Laura Blossey

My Blog

Multi-Generational Living

11/16/2019
What are your thoughts on multi-generational living? According to a recent Houzz report this trend is on the rise for a variety of reasons such as "Baby boomers wanting to be near grandchildren. College graduates moving back home. Older folks needing help from younger family members. Extended families spending summers together."
 
Trina Sandschafer, design principal at Booth Hansen in Chicago, shares that “In an increasingly busy world, family remains the strongest connection. People want to make memories with their children and grandchildren and spend time with family.”
 
Whatever the situation, the overall idea is the same: Families more than ever are reaching across generations to create homes together. This creates a greater need for private spaces in larger homes, as families want to be together while still valuing their privacy. 

Central Oregon Charity Highlight: Kids in the Game

11/11/2019
Our Oregon charity highlight for November is KIDS in the GAME. There are many reasons kids are on the sidelines today, but the number one reason kids don't participate in after-school sports is financial. KIDS in the GAME helps to combat this by covering a portion of their registration fees for recreational after-school sports, which is breaking down the barriers that are keeping 62% of kids on the sidelines. KIDS in the GAME is investing in the future of youth sports by providing the opportunities for low-income and marginalized youth.
Participating in youth sports allows kids to: 
- Learn to try their best, to perform well together, problem solve as a team, and to win and lose together.
- Learn personal growth through practice, participation, and repetition.
- Get an opportunity for respectful mentoring from an adult or peer leader, other than their family.
- Feel a boost in self-esteem, confidence, and direct social connection
- Discover newfound abilities, build confidence, and a grow their desire to be physically active in life.
Donate directly to KIDS in the GAME here: https://www.kidsinthegame.org/donate/

Central Oregon Charity Highlight: Family Access Network

10/24/2019

For the month of October, I am highlighting the wonderful work of Family Access Network (FAN). Help me reach my goal by dropping one of these items off at my office (Cascade Sotheby's International Realty, 650 SW Bond St. Bend, Oregon.

+ Alarm clocks (electric or battery operated)
+ waterproof gloves (NEW)
+ waterproof boots (NEW)
+ gas and food gift cards

This campaign is part of my mission to close out 2019 by giving back. Each month I'll be highlighting and donating $200 to a different Central Oregon charity starting with Family Access Network “because every child deserves the chance to succeed.” 

You can donate directly to FAN here: https://familyaccessnetwork.org/project/donate

More than just a broker

10/14/2019
It is very important to me to have a great working relationship with my clients which usually extends beyond just real estate. The better I know my client’s interests, activities, lifestyle, desire for proximity or privacy, etc., the better I can help in suggesting specific neighborhoods or even home layouts based on these preferences. 
I like to think of myself as a full-service concierge who helps with the entire transition to Bend or even just a new neighborhood with introductions to friendly neighbors, referrals to professional services, the best trails, restaurants, business connections or anything else that makes moving a little easier. I love seeing past clients – who have often become my new friends! - around town and maintaining that long-term relationship.

Read my reviews here. 


Home prices in Bend, Oregon on the rise.

9/12/2019
In August 2019 the median price in Bend, Oregon was $475,000, compared to $431,000 for the same period last year. With the continued popularity of Bend and the influx of out of town buyers, I believe next years numbers will be even higher.

Read the September 2019 Beacon Report Here. 

Fun and Culture in Central Oregon

9/5/2019
It isn't JUST the great outdoors, hiking, and adventure here in Central Oregon – there's also plenty of art and culture to be had! Two things I'm looking forward to are the Uncorked Sunriver Wine Event (September 13-14) and High Desert Chamber Music's upcoming 12th Season (which they have just announced their 2019/2020 schedule for). At Uncorked you can enjoy 2 days of wine, chocolate and cheese along with boutique vendors, food carts, and music. High Desert Chamber Music's packed season includes the return of several audience favorites, some unique immersive format changes, and a romance-themed Valentine's Day special event – perfect for a date night!

Get your tickets and read more about Uncorked Sunriver Wine Event. 
Read more about High Desert Chamber Music's upcoming schedule at Cascade A&E.


CHARITY: New Story

8/21/2019
I'm helping raise money for New Story, a charity that builds homes and communities for those in need. New Story partners with local organizations, engages directly with the communities on where to build, and buys materials locally. New Story is also investing in research and innovative design breakthroughs for the housing sector – including 3D printed homes – to help build homes and communities better, easier, and faster. An estimated 3 billion people will be living without access to adequate shelter by 2050 — a 200% increase over three decades.

Read more about this organization here. Donate to my fundraiser here. 

UPDATE: A $10,000 price correction on a gorgeous home in Bend's West Side!

8/16/2019
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 3,831 sq.ft.
NOW $985,000!

This beautiful custom home has it all: curb appeal, golf course setting on Bend's West side, attached RV garage and luxury finishes. Walk in to an impressive great room with stone fireplace, windows to the fairway and open to the gourmet kitchen. Solid granite double islands, each with sinks & bar seating, help keep the chef company without crowding. No expense was spared on the highest end appliances. A main floor office doubles as a 4th bedroom; upstairs are 2 bedrooms & the master suite with gas fireplace, luxury bath & balcony with hot tub. Watch movies or hang out in the huge bonus room with fireplace, 70 t.v., and built-in work area. Surround sound is throughout the entire home, inside and out. Radiant heat throughout home and garage. Prepare to be impressed by this home and lovely setting: just what you need.

See the full listing here! 


Featured Listing: Cascade and vineyard views in Terrebonne, OR.

8/15/2019
3 Beds, 5 Baths, 4,115 sq.ft.
$1,999,000

This gorgeous Norman Building and Design home is situated perfectly above the vineyards at Ranch at the Canyons, in Terrebonne, Oregon. Welcoming courtyard entrance leads to impressive views of Monkey Face, Smith Rock and the vineyard from every room of the home. Main floor features a spa like master retreat, guest suite and office. Impressive great room with rock fireplace. Ranch Amenities: 1700 acres of meadows, farm, vineyard, river canyon, hiking/biking trails, clubhouse, pool, stable, arena, stocked ponds & Cascade Mtn Views.

See the full listing here! 





Memories Make the Home

6/8/2019
As a realtor, I talk with my clients about all sorts of things…many of which are important financial considerations like building equity in their home, resale value, return on investment, prioritizing home improvement projects. But just as often, I have a great chats with my clients about their lifestyle and how they might fill their home with work and play. Understanding what is important to my clients takes careful listening and watching how a client moves through a home and envisions their life there. This is one of things I love most about my job. Talking about hobbies and habits may identify the need for a little separation of space, whether for the tv, office or a quiet reading nook. For families with small children, the main floor office may make a better play room at this stage in their lives. If dog photos dominate the camera roll, then we talk about where the dog beds might go, access to the yard for a game of ball toss and proximity to trails or the dog park. Do all of these things speak to the financial considerations? Not really. But, I believe that in the thick of living busy, happy, stressful, balanced and joyful lives, memories make the home and are the real value-add of a life lived to its’ fullest.
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