5 Effective Ways to Teach Kids About Real Estate Investing Early in Bend and Redmond, Central Oregon

Parenting is one of the toughest yet most rewarding journeys — from diaper changes to dinner battles, the challenges never end. But in Central Oregon, especially in growing communities like Bend and Redmond, parents have a unique opportunity to teach their kids valuable skills that can last a lifetime, including real estate investing.

At Arise Property Management, we believe that introducing kids to real estate investing early sets them up for long-term financial success. Teaching your children about property management and investing is more than just passing down knowledge — it’s about empowering the next generation to thrive in Central Oregon’s dynamic housing market.

If you’re a local parent wondering how to start this conversation, here are five practical ways to get your kids engaged in real estate investing right here in Bend and Redmond.

1. Start With Savings: Lay a Strong Financial Foundation

Teaching your kids the basics of money management is the first step. In Central Oregon’s growing economy, understanding the value of saving is key before diving into investing. Start simple—use a piggy bank or open a custodial savings account with your local bank in Bend or Redmond. Talk about wants versus needs and how saving can eventually lead to investing in properties, whether it’s a rental home or a small investment.

Allow your kids to make small mistakes to learn goal-setting and delayed gratification, essential skills for any future investor.

2. Teach Budgeting: Connect Spending to Real Estate Realities

Kids won’t be paying mortgages or utilities anytime soon, but learning to budget their allowance helps them grasp how expenses impact cash flow. Use real-world examples from the Central Oregon rental market — explain how rent covers mortgages, repairs, and taxes, and how balancing income and expenses leads to successful investing.

Older kids can benefit from their own checking account and tracking their spending, maybe even with a local Bend credit union or bank.

3. Use Games to Make Learning Fun and Interactive

Incorporate games like Monopoly or digital tycoon-style games that simulate property investing and management. These games can teach your kids how to think strategically about property purchases and managing costs, skills that apply directly to Central Oregon’s real estate scene.

Playing these games as a family in your Bend or Redmond home can create valuable learning experiences while having fun.

4. Involve Them in Real Estate Decisions

When your kids get older, invite them to participate in real estate discussions specific to your Central Oregon investments. Show them rental listings or tenant issues and ask for their opinions. For example, discuss how to handle a tenant in Bend who is late on rent or analyze the potential of a new investment property in Redmond together.

This real-life involvement helps them see the practical side of investing and decision-making.

5. Encourage Hands-On Experience with Property Maintenance

Real estate investing isn’t just about numbers — it requires hard work and hands-on effort. Bring your kids along on property visits in Bend or Redmond. Let them help with simple tasks like painting walls, mowing lawns, or shoveling snow. These experiences teach them the value of effort and upkeep in maintaining a successful rental property in Central Oregon’s climate and housing market.

At Arise Property Management, we are proud to support families in Bend and Redmond who want to build strong financial futures through real estate. By starting early, you can help your kids develop the skills and confidence to become savvy investors right here in Central Oregon.