Mortgage interest rates have finally started to ease after years of elevated borrowing costs — and this shift matters for homebuyers and sellers in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, and all of Central Oregon. While rates aren't returning to the ultra-low historic lows of the pandemic, modest declines from the mid-6% range have improved affordability and buyer confidence this spring...
The phone calls started coming in last week. Buyers who'd been sitting on the sidelines since rates climbed above 7% suddenly wanted to talk numbers again. The reason? Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest point in over a year, hovering just above 6% for qualified borrowers.
For Bend's real estate market, this shift changes the equation in ways that go beyond simple monthly payment calculations. The question isn't whether lower rates matter—they do. The question is what smart buyers should do about it right now.
A half-point drop in interest rates might not sound dramatic until you run the numbers on Bend's median home price. On a $650,000 purchase with 20% down, the difference between a 6.5% rate and a...
Click Here to see the Q3 Market Trends for Bend Real Estate and Redmond Real Estate, as well as the Q3 real estate trends in Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, Powell Butte, and Black Butte Ranch. In Q3 2025, the Bend Oregon Real Estate market and surrounding communities experienced a change when mortgage interest rates dropped in late summer. This enabled many Buyers who had been on the fence to finally make offers when their financed purchase became more affordable. Sellers who hadn't sold during the peak summer selling season were more inclined to consider below asking offers and to negotiate repairs. The number of active listings grew in all markets but Redmond, days on market increased in all markets but Redmond, and prices were up or down depending on the city. There was more balance in the market in most cities with the exception of La Pine, Madras and Powell Butte which reflect strong buyer's market. It is suggested that sellers in these cities list their homes at a price which is extremely competitive if their goal is to sell in a timely basis. A Bend Premier real estate broker understands the local Central Oregon real estate market trends, which is crucial to properly representing buyers and sellers. We can provide insights into which areas are popular, price trends, and the average time properties stay on the market. We can also provide you with access to listings that match your criteria, some of which may not be widely advertised. We also have the first word on properties about to hit the market, giving you an edge in a competitive market. 541-323-2779
For many Bend real estate brokers, the first half of 2025 had mixed sales results. Home prices moderated, and inventory levels increased. With more homes on the market, buyers had more choices. However, high mortgage interest rates kept many would-be home buyers off the market. Home sales proceeded through the summer at a relatively lower pace than was typical for Central Oregon.
However, the market changed in September. In the beginning of September, mortgage rates dropped below 6.5%. This coupled with more motivation from
Mortgage rates are finally heading in the right direction – and buyers are starting to jump back in.
According to the data, buyer demand picked up considerably once mortgage rates hit a new low for 2025. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that applications for home loans were up 23% compared to the first week of September last year.
If you've been waiting to sell, or your listing recently expired because the market was slower than you hoped it would be, now's the time to reconsider your move. Buyer demand is the highest it's been since July – and you don't want to miss this window.