Home Prices rise in 2006
The average price for a home in Bellingham rose twelve percent from prices in 2005. Median prices for homes in Bellingham, Washington rose to $368,672, according to a report in the Bellingham Herald, Whatcom County's major newspaper. Ferndale, Washington's home prices are also up thirteen percent to $329,521. These comparisons are from 2005-2006. Western Washington University's Department of Economics and Business Research also gives the NorthWest region high marks for appreciation. In some areas nearly twice the national average for 2006.
In addition, the retail growth for the Bellingham area is also expected to grow six percent in 2007.Whatcom County saw retail sales between eight and twelve percent. Business owners are eager to move to this new bustling county growth area. Whatcom County's retailers have been doing well for the past two years, according to Hart Hodges, director of WWU's Economics and Business Research Department. Whatcom County's retail sales have been rising ten percent. As a result, a variety of new business are expected to open in Whatcom County in 2007. All of the Pacific Northwest is on the radar but especially Bellingham. Blaine is expected to pop in the next few years, according to Luanne Highlander, Realtor and relocation specialist.