market is going to turn and there is preliminary evidence to suggest that Buyers should be looking for a property now, while we have a nice selection of homes and Sellers are in a negotiating mood.

I must say that I LOVE Art! I am certainly no expert but I love it nonetheless. I remember my awe at seeing the Mona Lisa in Paris and having a hard time comprehending that the picture that I had seen in countless media from the time I was a little child, was now hung on a wall before me in all her glory. I'm not afraid to admit that it was an emotional experience. When it comes to the greatest piece of artwork my eyes have gazed upon, I cast my vote for Michelangelo's, "Statue of David" in Florence, Italy. How an artist with simple tools could hew away at cold stone and create veins that seem to pulse with blood, while capturing the tension and yet sense of certain victory over Goliath in the face and body of David is utterly indescribable. Art has a way of reflecting the soul of its community. Bend is no exception. In fact our public Artwork have become Bend landmarks, many of which are featured in Bend's traffic circles. Whether it is art inspired by Modern Living or a reflection of our Historical Past, the clues to where we came from and where we are going can be observed in the Art we have placed throughout our city. Nature has always reigned supreme in Bend and that is perfectly true when it comes to our public Art. I'm reminded of such pieces such as "Grizzly" "Salmon Dance" "Otter Knott" and "River Geese" to name a few, which pay homage to nature. When it comes to our past you'll find "Might of the Workforce" "Centennial Logger and Centennial Planter" as well as "Bueno Homage to the Buckaroo." A locals favorite would be a piece simply entitled "Art" and as Bends fortunes have risen and fallen throughout the century, "Art" stands as a testament to the fact that life is always changing including the ebb and flow of money.

When it comes to the future of Bend I'm reminded of several pieces. First, "Phoenix Rising" which I have a love/hate relationship with. First I hate it because it seems so garishly ugly, yet I love it for its message which for me is, however bad things get, life can begin anew and grow to another victory. Then there is the piece entitled "Bend Gate" which I find a bit disturbing. It's proportions seem inspired by the Soviet empire and its aura gives off a cold finalism. No community is perfect and that certainly goes for Bend, but I like the fact that Bend wishes to stop and ponder its roots and take aim at the future by memorializing it as landmarks you can find throughout our city.