The Bellingham Real Estate Blog » Bellingham

Thinking About Purchasing a Home or Refinancing?

Fawn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:01:59 +0000

If you are shopping loan rates for a new home purchase or refinance you will want to read this! It’s that time again, time to update you on the latest in home loan and mortagage rates. If you are in the market for a home loan below are the mortgage rates as of today May 16th, courtesy of Sidney Stonecypher at People’s Bank Barkley Branch here in Bellingham.

	Down Payment	Interest Rate	APR	Credit Score	Points
Conventional 30 yr fixed	20%	3.625	3.734	740	1
Conventional 15 yr fixed	20%	2.875	3.062	740	1
Jumbo 30 yr fixed	20%	4.50	4.606	740	1
FHA 30 yr fixed	3.5%	3.375	3.867	660*	1
VA 30 yr fixed	0%	3.375	3.725	640	1
*Score requirement will vary by lender

To view homes or property for sale visit our Bellingham Real Estate Search Page. For more details, or a custom home loan quote, contact Sidney Stonecypher at People’s Bank, 360-676-4597 or sidney.stonecypher@peoplesbank-wa.com. Remember that many variables come into play in determining the rate a lender will give a borrower. If you are getting a rate quote from a lender who does not have all your information, that rate may not be real. What with the low rates, it is still a great time to buy a house!

For more information on Bellingham Real Estate or to search for homes in the Bellingham and Whatcom County area visit www.JohnsonTeamRealEstate.com, your one stop Bellingham real estate and community information resource!

Bellingham and Whatcom County Real Estate Market Update

Fawn — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:38:07 +0000

Happy Monday! Every week we keep track of how many homes are for sale around Bellingham and Whatcom County and how man of those homes have pending offers on them. Pending is the time frame between when an offer has been mutual accepted between the buyer’s and the seller’s of the home and when the title actually transfers hands. This give the buyer’s time to get the financing, do inspection, review the title reports and more. As of Saturday, May 12th, the pending ratio in Bellingham was 31% . Click the links to view a report of how many homes are for sale in each area and price range and how many of them are pending showing just how active certain sectors of the market are.

Birch Bay had a pending ratio of 17%

The Lynden area in East Whatcom County has a pending ratio of 28%

The Sudden Valley pending ratio was 23%

The Ferndale pending ratio was 23%

If you would like to search for Real Estate in Bellinghamand Whatcom County that is currently for sale visit

How Many Homes For Sale Are Currently Pending?

Fawn — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:08:31 +0000

Happy Monday! Every week we keep track of how many homes are for sale around Bellingham and Whatcom County and how man of those homes have pending offers on them. Pending is the time frame between when an offer has been mutual accepted between the buyer’s and the seller’s of the home and when the title actually transfers hands. This give the buyer’s time to get the financing, do inspection, review the title reports and more. As of Saturday, May 5th, the pending ratio in Bellingham was 31% . Click the links to view a report of how many homes are for sale in each area and price range and how many of them are pending showing just how active certain sectors of the market are.

Birch Bay had a pending ratio of 17%

The Lynden area in East Whatcom County has a pending ratio of 27%

The Sudden Valley pending ratio was 23%

The Ferndale pending ratio was 24%

If you would like to search for Real Estate in Bellinghamand Whatcom County that is currently for sale visit

Goodnight Moon- A Musical Presented by Neighborhood Playhouse!

Fawn — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:12:51 +0000

The Neighborhood Playhouse Presents Good Night Moon
a musical by Chad Henry, based on the classic children’s book by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd

In the great, green room…

You know the story, but this is the musical! Catchy songs performed by a live musician, charming choreography, a colorful set that makes you feel like you’ve walked into Clement Hurd’s memorable picture book, and a wonderful cast will make you want to come back night after night before going to bed. “A true celebration of one of the most iconic children’s books of all time”*. Watch as Bunny’s room magically comes alive as “the old lady quietly whispering hush!” tries to put everyone to bed. In the end, Bunny dances and sings her way to sweet dreams. Suitable for all ages.

Cast includes Elizabeth Overstreet, Danyale Tamminga, Lizzi Jackson, William Johnson and Taylor Sundstrom with accompaniment by Michelle Tamir. Special appearance by The Tooth Fairy’s helper!

Below are the performance times:

Saturday, May 5^th at 2:00. This performance is a pay what you can performance in hopes that families that can not usually attend due to finances can come to our events.

Sunday May 6^th at 2:00

Friday, May 11^th at 7:00 (First 12 people in pj’s get a cupcake donated by Katie’s Cupcakes!)

Sat., May 12^th at 2:00* and 5:00

Sunday, May 13^th (Mother’s Day) at 2:00

Tickets are $10 general and $5 for students. Available at both Community Food Co-ops, Piper Music on Meridian, Village Books and at the door.

Visit www.theneighborhoodplayhouse.net for ticket information.

Performances are at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave in Fairhaven

Pricing Your Home For Sale in the Real Estate Market

Fawn — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:47:31 +0000

Pricing Your Home

The agent with whom you list cannot set the price of a home any more than a stockbroker can dictate the price of a stock. The selling price is a function of the real estate market. Never select an agent based on the price at which they are willing to list your home. If you have to lower the price to sell it, the basis on which you chose your agent is gone. The overwhelming number of homes expiring unsold today are a result of poor advice and over pricing. The problem with this often extends to the next agent listing the property, who must overcome the obvious shopworn result of the home being on the market for an extended period of time. Most often this could have been avoided by accurate pricing at the beginning.

The following factors have no impact on the current market value of a home:

1. The amount originally paid for the home.

2. The total amount put into the home.

3. The amount the owner needs out of the home.

4. The length of time the owner is willing to wait for a sale.

5. The value shown in a recent appraisal.

The Johnson Team does not “price your home”. With your participation we will review the comparable sold data in the area, just as an appraiser will. We will share market factors and help you make a specific comparison. We will design a pricing strategy that will obtain the highest price in the least amount of time. You can email us at Info@JohnsonTeamRealEstate.com or reach us by phone at 1-888-713-3056. To view more information helpful to you as a home seller visit The Johnson Team Real Estate Home Seller Information Page.

Whatcom County Real Estate Update- Weekly Pending Ratios

Fawn — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:29:12 +0000

Happy Monday! Every week we keep track of how many homes are for sale around Bellingham and Whatcom County and how man of those homes have pending offers on them. Pending is the time frame between when an offer has been mutual accepted between the buyer’s and the seller’s of the home and when the title actually transfers hands. This give the buyer’s time to get the financing, do inspection, review the title reports and more. As of Saturday, April 28th, the pending ratio in Bellingham was 32% . Click the links to view a report of how many homes are for sale in each area and price range and how many of them are pending showing just how active certain sectors of the market are.

Birch Bay had a pending ratio of 17%

The Lynden area in East Whatcom County has a pending ratio of 28%

The Sudden Valley pending ratio was 27%

The Ferndale pending ratio was 24%

If you would like to search for Real Estate in Bellinghamand Whatcom County that is currently for sale visit The Johnson Team Real Estate’s Property Search Page to search.

To view a complete history of Whatcom County Pending Ratios or for other real estate statistics don’t hesitate to contact The Johnson Team at (360) 303-2734 or by email at Info@JohnsonTeamRealEstate.com

New Bellingham Listing! Beautifully Remodeled Bellingham Home

Fawn — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:29:59 +0000

Welcome to 1316 Ethan Ct located in Bellingham’s Northern Heights Neighborhood. This beautifully remodeled home was just listed at $365,000 and is a spacious 2,024 sq ft with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The home features a great combination of family & family room space that provides flexibility to fit any lifestyle. Hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances give that upscale feel while a specious deck and patio take full advantage of the lovely fully fenced backyard.

If you are not familiar with the Northern Heights areas you will love this location convenient to shopping and walking distance to both an elementary and high school. There is even extra parking at the home for a boat or an RV!

To schedule a private tour of 1316 Ethan Ct feel free to call The Johnson Team Real Estate at 1-888-713-3056 or email us at Info@JohnsonTeamRealEstate.com if this listing is not quite what your looking for feel free to visit http://search.johnsonteamrealestate.com to search the whole MLS for a listing that fits your needs!

Great Mid-County Home on Acreage Just Minutes From Bellingham

Fawn — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:45:20 +0000

Welcome to 1411 E Smith Rd, Priced at $309,000

If you have been looking for the perfect mid-country location only minutes from Bellingham then 1411 E Smith Rd could be the perfect fit for you. To get there, take the Hannegan North to the East Smith. Turn right headed East on the East Smith going past Market Rd on your left & just past Murieal on your left – 1411 E Smith is on your right.

Imagine if you dare, woods to explore, a pasture for horses, a view of Mt Baker, a large shop with external parking for all the toys in the world, fruit trees/garden space, squirrels for Fido to chase ¢entral to it all is a lovely remodeled 3 bedroom home with a totally new redo to include hardwood floors, carpet, paint & a sparkling kitchen & baths. You can quit imagining because it all exists on a level, sunny 5 acre parcel just minutes from town & at a super affordable price.

We Hope You Enjoy Your Home Tour of 1411 E Smith

If you would like a private tour of 1411 E Smith Rd , The Johnson Team can easily accomodate your schedule. If you’d care to call them at 360-303-2734 or toll free at 888-713-3056 they can arrange for your private showing. If you live out of the area or country and would like additional information about this wonderful property, The Johnson Team would be happy to send you a complete property package. Just give them a call or send them an email and you’ll receive the information immediately.

How Many Homes For Sale Have Pending Offers On Them?

Fawn — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:05:20 +0000

To answer the question above we use a ratio called a, “Pending Ratio.” As of Saturday, April 21st, the pending ratio in Bellingham was 31% . Pending is the time frame between when an offer has been mutual accepted between the buyer’s and the seller’s of the home and when the title actually transfers hands. This give the buyer’s time to get the financing, do inspection, review the title reports and more.

Birch Bay had a pending ratio of 18%

The Lynden area in East Whatcom County has a pending ratio of 27%

The Sudden Valley pending ratio was 27%

The Ferndale pending ratio was 24%

If you would like to search for Real Estate in Bellingham and Whatcom County that is currently for sale visit The Johnson Team Real Estate’s Property Search Page to search.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival- Check it out this weekend!

Fawn — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:12:07 +0000

Although this week’s weather may not have been the most “Spring like” it’s time for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Many of the tulip fields are already in full bloom and gorgeous. Each particular field has it’s own set of activities and hours. Both the RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town fields have beautiful displays ready for you to enjoy! To view a complete list of all the tulip fields you can visit the Tulip Field Map.

The tulip festival runs from April 1st -31st weather, or as long as the flowers are still in bloom. Many other activities also surround the festival from the Tulip Run to Whale Watching Tours leaving near by Anacortes, it’s sure to be a great trip and day for everyone! For complete information on the Tulip Festival you can visit the event office at 311 Kincaid St in Mt. Vernon, WA or by telephone at 360-428-5959. A special thanks to Steve and Nicole Gordon for the great shots of the tulip fields!