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Partners in Real Estate & Construction • The Nugget Newspaper • May 18, 2022
Real estate team serves Keeping up with insurance in wildfire country clients across region Ross Kennedy and Tiffany Hubbard have been working together for over a year, serving clients across Sisters Country with Black Butte Realty Group. “The partnership is working,” Kennedy said. “It’s working very effectively.” In the current strong seller’s market, they are consistently working with about 20 clients who are ready to buy — but inventory is very low. That puts a premium on quick, efficient action and clear communication. “When something comes on, we have to be Johnny-on-thespot getting it out to our clients,” Kennedy said. The partnership allows Kennedy and Hubbard to be constantly “on,” while still enjoying some balance in their own lives — which in turn makes them more effective agents for their clients. More than ever, transactions have to be nailed down at every step. “The benefit for the client is that we’ve got two sets of eyes on the transaction,” Kennedy said. Having lived in Sisters for
many years, and being deeply invested in the community, Kennedy brings a high degree of knowledge to each transaction. He knows every neighborhood and all the different microregions of Sisters Country — from Black Butte Ranch to town and as far east as Redmond, Bend and Prineville. That broad and deep knowledge is complemented by Hubbard’s exceptional organizational and transaction management skills. That translates to being able to find the right property for a buyer, even in a tight market, and the ability to act effectively when an opportunity arises. Kennedy anticipates that, because Sisters is such a desirable locale, the seller’s market will persist through the year and into next year, despite changes in rates and the economy. That means buyers need to be ready with prequalification, and be ready to compete. Sellers have a chance to maximize their investment. And they need a strong team to help them manage a smooth and seamless transaction.
Catastrophic wildfires have destroyed communities across the West. The Holiday Farm Fire in McKenzie Canyon and the Santiam Canyon Fire, which devastated Oregon communities in September 2020, brought home how vulnerable those of us who dwell amid the forest really are. Insurance companies paid out hundreds and hundreds of claims. The landscape of home insurance changed as drastically as the actual landscape. Keeping your homeowners’ insurance in good standing requires attention, says Tammy Taylor of Bisnett Insurance in Sisters. While some carriers are pulling out of the market or severely restricting whom they will cover, Bisnett continues to be able to write policies for people in Sisters Country. But homeowners have to be engaged. “You, as a homeowner, need to be proactive about defensible space,” Taylor said. She notes that Safeco Insurance has contracted with Wildfire Defense Systems out of Bozeman, Montana, to provide enhanced fire protection services, from
defensible space to sprinkler systems to biodegradable fire retardant foam. The upgrade comes without additional cost. “When looking at a home carrier, you should be looking at that, and whether that carrier offers that,” Taylor said. You must make sure your property is accessible to fire trucks. “Insurance companies are inspecting properties,” Taylor said. “They’re doing external inspections. That’s the numberone factor that they’re looking at.” Make sure firewood is stacked away from structures and brush is cut back. Taylor said rates are going to go up due to the extent of claims, and being non-renewed will affect future premiums. Being part of a certified Firewise community can help. “If you’re living in a community that is not a Firewise community, I would look into that,” Taylor said. Working with a qualified, independent agent like Taylor keeps Sisters residents insured — but it is up to all of us to keep ourselves safe.
In This Fast-Paced Real Estate Market,Trust in Experience and Proven Results
Representing the Buyer
Representing the Buyer
Representing the Buyer
Representing the Seller
Proudly representing buyers and sellers in all of Central Oregon. Ross Kennedy
Principal Broker
Tiffany Hubbard
541-408-1343
541-620-2072
Loan Originator NMLS #1612019
Broker
We are a full-service insurance agency offering auto, home, business, life and health. As an insurance agency, we partner with Safeco Insurance. Safeco offers many programs and resources to make it easy for their customers, such as wildfire defense and mobile capabilities.
— In Business Since 1980 —
541-549-3172 • 1-800-752-8540 704 W. HOOD AVE., SISTERS
