Elaine A. Cook's Savvy Blog

Lake view home, Bellingham, WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:17 -0500

Bellingham, WA Pristine NW Contemporary Home

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:05:01 -0500

Potato Humor!!

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:02:59 -0500

Girl Potato and Boy Potato had eyes for each other, and finally they got married, and had a little sweet potato, which they called 'Yam.'

Of course, they wanted the best for Yam. When it was time, they told her about the facts of life. They warned her about going out and getting half-baked, so she wouldn't get accidentally mashed, and get a bad name for herself like 'Hot Potato,' and end up with a bunch of Tater Tots

Yam said not to worry, no Spud would get her into the sack and make a rotten potato out of her! But on the other hand she wouldn't stay home and become a Couch Potato either She would get plenty of exercise so as not to be skinny like her Shoestring cousins.

When she went off to Europe, Mr and Mrs. Potato told Yam to watc h out for the hard-boiled guys from Ireland And the greasy guys from France called the French Fries. And when she went out west, to watch out for the Indians so she wouldn't get scalloped.

Yam said she would stay on the straight and narrow and wouldn't associate with those high class Yukon Golds, or the ones from the other side of the tracks who advertise their trade on all the trucks that say, 'Frito Lay.'

Mr. and Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (that's Potato University ) so that when she graduated she'd really be in the Chips.

But in spite of all they did for her, one-day Yam came home and announced she was going to marry Tom Brokaw. Tom Brokaw!

Mr. and Mrs. Potato were very upset. They told Yam she couldn't possibly marry Tom Brokaw because he's just......

A COMMONTATER

Bellingham Real Estate | Foreclosures Stats

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:16:20 -0500

So here are the numbers for Bellingham Whatcom County Foreclosures.

Approximately 40% of home sold in Whatcom County are a short sale or foreclosure..aka distressed property.

There are 91 homes involved in a bankruptcy proceeding.
Currrent Bellingham and Whatcom County foreclosures total 166, with 66 homes in pre-foreclosure.

Between now, March 20th and April 10th there are 13 homes up for auction on the county steps.

While these numbers are low compared to the national statistics, they are high for Whatcom County.

However, on the bright side. Buyers are buying. Investors are investing. Why? Because the market values will go back up. Will we see the crazy appreciation increases of yesteryear? Probably not. Will we see real estate continue to out preform the stock market...absolutely.

Will interest rates go up. Yes, I am sure of it. When? I don't know. But they will go up.

So what does all of this mean if you are trying to sell your home? The majority of buyers who jump into the market to buy are buying for themselves. They have motivaion and timelines. They often start out looking for a bank owned, foreclosure, shortsale...something they "think" they can get a great deal on. However, the process for purchasing those types of homes is very, very long and complicated. After a month or two we start showing them other properties. So if you want/need to sell price your home right, and get it out there for the buyers to view. Make it a viable option.

If you are looking to buy, there isn't a better time. Period. $8,000 cash back, 100% financing programs, Rural Housing Programs, low rates, high inventory, and lower prices. It is really a no-brainer! Just plan on owning the property for 3-5 years. It is the highly exceptional property that will appreciate any sooner.

Chasing the Market Price

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:01:11 -0600

I give kudos to Gragg Miller, Broker of our local Bellingham Coldwell Banker, for his

recent article in the Bellingham Herald, the art of pricing a house in our ever changing market.

When meeting with clients who are looking to sell their property, I have always taken comps, to help determine pricing; just like all the other agents. But I also break down the ratios of price to days on market. Price it right, and your days on market go waaayyy down. Period the end.

Price it too high, get a price reduction, get another price reduction...and you are just chasing the market; and losing the race. Buyers spend many hours on the Internet searching for homes; prior to working with an agent. They know if a home is priced to high. So sellers listen to your agent! (Make sure you have a good one!)

Now, the flip side to this is that some buyers think ALL property is priced to high. Agents are having to write low ball offers on several properties; once the buyer loses out a couple of times, they will get the fact that not all homes are priced poorly...listen to your REALTOR! (Make sure you have a good one!)

But the final word in all of this is "A property is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it." So if you have been sitting on the market for 100+ days...the price is not right. Sometimes that means you need to do a short-sale, or lease option, or rent it for a couple of years. There are options.

But sitting on the market with an overpriced piece of real estate is not an option. It is false hope that you are going to be able to move on to the next chapter of your life!

Barkley Area Housing Market, Bellingham, WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:42:42 -0600

The year ended on the down side...no surprise there!

Our local sales volume is still down. No question about it! On average about 30% down from this time last year.

Barkley area has a historically low inventory right now. With 109 homes sold in the last 6 months and only 69 homes on the market, one would think it was a sellers market in the Barkley area!

However, already this month things are picking up! Buyers are coming off the fences. Low rates, tax incentives, great prices...the perfect storm for buying real estate!

If you are thinking about selling, and your home value is under $300,000 now is the time to get out there. $275-$300,000 is the magic range for rural housing and 1st time home buyer funding. The only sources left for 100% financing! Buyers who qualify but don't have the 20% down are looking to these programs to help them get into a home of their own.

If you would like more in depth information, stats specific to your neighborhood, or 100% financing information just send us an email. These stats are for residential only, provided by the NWMLS

Residential Only	Whatcom Co	Bellingham	Barkley Area
Total Active Listings	1298	435	69
Med. List Price	$331,500	$399,000	$350,000
Avg. Days on Market	140	137	121
Total Pending/Sold	1198	532	109
Med. Sold Price	$276,000	$299,000	$289,950
Avg Sold Days on Market	98	110	78
Total Sold Same Period last yr.	1664	750	125
AVG Sold Price - Same period last yr.	$290,000	$317,000	$305,000
AVG Sold Days on Market Same period last yr.	98	88	92

Scotty Browns Social House in Barkley Villiage, Bellingham WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:36:47 -0600

Scotty Browns, which has already been shortened to Scotty B's by the locals, is the newest dining choice in the Barkley area.

There have been reviews ranging from "fabulous" to "okay." I do know that one of the day time cooks is absolutely fantastic! Ty Cook. Yes, one of my many sons! And with a last name like that you have to be good!

Scotty Browns is a Canadian chain. Our Barkley location is their first venture across the border. Brilliant move I predict. With big screen TVs, a bar and bar tenders johnny on the spot, you can only imagine the fun you can have there!

The menu is some what of a mix...something for everyone!

You will find this great addition to Barkley, at 3101 Newmarket St - North side of Barkley Blvd, on the corner!

Home Buyer Seminar-Bellingham, WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:59:00 -0600

What is really going in our market?
What is the "new" process for buying a home?
Is there still 100% financing? (Yes)
What are my options as a home buyer?
Does buying a home still make sense? (Usually, but not always!)
What things do I need to consider?

These and many other questions will be answered at our Home Buyer Seminar:

When: Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Where: Neighborhood Mortgage
               432 Bakerview Rd
               Bellingham, WA 98226
To register, complete the form below.
Refreshments will be served!

Guest Speakers:


Leena Kirschman LO# 510-LO-34735	Elaine A. Cook	Nancy Leavitt

Space is limited. Register here:

Bellingham Home Buyers Seminar- What is really going on?

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:13:20 -0600

Guest Speakers:


Leena Kirschman	Elaine A. Cook	Nancy Leavitt

Space is limited. Register here:

What is out there for 1st time home buyers???

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:14:32 -0600

Money!
Through the 1st Time Home Buyer Program discussed here, and the Rural Housing Program!
And let us not forget the $7500 Housing Tax Credit given out by the government.

We are going to focus on the WA State 1st Time Home Buyer Program. The House Key program.

Currently there is a waiting list for these funds. So if this is something you want to pursue, you need to start taking action!

So, who is a 1st Time Home Buyer?
Anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years.

Who qualifies? The annual income maximum limit is $65,000 for 1-2 Person household;
and $75,000 limit for household of 3 or more.

Your credit rating must be relatively good. Your best bet is to talk to a qualified lender to know exactly where you stand.

The program sets a maximum price for a Whatcom County home at $300,000.

What do I do next?
To determine in what price range you can begin looking for homes, the first step is to talk to a qualified lender for this State Program. Here's a couple of them:
            Alona Wrightson | Peoples Bank
            360-676-5880  awrightson@peoplesbank-wa.com
            Leena Kirschman | Neighborhood Mortgage
            360-510-2593 leena@neighborhoodmortgage.net

Then attend the required class offered to 1st Time Home Buyers.

Contact a reputable, savvy, friendly, knowledgeable, REALTOR...hint...hint!

And finally...get information. Be prepared for the journey you are about to take!

100% Financing in Whatcom County???

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:20:22 -0600

Yes, 100% Financing is still available!   Through the USDA Rural Housing Program!

The USDA sets aside funds to guarantee 100% financing on homes that are in "rural" America! The term "rural" usually makes one think of a country home on acreage. That is not the case. Most homes that qualify for this program are in residential developments...outside Bellingham city limits!

In Whatcom County, the basics are...any home outside the city limits of Bellingham qualifies as "rural". See the Whatcom County Map.   There are several links to the left that showcase many of the available homes that qualify in Whatcom County. Areas such as Sudden Valley, Ferndale, North County and portions of the Toad Lake area; just to name a few.

The USDA goal is to help more folks get into a home of their own. This is not just a first time home buyer program. Any one can qualify based on the criteria below, and do not currently own a home. Funds can be used to build, repair, renovate or relocate a home, or to purchase and prepare sites, including providing water and sewage facilities.

So, Who qualifies?
The maximum annual income limits are 115% of the annual low income established for Whatcom County. These annual household income limits are established by the size of your household:

1 PERSON    2 PERSON    3 PERSON    4 PERSON    5 PERSON    6 PERSON
$50700      $57950        $65200       $72450       $78250        $84050

Your credit scores must be decent, but stellar credit is not a requirement.
This program is mostly based on your income to debt ratios.

Apply On Line and let's get you moving!

And now, the official description of who qualifies:

Eligibility: Applicants for loans may have an income of up to 115% of the median income for the area. Area income limits for this program are here. Families be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance. In addition, applicants must have reasonable credit histories.

What homes qualify?
Again check out the map to verify the areas.

Here is the offical description of what type of homes qualify for this 100% financing:

"Under the Section 502 program, housing must be modest in size, design, and cost. Houses constructed, purchased, or rehabilitated must meet the voluntary national model building code adopted by the state and HCFP thermal and site standards. New Manufactured housing must be permanently installed and meet the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards and HCFP thermal and site standards. Existing manufactured housing will not be guaranteed unlessit is already financed with an HCFP direct or guaranteed loan or it is Real Estate Owned (REO) formerly secured by an HCFP"

Title & Escrow Process, Bellingham WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:43:15 -0600

Title & Escrow
Whether you are buying or selling, you will be going through the escrow process. Title search is done on the property, assuring that the deed can legally be conveyed to another person. Also during this search all encumbrances on the property are revealed. Such as liens, easements, mortgages, etc.

Escrow is where all the legal paper shuffling takes place. Based on the instructions of the purchase and sale, and lender, the escrow officer prepares all the documentation needed to close the transaction. You are often asked to provide information to escrow to help them with the process. They are also responsible for pro-rating any water, sewer, propane, taxes due at the time of closing.

Closing. Closing is a word used to state the day the sale must be funded and the transfer recorded. Although, you will often hear an agent or the escrow officer refer to your "closing appointment." This is the day you sign all the necessary documentation. It is typically a day or two before the actual closing (recording) date.

Finding a lender in Bellingham, WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:11:32 -0600

Lending:
When buying a home the very first step you must take is with a lender...unless you are paying all cash!

I have has two recent experiences where the buyers lenders (Big National Lenders) could not do the loans...and these were very qualified folks! So I asked them to check with our local Bellingham lenders before giving up! Leena at Neighborhood Mortgage and Rob at The Bank of The Pacific came through for these folks. With equal rates and costs the National lender was promising...yet couldn't deliver. Another one to check with is Loren over at Whidbey Island Bank. Sit down with a lender or apply online. You must know where you stand financially, how much you can afford, how much down you need, closing costs, and what lending programs are available to you.

There are still several 1st Homeowner programs, which means you haven't owned a home in the last 5 years. 100% Financing programs are still available as well, through the Rural housing program.

In today's lending climate make sure you are working with a lender who can actually get your loan funded.
Ask them how many loans have they closed in the last 2 months!

Thanksgiving Day Poem by my Hubby!

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:01:40 -0600

Thanksgiving Thanks

by David Cook, yes that is my hubby!!! He is soooo great with words!

The candles are burning on the tables with flare

While 26 people slobber over the fare

Two turkeys, a ham, with stuffing and dressings

But Jason can't wait for us to say blessings

There's in-laws and outlaws, cousins and Aunts

Uncles and nephews and boys in low pants

Fathers and Mothers and kids of all kind

This is our family, our ties that bind

Green beans and potatoes and sweet candied yam

Three kinds of gravy and one of them's ham

The turkeys I mentioned, one roasted, one fried

If I had one more bite, I think I'd have died

But wait, over there, desserts on a table

Five different Pies and a cake, am I able?

I push back my chair, but to my shegrin

I have gravy dipping from down on my chin

No worries, no problems, lucky for me

With my apron on, my shirt's gravy free

I push through the crowd and grab a small plate

And thank God above that I'm not too late

There's pumpkin and apple, rhubarb and peach

Cake made with carrots and all within reach

I can't believe it, it must be a dream

To top it all off, there's even ice cream

There's a whole lot of smiles and laughter abounds

As the younger additions make their second rounds

Sweet hugs and kisses are easy to get

This was one Thanksgiving I won't soon forget!

I don't have addresses for all who were here,

So I'm asking you please; make it perfectly clear,

Pass this along to those in your clan

And someone return my roasting pan! LOL

Process of Selling your home, Bellingham, WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:50:30 -0600

Selling your Property.
First...find that savvy agent!

Your agent will take a tour of your home. Offer suggestions for home improvement items that will help you get top dollar for your property. They will then provide you with a CMA, and help you determine your listing price.

Your agent should provide you with a complete marketing plan specific to your property. Keep in mind that 90% of all homes are sold with an agent involved, and over 80% of all home buyers search the internet. The bulk of any "savvy" marketing plan will focus their budget in these two arenas.

Work with your agent on the marketing plan. The current market in Bellingham, WA requires a great marketing plan! Tell them what you love about your home, why did you buy it?

Your agent will be taking many pictures of your home and yard. Be ready for that!

Be realistic. And be aware that while your home is on the market, you don't live in it quite the same. You try not to leave clothes, dishes, messes scattered about prior to your departure for the day! You have one first impression...maximize it!

Once we have a purchase and sale offer on the table, we will look at the validity of the offer. This is where the negotiation begins.

Once we have an accepted offer, several deadlines start ticking away. It is my job to keep you informed of these deadlines, and protect your interests. When all contingencies such as financing, insurance, inspections have been satisfied we move towards closing.

Buying a Home in Bellingham, WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:42:07 -0600

Real Estate Process. This one in a series of blogs discussing the process of buying or selling real estate in Bellingham, WA.

Purchasing a home.
First, get pre-qualified. (See "Lending" blog.)

Next find yourself a Savvy agent...yes, I just had to throw that in there!

Once you have found your agent, you are going to go through a question and answer period. What are your wants and needs. And yes, wants and needs are diffrent. What are your lifestyle expectation for choosing a neighborhood? What are schools are you looking at? What are your transportation preferences? Yes, all of it. Why? Because it is our job to help you through this great treasure hunt...but you have to help design the map! Bellingham, WA offers many types of neighborhoods, lifestyles, and enviroments. You need some one who knows the area to help you with your treasure map!

We will then go look at homes. Probably several. Be sure to tell your agent what you like and what you don't like about each property. This helps narrow the search!

Once we have found the home you are looking for, you will write a purchase and sale offer. This tells the seller what you are willing to pay, information about your financing, insepctions...your offer in detail. This is where the negotiation begins.

Once we have an accepted offer, several deadlines start ticking away. It is my job to keep you informed of these deadlines, and protect your interests. When all contingencies such as financing, insurance, inspections have been satisfied we move towards closing.

Are you a Savvy Client?

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:33:18 -0600

What is a Savvy Client? Savvy Sav-ee
Well informed.
Experienced.
Knowledgeable.
Shrewdly aware. The only way to become Savvy is to learn!

A Savvy client knows their way around the internet, understands the escrow process, lending process and knows how many hours their agent is working for them behind the scenes....or is willing to learn!

A Savvy client knows the importance of working with a knowledgeable, informed, experienced and shrewdly aware REALTOR.

Throughout this blog you will find a variety of topics regarding real estate statistics, processes, general information to help you become a savvy client!

A Savvy client will either know some of this information and/or read the information available here, and ask questions!

Know the numbers.
There are tons of Real Estate Statistics floating around out there.
What are the really important ones to know and why?
So you can price your home correctly and/or purchase your home at the right price. Know when it is a good time to sell, or buy.

Whether you are buying or selling you want to know the following:
Whatcom County Sales Statistics.
Bellingham Statistics

Selling?
Your Neighborhood Statistics.
A Quickie look at your home's value.
An indepth comparable market analysis (CMA) based on pending and sold homes in your area.

Buying?
You want to know the percentage of list to sale price of homes in your price range.
Days on Market for the homes you are looking at.
The experience of your Realtor.

Selling your home, Bellingham WA

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:16:42 -0600

Thinking of Selling Your Home?
Selling decisions usually come down to a few specific things.

Why do you want or need to sell?
The answer to this varies in each household. Financial, personal, moving up, sizing down...everyone has a different situation. It my job to not judge your motivation, just help you meet your goal.

What is your home worth?
For help in establishing a more succinct look at your home's Current Market Value, Click Market Value Request and fill out the requested information. I will use comparable sold listings to help you calculate the fair market value of your home here in Bellingham and Whatcom County.

I promise I won't hound you, just because you were curious about your home's value! BUT, when you are ready, I would appreciate the opportunity to interview for the job!

How long should it take to sell?
It varies depending upon where your property is within Whatcom County, the price range and the marketing plan of your agent!

As a Connect Realty agent, we have "Showcase" membership with Realtor.com. The number one real estate search site! I can also get you specific stats to your neighborhood; just email me.

In the meantime go to Local Market Stats. This will give you numbers of homes for sale/sold, days on market, and price ranges all in one place! Average days on market is up to 99...so PLAN AHEAD!

Which agent should you work with?
You know how I will answer that!!! However, if you plan to interview several agents, please request the brochure, "Seven Questions to ask a Realtor."

As an experienced Realtor® I have helped numerous clients successfully sell their homes. I know how to handle every aspect of the sales process from strategically marketing and displaying your home, to making sure everything is signed, sealed and delivered by the closing date. Providing you with a comprehensive, high-quality listing service is the top priority for me. When you decide to sell your home, please contact me. And let's get started!

The TRUE economic fix...I am on a mission!!!! lol

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:11:41 -0500

So, having attended the Connect Realty workshop regarding "the mess"...I am now on a mission.

The real fix...drum roll please....

IS FOR BUYERS TO BUY HOMES!!!! Using any and ALL of the programs out there. USDA, First Time homebuyer programs, FHA, and a few strong banks still making loans. The credit has soften up...not like it was..and it will never be there again! Tax credits...etc.... This is the only long term fix to the problem...so we as Realtors can get this through to our buyers; and help fix the problem!!!

How does this fix the problem:
Mortgage interest is what fuels our economy/stock market. The interest earned on these loans is what goes into the banks so they can make more loans and what securities base their "profit/cash" on. When a loan is in default the lender is required to have $700,000 CASH on hand for every $100,000 of the mortgage in default. So when, for instance WAMU..started getting loans in default, they no longer had enough cash on hand (FDIC regulations) and were deemed insolvent. Meaning, that they no longer had enough cash on hand to pay out IF they collapsed and had to pay cash to their account holders. (CDs, Savings...etc) So the FDIC comes in and says...sell the company, or pay out your account holders and close the doors. It also means that they cannot generate new loans..car loans...anything....

Now, as you know mortgages are sold to investors. So if the mortgage is for $100,000. An investor will buy it for $105,000. (Expecting to recoup the $5000 in the interest payments. Then...these investors have a bundle of mortgages earning interest...which funds retirement accounts, insurance companies...etc (I am soooo simplifying this!) When the mortgages are in default OR the value of the house has fallen below the loan amount...then they have bad paper....no money. Insurance companies take our premiums and invest into Mortgage Backed Securities...well, when the value of those securities falls...they have less cash...which means less money to pay out on claims. Same principal applies to retirement accounts.

The bail out is to regroup, consolidate (to the top 5 banks!) and buy up bad paper. It is a band aid. It will help some folks faced with devalued homes, slow some foreclosures....but it is a band aid.

Go target the renters, investors and baby boomers....bring peace to our nation! lol
Also, did you know that first time home buyer...just means you haven't owned a home in 3 years ?

Dogs and Pepto Bismal...Who Knew?

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:42:53 -0500

I know this is long...but it is true...

Those of you who have/had animals will probably appreciate it more. It
is a story that is hilarious in itself and the person that wrote it is a
good writer and made the story even better. Enjoy...

We have a fox terrier by the name of Jasper. He came to us in the
summer of 2001 from the fox terrier rescue program. For those of you,
who are unfamiliar with this type of adoption, imagine taking in a 10
year old child about whom you know nothing and committing to doing your
best to be a good parent.

Like a child, the dog came with his own idiosyncrasies. He will only
sleep on the bed, on top of the covers, nuzzled as close to my face as
he can get without actually performing a French kiss on me.

Lest you think this is a bad case of 'no discipline,' I should tell you
that Perry and I tried every means to break him of this habit including
locking him in a separate bedroom for several nights. The new door cost
over $200. But I digress.

Five weeks ago we began remodeling our house. Although the cost of the
project is downright obnoxious, it was 20 years overdue AND it got me
out of cooking Thanksgiving for family, extended family, and a lot of
friends that I like more than family most of the time.

I was assigned the task of preparing 124 of my famous yeast dinner rolls
for the two Thanksgiving feasts we did attend.

I am still cursing the electrician for getting the new oven hooked up so
quickly. It was the only appliance in the whole darn house that worked,
thus the assignment.

I made the decision to cook the rolls on Wed. Evening to reheat Thurs
am. Since the kitchen was freshly painted, you can imagine the odor.
Not wanting the rolls to smell like Sherwin Williams #586, I put the
rolls on baking sheets and set them in the living room to rise for a
few hours. Perry and I decided to go out to eat, returning in about an
hour. The rolls were ready to go in the oven.

It was 8:30 PM. When I went to the living room to retrieve the pans,
much to my shock one whole pan of 12 rolls was empty. I called out to
Jasper and my worst nightmare became a reality. He literally wobbled
over to me. He looked like a combination of the Pillsbury dough boy and
the Michelin Tire man wrapped u p in fur. He groaned when he walked. I
swear even his cheeks were bloated.

I ran to the phone and called our vet. After a few seconds of uproarious
laughter, he told me the dog would probably be OK, however, I needed to
give him Pepto Bismol every 2 hours for the rest of the night.

God only knows why I thought a dog would like Pepto Bismol any more
than my kids did when they were sick. Suffice it to say that by the time
we went to bed the dog was black, white an d pink. He was so bloated we
had to lift him onto the bed for the night.

We arose at 7:30 and as we always do first thing; put the dog out to
relieve himself. Well, the dog was as drunk as a sailor on his first
leave. He was running into walls, falling flat on his butt and most of
the time when he was walking his front half was going one direction and
the other half was either dragging the grass or headed 90 degrees in
another direction.

He couldn't lift his leg to pee, so he would just walk and pee at the
same time. When he ran down the small incline in our back yard he
couldn't stop himself and nearly ended up running into the fence.

His pupils were dilated and he was as dizzy as a loon. I endured
another few sec onds of laughter from the vet (second call within 12
hours) before he explained that the yeast had fermented in his belly and
that he was indeed drunk.

He assured me that, not unlike most binges we humans go through, it
would wear off after about 4 or 5 hours and to keep giving him Pepto
Bismol.

Afraid to leave him by himself in the house, Perry and I loaded him up
and took him with us to my sister's house for the first Thanksgiving
meal of the day.

My sister lives outside of Muskogee on a ranch, (10 to 15 minute drive).
Rolls firmly secured in the trunk (124 less 12) and drunk dog leaning
from the back seat onto the console of the car between Perry and I, we
took off.

Now I know you probably don't bel ieve that dogs burp, but believe me
when I say that after eating a tray of risen unbaked yeast rolls, DOGS
WILL BURP. These burps were pure Old Charter. They would have matched or
beat any smell in a drunk tank at the police station. But that's not the
worst of it.

Now he was beginning to fart and they smelled like baked rolls. God
strike me dead if I am not telling the truth! We endured this for the
entire trip to Karen's, thankful she didn't live any further away than
she did.

Once Jasper was firmly placed in my sister's garage with the door
locked, we finally sat down to enjoy our first Thanksgiving meal of the
day. The dog was the topic of conversation all morning long and everyone
made trips to the garage to witness my drunken dog, each returning with
a tale of Jasper's latest endeavor to walk without running into
something. Of course, as the old adage goes, 'what goes in must come
out' and Jasper was no exception.

Granted if it had been me that had eaten 12 risen, unbaked yeast rolls,
you might as well have put a concrete block up my behind, but alas a
dog's digestive system is quite different from yours or mine. I
discovered this was a mixed blessing when we prepared to leave Karen's
house. Having discovered his 'packages' on the garage floor, we loaded
him up in the car so we could hose down the floor.

This was another naive decision on our part. The blast of water from the
hose hit the poop on the floor and the poop on the floor withstood the
blast from the hose. It was like Portland cement beginning to set up and
cure.

We finally tried to remove it with a shovel. I (obviously no one else
was going to offer their services) had to get on my hands and knees with
a coarse brush to get the remnants off of the floor. And as if this
wasn't degrading enough, the darn dog in his drunken state had walked
through the poop and left paw prints all over the garage floor that had
to be brushed too.

Well, by this time the dog was sobering up nicely so we took him home
and dropped him off before we left for our second Thanksgiving dinner at
Perry's sister's house.

I am happy to report that as of today (Monday) the dog is back to normal
both in size and temperament. He has had a bath and is no longer
tricolor. None the worse for wear I presume. I am also happy to report
that just this evening I found 2 risen unbaked yeast rolls hidden inside
my closet door.

It appears he must have come to his senses after eating 10 of them but
decided hiding 2 of them for later would not be a bad idea. Now, I'm
doing research on the computer as to: 'How to clean unbaked dough from
the carpet.'

Connect Realty | Bellingham Branch Opening!

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:13:55 -0500

We have opened our Bellingham Branch Office!

While many Brokerages are closing their doors, merging, increasing fees...doing what it takes to survive...Connect Realty is thriving! Why? Low over head, Great Splits and all the tools you need!
And of course, being fresh, perky and innovative doesn't hurt! lol

So, for those of you in Bellingham thinking about Connect Realty but have to have an office...YOU GOT! A very visible, and hip location. You will love it. There are only 2 spaces still available. $155 a month. Period.

If you are in another area, and want to know more about Connect...read below, check out the links...call and ask questions. It is a career decision that deserves investigation!

Where else can you get an 80/20 Split, no quotas, no caps, no fees AND earn back that 20% from the Brokerage?

Okay, the bottom line.

It cost $200 to join. $29.95 a month - click here to see what that gets you!!!
80/20 Split New Agents 70/30 for 1st 5 deals
FREE Realtor.com "Showcase" Membership (Avg $500 savings!)
No Desk Fees.
No Franchise Fees.
No Brokers License required to build your own team.
No Transaction Fees, except for the required E & O Insurance.
PLUS...5% Referring Agent Commission over and over...
About as paperless as a Real Estate Agency can get!
Virtual Office Transaction Manager
Contact Management
E-Store for Connect Fun Stuff!
Over 3000 Marketing Templates
Checks Direct Deposited with in 24 hours
Support, Support, Support

Oh, almost forgot...FREE on line training classes, videos, marketing materials, buyer and seller presentations...the list goes on!

We are ready for you...you ready for us?

The Sissy Rule of Football

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:52:16 -0500

Team E A Sports...that is the name of my Bellingham Fantasy Football Team.

I am currently 3 and 2...tied for 2nd place. Not playing Ronnie Brown the week he scored 35 fantasy points...was, well...unfortunate!

I love the game of football. Do I know all the stats, player numbers, what college they went to...lord no! I often have to ask my husband, David, (our league commissioner) what number is Adrian Peterson? "28, honey!" (yes, he rolls his eyes every time he answers that!)

I just love the energy, strength and spirit of the game. I do have opinions on certain rules. I strongly believe there should be no pass interference. Defensive or Offensive...especially offensive. If I am trying to get the ball, I should have every right to push my opponent away from the ball....unfair advantage??? That is a sissy rule. We strive for advantage...to get the ball...to score. That is the point of the game isn't it? Yes, my husband knows how I feel about this rule...and no, he doesn't agree...nor does he try to argue with me! lol

So who do you pick for the Super Bowl? Go Seahawks!!! lol

Oh by the way, have you checked out the latest news about Connect Realty?

Bellingham Housing Market

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:53:52 -0500

Wow, what a ride!

Our local sales volume is down. No question about it! On average about 25% down from this time last year. Why? Unsettled lending environment, gas prices, anxiety, unemployment up... However, our home values are holding pretty well. Our inventory it down from last year as well, which keeps us close to an even buyer/seller market. Hence, the values staying close to normal. So, it is time to buy with the rates going down, the credit belt loosening back up, and lots of good inventory. Time to sell? Yes values are holding and there are buyers...buying everyday!

100% financing is still available for 1st time home buyers, those that haven't owned a home in 3 years, rural housing (North of Bakerview, East of Toad Lake...and including the Sudden Valley area) and owner financing options. 100% financing still exist, just not available for all properties.
If you would like more in depth information, stats specific to your neighborhood, or 100% financing information just send us an email.
These stats are for residential only, provided by the NWMLS

Residential Only	Whatcom Co	Bellingham	Barkley Area
Total Active Listings	1767	636	111
Med. List Price	$349,000	$389,950	$379,900
Avg. Days on Market	118	112	100
Total Pending/Sold	1399	628	130
Med. Sold Price	$280,000	$315,000	$309,000
Avg Sold Days on Market	98	90	78
Total Sold Same Period last yr.	1603	775	140
AVG Sold Price - Same period last yr.	$292,725	$319,000	$305,000
AVG Sold Days on Market Same period last yr.	96	93	91

Chaplain talks about our oil crisis????

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:03:37 -0500

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NbakN7SLdbk

I was talking with a client of mine, and we got on the subject of gas prices. He had worked the Alaska pipeline back in the 70's and was telling me about when the "big" lake of oil was found. He had asked the Chaplain that stayed with the crews to keep him informed of the status of the new find. About a month later the Chaplain found him and told him it was huge, the oil was great...but the Feds came to town and said it was classified.

The next day, my husband is watching the above video...I said what is that? "Oh a video about a Chaplain who wrote a book, The Oil Non-Crisis...or something like that!" I replied no way, what is his name...yes, it was the same Chaplain my client had been talking about.

So I watched the video. VERY interesting information.

GETTING A HAIR DRYER THROUGH CUSTOMS

Elaine A. Cook-Bellingham Real Estate (Connect Realty.com) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:51:15 -0500

A distinguished young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the Priest beside her, 'Father, may I ask a favor?'
'Of course. What may I do for you?'
'Well, I bought an expensive woman's electronic hair dryer for my mother's birthday that is unopened and well over the Customs limits, and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there any way you could carry it through customs for me? Under your robes perhaps?'
'I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you: I will not lie.'
'With your honest face, Father, no one will question you.'

When they got to Customs, she let the priest go ahead of her. The official asked, 'Father, do you have anything to declare?' 'From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare.' The official thought this answer strange, so asked, 'And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?' 'I have a marvelous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused.'
Roaring with laughter, the official said, 'Go ahead, Father. Next!'

I think the Father would make a great politician!