Multi-Million Dollar Volume Brokers, The Riley Group, Joins Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty

SUNRIVER, OR – Premier brokerage and long-time fixture in the Central Oregon real estate market, The Riley Group, moves influential team to Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty. The Riley Group now joins Cascade Sotheby’s to enhance listings at the Sunriver branch office and throughout Central Oregon. The 4-broker team specializes in resort and vacation home real estate, new construction and development, relocation services and farm/ranch sales.
The Riley Group has been a premier broker in Sunriver and throughout Central Oregon for the last 20 years—closing over 1,000 extraordinary transactions in their career to date.
“Mike and Kim Riley have long been a powerhouse real estate team in Central Oregon and are some of the most respected and successful brokers in the Sunriver and Bend communities—we welcome this level of talent and respect to Cascade Sotheby’s as we continue to grow market share in the region,” says Deb Tebbs, founder and CEO, Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty. “We are building a growing footprint of listings in Central Oregon and The Riley Team’s knowledge and expertise in new construction, relocation and resort sales will help us accelerate our momentum and propel us to our next level of growth in the region.”
The Riley Group includes the husband/wife team of Mike and Kim Riley, and what they call our ‘Millennial Team,’ Kailey Stevens and Ashley Neff, who serve the real estate questions and needs of a younger demographic. And it’s all in the family as The Riley’s children, Shauna Dingman and Casey Riley, are also real estate brokers and just signed with the Cascade Sotheby’s Lake Oswego office.
“This move was strategic business decision for us—Cascade Sotheby’s is the leading real estate brand in Central Oregon with precision platforms, creative marketing services, and the global reach and presence that will better serve our clientele whether buyers or sellers,” says Kim Riley. “It’s an incredible vibe working with the Cascade Sotheby’s team—they are so innovative in their approach to the market and frankly have double the transactions of any other brokerage in Central Oregon.”

Having experienced a high level of success in new construction, The Riley Group latest project, Canyon Crossing, is a collaborative development project with Bend Custom Homes. The Northwest Redmond, Oregon is a 24-home subdivision offering single-level living, RV parking and ADU units (additional dwelling unit). A sample rendering of a front elevation and floor-plan are shown here.

The Riley Group now joins Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty, which exceeded $1.3 billion in closed sales in 2017 and continues its innovative approach to uniting extraordinary lives with extraordinary homes building on these statistics:

  • $30 million in company revenue in 2017
  • 325% sales growth from 2015 to 2017
  • More than two times the market share in Central Oregon than closest competitor
  • More than 250 brokers across Oregon and SW Washington
  • than 80 new brokers signed in 2017 alone
  • 33 new agents year-to-date 2018 representing $137 million in sales revenue
  • Average price point for Cascade Sotheby’s agents is 33% higher than other agents in Portland and SW Washington
  • 11 offices in Oregon and SW Washington

“Our team’s motto is ‘a team always outperforms an individual’—we expect to even better serve our clients by joining the powerful and innovative team of Cascade Sotheby’s,” says Kim.

Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty launches Asia Desk

Portland, Oregon—With consistent demand for real estate in the Pacific Northwest and a record number of foreign buyers scooping up residential properties, Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty has launched an Asia Desk to serve the real estate and relocation needs of Asian buyers. Cascade Sotheby’s has appointed a premiere broker and expert in relocation and cross-cultural training, Michael Zhang, to grow that department.

A triple threat talent as an elite principal broker, and relocation and cross-cultural training expert, Zhang will be responsible for building the Asia Desk and its myriad services for buyers in Asian markets. He will also collaborate with the Sotheby’s International Realty offices in Asia to assist buyers looking for investments in the Pacific Northwest. He has worked with global companies like Boeing, Microsoft, Johnson and Johnson and recently worked as Cross-Cultural Training Consultant for the prestigious CARTUS Global Performance Solutions.
Zhang will be joined by his business partner and wife, Vivian Chen, who is expert at marketing to Asian buyers. Chen most recently worked as a senior consultant in Asia Pacific at CartUS and studied at Hamburg University in Germany. She speaks fluent English, Chinese, German and Japanese which will be invaluable to Cascade Sotheby’s service to international buyers.

“There are many investors in Asian countries who are experiencing new wealth and looking for investment opportunities around the lifestyle and environmental wellness that Oregon and SW Washington have to offer,” says Zhang. “These investors love prestigious global brands like Prada, Tiffany’s and Sotheby’s—the Sotheby’s brand positions the Cascade Sotheby’s Asia Desk to provide world-class, white glove investment, relocation and cultural integration services these buyers expect. I am delighted to have this exceptional opportunity to unite these buyers with investment opportunities here.”

According to the National Association of Realtors, the gradually expanding US and global economies should keep foreign buyer demand at a robust level. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times states that foreigners bought 284,455 properties in the 12 months that ended March 31, about a third more than a year earlier. Dollar volume surged nearly 50% to $153 billion, also a record for the survey first taken in 2009.
The article states that Chinese nationals were the biggest buyers, purchasing $31.7 billion worth of property, up from $27.3 billion a year earlier and more than ever before, according to the association.

“Recruiting the multitalented expertise of a principal broker like Michael Zhang is of huge benefit to assisting the growing international interest in real estate here—his influence and impeccable reputation help position Cascade Sotheby’s as a leader in uniting foreign buyers with extraordinary residential real estate throughout Oregon and SW Washington,” says Deb Tebbs, founder and chief executive officer, Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty. “The global network of Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to stay ahead of buying trends and tap a huge international referral network—and our new Asia Desk is poised to help buyers and sellers alike fulfill their real estate dreams.”
Another significant differentiator for Cascade Sotheby’s Asia Desk is Sotheby’s International Realty’s recent alliance with Chinese real estate site Juwai.com: the alliance enables the luxury real estate brand to generate Chinese buyer interest on one of the world’s most prominent real estate websites with over two million monthly visitors.

In addition, Cascade Sotheby’s chief operating officer, Michael W. Kosmin, has lived and worked in Asia for several years and since 2005 was responsible for property development projects in Asian markets. Before moving to Bend, Oregon three years ago, Kosmin lived in Indonesia where he was the managing director at Club Bali.
With deep experience in Asian real estate markets, Kosmin will support the development of Cascade Sotheby’s Asian Desk catering to clients looking at real estate in the Pacific Northwest. Cascade Sotheby’s leverages Sotheby’s international offices, presence and prestige in China to be of service to that market.

“It is a huge advantage to Cascade Sotheby’s brokers and clients that company management has first-hand international work experience with an emphasis on serving international clientele,” says Zhang.

Broker Stories – Noah Kirshbaum Specializing in New Construction

Portland, OR – When looking to buy or sell a home in the Greater Portland Area, you won’t find an agent more respected or in-demand  than Noah Kirshbaum. Noah and the Kirshbaum Group excel at all types of transactions but specialize in the unique demands of new construction. Before getting his license, Noah was remodeling and flipping his own investment proper ties and really knows the process inside and out. “I have a different sort of team model. I have partners who are experts in different sectors of the business. I like to think of us as a random group of misfits that have come together because ultimately, we are good people and have solid relationships built on trust. It’s been a really successful business model.”

As a broker with Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty, Noah has established himself as a Realtor® who provides an exceptional customer experience, with the key component of excellent communication. “Before I was a Realtor® I was a working to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, so I’m a really good listener. I’m able to hear what the specific needs of my clients are from the first meeting. Then throughout the transaction, I make them feel heard and taken care of. I’m diligent and thoughtful about providing an unsurpassed level of communication. I take a lot of flak in my personal life because I’m always on my phone with clients, but this is who I am. When people need me, I’m there for them. I have a lot of empathy, which can be unusual in this business.”

If you ask Noah’s clients what they love about working him, they most often mention his sense of humor and professionalism. “I think they’re able to have fun because they trust that I have everything taken care of. I make strong relationships with my clients and I keep those relationships keep going after the transaction. We actually become friends. I recently asked some past clients if they would join me on an HGTV show appearance and was really honored that they said yes. We actually had viewing party for the show, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled with how it turned out.” After airing, the episode resulted in several referrals from the exposure.

Another area where Noah is a stand out in his area is with his innovative marketing and his dedication to always staying on the cutting edge of the latest technologies. “Because of my expertise in new construction and flipping, I’m able to walk into a client’s home and give them a detailed list of what needs to be done. If they need help with staging, we offer that service. I use incredibly gifted photographers and videographers and we’re really able to show the property in the best possible light. I also do my own creative social media video clips, that have been really useful building interest in the property.”

Noah is actively involved in his community and is on the board for Smile Oregon, a charity that helps children with cleft palates get much needed surgery. He also supports Stand Down, a non-profit that focuses on veteran’s health-care. Noah is currently training for his next Ironman triathlon. When he isn’t working, he enjoys live music, and taking advantage of all the wonderful restaurants and farmer’s market his area has to offer.

With plans to expand his remodeling and construction division, Noah is also producing video clips that he would like to eventually turn into a TV pilot. “I feel like I’m only just getting started. The sky really is the limit in this business. I love what I do and couldn’t be more excited about the future.”
Check out Noah’s broker page to find out more information or go to www.noahsellshomes.com.
View some of Noah’s listings:
29707 SE Farmstead Road, Estacada, OR, or view the new video tour on Facebook.
12929 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, OR
View some of Noah’s recent transactions:
122 NE Cook Ave, Portland, OR
1225 NW 9th Ave, Unit 1105, OR
References: Top Agent Magazine, topagentmagazine.com

Cascade Sotheby’s Brokers Receive Advanced RMLS Training

BEND, OR – On Thursday, June 14, Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty hosted an advanced RMLS training session at their Old Mill headquarters. The class was led by Michael Babbitt, a Managing Principal Broker with Cascade Sotheby’s, covering Portland Metro, the Oregon Coast, and SW Washington, with over 10 years of industry expertise in buying, selling, legal and short sales.

RMLS.com (Regional Multiple Listing Service) is a comprehensive searchable database of real estate information providing another avenue to view properties in specified market areas. Brokers utilize Its suite of services to establish contractual offers of compensation (among brokers) and accumulate and disseminate information to enable appraisals. A multiple listing service’s database and software is used by real estate brokers, representing sellers under a listing contract, to widely share information about properties with other brokers who may represent potential buyers or wish to work with a seller’s broker in finding a buyer for the property or asset. The listing data stored in a multiple listing service’s database is the proprietary information of the broker who has obtained a listing agreement with a property’s seller.

A primary advantage of being able to leverage this tool, is to maximize your business by optimizing available resources. A key component of the RMLS system is the classification of conventional common home style characteristics. The program is also known for its highly comprehensive coding and abbreviation system, with designation for county and features of the structure. Michael Babbitt added, “By attending this class, brokers will get an overview of what it’s like to belong to the largest MLS in Oregon and SW Washington. They will be able to increase exposure to their listings, and add in-depth market information and trends for different parts of the state that could be indicators on what is coming to Central Oregon Market.”

Brewing a Baby in Bend: A Guide for Mammas-to-Be in Central Oregon

BEND, OREGON – Anyone who lives in Bend, Oregon understands it’s a town that caters to an outdoor lifestyle. After a day of skiing or hiking, an afternoon enjoying local beer is often a common pastime. So, when I discovered that I was expecting my first baby this summer, I thought my active lifestyle would change dramatically – I was so wrong! Fortunately, Bend, Oregon is a wonderful place to stay active (and social) during your pregnancy, not to mention an amazing place to raise a family. Here are my top “Brewing a Baby in Bend” tips for Central Oregon moms to be:

YOU LOVE TRAIL RUNNING, BUT YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT FALLING
Your doctor has likely warned you of the risks of falling, and trail running certainly has its tripping hazards. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up running if it still feels good. A few of my favorite local trails that offer a flatter run with few to no tripping hazards include Tumalo Trail at Shevlin Park, Deschutes River Trail (my faves are Pioneer Park to Archie Briggs & Riverbend south to Old Mill), and the Larkspur Trail.  This trail in NE Bend starts at Pilot Butte and takes you to Reed Market Rd. It’s a mix of pavement and gravel, but is a nice run in a pinch, if you’re on the east side.

SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING ARE YOUR WINTER GO-TO
While the risk of falling when skiing or riding is pretty high, Central Oregon offers incredible opportunities for winter fun outside of downhill skiing on Mt. Bachelor. Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the snow and forest. From the Meisner Warming Hut, to Todd Lake, there are plenty of trails to keep you busy all winter long! Or pack up for a winter getaway to the Oregon Coast.  Let’s face it, sometimes, it’s nice to get away from the cold weather and relax by the waves. A weekend trip to the coast might be just what you need. Both Newport and Florence are a quick 3 1/2 hours away.

SMITH ROCK IS YOUR SUMMER (AND SPRING AND FALL) HOME
I was in the same boat. We were actually climbing at Smith a week before I found out I was pregnant. I once again, had a moment where I thought one of my favorite activities would have be put on hold, but after doing a ton of research, I found some amazing inspiration from climbing mamas who successfully climbed throughout their pregnancies. I decided that I would continue until I just couldn’t. My amazing husband surprised me with a pregnancy climbing harness for Christmas, and while it took some getting used to, it has kept me going. Climbing can be more than a physical workout – it’s a mental exercise as well and can certainly remind you to breathe (and laugh, especially as your belly grows) as you make your way up the wall.

CHILLAXIN AT CRUX IS YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER ACTIVITY
I get it – there’s nothing like drinking a cold beer outside on a hot Central Oregon summer afternoon. While sipping a pilsner might be out of the question when you’re pregnant, you can still enjoy your favorite brewery, sans alcohol. Many places offer delicious mocktails or fresh squeezed juices with soda water! My favorite fresh squeezed mocks in town come from McMenamins, Pine Tavern and the Brown Owl. Or, instead of frequenting your favorite brewery, check out a local juice café like Mother’s Cafe, and sip on a delish smoothie or fresh squeezed juice. Finally, I’ve found that breweries and tasting rooms that don’t offer non-alcoholic options are usually ok with a mama to be bringing in a LaCroix or San Pellegrino (just be sure to ask first). Pro-tip: Those ALSO taste refreshing from a pint glass.

BONUS: When your friends consume too many beers, but you’ve been hydrating with water, you are the one without a headache the next morning. You’ll have plenty of energy to get up early for that trail run!
Staying active throughout your pregnancy is important to yours and your baby’s health. We are so lucky that living in Central Oregon makes it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout your pregnancy. Grab a friend and head out on a hike and grab a nice mocktail afterward as a reward for taking care of yourself!
If you’re looking to make a move to Central Oregon and need some help with relocation, let’s hang out! I’d love to show you all the amazing places that make Bend a great place to raise a family. You can check out my active listings here as well!
If you’d like to reach out about your experience or have additional tips for how to stay active while pregnant, I’d love to hear from you! Or, if you’d like more information about Calling Bend Oregon Home, I’m happy to be your resource.
About the Author:  Haley Overton is a Broker with Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty.
**IMPORTANT: Every body and pregnancy is different. Please always consult your doctor or midwife before partaking in activities while pregnant (or not pregnant!). This post is simply my shared experience and personal recommendations.

Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty Supports the Sisters Rodeo

SISTERS, OR ­– Since 1940, “The Biggest Little Show in the World”, the annual Sisters Rodeo has provided cowboys with the stage, not to mention the picturesque backdrop of the snow-capped Cascades, to showcase their western skillsets, including calf roping and barrel racing, as well as, bull and bronc riding. What began as a nearly all-volunteer production, a tradition that has not changed much over the years, has continually attracted the best in the business from the beginning. World Champion cowboys compete every year, with stock supplied from local ranches.


The Sisters Rodeo Parade, with a route that winds through the heart of downtown Sisters, is the official kick-off to Rodeo Weekend, with participants ranging from Rodeo Queens to Rodeo Clowns. In fact, the Western theme of the city of Sisters was inspired by Sisters Rodeo. Crowds of all ages line the course, and many local businesses open their doors to cross-promoting the Big Show.


One such business, the local Sisters office of Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty, often goes full-rodeo mode. This season, they’ve partnered with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, who provided samples of Bulleit Bourbon, served to visitors in mini-Mason Jar shot glasses. The Bend-based real estate brokerage has been a sponsor of the rodeo for the past 5 years.



Patty Cordoni, Principal Broker with Cascade Sotheby’s Farm Ranch & Vineyard Division, and a longtime supporter of the event says, “The sell-out crowds that attend year after year, are evident that people still really enjoy “The Biggest Little Rodeo in the World.” Sisters Rodeo Association has maintained its quality of rodeo stock and high purses, guaranteeing that the best in the sport make Sisters part of their annual schedule. On the second weekend in June, Sisters Rodeo has the highest purse in the nation, ensuring that world champions return year after year. With nearly 200 members, the association has also remained a valuable member of the Sisters community, granting annual student scholarships and supporting local charities and other non-profit organizations. Sisters Country, once again, has provided rodeo enthusiasts a most memorable setting and host for this 78th edition of the Rodeo.

Cascade Sotheby’s Lake Oswego Hosts Award-Winning Author, Ji-li Jiang

LAKE OSWEGO, OR – June, 6, 2018, on a pleasurable early summer afternoon, the Lake Oswego office of Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty provided the perfect venue for hosting international, award-winning author, Ji-li Jiang. Best known for her autobiography, Red Scarf Girl, Ji-li Jiang pens a historical memoir about her experiences during the Cultural Revolution in China.

David Henry Hwang, playwright of M. Butterfly, contributed the foreword and added, “I can only hope I would have shown the same decency and courage exhibited by Ji-li Jiang. Her actions remind me that, even under unbearable circumstances, one can still cling to love and justice. Above all, one can still hope for a happier tomorrow.”

The author signed copies of her book, as she chatted with guests about her experiences and personal inspiration. Visitors mingled, and sampled several varieties of local wine and desserts. View the author’s website. Savannah Case, of Prosper Coffee Co., was also on-hand, offering pours of her recently launched line of cold brew coffees. View the Prosper Coffee’s website.

The proceeding, scheduled in conjunction with Cascade Sotheby’s launch of their new Asia Market Division, welcomes Michael Zhang to their exceptional team of brokers. Michael’s international experience will play a vital role in the development of the Division, specializing in the representation of Far East buyers investment or relocation interests in the Pacific Northwest. View Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty listings.

Following the event, Ji-li Jiang addressed a group at Lake Oswego High School, to discuss her passionate story in greater detail. Committed to their support of the arts and other philanthropic efforts, Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty will be making a donation to Lake Oswego High School.