Jay Baklund's (baklund) Blog

Many of us received gift cards for Christmas. There are now websites that allow you to sell these gift cards. For example, if you received a gift card that you can't or won't use, you can go to one of these websites and they'll buy it from you. It appears to be a win-win. You get cash, which you'...

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! The holidays are a time to gather with friends and family. It's also a time to reflect and be grateful. I feel grateful to those that helped me succeed. 2009 was another great year for me, personally and professionally. If you have any real estate needs, now or in...

The President has signed the Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation, extending and expanding the tax credit. Legislation includes some modifications to the existing tax credit which will become effective December 1st. The National Association of Realtors has created written materials explaining the ori...

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES AND CONDOS NEW LISTINGS: 228 TOTAL ACTIVE: 1687 NUMBER OF PENDING SALES: 195 NUMBER OF CLOSINGS: 235 AVERAGE PRICE: $290,344 MEDIAN PRICE: $240,250 This information has been provided to you by Jacob Baklund. The information comes from The Northwest Multiple Listing Service. If...

Whatcom County Housing News, July 2009 Home prices listed at $300,000 or less getting full price offers A seller's market has been reported for homes listed under $300,000, however home prices have been consistently sliding since June 2006. June 2006 buyer's paid 96% of original listed price. Jun...

Whatcom County Housing News, June 2009 Last month the local unemployment rate was 8.4%, while the state and national rate rose to 9.4%. Hart Hodges, director at the Center for Economics and Business Research at Western Washington University, doesn't think job growth will actually begin until 2010...

Whatcom County Housing News, July 2009 One key to successful investing is a balanced portfolio. Most financial advisors recommend that investors have some liquid savings, some fixed return instruments and investments with equity growth potential. Real estate, as one element of an investment portf...

887 Chuckanut, Bellingham WA

Yes it's true. This market is challenging for sellers. In most parts of the country, the inventory has tripled. With so many choices out there, buyers can afford to be picky. Do you have the best product, or the best price? Why are buyers waiting on the sidelines though? I've been selling real es...

As an agent, I wear different hats. When I'm a listing agent, it's my goal to get the most amount of money for my sellers. When I'm the buyer's agent, my goal is to get my clients the best deal possible. In any event, real estate values are determined by comparable homes. These are homes that are...