Dena Swift - HomeSmart Realty Group

05/20/2026

This market keeps moving, and I am so grateful to be right in the middle of it — helping real people find their way home. ❤️

🎉 SOLD — 4274 5th St, Hubbard | $415,000
🔑 ACTIVE-BUMPABLE — 4603 Chaparral Dr SE, Salem | $329,900
🏠 JUST LISTED — 4467 Thunder Vista Ln, Lake Oswego | $699,900
📋 UNDER CONTRACT — 3127 S 12th St, Lebanon | $389,900

A quick note on that Salem property — 4603 Chaparral Dr SE is a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy sale, which means it works a little differently than a traditional transaction. There is already an accepted offer in place, but because of the bankruptcy process, the sale is subject to court approval and can be upset by a qualifying overbid. That means if you are a motivated buyer, the door is genuinely still open.

Here's what that looks like in practice: a higher offer submitted before the court hearing could trigger an overbid auction. These situations move on a timeline set by the court, so if this one has been on your radar, now is the time to reach out — not tomorrow, not next week. Let's talk through the process and see if it makes sense for you.

Being a REALTOR® isn't just about buying and selling homes — it's about showing up for people during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Every sold sign, every set of keys, every new beginning — I don't take a single one for granted. 🗝️

If you or someone you love is ready to make a move, I would be honored to help.

📞 Call or text

05/07/2026

NEW LISTINGS + A PENDING SALE — What a Week!

So grateful for the opportunity to serve buyers and sellers across the Willamette Valley! Here's a look at what's happening in our market right now.

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🏠 JUST LISTED
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🔑 4603 Chaparral Dr SE | Salem, OR
💲 $329,900 | 3 bed / 2 bath | 1,363 sqft
Single-level home in South Salem with an open great room design, 2-car garage, fenced yard & territorial views. Great investor opportunity — sold AS-IS.
👉 https://homesmart.com/real-estate-agent/hs0038/dena-swift/b6e741de-ffa2-f65c-0f91-431a969594ec/property/WillametteValley/840644

🔑 3127 S 12th St | Lebanon, OR
💲 $389,900 | 3 bed / 2 bath | 1,255 sqft
Move-in ready gem! Vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, kitchen island, covered back deck, fully fenced backyard, storage shed & 2-car garage. This one checks every box!
👉 https://homesmart.com/real-estate-agent/hs0038/dena-swift/b6e741de-ffa2-f65c-0f91-431a969594ec/property/WillametteValley/840647

🔑 4467 Thunder Vista Ln | Lake Oswego, OR
💲 $699,900 | 3 bed / 5 bath | 4,494 sqft
Stunning luxury condo in the prestigious Mountain Park neighborhood! Sweeping views, two balconies, spa-like primary suite, two kitchens & living rooms, plus access to the Mountain Park aquatic center, gym & scenic trails.
👉 https://homesmart.com/real-estate-agent/hs0038/dena-swift/b6e741de-ffa2-f65c-0f91-431a969594ec/property/PortlandOR/756917306

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🎉 PENDING — Under Contract!
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⏳ 4274 5th St | Hubbard, OR
💲 $399,900 | 4 bed / 2 bath | 1,708 sqft
MLS #753474013
This one generated incredible interest — and for good reason! A tri-level home on a generous 9,200 sqft lot that backs directly to Barendse Park. So excited to get this one across the finish line for my clients! 🙌
👉 https://homesmart.com/real-estate-agent/hs0038/dena-swift/b6e741de-ffa2-f65c-0f91-431a969594ec/property/PortlandOR/753474013

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Looking to buy or sell in the Willamette Valley? I'd love to help you navigate this market!

📞 Call or text: 503-510-0489
Dena Swift | REALTOR® | Oregon Broker
HomeSmart Realty Group — Salem

04/21/2026

Oregon Renaissance Faire Purchases Oak Knoll Golf Course

The Oregon Renaissance Faire has purchased Oak Knoll Golf Course, according to public records, marking a potential shift for the annual event that has historically been held at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds.

The acquisition of the property raises questions about the future of both the property and faire, including whether the event will relocate to Polk County and what changes, if any, are planned for the land itself. A notice on site says the land will no longer be a golf course.

Oak Knoll Golf Course has been a fixture in the community for years. Any change in ownership or use of the property would represent a significant development, especially if the Faire will be held in Polk County in the future.

If the faire were to relocate to PolkCo, it could represent a major economic boost for the county. The Oregon Renaissance Faire draws thousands of attendees each year across multiple weekends, having grown from a single-weekend event in 2016 to a four-weekend run by its most recent seasons.

The faire features hundreds of vendors, entertainers, and merchants who would need local accommodations, food, fuel, and services throughout the run. For a community of our size, that kind of sustained weekend foot traffic could be a significant windfall for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants across the county.

PolkCo Scanner has reached out to the Oregon Renaissance Faire for comment regarding their plans for the property, whether the faire will be held in Polk County going forward, and what the acquisition means for the future of the event. A response had not been received at the time of publication.

This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.

03/10/2026

🚨 Buying a Home With Cash in 2026? There’s a New Rule You Should Know About.

Starting March 1, 2026, the federal government implemented a new reporting rule for certain real estate transactions.

The rule mainly applies when:

• A home is purchased without a traditional mortgage
• The buyer is an LLC, corporation, partnership, or trust
• The property is residential real estate

Under the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, the law applies to “residential real property,” which includes:

✔ 1–4 family residential properties
✔ Condos, townhomes, and co-ops
✔ Residential vacant land that is intended to be used for building housing

In those situations, some information about the transaction and the entity’s beneficial owners may need to be reported through the U.S. Treasury’s FinCEN system.

📌 Good news:
If you’re buying a home with traditional financing in your personal name, this usually doesn’t affect your purchase.

This rule is primarily aimed at increasing transparency around anonymous cash purchases in real estate.

Part of my job is keeping track of changes like this so my clients and community stay informed.

💬 Curious to hear from investors and homeowners:
If you were buying a property today, would you purchase it in your personal name or through an LLC?

👇 Drop your thoughts below.

01/19/2026

🏡✨ Ever Dreamed of Living Like a Hobbit? 🧙‍♂️
Now’s your chance! This truly one-of-a-kind South Salem property offers
🌳 2.47 acres, with a 4,645 sq ft Main Home + 1,000 sq ft Tolkien-themed ADU called “The Bag Inn” — complete with themed architecture and charm that’s sure to enchant. WVMLS #831523

A property for sale in South Salem that includes a 1,000 square foot Tolkien-themed hobbit house called “The Bag Inn” is being sold. bit.ly/4r0ttd3

08/15/2025

CASH ONLY investment opportunity located in desirable South Salem. Located on 2.47 acres, this property offers 4,645 sqft of living space, plus a 1,000 square-foot Tolkien-themed Hobbit house known as The Bag Inn. Seller is a Trustee for Ch. 7 Bankruptcy Estate. Property sold AS-IS. MLS #831523 https://s.paragonrels.com/goto/KIrxNmgTksx

02/24/2025

Waiting for a big decline in mortgage rates may not be the best strategy. Instead, options like buydowns, ARMs, or assumable mortgages could make homeownership more affordable right now. Connect with a local lender to explore what works for you.
How does this impact your homebuying plans this year?

Many people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen?

02/21/2025

With more homes for sale and buyers being more selective, it’s smart to make strategic updates.​ But how do you decide what’s worth doing? ​You lean on an agent. An agent will be able to tell you what buyers want, quick wins that’ll have a big impact, and what projects have the best ROI. What projects are on your to-do list before selling? With only a month left before spring, let’s connect so you know what’s worth the time and effort.

With more homes for sale and buyers being more selective, it’s smart to make strategic updates. 

02/20/2025

The urban renaissance is real. Whether it’s the vibrant culture, being close to work, or having easy access to everything you need, cities are once again calling — and people are answering.

What’s your favorite thing about life in the city? Let me know.

I’d love to find you a home you love where all the hustle and bustle makes life a bit more exciting.

After years of suburban and rural migration during the pandemic, cities have been making a comeback in the past couple of years

02/19/2025

Inflation can make everyday expenses unpredictable, but owning a home gives you stability. Unlike rent, your monthly mortgage payment stays pretty much the same over time. Plus, the value of your home is likely to increase after you buy.
How would having a fixed housing payment change the way you budget for the future?

It feels like everything is getting more expensive these days.