Bend Premier Real Estate Blog

The Burma Road, Summit Trail, Misery Ridge Loop Can be Challenging

For those looking to undergo a challenging Central Oregon hike when the Cascades are covered with snow, Smith Rock State Park can provide many options. Typically very busy in the summer when rock climbing is at its peak and the weather warm, winter hikes in Smith Rock can be rewarding with fewer crowds and different perspectives of the rocks. Before sections of the park are shut off in the spring due to falcon nesting, hikers can explore little known social trails and see portions of the park rarely visited. However, for those who wish to exert themselves, hiking along the Wolf Creek trail until connecting with Burma Road, climbing it and then hiking the north side of the park along the Summit Trail, then up Mesa Verde until connecting with Misery Ridge and climbing the backside past Monkey Face to the summit until returning down to Crooked River and then up the canyon to the parking lot can be a fulfilling winter hike of over six miles and close to 1800 feet of elevation gain. During the winter, sometimes weather conditions can create icy patches, so microspikes and trekking poles can be helpful. But if the weather cooperates, the Burma Road, Misery Ridge Loop can be a wonderful challenge.

More Bend Home Inventory and Moderate Price Increases Were the Norm for 2024 Sales

2024 Bend home sales experienced modest price increases for the year, but Bend home buyers were fortunate to have more options. Sellers who had hesitated putting their property on the market during Covid and following when mortgage interest rates were close to 8% finally had more inclination to do so when mortgage rates dropped to the mid 6% range during the summer of 2024. Delayed moves which were offset by high mortgage rates for a subsequent purchase finally made sense when rates dropped. Although there was an increase in home prices and sales for Bend single family homes, it was modest. With more in...

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This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start?

Here's some advice that can help you get the ball rolling.

Focus on Your Why

To lay the foundation, you need to focus on your why. While the dollars and cents are important, so is the driving force behind your desire to move. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, want to sell so you can downsize, or are finally ready to buy your first h...

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Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you're tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way.

According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below):

That's because moving isn't just...

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Building equity in your house is one of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership. And right now, homeowners across the country are sitting on record amounts of it.

Here's a look at how that equity could be a game changer for you, and why it'll flip your perspective from "Why would I move right now?" to "Why wouldn't I?"

Home Equity: What Is It?

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