12 minute read
Column 55 - Real Estate BECOME A
A column to help locals live a kinder and more courageous life
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By Burt Gershater You Are a Magician
Each one of us has the power to influence, even change our world. That is a huge responsibility. It may also be one of our greatest sources of joy.
Inever read “Harry Potter.” It just wasn’t on my radar back in 2001 when I was 55 years old and in the vortex of my professional career. Also, I was in a book club with 10 other cool dudes— and we were reading much more “sophisticated” material.
Harry Potter? Harry who?
So, Harry faded far into the background of my already full life.
Life mysteriously unfolds and morphs over time. Maybe, even magically. Sometime later today I will be starting the fourth “Harry Potter” book, “The Goblet of Fire.” How did that happen? Was it a magic wand or an old witch’s potion? Nope! It was our eight-year-old granddaughter, Livi. One day, she was reading “Harry Potter, Book III,” which I have come to realize is a powerful story about good versus evil…and ultimately courage and love. She was totally engrossed. She looked up and lovingly asked the magical question, “Have you read ‘Harry Potter,’ Baba?” She was obviously expecting a “Yes, of course I have.” But when I answered, “No, I haven’t,” everything changed. The room stood still. Livi looked at me with the most disbelieving expression. Did Baba really say no? All eyes were on Baba.
The very next words I heard were, “Baba, you have to read ‘Harry Potter!’”
It was a magical incantation that landed simultaneously in my heart and soul. A direct hit. I don’t remember my exact reply but it was something like, “Sure, Livi, that’s a good idea! Would you loan me your books?”
“Of course, I will,” she said immediately.
My life has changed ever since that moment.
Not only have I gotten to know Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore and so many more, but Livi and I are closer than ever. Could anyone in the entire world, other than my Livi, have gotten me to read “Harry Potter?”
ANYONE? Not even close. Livi-Luv cast a spell on me that changed our lives forever.
Nearly every time we see each other, which is most days of every week, there is something spoken about Harry and his adventures. More importantly, soooo much more importantly, both of our hearts tingle in ways they never would have…and always will.
Now, let’s talk about you and me—and how we can change the world with our own incredible powers.
I will give you two incantations, which, by the way, you already know. Each of these require us to bring our inner Livi and Harry into the moment. Without them, our words are only words. Imposters, pretending to be the real thing.
Magical Incantation Number One: I am sorry.
That’s right, these are some of the first words we’re taught—soon after Mommy, Daddy, please and thank you. We live in a world that requires our sensitivity and caring in order for joy to be felt and shared. In this world, we humans are simply that, humans. We inevitably say or do things that hurt another, and may even do damage. Sometimes our misguided words or behaviors may initiate a lifetime of damage. Humans are powerful entities, both for the good and the not-good.
The magic that emanates from I am sorry is NOT the words. That is our cultural error. Simply saying the words changes nothing! In fact, they can even add insult to injury. The word sorry comes from the word sorrow. Sorrow is a deep hurt, it is not a word. Where do we feel our deep, true sorrow? Where don’t we feel our deep, true sorrow? We feel it in every cell in our sensitive bodies. When we feel it and express it, a magical healing potion is released, initially for the perpetrator. Sorrow makes us human. We care. We own who we are. Our sorrow directs us to change our hurtful behavior to the very best of our ability.
Magical incantation Number Two is:
I forgive you.
Forgiveness is rarely easy.
Our hurts and anger can last…and last.
It is our job to release them, so we can set ourselves free.
Take a breath, please. Into your belly, slowly. When we are angry and hurt, we aren’t breathing fully. Many of us rarely do. Our limited breath impedes our ability to fully forgive. Breathe into your belly gently, through your nose. Then move the breath into your sternum area and lastly, into your chest. Exhale slowly. Repeat…for the rest of your life.
In fear mode, which is where we store our hurts and resentments, our lower animal brain is activated. In order to access our higher selves, the part of us that can let go of our hurts and forgive, we need oxygen. Breathe again. It’s magic. And the very word spirit, that beautiful part of every one of us, derives from the word breath. More magic.
When we fully apologize and fully forgive, healing occurs that impacts untold numbers of people!
Thank you, Harry and Livi.
Please, use your magical powers.
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TAKE ME HOME By James Keane, Broker Pricipal Broker Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market
Weighing options in today’s market
Working with folks looking to purchase a home in Bend has been tough for a few years now. Between COVID, low inventory and fierce competition, it seems like buyers have been unable to catch a break. Now things have sort of pivoted. I use that word because while things have changed a bit, by and large the market is still hot. Despite rising interest rates, prices are high and appear to be steadying and more and more inventory keeps popping up. The common question we are getting from potential buyers is, “Is now a good time to buy?” By and large, our answer is, “It depends.” There is just a lot to consider right now, and everyone has a unique set of circumstances. Having said that, speaking from my own point of view I would consider the following few things.
For first time homebuyers the question really is affordability. With the rising interest rates, the amount you will be approved for has likely changed in some regard over the last few months. Gone are rock-bottom interest rates, but that doesn’t mean buying a house now is a bad investment. Assuming you are looking at a fixed-rate loan, it does mean your mortgage payment will be higher and that you will pay more interest over the life of the loan. Just a quick reminder: It is OK to buy a home and not have the best interest rate of all time; most people quickly forget their rate after closing anyway. The thing to consider is how you feel about the actual payment itself. A common quote we hear in Real Estate is “Time in the market beats timing the market”—meaning that we know the market fluctuates and goes up and down, but we have seen that over decades that it trends upward, meaning the fundamentals matter more than the timing. It is totally normal to feel nervous about buying your first home, but soon the nervousness gives way to the excitement of owning a home!
For those who already own a home and would like or need to sell and buy something else, there are some slightly different factors to consider. Many who have been in their homes over a few years have found themselves with substantial pieces of equity that they can capture with the sale of their home. This equity can be used for a substantial down payment on a new home and can help offset the higher rates on fixed mortgages. The equity can also be used to buy down rates or pay for points on the loan to decrease the interest rate and potentially save money long term. This makes sense for some who plan on being in the home for a while and is a simple math problem you can work through with a local lender. Another thing to consider is various variable rate loan products. While not for everyone, in certain circumstances these can be an excellent option, but one must know the associated risks, as well.
The key point here is that there is no one-size-fits-all plan. Since I cannot predict the future with any kind of accuracy I just try to work through the known facts and weigh my options. The best piece of advice I can give is to work with some professionals who can help you make the best decision for you. Not only do I talk to a lender and real estate agent, but I would also talk to a tax professional or financial adviser to weigh all your options if you are selling and/or buying a home.
HOME PRICE ROUNDUP
Photos and listing info from Central Oregon Multiple Listing Service
MID >>
2639 NW Nordic Ave Bend, OR 97703 $950,000 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms 2,150 sq ft, 0.33 acres (14,345 sq ft) lot Built in 1981 Listed by Andy Steams of My Lucky House Inc.
<< LOW
20081 Mount Faith Place Bend, OR 97702 $499,450 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,235 sq ft on 0.1 acres (4,356 sq ft) lot Built in 2005 Listed by John Tim Davis of Tim Davis Group Central Oregon
<< HIGH
61379 Lost Hollow Loop Bend, OR 97702 $1,870,000 3 beds, 3 bathrooms 2,858 sq ft, 0.29 acres (12,632 sq ft) lot. Built in 2017 Listed by Brian Ladd of Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty
FIND YOUR PLACE IN BEND Broker, CRS www.otiscraig.com
& 541.771.4824 ) otis@otiscraig.com
Licensed Broker 541.390.4488
cascadesothebysrealty.com Your Coastal Connection
205 Lancer Ave, Lincoln City, OR 97367
MLS# 22-1059
Beth & Rick MELNER
2979 NW Merlot Lane Bend, OR 97703 List Price: $775,000.00
1,616 sq ft | 3 bedroom/ 2 bath | .16 acre lot
Enjoy all that Bend has to o er in this charming, single level home that is just minutes away from NWX shops/restaurants, schools and Shevlin Park. The vaulted ceilings, expansive south facing windows and bamboo ooring welcome you into the large family room with a cozy gas freestanding stove and dining area. There are three spacious bedrooms and a soaking tub in the primary bathroom. The open kitchen concept leads to a second sitting area and out to a relaxing back deck and beautifully landscaped, big, fenced yard. There is an additional storage shed on the side yard, as well as room for RV/Sprinter or boat parking. Bring all your toys and move right into this beautifully maintained, turnkey home.
NEW LISTING OPEN HOUSE 6/4 FROM 12-3
MLS# 220144243 BEND | RIVERSIDE MODERN
$3,500,000 | 3 BD | 4 BA | 3,441 SF | 1.14 AC • Passive-solar design & towering windows • Luxurious suite awaits in the North wing • Expansive deck w/ multiple settings • Meticulously maintained • Perched above the river close to Downtown
Ryan McGlone | Principal Broker 541.647.2918 | ryan@teammcglone.com MLS# 220146076 BEND | FABULOUS CASCADE VIEW
$1,695,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA | 3,221 SF • Craftsman Home w/ Fine Custom Artistry • Sought after Sisters School District • Landscaping showcases 2 water features • Private 2.51 AC, Room for Shop or Barn • Public Land nearby on Fryrear Rd
Ellen Wood & Marcea DeGregoio | Brokers 541.580.0033 | woode51@msn.com MLS# 220145888 BEND | CASCADE MOUNTAIN VIEWS
$999,000 | 4 BD | 2 BA | 2,588 SF • Great Room w/Wood Floors • Open Kitchen w/Dining Area • 2 Bedrooms on Main • Primary Upstairs w/Walk-in Closet • Detached Bonus Room w/Storage Above
Korren Bower | Principal Broker 541.504.3839 | korren@bowerteam.com
NEW LISTING
MLS# 220146417 BEND | SMALL ACREAGE ESCAPE
$865,000 | 4 BD | 3 BA | 3,120 SF | 1.12 AC • Freedom over an acre with fenced yard • Dual driveways along mature trees • Open kitchen & dining areas • Patio, deck, garden and more • Make this your paradise!
Laura Blossey | Principal Broker 949.887.4377 | laura.blossey@cascadesir.com MLS# 220146296 SUNRIVER | RIVER RIM BEAUTY
$799,000 | 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,804 SF • Gorgeously Updated Throughout the Home • Three Car Garage • Private Backyard • New Hardwood Floors • Desirable River Rim Neighborhood
Annie & Roger Wayland | Brokers 541.280.3770 | annie.wayland@cascadesir.com MLS# 220146618 BEND | 2 YRS NEW - STONE CREEK
$609,500 | 4 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,659 SF • Fantastic 1031 Exchange Opp! • Open Great Room Floorplan • Island Kitchen w/Stainless Appliances • Solid Surface Counters • Community Pool
Terry J. Denoux | Principal Broker 541.350.2921 | terryd@gobend.com
MLS# 220146483
ASHLAND | 2560 N VALLEY VIEW RD
$1,850,000 | 4 BD | 2 FULL/2 HALF BA | 4,899 SF
Live the Southern Oregon dream in this beautiful, luxurious, one of a kind 4,899 square foot, 4 bed, 2 full and 2 half bath, steel-framed, octagonal designed home on 95 acres of serene, private meadowlands featuring a 360-degree wraparound deck and full panoramic views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Ashland and Pilot Rock, all just 20 minutes from downtown Ashland from your doorstep.
Samuel A. Greenspan | Broker 541.908.5857 | samuelagreenspan@gmail.com
