Bend, Oregon, a small city located about three hours southeast of Portland, has quickly become the “go-to” place for those moving from their crowded, fast-paced suburban lifestyles. One might think that with a population of under 100,000, picking up and moving here on a whim should be a breeze. Well, slow down and think again! Settling down in here is not so easy and people are finding that out the hard way. Whether you’re single, a family, young or retired, moving to Bend, Oregon is surprisingly complicated. So, before anyone impulsively jumps on the “Moving to Bend, Oregon” bandwagon, there are definitely some things to consider. Part of the appeal of moving to Bend is the simplicity of small city living. However, getting here has proven to be anything but simple! We’ve selected the top three reasons why relocating to Bend is so difficult and explain how Bend Relocation Services can help you. Enjoy our three-part blog and hear from an insider what’s really going on!

The Fiercely Competitive Rental Market:

This is the number one reason why our clients hire us! It’s a known fact to locals but a shock to those moving here that Bend has a less than 1% rental vacancy rate due to lack of supply vs. demand. Unsurprisingly, this lack of supply has resulted in a “feeding frenzy” experience every time a new rental property is listed. The lack of supply is the root cause for the competitive market, but it’s the process of finding and securing the rental that’s become the biggest problem. So for those of you thinking of moving to Bend, Oregon or those starting your search, here’s a quick 101 on the process of finding a rental in Bend.

Craigslist, Zillow, and Trulia are the primary national sites where independent homeowners and property management companies list their rentals. There are over 40 registered property management companies in Bend and each advertises their rental listings on their own website. Every landlord and property management company works a little differently, but each require that you fill out a rental application and pay a $25-$45 application fee per applicant. Understandably, everyone needs to charge a fee to cover their cost for running a credit and background check. Keep in mind though that multiple applications submitted to multiple landlords and property management companies means multiple fees. This can add up quickly. Once you’ve completed your application and paid your fee, you are put on a first-come, first-serve waitlist. Since the supply is low and the demand is high, the competition is fierce and the rentals go fast. Getting first in line on the application waitlist is key to securing a rental. Unfortunately, unless you are constantly in front of your computer, refreshing the pages, waiting to pounce, you’re already too late. As for those of you who don’t live locally, you are at an additional disadvantage. Many property management companies and landlords won’t rent to you “sight unseen.”

How Bend Relocation Services Can Help:

Most of our clients come to us feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and defeated by the rental process. They’re financially depleted by paying multiple fees, and realize that they don’t have enough time in the day dedicated to finding a rental. More often than not, they’re desperately applying for every rental even if they don’t like it just to secure a roof over their head. With no answer in sight, Bend Relocation Services created a solution. We find the rentals for you and you get to choose which one you want!

  • We get to know all about our clients. We learn about you, your family, your pets, your lifestyle. We learn about everything that has an impact on the type of rental that best fits your needs. Then, we take this information and become a “Rental Matchmaker” to find you your ideal rental.
  • We’ve teamed up with an extensive number of homeowners who contact us directly when they have a vacancy. This allows us to offer our clients the rental first, before it gets listed to the public.
  • We have built relationships with property management companies and work together to match their listings with our clients.
  • We act as your centralized rental property resource so you don’t have to spend time and energy searching for the newest listing. We bring the listings to you.
  • We become your physical stand-in for those property management companies and landlords who won’t rent to tenants sight unseen, which increases your options.
  • If you’re concerned about issues that may affect an application approval or your ability to qualify, we serve as your personal advocate and cheerleader so you aren’t just an “application,” you’re a person.

Stay tuned for part II in our series: “Why is Moving to Bend, Oregon So Difficult?”