Check the Oregon license, recent local sales and full reviews, then interview two or three agents. Questions to ask and red flags for Bend buyers and sellers.
The best way to choose a real estate agent in Bend is to check three things you can verify yourself: that the broker holds an active Oregon license (look them up free on the Oregon Real Estate Agency's license search), what they have recently sold or listed in the neighborhood and price range you care about, and what past clients say in reviews you can read in full. Then interview two or three agents and ask the same questions of each.
Browse Bend homes for sale.
Step 1. Confirm the license
Every broker in Oregon must be licensed by the Oregon Real Estate Agency. Search any agent by name or license number on the Agency's license lookup. Check that the license is active and which principal broker it is held under. The Agency's consumer page explains what it regulates and how to file a complaint.
Step 2. Look at local, recent work
Ask for the homes the agent has sold or listed in Bend in the last year, in your price range and part of town. Central Oregon markets differ a lot between, say, NW Crossing, Awbrey Butte and the resort communities, so experience in the right area matters more than total volume.
Step 3. Read the reviews, not just the stars
Read full reviews on Google and Zillow. Look for specifics: how the agent handled pricing, inspection repairs, and communication. See our reviews as an example of reading full reviews.
Step 4. Know what you'll be asked to sign
At first contact an Oregon broker must give you the state's Initial Agency Disclosure Pamphlet, which explains seller's agent, buyer's agent and disclosed limited agent relationships (OAR 863-015-0215). Sample from the Oregon Real Estate Agency. Buyers will also be asked to sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring. Ask how commission works up front. It's negotiable.
Questions to ask every agent you interview
- How many Bend homes like mine have you sold or helped buy in the past year?
- Who will I actually work with day to day, you or a team member?
- How do you set a list price, or how do you decide what to offer? Show me the comparable sales.
- What does your marketing include, and what does it cost me? (sellers)
- How do you handle inspection and repair negotiations?
- How quickly do you answer calls and texts, and on what days?
- What's in the agreement you'll ask me to sign, and how do I end it if it isn't working?
Red flags
- A price opinion far above recent comparable sales with no comps shown.
- Pressure to sign a long agreement before you've met.
- No license found under the name they use.
Interviewing Ryan Realty
Ryan Realty is an independent brokerage in downtown Bend at 115 NW Oregon Ave #2. Run the same checks on us: look Matt Ryan up on the Oregon license search, read our reviews, and ask us the questions above. Call or text 541-703-3095 or use the contact page. See about, sell, and buy.
Questions
How do I check if a Bend real estate agent is licensed?
Search their name or license number on the Oregon Real Estate Agency's free license lookup at orea.elicense.micropact.com. It shows whether the license is active and the principal broker it's held under.
How many agents should I interview?
Two or three is usually enough. Ask each one the same questions so you can compare their answers.
What should an Oregon agent give me at first contact?
The Initial Agency Disclosure Pamphlet, which explains the agency relationships allowed in Oregon (OAR 863-015-0215).
Is real estate commission negotiable in Bend?
Yes. Commission is set by agreement between you and the brokerage. See our commission guide for how it works.
Matt RyanOwner & Principal Broker at Ryan Realty.
