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        <title>Bellingham Real Estate Blog</title>
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            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/bellingham-real-estate-market-stats.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/bellingham-real-estate-market-stats.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Bellingham Housing Market - Price Are Down, Sales Soar!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Bellingham Real Estate Market Stats


0-299k Single Family Residental Excluding Sudden Valley





The 0-299k real estate market in Bellingham (aka first time buyer market) is holding strong with a 33% increase vs this time a year ago. The inventory was about the same, meaning the same about of houses were for sale.  Based on the stats the average sales price is down at the same time the home solds are up.


This price range and market is going to be a safe bet if you are thinking about purchasing.  This is the entry level market, where first time home buyers buy.  There is always a fresh batch every year of new buyers.


When looking at housing market stats it is very important to look at different price points.  You cannot merely rely on the stats on the market as a whole because the demand is different.  Next we are going to look at the 300k-599k as you can see the market in this price point is much different vs the entry level market.



300k-599k Single Family Bellingham Excluding Sudden Valley


 





After taking a look at the stats of the move up buyer market ( buyers that sell their home and buy another) has had a slight decrease in sold properties vs this month last year.  This market according the stats is leveling.  Looking at the stats the average days on the market and the average sold price is about the same.


Interest rates are at an all time low.  What will the market do for the last quarter? Be sure to read the article the herald posted bellow.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:31:34 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/home-selling-tips-tips-on-selling-your-own-house-and-preparing-your-home-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/home-selling-tips-tips-on-selling-your-own-house-and-preparing-your-home-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Home selling tips </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Top Ways to Boost Your Homes Value


Selling your home is a major life event; buyers and agents will come and go on a regular basis. Getting top dollar for your home takes a little know-how and insight on the little things that just might “make or break” a sale. Listed below are a few things you can do to boost the value of your home; believe us—buyers and agents will notice these things!!


Get your home “white glove” clean; this may mean wiping down windowsills, baseboards, around the faucets and switch plates. This might seem like a painstaking task, however a spotless homes sells quicker than a dirty one. Hiring a housekeeper for a one time super-spot clean may make the difference between three months on the market and nine


Get rid of any lingering odors: pets, cigarettes, mildew and dampness. If we can smell it, we can’t sell it.


Spruce up the yard; this is the point of first contact for all buyers. The first impression is always the strongest. Trim trees and shrubs, plant some flowers in empty flower beds, hang potted plants around the front door. The home should have an attractive and inviting feeling from the start.


De-clutter, de-clutter and de-clutter….the family knickknacks or antique figurines may play a huge part in you family history, however buyers want to imagine their stuff in your home. They want to see the structure, not your personal belongings. Organize the garage, clear out closets full of stuff; rent a small storage unit just for a short time. Buyers don’t want to see how much stuff can fit into a home; they want a blank canvas to fill with their own personal clutter.


Remove outdated wallpaper and carpets; these are some of the biggest red flags for buyers. Use neutral colors such as beige or cream, these colors make a room look larger and will help the buyer imagine their stuff in the room. A buyer with blue couches does not want to walk into a room with bright yellow walls. Spend a little now, get a lot more later.


Clean tile grout and re-caulk bathroom fixtures. A fresh, crisp look is better than a worn look.


If the kitchen or bathroom is outdated, replace the faucets. A new, shiny sink head will attract more attention then an old worn one.


Paint the garage floor if there are old grease spots and cracks. This is very simple and rather inexpensive, and it adds to the clean, fresh look.


If all this seems like too much to handle, hire a home staging expert. The money you spend on a professional will come back ten fold when your house sells quicker than you imaged it would.

Eric Badgley is a motivated and professional realtor located in beautiful Whatcom County. For information on Bellingham WA real estate contact Eric or visit online at www.belllingham-realestate.net ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
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            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/bellingham-buyers-agent-why-hire-a-buyers-agent.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/bellingham-buyers-agent-why-hire-a-buyers-agent.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Bellingham Buyers Agent: Why hire a Buyers Agent</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Benefits of using a buyers agent to purchase a home


Your agent will enter into the multiple listing service system your requirements for a home. They will be notified any time a property meets your specific criteria and report those findings to you. The agent will then arrange a personal showing of those homes.&nbsp;

A Buyers&nbsp;agent will arrange to get you pre-approved with a lender (if you havent already done so). With pre-approval, your offer will be stronger because you have the ability to perform. You will also know the maximum dollar amount that you can purchase.
Eric Badgley is a motivated and professional realtor located in beautiful Whatcom County. For information on Bellingham WA real estate contact Eric or visit online at www.belllingham-realestate.net 


Your agent will give you their professional opinion regarding the price, location, and condition of any property that you are considering purchasing.


Your agent will review and explain all the forms that you will be signing: disclosures, disclaimers, rights of recession and so on. You will have the explanation and reason for every form that you sign.


Once we have successfully negotiated a purchase agreement, your agent will help you select a home inspector. After inspection, they will review the report to determine if any negotiation is needed with the seller regarding the repairs.


If there are any lender required repairs or conditions resulting from the home inspection or appraisal, your agent will negotiate these items with the seller. A buyers agent represents you, the purchasers, and your best interests are always their number one concern.


Prior to signing all the closing documents, your agent will review the purchase agreement to ensure all conditions have been met. This will protect you from any last minute surprises and ensure a smooth closing. 


Buyers agents work strictly for the home buyer; searching, previewing and showing homes that meet your specific criteria. Most of all, buyers agents fees all almost always paid by the seller, thats no money out of your pocket.




 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/home-selling-tips-adding-flooring.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/home-selling-tips-adding-flooring.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Home selling tips: Adding flooring</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Thinking About Floors


When preparing your home for sale in any market, sellers need to do something for their home that sets it apart from the other homes listed locally. One great way to catch the eye of buyers is with new floors. Floors are one of the major design aspects of a home and every other element of a room has to mesh with the floor of the room just looks plain wrong. For instance checkerboard flooring + polka dot wallpaper = big mistake. Flooring plays a huge role in how a room is presented and has the ability to be a real focal point for a room if chosen properly. The right floors make a room, badly chosen or installed flooring sticks out like a sore thumb. 


There is a huge and diverse selection of floors to choose from. Everything ranging from stone to wood and everything in between. There are definitely some surfaces that are smart choices for certain areas such as tile for kitchens and bathrooms and laminate or hardwood for dining rooms or bedrooms. Of course the choice is up to you what kind of flooring you put where. But, try to take the function of the room into account and whether or not the surface you choose will be suitable. 


In today's high-traffic homes laminate is emerging as the clear favorite. This is largely due to it's attractive appearance and relatively low cost. It also holds up well to extensive use and is acceptable for areas like the kitchen as well. There are about as many different styles of laminate as one could imagine. Most however, mimic the look of hardwood, a highly sought-after, but extremely expensive surface. Laminate does require the kind of long-term upkeep as hardwood either. After many years hardwood may need to be refinished and refinishing a whole home of floors can be a time consuming and messy prospective. A surface like tile on the other hand; takes a while to install properly but lasts for years with little maintenance. areas like the bathroom need a good waterproof surface like tile or linoleum. This will stop any leaking or excess water from reaching the foundations or inside of the walls. 


Planning your floors is like planning any other renovation aspect. It takes some careful consideration of what you have currently and what you need in order to generate interest in buyers.
Eric Badgley is a motivated and professional realtor located in beautiful Whatcom County. For information on Bellingham WA real estate contact Eric or visit online at www.belllingham-realestate.net 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
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            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/saving-energy-in-the-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/saving-energy-in-the-home.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Saving Energy in the Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Saving Energy In The Home


At a time where there is a growing energy shortage and with the rising costs of the energy that is available home owners are seeking ways to keep their monthly energy bills down. Energy conservation is not nearly as expensive as some people might think. In fact, the process is fairly simple and takes little time and effort. It is simply a matter of knowing where to start.



    
Lighting - This is one of the best ways to reduce your monthly energy bills. Compact fluorescent lights provide the same light as the older standard light bulbs while using significantly less power. 

    
Energy Star Appliances - Appliances that meet the &quot;Energy Star&quot; requirements utilize less power through intelligent design and production. Good examples of these appliances include the new style front load washers and dryers which also use less water than traditional top load units. 

    
Seals - Have you ever checked your home's seals around windows and doors? Have you checked the attic and basement? Chances are that there are a few places where air can escape through old or worn seals. Redoing the seals on in your home can help put money back into your pocket. 

    
Ceiling Fans - Ceiling fans provide more than cooling during the warmer months, during the winter and fall, turn your fan to reverse to provide a constant updraft which circulates warm air throughout the room keeping it warmer. 

    
Thermostats - These devices are a great way to cut back on energy bills. By allowing you to control the temperature and humidity in the home you can dictate the amount of energy that is expended in heating your home. 




Saving money on home heating and energy bills not only free funds up for other home projects but the process helps out the environment by easing the demand for energy. Any home that is leaking energy increases the demand on an already fragile supply. Take the time to help out the planet and save yourself some cash while you are at it.

Eric Badgley is a motivated and professional realtor located in beautiful Whatcom County. For information on Bellingham WA real estate contact Eric or visit online at www.belllingham-realestate.net ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/selling-tips-home-sale-preperation-.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/selling-tips-home-sale-preperation-.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Selling Tips - Home sale preperation</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


So you are selling your home and need a little guidance on getting it ready for the droves of interested buyers that will be coming to see what you have to offer? No problem. Getting a home ready for shows is a pretty simple thing. All it really takes is some planning and careful execution, a bit of time, and maybe a few bucks but the end result is amazing when done properly. You may even wonder why you are selling the home in the first place! It funny, some people are amazed at how different their home looks when all is said and done.


All right, let's get down to business. The first thing that you will have to consider is cleanliness. Now, you may say &quot;but my home is already clean!&quot; This might be true, but go and have a look at a new construction show home, how clean is your home compared to that? It's alright that your home has some mess in it, it is to be expected. After all, nobody lives in a show home and you likely have a whole family in yours right? Ever heard the term &quot;white glove?&quot; Well put one on and go around your home seeking dust and clean anywhere you find it.


The next thing you may want to consider is odor. There are any number of variables that can factor into the smell that a home has. If you are a smoker then this is a huge one. Pets are also great for causing &quot;unpleasant&quot; odors. Getting rid of smells can be tricky as they weave their way into everything, the furniture, bedspreads and mattresses, clothing, drapes, well you get the idea. Airing out the home is a good way to start. Open all the doors and windows and turn on any fans that you have. This should get the air circulating and help the odor situation. Remember that simply &quot;masking&quot; odors with flowery sprays will not solve the problem. Washing and cleaning anything that may hold odor is the way to go.


Let's think about things that send up red flags to buyers. Wallpaper from the 1970's, old appliances perhaps also from the 70's. Old carpets and scratched wood floors are another things that buyers don't really like to see. Buyers are looking for new fixtures and modern (or at least new) looking appliances and such. Old stuff does not really help a home to sell. Another good idea is to repaint the walls in a nice neutral shade such as beige or cream. It may seem boring but it is much easier to sell a home with beige walls than a home with green or blue walls. Leave the extra decorating to the new owners, they likely will have plans for their purchase anyway.







    
        
            

            

            
Eric Badgley is a motivated and professional realtor located in beautiful Whatcom County. For information on Bellingham WA real estate contact Eric for bellingham real estate or visit online at http://www.bellingham-realestate.net.

            

            

        
    



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/proper-pricing-for-a-quick-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/proper-pricing-for-a-quick-sale.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Proper pricing for a quick sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


Perhaps the most important aspect of any home sale is how the home is priced. As this is a fairly big claim, allow me to explain. Virtually ANY home can be sold if it is priced correctly. Now, proper pricing is not always the number that the owner has in mind as they undoubtedly have an emotional tie to the home and will tend to price a home with their heart instead of their head. Home pricing is a skillful combination of knowledge of what is happening in the local real estate market, comparable homes that have sold recently or are currently listed for sale. An agent has to consider all of these aspects in addition to the assets of the home itself in order to come up with a price that is fair and attractive to buyers and to the seller.


As a seller the best thing that you can do is to put your trust in the value that your agent comes up with. Remember; the head, not the heart. If the original value range is not to your liking then perhaps there are some things that you can do to improve or increase the value of the home. Overpricing a home is a real problem as buyers will have no trouble comparing your home to others that are listed at the same price. If your home does not add up or visibly compete with the others then your home will simply be forgotten and it will sit on the market and possibly gain the stigma of an &quot;un-sellable home.&quot; This is not to say that it is not sellable, simply that it is not sellable at that price. The problem comes when a home has been listed for a long time and people do not know that the only reason that it has not sold is the price. It is now when people will start assuming things about the property whether or not they are true.


Before the home is listed sit down with your realtor and discuss the price issue. Set out a bottom line and an ideal number for the sale. Then, after the agent has done the CMA and considered your home's assets, the two parties can come together on an agreeable price that will attract buyers immediately. If you have the right home at the right price, selling should be no trouble at all.







    
        
            

            

            
Eric Badgley is a motivated and professional realtor located in beautiful Whatcom County. For information on Bellingham WA real estate contact Eric for bellingham real estate or visit online at http://www.bellingham-realestate.net

            

            

        
    



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/home-sale-preperation-.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/home-sale-preperation-.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Home Sale Preperation</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


So you are selling your home and need a little guidance on getting it ready for the droves of interested buyers that will be coming to see what you have to offer? No problem. Getting a home ready for shows is a pretty simple thing. All it really takes is some planning and careful execution, a bit of time, and maybe a few bucks but the end result is amazing when done properly. You may even wonder why you are selling the home in the first place! It funny, some people are amazed at how different their home looks when all is said and done.


All right, let's get down to business. The first thing that you will have to consider is cleanliness. Now, you may say &quot;but my home is already clean!&quot; This might be true, but go and have a look at a new construction show home, how clean is your home compared to that? It's alright that your home has some mess in it, it is to be expected. After all, nobody lives in a show home and you likely have a whole family in yours right? Ever heard the term &quot;white glove?&quot; Well put one on and go around your home seeking dust and clean anywhere you find it.


The next thing you may want to consider is odor. There are any number of variables that can factor into the smell that a home has. If you are a smoker then this is a huge one. Pets are also great for causing &quot;unpleasant&quot; odors. Getting rid of smells can be tricky as they weave their way into everything, the furniture, bedspreads and mattresses, clothing, drapes, well you get the idea. Airing out the home is a good way to start. Open all the doors and windows and turn on any fans that you have. This should get the air circulating and help the odor situation. Remember that simply &quot;masking&quot; odors with flowery sprays will not solve the problem. Washing and cleaning anything that may hold odor is the way to go.


Let's think about things that send up red flags to buyers. Wallpaper from the 1970's, old appliances perhaps also from the 70's. Old carpets and scratched wood floors are another things that buyers don't really like to see. Buyers are looking for new fixtures and modern (or at least new) looking appliances and such. Old stuff does not really help a home to sell. Another good idea is to repaint the walls in a nice neutral shade such as beige or cream. It may seem boring but it is much easier to sell a home with beige walls than a home with green or blue walls. Leave the extra decorating to the new owners, they likely will have plans for their purchase anyway.







    
        
            

            

            
Eric Badgley is a motivated and professional realtor located in beautiful Whatcom County. For information on Bellingham WA real estate contact Eric for bellingham real estate or visit online at http://www.bellingham-realestate.net

            

            

        
    



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/what-is-really-happening-in-the-bellingham-real-estate-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/what-is-really-happening-in-the-bellingham-real-estate-market.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>What is really happening in the Bellingham real estate market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Word on the street is that the market is&nbsp;crashing. How much truth is actually in that statement? 


So what exactly is going on? Rates have fluctuated, prices have leveled and homes are taking longer to sell. The market has switched from a sellers market to a buyers market. Why? In one word: inventory. There are more homes on the market today then two years ago, giving buyers many options to choose from. New construction is everywhere: single family homes, condominiums, townhomes! You name it, its out there. 


Home sales were up nearly 4% during the month of August and nearly 7% during the month of July compared to 2006 sales.&nbsp; According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service the average number of available homes in Whatcom County during the month of August was 2524, 657 homes sold and 381 homes&nbsp;&nbsp; pending. The average home price&nbsp; median is between $275,000 and $315,000. Compare that to Skagit County where the average number of available homes was only 1256, 341 home sold and 220 homes pending a sale. 


What does all of that mean to you? Sellers must price their homes competitively and reasonable; home staging is an important factor in attracting buyers. It is still a great time to sell, especially since the FED has lowered interest rates. Buying is beneficial due to the&nbsp;lowered rates and number of&nbsp;available homes. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/why-get-pre-approved-before-real-estate-shopping.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bellingham-realestate.net/blog/why-get-pre-approved-before-real-estate-shopping.html</link>
            <author>benkinneyrealestate@gmail.com (Home4Investment Team)</author>
            <title>Why get pre-approved before real estate shopping</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A Powerful Resource! Presenting a formal&nbsp; pre-approval letter with an offer gives the buyer credibility and power. It says to a seller &ldquo;I am willing and able to purchase your home&mdash;RIGHT NOW!&rdquo; Pre-approval will also cut your search time to a minimal. Knowing how much you can afford will assist your buyers agent in narrowing down the search, allowing you more freedom to live your life outside of the home purchase.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:46:02 -0700</pubDate>
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