BEING A KID IN BEND
When a Bend kid with the whole Deschutes National Forest as his backyard talks about growing up in Central Oregon, everything comes into focus. Trading screen time for summit views and river currents, Max has grown up wild and free in one of America's most remarkable outdoor communities. Learn why Bend, Oregon, is raising a generation of kids who measure childhood in campsite memories, fresh powder days at Mt. Bachelor, and days on the water that end with zero fish and zero regrets.
Small Town, Big Life: Asked by longtime friend JUSTIN SCOTT to share what it's like to grow up at the edge of the DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST, kid and Bend native MAX gives us the unfiltered, wide-open truth about coming of age WILD and FREE in CENTRAL OREGON.
“I LOVE being close to a mountain so I can ski and snowboard. I also like that I get to play sports like baseball, soccer, and football.”
Small Town, Big Life:
Asked by longtime family friend JUSTIN SCOTT to share what it’s like to grow up on the edge of the DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST, kid and Bend native MAX gives us the unfiltered, wide-open truth about coming of age WILD and FREE in CENTRAL OREGON.
How I met Max.
If you want to know what it's really like to grow up in Bend, don't ask a realtor. Ask a kid. I've known Max since he was small enough to lose in the tall grass along the Deschutes, our families spend Summers together camping and fishing, the kind of unhurried days that Bend seems to manufacture better than anywhere else. His mom and my wife are best friends. His dad teaches high school chemistry and has been a coach for many years in our community. Max has grown up in Bend with dirt under his fingernails and a river in his backyard. Last Summer, during our family's annual camping trip, I asked Max what it's actually like to be a kid growing up in Central Oregon. He didn't hesitate. He just started talking, and it was exactly what you'd hope to hear.
Fishing with Max at Suttle Lake:
Some days on the water, the fish are beside the point. Max and I spent two days at Suttle Lake last summer, the first pinned to the dock by wind that turned the lake into a whitecap mess, the second out on the glass right after a cooked-over morning campfire hearty sausage and egg breakfast, the kind of flat calm that makes you feel like you're floating inside a mirror. We motored over to the lodge mid-afternoon for soft serve and cold sodas, then got back to the serious business of catching absolutely nothing. Zero fish. All day. We talked the whole time and loved every minute of it.
MAX + KID IN BEND
“It’s fun to be a student, and Mr. Gillette (my teacher) is a really great teacher.”
9 QUESTIONS: WITH MY FRIEND MAX
001: What is one thing you love about living in Bend?
I LOVE being close to a mountain so I can ski and snowboard. I also like that I get to play sports like baseball, soccer, and football.
002: What are three words you would use to describe Bend?
Beautiful, fun, my home!
003: You're an athletic kid who loves being outside. What are your favorite sports and things to do outside?
I like baseball and playing with my friends. We go get friends on our bikes and then hang out at compass - we built a jump that we go off on our mountain bikes!
004: This past Summer, you raced your bike downtown in the Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium (The Crit). This is one of my favorite events in Bend. It was really fun to watch you participate in that race. What was that race like for you? How did you prepare for that race, and what was going through your mind as you raced your bike around downtown in front of all those people?
It was fun, exciting, and hard! I prepared by doing all the practices and riding a lot, and it felt good that everybody watched me and cheered me on.
005: In addition to racing and riding your bike, you love to fish. What do you love about fishing? And what advice do you have for kids who want to get into fishing?
I love that at some ponds you can catch stuff! When you get a fish on the line you should keep your tip up, and reel in slooooowly. I would tell other kids - it’s not easy to catch a fish, but don’t give up if you fail. That’s all the advice I would give.
006: What is a book you've read that you highly recommend? Why?
Hatchet, because it’s full of awesome, amazing adventure.
Buy Max’s favorite book at one of Bend’s Local Book Stores: Roundabout Book Store • Big Story in Bend • Dudley’s Book Shop and Cafe in Downtown Bend
007: Where is your favorite spot to grab a bite to eat in Bend?
I really like eating at Americana or Mountain Burger.
008: You are a hard-working and creative kid. What is something you wish your teacher knew about what it's like to be a kid at your school?
It’s fun to be a student, and Mr. Gillette (my teacher) is a really great teacher.
009: You and I both love ducks. I love hunting for them, and you love the actual Oregon Ducks. How did you get to be such a big Oregon Duck fan, and what is it that you love about the Ducks?
My mom and dad were big Ducks fans and I eventually started watching the (football) games and it was really fun watching them get some amazing plays and beat one team after another. I hope I will go to U of O someday.
Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling in Central Oregon?
I’d love an introduction. My business is built on referrals, friendships, and word of mouth. Thank you for telling them about me. As always, if you’d like to get into some Summer camping with Max and me and our families, give me a call, and we’ll make it happen! There’s room in the boat for one more.
❤️
Justin Scott
(541) 797 - 9939
Justin@varsityoregon.com
Pictured Below: Left image: Max balancing on his bike after finishing his race downtown. Middle: Max’s fly collection that his grandpa gave him, he has one of the nicest vintage Orvis set ups i’ve ever seen, rod, reel, line, flies. Max is dialed!. Far right: Max in the boat on Suttle Lake, taking a short break from casting to grab a drink and a picture.
MARKET UPDATE • BEND
Bend's March 2026 real estate market shows a dramatic shift: 496 homes are available, 33% of which have undergone price reductions, with properties sitting on the market for an average of 66 days. Sellers keep a slight edge; rising inventory and longer market times reward patient buyers. Should you wait or act now? Here is a Bend Altos report breakdown to help Central Oregon buyers and sellers navigate this changing market with confidence. Before you make up your mind about buying or selling in Bend, let’s make sure we’ve looked at all the facts. Here is a look at what’s happening in the Bend Real Estate market right now, February 28th, 2026.
The Waiting Game:
Everyone's asking the same question right now - should I wait or should I move? Bend's market is whispering contradictory messages: opportunity for some, caution for others. Local broker Justin Scott cuts through the noise to reveal what's really happening in Central Oregon and why your next move matters more than your timing.
Pictured Above: Sunset from the parkway in Bend, Oregon
“Before you make up your mind about buying or selling in Bend, let’s make sure we’ve looked at all the facts. Here is a look at whats happening in the Bend Real Estate market right now, February 28, 2026.”
The Waiting Game:
Everyone's asking the same question right now - should I wait or should I move? Bend's market is whispering contradictory messages: opportunity for some, caution for others. Local broker Justin Scott cuts through the noise to reveal what's really happening in Central Oregon and why your next move matters more than your timing.
Selling Your Home in This Market
FACTS FOR SELLERS ✅ You've still got a slight edge in Bend, but with 66 days on market and 33% your competition dropping prices, nail your pricing strategy from day one or risk joining the discount crowd in a sea of 496 listings in Bend. Historically, January and February are our lowest inventory months. By the end of March, I’d expect 3+ months of inventory, which would likely increase competition among sellers.
BRUTALLY HONEST FOR SELLERS ‼️ You're entering a tired and empty arena where most of your competition has already blinked and dropped prices. There has also been a serious market correction in market pricing over the previous two years. Unless you need to sell now, wait. If it’s time to make a change, list now, sooner than later is better, spring historically brings hungrier buyers and thinner March inventory. Buyers in April and May will have more choices. Unless you have something special to sell, you don’t want to be competing against the other two homes for sale on your block. Time is your friend here.
Buying a Home in This Market
FACTS FOR BUYERS ✅ Bend's buyer-friendly buffet: 496 homes to choose from, most already price-dropped, and sellers sitting for 66 days, strong negotiating, a $600k-$900k+ budget, and competition still lurks on well-priced homes. New listings are seeing multiple offers and lower days-on-market. 42 homes went pending in the last seven days. 182 homes went pending in the last thirty days.
BRUTALLY HONEST FOR BUYERS ‼️ 496 homes, 66 days on market, 33% already discounted ➡️ the first wave of new Spring inventory has arrived, this market is begging you buy something. Let tired sellers sweat through Spring while you watch newly listed, well-priced homes flood onto the market. Be ready to buy the one you like when you see it, because there will likely be half a dozen other people who want the same house. Multiple offer situations are back, and that new suitability clause is being left on the shelf, out of serious offers. Prices drop, and desperation rises.
JUSTIN + REALTOR® IN BEND
“The good news is that I'm ready to help. Let's talk if you, or someone you know, is planning to make a move this Spring or Summer. Golf course conversations packed with sunshine are preferred.”
Why Your Next Move Matters More Than Your Timing
The truth most agents won't tell you: perfect timing is a myth we chase while opportunities slip away.
Whether you're buying or selling in Bend right now, the how will always outweigh the when.
Buyers who wait for rock-bottom deals or rates often miss the home they have their eye on. Sellers who wait for peak market conditions often end up competing with a dozen other spring listings in their neighborhood, all fighting for the same buyer pool.
Your next move matters because it's built on strategy, not speculation. It's about pricing right from day one, negotiating with confidence, understanding inspection issues before they derail deals, and knowing which properties will hold value in Central Oregon's market. It's about having someone in your corner who lives here, works hard, and knows the local housing market.
The market will do what it does.
Your move, STRATEGIC, INFORMED, and ALIGNED with your life, is what changes everything.
Ready to make your move?
Let's talk strategy, not timing.
Call or text me (541) 797-9939
Justin Scott
REALTOR® in Bend, Oregon
Varsity Real Estate
I have a handful of Sunriver SHARC passes available for you. If you’d like a few shoot me a text or give me a call.
Sunriver SHARC Calendar - click here
Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling in Central Oregon?
I’d love an introduction. My business is built on referrals, friendships, and word of mouth. Thank you for telling them about me. As always, if you’d like to hit the mountain for some powder laps, or the indoor range for a practice session, give me a call and we’ll make it happen!
❤️
Justin Scott
(541) 797 - 9939
Justin@varsityoregon.com
Pictured Below: Left image: My right foot Airmax 90 raised I head back to the clubhouse after a productive range session. If you’re looking for a nice range session playlist, check out my friend Jain’s Range Sessions Spotify Playlist - click here or click the middle image below. Far right: Tetherow Owl located just off Kidd Corner.
MARKET UPDATE • BEND
Bend's November 2025 real estate market shows a dramatic shift: 711 homes are available, 52% of which have undergone price reductions, with properties sitting on the market for an average of 122 days. Sellers keep a slight edge; rising inventory and longer market times reward patient buyers. Should you wait or act now? Here is a Bend Altos report breakdown to help Central Oregon buyers and sellers navigate this changing market with confidence. Before you make up your mind about buying or selling in Bend, let’s make sure we’ve looked at all the facts. Here is a look at what’s happening in the Bend Real Estate market right now, November 12th, 2025.
The Waiting Game:
Everyone's asking the same question right now - should I wait or should I move? Bend's market is whispering contradictory messages: opportunity for some, caution for others. Local broker Justin Scott cuts through the noise to reveal what's really happening in Central Oregon and why your next move matters more than your timing.
Pictured Above: Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon
“Before you make up your mind about buying or selling in Bend, let’s make sure we’ve looked at all the facts. Here is a look at whats happening in the Bend Real Estate market right now, November 12th, 2025.”
The Waiting Game:
Everyone's asking the same question right now - should I wait or should I move? Bend's market is whispering contradictory messages: opportunity for some, caution for others. Local broker Justin Scott cuts through the noise to reveal what's really happening in Central Oregon and why your next move matters more than your timing.
Selling Your Home in This Market
FACTS FOR SELLERS ✅ You've still got a slight edge in Bend, but with 122 days on market and half your competition dropping prices, nail your pricing strategy from day one or risk joining the discount crowd in a sea of 711 listings.
BRUTALLY HONEST FOR SELLERS ‼️ You're entering a crowded arena where half your competition has already blinked and dropped prices. Unless you need to sell now, why compete in November and December’s buyer markets, when spring historically brings hungrier buyers and perhaps thinner inventory? Time is your friend here.
Buying a Home in This Market
FACTS FOR BUYERS ✅ Bend's buyer-friendly buffet: 711 homes to choose from, half already price-dropped, and sellers sitting for 122 days, strong negotiating, a $600k-$900k+ budget, and competition still lurks on well-priced homes.
BRUTALLY HONEST FOR BUYERS ‼️ 711 homes, 122 days on market, 52% already discounted ➡️ this market is begging you to wait. Let sellers sweat through winter while you watch prices drop and desperation rise. Your dream home will still be there in March, likely at a lower price.
JUSTIN + REALTOR® IN BEND
“The good news is that I'm ready to help. Let's talk if you, or someone you know, is planning to make a move this Winter or Spring. Chairlift conversations packed with powder laps are preferred.”
Why Your Next Move Matters More Than Your Timing
The truth most agents won't tell you: perfect timing is a myth we chase while opportunities slip away.
Whether you're buying or selling in Bend right now, the how will always outweigh the when.
Buyers who wait for rock-bottom deals or rates often miss the home they have their eye on. Sellers who wait for peak market conditions often end up competing with a dozen other spring listings in their neighborhood, all fighting for the same buyer pool.
Your next move matters because it's built on strategy, not speculation. It's about pricing right from day one, negotiating with confidence, understanding inspection issues before they derail deals, and knowing which properties will hold value in Central Oregon's market. It's about having someone in your corner who lives here, works hard, and knows the local housing market.
The market will do what it does.
Your move, STRATEGIC, INFORMED, and ALIGNED with your life, is what changes everything.
Ready to make your move?
Let's talk strategy, not timing.
Call or text me (541) 797-9939
Justin Scott
REALTOR® in Bend, Oregon
Varsity Real Estate
I still have a handful of discounted Mt. Bachelor lift tickets available for you. If you’d like one shoot me a text or give me a call ❄️ ⛷️
Mt. Bachelor Conditions Report - click here
Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling in Central Oregon?
I’d love an introduction. My business is built on referrals, friendships, and word of mouth. Thank you for telling them about me. As always, if you’d like to hit the mountain for some powder laps, or the indoor range for a practice session, give me a call and we’ll make it happen!
❤️
Justin Scott
(541) 797 - 9939
Justin@varsityoregon.com
Pictured Below: Left image: My right foot Airmax 90 raised I head back to the clubhouse after a productive range session. If you’re looking for a nice range session playlist, check out my friend Jain’s Range Sessions Spotify Playlist - click here or click the middle image below. Far right: Tetherow Owl located just off Kidd Corner.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN • BEND
When a Seattle industrial designer relocated to Bend, Oregon's Tetherow Resort, everything changed. Trading city stress for starry nights and mountain views, this creative professional built a thriving home studio in one of Bend's premier resort communities. Learn why designers and artists are choosing Bend's resort lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and creative community over big cities.
Change of Scenery:
Trading SEATTLE for CENTRAL OREGON, Industrial Designer Adam Kingman has settled into his new home studio, EXPANDING his CREATIVE PRACTICE within one of BEND’S most desirable RESORT COMMUNITIES, Tetherow.
“I wanted to be in a quiet mountain town with a creative pulse.”
Change of Scenery:
Trading SEATTLE for CENTRAL OREGON, Industrial Designer Adam Kingman has settled into his new home studio, EXPANDING his CREATIVE PRACTICE within one of BEND’S most desirable RESORT COMMUNITIES, Tetherow.
How I met Adam.
Last year, a few short weeks after I activated my real estate license with Varsity Real Estate, I got a message from my friend Brian in Seattle. He let me know he had a friend interested in moving to Bend. His friend had looked at a few houses online, and rather than being assigned by one of the big-box data scrapers (Zillow, Redfin, etc.), Brian thought Adam would like to see houses with me, so he connected us via text message, and that’s how I met Adam. Through a friend.
How things went after our introduction:
On the Monday before Christmas, we looked at three houses, wrote an offer on the one Adam knew he wanted. With some strong negotiating and favorable terms, we were under contract by New Year’s Eve. With help from Tyler Blackwell at Movement Mortgage, we were able to close thirty days later, and my first deal was quietly tucked away into the smooth sailing file. The best part of the whole thing…Adam. I love creative, interesting people with a point of view. This is why my client and I became close friends… and also the golf. I love golf. So that helps. When I meet someone who’s creative, interesting, has a point of view, and shares my love for golf, odds are we’re gonna get along.
ADAM + INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
“I’ve always been fascinated by our relationship to objects and spaces.”
8 QUESTIONS: WITH MY FRIEND ADAM
001: What is one thing you absolutely love about your new home?
I can see the stars while I fall asleep.
002: What was the inspiration for your move to Bend?
Wanted to be in a quiet mountain town with a creative pulse.
003: What do you love about living in Tetherow?
Right on the edge of the woods, exposure to sunlight, proximity to skiing.
004: You are a talented industrial designer. For those who aren’t familiar with industrial design, what is industrial design?
The design of objects and how we interact with them.
005: Tell me about your path into industrial design?
I’ve always been fascinated by our relationship to objects and spaces.
006: Is there a project you’re most proud of?
The things I made on NBC’s Making It are very dear to me.
Click here to see the things Adam made on NBC’s Making It
Follow Adam’s Work: Adam Kingman’s Website • Instagram Profile • YouTube Channel
007: What is a book you’ve read that you highly recommend? Why?
Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song. This was a good nudge to just take a step each day in the direction you want to go.
008: What is your golf handicap? Favorite course in Oregon?
I don’t even know yet!
Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling in Central Oregon?
I’d love an introduction. My business is built on referrals, friendships, and word of mouth. Thank you for telling them about me. As always, if you’d like to hit the range for a practice session with Adam and I, or get out for 18 holes, give me a call and we’ll make it happen!
❤️
Justin Scott
(541) 797 - 9939
Justin@varsityoregon.com
Pictured Below: Left image: My right foot Airmax 90 raised as Adam and I head back to the clubhouse after a productive range session. If you’re looking for a nice range session playlist, check out my friend Jain’s Range Sessions Spotify Playlist - click here or click the middle image below. Far right: Tetherow Owl located just off Kidd Corner. Owl photo credit to Adam Kingman. Nice shot Adam!