Yes — and spring 2026 may be one of the best windows Bend buyers have seen in years. With mortgage rates dipping to the mid-6% range and inventory at its healthiest levels since 2019, the Central Oregon housing market is offering more options and less competition than buyers faced even twelve months ago.
According to the latest data, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.37% as of April 9, 2026 — down from 6.46% the week before. That downward trend is welcome news. As Mortgage News Daily recently noted, the dip follows a turbulent March driven by uneven economic reports and geopolitical tensions. For Bend buyers, even a quarter-point drop can mean thousands in savings over the life of a loan.
So what does the Bend housing market actually look like right now? The median home price sits around $706,500, with roughly 650 to 750 active listings on the market — the most breathing room buyers have had in years. According to Donnie Eggers, one of Central Oregon's most experienced real estate professionals, "This is the kind of balanced market where patient, well-prepared buyers can find real value — especially in neighborhoods that get overlooked in a frenzy."
A common question from people considering Bend is whether it's worth the cost. Community forums are full of transplants from Portland, Seattle, and the Bay Area weighing the trade-offs. The honest answer? Bend's cost of living runs about 27% above the national average, and housing drives most of that gap. But compared to where many buyers are relocating from, Bend still offers more home for the money — plus 300 days of sunshine, world-class outdoor recreation, and a walkable downtown that feels like a small town with big-city amenities.
Forecasts from both the MBA and Fannie Mae suggest rates could settle near or just under 6% by year's end, which would bring even more buyers into the market. Donnie Eggers of Nexus 360 Realty sees this as a signal to act sooner rather than later: "The buyers who move now, while inventory is healthy and competition is manageable, are the ones who'll look back and feel great about their timing."
Whether you're relocating to Central Oregon from out of state or finally ready to make Bend home, Donnie Eggers and the Nexus 360 Realty team are here to guide you through every step with patience and local expertise. Reach out today for a no-pressure conversation about your options — call, text, or email anytime.
