With all that 2020 has brought us so far, I wasn’t sure if this annual event would take place. Indeed, if a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak occurs, the Tour could still be canceled. However, as of this writing, it’s a go!
2020 COBA Tour Of Homes
July 10th-12th and July 17th-19th
Fridays: 12 pm – 6 pm | Saturdays & Sundays: 10 am – 5 pm
The tour is a fantastic opportunity to see new homes throughout central Oregon – potentially including some within areas that are normally gated. It’s also a great way to see what different builders are doing. I’ve been going on the Tour since 2004 (when I was working as an architect – long before I was ever a real estate broker). In those days, I was going simply to see the latest design trends. But I also got to discover places that I wouldn’t normally have had access to – like Brasada Ranch, Pronghorn, and Ranch At The Canyons.
The tour is completely FREE and self-guided. Simply show up to any of the homes on the tour days to check them out. See as many (or as few) as you like!
Printed guides are generally made available in the Bend Bulletin newspaper the Wednesday before the first weekend of the tour (this year that will be Wednesday, July 8). They are also available that Wednesday (and sometimes the Tuesday prior) for free at the COBA office at 1051 NE 4th St, Bend, OR 97702. Additionally, once they are released, I will have some copies at our Bend office, 404 SW Columbia St #110, Bend, OR 97702. I’ll try to make some available at our Sunriver office as well (57100 Beaver Drive, The Village at Sunriver, Bldg # 7, Sunriver, OR 97707). Additionally, most of the homes on the tour will have complimentary copies of the guide.
The online version of the guide should appear at https://www.cobatourofhomes.com/ that same week. COBA typically doesn’t make the list of homes available prior to that week because many of the homes are new builds and their substantial completion is one of their requirements to being on the tour. Inevitably some will not be able to make the deadline and will therefore not appear in the guide.
I really can’t recommend the tour enough. It’s a great way to see what local builders are doing – both from production and custom standpoints. And if you are new to central Oregon, it’s a fantastic way familiarize yourself with the area.
Chefs On Tour
T.B.D. (possibly Wednesday evening, July 8th)
In recent years, COBA has selected a few of the homes from the main tour to partake in an evening pre-show, mini-dinner tour. Unlike the main Tour, this is a ticketed (paid) event. As described on last year’s page, “in each home, a local chef will be showcased offering a tasty bite of their choice paired with beer and wine. It’s a fun evening around town that you won’t want to miss!”
As of now, there I’m not finding any notice of a Chefs On Tour event for 2020. It’s entirely possible that it has not been scheduled due to coronavirus concerns. So, for now I can only refer you to coba.org and coba.org/chefs-on-tour/ with the possibility that it might still make the schedule.
Hope to see you on the tour!
