Central Oregon Real Estate

The Controversial Sunriver Resort Village Mall

Earlier this month I attended the SilverStar Destinations LLC, meeting at Mavericks, regarding the controversial subject of the proposed revitalization of the Sunriver Village Mall.  I was very impressed with Dave Leland, of Leland Consulting, as he conveyed the facts and offered his thoughts and valued expertise of how the Village should proceed towards the future and the break continued downward spiral that will continue if something major is not done now to save the Village. 

I learned some very interesting facts and it allowed me to do some sole-searching of my own.  Having been a resort guest of Sunriver since the late 70’s and a full time resident in the mid 1990’s I have many memories of Sunriver Resort.  And many of these memories include the early phases of Sunriver when the Ranch Cabins at Circle 4 were on the outer edges of the development.  I remember visits to the original Country Store for a Country Time Lemonade, shopping for my Mom’s birthday present at the Variety Store and don’t forget a trip by Goodies to get some Licorice Pastels and Green Apple Jelly Bellies before riding my bike “home”.   I understand that change is not always easy - but sometimes it is mandatory. 

Here are the facts - The current mall first broke ground in 1974 and is in desperate need of renovation.  The paint is peeling, concrete cracking and roofs are leaking. There have been reported mold problems and structural issues. The mall is not fully occupied by businesses, less than 80 percent, and has not been near capacity for some time.  Wouldn’t a new plan be in the best interest of everyone? 

Have you walked with your friends who have come to visit you in Sunriver and had to explain that the Village is just not what it used to be?  Where is the pulse - the heart of the Village?  It appears that everyone is suffering.  My family and I attend the annual events at the Village which are fine but it dares to asks the question - could and should there be more?  Is the latest proposal by SilverStar Destinations LLC, just what the “doctor” ordered?  Will this revised and scaled down “mixed-use” resort model be the best use of the planned “Main Street” spaces - containing commercial, residential and community spaces?  Will this design be the revitalization that the Village at Sunriver Resort desparately needs? 

                              Although, I may have been somewhat skeptical because I did not have all the facts, there is no longer any doubt.  “The Time Is Right, The Time Is Now” see Village at Sunriver - while the competition continues to build and via for the same attention, and lets face it, the same dollars that Sunriver does, I do believe that the time is right and we do need to act now.   In my opinion, this is the “shot” that the Village needs to survive - to be the vital organ that it needs to be for Sunriver Resort and its residents and guests.  For information on the proposed SilverStar village plan please visit Citizens for Sunriver and for information for those that are opposed to the proposed revitalization please visit Save Sunriver  Most are in agreement that this current measure will be passed by the voters, where it “failed” last time because it didn’t reach the required 60 percent approval- even though 56 percent approved the sale of the property to SilverStar.  The people of Sunriver are educating themselves.  All seats were filled; there was standing room only in the back and out into and down the hallway. 

Tomorrows meeting April 30th at 6:00 PM at the Great Hall should prove to be no different. 

So, “give it your best shot” SilverStar!

written by Amy Campbell, Broker with RE/MAX Sunset Realty

Watch for my follow up post!  I’ll be keeping you in the     BUZZZZZZZZ!

So You Want To Buy That Home For Sale By Owner?

Whether you are a buyer planning to purchase a home in La Pine that is for sale by owner or an owner selling without the assistance of a REALTOR(R) there are a lot of items that you should be aware of.  Have a knowledgeable agent on your side can save you a lot of heart break down the road.Many sellers will offer disclosures of the property, but are they thinking of all there is to disclose?  Do they know the current codes virus what the home really is. 

• Wells not tested (an Oregon law states all domestic wells be tested for bacteria and nitrates when a home changes hands, some loans will require this too)
• Septic tanks - old and leaking - although it is not YET required these be checked - a good agent will suggest a buyer or seller have the tank pumped and inspected as part of the contract.
• Corners - many areas of Central Oregon do not even have corners - what does this mean - it means you may not really know what you are purchasing.
• Smoke Alarms - another Oregon Law - all homes when they change ownership are to have current smoke alarms which feature a hush button.

Many of the homes for sale by owner are older, one of the biggest reasons - the seller either owns the property out right allowing them to accept payments and carry a contract.  These sellers have the best intentions, they are not trying to be dishonest.  But, do they or the buyer know what issues can come up in the near future?  Do you the buyer know that septic tanks can be too close to wells or that a well can be contaminated?

These are just a couple of the issues I am often asked about too late… after the property is yours and after the problem is yours.  Negotiations in a contract are meant for more than the final price, they are meant to be sure that the buyer knows what they are buying.

Next time you make the decision to sell or buy a home make sure you do so with a knowledgeable agent.  I of course would love to have the opportunity to serve your Central Oregon Real Estate needs.

17631 Cosset Loop, La Pine Oregon | La Pine Lot For Sale

Newberry Estates lots are often sought after by buyers more than other areas of La Pine.  This area of La Pine is on the east side of HWY 97 at the base of Newberry Crater, National Monument or what we have called Paulina Peak.  This lot has just come on the market and offers electricity, a well and a 1000 gallon septic system.  The driveway is in place along with a beautiful building site. 

17631 Cosset Loop is listed for $109,900 - Cosset is a cul-de-sac and is an easy commute to Bend or a quick trip to La Pine. 

Short Sales - Be Sure Your REALTOR® Knows How To Represent YOU!

Short Sales - Buyers need to be prepared for the long road.  We are seeing a lot of short sales hitting our market in La Pine and Central Oregon and many buyers are looking for a great deal.  There are a lot of great homes out there, many of them well below the real market value of the home.
This week, I personally had a listing lower the listing price to what will be a short sale.  Many agents and buyers alike are “beating down” the door to see this great home and offers are starting to come in.  It has amazed me to see what agents are putting in their offers.
A buyer, buying a short sale is not like buying every other home you have looked at.  Everything is subject to the lender’s approval.  Timelines are different, and you must be prequalified or be able to provide proof of funds if you plan to pay cash.
Most of the time the lender will not approve repairs, maybe the seller will complete a repair as to not have such a big ding on their credit but generally the lender will not.  When looking at a short sale knowing if the seller and / or the seller’s agent have a working relationship with the bank is vitally important.  Do they have the necessary paperwork ready for the bank?  Do they have the additional paperwork ready for you the buyer?
Not every agent has the necessary knowledge to help you through your short sale procedure with success… if you need assistance please ask a lot of questions before choosing your REALTOR®.

Waterfront Propety Central Oregon

 Are you looking for water front property in Central Oregon?  You might be surprise to find that most of our waterfront property is actually on the river and not on a lake.  Although there are lake properties (see this previous posting) if you are looking for waterfront property in Bend, La Pine, Sunriver  or Three Rivers South it will most commonly be found on one of The Deschutes Rivers.  The Big Deschutes River is more navigational by boats and is much larger and longer than the Little Deschutes River.  

Lots and homes along either of the Deschutes Rivers often sell quickly.  Before buying on the river you should be aware of many of the land use rules, zoning, septic and well issues of these properties.  Because every property is different having an agent that knows the area can be one of the best choices you can make.

There are many issues to consider when purchasing on the river such as; flood plain, can you build, what kind of septic will be required, how deep will the well need to be and will you need a filtration system for the well?  Many lots along the river do not allow building as close to the river as some would like to build.  And if you have flood plain on the property a conditional use permit may be required.  All of these items can be discovered and most over come with the right due diligence and an agent that knows the area.

Real Estate is local and in Central Oregon, real estate is not just buying property but you are purchasing a lifestyle.