Aspen Rim

Southeast Bend’s newest development strives to give buyers what they’re looking for: affordability.

By Nicole Werner – Bend Bulletin
Driving down the street and noticing a new neighborhood being built is not a new thing in Bend—that is, until about a year ago.

Since earlier in the year, however, the Hayden Homes Aspen Rim neighborhood in southwest Bend has slowly progressed. First, the sign went up, then a home was built, then another one … and the building continued.

Aspen Rim’s model home was featured in the 2009 Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) Tour of Homes™. The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home won “Best Kitchen,” “Best Value” and “Best of Show” in the $200,000 to $300,000 category.

“We’re bringing in a new product,” said Michelle Gregg, on-site sales agent for Aspen Rim.

Today, six homes have been completed, with one sale final and five pending sales within the coming weeks. Three new homes are underway.

“We picked the right plans and the right homes for affordable living and location,” Gregg said.

Aspen Rim is located just a few minutes south of The Old Mill District off Brookswood Boulevard.

The homes are more affordable than homes built in the area just a few years ago, but Hayden Homes is following the same design guidelines as those homes. Exterior colors, use of rock and landscaping complement the surrounding neighborhood. Gregg said that Hayden Homes employs many of the same subcontractors whose products and services were used in adjacent neighborhoods.

Hayden Homes is taking a slightly different approach to completing the neighborhood. The homes in Aspen Rim are being sold as they are built. The buyers typically have loan preapproval, a down payment, and the agreements to buy are without contingencies.

“There’s nothing built that’s not sold,” said Gregg. “We’re hitting a niche, and we’re selling it. It’s a great house in a great location.”

Gregg said that she’s seeing several empty nesters inquire about the homes. She points to the neighborhood characteristics—the level streetscape—and neighborhood amenities such as the community pool and river trail as the most desirable selling points. The desire to downsize and simplify is also a common thread between inquiries.

The homes range in size from 1,400 square feet to 2,600 square feet. The base price ranges from $210,990 to $279,990. Homeowners pay $49 per month in homeowners association dues.

The largest floorplan available is a fourbedroom home with a den/bonus room and an optional three-car garage.

Buyers have six floorplans from which to choose, and each one of them has alternative layouts and exterior elevations. Examples of optional layouts include luxury master baths, formal dining rooms and dens.

When a buyer chooses to purchase a home in Aspen Rim, they sit down with the sales professional to determine which floorplan most interests them. From there, the sales professional will help them determine which lot is most appropriate for the plan style. Buyers are given the opportunity to select finishes beyond the standards to “personalize” their homes.

All homes include front yard landscaping and sprinklers, and the choice of exterior paint color.

A central park is available for community members to enjoy. The park features an outdoor fireplace, a covered barbecue pavilion, a playground and a community pool.

Gregg expressed optimism for the growth of the community for the coming year.

“We’re seeing people who couldn’t move here in 2005 or 2006,” Gregg said. “It’s the first time Bend has been affordable since the early 2000s.”

Hayden Homes has built homes in 25 communities throughout Washington and Oregon. The locally-owned company was established in 1989 by Hayden Watson, and is based out of Redmond.