Luanne Highlander

Bellingham, Washington Home Buying Update July 1st, 2006 Bellingam, Washington homes are now averaging $310,000-$375,000 for the 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath (single family home in the city of Bellingham). Bellingham homes with a water view (Bellingham Bay or Lake Whatcom) average $550,000-$850,000. These are upscale homes with granite counters, upgraded gas appliances and good (not partial) water views.Loren Adkins, Loan Officer with the Bellingham Branch (Barkley) of Horizon Bank, says ” the past housing market has stabilized and in transition from a seller’s to a buyer’s market. The last two years were very strong compared to this year. The reason for this transition

Building your dream home on undeveloped land July 1st, 2006 Charley Highlander, Realtor with Remax in Bellingham, Wa has much experience coaching buyers who wish to build on undeveloped land. “It is possible to save money by buying the land and then hire a builder to build your dream home.”says Mr. Highlander. “Part of your savings could come from the fact that you take out the construction loan. The builder has no out-of-pocket expenses to cover and so the project isn’t padded to cover unforeseen expenses. Then, also at the conclusion of the house building project, unlike a spec (speculation home), the builder does not have any sales cost associated with

What is Considered Over-Valued Housing?

July 1st, 2006 Chad Schmitt, Realtor with RE/Max here in Bellingham Washington, is concerned about the negative comments recently in the Bellingham Herald. “It is disturbing how the Herald portrays a statistic about over pricing in homes in Bellingham. Population growth has not kept up with the needed projections on housing in the area. Other statistics from sources such as the local BIA, shows that there are many new residents who are arriving daily to retire, made their money elsewhere and are investing in their retirement residences here in the Bellingham, Mount Baker area. There are no investment speculators,