Whatcom County Market Trends/Local News

You’ll find my blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community information. That’s because I care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. I'd love to talk with you!

Dec. 12, 2022

Do I need to Renovate Before Selling

When you decide to put your home on the market, you want to put your best foot forward in preparing it to look its best for prospective buyers. Besides, the better your home shows, the more offers you'll likely get, right? Next, you make a to-do list of what things to fix and update around your home, only to realize that the list could go on forever. That’s when you realize: Do I have to do everything?

Real estate photo

For starters, all those projects could cost money. Unfortunately, not everything is going to pay off at the closing table. Knowing what to fix – and what not to do when selling a home – can be tricky. Fixes are critical for any issues or defects that affect the intended significant function of a house system. To break it down, you should take care of any leaks, cracks in the foundation, minor electrical or plumbing issues, pest infestations, and other safety issues that could hurt your home's value and pose imminent risks. But beyond those, especially when it comes to cosmetic repairs, it's actually up to you. 

The last thing you want is to get carried away and pour money, time, and effort into any project that won’t get a return on your investment. So here are some of those fixes or updates you can skip without too many repercussions.

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Posted in Sellers
Dec. 1, 2022

Thrifty ways to Furnish your Home

You've factored in other costs with owning a home, including maintenance costs and even property taxes but how about your furnishing needs? The last thing you’d want is to blow your entire budget and incur debts just to save your rooms from being lonely and bare.

If that’s a scenario you’d want to avoid, we’ve compiled some of the best tips to help you furnish your home without draining your bank account. By combining these thrifty ways with a little creativity and a whole lot of patience, you can furnish and decorate your home and make it uniquely yours.

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Posted in Buyers
Nov. 3, 2022

7 Mistakes to avoid during an Inspection

After what could be months of browsing online, numerous home showings, and countless updates from your real estate agent about new listings, you're ecstatic to have finally found the home you want to buy. You put down an offer, and the seller has accepted. All the hard work is done, right? Not so fast! Before you make a significant financial commitment, it’s best to know exactly what you’re buying. And the last thing you’d want is to fall in love with a beautiful home that actually has major problems lurking beneath the surface.

 

This is when the home inspection should take place. Home inspections are among the most crucial aspects of the real estate process. The report can give you an in-depth examination of the property’s structures and systems, including the roof, electrical, plumbing, foundation, etc.

 

Real estate photo

 

Since the results of the inspection can make or break a sale, it's extremely important to pay attention to this process, no matter how confusing and nerve-wracking it can be. We’re here to give you insight on some of the most common mistakes many buyers make when it comes to inspections and the best ways you can avoid them.

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Posted in Buyers, Inspection
Nov. 3, 2022

Should you upgrade before selling?

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Posted in Sellers
Oct. 26, 2022

About Bellingham, Washington

Located amid the green islands of the Washington coast and the majestic peak of Mt. Baker, Bellingham is a cozy community shared by about 82,000 people. Less than 20 miles south of Canada, Bellingham boasts one of grandest natural harbors in the northwest, able to dock the largest ocean vessels. Because of its central location and proximity to the coast, Bellingham is a transportation center connecting Seattle and Vancouver with the San Juan Islands and Alaska. As a commerce hub for the region, this harbor town boasts a healthy economy, the gorgeous natural beauty the Pacific Northwest is known for, and some of the friendliest locals around. Bellingham combines local industry, the savvy of a college town, and a robust lifestyle dating back to 1852. The city is filled with magnificent scenery, a culture of outdoor recreation, Western Washington University, the Alaska Ferry, the Canadian border, Mt. Baker, the Salish Sea, local food, spirits, art and music. These are all part of the genuine Bellingham experience.

Click to learn more about our unrivaled outdoor recreationeducational opportunitiesthe art community and business opportunities. Scroll down to learn more about our fresh and local agruiculture.

Posted in Local News/Events
Oct. 26, 2022

About Ferndale, Washington

Located in the northwest corner of Washington State near the Nooksack River, Ferndale was officially incorporated on March 19, 1907. Once called Jam because of its location next to a logjam on the river, the City was renamed Ferndale by the school teacher who admired ferns that once grew around the original school house.

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Posted in Local News/Events
Oct. 15, 2022

About Blaine, Washington

The City of Blaine is located 35 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia and 110 miles north of Seattle. The city is located between the beautiful Cascade Range and the Puget Sound. Blaine is known as the Peace Arch City for its the Peace Arch Monument that was constructed and dedicated here in 1921. The city is steeped in the rich history of a fishing and logging border town. With a current population of over 5,000, the City of Blaine is governed by a Council/City Manager form of government.

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Posted in Local News/Events
Oct. 15, 2022

About Lynden, Washington

In Washington State, there is a city known for its deep Dutch roots. Behold Lynden, a city north of Bellingham, a city known for its unique heritage and history.

 

Lynden served as Washington State's largest Dutch settlement. Often called a "Dutch-American Town," Lynden is an incredible travel destination, whether you're coming from Canada or the United States. Most of Lynden's 12,000 residents can speak Dutch. It is also one of the country's top producers of raspberries.

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Posted in Local News/Events
Oct. 15, 2022

Bellingham Beauty

Whatcom Falls Park is a 240-acre city park on the eastern edge of Bellingham. This public space features modern park amenities, well-maintained hiking trails, and plenty of open space to explore. Perhaps most notable about this city park are the four different waterfalls created by the cascading Whatcom Creek that meanders throughout the area.

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Posted in Local News/Events
Oct. 14, 2022

Whatcom County Market Statistics Oct '22