(The Paulina, one of several models available at Reside Finley Butte, offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the main unit – as well as a 632-square-foot ADU | Photo Courtesy of Andrea Hine)
“La Pine is hurting the very most in terms of housing, compared to other Central Oregon cities — inventory is not keeping up with demand,” agreed Carol Swendsen and Emily Aronson, real estate brokers for Reside PNW. “La Pine also deserves better quality homes. Those being built at our Finley Butte development are some of the best we’ve seen in the area.”
Key to their enthusiasm is a feature in each of the homes that is “brand new in La Pine, permitted ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) that provide an income-producing opportunity for owners to help defray mortgage costs.”
As the two industry veterans explained, “The ADUs at Reside Finley Butte are not the informal in-law or granny units that people might associate with the term. Fully independent with a separate entrance, yet attached to the home, they’re basically one-bedroom apartments — spacious and full of light, with windows that are nice and big to take advantage of the sunlight in Central Oregon.”
“Carol and I have been through multiple ADUs, both attached and detached, and have not found anything that compares, down to features such as solid quartz countertops,” said Aronson. “They leave nothing to be desired.”
“Aside from the economic benefit for the homeowners, these ADUs are ideal for those who can’t find a rental unit — so they also help address La Pine’s affordable housing void,” added Swendsen.
“In addition to the quality that distinguishes Reside PNW homes and lots (each of which is approximately one-quarter acre), they are highly competitive in size and cost with others in the area that don’t have ADU units,” Aronson and Swendsen pointed out. “So much so that properties are selling even before construction is completed. Of the four currently being built, three have already been purchased. We can’t wait for people to see our model home when it’s available for viewing.”
The two brokers, who have been working together for several years, offer more than industry experience to their clients. Said Aronson, “it’s heartbreaking to see so many people who are unable to become homeowners in Central Oregon, especially when they’re trying to find something priced under $500k. It takes creative thinking to make it possible — it’s a puzzle — in terms of financing and contracting.”
Swendsen emphasized that, “We both love a challenge. And there’s no greater satisfaction than working with lenders to find creative solutions for our clients — to find a home for these well-deserving people at an affordable rate. Home ownership sets their financial future way ahead, and it’s wonderful to be able to help them do this.”
