Partners 2025 in Real Estate & Construction
The dream of living in Sisters is alive and well, for people of all walks of life.
Finding the right home requires a relationship with real estate professionals with a high level of knowledge and skill — and a hometown touch. Real estate brokers have to be knowledgeable, diligent — and above all they have to know how to listen to their clients, to determine what property best fits their vision of the Sisters way of life. The men and women you will meet in these pages know Sisters intimately, in all of its surprising diversity. They have the knowledge and resources to help you find the property of your dreams, or to sell the one you’re in and start somewhere new.
Buying or selling a home is different now than it was a few years ago — tech-
nological tools make virtual touring, and staging, an essential part of the process. Sisters’ professionals are well versed in these tools, so you can count on a process that is efficient and effective with your precious time and effort.
Buying a home in Sisters is only the start of a journey for many people. Some folks want to build from scratch or remodel. And there’s always maintenance and improvement to be done. Knowledge and professional expertise — again, delivered with that all-important hometown touch — is critical in the building trades, too. Whether you are building a new home, or putting up fence, or selecting the fixtures and amenities that will make your home both beautiful and functional, Sisters’ construction professionals have
solutions for you, and the ongoing service that means your experience will be a positive one.
For many people, working to fulfill their dreams with the help of their Sisters real estate broker, and their local, familyrun businesses, becomes an important part of their life in the community. These professionals often become treasured friends — a powerful demonstration of the spirit of Sisters, a manifestation of the sense of community that truly does make this one of the best places in the world to make your home.
Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief The Nugget Newspaper
Richardson Log Homes — A family business with andartistryheart
For Lance and Rebecca Richardson, building and restoring log homes is about integrity, follow-through, artistry, and caring for their clients. Richardson Log Homes (RLH) is based in Terrebonne, with a client base that spans the nation. With a thriving business, Lance and Rebecca feel blessed to work with family doing what they love.
“With skill and excellence, we partner with our customers to build the home of their dreams,” said Rebecca Richardson.
Decades of skill and artistry is apparent in every Richardson Log Home. Countless testimonials from delighted clients recount how they immediately knew they were working with exceptional professionals who were creating something truly handcrafted. No manufactured log home can compare.
“We always encourage them to come out to the log yard and meet Lance and see the houses going up,” Richardson said.
Clients immediately see that the logs are big and majestic and that the craftsmanship is extraordinary. They can also visit finished homes. The Richardsons maintain long-term friendships with many clients who are eager to show prospective log home owners what a Richardson Log Home truly looks and feels like.
“We handcraft beauty one log at a time, peeling every log by hand,” Richardson said. “No milled wood can compare to the oldworld style and warmth of hand-drawn logs. Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder. Beauty just is, and as you sit in front of your stone fireplace with a good book and a warm mug, you’ll never tire of gazing at these logs.”
Services provided by RLH include barn design and construction, building custom, energy-efficient homes, tiny house construction, and floor plans. They also offer full log home restoration. Those services include: log replacement, rot repair, media blasting, log inspections, consultation, pest control, stain and top coat, and fall log wash.
Richardson says there’s something about the wood and history of log homes that brings comfort: “There’s a secure, solid feeling in a log home. No matter the weather, you’re safe and snuggled inside.”
Lance Richardson watched his father build log homes when he was young.
“That’s our history. It gives my husband a rich past with log homes and a deep love for them. We love people and enjoy staying in relationships with the people we build homes for,” Rebecca said. “We stay connected with them, we remain available to assist them in
Customers say it best...
Richardson Log Homes completed a full exterior restoration on our log homes. These homes had not been maintained for 25 years. Lance and his crew blasted, repaired, and stained the homes. They now look like new. They didn’t linger. They worked full days and communicated through the whole project and cleaned up.
— Searl Lachausse
Richardson Log Homes did a restoration of our 40+ year-old log home. Lance did an inspection of the home and gave us recommendations explaining each step to us and why it was needed. Lance and Brandon did a fantastic job restoring our home under tough working conditions due to hot temperatures. We are extremely pleased with the finished product and would recommend Richardson Log Homes if you’re looking to breathe new life into an old log home.
— Jerome and Sandy Loomis
consultation, maintenance, and long-term care of their homes.”
Learn more about RLH online at www. richardsonloghomes.com. Rebecca and Lance invite folks to email them at info@richardsonloghomes.com, or give them a call at 541-7288787. RLH’s physical address is 71330 NW Lower Bridge Way, in Terrebonne.
Lance and Rebecca are a rare and unexpected gift. There are very few companies you work with these days that you know — right from the start — you won’t have to worry about your investment... Richardson Log Homes is one of these companies.
We always knew we wanted a log home but even after we had looked at many of the log homes they all seemed to be the same. Milled logs are nice but we were looking for something special. Once we drove out to the Richardson’s property and laid our eyes on the structures that Lance was creating we knew we had found what we had been looking for. But what Lance and Rebecca have done for us completely, 100% surpassed our expectations. The quality of these log homes is amazing! Lance builds these homes by hand and is tougher and harder working than even my own husband — that’s saying a lot!
In addition to the quality, Richardson Log Homes’ customer service experience totally surpassed any expectations we had. Both Lance and Rebecca have held our hand through this process, making the decision to
build our log cabin so easy and stressfree — we can’t even fully put it into words. Replying to endless questions and texts throughout the process... they have both been truly fabulous. And, the logs they use for their homes are the best. Huge, beautiful logs... incredible. Lance hand-draws each log and his attention to detail is meticulous. He has been there for every step of this process. There are a lot of builders that show up to get paid and then disappear, but there are very few that not only follow through with what they’ve promised, but totally over-deliver. Additionally, Lance personally completes the construction process as well as the re-assembly of each home. He gave way more of his time and energy than we could have ever expected. He and Rebecca are one in a million.
If you have a dream to build a log home, please contact Lance and Rebecca first. I promise they will give you the home of your dreams! They go out of their way to make sure you get exactly what you want, while also making you feel comfortable and treating you like family.
— Tom & Shanna Snell
PHOTO BY GRACE PULVER
PHOTO BY GRACE PULVER
Real estate trends in Sisters
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Despite a cache of new listings, which is increasing inventory that has been tight for several months, buyers appear to be largely remaining on the sidelines for single family homes in Sisters. In April the average sale price inched up 0.7 percent from the prior year to $828,965.
Spring typically sees an influx of listings as buyers, particularly those with children, want to make their moves by the time of the new school year.
But prices remain stubbornly high despite the hundreds of homes under development in Sisters Woodlands and Sunset Meadows. The median price of listings is $924,633 covering 104 properties in Sisters Country. Of those 104 listings, 51 exceed $1 million.
According to real estate data powerhouse Redfin, it takes 96 days on average for a home to sell. That’s up from 44 days a year ago.
Interest rates are the main obstacle. The average lending rate sits at 6.97 percent (7.03 percent APR), rates that show no
sign of abating for months ahead forecasters say.
The median household income in Oregon is $80,426; $44,063 per capita. If financing a new home purchase in Sisters at the median price of $924,633 with a 20 percent down payment, the buyers would need $210,996 in combined income and be paying $4,923 per month.
Also suppressing sales is the growing lack of fire insurance options and premium increases averaging more than 25 percent.
Rentals
After a decade or more when no more than two, three, or four apartments would be available at any given time in Sisters, the
Serving an evolving real estate market
Phil and Thomas Arends are top-producing brokers in Sisters, thanks to a strong work ethic, deep rootedness in the Sisters community, and intimate understanding of the varied markets across Sisters Country.
The duo is now with Sisters’ venerable family-owned real estate operation, Ponderosa Properties. The three-plusdecades-old real estate office has long been known as the “locals choice,” and that appeals to the Arends. Phil has built his life here, and Thomas grew up here. Their close community ties give them insight into the market.
“In my mind, we’re in a more traditional real estate market than we have been in the past,” Phil said.
There is more inventory than there has been in recent years. The Arends see some of that coming from the COVID tide of remote workers receding, and much of it from generational change, as people downsize or move away from Sisters.
Many want “to be closer to
grandkids and family,” said Phil. “We get that a lot.”
On the buyer side of the equation, they see many “Bendites” looking to Sisters to get back to a smaller town with a greater sense of community.
The current market requires some adjustment, especially for sellers. Thomas urges sellers to temper expectations. Transactions aren’t happening quite as quickly, and you can’t expect to sell your house in a weekend.
It is critical to be realistic about the selling price, as more inventory means more room for buyers to negotiate.
Wildfire insurance has become a significant issue, and the Arends urge prospective buyers to both seek pre-approval on financing and nail down their prospective insurer.
As always, it is important to select a skilled agent in order to navigate the Sisters market — and none have proved more consistently successful than Phil and Thomas Arends at Ponderosa Properties.
number has ballooned to nearly 100, driven primarily by the creation of The Grove and The Oxbow apartments.
As a result, rents have declined 30 percent in the last year according to Rental Market Trends and Sisters is 10 percent under the national average. Twenty-seven percent of all households in Sisters are renteroccupied; 45 percent of available units rent for more than $2,251 a month.
Commercial real estate
Despite more than 100,000 square feet of available light industrial and commercial space being available, developers continue to build. The majority is
for owner occupied space. “Spec” buildings have struggled to find tenants. Nearly 40,000 square feet has gone unrented for as long as three years.
Developers are betting on continued, steady population growth for Sisters that will create demand for more plumbers, electricians, medical, and personal services enterprises.
Rents average $22 to $24 per square foot per year.
As Bend and Redmond are increasingly sold out, Sisters is the next closest option, but it’s rents are 25 to 30 percent higher in comparison, and a lack of an available workforce in Sisters puts commuting pressure on employees who often must be compensated for the added costs.
County wide
Deschutes County remains a star in the state with continuing growth. Home prices across the county grew by 6.2 percent this April versus last year.
Bend has crossed the 100,000 mark and now has 104,557 residents. Fast growing Redmond records 37,009 citizens and is expected to hit 40,000 within two years.
Quality painting requires
Excellence is a watchword for Travis Starr of Riverfront Painting. In the craft of commercial and residential painting, excellence demands attention to detail.
With nearly a decade of painting experience in Central Oregon, Riverfront Painting has become the go-to painting contractor for a wide range of customers, from commercial property owners to the owners of some of the finest homes in Central Oregon.
“We’re kind of a painter for everybody,” Starr said.
From a basic repaint on a rental property to high-end custom work and everything in between, those who work with Riverfront Painting know they are getting a high-quality, professional job done at a fair price.
“We use higher quality materials in terms of paints and stain,” Starr said.
Quality materials alone do not make a quality paint job, however. That requires skill and craftsmanship and extra effort.
For example, Starr notes, “we do a lot of undercoating for trim packs and doors.” That work ensures a higher quality finished product that hides blemishes in trim work.
Riverfront Painting handles all aspects of painting — interior and exterior, including deck refinishing, lacquer and stain, interior cabinets — the whole gamut. They are qualified for Commercial Level 2 work, which means they can do the job on any commercial property in Sisters.
If a client needs help figuring out just what they want, Riverfront Painting works with a reputable interior designer who can provide paint consulting services.
Painting and refinishing can make your home look and feel brand new — and this is the season to get that work done so you can enjoy it through the summer.
Deck sealing or staining is a key part of required maintenance for Sisters Country homes. Decks in this area have a hard life, exposed to extremes of hot and cold, moisture and dryness. By maintaining it with a quality deck sealer, you will have the peace of mind knowing that costly repairs aren’t looming on the horizon.
Starr recalls that he was working in a desk job when he decided he needed a change — more active work and more time with his kids. He knew a trade that could provide both: painting.
attention to detail
“I’d done it through college, so I knew how to do it,” he recalled.
A decade on, his company has established a fine reputation — and he still enjoys the work.
“I like the challenges it brings,” he said. “Every job is different.”
Starr enjoys learning about new products and how to use them effectively to meet customer needs. And he describes “trying to figure out people’s needs and fitting them into their budget” as one of the satisfactions of the work. Riverfront Painting has always operated under strong values aimed at exceeding client needs. Good communication is key to outcomes that exceed expectations. Communication
channels are always open — from day one of the bidding process until the project is complete, customer satisfaction is the top priority.
Starr notes that his favorite clients are “people that appreciate a good paint job.”
Speaking of appreciation, Starr recognizes that bringing a painting crew into someone’s home requires a level of trust and comfort. All of Riverfront’s painters are friendly and likable and comfortable to have around your home. That’s reflected in fivestar reviews consistently praising Riverfront Painting’s professional, timely, high-quality work.
“We have a great staff that have been with us for years,” he said.
In the world of construction, there’s no substitute for experience and adaptability.
Founder Scott Davis, who brings more than 35 years of experience to bear, considers BANR Enterprises a “traditional, family-oriented contracting company.” BANR’s old-school values of hard work, reliability, quality, and a fair price allow for exceptional versatility and adaptability. BANR does a wide array of work: residential, commercial, and heavy civil construction are all in their wheelhouse.
BANR specializes in on-time, responsive demolition, excavation, grading, and site preparation for projects of all sizes. They are a full-service contractor, providing all types of utilities, concrete, and hardscape work. They also offer paving, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical services to complete any job. Customers range from homeowners to large companies.
There is no project too small or large for BANR to take on.
They can pave a massive parking lot — or pour a neighbor’s sidewalk.
“Residential is a big part of our work,” Davis said.
On-site project managers work closely with construction teams to assure cost-efficient, highquality solutions to the unique circumstances of each job.
Circumstances are more unique than ever right now, due to disruptions in material availability and soaring costs. That puts a premium on consulting with a professional contractor on what a viable project looks like and what kind of timelines are realistic.
“Plan ahead as far as you can,” Davis said. “Be calculated and conservative in your projects.”
He encourages clients to prioritize projects that are less affected by price and material shortages. While some projects might be better deferred, others are still a go, including concrete
and gravel work. BANR has years of concrete expertise, specializing in walkways and driveways.
“There’s plenty of tasks we can do, improvement wise,” Davis said. “If you want to rock your driveway, that’s a product we can get our hands on.”
BANR does a lot of wastewater systems work for commercial production facilities.
“We go into the facilities and handle the mechanical aspect of those things,” Davis said.
That allows the producer to focus on their core competency — the creation of their product. Their background and skill set is ideal for the burgeoning brewery and distillery sector in Sisters Country.
“We are looking forward to working with some of those people,” Davis said.
Davis is proud to be a native Oregonian. He literally grew up in the trade that would form the basis for his career.
“I grew up in the loggingroad-building business,” he said. “That’s my background.”
That logging-road-building business was a family business, and the values it instilled in him were carried forward when he decided to set out on his own in the early 1990s. That’s when he got heavily into the demanding world of civil contracting.
Customer service is at the top of Davis’ list of core values, no matter whether the client is an agency, a big corporation, or a local homeowner. In fact, he believes that customer service is the basis for integrity and success in any endeavor. Responsiveness is important to every client. It boils down to one key premise: “You have got to follow through,” he said.
With that commitment firmly in mind, Davis is part of every job his company undertakes.
“I will be the guy who comes out and talks to my customers,” he said.
Davis’ commitment to his
BANR: Experience and adaptability in construction
customers extends to a practice that might be thought unusual in the construction field.
“We reach out to our competitors (with work) if they meet our standards,” Davis said.
And, he is eager to note, there are such contractors in Sisters, and he thinks of them as “trusted partners.”
Over 35 years of experience on virtually every conceivable kind of job has made BANR a goto contractor that lives up to the informal company motto: “When the going gets tough, even the tough call us.”
Davis has been a full-time Sisters resident for many years now. Landing in Central Oregon was a long-term prospect that was always in the cards. From his youth, Davis was often in the region for work.
“I had a lot of exposure to Central Oregon, and I always loved it,” he said.
“We cover a lot of real estate,”
Davis said. “We work all over the place — but our headquarters is in Sisters.”
Davis is acutely aware that he is now one of the old lions of the construction industry — and he’s concerned that fewer young people are going into the trades. In fact, he said, over the past 20 years, one of the challenges of his business has been to learn to maximize the ability to manage jobs efficiently and effectively with a small — and shrinking — labor pool.
He’d like to have a hand in seeing that trend reversed. He believes strongly in the value of the work he has dedicated his life to, and sees great potential for young people who want to “work for a reason,” as he put it.
“There are huge opportunities for young people,” he said. “I’m going to be happy to talk to any young man or young lady who wants to work.”
site preparation, underground utilities, driveways, parking lots, building pads, concrete, industrial waste water systems, and facilities
• Clearing & removal of trees, stumps, brush
• Sewer, water, electrical, and drainage lines
• Foundation excavation and backfill; site grading
• Curbs, driveways, patios, and RV pads • Gravel and asphalt driveways; concrete sidewalks
• Rock and border retaining walls
Susan Bird brings passion to her practice
Susan Bird loves the community where she has raised three children and called home since 1990. That is why, for 25 years, she has specialized only in real estate in Sisters and Black Butte Ranch. “It is my passion,” she says.
Her deep knowledge helps her serve her clients through simple and complicated transactions. Sisters has lots of quirks, and it pays to have a broker who knows how to navigate them.
“Historical knowledge and local market knowledge are invaluable. Weird things come up all the time in real estate — and I know how to deal with them,” she says.
Bird brings a real personal touch to her work, and the connections she makes with clients become fun and friendly.
discussing how I work. The final comment from one of them was the best: ‘She is small, but she is mighty!’ They both agreed on that. We all had a good laugh.”
Bird is a broker with Stellar Realty NW, a top Central Oregon company that matches her values. Those values come down to a couple of simple principles: Being client-centric, and simply doing the right thing. And that has always been how Bird does her work.
Vacation rental program offers small town service
Black Butte Ranch is a traditional, multi-generational vacation destination for many families across the Pacific Northwest. Those guests — and property owners who wish to rent out their home part of the year — have come to rely on Black Butte Realty Group’s property rental service to make sure their experience is everything they want it to be.
lists, and gets properties ready for rental.
Black Butte Realty Group manages the home and the guests, and pays transient room tax, making renting out a property a stress-free experience. Owners choose to work with Black Butte Realty Group because they are comfortable in the relationship and know their home and their interest are cared for.
Susan Bird
She recalled with a smile, “I introduced clients, who have done multiple real estate transactions with me. They had fun
As one seller noted, “This was the second time that you have assisted us with a sale and reminded us why we requested your help the second time around. You bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with good common sense and reflection. You tell us what we need to hear as opposed to what we may want to hear. Your promptness and attention to detail are remarkable. Your integrity provides a great level of comfort, as we know we are in good hands.”
Thanks to All Who Make This a Dream Career!
According to Kendra Littrell, who manages the program, it all comes down to a personal touch.
“It’s so nice, because we’re still so small town,” she said. “We offer that small town service to the owners just as much as the guests. We’re not just that house on Vrbo. We have 40 houses and we’re growing. Since COVID we’ve been getting busier and busier.”
Many BBR owners enjoy their place themselves during the fall and winter months — “owner season” — and rent during the later spring and through the summer. Ken Birkes maintains properties and Littrell notes that owners love him. In the off-season, he takes care of owners “to-do”
“Our owners choose to be with us because they want to be with us — not just someone to rent through,” Littrell said. “That’s the kind of owner we want.”
Black Butte Ranch continues to be an attractive destination.
“[The Ranch] really is still so charming,” Littrell said. “It can’t get much bigger.”
Many guests are “legacy guests” — members of families who have been coming to BBR for years. Some are just discovering the place and establishing traditions of their own.
In either case, their satisfaction is easy to gauge.
“People start making reservations [for next year] before they leave,” Littrell said.
Craftsman loves working in stone and brick
If a project involves masonry work — fireplaces, interior and exterior stone or brick work, perhaps a barbecue or a paved walk — Cesar Alvarez will not only get the job done, he’ll revel in it.
The lead craftsman for Lara’s Construction & Cleaning absolutely loves stonework. And he loves pleasing his clients.
“When you’re done and the house looks different and they’re happy, that makes me happy,” Cesar said.
Jonathan Hicks, a Sisters resident and real estate professional, is one of the happy ones. He had Lara’s Construction & Cleaning build a fireplace in his home and lay pavers outside.
“Ruth and Cesar have been a pleasure to work with through multiple projects,” Hicks reported. “They offer the highest-quality
craftsmanship with reasonable price points. I regularly recommend their services.”
Cesar came to his passion for masonry on a winding path.
Eighteen years ago, he was working in the restaurant business in California. A friend in Oregon urged him to move here and join him in the construction industry.
Cesar and his wife, Ruth, talked about it — but there was a concern: Cesar had no construction experience.
They decided to take the plunge anyway, and in 2005 they moved to Oregon, where Cesar went to work and Ruth worked in residential cleaning. And it turned out that it was the right move.
Almost immediately, Cesar discovered that he had a knack for masonry — and he loved the craft.
There is a certain satisfaction
in laboring in such an elemental medium, and there is an almost endless variety to the work.
“There’s nothing the same, there’s always something different,” Ruth said.
Over the years, Cesar gained a wide range of experience and a mastery of the craft he loves. A couple of years ago, they decided to start their own company, and Lara’s Construction & Cleaning was born. Part of the motivation was a desire to work directly with clients to realize their visions for
their home.
Cesar remains the hands and the passion behind the work, even when he has others working with him on the job.
“Cesar is always there,” Ruth said. “He’s always making sure the job is good.”
Reliability, craftsmanship, and a fair price are the hallmarks of Lara’s Construction & Cleaning’s work. That commitment, along with a pure love for the work, leaves everybody happy and satisfied.
Artistry comes in many forms and we are proud to create home accents, fireplaces, patios, walkways, and more that give your home a personality all its own.
Stonework adds one-of-a-kind texture, richness and color to any project.
Masonry is energy saving, mold and fire resistant, and a ordable. WHAT CAN WE DESIGN FOR YOU?
Sisters company commi�ed to craftsmanship
Sisters Fence & Deck has established a reputation for locally owned, craftsmanbuilt work, and for constantly adding to their capabilities. Their ever-expanding crew of skilled craftsmen are taking on projects across Sisters Country that not only include the company’s signature fence work, but also fast, high-quality deck refurbishing. Good prep work is key to a successful, long-lasting painting or staining project. That can mean hours of sanding — or you can contact Sisters Fence and Deck and turn them loose with their recently acquired sandblasting equipment. Their sandblasting services get the job done safely and effectively — and far more quickly than anyone can do it with a sander.
Cleanup is easy.
“It’s just a more thorough job,” says owner Pat Burke. “You get into all those nooks and crannies. It opens up the pores of the wood itself, so it takes in more of the stain.”
The abrasive product is EPA approved and environmentally safe. It’s crushed, recycled, and sifted glass — like really fine beach sand. The sand safe for the soil — in fact, it helps retain moisture.
The maintenance capability adds value for customers — but Sisters Fence & Deck can build a deck for you from scratch if that’s what you need. And they offer the full range of fencing options that are popular and functional in Sisters Country: cedar; lodgepole; metal; agricultural fencing — you name it, they do it, and they have lots of experience with it.With new wildfire defensible space standards coming to the fore in Sisters Country, homeowners can consult with Sisters Fence & Deck on best practices and safe materials to make sure their home is in
the best shape possible to resist embers. Additionally, Sisters Fence & Deck can build your custom gates and automated entryways. Single-arm, double-arm, solar-powered, the Sisters Fence and Deck crew has done all types of work and can work with whatever configuration is desired. Rock drilling and mobile welding are part of the Sisters Fence and Deck arsenal. “We manage and operate a lot in-house,” Burke says. “With my experienced and knowledgeable crew, we run a tight schedule to get the job done.” Speaking of schedule — it’s not too late to get your summer project lined up.
Because the company oper-
Because the company operates so efficiently through the spring they’re only two to four weeks out on projects. Give them a call soon, though, because summer does get busy. Sisters Fence and Deck strives always to take a customer’s vision and make it a working reality. “It’s best if the customer finds an example of what they like and says, ‘This is what we want,’ and we can build it,” Burke said. Burke notes that Sisters Fence and Deck always strives to maximize the value the customer gets out of their investment. Clear communication with clients on costs, scope of work, materials, and the desired end product is key to a successful project. Burke says his crew “will figure out what the client wants and how we can build it, so when the project is complete, they say, ‘This is what I envisioned, and thank you.’” Committed to supporting the local economy, Sisters Fence and Deck strives at every opportunity to buy materials and supplies in Sisters and Central Oregon. Burke grew up in Sisters and wants his company to continue to be integrated into the life of the community.
photo by jim cornelius
Sisters Fence & Deck has a large and talented crew of craftsmen ready to take on a variety of projects.
A commitment to family-owned American business
Customers of Lakeview Millworks/BestVue Blinds — both residential and commercial — are used to dealing with a familyowned-and-operated company with deep-seated foundational values. They offer high quality doors, windows, and window coverings at a fair price — and back it all up with go-the-extra-mile customer service.
And that’s the kind of companies Lakeview wants to work with. They are redoubling efforts to work with American manufacturers and family businesses. For example, they just established a relationship with a Los Angelesbased company called Soleffect that produces roller blinds.
“It’s a stellar product line — and it’s less expensive,” said Brad King, Lakeview’s owner.
Equally important, Lakeview appreciates the values that the company operates upon.
“It was nice to see an operation that operates like we do,” said Lakeview’s Operations Manager Gilbert Porraz. “Bottom line, we’re
a family.”
Lakeview Millworks has always focused on providing outstanding customer service.
“We’re small enough to care about every customer who comes in,” Porraz said.
King says that the company has always been sympathetic to local needs and will do whatever possible to meet needs and solve problems for customers. Employees are empowered to do whatever is necessary to help their customers.
“There are other businesses in town that operate that way,” King notes. “You don’t hear about it very much. Those people need to be recognized.”
King is a strong advocate for support of the local businesses that add so much vibrancy to the Sisters community — and he is advocating for that support on a broader scale.
“I’d like to see people use more American products,” he said. “We need to support that 100 percent. We need to support our local businesses and families.”
Deep knowledge and hard work mean success
Khiva Beckwith is a down-toearth professional with Coldwell Banker Mayfield, born and raised in Central Oregon with a deep knowledge of “every nook and cranny” of the region.
As a self-described “hardworking go-getter,” Beckwith is the kind of agent both buyers and sellers want in their corner. That’s why many of her clients become friends.
Beckwith is so deeply rooted in the Sisters and Central Oregon community that being “networked” is just a natural outgrowth of her life.
Beckwith has been through every twist and turn of the Sisters market, and she knows how to navigate it under a variety of conditions. The limited supply and high demand have contributed to significant price appreciation in Central Oregon’s real estate market. Home prices have risen steadily, making affordability a concern for some buyers, particularly first-time homebuyers. Sisters’ scenic beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and schools attract home buyers seeking a high quality of life.
She believes that success depends on working closely with your agent to know the market and to research financing options. Interest rates can have a significant impact on monthly mortgage payments, so it pays to be savvy about those financing options.
The best evidence of Beckwith’s diligence and skill comes from satisfied clients.
“Words cannot express how awesome Khiva is,” one client says. “We relocated from Tacoma, Washington, and she was on it the minute we were ready to purchase a home. Khiva was extremely genuine and made a difficult purchase happen. She never quit and worked tirelessly getting myself and family to Central Oregon.”
Khiva knows the Central Oregon market inside and out, can provide valuable insights into neighborhoods, housing trends, schools, amenities, and recreational opportunities. If you’ve found the home of your dreams and you’re in a solid financial position to make the purchase, it can be an excellent time to buy!
There no Place like Home
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, you need a real estate professional in your corner to help navigate today’s rapidly changing real estate market.
“5 Stars in every category! We have bought and sold many homes over the years and when you’re looking for the BEST of the BEST then Khiva is your person. She is a savvy negotiator, mindful of your wishes, stays with you day and night (throughout the entire transaction). She is always present for the important milestones and is an amazing broker to have on your side.”
— Kendra H.
Steel construction: strong, functional, and stylish
There are many advantages to steel construction: you can build on a large scale and create a strong, stable, functional space. Warehouse, agricultural facilities, and industrial plants are a natural fit for steel construction. What may not be immediately apparent is that steel buildings can be downright stylish — with all the functional benefits you need and all the aesthetics you want.
“Sometimes people look at steel buildings and think they’re just steel buildings,” says Rob Boaz, owner of Web Steel Buildings Northwest, who specializes
in pre-manufactured steel building systems.
A steel-frame building can incorporate brick, wood, glass, stucco, stone — and it looks like something more than an industrial building.
“Anything that you can put on a house as a wallcovering you can put on these buildings,” Boaz says.
Web Steel recently worked with Centrex Construction of Tigard, Oregon, on a 40,000square-foot facility on Barclay Drive and Pine Street in Sisters that offers much more in the way of aesthetics than the
stereotype of a light industrial structure.
“You look at that building and think that’s not a steel building — but it is,” Boaz says.
Steel buildings can be downright livable — as exemplified by the trend toward “barndominiums” — which combine the living space of a home with the work space of a shop.
“Barndominiums are kind of a big deal these days,” Boaz says.
Web Steel was launched in 1989, in Sandy, Oregon, and has done work across the nation. One of their signature projects is the Oregon State University Wave Lab.
“It’s a feather in our cap because it’s so revolutionary,” Boaz says.
Web Steel manufactures the buildings, and a contractor or customer builds them.
They got an early start in Sisters, crafting the municipal recycling center. Boaz said he is interested in developing relationships with Sisters contractors.
Web Steel offers a range
of steel framing systems. The Delta was designed for do-it-yourself installers. The Vaulted Clearspan Truss, and Rigid Frame, are for larger applications (the Sisters Recycling Center is a Rigid Frame). A hybrid of the Vaulted and Rigid System has proved to be the best design for the barndominium, offering a clean design that maximizes interior space.
“That thing’s really, really advantageous, because it’s so easy to make a really cool building,” Boaz says. “That’s the main frame for the barndominium.”
Homeowners or business people who are
interested in a Web Steel building are welcome to contact the company.
“If they’ve got a contractor they love and trust, that’s a good way to go,” Boaz says. “We speak the same language as contractors.”
Direct contact works, too. A staff with years of experience under their belts helps clients determine exactly what they want and need, and the best system to meet those wants and needs.
“Just give us a call and tell us what you want and we’ll help you figure it out — and we’ll figure out an economical way to do it,” Boaz says.
Longplay Winery, one of Web Steel Buildings Northwest’s projects.
PHOTO COURTESY MATT SWAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Hybrid-frame buildings by Web Steel Buildings Northwest are a great option for people creating multi-use spaces.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Selling a home isn’t just about finding a buyer — it’s about finding the right buyer, at the right price, at the right time. Sellers who choose to list their property with a Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty broker get world-class marketing, cuttingedge technology, and expert representation.
Gary Nolan, chief marketing officer of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, reports that in 2024, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s agents closed over 3,900 transactions and achieved $3.2 billion in sales volume across Oregon and Southwest Washington. That performance placed them as the No.1 brokerage in Oregon by sales volume, according to both Real Trends and RISMedia.
“We blend hyper-local expertise with global reach, ensuring our sellers’ homes are seen by the right buyers — no matter where they are,” Nolan said.
Nolan notes that 90 percent of prospective buyers start their search for a home online — which puts a premium on a strong and active online presence.
Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s online tools include detailed community guides that offer buyers a hyper-local look at the communities and neighborhoods they are interested in. Every neighborhood and community in Sisters is profiled so that a buyer can find the right fit for them. The guides are updated daily, and include demographic information and information on schools.
All of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s online information is kept current to keep up with a fast-paced market.
“We pride ourselves on giving the most accurate information to both sellers and buyers,” Nolan said.
Accurate listing prices are a key to selling a home. Overpricing can force price reductions and lead to longer time on the market — two things no seller wants.
“Setting the right price isn’t just an art; it’s a science,” notes Nolan. “And when you get it right, you maximize your chances of selling quickly and profitably. It’s a property-specific market. Turnkey, priced right — you might have multiple offers. Needs work, overpriced, it might take a while.”
Agents with Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s don’t guess at listing prices. Using a holistic pricing analysis that incorporates comparative market analysis (CMA) tools, they price homes smartly from the start. According to company data, Nolan reports, homes priced correctly have a 92 percent chance of meeting the asking price within the first two weeks on the market.
Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s agents’ in-house marketing team creates strategic, high-quality campaigns that include elegant brochures, engaging social media content, targeted email marketing, and high-impact postcards.
Properties also get national and international exposure
through SothebysRealty.com, which attracts over 50 million visitors annually and offers immersive experiences with highresolution photos, 3D tours, and cinematic videos. Listings are translated into 14 languages and optimized for search engines, ensuring global reach.
CascadeHasson.com provides in-depth market reports and those detailed community guides that give buyers the context they crave, while being ranked the Best Real Estate Mobile Website by RealTrends.
“The right marketing makes all the difference,” Nolan said. “It’s not just about being seen — it’s about being remembered.”
As part of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, Cascade Hasson agents tap into a powerful referral system with $4 billion in annual global referrals. Properties are shared across 1,115 offices in 84 countries, reaching elite clientele.
Locally, agents leverage deep market knowledge with local reports updated daily at CHSIRreports.com, helping sellers make informed decisions based on real-time data.
When privacy is paramount, sellers can opt for an Office Exclusive listing. This allows properties to be marketed privately within Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s network of brokers, providing an alternative to the traditional MLS exposure.
For sellers seeking a more accelerated or competitive sale, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s
Gaining an edge for sellers in the real estate market
agents offer Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. These luxury real estate auctions condense the selling process into about 60 days, building urgency and competitive bidding among high-net-worth buyers.
Additionally, relocation services ensure that sellers transitioning to a new chapter have the support they need, whether moving across town or across the country.
Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s agents aren’t just market experts — they are deeply invested community members. Through yearround volunteering and support for local organizations, they help strengthen the neighborhoods where they live and work. This year they are supporting NeighborImpact and holding a year long food drive. The public can grab a free tote bag and return with nonpersishable food items to their Central Oregon offices located in Sisters, Bend, Sunriver, and Redmond.
Choosing to list a property with a Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s agent means choosing strategic pricing, unmatched marketing, global exposure, and expert guidance from start to finish. It’s a decision that gives sellers not just an advantage — but a partner committed to success.
“Selling a home is a major life event,” said Nolan. “We don’t take that lightly. Our promise is to treat every listing with the same care, precision, and passion as if it were our own.”
A magnificent $19.5 million, 190-acre ranch outside Sisters is one of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s listings.
Homeowners can save their drainfield
There is no worse news for a homeowner than the word that their drainfield may be failing. The prospect of thousands of dollars in replacement costs and major life disruption is not a pleasant one. But there are solutions that can save your drainfield — and save you a lot of money.
For three decades, Drainfield Restoration Services has been offering effective options for homeowners, “rescuing” drainfields across Sisters Country. Their Terralift process can “blast” a drainfield back to life in short order, and they have added a jetting process that works inside pipes to clear intrusive roots and other obstacles to function.
“You can think of jetting as a rooter, but with water,” said owner/operator Dave Estopare.
Drainfield Restoration Services usually deploys both Terralift and jetting to achieve the best results.
They can also help homeowners maintain their drainfield.
“We have biologicals that work really well,” said Estopare. “They’re applying them right through their toilet.”
The microbial treatments consume elements that can clog up a system.
“The cleaner that water is, the better that drainfield is going to perform — and the longer that drainfield is going to last,” Estopare said. “The more you can enhance that, the better off you are.”
