Bellingham Real Estate Blog

Bellingham Wins $350,000 EPA Grant as Climate Showcase Community

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:16:50 -0600

Bellingham has just been awarded an EPA grant as a Climate Showcase Community (CSC). The goal of the grant is to assist communities establish and implement climate change initiatives that will help reduce carbon emissions. 25 awards where given to 450 applicants. Bellingham will use the grant funds to provide outreach and education on the Community Energy Challenge project, a collaboration with Sustainable Connections, Opportunity Council, Puget Sound Energy and RE Sources for Sustainable Communities.

Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike said "The Community Energy Challenge will demonstrate a comprehensive approach to saving energy that combines community outreach, ‘one-stop shop' weatherization assistance for homes and businesses, and customer and classroom education," The Challenge will creat living wage 'green collar' jobs and result in a significant and measurable reduction in energy use and carbon emissions from businesses, institutional buildings and homes across the entire county. It is estimated that more than 2,000 local homeowners and business owners will benefit from the Challenge.

"The City will use the grant funds to complete the education and outreach element of the Challenge by collaborating with 3 key partners:

Sustainable Connections (SC) is a non-profit membership organization of nearly 650 Northwest Washington business and community leaders working to transform and model an economy built on sustainable practices. SC will be a sub-awardee and will lead development and implementation of the outreach plan.
RE Sources for Sustainable Communities is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable communities through recycling, education, advocacy and conservation of natural resources. RE Sources will be a sub-awardee and will take the lead on promoting the Challenge outreach efforts through school districts, implementing the proven successful Cool School Challenge program. The Cool School Challenge will engage students, teachers and administrators in school-wide initiatives to save energy and reduce carbon pollution. Participants will also have the opportunity to bring information and practices home to their families.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is a national leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and supports the Community Energy Challenge as part of the utility's commitment to the region's environmental and economic sustainability. As a sponsor of the Challenge and as a technical resource for Sustainable Connections and the Building Performance Center, the utility offers expertise and knowledge in energy efficiency that is helping the Challenge in meeting its goals for Whatcom County. PSE's energy efficiency and education programs involved in this challenge are proven to help customers save energy and protect the environment. "

Approximately 1,800 homes and 150 commercial buildings will improve their energy efficiency during the 3 years of the Challenge as well as additional conservation measures that will be taken in public schools and other key buildings. The Challenge will result in a carbon emissions reduction equivalent to the removing 1,378 passenger cars from the road for one year.

Images of barometers will be displayed on large banners around town and widely published in print media to track collective progress towards the goal of "making Bellingham and Whatcom County a nationally recognized leader in energy efficiency."

Whatcom County residents will have a variety of opportunities at home, at work and at school to take up the Challenge, save energy and money and help the community lead the nation towards practical solutions.

Whatcom County Council Approves Septic Ispection by Homeowners

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:58:39 -0600

Whatcom County Council has approved changes to septic system regulations that will allow some homeowners to avoid inspection costs by inspecting their own systems if they take a county-approved training class on septic system maintenance and testing.

Professional inspections are still required whenever a property is sold.

There has been controversy surrounding septic ordinance ever since the county passed it 2008. It was originally passed to enforce toughened state health regulations.

The objectionable part of, the 2008 ordinance required an initial professional inspection of every septic system in the county, at a cost estimated at $150 to $300. Some say that that requirement went beyond the mandates of state law.

There will still be plenty of business for those septic inspection companies as many residents won't want to take the class and be a "do-it your-selfer" and those having more complex, modern systems will still require annual professional inspections.

The majority of council members believe that regulations are still tough enough to curb septic system problems. The Whatcom County Health Department will investigate reports of any failing systems.

The County Council also hopes to establish a $2 million low-interest loan program to help qualifying homeowners finance the costly replacement of failed systems.

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:19:53 -0600

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

Currently Active Listings: 443
Price range of active listings - $90,000 - $3,450,000
Average List Price $475,444 Days on the Market: 124
Median List Price: $379,000 Days on the Market: 86
Sold in January: 28
Average List Price: $347,966
Average Sales Price: $336,964 Days on the Market: 73
Ratio of List to Price 96.8%
Median List Price: $276,950
Median Sales Price: $267,000 Days on the Market: 63
Ratio of List to Price: 96.4%
Pending Sales Last Week: 22 Total pending sales: 108

Average Sales Price January 2000: $294,064
Median Sales Price January 2009: $287,500
Number Sold in January 2009: 38

The Average Sales price is up 14.5% compared to January 09 and up 2.5% compared to the previous month December 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 6.2% compared January 09 and down 2.8% compared to the previous December 09.

The number of sales is down 10 compared to January 2009 and down 44 compared to the previous month December 09.

Condo Analysis for Bellingham

Currently Active Listings: 241
Price range of active listings - $105,000 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $236,703 Days on the Market: 146
Median List Price $179,900 Days on the Market: 181
Sold in January: 11
Average List Price: $257,509
Average Sales Price: $244,455 Days on the Market: 120
Ratio of List to Price: 97.1%
Median List Price: $229,900
Median Sales Price: $219,000 Days on the Market: 89
Ratio of List to Price: 99.5%
Pending Sales Last Week: 4 Total pending sales: 27

Average Sales Price January, 2009: $210,200
Median Sales Price January, 2009: $209,500
Sold in January, 2009: 23

Average Condo sale price is up 16.2% from January 2009 and up 26.6% from the previous month - December 2009

Median Sales Price is up 4.7% from January 2009 and up 33.5% from the previous month - December 2009.

The number of sales is down 22 compared to January 2009 and down 8 compared to the previous month - December 09.

If you look at the graph you can see that the residential and condo market prices have taken a slight up tick.

Will the roller coaster ride of prices continue?........Tune in next month

Homes under $300,00 have been selling well and itt seems like the higher end of the market which has been pretty stagnant is starting to move again as well. The absorption rates have gone down meaning number of homes sold per month over a particular period of time has gone down. The number of months to sell is a reflection of the absorption rate, how long it will take to sell the current inventory at the said absorption rate.

Will the roller coaster ride of prices continue?........Tune in next month

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Sudden Valley Estate Market Report for January, 2010

The First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit of $8,000 available to anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years has been extended until April 2010. The new program has also expanded the tax credit to include existing home owners who have owned a home for at least five of the last 8 years. You will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when you purchase your next home. You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford. Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:14:21 -0600

The following is an analysis of the Whatcom County real estate market.

There are currently 1385 homes for sale
Homes are priced from $15,000 - $4,500,000
Average Asking Price $403,201 Days on Market: 139 days
Median Asking Price $323,000 Days on Market: 93 days
Homes sold in January: 97
Average Listing Price $287,275
Average Sold Price $277,881 Days on Market 99
Median Listing Price $249,956
Median Sold Price $245,000 Days on Market: 64
Homes Pending this week: 71 Total Homes Pending: 340

Average Sales Price January, 2009: $275,239
Median Sales Price January, 2009: $249,898
Sold in January. 2009: 91

The Average Sales price is up 1.0% compared to January, 09 and down 3.2% compared to the previous month December, 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 2.0% compared to January, 09 and down 1.1% compared to the previous month December, 09.

The number of sales is up by 6 compared to January, 09 and down by 71 compared to the previous month December, 09.

Condo Analysis for Whatcom County

Currently Active Listings: 398
Price range of active listings - $22,000 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $237,510 Days on Market: 158
Median List Price $184,900 Days on Market: 141
Sold in January: 13
Average Listing Price $242,392
Average Sold Price $230,346 Days on Market: 118
Median Listing Price $225,000
Median Sold Price $194,000 Days on Market: 89
Condos Pending (went under contract) last week: 12 Total Condos Pending: 58

Average Sales Price January, 2009: $199,243
Median Sales Price January, 2009: $201.975
Sold in January, 2009: 14

The Average Sales price is up 15.6% compared to January, 09, and up 24.8% compared to the previous month December, 09.

The Median Sales prices is down by 3.9% compared to January, 09 and down by 28.7% compared to the previous month December, 09.

The number of sales is down by 1 compared to January, 09 and down by 15 compared to the previous month December, 09.

The good news this month is the number of pending sales is up.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Sudden Valley Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:13:35 -0600

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

There are currently 241 homes for sale.

Homes are priced from $75,000 - $2,950,000
Average Asking Price $456,984 Days on Market: 159 days
Median Asking Price $344,000 Days on Market: 114 days
Homes sold in January: 10
Average Listing Price $281,911
Average Sold Price $274,896 Days on Market 198
Median Listing Price $214,490
Median Sold Price $210,490 Days on Market: 88
Homes Pending this week: 10 Total Homes Pending: 59

Average Sales Price January 2009: $262,135
Median Sales Price January 2009: $236,000
Sold in January 2009: 10

The Average Sales price is up 4.9% compared to January 2009 and down 9.7% compared to the previous month December 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 10.8% compared to January 2009 and down 19.0% compared to the previous month December 09.

The number of sales is equal to January 2009 and is up by 2 compared to the previous month December 09.

Condo Analysis for Blaine/Birch Bay

Currently Active Listings: 101
Price range of active listings - $19,000 - $1,149,000
Average List Price $239,823 Days on Market: 149
Median List Price $224,950 Days on Market: 98
Sold in January: 0

Sold in January 2009: 0

Looks like Blaine Real Estate prices are up slightly from last year and down slightly from last month.

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Sudden Valley Estate Market Report for January, 2010

The First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit of $8,000 available to anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years has been extended until April 2010. The new program has also expanded the tax credit to includeexisting home owners who have owned a home for at least five of the last 8 years. You will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when you purchase your next home. You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford. Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Sudden Valley Real Estate Market - January 2010

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:11:49 -0600

The following is a quick analysis of the Sudden Valley Real Estate Market.

There are currently 96 homes for sale. Homes are priced from $109,900 - $789,000

Average Asking Price is $293,932 Average Days on Market is 114
Median Asking Price is $269,900 Median Days on Market is 81
Sold in January: 7
Average Listing Price $300,243
Average Sold Price $288,914 Average Days on Market 47
Median Listing Price $279,000
Median Sold Price $274,000 Median Days on Market 35
Pending Sales Last Week: 6 Total pending sales: 29

Average Sales Price January, 2009: $293,784
Median Sales Price January, 2009: $312,450
Sold in January, 2009: 10

The Average Sales price is down 1.7% compared to January, 09 and up 27.7% compared to December 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 12.3% compared to January, 09 and up 21.3% compared to December 09.

The number of sales down 3 compared to January, 09 and is down 7 unit compared to December 09.

Condo Analysis for Sudden Valley

There are currently 11 condos for sale. Condos are priced from $69,900 - $298,000

Average List Price $159,364 Average Days on the Market: 131
Median List Price $164,900 Median Days on the Market: 98
Sold in January: 0
Average Listing Price $139,500
Average Sold Price $132,500 Average Days on Market 67
Median Listing Price $139,500
Median Sold Price $132,500 Median Days on Market 67
Pending Sales Last Week: 1 Total pending sales: 1

Sold in January 2009: 0

Sudden Valley Sales prices are higher than they have been in at least 6 months, also the pending numbers are up for the week maybe translating to higher number of sales next month.

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Sudden Valley Estate Market Report for January, 2010

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:10:12 -0600

The following is a quick analysis of the Lynden Real Estate market.

There are currently 156 homes for sale.

Homes are priced from $175,000 - $987,000
Average Asking Price; $355,824 Days on Market are 149 days
Median Asking Price: $316,450 Days on Market are 94 days
Homes sold in January: 13
Average Listing Price $253,612
Average Sold Price $247,262 Days on the Market 130
Median Listing Price $249,956
Median Sold Price $240,000 Days on Market 89
Homes Pending last week: 8 Total Homes Pending: 39

Average Sales Price January 2009: $286,450
Median Sales Price January 2009: $249,800
Sold in January 2009: 11

The Average Sales price is down 12.0% compared to January 2009 and down 7.5% compared to December 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 3.9% compared to January 2009 and down 2.9% compared to December 09.

The number of sales is up by 2 compared to January 2009 and is up 1 compared to last month December 09.

Condo Analysis for Lynden

There are currently 23 condos for sale.
Condos are priced from $137,900 - $379,950
Average List Price $219,413 Days on the Market: 157
Median List Price $219,956 Days on the Market: 101
Condos Sold in January: 1
Average List Price: $179,000
Average Sales Price: $173,000Days on the Market: 144
Median List Price: $179,000
Median Sales Price: $173,000 Days on the Market: 144
Pending Sales Last Week: 0 Total Condos Pending 9

Average Sales Price January 2009: $199,950
Median Sales Price January 2009: $199,950
Sold in January 2009: 2

Looks like residential pending numbers are up for the week maybe translating to higher number of sales next month.

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Sudden Valley Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Great news the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit of $8,000 available to anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years has been extended until April 2010. The new program will also expand the tax credit to include existing home owners who have owned a home for at least five of the last 8 years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home.

You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford. Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Lynden Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:08:47 -0600

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

There are currently 201 homes for sale.

Homes are priced from $94,500 - $1,500,000
Average Asking Price is $384,702 Days on Market are 134 days
Median Asking Price is $328,500 Days on Market are 97 days
Homes sold in January: 24
Average Listing Price $268,044
Average Sold Price $259,758 Days on the Market 96
Median Listing Price $245,950
Median Sold Price $246,000 Days on Market 69
Homes Pending this week: 10 Total Homes Pending: 50

Average Sales Price January, 2009: $227,486 Days on the Market: 68
Median Sales Price January, 2009: $228,000 Days on the Market: 49
Sold in January, 2009: 7

The Average Sales price is up 19.8% compared to January, 2009 and down 7.4% compared to last month, December 2009.

The Median Sales prices is up 7.8% compared to January, 2009 and up .2% compared to last month, December 2009.

The number of sales is down up 17 compared to January, 2009 and is up 6 compared to last month, December 2009.

Looks like Ferndale prices have come up almost 20% from last years lows but seem to be trending down again.

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for January, 2010

Sudden Valley Estate Market Report for January, 2010

The First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit of $8,000 available to anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years has been extended until April 2010. The new program has also expanded the tax credit to include existing home owners who have owned a home for at least five of the last 8 years. You will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when you purchase your next home. You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford. Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Olympic Torch Will Be at Blaine’s Peace Arch Park

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:46:14 -0600

The Olympic torch will be making a stop at Blaine's Peace Arch Park on Tuesday, Feb. 9., it will be there at 7:20 am so you better get there early. The events are free and include entertainment.

Olympic torch is a symbol of the Olympic Games. In 1936, Carl Diem, the chairman of the organizing committee for the 1936 Games, suggested what is now the modern Olympic Torch relay. The Olympic flame is lit at the ancient site of Olympia by women wearing ancient-style robes and using a curved mirror and the sun, it is then passed along from runner to runner from this ancient site to the Olympic stadium in the hosting city. The flame is kept lit until the end of the Games.

If you miss it there it will be making it's way to Vancouver over the next few days at these locations.

"Abbotsford: The party will begin at 5:45 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, at Abbotsford Exhibition Park, not far north of Sumas. The torch is expected to arrive at about 7 p.m., followed by a cauldron lighting. Parking at the site will be limited, and the event is scheduled to run until 8 p.m.

Surrey: The torch is expected to arrive at about 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at Surrey's Holland Park. A community torch celebration will begin at 5:45 p.m.

White Rock: The torch will pass through White Rock starting at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9. White Rock firefighters will host a fundraiser pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Ave. Olympic athletes from the region will sign autographs.

Peace Arch Park: At about 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, the torch comes to Peace Arch Provincial Park, just across the border. Take exit 276 off Interstate 5 and head to Peace Arch State Park to get one of about 200 parking spaces. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell are scheduled to be there."

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Whatcom County and Lummi Nation Reach Deal on Lummi Island Ferry

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:09:11 -0600

It looks like life will continue without disruptions for the roughly 1,000 permanent residents of Lummi Island. Whatcom County officials and the Lummi Nation have announced an agreement on a new long-term lease for the Gooseberry Point ferry dock, ensuring uninterrupted ferry service between Gooseberry Point and Lummi.

The current lease expires Feb. 14, and thing were looking shaky for island residents. The County even did a tet run to Fairhaven.

Rumor has it that fares and schedules for the Whatcom Chief ferry may change once a final, long-term deal is done.

Tribal leaders have recently stated their goal was the eventual relocation of the ferry dock, and they expressed reluctance to consider any lease renewal beyond five years. But Tuesday's announcement said the tribe and county have reached "a conceptual agreement for a 25-year lease with an option to renew for an additional 25 years……………………..Both the Lummi Nation and Whatcom County are committed to continuing to work in a spirit of cooperation to develop a final agreement in a timely manner,"

So if you’re considering a move to Lummi Island, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll have a way to get to your new home. The ferry will be around for many years to come.

If your interested in Lummi Island homes give me a call, there are some great deals there.

Charming Craftsman Home with Large In-law Suite

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:21:03 -0600

3 Bedrooms, 1 3/4 Baths, 1700 Sq. Ft. plus

2 Bedroom 3/4 Bath 1636 Sq. Ft. in-law Suite with Full Kitchen

$389,900

Address: 1621 Electric Ave Bellingham, WA 98220

MLS#: 14244

Beautifully Updated, Spacious Craftsman Style Home
Oak Floors
Arched Doorways
Original Wood Trim
French Doors
Large Lower Level in-law Suite with Full Kitchen
Lots of Upgrades
Cedar Siding with New Exterior Paint
Double Pain Windows
2 Sets of Washers and Dryers
Organic Gardens
Outbuilding
Large Partially Fenced Private Yard
Beautiful Landscaping
Close to Whatcom Falls and Blodel Donavon Parks

If your interested in viewing this home please give me a call.

Written by Michael Eisenberg. If you are considering relocating to Bellingham or looking to sell or buy

Lummi Island Ferry's Test Run to Fairhaven

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:35:56 -0600

Whatcom County officials have scheduled a test docking of the Whatcom Chief in Fairhaven for Tuesday, Jan. 26.

The reason for this unusual test is that the Lummi Island ferry dock lease with Lummi Nation expires Feb. 14. Negotiations are in progress, but the county wants to be prepared if no deal is reached. The county needs to make sure they have a backup plan in place for getting people and vehicles on and off the island.

Port of Bellingham and County engineers have been studying the feasibility of docking the ferry at the port's Bellingham Cruise Terminal, where presently an Alaska state ferry docks every Friday.

The run to Fairhaven would be 50 minutes compared to the 10 minute trip to the present site. There are also issues about getting children to school who go to Ferndale schools.

A new group of island residents has formed called Protect Lummi Island Community, they would prefer to see efforts focus on a long-term agreement with the Lummi's to keep the ferry dock at it's present location.

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for December, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:29:16 -0600

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

Currently Active Listings: 405
Price range of active listings - $90,000 - $3,450,000
Average List Price $472,240 Days on the Market: 135
Median List Price: $378,000 Days on the Market: 97
Sold in December: 72
Average List Price: $341,735
Average Sales Price: $328,616 Days on the Market: 85
Ratio of List to Price96.1%
Median List Price: $288,000
Median Sales Price: $280,000 Days on the Market: 62
Ratio of List to Price: 97.2%
Pending Sales Last Week: 15 Total pending sales: 97

Average Sales Price December 2008: $323,399
Median Sales Price December 2008: $259,000
Number Sold in December 2008: 49

The Average Sales price is up 1.6% compared to December 08 and down 12.1% compared to the previous month November 09.

The Median Sales prices is up 8.1% compared December 08 and down 1.9% compared to the previous November 09.

The number of sales is up by 23 compared to December 2008 and down by 15 compared to the previous month November 09.

Condo Analysis for Bellingham

Currently Active Listings: 233
Price range of active listings - $109,900 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $244,603 Days on the Market: 158
Median List Price $183,000 Days on the Market: 156
Sold in December: 19
Average List Price: $198,700
Average Sales Price: $193,038 Days on the Market: 114
Ratio of List to Price: 97.1%
Median List Price: $164,900
Median Sales Price: $164,000 Days on the Market: 73
Ratio of List to Price: 99.5%
Pending Sales Last Week: 9 Total pending sales: 23

Average Sales Price December, 2008: $200,792
Median Sales Price December, 2008: $184,900
Sold in December, 2008: 17

Average Condo sale price is down 3.8% from December 2008 and down 3.4% from the previous month - November 2009

Median Sales Price is down 18.3% from December 2008 and down 6.3% from the previous month - November 2009.

The number of sales is down 2 compared to December 2008 and up 4 compared to the previous month November 09.

If you look at the graph you can see that prices the residential market have gone up in the first part of the year than took a dip, climbed back up and took a dip again in December. Condos went up and pretty much came down. Will the roller coaster ride of prices continue?........Tune in next month

Will the roller coaster ride of prices continue?........Tune in next month

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for December, 2009

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for December, 2009

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for December, 2009

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for December, 2009

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for December, 2009

Sudden Valley Estate Market Report for December, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:28:10 -0600

The following is a quick analysis of the Sudden Valley Estate Market.

There are currently 80 homes for sale. Homes are priced from $129,900 - $795,000

Average Asking Price is $295,600 Average Days on Market is 114
Median Asking Price is $266,750 Median Days on Market is 88
Sold in December: 14
Average Listing Price $235,163
Average Sold Price $226,164 Average Days on Market 115
Median Listing Price $222,400
Median Sold Price $225,900 Median Days on Market 87
Pending Sales Last Week: 2 Total pending sales: 28

Average Sales Price December 2008: $255,137
Median Sales Price December 2008: $246,500
Sold in December 2008: 12

The Average Sales price is down 11.5% compared to December 08 and down 18.3% compared to November 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 8.4% compared to December08 and up 2.7% compared to November 09.

The number of sales up by 2 compared to December 08 and is down by 1 unit compared to November 09.

Condo Analysis for Sudden Valley

There are currently 97 condos for sale. Condos are priced from $69,900 - $264,000

Average List Price $163,929 Average Days on the Market: 145
Median List Price $174,900 Median Days on the Market: 63
Sold in December: 3
Average Listing Price $151,300
Average Sold Price $136,667 Average Days on Market 38
Median Listing Price $165,000
Median Sold Price $149,000 Median Days on Market 37
Pending Sales Last Week: 1 Total pending sales: 3

Sold in December 2008: 0

Sudden Valley Sales have picked up a bit this year, prices have been up and down over the year ending on a falling trend.

If you have any questions or want to see any Sudden Valley Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for November, 2009

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for November, 2009

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for November, 2009

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for October, 2009

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for November, 2009

Sudden Valley Estate Market Report for November, 2009

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for December, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:26:33 -0600

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

There are currently 220 homes for sale.

Homes are priced from $77,5000 - $2,950,000
Average Asking Price $446,748 Days on Market: 164 days
Median Asking Price $312,000 Days on Market: 133 days
Homes sold in December: 22
Average Listing Price $388,226
Average Sold Price $314,259 Days on Market 154
Median Listing Price $282,400
Median Sold Price $272,400 Days on Market: 129
Homes Pending this week: 10 Total Homes Pending: 45

Average Sales Price December 2008: $365,611
Median Sales Price December 2008: $255,550
Sold in December 2008: 12

Looks like the first half of the year saw some decline while the last half seems to be rising.

The Average Sales price is down 14.0% compared to December 08 and up 7.7% compared to the previous month November 09.

The Median Sales prices is up 10.5% compared to December 08 and up 20.8% compared to the previous month November 09.

The number of sales is up by 10 to December 08 and is up by 2 compared to the previous month November 09.

Condo Analysis for Blaine/Birch Bay

Currently Active Listings: 64
Price range of active listings - $22,000 - $1,149,000
Average List Price $231,818 Days on Market: 192
Median List Price $200,750 Days on Market: 195
Sold in December : 2
Average Listing Price $259,925
Average Sold Price $255,00 Days on Market: 209
Median Listing Price $259,925
Median Sold Price $255,000 Days on Market: 209
Condos Pending this week: 1 Total Condos Pending: 12

Average Sales Price December 2008: $131,900
Median Sales Price December 2008: $131,900
Sold in December 2008: 1

The First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit of $8,000 available to anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years has been extended until April 2010. The new program has also expanded the tax credit to includeexisting home owners who have owned a home for at least five of the last 8 years. You will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when you purchase your next home. You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford. Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Blaine Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981