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Bellingham, WA Real Estate News

By Tara Camp
(Keller Williams Western Realty)
Bellingham Foreclosures are one of many ways to find discounted real estate.  Are they always discounted?  Absolutely not!  In fact many are often overpriced, however, the ones that are usually great deals are considerably discounted...& they go quick.  Is a Bellingham Foreclosure the same as a Bellingham bank owned property?  Well, yes and no. A bank owned property is a property that has gone through the foreclosure process.  Foreclosure is actually the process in which a lender takes in order to recoup their money from a borrower that has defaulted on a loan.  If the owner of the property doesn't reinstate their loan plus the fees associated with defaulting, ie., late fees, attorney fees, payments, etc., the lender will either sell the property or will purchase the property at the for...
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
When we get into the hot days of summer, I always think back on the soundtrack of my life. For some reason, maybe it was just the worry-free cruising around Bellingham in the summer as a youth, the music of summer seems more memorable than tunes from other times of the year. Those big hits of summer tend to stick with you. You hear them blaring from radios at the beach, at the drive-in, wherever you go. There are many summer songs but one of my favorites first hit the big time just in front of summer, April 1966. It was easy going, fun, and made it to #2 on the charts. It stayed on the Hot 100 for that whole hot summer. In my memory, that was one great summer in Bellingham and I remember 1966 as one of my favorite years. Even today, this old hit is a staple of summer radio on the oldie...
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By Tara Camp
(Keller Williams Western Realty)
The amount of "Just Listed" Bellingham bank owned real estate for the week of July 24th -31st has increased quite a bit this week from what we've seen in the previous weeks and months.  While most Realtors and the mainstream think that our market has bottomed and we're now on our way to recovery, I think we've only seen the beginning of a wave of foreclosures.  The foreclosure moratorium that congress imposed ended on March 31st & the average time of the foreclosure process is 90-120 days (varies from state to state), which puts us right on track for the build-up of Bellingham foreclosures to start hitting the market. Now I'm not saying it's a bad time to buy...I'm actually saying it's a great time to buy...just buy right.  Nor am I saying it's a bad time to sell.  If you're going to se...
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
This week those of us who teach in the program have another of the approved fundamentals of home inspection classes coming to an end at Bellingham Technical College. Today completes this classes fourth week. At this writing, this is the only approved course in the state that is available to the public without a prospective inspector having to first purchase a franchise. This course is open and available to the public. We have people from all areas of the state coming to town to take the class. Those of us who teach the class enjoy it. Actually, the fundamentals course (120 hours) ended last week. The past week we have been doing field training. Below I have photos from today. This is a student inspecting a metal flashing, exterior wall to roof, that has lifted. After we were done check...
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By Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Real Estate Guy
(eXp Realty)
Fairhaven has lots of great places to eat. If your looking for a meal or a snack, a cup of coffee or tea, there are lots of options and they are all in a short 2 block radius from 11th an Harris in the center of the historic I hope you have a chance to enjoy the wonderful variety of foods available in Fairhaven when you are there.
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By Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Real Estate Guy
(eXp Realty)
Have you ever been to Sudden Valley at the corner of Polo Park and Polo Park? Redundant road names abound in Sudden Valley and can be very confusing to visitors... Four roads share the name Marina: Marina Circle, Marina Court, Marina Lane and Marina Place. Five roads are named Harbor View,  six roads share the name Beaver Ridge. And how many Strawberries are there? This is all about to change Monday, Aug. 3 when the road names will officially be changed. The  Marina's have been renamed Inlet Circle, Spinnaker Lane, Longshore Lane and Bowline Court. New road signs have already been installed above the old signs which will remain for up to 60 days before they are removed. About 70 percent of the homes in Sudden Valley are on roads that are being renamed, Something new in Sudden Valley is ...
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
Boy, it is really hot in Bellingham. That is the lead for this blog post. There are those home inspectors who would lead you to believe that the details and concepts that we inspectors have to remember are so complex and baffling that they are overwhelming to the mere average soul. Those types  just got their comeuppance here in Bellingham. Talking complicated theories: How about convection and convective loops? Where does the hot and cold air go and how does it get there? Some people could spend hours explaining how hard it is to figure out just why the air currents circulate as they do and these people are wary to predict what parts of the room will be hot in summer and which parts will be cold in winter. Okay, so it sounds complicated. But how complicated can it be when one of my of...
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
One of the things that I do, as the program coordinator for the Bellingham Technical College home inspection training program, is to work to assure that our students will qualify for their Washington State home inspector licenses. That is the goal of taking the class. We provide detailed instruction in all aspects of the field in our fundamentals course and we create tests and quizzes for the class that are designed to serve as refresher material. Our students have lots of materials to help them along the way. Some of those materials, after classroom training is all over, can be accessed online from their own living rooms. Plus, anyone who takes the class can Email or call any of the instructors and we will gladly supply advice on procedural issues that come up. Most people do not writ...
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By Stephanie Johnson, Designated Broker/Branch Manager
(Keller Williams Western Realty)
The August issue of Sunset Magazine features Bellingham, WA as an excellent place to spend a day, weekend or lifetime. The excellent article walks you through an assortment of things to do featuring locally owned businesses that most locals would agree are great places to go.  The Historic Fairhaven District, Quel Fromage, Boulevard Park, the Farmers Market, Mallards Ice Cream and the Little Cheerful Cafe to name a few. Hiking, biking and boating are mentioned, among all the eating, as a few of the many outdoor activities you can enjoy which includes a sunset cruise on my friend, Captain Todd's catamaran the Gato Verde. Once you visit Bellingham, WA you will be hooked!  If you are interested in checking out the local Real Estate market be sure to talk to the local expert Miss Fairhaven....
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By Judy Bracken-Commissaris, Broker/Owner Keller Williams Western Realty
(Keller Williams Western Realty)
  Judy Bracken-Commissaris | Keller Wililams | 360-220-6600 2711 W. Maplewood #106, Bellingham, WA  Condo for Rent    Bellingham Condo for Rent  Bellingham information 2 Bedroom 1 bath unit with gas fireplace. All appliances. Most pets okay. Walk to shopping, bus lines, etc. Call Judy 360-220-6600 2BR/1BA Condo $875/month Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 790 Parking 1 dedicated Pet Policy Cats, Dogs (any) Deposit $800 DESCRIPTION 2 Bedroom 1 bath with gas fireplace see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES • Fireplace • Dishwasher • Refrigerator • Stove/Oven • Washer • Dryer • Laundry area - inside • Cable-ready • High-speed internet COMMUNITY FEATURES • Guest parking       LEASE TERMS One year lease preferred.   ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Exterior Living room Bathroom Kitche...
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By Judy Bracken-Commissaris, Broker/Owner Keller Williams Western Realty
(Keller Williams Western Realty)
  Judy Bracken-Commissaris | Keller Wililams | 360-220-6600 2711 W. Maplewood #106, Bellingham, WA  Bellingham Real Estate   Bellingham Rental  Bellingham Homes 2 Bedroom 1 bath unit with gas fireplace. All appliances. Most pets okay. Walk to shopping, bus lines, etc. Call Judy 360-220-6600 2BR/1BA Condo $875/month Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 790 Parking 1 dedicated Pet Policy Cats, Dogs (any) Deposit $800 DESCRIPTION 2 Bedroom 1 bath with gas fireplace see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES • Fireplace • Dishwasher • Refrigerator • Stove/Oven • Washer • Dryer • Laundry area - inside • Cable-ready • High-speed internet COMMUNITY FEATURES • Guest parking       LEASE TERMS One year lease preferred.   ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Exterior Living room Bathroom Kitchen front...
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Relocating to Whatcom County WA Real Estate for sale If you or someone you know will be relocating to Whatcom County, WA. I would love to help you with your Real Estate needs. Give me a call, I can help you find what you are looking for. Not only can I help you, I would be honored! Whatcom County, WA has some of the most beautiful views and wildlife in the united states. I am proud to be a resident here! I also give back to the community, by making donations from every closing. I am a supporter of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County, WA. Relocating to - Whatcom County WA Real Estate for sale I am proud to be a resident here! I also give back to the community, by making donations from every closing. I am a supporter of the Association of Domestic Violence and ...
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Three year old Ryan said- Whatcom County WA real estate for sale It was a hot summer day in Whatcom County, WA. I had an appointment to meet with a client at her home. I have known her for many years and she has a three year old grandson. We sat down at a picnic table in the back yard because it was so warm in the house. The shade and the sprinklers going in the back yard made it feel a little cooler. The three year old was playing in the back yard while we talked. His little face was red and sweating. My friend told her grandson to run through the sprinklers to cool off! He showed no interest at all! Well the sprinkler looked so inviting, I could no longer contain myself! I called to the three year old! I will do it first! he said okay! It was amazing the cool drops felt wonderful! It ...
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Scenic Hwy 20 A Beautiful Drive-Whatcom County WA real estate for sale I just wanted to take a minute and share the beautiful views along Hwy 20. It is summer and many families are planning family trips! My family took a summer trip this past week. Hwy 20 is a beautiful drive if you want to enjoy all that Whatcom County, WA has to offer. These are some pictures of some of the wonderful views my family enjoyed on our trip through Washington. We drove all the way through to Spokane, WA, then on to Idaho. Hwy 20 is a beautiful scenic route, it also makes it possible to avoid all of the Seattle traffic! These pictures are taken at a view point near the top of the pass. This is Diablo Canyon overlooking Ross Lake in Whatcom County Washington. My pictures do not show the true beauty but will ...
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
There are times when, just glancing at a furnace, it does not look so bad. But a look up under the draft hood can be the first clue that time is not on our side. The furnace above was in that category. Further investigation showed that it was installed in 1981, so that makes it 28 years old. That puts it well-beyond the high end of the design life of a gas furnace. There were other issues with the venting and the room it was now in had been converted to a bedroom. When a furnace is in a bedroom a number of very specific steps must be taken to assure proper combustion air, adequate venting and isolation from those sleeping. None of that was taken into account either. Steven L. Smith Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
Trusses that you are likely to see up in attics are engineered components. They are designed by structural engineers and truss manufacturing companies that have special software. That software has sophisticated math that has been figured out as far as loads, spans. The catch is you cannot monkey with a truss. The builder or homeowner cannot start cutting. The basic rule is that when a truss has been cut, the problem should be passed on to an engineer. Sometimes it takes some studying to figure out if a truss has been altered or not. There are other times when that fact hits you in the head. The other day I opened an attic access and viola! It may irritate the buyer when an inspector has to refer this issue on. Some buyers think the inspector should figure it out, what to do. Fact is, I...
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
I was at a home in Bellingham recently. I have here a safety concern that the homeowners have probably never even thought about.  At an end of the house, there is a small gravel covered storage area -- complete with the gas service which hangs out. The residents are using this location to store recycling bins and garbage cans. That means the people make several trips per week to the area. That sounds okay so far, but take another look. There is a retaining wall at the left side, and the drop from that retaining wall to the ground below is four feet. The area a person has to walk on or negotiate, while getting the cans and bins in and out, around the gas service and the electric meter, is also four feet. It is not hard to imagine that, while putting a garbage can away at night, an unluc...
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
Inspectors should get this one. Others might have to guess. At an inspection in Bellingham the other day, I saw a 3/4" copper pipe coming out of the wall of an attached garage. At the time I first saw it, I did not have access to the inside of the home so I was unable to confirm my suspicions. This tubing ran out of the wall and straight down into the gravel below. I probed the gravel and never found the end of the pipe at all. It was deep in the earth. So, any guesses what might be at the inside end of this mysterious 3/4" tubing? If you guessed a water heater then you are correct. This is an improper TPR drain line! The problem is that this TPR drain line is way too long. When the TPR drain is buried in the soil, then it will not function and that disables one of the single most impo...
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By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
There are any number of calls coming in from individuals who wish to be trained to work as home inspectors in the state of Washington. If you do not know it, come September 1, 2009, anyone working as a home inspector in the state must be licensed. To obtain that license, a new inspector must have proof of 120 hours of state approved fudamentals training. That student must also have a minimum of 40 hours of approved field training. Those inspectors who are grandfathered in must pass the state exam which includes the National Home Inspector Exam and a Washington component. At this time, with the exception of two franchises who are doing in-house training, Bellingham Technical College is the only approved education provider in the state. There are two scheduled classes at this time: Augus...
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Making Home Affordable 105% Loans were introduced just this spring and the program has simply not been meeting the public need. Will 125% be the magic bullet?Homeowners seeking to refinance their Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac Mortgages quickly found that the new 105% loans were helping a minority of people teetering on the edge of collapse. While it may seem obvious to people in trouble, the limit was increased to 125% Loan to Value recently. But the new DU Refi as it is called is falling short! Here's why:1. Many homeowners simply cannot meet the required 33% debt to income limits necessary to refinance their loans due primarily to a job loss or cutback or other change in their financial situation. You see, many people purchased or refinanced their homes with much higher housing ratios: in...
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