My Weekly Central Oregon Real Estate Blog

We have likely experienced the last bit of snow for the season, with some patches in my yard yet to melt. With warmer weather and summer activities around the corner, we are nearing the busiest time of year for real estate. The Fourth of July is typically a short lull in the action, followed by another busy stretch until Labor Day. That means we have two sixty-day periods that will comprise the majority of the activity of 2026. Whether you are a buyer or seller this year, now is the time to engage the market!

Today in Deschutes County, listings between $1 million and $1,999,999 are at 292, up by 7 from last week. Twenty-two pending sales are up by one from last week, with 8 reducing their asking price before securing a buyer by an average of 4.95%. The median days listed for the pending transactions was 28, as buyers grab newly listed, attractive homes quickly. Thirteen transactions closed this week, up by one from last week, with only two of those sales reducing the asking price an average of 6% before securing a buyer. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 97.69%, indicating strong seller negotiating power.

Listings in Deschutes County between $2 million and $2,999,999 are stable at 68. Two sales are pending this week: one at $2,196,000 on Scandia Loop in Bend, and the other at $2,399,000 in Wood River Village near Farewell Bend Park. One transaction closed this week at $2,250,000 on Dale Road in NE Bend. The Dale Road property closed at full price after just 5 days on the market.

There are 5 more listings this week of properties over $3 million in Deschutes County, bringing the total to 43, as this segment of the market begins to heat up. There were no pending sales, but two closed transactions. The first, listed at $3,175,000, closed at $3,100,000 after only 3 days on the market. The second was the R&R Ranch (formerly the R&B Ranch), which closed at $15,600,000, down from its original $19,500,000 listing price. The sale price was very nearly the same as the previous sale in 2023. There is remarkable stability in our market, but prices have been mostly flat since the 2022 peak.

Crook County listings over $1 million are up by 5 from last week to 47. One sale is pending, a gorgeous property just outside Brasada Ranch on Grandview Road, listed for $2,999,000. One transaction closed this week on Reif Road in Powell Butte at $1,400,000. The Reif Road property was on the market for only 4 days, with a list price of $1,350,000.

Deschutes County farm listings over $1 million are steady at 14 for the sixth consecutive week, with no pending or closed transactions. Crook County farm listings are up by one to 13, with no pending or closed transactions. While there are some incredible farm properties in Central Oregon, maintaining this land is a substantial undertaking and doesn't appeal to every buyer. However, depending on your needs, I encourage anyone considering large acreage to evaluate the farm opportunities. In most cases, there are attractive tax benefits.

There are myriad considerations when choosing a property, and Central Oregon real estate is widely diverse. In the luxury market, each location has something unique to offer, and evaluating suitability as a buyer or marketing and pricing correctly for a seller requires local knowledge and familiarity with our region. My market analysis is second to none, and I always show in detail the position a specific property holds. These market analyses are equally important to buyers and sellers. Do not hesitate to reach out for help evaluating Central Oregon real estate! 

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Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the close by areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

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Proof that spring in the mountains is unpredictable arrived today in the form of a winter storm warning, with snow predicted in the mountain passes. Still, our spring has been mild, and real estate activity is picking up. This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.32%, stable for the last couple of weeks. Longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner, as inventory and pending sales increase each week.

This morning in Deschutes County, inventory is up 62 from last week to 1,128. Pending sales increased five to 82, with the average pending sale price at $895,999. Twenty-nine of the pending sales reduced the asking price by an average of 4.11% before securing a buyer. Thirty-nine sales are down 26 from last week, reflecting the slowdown when rates spiked a few weeks ago. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 95.99% this week.

Crook County inventory is up by 10 to 211 this week. Eleven pending sales continue the trend of steady demand, down by one from last week. The average price of pending sales was $862,282, and 5 reduced the asking price by 3.58% before securing a buyer. Seven closed transactions are the same as last week, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 97.6%, up from 91.46% the previous week. This ratio varies considerably from week to week and requires a longer timeframe to be meaningful.

Jefferson County supply dropped by two, to 120 single-family listings. Supply has been slow to build, with fewer new listings and steady demand. Eleven pending sales this week are up by 5 from last week, with the average sale price at $467,008. Seven of the 11 pending sales reduced the asking price by an average of 3.49% before securing a buyer. Eight closed transactions are up by two from last week, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 97.4%.

At this time of year, with new listings hitting the market daily, days on the market for active listings are decreasing, as well as the average price reduction. Looking at last year's numbers, inventory grew for another three months, leaving a lot still to come for this year. And peak inventory only opens the door to the second-busiest time of year: fall. Both buyers and sellers have a long season ahead, and while interest rates might be higher and inventory lower than expected, the year is following a similar trajectory to 2025.

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Mortgage rates have stabilized recently, with the rate for a 30-year Jumbo loan flat at 6.55% today. While rates are higher than many expected, the relative stability helps buyers wrap their heads around today's financing costs. Overall, the luxury market is slowly but steadily building towards summer activity levels. The expected incremental improvement over 2025 relied on mortgage interest rates in the high 5% range, and without help on that front, our year is shaping up to mirror last year closely. If "slow and steady wins the race" is true, 2026 is looking like a winner.

Inventory of single-family homes in Deschutes County between $1 million and $1,999,999 increased by 15 this week to 285, ten fewer than this week in 2025. Twenty-one pending sales are up by 5 from last week, with only six reducing the asking price before securing a buyer. The average reduction was 6.42%. Twelve closed transactions are down by one from last week, with four reducing the asking price by an average of 8.14% before securing a buyer—the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 94.92%.

Supply of Deschutes County homes between $2 million and $2,999,999 is the same as last week at 68, compared to 85 this week last year. Six sales are pending, up by 4 from last week, one listing reducing the asking price by 5.97% before securing a buyer. Two transactions closed: the first at $2,100,000 on Conrad Drive in Awbrey Glen, and the second at $2,250,000 on Dale Road in NE Bend. The Conrad Drive home reduced the asking price by 2.22% before securing a buyer, and closed at 93.33% of the original list price. The Dale Road home closed at full price.

Deschutes County listings over $3 million increased by six this week to 38, compared to 31 this week in 2025. One sale is pending at $3,500,000 on Swalley Road in Tumalo. There were no closed transactions this week.

Crook County listings over $1 million increased by six this week to 42, ten fewer than this week in 2025. One sale is pending in Powell Butte on Reif Road for $1,195,000 after just 2 days on the market. There were no closed transactions this week.

Deschutes County farm listings over 41 million are stable at 14 with no pending or closed transactions this week. Crook County farm listings over $1 million are up by one to 12, with no pending or closed transactions.

While some properties are moving quickly, YTD comparisons reveal interesting emerging trends. In Crook County in 2025, there were 7 sales year-to-date, averaging 103 days on the market. In 2026, there were 11 sales, averaging 205 days on the market. In Deschutes County, there were 185 sales over $1 million in 2025, averaging 86 days on the market, compared to 166 sales and 90 days on the market year-to-date in 2026. Three months at the beginning of the year isn't enough data to identify trends, but it does highlight how Crook and Deschutes Counties have different dynamics. If you would benefit from a comprehensive market analysis or need help deciding which county in Central Oregon is right for you, please do not hesitate to reach out! 

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Your Bend Real Estate Agent is here to help

Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the close by areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

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This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.38%, down several basis points from last week. Activity this week is in line with recent averages and showing demand commensurate with the season. Spring is early this year, with warm, dry weather in the forecast, which should help kick-start seasonal buyer demand. Inventory is growing, albeit at a slower pace than expected.

This morning, in Deschutes County, the supply of single-family homes increased by 39 from last week, to 1,066. Seventy-seven sales are pending, up by 12 from last week. Twenty-five of the pending sales reduced the asking price before securing a buyer by an average of -3.07%. Sixty-five transactions closed this week, down by 12 from last week. Twenty-four of the closed sales reduced the asking price by an average of -5.36%, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 96.32%. As we get closer to peak season, average price reductions are decreasing, and sold-to-list price ratios are increasing.

Deschutes County inventory in 2025 peaked on July 16 at 1,582. With at least another 500 listings expected by the seasonal peak, Deschutes County housing is just getting warmed up.

Crook County inventory increased by eight to 201 single-family listings, the first time supply has exceeded 200 since November. Twelve sales are pending, up one from last week, with half of those transactions reducing the asking price before securing a buyer by 4.34%. Seven transactions closed this week, down by one from last week. Four of the closed sales reduced the asking price by an aggressive average of 14.84%, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 91.46%. More inventory in Crook County means more competition, and some sellers are making price adjustments to entice buyers.

Crook County's inventory peaked at 256 on July 30, 2025. With supply closely tracking last year, there is every reason to expect more listings over the next few months.

Inventory buildup in Jefferson County remains subdued, with only 2 more listings this week, bringing the total to 122. Six pending sales are four fewer than last week, with four reducing the asking price before securing a buyer by an average of 3.06%. Six transactions closed this week, with half reducing the asking price by an average of 12.97% before securing a buyer. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 93.87%. With an average number of days on the market for the sold homes at 164, sellers worked with the buyers at hand to secure a successful sale.

In 2025, Jefferson County's inventory peaked at 144 on August 20. While it is certain that more supply will hit the market, I do not expect a significant change from last year. For buyers in Jefferson County, waiting might not make sense.

Despite a lot of concerning news, activity in the Central Oregon housing market remains stable. The closer mortgage rates get to 6%, the more leverage buyers have, with more sellers feeling comfortable listing. While some are very concerned about world news, many others are focused on the task at hand and recognize that nothing significant has changed in our market. For sellers, patience is key, as some properties take longer to sell. Buyers will also benefit from patience as the likelihood of rates coming down slightly is high, right when inventory is building. There is tremendous value in the data, with each scenario benefiting from different metrics. Please reach out anytime you need a comprehensive market analysis.

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Your Bend Real Estate Agent is here to help

Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the nearby areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

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Across the entire luxury and farm market listings over $1 million in Crook and Deschutes County, net inventory is down by two this week. Coming off a mild winter and early spring weather, the lack of growing supply is surprising. I mentioned in my Wednesday report that the market can make a lot of ground over the summer, but without inventory, the chances of increased transaction volume decrease. Reduced supply is a surprising development, likely impacted by higher mortgage interest rates and geopolitical turmoil. At this stage of the selling season, it is too early to know how the year will unfold. Still, the longer it takes for inventory to build and the more subdued the build-up, the less likely it is that transaction volume surpasses 2025 levels.

This morning in Deschutes County, inventory between $1 million and $1,999,999 is 270, down by two from last week. This week in 2025, there were 276 listings. Sixteen sales are pending, up by six from last week, and identical to this week in 2025. Thirteen transactions closed, up by one from last week, and down by one from this week in 2025. Five of the closed transactions reduced the list price before securing a buyer by an average of 6.54%, and the sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 95.68%. Year-to-date sales are at 123, down by ten from last year.

The Deschutes County inventory between $2 million and $2,999,999 is 68, down by one from last week. This week in 2025, there were 81 listings. Two sales are pending, the same as last week, and up by one from this week in 2025. Four transactions closed, up by three from last week, and down by two from this week in 2025. One of the closed transactions reduced the list price before securing a buyer by 3.58%, and the sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 96.37%. Year-to-date sales are 21, down 3 from last year.

Listings over $3 million in Deschutes County are down by 3, to 32, compared to 31 this week in 2025. Two pending sales are the first activity in the price tranche since the week ending February 27, up one from this week in 2025. One transaction closed at $3,585,000 in Caldera Springs at 95.6% of the original list price. Six transactions have closed year-to-date, down by 2 from last year.

Crook County listings over $1 million are down by one at 36, compared to 48 this week in 2025. Two pending sales are up from none last week and zero this week in 2025. One transaction closed this week on SW Mount Adams Loop in Powell Butte Estates at $ 1,084,500, 96.4% of the original list price. The Crook County luxury market is the outlier in Central Oregon, with 11 sales so far in 2026, compared to 6 at this time last year.

Deschutes County farm listings over $1 million are stable at 14 with no pending or closed transactions. Crook County farm listings over $1 million increased by one to 11. There were no pending or closed transactions this week.

So far, 2026 has thrown some curveballs in terms of supply and transaction volume. Despite a recent rise in mortgage rates, the national average for a Jumbo loan is 6.6%, 20 basis points lower than it was this week in 2025. It takes time for buyers to process increases in mortgage rates, especially given that much of the national media had predicted rates in the high 5% range by this time of year. Buyers have a lot to consider this spring. While inventory is reasonable compared to the last few years, many expected a greater supply than we have seen thus far. Sale prices are stable, but with the market relatively flat since the 2022 peak, overpriced listings stand out for all the wrong reasons. I am happy to create a comprehensive market analysis tailored to your specific needs. My market analysis is just as helpful for buyers as sellers, so don't hesitate to reach out. 

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Your Bend Real Estate Agent is here to help

Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the close by areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

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Inventory throughout Central Oregon is up year-to-date, but the gap over 2025 is narrowing. This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.45%, down several basis points from recent highs, but still 45 basis points above the lows reached a few weeks ago. There are no straight lines in real estate data, especially in the early stages of spring, when our market is gearing up for peak season. However, much of the speculation about mortgage rates in the 5% range and the significantly increased activity in 2025 has waned. Sellers always want a rising market, and buyers want falling prices, and at this point, neither is getting their wish. Stability is the ongoing trend, at least for now.

This morning in Deschutes County, there are 1,027 single-family homes listed, an increase of 31 from last week. Sixty-five pending sales this week are down 20 from last week and averaged $1,021,945, with 21 of those transactions reducing the asking price by an average of 6.46%. Seventy-five transactions closed this week, up 20 from last week, with 27 of those sales reducing the asking price by an average of 6.53% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 96.33%.

Crook County supply is stable this week at 193. Eleven sales are pending, up by four from last week, and averaging $610,268. Four of the pending sales reduced the asking price by an average of 5.29% before securing a contract. Nine transactions closed this week, down three from last week, with four reducing the asking price by an average of 1.75% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 97.51%.

The Jefferson County inventory is down by one this morning to 120 single-family listings. Ten sales are pending, up six from last week, and averaging $476,640. Half of the pending sales reduced the asking price by an average of 4.57% before securing a contract. Three transactions closed this week, with two reducing the asking price by an average of 7.13% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 96.53%.

There is significant volatility in the weekly numbers, with strong weeks often followed by more tepid activity. Still, the general trajectory shows a reasonably typical seasonal build-up. A lot of ground can change over the course of a summer, but so far in 2026, activity has been more reserved than expected. The lag in expected activity in recent months is largely due to the spike in interest rates.

Current conditions and extended marketing times are creating great buying opportunities. Prices are not crashing, but many sellers are motivated, and buyers are finding properties at very reasonable prices relative to the last few years. I advise sellers not to push the price too aggressively. Whether buying or selling, a thorough market analysis is imperative to making good decisions. Please reach out anytime for a market report tailored to your specific situation.

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Your Bend Real Estate Agent is here to help

Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the nearby areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

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Supply of active listings in the Central Oregon luxury housing market is mostly tracking with last year's volumes, with some interesting variations. As the price tranches narrow, the variations carry less weight in identifying trends, but with more time, it will become clearer what this all means for the 2026 market. Year-to-date sales are also experiencing some unexpected changes so far in 2026, but in small amounts that don't point to anything significant. However, one thing that is becoming clear is that sales volumes and prices are not making any big moves, despite lower mortgage interest rates. Just like our snowpack, without a strong start, the likelihood of a big season decreases with every passing day. While it is still very early in the season, geopolitical strife and rising gas prices, coupled with increased inflation, inevitably impact the housing market. Of course, I will continue tracking the market weekly, so you will see the trends unfold here first.

This morning in Deschutes County, homes listed between $1 million and $1,999,999 increased by ten from last week to 272, compared to 268 on this week last year. Ten pending sales are up by 1 from last week, with 4 of those listings reducing their asking prices by 5.15% before securing a contract. Twelve transactions closed this week, triple last week's total, with just four listings reducing their asking prices by an average of 2.04%. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 98.96%.

Year-to-date 2025, there were 121 closed transactions between $1 million and $1,999,999, compared to 108 this year.

Deschutes County listings between $2 million and $2,999,999 this morning are at 67, down from 73 this week last year. Two sales are pending this week: one for $2,395,000 on White Rock Loop near the Maston Trail Network east of Cline Falls Road, and the other for $2,795,000 in Caldera Springs. One transaction closed this week at $2,425,000 in Caldera Springs, originally listed at $2,499,000.

Year-to-date 2025, there were 22 closed transactions between $2 million and $2,999,999, compared to 17 this year.

Single-family homes listed over $3 million in Deschutes County this week increased by four to 35, compared to 29 last year on this week. There were no pending or closed transactions this week.

Year-to-date 2025, there were 5 closed transactions over $3 million, the same as this year. The average sale price this year is $3,163,000, $2,000 less than last year.

Supply of single-family homes in Crook County over $1 million decreased by one to 37, compared to 48 this week last year. There were no pending sales this week. Two transactions closed this week: the first on Laredo Road in Longhorn Ridge at $1,010,000, 101.1% of the original sale price, and the second on Rust Bucket Road in Powell Butte at $1,175,000, 90.73% of the original list price.

Year-to-date in 2025, there were 5 closed transactions over $1 million in Crook County, compared to 10 this year. The average sale price this year is $1,533,500, compared to $1,623,800 last year.

Deschutes County farm listings over $1 million are stable at 14 with no pending or closed transactions. There were no farm listings closed year-to-date in the county in 2025, with 2 closed transactions this year at $1,375,000 and $4,250,000.

Crook County farm listings over $1 million are stable at 10 with no pending or closed transactions. There were no sales closed year-to-date in the county in 2025, with 1 closed transaction this year at $2,165,000.

Nothing in this week's data points to a definitive trend. other than the status quo from 2025. Stability in the Central Oregon housing market is a welcome relief, even if sellers might not be capturing the very peak of prices set in 2022. However, most sellers in the luxury market are very close to peak pricing, particularly those with unique, highly desirable properties. Solid market analysis, marketing, and accurate pricing are producing great results. There aren't any significant obstacles on the horizon, nor are there any major windfalls for sellers. The word of the year thus far is stability.  

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Your Bend Real Estate Agent is here to help

Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the close by areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

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While mortgage rates have bumped up to a national average of 6.48% for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan, inventory and activity are also increasing, with marketing time decreasing. New listings benefit from evaluating the last several months of activity and are typically priced right and attractive. Buyers who are very familiar with the current inventory are poised to move quickly when the right property comes along, and we are seeing that reflected in the lower days-on-market.

Inventory in Deschutes County this morning increased by 33 to 996 listings. This week last year, there were 967 listings, as supply continues to outpace 2025 levels. Eighty-five pending sales this week are up 26 from last week, as spring activity begins to ramp up, with the median days on market at only 18. Twenty-eight of the pending sales reduced the asking price before securing a buyer, by an average of 4.96%, with an average list price of $773,827. 55 closed transactions averaged $703,393 and had a median of 13 days on the market. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 97.48%.

Crook County inventory increased by 12 to 193 active listings this week, compared to 159 on this week in 2025. Seven pending sales are down 5 from last week, with 2 of those sales reducing the asking price before securing a buyer, by an average of 3.83%. The average list price of the pending sales was $689,414. Twelve transactions closed this week, up by eight from last week, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 95.7%, and the average closed sale price was $663,658.

Jefferson County inventory increased by nine this week to 121, the first time listings have been above 120 since December. On this week last year there were 104 active listings. Four pending sales are down 2 from last week, with the average at $521,224, and 2 properties reduced their list price before securing a buyer by 3.69%. Seven transactions closed this week, up three from last week, and averaging $394,399. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 95.14%.

While activity is increasing and the number of days listed for pending and closed transactions is decreasing, week-to-week volume has been uneven. Some of that is just seasonal variation, but much of that is attributed to mortgage rate volatility.

Rate buy-downs are coming up more frequently in conversations with lenders, as most agree that mortgage rates will decline somewhat in the near future. A popular product is the 2/1 rate buy-down, which uses a seller credit for prepaid interest. The buyer would then have a rate 2% below today's rate for the first year of the mortgage, 1% less for the second year, and then the current rate for years 3-30. This loan product provides short-term relief until rates decline. The drawbacks are paying the seller credit amount (typically $15,000 on a $500k purchase price), incurring additional closing costs when it is time to refinance, and resetting the loan term to 30 years. Ask your lender to calculate the ROI on this loan scenario.

Experience matters when buying and selling in today's market conditions. After nearly 14 years in real estate, with experience in construction and as a landlord, I am positioned to help you, no matter your goals this year. Please reach out if you have any questions!

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Your Bend Real Estate Agent is here to help

Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the nearby areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

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DIY Room Divider from repurposed vintage farmhouse doors

Home improvement and home ownership have been linked for eternity, even more so with ideas a few keystrokes away online. I am certainly not immune to the pull to improve my living space, with my latest project being a room divider for my office. After researching ready-made options, leaning on Etsy for inspiration, and scouring online images, I came up with a plan to build my own solution. All of this took on a life of its own, and I decided sharing that journey here might be inspirational to other home improvers.

Before I dive in, here is the finished divider!

First, I needed to decide what to use for the panels, and I settled on something used or vintage, so I was off to the RE Store in Bend. While there were some interesting options, I wanted three matching doors, which the RE Store did not have. Enter Facebook Marketplace, where I found three matching doors from an old farmhouse in Lake Oswego, for sale by someone in Prineville. After messaging with the seller, I determined the farmhouse doors would work, and I made the drive to Prineville! The farmhouse doors I purchased are three-panel, shaker-style, made from VG fir.

I decided to remove the top and bottom panels from each door, a job that turned out to be much more difficult than I anticipated. First, I needed to remove the trim encasing each panel on both sides. I hoped the panels would be held in place by the trim, but instead they set into the frame and needed to be cut out. Next, I opted for my vibrating cutting tool, with some assistance from a jigsaw. I finished everything up with a sander to make the openings uniform and square.

The doors are from an era of lead-based paint, and before going any further, I needed to strip the old paint. Using chemicals turned out to be an expensive hassle. Instead, I had a local media blasting company use walnut shells to blast the old lead-based paint off. The media blasting left a surface that was in much better condition for refinishing. The finished doors with the grain raised had a ton of character and enhanced the vintage vibe I wanted.

Doors are the foundation of this project, and finding them was half the fun in designing the dividers. There are so many ways this could have gone, and if you take on a project like this, the doors or whatever you settle on will dictate how the rest of the project unfolds.

For paint, I leaned on my local Sherwin-Williams, which has been an excellent resource for all my painting projects. The sales rep helped me choose a vintage white for the center panels and a matte clear coat for the rest of the doors. Before I went to work with the paint and clear coat, I spent time filling imperfections in the doors, gluing and finish-nailing anything loose, and sanding everything with a random-orbit sander. The finished product would have patina and a rustic feel, but preparing the surface as much as possible before sealing everything would ensure a better result. Painting is all in the preparation!

Next, it was time to install perforated metal into the empty panels. I chose a decorative design by McNichols Hole Products, which they cut to my dimensions, saving me a lot of time and hassle. The panels are bare steel, and I elected to spray-paint them metallic bronze before installation. I chose 1/2" x 1/2" raw steel angle iron to picture-frame the panels, creating support for the perforated metal. The angle iron is 1/8" thick, and I bought two blades to use in my chop saw. The blades worked well but dulled quickly, forcing me to get creative for the last few cuts and use my cordless handheld bandsaw. I used a drill press for the angle iron, with countersunk stainless steel screws. 

With the panels completed, it was time to attach everything, face-mounting ornate hinges to the doors to showcase the design. A strap hinge, barn hinge, or vintage brass would have been other good options, but scouring the internet, finding four matching hinges with a look that complemented the door panels was trickier than expected.

The final step is optional, since angling the doors in an accordion style would create a free-standing divider. However, I decided to add feet to each door for more support, and once again, Etsy came to the rescue! I selected cast-iron shelf brackets for this task, which worked perfectly with the design's aesthetic. I chose 1" x 3" oak for the feet and used the same sealer as on the door frames. I used a router to bullnose both sides of the oak so they would slide easily on the carpet in my office, which makes moving the doors around a snap!

The finished product came out as well as I hoped!

Nothing in this project was overly complicated, but it was time-consuming and required a fair amount of tools.

There are many ways to create room dividers with a variety of materials, so get creative and make your own!

Your Bend Real Estate Agent is here to help

Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the close by areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

Ask a QuestionI need to sell my homeCall Me

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After a remarkably mild winter and an early spring, real estate activity, particularly new listings, is ramping up. While the buildup of new listings is uneven across the different price tranches, the pace is picking up. Mortgage rates are stubbornly above 6%, which is significantly better than one year ago, but not as low as many expected. There is still a solid chance rates settle into the high 5% range by late in the third quarter; until then, I expect to see typical 30-year conventional mortgages between 6% and 6.25%, and Jumbo loans near 6.5%. 2026 is shaping up to be a solid year, but only incrementally better than 2025. Stability is the word of the year, with desirable properties still moving quickly.

The active $1 million to $1,999,999 segment of the Deschutes County single-family housing market supply grew by 19 to 262 listings this week. Nine sales are pending this week, down from 17 last week. Only three of the pending sales reduced the asking price before securing a buyer by an average of 1.91%. Four transactions closed this week with a sold-to-original-list-price ratio of 94.63%. Despite the beautiful early spring weather, the selling season is still ramping up, and the swings in activity from week to week are typical for the time of year. I will track year-to-date sales versus 2025 to determine whether demand is declining over the next several weeks. So far, sales are very close to last year's pace.

Deschutes County single-family listings between $2 million and $2,999,999 increased by four to 64 this week. Three sales are pending, with two reducing the list price by 2.2% and 4.1% before securing a buyer. One transaction closed this week at $2,195,000 in Broken Top, an immediate off-market sale negotiated with no days on the market in the MLS.

Single-family homes listed for over $3 million in Deschutes County increased by 1 to 31, with the average listing price at $5,530,452. There were no pending or closed transactions this week, the third consecutive week with no activity in this price tranche.

Crook County homes listed for over $1 million increased by three to 38 this week. It was a relatively active week in the county, with two pending sales at $1 million west of town and $1,350,000 in Powell Butte. The listing west of town on Campbell Ranch Road was an immediate sale, and the Powell Butte listing on Reif Road listed for only four days. Two transactions closed this week at $1,220,000 on Ranchview Court in Brasada Ranch and at $1,380,000 on Ranch Road in Powell Butte. The Ranchview Court listing closed at 90.44% of the original list price, and the Ranch Road listing closed at 95.5% of the original list price.

Deschutes County farm listings over $1 million are stable at 14 with no pending or closed transactions. Crook County Farm listings over $1 million are down by one to 10 with no pending or closed transactions.

Evaluating price is a key component to identifying great deals as supply grows. With exceptional properties moving quickly in many cases, being ready to take advantage when desirable homes hit the market is also important. I am always up on market activity and available anytime you need a market analysis to help in any capacity you are engaging Central Oregon housing. My market comparisons are in-depth and take years' worth of data and current conditions into account. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about current conditions! 

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Your Bend Real Estate Agent is here to help

Reed Melton serves Bend and surrounding areas

Whether you are searching in Bend or any of the close by areas, I want to help you find the perfect property. Even if you are in the beginning stages of your search, I always like to be a resource, no pressure ever.

Ask a QuestionI need to sell my homeCall Me

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