According to a front page article published by the Bellingham Business Journal:  A group of developers are planning to build a 60 unit, townhouse style live and work type developement on the almost 5.0 acre parcel of land located at 195 Bellis Fair Parkway.  If this project is completed it will be the largest live and work type development in the city.The project is still in its design phase and the developer hopes to submit a design review permit for the site within the next 90 days and thinks it might take another 6-9 months before they can even break ground.The city planners are currently working with the developers on wetland and setback issues   05/14/2007

In Washington DC today - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today hosted a Homeownership Summit with leading stakeholders in the housing community to discuss the impact of risky, high-priced loans, and actions against predatory lending and how modernizing the Federal Housing Administration During the summit, seven areas of agreement were determined for protecting and preserving homeownership: Homeownership is still the best investment for the long-term. Every responsible step must be taken to enable Americans to become homeowners. Lending should be legal, fiscally responsible, and ethical. Housing counseling is critical and borrowers must read the fine print before buying a home. There is no place for predatory lending in the housing industry. Modernization of the Fede... 05/14/2007

Most localities determine your property tax burden based on an ad valorem assessment of the property's value. Sometimes, as a property owner, you get an unwanted surprise in the mail telling you your taxes are going up, and sometimes it may seem as though your assessment is too high.Often, matters like this can be resolved with a phone call. However, if after discussing your assessment with your local taxing authority you still feel as though your property was overvalued, a professional, independent, third-party appraiser is often your best bet in proving your case. That's where we come in.There are as many different procedures for appealing assessments as there are property taxing districts, so it's important to enlist the help of a professional appraisal firm that's experienced and tr... 05/14/2007

Fairhaven was mainly called south Bellingham or the south side back when I was a kid. At that time it was thought to be a rundown and old part of town. But over the last few decades, it has risen like the phoenix and become one of the leading tourist attractions in Bellingham. It is a desirable place to have a business, or to wander, with quaint shops, excellent hotels, restaurants and small specialty retail stores. There are great bookstores, one of which is an anchor business for the whole city. The legendary character Dirty Dan Harris was associated with Fairhaven (the original settlement in Bellingham) over 100 years ago and the district still celebrates his image and spirit with statues, artwork, a restaurant with his name and an annual "Dirty Dan Harris Days" event. Micheal Eisenb... 05/13/2007

The Edgemore area, going back longer than when I was a kid some 50 years ago, is one of the most scenic neighborhoods in Bellingham. Most of the homes have a bay view. It is a prestigious and favorite location for many of the successful doctors, lawyers, and business owners. Word, in the inner circle, is that a two time academy award winning actress has recently bought a home there, for her mom who likes Bellingham and used to live here. I have never checked that out for sure, but I believe it is true. Edgemore is easily found: When you are in Bellingham, go south through the Fairhaven area and, instead of heading on to Chuckanut Drive, take a right at the light by Fairhaven Middle School and head west into Edgemore.  A few photos of the neighborhood are included below.       Turn right... 05/12/2007

Bellingham Bay FishingBellingham bay has some of the best fishing around, there are many seasons and different species to catch.  Starting around February you can catch Black Mouth.  Black mouth are resident king salmon, an average black mouth is around 14lbs.  Generally a little bit smaller than King Salmon because they are younger and are not running up the rivers to spawn.  Black Mouth are fun to catch, put on enormous fight.Bellingham FishingAround May 1st, you can catch and keep rock fish.  Rock fish are delicious, and very easy to catch.  There is a place just by lummi island rocks that is a pretty good spot.  We were just out a few days ago and caught ling cod, and quilbacks.  05/12/2007

Bellingham Home InspectionInspecting a home is critical when purchasing a home.  As  buyer you want to make sure that you are buying right and not a lemon.  How terrible would that be if you bought a home only to find out that it needs a new foundation, that could cost you thousands of dollars.  Hiring a inspectors before purchasing can really you save you, an inspector spends about 3 hours searching the entire home defects in, framing, foundation, electrical, appliances, roofing, code, etc.  Inspectors a trained and go to school to look for items that we would normally overlook. Sellers have also hired their own inspectors to pre-inspect before listing, this can save time and money as well. I have a few inspectors that I like and highly recommend.Bellingham InspectorsDennis R. Louthan ... 05/12/2007

Earlier, I wrote about the ferry ride, on the Little Chief, to and from Lummi Island -- which is part of the San Juan Islands and located near Bellingham, WA.  Lummi Island has a tiny population. At the sign that welcomes you, they claim just over 816 residents and the 2000 census only boosted that to 822 folks. Obviously, this island, which is gorgeous on a summer day, really does operate on "island time." It is a haven for artists and, in the summer every year, they have a weekend where those of us from the mainland ferry over to view, and buy, the artist's creations. As is typical with the whole Bellingham area, Lummi Island has a number of real estate opportunities and building is taking place on an ongoing basis. The views are spectacular, as you will see from my photos below. As ... 05/11/2007

So, how far can you get in ten minutes, for $7.00. The most populous island community near Bellingham, Washington is Lummi Island. Now, it is not very populous, but it has a thriving island community. I will write more about Lummi Island, with some photos, in another blog. This time, I am writing about the Little Chief. That is the ferry that takes passengers from the mainland over to Lummi. It is a tiny ferry but manages to keep the economy of Lummi Island moving. When I went across this morning, for a home inspection, I was sharing the boat with a big concrete mixer truck. I did not even know that size vehicle would fit on the little ferry, but with the building going on at Lummi, I guess that it is mandatory. $7.00 is paid on the way over, and that is round-trip, so you might say it ... 05/11/2007

Free Limited Warranty Included with home inspection. We provide excellent customer service by including a complimentary limited warranty product with each home inspection.  We have two limited warranty options that can benefit you and your clients, whether buyer or seller.  Our 90-Day Limited Warranty provides valuable interim coverage for your buyer.  Our 120-Day Limited Warranty provides protection and peace of mind for your seller during the critical period of ownership transition.  All parties receive beneficial coverage and protection, including you as the agent.  Our products compliment other long-term warranty products allowing you to add value to your client's transaction.  The best part is that the limited warranty costs the client and you nothing extra. Warranty Programs90-Day... 05/11/2007

 Preparing buyers for the inspectionIt seems like the work just begins once an offer is mad on a piece of property.  A couple of things that might make the process ahead go smoother are to prepare the buyer for the inspection.   Buyers should be encouraged to have an inspection done on the home they are buying.  The inspection can provide the buyer with added confidence with their buying decision and peace of mind.It can also educate the buyer about the property helping them mentally and emotionally start moving in.Buyers should be encouraged to attend the inspection and be prepared to pay at the time of inspection.Inspectors are an impartial third party.  They are paid to find out what is wrong with a home and they will find something; guaranteed.  Conversely, there are things that the... 05/11/2007

I saw another member's post regarding the nation's best cities. I was just at a meeting this morning, with the mayor, and he said that Bellingham came out #2 in the nation as far as the best places to live, right behind Gainesville, Florida. Obviously, there are different lists for different folks but Bellingham sure has gotten its share of fame compared to the hideaway it was back when I was a kid. No wonder the real estate market is so strong. The story, on Bellingham's ranking, is in the local newspaper, and the link to the story is below. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/74759.html Thanks for reading, Steven L. Smith www.kingofthehouse.com 05/10/2007

Bellingham, Washington has three prominent educational institutions of higher learning. I have attached website photos of the schools and included links to the home pages of the institutions. The comments are mine, as a Bellingham resident for more than 50 years. Old Main, a fixture, at WWU http://www.wwu.edu/ WWU: The oldest, and most dominant school in town is Western Washington University -- one of the largest universities in the state and, year after year, rated as one of the best small universities in the nation. Western is a liberal arts school that is known for producing top quality teachers.  The technology department, especially the automobile research program, has been recognized nationally as a trendsetter in advance automobile technology and research. Whatcom Community Colle... 05/09/2007

Bellingham Welders Rodeo is coming soon - May 18-19 "From scrap pile to sculpture in just 8 hours!" It all happens at the Bellingham Technical College. The amateurs will be competing on Friday  May 18th and the Professionals on Saturday May 19. The works will be auctioned off in a SILENT AUCTION of completed amateur sculptures begins Friday at 1:00 p.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. Saturday LIVE AUCTION of completed professional sculptures begins on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. Proceeds from both actions benefit the BTC Welding Technology Program, student scholaships & the Welding Rodeo Event. 05/09/2007

Mark your calendars, Bellingham Juggling Festival is coming soon. May 18 - 19 If you are looking for something different to do Saturday the Public Show will be at 4:30 pm at Maritime Heritage Park. If you are a hardcore juggler there is a weekends worth of activities for you to check out at their website. Always something interesting to do this time of year, often lots of choices to keep you entertained. 05/09/2007

In a time of escalating fuel and energy costs and an increase in energy efficient building practices, materials and appliances--  we wonder if this type of loan program may gain popularity?  Here is some infomation we gathered on this interesting and rarely mentioned program:  What is an EEM?When you are buying, selling, refinancing, or remodeling your home, you can increase your comfort and actually save money by using the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). It is easy to use, federally recognized, and can be applied to most home mortgages. EEMs provide the borrower with special benefits when purchasing a home that is energy efficient, or can be made efficient through the installation of energy-saving improvements.  EEMs make it easier for borrowers to qualify for loans to purchase/ refin... 05/09/2007

Bellingham Home Selling Walk-throughWhen selling your home these Items need to be addressed to maximise the money your are going to netGeneral Exterior Condition     Screens in Good ConditionFront Yard / Landscaping and Upkeep   Windows CleanBack Yard / Landscaping and Upkeep    Odor Free EnvironmentGarage Condition      House Bright and AiryRoof Condition      Ceilings Dusted and In Good RepairCarpeting / Flooring      Paint and Wallpaper Fresh and NeutralKitchen Counter Tops Clean and Uncluttered   Doors Fresh and In Good RepairKitchen Appliances Clean and In Working Order  Fireplaces CleanKitchen Lighting Bright     Furnace ServicedLiving Areas Clean and Uncluttered    Air Conditioning ServicedBedrooms Clean and Uncluttered    Draperies CleanBathrooms Clean and Uncluttered    Closets... 05/08/2007

$489,900 - 3 Bedroom - 1.5 Bath - 1554 Sq FtRare, Victorian South Hill home-not remodeled. Oak floors & high ceilings in living and dining rooms-all the rest have clear Fir floors. Sunny office and wonderful sunroom. Beautiful bay view from most rooms. Large country-style kitchen with skylight. The upstairs BR is in a 3/4 turret with 3 big bay view windows. Cedar closets, built-ins throughout, sweeping staircase. Home begging to be refinished-a diamond in the rough! Sold as is. Some gentle upgrades done. 05/08/2007

 $239,900 -3 Bedroom - 2 Bath - 1228 Sq FtRare one-level living at affordable price; convenient to schools; Mt. BAker view from living room, large fenced backyard, cathedral ceilings, European cabinets, oak floors, attached 2-car garage. Seller will install new carpet and paint interioror discount price $7,000 at Buyer's choice for full price offer 05/08/2007

Bellingham, WA has gotten the number 2 spot as best place to live as ranked by Cities Ranked & Rated, 2nd Edition written by Bert Sperling and Peter Sander and published by Frommer's.  They looked at more than 400 metro areas in the U.S. and Canada.  Cities are ranked on 10 major criteria: Economy and jobs; cost of living; climate; education; health and healthcare; crime; transportation; leisure; arts and culture and overall quality of life. 05/08/2007