My family has made Stoney Ridge a yearly tradition and we often spend the whole day at the farm. We love to walk in the barn and check out the piglets, goats, horses and donkeys. There is an abundance of animals to see and some that you can even feed. The pies from the cafe are wonderful and I highly recommend the carmel apple pie. We also purchase all our fall decorations from the farm each year including a large variety of small gourds and large pumpkins, they have it all.

Every year we visit the farm we leave with wonderful memories, stomach’s full of fresh baked pie and a whole bunch of pumpkins and gourds to decorate our home. 

During the month of December the farm once again opens to the public and is the go to spot to pick out your fresh cut Christmas tree from there large farm.  The barn is also home to a live animal nativity, holiday crafts and baked goods.

If you are interested in heading out to Stoney Ridge Farms they are located at 2902 Van Dyk Rd in Everson. From Bellingham head North of the Guide Meridian, East on the Pole Rd, and then turn left onto the Van Dyk Rd. Stoney Ridge  Farms will be on your right hand side with parking on your left. Opening day is this Saturday, Oct. 1st. I will do another post about the farm with more photos after my annual visit this year.

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!

-  Do not drive through a flooded area. If a road is flooded-out turn around and find a different route.
-  If you can’t find another route get to higher ground until the water subsides.
-  Many local drivers make the mistake of thinking the water is shallow and then they try to cross it. Don’t do this as the road underneath the water could be gone due to the flooding.
-  Vehicles can easily stall when driving through water. If your car stalls abandon it and climb to higher ground.
-  It takes only six inches of water to reach the bottom of most cars, which can cause loss of control and stalling.
-  It takes only one foot of water to float most vehicles.
- And it takes only two feet of rushing water to sweep cars, SUVs and, pick-ups right off the road.

Hope that none of you have to use these tips. But, just in case you are prepared!

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!

Most of these items should be checked before a storm but also after to evaluate possible damage caused by the storm. Often the initial damage caused by the storm becomes much more significant if not quickly repaired. Many of these items should be corrected or inspected by a licensed professional as doing so can be hazardous. Work with reputable contractors & ask for references.

 -Block your foundations vents but be sure to remove blocks after freezing weather ends.

- Keep water running slightly at sinks to help prevent freezing pipes.

-If you have a vacant home keep the temperature above 55 degrees & cupboard doors open to help prevent freezing pipes.

-Collect any loose items in yard such as toys or lawn chairs that may be blown against a home. Even larger items such as detached sheds or storage buildings may need to be strapped down or anchored.

-Review your fence for loose panels or boards. The wind can further damage these or potentially blow them into the home.

-Have a licensed inspector or contractor check to see that your skylights are properly secured to help avoid having them blow off.

-Have a licensed home inspector or contractor check flue caps & other items on the roof that may come loose during a storm. (Damaged flues can allow carbon monoxide to enter the home which can be deadly)

-Have trees & branches professionally trimmed back from the home & power lines at least six feet to help prevent them from causing damage.

-Have trees around home & other structures evaluated by a licensed arborist to be sure they are healthy & do not pose a threat to the home. (Trees may sometimes appear healthy but have significant rot or disease that may result in fallen branches or entire trees.)

-Have at least a 72 hour supply of food, water, flashlights, batteries, medicine & etc in case of power outages & the potential inability to leave your home due to blocked roads or other issues.(Go to www.redcross.org for more information)

-With a pair of binoculars evaluate the roof for loose or missing shingles. One loose shingle can create a weak spot allowing more damage in future storms not to mention potential leaks.

-Have your chimney professionally reviewed before & after the storm for loose mortar & bricks. Bricks can be blown off damaging more than just your chimney.

-Evaluate your windows for cracks that may grow or possibly lead to shattered windows during a storm. If damaged during the storm cover broken windows or other holes in the home immediately to avoid water damage.

-Be sure all drains & gutters etc are clear to help prevent leaking or flooding.

-After the storm visually check for loose power lines. Do not, under any circumstances, go near downed power lines. Be aware that the ground near downed power lines may also be electrified.

-After the storm, be sure all drains, gutters, & roofing are cleared of debris as this could lead to structural damage. This should be completed by a qualified contractor.

-Remove debris from yard as this can attract insects.

-After the storm check to see that garage doors are not damaged and are safely on their tracks.

Thanks Jefferson for the helpful tips and hints! Stay safe in the wind.

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!

Cherry trees at my house

Sometimes it takes leaving somewhere for a while to really appreciate how beautiful and magnificant something is.  Earlier this week I returned from a trip, and flying over the midwest and the south I noticed the lack of fall color- no brillant reds, bright oranges and yellows that we are used to here in Whatcom County. Upon approaching the Seattle Tacoma Airport for landing I overheard something that hit the point home even more. A passenger seated behind me said, “Harold, look at those colors! Have you ever seen anything like that? I have only heard about fall’s colors and seen pictures, but never imagined it being so beautiful in real life.”  My husband and I looked at each other and smiled; it truly is great to call this area home!

Even aside from Stoneyridge Farms, fall colors and leaves are everywhere. This is our first fall season at our new home and it’s fair to say we have not been disappointed.

Below are some more fall pictures I took a couple of weeks ago of my favorite fall location, Stoneyridge Farms in Everson.

Happy Fall to everyone and have a safe Halloween this weekend!

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!

•Total Whatcom County sales were up by 13%, with Blaine/Birch Bay leading the pack with a 54.5% increase in the number of homes sold and Ferndale close behind with a 41% increase.

•Lynden is still struggling, with a 6.3% drop in sales and a 20% drop in the average sales price.

•Nooksack Valley prices managed to maintain last year’s levels, but every other area of the County dropped – down 9.9% to 20.4%.

Inventory levels continue to fall, which is normal for this time of year, and pending numbers increased again this month, which is not normal for this time of year. It looks as though a few more of these pending sales are translating into solds, based upon the higher September sales numbers, and if we look at the price distribution of those sales, we can see why the average and median prices have fallen. As the table below shows, the under $300,000 portion of the market in Bellingham increased by 7.5% from September of last year, but the pricing in that segment of the market dropped by 9%. This provided a double hit to the median and average prices.

Click to enlarge

To view the complete month end statistics, where we see the real estate market heading and information on Short Sales and Foreclosures visit The Johnson Team Real Estate Market Update Page.

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 Senior Center

Whatcom County is home to eight senior centers. The largest of the Whatcom County senior centers is operated by The Whatcom County Council on Aging.

Each senior center has a full calendar of events ranging to games to volunteer activities, and meals.  Each senior center also takes part in a senior wellness program which includes screening for glaucoma, hearing and cholesterol. A wonderful nutrition program provides meals to visiting seniors and several centers also deliver meals to seniors unable to make it to the center themselves. Not all centers serve meals so it is wise to call and check with your center before visiting.

Enjoy Your Senior Center!

Below is a list of the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Senior Centers in Whatcom County:

Belligham Senior Activity Center: 315 Halleck St, Bellingham (360) 676-1450

Blaine Community Senior Center: 763 G St, Blaine (360) 332-8040

Everson Senior Center: 111 W Maint St, Everson (360) 966-3144

Ferndale Senior Activity Center: 1998 Cherry St (360) 384-5113

Lynden Community Senior Center: 401 Grover St, Lynden (360) 354-4501

Point Roberts Community Center: 1487 Gulf Rd, Point Roberts (360) 945-5424

Sumas Community Center: 461 Second St, Sumas (360) 988-2714

Welcome Valley Senior Center: 5103 Mosquito Lake Rd, Deming (360) 592-5403

For additional information on senior centers in the Bellingham area feel free to visit the senior resources portion of the Whatcom County Park website.

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 sold 100 houses in June of both 2008 & 2009
• Sudden Valley was up from 8 sales in 2008 to 22 in 2009
• Ferndale & Birch Bay/Blaine also had more sales in June 2009 than in June 2008
• Lynden had the largest drop in sales, from 21 last year to 15 this year
• Whatcom County as a whole was up almost 12% in the number of residences sold

The higher numbers were not totally unexpected, as pending sales have been rising for most areas relative to last year, while inventory levels continue to fall.

Prices dropped across the board from June of 2008, but the average sale price for Whatcom County as a whole is up by 3% and the median by 2.2% from May, which is more indicative of what our market is doing right now. An interesting side note is that the percentage of sale price to list price has stayed quite consistent over the past year.

• Bellingham: June 2008/June 2009 Average down 18%, Median down 10.8%
• Bellingham: May 2009/June 2009 Average up 6.3%, Median up 9.6%
• Total Whatcom County: June 2008/June 2009 Average down 17.7%, Median down 9.6%
• Total Whatcom County: May 2009/June 2009 Average up 3%, Median up 2.2%

As the chart below clearly shows, we went to a new, lower “normal” price range after August of last year, but unit sales are showing a sharper seasonal increase than they did a year ago.

So where is the Bellingham and Whatcom County Real Estate Market going? Visit www.JohnsonTeamRealEstate.com to view the complete June 2009 Month End real estate report .

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!

Sumas Farm off Hwy 9

Last weekend I went on a drive out to Sumas. The day was gorgeous, I left Everson heading down the Van Dyk Rd, past Stoney Ridge Farm and winding my way down Highway 9 through the beautiful Sumas Farms fields in the shadows of the Mt. Baker foothills in the distance. Whatcom County is full of farms, many more than most Bellingham Residents realize.  Whatcom County has over 102,584 acres of farms. 

Farm off the Van Dyk Rd in Everson

The next time your are browsing the produce isle at Haggen’s or eating some raspberry ice cream it’s more than likely you are eating something locally grown at a Whatcom County Farm. Stay tuned this summer for more farming blog posts including a list of U pick farms where you can pick your own raspberries, blueberries and strawberries!

Raspberry Picking at Haugen's Berry Farm

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!

Today was our holiday gathering and being the only one who lives out in the county I did not want to be the “no show” who couldn’t make it in due to the weather. I left my house off the Mecklem Rd and by the time I had gotten to the Pole Rd I was already having second thoughts.

Mecklem Rd Everson

I

Guide Meridian

Guide & Axton Intersection

With the lack of the wind on the Guide Meridian heading into town the road was covered in snow and ice and continued to get worse heading into town.

Guide Meridian & Horton Rd

As the drive continued it was very apparent that making the drive into work possibly wasn’t the best idea, but I decided to keep going as I was already half way and hadn’t run into any difficulty driving yet. Below is Interstate 5 in Bellingham at the Bellis Fair Mall Exit.

Old Fairhaven Parkway

Upon arriving at the office I realized I was the only one there! Lylene called to let me know that I should just go home with all the snow still falling and the bad driving conditions. So, that being said I grabbed a few things to work from home and made the trek home. I couldn’t let the drive go to waste so enjoy the photos of the drive! Stay warm!

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!

On Sunday, Rich will be hosting an open house at 107 A Dalquist Lane in Everson from 12 – 2 pm. This home is incredible. The builder has gone over the top with finishes, including all stainless steel appliance, granite counter tops and wood flooring. See the virtual below.

On Sunday, Graham Johnson will be hosting a open house at 1840 Emerald Lake Way from 12 - 2 p.m. This quaint and cozy home is located just a short walk from Toad Lake, a favorite to Bellingham. This home is incredibly redone with an great deck and the perfect fireplace for cuddling up on crisp October eveings.

The Johnson Team at the Muljat Group South has historically held open-houses throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County every week on Sunday afternoons. For you, The Johnson Team’s valued clients, these open houses will provide not only the opportunity to view a home “live” but also to meet one of four dedicated agents. Our agents understand that our clients are as busy as we are, and may not be able to make it to a particular open house during our standard showing days, so if you are interested in viewing any home in Whatcom County, please give us a call at (360) 527-8766 and we’ll work to accomodate your schedule.

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!