W+M Homes Homes Buyer/Listing/Relocation Booklet : : Oregon

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Guide

a new outlook on oregon real estate

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ABOUT

THA NK YO U

From the mountains to downtown, and everywhere in between, our philosophy is simple: clients come f irst. We believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, we haven’t done our job.

Thank you for the opportunity to equip you with helpful information regarding purchasing and selling Oregon Real Estate. We not only specialize in Central Oregon’s awesome + diverse communities...we live + play here, too! So, we’ve also included several guides to help you make the most of living in Central Oregon and the surrounding suburbs...whether you’re a born-andbred local or are just getting to know our beautiful state, we hope that you will f ind it useful. Want a recommendation or need a resource? Contact us, we’re here to help with whatever you might need.

With our extensive knowledge of Oregon real estate, as well as Central Oregon’s many cities and neighborhoods, you can rest assured that you are working with some of the most knowledgable and experienced agents in the business. West + Main’s commitment is to provide only the best and most timely information to our clients. We are your go-to source for Central Oregon area insight and advice.

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CO NT E NTS

BUYER S

R E S O UR C E S

03 T HE H OM E B UYI N G PR O C E S S

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O REG O N MA P

1 1 Steps to a New Home

Where’s Where in Central Oregon

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B UYE R IN S PECT I O N S

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LOW MA INTENA NCE PL A NTS

What You Need to Know

Learn, Plant and Enjoy

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CLOS IN G T I M E L I N E

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SCHO O L G U IDE

Central Oregon School Districts

P lus Common Buyer’s Costs

28 10 BEST HIKING TRA ILS

Check Out Our Favorite Spots

S ELLERS 14

OU R PRO M I S E

We Work for You

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S E LLIN G YO U R PR O PE RTY

Trust Us to Tell the Story of Your Home

19 OU R S E R VI C E S

What We Provide

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TH E HOME BUYING PROCES S Everything You Need to Know

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Buying a home can be a fun and exciting process, but it can also be very stressful. Understanding the process can really help to make it a smooth and successful transition.

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FIND A REALTOR ® WHO IS RIGHT FOR YOU AND AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER Selecting a great team to represent you in the purchase of your new home is critical. There are many great Realtors out there, but choosing the one to work with is the most underestimated step in the process. Buying a home is often the largest, most important purchase a family makes. You deserve to be represented by a team who is adept at navigating all the intricacies of the identif ication of the right property, the negotiation, the transaction, and as well as the closing. Our team is made up of exceptionally well trained, fulltime, local experts who will walk you through the process. Our f iduciary duty is to put your interests - f inancial and otherwise above everyone else’s, including our own. When we agree to work together, it requires clear lines of communication both ways. Our clients love us because we will talk them out of purchasing a property that is not right for them just as fast as we will encourage them to buy one that is right for them. Customizing your unique property search provides you with information on homes that are most relevant to your buying experience, without inundating you with information that is not pertinent to your specif ic situation.

THE HOME INTERVIEW Listening is one of our superpowers. This isn’t just going to the car lot and picking either a red one or a blue one. We consider ourselves “professional real estate matchmakers” when it comes to fulf illing our clients wants and needs. It’s not just about how many beds and baths you want. We want to f ind out what’s important to you about having a larger backyard or a mountain view. It’s about sitting down together and taking the time to discover what “the perfect home” looks like for you.

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FINANCING & PRE-APPROVAL Whether you’re paying cash or seeking f inancing, the conversation about how we’re going to get from point A to point B is an important one. If getting a loan, sellers want to see that you are pre-approved with a reputable lender. They also want to see proof of funds for the stated down payment and closing costs. If paying cash, sellers want to see proof of funds suff icient to complete the transaction.

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situation. Don’t leave yourself short; set aside some money for moving expenses, repairs, renovations,

COMMON PRE-APPROVAL NEEDS LIST: Most lenders will need these items to get you preapproved for your home loan.

and perhaps some new furniture. We can recommend excellent Mortgage Brokers to help you with this very important step in the home buying process.

• the last 2 years tax returns

4.

• copies of your most recent paystubs

LET’S GO SHOPPING (THE FUN PART)

• permission to run your credit

Now the fun part begins. We get to go shopping.

Based on your criteria, we’ll be on the hunt for homes which we think might be a good match. We’ll send you properties to consider and you can send us properties which catch your eye as well. If you have any questions or would like us to adjust the parameters of your search, just let us know. We are constantly networking with other top agents in the area to f ind coming soon and pocket listings (listings not yet available to the public). If your ideal home isn’t on the market, we’ll go f ind it.

• proof of funds (showing down payment, closing costs and possibly reserves)

MONTHLY COSTS OF OWNING A HOME: • mortgage (principal and interest) • property taxes • insurance

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• utilities

SUBMIT THE OFFER

• maintenance • homeowners association fees (if any)

HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD? Knowing your true budget is very important when buying a home. To determine how much house you can afford, it’s best to start by asking yourself what total monthly payment you are comfortable with. That number, combined with the interest rate and down payment will determine your baseline. We will consult with you and walk you through the process of deciding which f inancing options are best for your particular

Depending on the market, there are many different strategies on how to approach writing the offer. We are experts in helping you craft the best offer to have the greatest chance of getting it accepted. In a multipleoffer situation, there are many things we can do to structure a more attractive offer for the seller. These races are often won by inches, not by miles. In a slower market, we can be more aggressive with our approach.

Typically, most offers are written so the buyer has to put an initial deposit (sometimes called “earnest money deposit” or EMD) a small percentage of the purchase price into escrow. This shows the seller that you have skin in the game.

We will give you a sample purchase agreement to read

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NEGOTIATE THE OFFER

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Whenever possible, we will present your offer to the seller or the listing agent. Unless we’re told otherwise, our goal is always to get your offer accepted at the lowest possible price and the most favorable terms. The seller can accept, reject, counter, or ignore your offer.

Usually, we can expect a counter.

REMOVE CONTINGENCIES

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DUE DILIGENCE Most offers will be written with an investigation contingency. This due diligence period is the time when you can perform inspections on the property and get comfortable with exactly what it is you are buying. We strongly recommend you attend the inspections. The average inspection takes about 3 hours. This is your opportunity to put the property under a microscope and discover if anything is wrong with it. You will receive disclosures from the seller to learn about the history of the property. With a condo or townhouse, there will also likely be homeowners association documents and CC&R’s (covenants, conditions & restrictions) to read through and approve.

If there are any unforeseen health and safety issues with the property that were not apparent when we submitted the offer, we can prepare an addendum to address them. The seller is under no obligation to address these concerns, but it is essentially a 2nd round of negotiations. We will walk you through the process, have detailed conversations and provide advice about how we think you should proceed.

Contingencies are essentially conditions or the purchaser’s ways of terminating the contract without losing any of the earnest money deposit.

If you are comfortable with the condition of the property and the appraisal and loan are approved, then it’s time to remove all contingencies.

Contingencies can be removed one at a time or all at once. This is VERY IMPORTANT! If you remove all of your remaining contingencies and, for whatever reason, don’t proceed with the transaction, you are putting your earnest money deposit (often 1% of the purchase price or more) at risk. Most buyers elect to do a f inal walk through before loan docs go to the title company and for you to come in for signing. This is done to verify the condition of the property and to make sure that any repair items agreed to were performed to your satisfaction.

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LOAN DOCUMENTS You’re almost home. Now that you know you’re moving forward with the transaction, the remaining steps are for your lender to prepare the loan docs for your review. You will be expected to deliver your down payment when you come to the closing.

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1. 2 .

FIND A REALTOR ® WHO IS RIGHT FOR YOU AND AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER.

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BEFORE YOUteam MOVE IN: Selecting a great to represent you in the purchase of your new home is critical. There are many great UTILITIES realtors out there, but choosing who to work with is the most underestimated step in the process. Buying Don’t to change the utilities to your name a homeforget is often the largest, most important purchase starting the day of possession.

This your by a a family can make. You deserve to beincludes represented phone, cable, internet, power, and Also, team who is adept at navigating all gas the services. intricacies of the remember to cancel the utilities at your previous identif ication of the right property, the negotiation, residence.

Waterasiswell the as only transferred the transaction theutility closing.

Our teamatisclosing by the title company. made up of exceptionally welltrained, full-time local experts who will walk you through the process. Our MOVERS f iduciary duty is to put your interests (f inancial and otherwise) above everyone else’s (including our own).

If you we are agree usingto professional movers, book early.

When work together, it requires clearThey are booked several both weeksway. out.Our clients love us linesoften of communication because we will talk them out of purchasing a property MAIL FORWARDING that is not right for them just as fast as we will talk them into one that is right for them. Customizing your Gather your bills, statements, tax information, unique all property search provides you with information healthcare information, and anything youbuying make on homes that are most relevant to your automatic on. Sit down and make a list of experience,payments without inundating you with information these things early, because you don’t want to forget any. that is not pertinent to your specif ic situation.

It’s time to start giving out your new mailing address.

You might also want to have your mail forwarded through the post off ice.

THE HOME INTERVIEW. Listening is one of our super-powers. This isn’t just going to the car lot and picking either a red one or a blue one. We consider ourselves “professional real CLEANING estate matchmakers” when it comes to discussing our clientspeople wants want and needs.

It’sinto not ajust about howhome. many Most to move freshly clean beds and baths want. Wea want to f ind what’s Now is the timeyou to schedule cleaning crewout to give the important to you about having a larger backyard or property a good, deep cleaning before moving in. an ocean view. It’s about sitting down and really taking the time to discover what “the perfect home” looks like for you.

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MOVING DAY! FINANCING & PRE-APPROVAL. Finally, the day we have all been waiting for! Once Whether paying cashand or possession seeking f inancing, the you have you’re received the keys is off icially conversationyou about we’re going to get from point transferred, are how free to move in and enjoy your new A to point B is an important one.

If getting a loan, home. sellers want to see that you are pre-approved with a reputable lender. They also want to see proof of funds for the stated downpayment and closing costs. If paying cash, sellers want to see proof of funds suff icient to complete the transaction.

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BUYER INS PECT ION S It’s critical to take advantage of the opportunity to perform routine inspections on a property you are considering purchasing. Inspectors are experienced, trained professionals hired to put the house under a microscope and f ind common problems, malfunctions and/or defects in the property.

Below is a list of some of the inspections buyers may choose to do:

• PHYSICAL INSPECTION • ROOF INSPECTION • STRUCTURAL OR GEOLOGICAL INSPECTION • WELL OR SEPTIC INSPECTION • HVAC INSPECTION

REQUEST FOR REPAIRS The next step is to review the reports and decide whether or not there are any unforeseen health and safety items we’d like to ask the seller to correct.

Although this is often the 2nd round of negotiations between buyers and sellers, it’s also a time when deals come to a stalemate. Here we recommend keeping the big picture in mind.

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TYPICAL CLOS ING TI M E L I N E A title company is a neutral third party whose primary job is to prepare and execute the mutual instructions of the parties involved for closing. They ensure free and clear title and prepare all docs for closing. Here is a typical timeline for an escrow:

ACCEPTANCE DATE - All milestones in the timeline start from the Date Of Acceptance which occurs when the executed purchase agreement is delivered to the other party.

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT - Also called the “Initial Deposit” is usually due 3 days after acceptance.

TYPICAL BUYER CLOSING COSTS Although everything is negotiable in real estate, a buyer can generally expect to pay for many of these common buyer’s closing costs: • • • • • • • • • •

“lender’s” title insurance policy premium title closing fee document preparation (if applicable) recording charges for all documents in buyer’s name all new loan charges (except those required by lender for seller to pay) interest on new loan from date of funding to 30 days prior to f irst payment date assumption or change of records fee for takeover of existing loan benef iciary statement fee for assumption of existing loan inspection fees home warranty (def ined by contract)

SELLERS DISCLOSURES - Usually due shorty after acceptance.

BUYER’S INVESTIGATION - Buyer completes all due diligence, inspections and approves of reports such as disclosures and homeowner’s association rules.

CONTINGENCY REMOVAL - When satisf ied, buyer removes inspection contingency, appraisal contingency, loan contingency and any others. It is very important to discuss the removal of contingencies with your agent because at some point, the earnest money deposit could be at risk, if the buyer doesn’t proceed with the transaction and no longer has any contingencies in place.

FINAL WALKTHROUGH - This is the buyer’s opportunity to verify that the property is in substantially the same condition as when they f irst wrote the offer. This usually occurs within 5 days of the expected closing date.

LOAN DOCS - Buyer signs loan docs at the closing table, having had the chance to review them in advance.

LOAN FUNDS - The lender receives the loan docs and funds the loan.

POSSESSION - Keys are typically transferred to the buyer at the closing table, unless there is delayed possession or a rent-back that has been agreed upon.

Buyer’s Responsibility Other’s Responsibility Buyer & Other’s Responsibility

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THE HO ME SE LLING PRO C ES S Get Top Dollar with Top-Notch Marketing

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OUR PROM IS E We promise to provide our clients a world-class experience from start to f inish and continuously over deliver. We promise to provide an exceptional customer experience that will have every client we work with singing our praises. We want to make sure that the next time our clients hear of someone looking for an incredible REALTOR®, that our name is sure to come up. If you’re waving your arms and shouting our name, then we know we’ve lived up to our promise. Client referrals mean the world to us, because they mean that we made an impact on our clients’ lives.

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S ELLIN G YOU R OREG O N PR O PE RTY

You made a great investment in your Oregon property, and whether you have owned it for just a few months, or for years or even decades, we consider it our goal to make sure that you sell it quickly, and for the highest prof it possible. We don’t stop there, though…we also strive to provide West + Main clients with a smooth transaction, as little hassle as possible, and a seamless process with transparent and constant communication.

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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

PRICING + POSITIONING YOUR PROPERTY

Honest advice. From preparing your home for sale to handing over the keys to the property’s new owners, we are here at every step, bump, and curve in the journey.

One thing we say over and over again is “Don’t trust the estimate.” Even though Zillow, Trulia and other Real Estate marketing platforms might pop out a number for your property, it’s always better to have a local professional tour your home, consider all of the factors involved, and run a detailed analysis in order to make sure your home is perfectly positioned for the market. Speaking of positioning…did you know that there are very drastic differences in numbers of showings, multiple offer potential, and even escrow timelines depending on which day and week you choose to list your Oregon property? We keep a close eye on the statistics, annual histories, and many other factors in order to make sure that your house hits the market at exactly the right time - and it’s not the same for every type of home, neighborhood, or city! Listing at the non-optimal time can cost you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in potential prof it.

The West + Main Selling Strategy: PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE You might keep your home looking like a designer showroom every day…if that’s the case, great! Let’s put a sign in the yard and let the showings begin! But, if you’re like most of the people that we work with, you have a little work to do f irst. This might involve: • decluttering + depersonalizing • minor touchups • small repairs • staging • deep cleaning and, in some cases, it might even mean some cosmetic upgrades or even remodeling.

Every situation is different, and depending on your Real Estate goals, it might take a few days or even weeks to get your house ready, and that’s totally ok with us. We have a large network of contractors and professionals who have done a great job for our clients and our agents. If you need a recommendation or referral for a plumber, electrician, painter, handyman, etc, just let us know, we will be happy to make an introduction or pass along their information.

NEED TO SELL AS-IS, QUICKLY, OR EVEN OFF-MARKET? WE CAN HELP WITH THAT AS WELL. We are always happy to create a Comparative Market Analysis for your property so that you will have an idea of where you stand f inancially. We will also generate an Estimated Net Sheet so that you can see every line item and cost involved, as well as your potential bottom line prof it. Pricing is another important factor.

MARKETING MATTERS Our in-house marketing department is a team of seasoned professionals who are passionate about making sure your home’s story is seen + heard by potential homebuyers. From beautiful f lyers to expertly crafted property descriptions and photos, our goal is to target your property’s audience with attention-catching materials that get doors unlocked. This might include targeted online advertising, print materials, highlighted exposure in our widely distributed newsletters, feature placement on our blog + website, and more. Every home’s story is special + unique…we can’t wait to tell yours.

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EXPERT NEGOTIATION

3.

The best contract for your situation might not always be the highest price…we will help you consider all of the factors involved so that you not only go under contract but also make it to the closing table. This might include considering the best dates + deadlines for your timeline, as well as provisions like waived inspections or offers that include appraisal gap coverage.

If you need to find a replacement property or would like to have the option to rent your home back for a few days or even weeks after closing, that is also something that we consider when reviewing and negotiating offers to purchase your home.

SELLERS DISCLOSURES Usually due shortly after acceptance, but it’s a good idea for Sellers to get these completed to the best of their knowledge ASAP.

4.

BUYER’S INVESTIGATION Seller allows Buyer to complete all due diligence, property inspections and reports such as disclosures and homeowner’s association rules. Often, these investigations lead to another round of negotiations.

TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT Once you’re Under Contract, we work to keep everything on track + moving forward as smoothly as possible. From important Dates + Deadlines to coordinating with your Buyer’s Agent, Lender, and the Title Company...there are a lot of moving pieces + parts involved.

5.

CONTINGENCY REMOVAL When satisf ied, Buyer removes inspection contingency, appraisal contingency, loan contingency and any other deadlines. Once all deadlines have passed, Buyer’s earnest money becomes non-refundable.

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ACCEPTANCE DATE

6.

All milestones in the contract start from the Date Of Acceptance which occurs when the executed purchase agreement is signed by all involved parties.

CLOSING + POSSESSION

2.

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT

Seller and Buyer typically close at a title company to sign all property transfer documentation. Once paperwork is signed and the off ice has conf irmed all closing requirements have been fulf illed, the Buyer receives keys as agreed upon in their negotiations.s

Also called the “Initial Deposit” is usually due 3 days after acceptance and will be deposited in an escrow account and applied to the Down Payment at time of purchase.

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Trust us to tell the story of your home. We think Oregon sellers should expect more from their real estate selling experience and we strive to make the process as easy + smooth as possible.

T HE WE ST + M A I N H O M E S T E A M PR OVIDES:

More Experience and Expertise

More Negotiating Skills

The combined experience of a team of top-notch agents and expertise in staging, marketing and negotiation.

Top-notch pricing and negotiation skills from a team of experienced agents with extensive knowledge of the Central Oregon market.

More Services

A Better Experience

Assisted home preparation, professional cleaning and staging, and more.

Formal seller onboarding process so our sellers always know what to expect, and assistance at every step in the process.

More Marketing

We Help Buyers Fall In Love

HDR photography, f loor plans and even drone tours if appropriate, with unparalleled reach and exposure, including targeted advertising and a strategic marketing strategy for each property we sell. Custom collateral designed for every listing by our in-house design team.

We connect emotionally with your target Buyer through outstanding photography, f loor plans/video/ interactive tours and targeted copywriting. Our goal is to make Buyers fall in love with your home before they ever walk in the door.

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RES O U RC E G U IDE Living in Central Oregon

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“The best things in life are simple, abundant, and free.”

- Debasish Mridha

LOW M AINTE N A N C E H O US E PL A N TS

Succulents Succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day, depending on the type of succulent. Don’t forget to rotate your succulents to make sure they grow evenly.

Chinese Money Plant – Pilea peperomioides Grows best in a shady spot with weekly watering, according to The Little Book of House Plants and Other Greenery. Bonus: You can replant the offshoots that sprout from the base of the stem and give them as gifts.

mother plant like spiders on a web. Likes bright light and weekly watering.

Prayer Plants - Calathea “Prayer plants” will fold up at night and open wide during the day. Place in a semi-sunny spot and keep the soil moist to keep it happy.

Aloe With its preference for indirect light, aloe would love a spot on your desk or bedside table. Give it a good soak every week or two for optimal growth. Bonus - the gel from aloe vera leaves can be used topically, but keep away from pets and don’t eat.

Spider Plant The spider plant is so named because of its spider-like plants, or spiderettes, which dangle down from the Volume 12 No. 01 West + Main Homes

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CENTR AL OREG ON S C H O O LS Central Oregon is fortunate to have an abundance of great schools. There are dozens of schools in the area. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

BE ND - L A PIN E S C H O O LS:

Educating more than 18,000 students, BendLaPine is the 5th largest school district in Oregon with 33 schools, plus two charter schools. 1,600 square miles make up the Bend-La Pine Schools attendance area encompassing an area at the base of the Cascade Mountain Range that stretches from north of Bend, into Sunriver, and all the way to La Pine. Bend is the largest of the communities

within the district and includes 16 elementary schools, two K-8 schools, six middle schools and six high schools. The Sunriver area’s Three Rivers School serves students K-8. Students from this area continue to either Bend or La Pine schools for high school. La Pine is located 30 miles south of Bend. Four schools — La Pine Elementary, Rosland Elementary, La Pine Middle School, and La Pine High School — serve the close-knit community.

541-355-1060 • www.bend.k12.or.us

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RE D M OND S C H O O L D I ST R I CT:

JEFFERSO N CO U NTY SCHO O L DISTRI CT:

Redmond School District is a medium-sized district with 13 schools and more than 7,000 students.

Located entirely within historic Deschutes County, the Redmond School District serves students from Redmond, Alfalfa, Crooked River Ranch, Eagle Crest, Terrebonne, and Tumalo. The district is known for providing a supportive, inclusive, empowering, and academically rich learning environment that inspires and engages students, staff, and the community. Redmond School district is dedicated to making success possible for every student.

Jefferson County School District comprises 8 public schools serving nearly 3,000 students. The Madras area offers high desert scenery and panoramic views of the magnif icent Cascade Mountain Range with many outdoor educational opportunities including cycling, f ishing, golf, hiking, rockhounding, and water sports with winter sports just a short drive away. Their vision for the district is to be an inclusive, collaborative learning community that works with all learning partners to prepare students for college, career, and life.

541-923-5437 • www.redmondschools.org

SISTERS SCHO O L DISTRICT:

CROOK COU N TY S C H O O L D I ST R I CT:

Sisters School District is nestled at the base of the Three Sisters mountain peaks. With stunning views and ample outdoor opportunities – classroom work is never dull. Pulling from a community of just over 10,000 people, all three schools boast small class sizes, dedicated teachers and administrators, and a supportive community. Students can often be found studying biology in nearby Whychus Creek and Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, launching their own weather balloons, or obtaining a pilot’s license at Sisters Eagle Airport.

Crook County School District is nestled below the great plateaus of the Crooked River Basin and serves over 3,000 students in a variety of educational models in Prineville and the surrounding areas. Families can choose traditional or in-person classes among three elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools – one traditional and one hybrid – and two rural schools that serve ranching families. The district is known for its commitment to customer service and listening to the needs of families. Crook County School District strives to be an organization with integrity, a model for educational success, and a recognized leader for excellence in helping students dream, learn, and succeed.

541-475-6192 • www.jcsd.k12.or.us

541-549-8521 • www.ssd6.org

541-447-5664 • www.crookcountyschools.org

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D ENVE R NEIGHBORH OOD S NORTHWEST

SouthEast Denver is also very diverse, with everything from high-end shopping in and around Cherry Creek, to the quiet neighborhoods that are quintessentially old-school Denver. You’ll f ind everything from small turn-of-the-century ranch-style homes to stunning new brownstones in this part of town, where there is truly something for everyone.

NorthWest Denver has surged in both popularity and value in recent years. Popular boutiques and restaurants, diverse architecture, tree-lined streets and walkable neighborhoods have placed this area in high demand.

SOUTWEST SouthWest Denver is a collective of smaller, up and coming neighborhoods Some of the main landmarks that make up this area are Ruby Hill Park, Overland Park Golf Course (the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River), and Harvey Park Lake. This neighborhood is full of open space and trails and is considered biker friendly making it easy to get around to other areas.

NORTHEAST NorthEast Denver is a very diverse portion of our city from Stapleton’s brand-new planned neighborhoods, to communities closer to the city center which consist of everything from historically recognized homes to mid-century style to newly built custom properties and inf ill developments.

SOUTHEAST

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1 0 BEST H IK ING TR AILS

2.

Oregon is all about majestic beauty, and while there are truly memorable hikes in places like Crater Lake or Multnomah Falls, there are also lots of great day hikes in Central Oregon, featuring everything from alpine lakes and wildf lower meadows to lava rock formations and panoramic vistas.

1.

TUMALO FALLS Just a short drive west down Skyliners Road is Tumalo Falls, a magnif icent 97-foot waterfall in the Deschutes National Forest. Situated on Tumalo Creek, seeing this beautiful waterfall is one of the best things to do in Bend without venturing too far from downtown.

This very popular site offers perfect views from the parking lot and even more fun just up the short trailhead. There are picnic areas and access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Visit in the winter on your snowshoes for a different experience and perspective.

DESCHUTES RIVER TRAIL The Deschutes River Trail stretches more than 12 miles along the river and through some of the most scenic stretches of Central Oregon. The Deschutes River meanders down the mountains and into the surrounding communities, creating a natural and welcoming path of pine, juniper, and ponderosa trees.

One of the most scenic sections of the trail is the South Canyon Reach, which starts at the popular Farewell Bend Park and follows the river to a bridge at the halfway point of this 3 mile loop hike.

Explore the other four sections at your own pace and pick your favorite stretch.

3.

SMITH ROCK STATE PARK Popular with rock climbers, horseback riders, and casual visitors, Smith Rock’s hiking trails allow for a variety of activities among dramatic high desert landscapes. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, deer, river otters, and beavers.

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the main attraction and most scenic viewpoint.

This is also a popular area for f ishing. You might even observe some adventurous locals jumping off the cliffs.

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SPARKS LAKE Avoid the crowds and head up The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway early in the morning to explore the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail that hugs the shores of Sparks Lake. This beautiful short loop hike provides stunning views of the Cascade peaks and meanders through lava f lows and lodgepole pine forests.

Enjoy a short out-and-back paved hike to see the breathtaking vantage point of South Sister and Broken Top. Continue further into Davis Canyon, a f issure that is at times 16-feet deep and as little as 2-feet wide. Cool down by the water in your personal watercraft or have a picnic on the shore.

5.

LAVA RIVER CAVE TRAIL Tucked away in the expansive Newberry National Volcanic Monument, the Lava River Cave is a 2.2 mile round trip self-guided exploration of a long lava tube. Bring light sources and plan ahead.

The initial descent goes down 55 stairs to a combination of f lat boardwalk, uneven surfaces, and stairways.

Be sure to wear f lat shoes and bring warm clothing as the temperature hovers around 40 degrees all year inside the cave. There is a small admission fee and lanterns can be rented after a short brief ing about the cave and how to help reduce the spread of White-nose syndrome that affects the local bats.

6.

STEELHEAD FALLS Steelhead Falls is a short half mile hike from the parking lot. The trail continues down the river past

Wildf lowers dot the slopes in the spring and golden eagles soar overhead. Hang around for a picnic, explore the rocky shores, or just sit and relax and let the sound of the falls erase the world around you.

7.

PAULINA LAKE Pull off to see Paulina Falls f irst before hiking the shores of Paulina Lake inside one of the largest shield volcanoes in the country. You may see ducks feeding in the marshes and boaters recreating or f ishing as you explore your way to the secret hot springs that dot the northern section of the lake.

If you’re up for a more strenuous adventure, try the steep 6-mile Paulina Peak Trail that climbs through the forest to an elevation of 7984 feet with views spanning into Washington and down to California. Or just drive to the top if you prefer.

8.

WEST METOLIUS RIVER TRAIL North of Sisters is a beautiful trail with gushing springs and beautiful f lowers. But most fascinating about this hike is how the Metolouis emerges out of nowhere and becomes a river. It’s one of the biggest spring-fed rivers in America.

Catch a glimpse of Mt. Jefferson as you wind through the forest and observe people f ly f ishing from the banks of this serene part of the region.

Make sure to stop in Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery for an educational experience during your visit.

Volume 12 No. 01 West + Main Homes

S ECT I O N T HR E E

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9.

1 0.

FIND A REALTOR ® WHO IS RIGHT FOR TUMALO YOU ANDMOUNTAIN AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER.

Across thea highway from Mt. Bachelor Selecting great team to represent you is in the the purchase rewarding all-season to Tumalo Mountain. of your new home is entrance critical. There are many great Hike through the dense pine forest realtors out there, but choosing whothrough to workthe with is tree line for incredible views Top and the most underestimated stepofinthe theBroken process.

Buying the Three Sisters. a home is often the largest, most important purchase a family can make. You deserve to be represented by a Just magnif icentatinnavigating the winter,allthe teamaswho is adept themountain intricaciesis of the aidentif popular destination for snowshoeing skiing ication of the right property, theand negotiation, enthusiasts.

Theassummit place the transaction well as is thea wonderful closing. Our teamtois take panoramic photos and watch local madethose up ofspecial exceptionally welltrained, full-time backcountry experts its legendary experts who will walkslide you down through the process. Our bowl. f iduciary duty is to put your interests (f inancial and otherwise) above everyone else’s (including our own).

When we agree to work together, it requires clear lines of communication both way. Our clients love us because we will talk them out of purchasing a property that is not right for them just as fast as we will talk them into one that is right for them. Customizing your unique property search provides you with information on homes that are most relevant to your buying experience, without inundating you with information that is not pertinent to your specif ic situation.

THE HOME INTERVIEW. BEND ALE TRAIL Listening is one of our super-powers. This isn’t just When you’re in need of picking a more casual going to the car lot and either hiking a red one or experience, we have to recommend none other real a blue one. We consider ourselves “professional than Bend Ale Trail.

Originally for its our estatethe matchmakers” when it comes known to discussing concentration of craft beer Central clients wants and needs.

It’sbreweries, not just about how many Oregon now home to distilleries, cideries, beds andisbaths you want.

We want to f ind out what’s wineries, kombucha brewersa that thingsor an importantand to you about having largerkeep backyard interesting. ocean view. It’s about sitting down and really taking the time to discover what “the perfect home” looks like for Make you. your way to all of the special places on the trail and track your progress in the off icial app or get the old-school passport to collect stamps documenting your progress. Walk between stops or hail a ride on those longer days and enjoy the trail FINANCING & PRE-APPROVAL. responsibly.

3.

Whether you’re paying cash or seeking f inancing, the conversation about how we’re going to get from point A to point B is an important one. If getting a loan, sellers want to see that you are pre-approved with a reputable lender. They also want to see proof of funds for the stated downpayment and closing costs. If paying cash, sellers want to see proof of funds suff icient to complete the transaction.

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