Agent Carey's Blog

Wordless Wednesday-Where is this in Bellingham Wa?

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:17:40 -0500

Wordless Wednesday- A drive through Wenatchee, Wa revealed

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:32:30 -0500

Relocating to Bellingham Washington and need a place to stay while your looking?

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:43:52 -0500

Just wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some wonderful places to stay while your on a quest

to see if Bellingham Washington could be your next home.

I have personally stayed at the Hotels listed at one time or another and this is of course my opinion.

Please note many have spa's. This is due to my body needing to recover every now and then..

I also want to be able to recommend properties suited to each clients individual needs.

Chrysalis Inn and Spa

The Chrysalis is a fantastic property nested in the Historic area of Bellingham named Fairhaven. You will not be disappointed when you are gazing out the window of your room and watching the sunset on the bay. The rooms are decorated with newer features of slate, granite and glass. Jacuzzi tub to relax in and window seat to enjoy the view. Fireplace for the winter nights and just an overall feeling of total relaxation.

This is good because sometimes I have been with clients and shown a dozen homes and you just need a place to download all the real estate you just toured.

The restaurant and Wine bar Fino is wonderful and you will enjoy the complimentary breakfast. An assortment of bagels, muffins, eggs, granola, yogurt and the usual coffee tea and juice. Dinner is truly an experience as well as the sun sets upon the bay.

The spa is award winning and would be my favorite. The smell of the Essential Elements spa products help maintain a relaxing space and you feel so blissful every moment you spend whether it be a massage, facial or just a pedicure.

Just steps outside will find you walking on a fantasic pier that connects to Boulevard Park where you can enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee and perhaps a scone at Woods Coffee. Take a walk in the other direction and you will find yourself in the heart of Fairhaven. So much to do and see that is a whole other blog in itself.

The only disclosure that must be made is that you may hear the occasional train drifting by, I personally love the sound of a train.

If you are looking to spend time looking for real estate in Bellingham and would like stay overnight, give the Chrysalis a try. It will take the stress out of riding around Bellingham with a Realtor all day:)

A sweet and simple approach to real estate,

-Katharine Carey

Are you in, or are you out of Social Networking?

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Sun, 10 May 2009 11:58:35 -0500

Yesterday I had a busy day lined up.. My daughter and I were up in the early morning to help with a race called Haggen 2 Haggen.

She was photographing the event and I was in charge of getting her from point to point.

Of course while I am waiting I am visiting with all the walkers and runners for the event, great conversations and a beautiful day in Bellingham Wa.

The turnout is fantastic and I just can't resist taking a few shots of the runners getting ready and posting on Twitter which feeds into my Facebook and there is up to the minute posting of the race.

I notice on my twitterific that someone in the race is posting photos of the race as well. This is just a snippet of what transpires each day whether it be a race, prom, business function, sports match you name it. It is just amazing the quickness of the information.

Now this is not a new experience to many of you here blogging but it could be for someone just beginning there social networking journey. We are all Newbs at one point or another.

After the race I went to visit my parents, it was a great day for a visit. My dad gave me an official tour of his garden and my mom was asking about this social networking business. She wants to know more, she wants to keep up with her grandchildren and perhaps implement it into their business.

She states things are changing and I want to be able to access younger professionals to our business functions. I have heard so much about social networking and want to learn more...

As my dad enjoys his passion, I share with my mom who is so curious....about Facebook and Twitter.

I share her photos of the race I posted to twitter and look it is on my Facebook as well.

Here mom... lets get a photo of Dad and post it to Facebook right from my phone.

With in seconds its posted. She is excited she wants to know more, she wants to be in.

Now it's time for the business part of my day, I have a client out of town that is interested in a condominium and I want to check it out.

Pulling up I see that an agent is doing an open house, great I will have someone to talk to about the condo and gather information from.

Upon entry, I introduce myself and set my card on the counter, and ask if I may take a few photos for the client.

He say's " I thought we had some on the Mls" I reply "yes you do, but I would like to send some that are a little more informative."

The fixtures tile and trim are points that my clients would like to see.

As I am snapping away he asks about my office ect. I state that our company is heavily based on the web and that is where we have most of our inquiries.

He states that he just attended a social networking seminar and wasn't so sure about doing business like that.

His grandson wants him to get a facebook page but well he just doesn't get it.

So in other words...." Your out."

That's fine, everyone conducts their business differently I say but it sure beats sitting behind a desk all day. I like to be out and about checking out new properties and being able to check my email on the go.

These are two people in the same generation. Baby Boomers.

So,

Are you in, or are you out?

Wordless Wednesday-Where is this in Whatcom County, Washington?#5

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:43:01 -0500

Wordless Wednesday-Where is this in Whatcom County, Washington?#4

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:48:02 -0500

Prospect Cafe in Downtown Bellingham

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:16:38 -0500

Prospect Cafe located in downtown Bellingham is anything but a cafe. I usually equate a cafe as somewhere that serves soup and sandwiches. Not here, this is a very nice place to go for dinner. If you are into healthy preperation, by this I mean not a lot of butter and salt to hide the foods flavor but ingredients that bring out the best of flavors then this is the place for you.

The restaurant in the previous was called Wild Garlic, so when the name changed to Prospect Cafe many thought it was something like what I said before about being a sandwich place. Please don't be fooled!

The menu is simple and careful thought is put into each dish. The selection is minimal compared to the five page book elsewhere, but trust the chef for this one. Please don't be intimidated by the menu since it is not the usual steak and seafood fare.

However I did choose the salmon dish:)

Prospect St.

As we waited for our dinner to be prepared we were served wonderfully thin crusty sliced bread with olive oil drizzled over hummus. Perfect little start.

Upon presentation of my dinner I was stunned. The food looked fantastic and my daughter sighed "save some for me, that looks good". The sauce consisted of blood orange reduced with a citris Heirloom tomato vinagrette. The flavors complimented the salmon and I throughouly enjoyed every bite.

Recently taking a healthy approach to beverages I passed on the wine, but observed a very nice selection. I will still follow the wine guy on twitter since he has quite the opinion and is fun to watch. Anyway, bringing it back

I ordered the sparkling lemonade along with my daughter which was light and refreshing not tangy to make your lips pucker up or to have heartburn later on. Perfect

Museum across the street

The atmosphere is very relaxed and somewhat subdued just like our town:) It is a very comfortable place to have dinner. I really enjoyed places that are warm. nothing ruins my meal more than a cold vent blowing down on me and all I can focus on is being cold. Perfect

I didn't order desert but quickly wished I did, my friends had ordered a dark chocolate cake (flourless?) with red wine berry sauce with ice cream that looked and smelled amazing.

Also if you are wondering if this is a kid-friendly restaurant you can be assured it is. They have high chairs and a menu with Cheese Ravioli a little more sophisticated than mac and cheese. The two and a half year old with us devoured her meal along with the sauteed vegetables and Polenta. Definetly on the way to becoming a foodie..

The service was very attentive, friendly and has genuine care in all they do. The bathroom is no exception, it was very clean.

After reflecting on my experience and the meal I just couldn't help but share and told at least a dozen people already.

My rating system is that of my own opinion and I would give it a 4 1/2 out of possible 5.

Link to website- Prospect Cafe for more information and directions

-Katharine

Wordless Wednesday-Where is this in Bellingham Washington?#3

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:09:14 -0500

Wordless Wednesday-Where is this in Bellingham Washington?#2

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:16:32 -0500

Another Fantastic First Time Homebuyer!

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:54:19 -0500

First time Homebuyers have always been the buyers that keep me jazzed about realestate!

I have found that their sheer excitement in owning a new home keeps me on my toes and keeps me humble.

It is the process that overwhelmes and overtakes their lives for perhaps just a short time but can create a relationship for much longer! That is , if you listen...

Listen to what your buyer is saying, take time to find out what is important to their needs.

The rewards are great when you listen, and find the home they are looking for.

When the day comes and you hand the keys over and realiize that the process is over and the relationship has just begun.

I dedicate this post to another happy first time homebuyer, whom I had a wonderful time listening to and learning from.

May your dogs be free to run around in their own backyard! Along with Darth Vader and his sidekick!

Wordless Wednesday-Where is this in Bellingham Washington?

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:38:17 -0500

Wordless Wednesday..What are you waiting for?

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:49:46 -0600

Dear Diary- My Passion is Life...period.

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:55:07 -0600

Life is what you make it... Period.

I choose to be positive...Period.

to love my family,friends and new aquaintences and do it to the best of my ability...Period.

A sweet and simple approach that is it..... Period.

Wordless Wednesday-Big Island Lava

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:32:07 -0600

Real Estate, Royal Hawaiian Hotel and friends in the Rain

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:30:57 -0600

This business we call real estate is a wonderful thing. It opens doors you could have never imagined. This year was the second consecutive year I was able to take another Mother/Daughter vacation. We stay at the famous Pink Palace or Royal Hawaiian Hotel on the beaches of Waikiki.

This year was a different experience all together since the Hotel underwent 85 million dollars of renovating. Of course there were the questions of why did they change that or wow that is new... I can sum it up from a statement made from our favorite Hawaiian server Stanton." You may have many fond memories of the Royal Hawaiian of old but now is the time to embrace new memories."

With this year also including my daughters it seemed quite a fitting statement. So we embraced all that was new.. Here are the new Pink umbrella's

We found that the pool had been completely redone as well with beautiful blue Pentel tile. It was a clear blue color that gave a look of the ocean.

They renovated the Historic wing of the hotel and replaced the carpeting and much more.

Throughout our stay the staff was wonderful, we saw many of the familiar faces we came to know last year and they have returned to greet

guests and share the wonderful hospitality known throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

This year was the first that I was able to meet up with fellow Activerain member Sally Cheeseman. From the very moment we met I knew she was going to be a hoot to hang out with. She is so vibrant and energetic. Armed with her camera, we were on our way. She had mentioned that the papers were touting that the beaches were empty so I was out to prove them wrong. As we had coffee and chatted in the beachside cafe at the Royal Hawaiian we overlooked Waikiki and it was teeming with visitors! We visited and talked about real estate, blogging and much more. Not sure how we squished it all in but by the time it was time for her to go it seemed like we had known each other for a long time. Of course we promised to keep our schedule open for another visit next year and I am already looking forward to it!

Isn't Real Estate Grand! Isn't Activerain Grand! Isn't the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki Grand!

Aloha and thank you for having a place to find new friendships.

Time and Tide wait for no man..

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:44:56 -0600

A wild book, something out of my comfort zone.

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:17:01 -0600

Usually I have posted on a current Book Club book I have been reading but due to the holiday's and incliment weather we were on our own.

So this is one I wouldn't normally pick. That is for sure.. but have to say I enjoyed.

The title is" Wild Nights" by Joyce Carol Oates.

Stories about the last days of Poe,Dickinson,Twain,James and Hemmingway.

These authors to me evoke High School English and into College. I think I am more clear in the meaning of their writing now that I am much older. Back then it was just an assignment to get through and move on to the next.

The author ,Joyce Carol attempts to reinvent the climactic events in the lives of these famous authors. It is a unique work.

My goal of the year was to step out of my comfort zone. Even in the little pleasures like a book.

Next, is "The Shack" by Wm Paul Young. I am going to save this for another post.:)

Puget, Pizza and playing Kick the Can

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:50:40 -0600

I grew up in the Puget Neighborhood. We actually lived at the top of Puget St. and I remember distinctly having to walk up "the hill" after school. That's ok, it was great exercise and everyone would walk home. We would be laughing, sharing stories of the day, planning what would happen over the weekend. Whether it was someone to stay over or a game of Kick the can. Back then the neighborhood consisted of pretty much everyone who lived around the area not just a few nearby or next door. Kids would come from Queen St. St. Paul and even a few that lived in up on the top of Puget, what is now considered Pacific View.

A few years later we moved to W.Racine which became the Mecca for our games. Having lots of brothers and sisters and all their friends we always had something going on. Kick the Can was one of the most popular. Of course everyone has different variations which you can check out in the link above.

I have many found memories growing up in this neighborhood and looking forward to showing you the area.

You may be wondering why Pizza is in my post? Well, I was in the Puget neighborhood Papa Murphy's picking up a pizza for my family. I visited with the manager and she indicated the particular pizza I was ordering has been very popular this month. It was 4 dollars off the normal price and it took in 22% of their sales. The Chicken Artichoke for $8.99 what a deal. Offer lasts until the end of January.

As always, looking forward to your call

Real estate- Real life

Katharine

Its a dogs life..

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:23:04 -0600

New Year, new red ribbon and I feel good!

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:44:13 -0600

Activerain has changed my profile but not me...I have a new little red ribbon, don't I feel special... cool features as for placement in the big picture, but this is the picture so far for 2009

I wasn't able to do my normal Polar Bear Dip this year :(

Actually my kids weren't, I usually stay inside and cook Lasagna and STAY WARM!

That is ok, we had an unusually snow stricken winter and cold snap that made me spend time with my family and throw out my arm on this new Wii thingy....

I had clients lined up for showings, to view properties and to do business. Then Mother Nature decided that she was going to intervene and let us slow down and spend some quality time together.

What a wonderful time, I almost felt like I was in a time warp and things were out of my control. I had already worked on my business plan for the year and was ready to get started on it. Darn these wonderful business groups that got me kickstarted!!

Anyway I am soooo excited for the year. I have been looking at houses with a wonderful couple from Hawaii. We have so much in common and I really enjoyed spending time with them. We have a lot in common and basically life is good. period.

Another couple is buying there first home and I am excited.. because I have been there. I remember the hoops I had to go through! 3 months worth. Guess what though, they are looking at a much better % than we were. I think it was about 9-11% for me and now it is 4 and 3/4 or a tad bit more depending on all the factors.

I am working with people I am so excited about. To me, it doesn't matter what price range they are in. It is about finding what is right for them!!!

The company that I work for is positive and looks toward the future.I have been constantly impressed from week to week and love the people I work with. I actually always love the people I work with, (just my nature to look for positive things) but these guys come up with fresh new ideas from week to week.

We had a business planning meeting that involved all members, and came up with something that is going to blow the socks off the community in the future.

I have implemented my plan and I am already ahead of the goals I set. My team is doing very well even though we are in a R.......n. See... I can't even say it, or spell it out completely.

This past year, the sale I was most excited about was a home less than 20,000 dollars. I referred the selling portion to another agent that could advise them appropriately. His wife spoke the language fluently and basically.... it was the right thing to do. He is an activerain member and that is how I found him.

He is now my teammate and I love it!! We are going to have a great year and I look forward to 2009!

Columbia neighborhood, green even when covered in white

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:47:08 -0600

Columbia neighborhood has always been on people's minds. As a realtor, many a buyer has had interest in this area. In fact, it is one of the most searched neighborhoods on our web site.

I am wondering if it is the friendly lifestyle of the area. The school district is a walking district. Meaning no school bus, everyone walks to school or carpools on the way to work.

The beautiful tree lined side-walks give way to pedestrian traffic, a neighborly feel and real sense of community. Even in our snow season you see families out on the walks pulling sleds and getting to and from the various parks and areas to enjoy.

Katharine@buyertours.com Real life-Real estate

Chuckanut Drive in Bellingham Washington

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:17:38 -0600

Robert invited me to join the group and share a few photos. These wonderful photos were taken on the glorious winding road on the coast between Bellingham Washington and Bow Edidson Washington.

Photos were taken by my daughter, do not copy.

Katharine Carey, Realtor, Buyertours Realty, Bellingham Wa.

Chuckanut Drive, not just a road but an experience

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:01:36 -0600

Chuckanut Drive in Bellingham Washington is one of my favorite places to go for a drive or to get away for the day. On in given day the beauty of the ocean and the northwest rainforest prevails. There are several places to visit, park & enjoy the view along the way.

If you want a little more adventure you can take a hike on a number of trails around Chuckanut. I recall a hike to Fragrance Lake. My family has many different versions of that particular hike, in fact I recall it ending with my Dad placing crawdads in the foot of my bed. He is always the prankster. You can only imagine a teenage girls reaction. I don't recommend this part for your family but the hike is wonderful.

You can also enjoy the day at Larrabee State Park. From walks on the beach, having the train pass by and climbing a rock wall there is something for everyone. Young and old love traversing tidepools or just enjoying the waves lapping on the shore. This is a wonderful place to look for special treasures from the ocean, just be sure to put back all living creatures from the sea back where you found them :).

There are a few notable places to dine along Chuckanut Drive as well. Should you care for a romantic sunset and wonderful meal or just an appetizer with a view. Oyster Creek Inn, which has closed recently and is currently looking for another revival. I had a wonderful mother/daughter moment with chocolate chip cheesecake and will always have fond memories of that day. The Oyster Bar, which poses wonderful views and food to match. A wonderful dinner with friends was enjoyed at this restaurant. I especially remember the mussels. Chuckanut Manor which holds a spot near and dear. This was a place that was a favorite of my late grandfather. It is always a pleasure to reminisce with the owner and the stories he tells. It has an opportunity the others do not, in that you can stay in one of the bed and breakfast suites. What a way to wake up in the morning and look out upon that gorgeous view. Last on the journey would be the Rhododendron Cafe where you will find the great history of Chuckanut Restaurants.

If you would like to take home some of the seas bounty then stop by Taylor Shellfish farm for fresh Dungenous crab, oysters, and Mussels.

This is the freshest we could find for our neighborhood crab feed. There is no better way to get to know your neighbors than by cracking crab together and finding out who eats theirs as they go or who piles it up for a one course meal. The mussels are just wonderful. It's funny, I never ate mussels until I was probably 32 and wow was I missing something. Of course the oysters are over the top and my favorite is on the barbecue with a little butter, Tabasco and a gentle squeeze of citrus. My grandfather always had them raw on the half shell. There's a Swede for you. There is a story about Lutefisk for another day.

The drive out Chuckanut is enjoyed by many motorists whether it be by motorcycle, sportscar with the top down or a mini van full of children so please drive carefully. The curvy road and amazing views lends itself to an enjoyable ride. There are many auto and motorcycle clubs that like to take this drive as a group. I remember watching a gaggle of Porsches cruise by as a teen thinking what a life...

During the winter, Chuckanut Drive may have closures due to rock slides, so please be aware of the road.

You will need to see if the road has been closed due to slides.

So next time you decide to visit Bellingham Washington,or live here and need to get away for the day take a drive out on Chuckanut and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer.

It is a great way to spend the day whether with family, friends or just a loved one for a romantic drive.

-Katharine Carey- Real life, Real estate in Whatcom County Washington

*special thanks to my daughter for taking the drive herself (another story for another day) and taking these wonderful photos. Please do not copy them as they are her work.

Much appreciated and Thank you for taking time out of your day . Comments welcome :)

A great book for the holiday,and a daughters request for Christmas

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:34:12 -0600

I wandered in the Library a few weeks ago to find a book to read, my book club had finished the latest and we are having a cookie exchange in lueu of our usual book.

I found a new book called "Christmas Lights" by Christine Pisera Naman

It is a quick and inspirational read, the book begins with separate vignettes that merge for a wonderful ending. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a wonderful look into the magic of the season. It is what inspired a previous post about tradition and rituals.

It was shortly after finishing this book my oldest daughter came to me and asked if she could pick the decorating theme for Christmas this year since it is her last one at home.

She is heading off to college and even though she will be nearby she feels it is her last one.

The theme she chose was Holly, so with my husband traveling this week and Thanksgiving dinner happening at my parents I dug into the Decorations and put up the Tree.

I wanted to strike while the iron was hot. When you have kids you understand that those teachable and memorable moments happen while they are truly engaged.

So with much laughter and silliness the girls decorated the tree last night. All the while my father in law was pointing where the empty spots were. They asked about specific ornaments that have been collected over the years and I pointed out the first one I hung 17 years ago for her.

It was fun to step back and watch, So yes I am feeling a little like my Dad at the moment and am finding the joy of the holiday. My husband said he had spies watching me so I wouldn't crawl up on the roof to install the twinkle lights. Hmm, I know the neighbors would be watching...but spies?

Today is a sunny day in more ways than one, I wonder if anyone is really watching? Now where is that ball of lights.....

Family tradition or family ritual...share your story

Katharine Carey, Agent Carey- Realtor® (eXp Realty) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:19:23 -0600

Does your family carry out a certain tradition or ritual? Do you know how important these simple little things are. It is something not necessarily routine but has more significance. It may be something simple or something more in depth but the matter of importance is still the same.

I had a wonderful opportunity to work with a gal that had amazing rituals for her family. It was working with her that I understood the importance of these simple rituals in regards to family, friends and even co-workers.

Here are a few of the rituals that I enjoy with

Family

Every year in the month of July we stay at a family beach home and on one particular day I take my girls to lunch much like my grandmother did when I was a girl. Since Frederick & Nelson is no longer around we chose Nordstrom. The girls would each pick out an outfit and it would be our special day.

Friends

I have a once a year gathering with two friends of mine. What started as a way for us all get together for all our birthdays turned into wonderful time to share the trials and successes of the past year. We meet at a restaurant, have a wonderful meal, laugh, cry and listen to each other. The gathering is the focus. It is something I look forward to each year.

Co-workers

sorry no photo since the donuts were all eaten:)

As simple and as sinful as it may seem, I would bring donuts to all the teachers on the first Friday of every month, Declare it donut day and all was right with the world.

Although my friend whom I worked with only briefly has passed away she is always in my memory of the rituals she shared with myself and others. It is never too late to begin a ritual of your own