Bellingham Real Estate Blog

Would you like to stop receiving unsolicited offers for credit cards? You can.

Loan officers and processors must run credit reports to see what kind of a loan you qualify for to buy your dream home. All one needs is a name, address and social security number. 

But as soon as the credit report is run, it triggers the credit bureaus to "provide" (sell?) that information to subscribing lenders who will then telemarketer the person. 

I have even been told by a loan officer recently that these inquiries do lower your credit score slightly for each time one of these companies looks at your credit to see if they want to send you an offer. In this tight credit market even a few points can make or break a loan. I would love to hear from some loan officers or someone else in the know about this.

One way to prevent this sale of your info is to go to www.optoutprescreen.com they "are the official Consumer Credit Reporting Industry website to accept and process requests from consumers to opt-in or opt-out of firm offers of credit or insurance."

I just went their today and opted out and though they ask for you social security number it is not required to give it to them.

Downtown Bellingham has returned to the thriving, vibrant center it was years ago, before the era of the mall. With the new downtown waterfront in it's future Bellingham's downtown can only get better.

The successful revitalization of downtown Bellingham and the partnerships that have made it possible are shown in a new video available to view on-line and on Bellingham own TV station, BTV10.

The video celebrates the successes that revitalization has had, it includes re-development of one of the centers of town, the corner of Railroad and Holly Street, the home of Bellingham's Farmer's Market - Depot Market Square, new businesses and facade improvements, historic renovations, affordable housing, public art, street and landscaping improvements, and the restoration of Maritime Heritage Park and Whatcom Creek.   

If you are interested in seeing the heartbeat of Bellingham check out this video. 

Video: Downtown Bellingham: Back to Center  Sep 18, 2008 (WMV)  

3 BR, 2 BA, 2529 Sq Ft, 2.45 Acres  ----  $547,623

Estate living & instant equity in this well-priced home located off Samish Way at the end of long, private road. On 2.45 sunny, quiet acres nestled in trees, this impressive home features timber-frame style, 5 skylights, upper floor deck, sunroom with hot tub, huge master with fireplace, vaulted wood ceilings, exposed timber, large, fenced backyard, multi-purpose monitor barn (shop, garage, storage). Located minutes from Galbraith Mtn trails, golf course, Lk Padden, Fairhaven, B'ham & I-5.

If you woul like to see this home give me a call.

This is an awesome Home at a great Price!

Bellingham Public Library opened its first new branch in 84 years with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Barkley Branch on Saturday, September 13 .

The 1,400 square foot branch has been generously donated by the Barkley Company, who constructed and outfitted the space as a library and have given it to the Library rent-free for 42 months. The Barkley Branch will have 4 public Internet workstations in addition to WiFi access, a browsing collection of library materials, and holds pickup and drop off capabilities. The library will hold children's story times on Saturdays beginning in October.

The new Barkley Branch will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 13: 8:30am - Fairhaven Runners Waterfront 15K Race

One of the biggest annual running events in Bellingham will take place Saturday. It is too late to enter

This 9.3-mile loop race is on Bellingham Bay's beautiful waterfront trail, with views of the bay, San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, and Mount Baker.

The race ends at Fairhaven's Village Green, where the post-race party will be held, one block from the start.

It is too late to enter, but you can still enjoy cheering on your favorite racers and enjoying the party.

The race is presented by Fairhaven Runners and Walkers in partnership with Bellingham Parks & Recreation.

image courtesy flickr.com by jordanfischer

Saturday, September 6:  - The  Fairhaven Salmon Barbeque

 I remember the days of the old Fairhaven Salmon BBQ every fall, in the 1980s and even 1990's, It was a great event in one of the empty lots on Harris Ave. After Sea-to-Ski, it was the biggest party of the year in Fairhaven. Great Music and a great salmon dinner............Yum...................................... and now it's back after a hugely popular return last year!

Now, the Village Green, will be where the event is held. The menu includes Pacific Northwest salmon--cooked by local fishermen who know the best barbecuing secrets.

The cost includes the salmon, with some sidedishes, like salad, bread, a vegetable, and a beverage. A hot-dog meal will be available for the kids.  Lots of great local music for your listening and dancing pleasure!w

The roller coaster ride of sales prices continues, this month is heading up again after coming off a good lower price last month.

This months average sales price is up 12.8% compared to last year, while the median price is down a slight 1.1% 

The average price is up 15.6% from last month while the median off 1.6% from this past July.

The number of sales is down by 59 compared to last year or 40%, this sure seems to be continuing the trend so far this year.

This months roller coaster was pushed up by a $3,300,000 home sale in Edgemoore.  We have been on this roller coaster ride here in Bellingham in terms of prices rising and falling from month to month, what will the next few months bring? We will just have to wait and see. I predict more of the same. The roller coaster ride that is.

If you would like any more information about Bellingham Real Estate or Bellingham Real Estate statistics visit my website at BellinghamProperty.com

This months average Bellingham Condo sales price is up 3.2% compared to last year, but the median price went down 7.0% compared to last August.

The average price is up 10.0% from July (last month) while the median is down a bit at 2.4% from last month.

The number of sales is down by 21 compared to last year,and the days on the market is quite a bit lower than last year.

If you would like any more information about Bellingham Real Estate or Bellingham Real Estate statistics visit my website at BellinghamProperty.com

Real Estate Market Report/Conditions for Bellingham, WA for August, 2008

The following is a quick analysis of the Residential Bellingham real estate market.

• Currently Active Listings: 645
• Price range of active listings - $144,900 - $3,575,000
• Average List Price $527,522   Days on the Market:  110
• Median List Price: $389,950    Days on the Market:   78
• Sold in August: 87
• Average List Price: $424,249 
• Average Sales Price: $405,983
• Ratio of List to Price: 95.7%    Days on the Market: 77
• Median ListPrice: $319,000
• Median Sales Price: $309,500   Days on the Market: 53
• Pending Sales Last Week: 27  

                     Condo Analysis for Bellingham 

• Currently Active Listings: 286
• Price range of active listings - $110,000 - $1,565,000
• Average List Price $300,872     Days on the Market:  192
• Median List Price $222,400        Days on the Market: 127
• Sold in August: 30
• Average List Price: $221,980 
• Average Sales Price: $211,970  
• Ratio of List to Price: 95.5%  Days on the Market: 103
• Median List Price: $182,250
• Median Sales Price: $180,000    
• Ratio of List to Price: 98.7%  Days on the Market: 85
• Pending Sales Last Week: 9

Buyers: Interest rates are still low making now is a good time to get in the market. There are still plenty of homes to choose from and many of these homes have been on the market a long time so there are some motivated sellers out there who need to sell their homes.

Sellers: There is still a lot of competition right now and if you don't want your home to sit on the market without an offer here are a few bits of advise:

• The most important thing you can do is price your home right, have your real estate agent do a CMA and price your home aggressively, that is in the lower range of similar homes if you want a quick sale
• Have a pre-inspection done to your home and fix any problems
• Give your home curb appeal
• Offer a Home Warranty if it is an older home
• Get rid of clutter, start clearing out your things, even if you have to put them in storage.
• Think about staging your home, get advise from a staging professional or at least your agent.

If you would like some info about Bellingham real estate or living in Bellingham visit my website at BellinghamProperty.com or give me a call. 

Real Estate Market Report/Conditions for Whatcom County,WA for August, 2008

The following is a quick analysis of the Residential Whatcom County real estate market.

• Currently Active Listings: 1799
• Homes are priced from $24,900 - $4,799,000
• Average List Price $453,414   Days on the Market:  117
• Median List Price: $349,900    Days on the Market:   82
• Sold in August: 186
• Average List Price: $363,465
• Average Sales Price: $347,875
• Ratio of List to Price: 95.7%    Days on the Market: 85
• Median ListPrice: $289,450
• Median Sales Price: $281,500    Days on the Market: 67
• Ratio of List to Price: 97.2%
• Pending Sales Last Week: 44

  Condo Analysis for Whatcom County

• Currently Active Listings: 449
• Condos are priced from $27,500 - $1,565,000  
• Average List Price $289,992     Days on the Market:  179
• Median List Price $213,900        Days on the Market:  119
• Sold in August: 43
• Average List Price: $217,086
• Average Sales Price: $207,803    Days on the Market: 124
• Ratio of List to Price: 95.7%
• Median List Price: $185,000
• Median Sales Price: $180,000   Days on the Market: 99
• Ratio of List to Price: 97.9%
• Pending Sales Last Week: 9

Buyers:Interest rates are still low making now is a good time to get in the market. There are still plenty of homes to choose from and many of these homes have been on the market a long time so there are some motivated sellers out there who need to sell their homes.

Sellers: There is still a lot of competition right now and if you don't want your home to sit on the market without an offer here are a few bits of advise:

• The most important thing you can do is price your home right, have your real estate agent do a CMA and price your home aggressively, that is in the lower range of similar homes if you want a quick sale
• Have a pre-inspection done to your home and fix any problems
• Give your home curb appeal
• Offer a Home Warranty if it is an older home
• Get rid of clutter, start clearing out your things, even if you have to put them in storage.
• Think about staging your home, get advise from a staging professional or at least your agent.

If you would like some info about  Whatcom County or Bellingham real estate or living in Whatcom County or Bellingham visit my website at BellinghamProperty.com or give me a call.