Michael's Bellingham Real Estate Blog

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for October, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:57:08 -0600

The following is a quick analysis of the Whatcom County real estate market.

There are currently 1387 homes for sale
Homes are priced from $12,000 - $4,500,000
Average Asking Price $409,010 Days on Market: 139 days
Median Asking Price $320,000 Days on Market: 102 days
Homes sold in October: 183
Average Listing Price $299,098
Average Sold Price $289,807 Days on Market 94
Median Listing Price $262,900
Median Sold Price $258,000 Days on Market: 52
Homes Pending this week: 91 Total Homes Pending: 431

Average Sales Price October 2008: $301,847
Median Sales Price October 2008: $275,395
Sold in October 2008: 146

The Average Sales price is down 4.0% compared to October 08 and up 9.2% compared to last month.

The Median Sales prices is down 6.2% compared to October 08 and up 6.2% compared to last month.

The number of sales is up by 37 compared to October 08 and down by 16 compared to last month.

Condo Analysis for Whatcom County

Currently Active Listings: 429
Price range of active listings - $22,000 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $248,926 Days on Market: 170
Median List Price $194,566 Days on Market: 119
Sold in October: 47
Average Listing Price $210,852
Average Sold Price $204,557 Days on Market: 147
Median Listing Price $193,000
Median Sold Price $190,000 Days on Market: 97
Condos Pending (went under contract) last week: 12 Total Condos Pending: 79

Average Sales Price October 2008: $247,208
Median Sales Price October 2008: $177,000
Sold in October 2008: 22

The Average Sales price is down 17.3% compared to October 08, and down by 1.0% compared to last month.

The Median Sales prices is up by 7.3% compared to October 08 and up by 8.5% compared to last month.

The number of sales is up by 25 compared to October 08 and up by 14 compared to last month.

You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford. Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

The Lightcatcher – Whatcom Museum’s latest addition

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:55:15 -0600

Whatcom Museum's latest addition The Lightcatcher has just opened this week.With the buildings architectural design and it's exhibits, the museum will be bridging the gap between art and nature, showing the beautiful simplicity of nature's form and function.

The building's name comes from the Lightcatcher wall. Designed in an arc, the 37-foot-high and 180-foot translucent wall surrounds the courtyard capturing, filtering and translating the light of the sun. The building has an interesting shape but I find it's dull sand color exterior a little boring, some vibrant color or a mural would make it a lot more interesting.

The Lightcatcher is the first museum in Washington State built to LEED Silver standards and it includes a green roof and rainwater harvesting strategies that will be used for public education.The roof manages stormwater, their is a natural ventilation systems in the Lightcatcher wall, and a cistern for harvesting rainwater, as well as a rain garden in the courtyard,

One of the premier exhibits is John Grade's architectural installation of sculptures that he calls "Bloom: The Elephant Bed," 10 bell-shaped sculptures hanging from the 26-foot high ceiling. A type of organism called coccolithophores that forms algal blooms, was Grade's inspiration for the sculpture. After millions of years of decay and deposit, their calciferous skeletons have became the basis of England's chalky white cliffs of Dover. The "elephant bed" is a layer in the chalk deposit that holds the fossilized bones of ox, deer and even mammoth. The sculptures are made of water-soluble materials and over the course of the exhibit, a few will be lowered into a pool of inky-black water where they will slowly dissolve. On Saturday, April 10, 2010 the remaining pieces will be cast into Bellingham Bay after a public procession where they will dissolve and spend eternity.

Grade's exhibit honors the natural world's state of impermanence, death and renewal; the cycle of birth and decay is nature's way of creating a sustainable habitat.

The museum's art gallery, has works that explore political, social and gender issues and show how ordinary materials and ideas can be transformed into art. The Lightcatcher building's inaugural exhibition "Out of Bounds" features more than 80 compelling works in all media - painting, sculpture, drawing, Out of Bounds is the collection of Driek and Michael Zirinsky.

The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG), formerly the Children's Museum is the Pacific Northwest's newest family attraction. Art-based activities in a dramatic setting connect visitors to our region's history and environment, the FIG promises to be a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.

The Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher is a welcome addition to the city of Bellingham.

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for October, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:32:44 -0600

The following is a quick analysis of the Residential Bellingham real estate market.

Currently Active Listings: 468
Price range of active listings - $124,900 - $4,500,000
Average List Price $506,950 Days on the Market: 118
Median List Price: $379,450 Days on the Market: 85
Sold in October: 76
Average List Price: $339,339
Average Sales Price: $329,072 Days on the Market: 98
Ratio of List to Price: 97.0%
Median List Price: $273,450
Median Sales Price: $273,750 Days on the Market: 50
Ratio of List to Price: 100%
Pending Sales Last Week: 19 Total pending sales: 169

Average Sales Price October 2008: $305,045
Median Sales Price October 2008: $292,000
Number Sold in October 2008: 66

The Average Sales price is up 7.9% compared to October 08 and up 8.2% compared to the previous month September 09.

The Median Sales prices is down by 6.3% compared October 08 and up 5.3% compared to the previous September 09.

The number of sales is up by 10 compared to October 2008 and down by 6 compared to the previous month September 09.

Condo Analysis for Bellingham

Currently Active Listings: 262
Price range of active listings - $103,738 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $228,986 Days on the Market: 143
Median List Price $184,900 Days on the Market: 102
Sold in October: 35
Average List Price: $207,320
Average Sales Price: $201,597 Days on the Market: 148
Ratio of List to Price: 97.2%
Median List Price: $185,000
Median Sales Price: $179,300 Days on the Market: 93
Ratio of List to Price: 96.9%
Pending Sales Last Week: 3Total pending sales: 27

Average Sales Price October, 2008: $237,257
Median Sales Price October, 2008: $179,000
Sold in October, 2008: 17

Average Condo sale price is down 15.0% from October 2008 and down 5.9% from the previous month - September 2009

Median Sales Price is $300 or .2 %up from October 2008 and down 6.8% from the previous month - September 2009.

The number of sales is up by 18 compared to October 2008 and up by 9 compared to the previous month September 09.

If you look at the graph you can see that prices the residential market has taken a bit of a rise. Where will the graph go next month is anybody's guess. Will the roller coaster ride of prices continue?........Tune in next month

Great news the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit of $8,000 available to anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years has been extended until April 2010. The new program will also expand the tax credit to include existing home owners who have owned a home for at least five of the last 8 years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home.You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford.Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

The New Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit is Here

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:01:40 -0600

The home buyer tax credit ,which is part of a larger bill that also extends unemployment benefits. has been approved by both houses of Congress and signed by President Obama.

First-time home buyers are still eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000. Buyers will now have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.

The new program will also expand the tax credit to include existing home owners who have owned a home for at least five of the last 8 years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home.

The maximum price on a home will be $800,000 and vacation homes are not eligible.

The National Association of Realtors says that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.

The tax credit will also be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.

Senator Johnny Isakson, who heavily pushed for the extension, along with his own version that would have increased the credit to $15,000 stated, "this bill will help us boost what is the real problem in the U.S housing market today and that is what is called the move-up market."

Today we got something to help the move up buyers that should help jump start that segemet of the market as well as the first time buyer market.

What are my closing costs for my Bellingham Home?

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:59:00 -0500

Another common question from buyers as well as sellers is, "what are my closing costs?" Some typical closing costs in real estate transaction are

Title search fees - is the assurance of clear title to the property and title insurance to defend against any future claims made on the title by circumstances that were not picked up at the time of the title search. This fee is based on the price of the transaction. It will vary from one company to another but they usually pretty close to each other. Traditionally the seller will buy the title insurance policy to protect the buyer, and the buyer will buy a title insurance policy to protect the lender that is providing the loan for the transaction.

The appraisal fee - this fee is paid by the buyer to have a professional appraiser give their value of the property. The appraisal is based on recent comparable sales.

Prorated property taxes, utilities, and association fees - these fees are based on the percentage of the year, or month in terms of utilities such as water and sewer, that you own a home.

Insurance fee - you can usually expect to prepay the first year of your insurance premium

Recording fees - these are fees charged to record the change in ownership usually by the county.

Document fees - these can be fees for drawing up different documents involved in the transaction.

Escrow fees - this fee is usually shared by both buyer and seller and pays for the escrow company that is handling the transaction.

Credit report fee - this fee is for the lender to render buyers credit report.

Other miscellaneous fees - these can include courier fees, electronic transfer fees, flood determination fees, digital storage fees, retrieval fees, underwriting fees, wire transfer fees, tax service fees, e-mail document fees. You won't necessarily be paying all of these, but you will pay some of them.is

Loan origination fees and discount points - the loan origination fee can vary from 0.5 % to about 2% of the loan amount pays for the cost of providing loans. Discount points are percentage of the loan amount paid to buying down the loan rate, resulting in a lower monthly payment.

Sellers additional fees - the seller will also pay a percentage of the sales price in excise tax to the county, and commissions to real estate agents.

You real estate agent can usually give you a pretty close estimate of what most of these fees will be.

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for September, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:53:20 -0500

There are currently 230 homes for sale.

Homes are priced from $69,900 - $1,500,000
Average Asking Price is $390,513 Days on Market are 126 days
Median Asking Price is $328,5005 Days on Market are 92 days
Homes sold in September: 24
Average Listing Price $278,583
Average Sold Price $265,341 Days on the Market 81
Median Listing Price $272,000
Median Sold Price $268,750 Days on Market 55
Homes Pending this week: 10 Total Homes Pending: 60

Average Sales Price September 2008: $327,001
Median Sales Price September 2008: $304,900
Sold in September 2008: 17

The Average Sales price is down 14.8% compared to September 08 and down 9.8% compared to last month Auugst 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 11.9% compared to September 08 and down 4.0% compared to last Auugst July 09.

The number of sales is down up by 7 compared to September 08 and is up by 3 compared to last Auugst July 09.

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for September, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:51:34 -0500

There are currently 146 homes for sale.

Homes are priced from $124,900 - $987,000
Average Asking Price; $369,443 Days on Market are 134 days
Median Asking Price: $346,500 Days on Market are 99 days
Homes sold in September: 15
Average Listing Price $275,757
Average Sold Price $268,563 Days on the Market 99
Median Listing Price $259900
Median Sold Price $258,000 Days on Market 81
Homes Pending last week: 13 Total Homes Pending: 34

Average Sales Price September 2008: $337,268
Median Sales Price September 2008: $302,900
Sold in September 2008: 16

The Average Sales price is down 20.4% compared to September 08 and up 16.0% compared to August 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 14.9% compared to September 08 and down 16.1% compared to August 09.

The number of sales is down by 1 compared to September 08 and is up by 5 compared to last month August 09.

Condo Analysis for Lynden

There are currently 34 condos for sale.
Condos are priced from $139,900 - $399,500
Average List Price $235,582 Days on the Market: 210
Median List Price $229,725 Days on the Market: 157
Condos Sold in September: 4
Average List Price: $179,088
Average Sales Price: $174,300 Days on the Market: 86
Median List Price: $168,250
Median Sales Price: $166,600 Days on the Market: 42
Pending Sales Last Week: 1 Total Condos Pending 5

Average Sales Price September 2008: $227,003
Median Sales Price September 2008: $231,560
Sold in September 2008: 5

The Average Sales price is up 8.5% compared to September 08 and down 21.7% compared to August 09.

The Median Sales prices is up 0.1% compared to September 08 and up 25.1% compared to August 09.

The number of sales is down by 1 compared to September 08 and is up by 2 compared to last month August 09.

Interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Lynden market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

There is only a short window of opportunity left for the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit of $8,000 available to anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years. You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford.

If you have any questions or want to see any Lynden Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Blaine Real Estate Market Report for September, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:49:36 -0500

The following is a quick analysis of the Blaine real estate market.

There are currently 255 homes for sale.
Homes are priced from $89,900- $2,950,000
Average Asking Price $459,644 Days on Market: 149 days
Median Asking Price $349,000 Days on Market: 117 days
Homes sold in September: 34
Average Listing Price $254,942
Average Sold Price $245,642 Days on Market 149
Median Listing Price $228,490
Median Sold Price $225,00 Days on Market: 66
Homes Pending this week: 8 Total Homes Pending: 60

Average Sales Price September 2008: $272,587
Median Sales Price September 2008: $223,000
Sold in September 2008: 22

The Average Sales price is down 9.8% compared to September 08 and up 11.0% compared to last month August 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 0.8% compared to September 08 and up 2.3% compared to last month August 09.

The number of sales is up by 12 to September 08 and is up by 9 compared to last month August 09.

Condo Analysis for Blaine/Birch Bay

Currently Active Listings: 94
Price range of active listings - $24,900 - $1,249,000
Average List Price $340,511 Days on Market: 213
Median List Price $232,250 Days on Market: 166
Sold in September: 3
Average Listing Price $278,267
Average Sold Price $259,667 Days on Market: 115
Median Listing Price $199,950
Median Sold Price $189,000 Days on Market: 119
Condos Pending this week: 2 Total Condos Pending: 18

Average Sales Price September 2008: $249,900
Median Sales Price September 2008: $249,900
Sold in September 2008: 1

Interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Can I get my earnest money back?

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:37:47 -0500

This is a question this often on the minds of buyers. Buyer's want to be sure they are to not going to lose their earnest money.

What is earnest money anyway? It's like a deposit to show the seller that you really interested (earnestly) in buying their property. It's usually in the form of check made out to the escrow company and held in trust accounts until the transaction closes. It can be in the form of promissory note or anything else the seller is willing to accept. The full amount of the earnest money is credited toward the purchase price of the property at closing. There is no standard amount of earnest money, it's commonly about 1 percent of the purchase price. If the buyer really wants to impress the seller they will make it a lot higher to show them that they are really earnest about purchasing their property. Or make it nonrefundable after certain conditions are met.

As far as getting the earnest money back goes, as long as the buyer is careful about meeting contract deadlines the earnest money is usually safe or refundable. As a buyer you must be aware that you need to apply for financing (if there's a financing contingency) within five days of mutual acceptance (that's the date all timelines run from.) You to have your home inspection and response to the seller within ten days. Usually the the first ten days is the easiest time to get your earnest money back because of that inspection contingency. The contingency is subjective and you don't like something in the inspection report or even the color of the front door, you can check the box on the inspection response that says "Buyer' s inspection of Property is disapproved and the Agreement is terminated. The Earnest Money shall be refunded to the buyer." As you can see you don't even have to give a reason.
After this ten days of buyers earnest money is usually in jeopardy of being forfeited to the seller.
There are other circumstances where a buyer can get their earnest money back. If there is a financing contingency and within 30 days the lender turns the buyer down for a loan they can get their earnest money back. If the appraisal doesn't meet the purchase price and the seller is not willing to reduce the price or the buyer and seller can't come to some new agreement based on appraisal the buyer can get the earnest money back.
If the contract runs until closing and the buyer decides to walk away at the last-minute and go to Costa Rica instead of purchasing the property, the seller is surely going to keep the earnest money.

If you have any other questions about earnest money or anything else to do with Bellingham real estate feel free to give me call at 360-739-6981

Totally Remodeled - Affordable Home - $160,000

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:00:02 -0500

Conveniently located between Bellingham and Mt. Vernon

3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bath Rooms, 1100 Sq. Ft. - $160,000

Address: 1767 Lake Samish Rd, Bellingham, WA 98229

Don't let the outside fool you. This home has been completely remodeled inside. Everything inside is new and beautiful. There is also a large garage/shop behind the home. The roof is new.

Great deal for a first time home buyer - if you hurry you can still get an $8,000 tax credit if you buy this home.

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for September, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:51:03 -0500

The following is a quick analysis of the Residential Bellingham real estate market.

Currently Active Listings: 505
Price range of active listings - $124,900 - $4,500,000
Average List Price $507,076 Days on the Market: 118
Median List Price: $374,950 Days on the Market: 82
Sold in September: 82
Average List Price: $314,932
Average Sales Price: $304,221 Days on the Market: 75
Ratio of List to Price: 96.9%
Median List Price: $275,000
Median Sales Price: $260,000 Days on the Market: 48
Ratio of List to Price: 95.6%
Pending Sales Last Week: 35 Total pending sales: 177

Average Sales Price August 2008: $391,516
Median Sales Price August 2008: $326,650
Number Sold in August 2008: 73

The Average Sales price is down 22.3% compared to September 08 and down 22.6% compared to the previous month August 09.

The Median Sales prices is down by 20.4% compared September 08 and down 25.0% compared to the previous August 09.

The number of sales is up by 11 compared to September 08 and down by 3 compared to the previous month August 09.

Condo Analysis for Bellingham

Currently Active Listings: 270
Price range of active listings - $109,300 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $226,326 Days on the Market: 127
Median List Price $183,900 Days on the Market: 78
Sold in September: 24
Average List Price: $221,400
Average Sales Price: $$214,253 Days on the Market: 129
Ratio of List to Price: 97.3%
Median List Price: $197,450
Median Sales Price: $192,375 Days on the Market: 67
Ratio of List to Price: 98.9%
Pending Sales Last Week: 7 Total pending sales: 50

Average Sales Price September, 2008: $229,858
Median Sales Price September, 2008: $180,000
Sold in September, 2008: 35

Average Condo sale price is down 6.8% from September 2008 and down 4.2% from the previous month - August 2009

Median Sales Price is down 6.9% from September 2008 and down 8.6% from the previous month - August 2009.

The number of sales is down by 9 compared to September 08 and up by 8 compared to the previous month August 09.

If you look at the graph you can see that prices took a bit of a dive in the residential market with a slighter decrease in the condo market. Where will the graph go next month is anybody's guess. Will the roller coaster ride of prices continue?........Tune in next month

Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for September, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:56:24 -0500

Monday, October 5, 2009

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for September, 2009

The following is a quick analysis of the Whatcom County real estate market.

There are currently 1511 homes for sale
Homes are priced from $17,000 - $4,500,000
Average Asking Price $417,914 Days on Market: 131 days
Median Asking Price $329,000 Days on Market: 91 days
Homes sold in September: 199
Average Listing Price $276,474
Average Sold Price $265,368 Days on Market 97
Median Listing Price $249,900
Median Sold Price $243,000 Days on Market: 64
Homes Pending this week: 91 Total Homes Pending: 431

Average Sales Price September 2008: $306,907
Median Sales Price September 2008: $269,900
Sold in September 2008: 175

The Average Sales price is down 13.5% compared to September 08 and down 16.7% compared to last month.

The Median Sales prices is down 10.0% compared to September 08 and down 13.2% compared to last month.

The number of sales is up by 24 compared to September 08 and up by 26 compared to last month.

Condo Analysis for Whatcom County

Currently Active Listings: 446
Price range of active listings - $24,900 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $248,196 Days on Market: 157
Median List Price $198,000 Days on Market: 101
Sold in September: 33
Average Listing Price $214,218
Average Sold Price $206,401 Days on Market: 116
Median Listing Price $179,900
Median Sold Price $174,900 Days on Market: 65
Condos Pending (went under contract) last week: 12 Total Condos Pending: 79

Average Sales Price September 2008: $219,476
Median Sales Price September 2008: $200,000
Sold in September 2008: 41

The Average Sales price is down 5.6% compared to September 08, and up by 1.8% compared to last month.

The Median Sales prices is down by 12.6% compared to September 08 and down by 14.7% compared to last month.

The number of sales is down by 8 compared to September 08 and up by 5 compared to last month.

Meanwhile interest rates are still extremely low and there are some great values in the Whatcom County Real Estate market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today's rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report for July, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:46:37 -0500

The following is a quick analysis of the Whatcom County real estate market.

There are currently 1663 homes for sale.
Homes are priced from $16,000 - $6,995,000
Average Asking Price $436,770 Days on Market: 130 days
Median Asking Price $339,900 Days on Market: 87 days
Homes sold in July: 221
Average Listing Price $337,331
Average Sold Price $321,492 Days on Market 97
Median Listing Price $269,000
Median Sold Price $259,950 Days on Market: 66
Homes Pending this week: 62 Total Homes Pending: 454

Average Sales Price July 2008: $321,231
Median Sales Price July 2008: $284,945
Sold in July 2008: 228

The Average Sales price is up by $261 less than .1% compared to July 08 and up 11.2% compared to last month.

The Median Sales prices is down 8.8% compared to July 08 and down 2.8% compared to last month.

The number of sales is down by 7 compared to July 08 and up by 1 compared to last month.

Condo Analysis for Whatcom County

Currently Active Listings: 503
Price range of active listings - $24,900 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $254,898 Days on Market: 146
Median List Price $199,900 Days on Market: 87
Sold in July: 39
Average Listing Price $211,768
Average Sold Price $202,903 Days on Market: 156
Median Listing Price $188,950
Median Sold Price $182,212 Days on Market: 100
Condos Pending (went under contract) last week: 9 Total Condos Pending: 65

Average Sales Price July 2008: $200,751
Median Sales Price July 2008: $200,000
Sold in July 2008: 46

The Average Sales price is down 9.2% compared to July 08, and down by 16.0% compared to last month.

The Median Sales prices is down by 8.8% compared to July 08 and down by 10.1% compared to last month.

The number of sales is down by 7 compared to July 08 and up by 13 compared to last month.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

History Comes to Bellingham in the form of a B-17 Flying Fortress

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:17:18 -0500

A fully restored version of the B-17 Flying Fortress, will be at the Bellingham International Airport from noon Friday, Aug. 14, to noon Monday, Aug. 17.

Public tours and flights in the Sentimental Journey, a B-17 will be hosted by the The Heritage Flight Museum, located at the airport,

The Flying Fortress,restored by the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is well known for its bombing raids over Germany in World War II,.

Admission is free, a $5 donation to tour the plane is requested. Flights on the B-17 are available Saturday and Sunday for $425 per person,

Sentimental Journey stops in an average of 60 cities per year and is one of roughly 50 remaining B-17s in existence. It was built in November 1944.

The museum will be open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 9 a.m. to noon Monday.

All of the museum's collection of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War era aircraft, as well as other memorabilia will also be on display.

Image by by Paul L. Nettles via flickr.com

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for July, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:33:37 -0500

There are currently 161 homes for sale.

Homes are priced from $159,900 - $1,995,000
Average Asking Price; $395,691 Days on Market are 126 days
Median Asking Price: $350,000 Days on Market are 77 days
Homes sold in July: 14
Average Listing Price $287,611
Average Sold Price $277,111 Days on the Market 83
Median Listing Price $283,700
Median Sold Price $264,325 Days on Market 55
Homes Pending last week: 6 Total Homes Pending: 30

Average Sales Price July 2008: $330,234 151 Dom
Median Sales Price July 2008: $290,000 103 Dom
Sold in July 2008: 22

The Average Sales price is down 16.1% compared to July 08 and up 3.9% compared to June 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 8.9% compared to July 08 and down .6% compared to June 09.

The number of sales is down by 8 compared to July 08 and is down by 1 compared to last month June 09.

Condo Analysis for Lynden

There are currently 41 condos for sale.
Condos are priced from $139,900 - $419,000
Average List Price $240,283 Days on the Market: 177
Median List Price $229,950 Days on the Market: 110
Condos Sold in June: 6
Average List Price: $224,635
Average Sales Price: $217,993 Days on the Market: 133
Median List Price: $224,675
Median Sales Price: $216,500 Days on the Market: 77
Pending Sales Last Week: 4 Total Condos Pending: 6

Average Sales Price July 2008: $211,933 Dom 161
Median Sales Price July 2008: $216,100 Dom 144
Sold in July 2008: 6

The Average Sales price is up 8.5% compared to July 08 and down 24.8% compared to June 09.

The Median Sales prices is up 0.1% compared to July 08 and up 25.3% compared to June 09.

The number of sales is equal to July 08 and is down by 1 compared to last month June 09.

Bellingham Real Estate Market Report for July, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:30:11 -0500

The following is a quick analysis of the Residential Bellingham real estate market.

Currently Active Listings: 569
Price range of active listings - $115,000 - $4,500,000
Average List Price $524,864 Days on the Market: 113
Median List Price: $399,000 Days on the Market: 72
Sold in July: 99
Average List Price: $408,009
Average Sales Price: $387,537
Ratio of List to Price: 95.0% Days on the Market: 102
Median List Price: $314,000
Median Sales Price: $308,000 Days on the Market: 73
Ratio of List to Price: 98.1%
Pending Sales Last Week: 37 Total pending sales: 169

Average Sales Price July 2008: $353,063
Median Sales Price July 2008: $310,000
Number Sold in July 2008: 99

The Average Sales price is up 9.7% compared to July 08 and up 17.1% compared to last month June 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 0.6% compared July 08 and up by 1.9% compared to June 09.

The number of sales is equal to July 08 and down by 1 compared to last month June 09.

Condo Analysis for Bellingham

Currently Active Listings: 245
Price range of active listings - $109,950 - $1,565,000
Average List Price $261,142 Days on the Market: 138
Median List Price $197,900 Days on the Market: 87
Sold in July: 24
Average List Price: $212,306
Average Sales Price: $204,432 Days on the Market: 168
Ratio of List to Price: 96.3%
Median List Price: $185,494
Median Sales Price: $178,000 Days on the Market: 113
Ratio of List to Price: 96.0%
Pending Sales Last Week: 11 Total pending sales: 42

Average Sales Price July, 2008: $197,127
Median Sales Price July, 2008: $196,500
Sold in July, 2008: 27

Average Condo sale price is down 9.4% from July 2008 and down 28.4% from last month - June 2009

Median Sales Price is down 9.4% from July 2008 and down 25.2% from last month - June 2009

The number of condo sales is down by 3 compared to July 2008 and up by 7 compared to last month - June 2009.

Interesting stats this month. If you look at the graph you can see that prices are on the rise in the residential market but declining in the condo market. Where will the graph go next month is anybody's guess. Will the roller coaster ride of prices continue?........Tune in next month

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Property feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Sudden Valley Real Estate Market Report for July, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:26:31 -0500

The following is a quick analysis of the Residential Bellingham real estate market in Sudden Valley.

There are currently 114 homes for sale. Homes are priced from $99,900 - $995,000

Average Asking Price is $337,056 Average Days on Market are 117 days
Median Asking Price is $288,000 Median Days on Market are 75 days
Sold in July: 16
Average Listing Price $252,806
Average Sold Price $248,994 Average Days on Market 98
Median Listing Price $242,450
Median Sold Price $235,000 Median Days on Market 93
Pending Sales Last Week: 6 Total pending sales: 34

Average Sales Price July 2008: $267,863

Median Sales Price July 2008: $276,000

Sold in June July: 16

The Average Sales price is down 7% compared to July 08 and up 14.3% compared to last month June 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 15.0% compared to July 08 and up 6.2% compared to last month June 09.

The number of sales is equal to July 08 and is up by 6 units compared to last month June 09.

Condo Analysis for Sudden Valley

There are currently 9 condos for sale. Condos are priced from $68,250 - $350,000

Average List Price $209,013 Average Days on the Market: 146
Median List Price $209,950 Median Days on the Market: 96
Sold in July: 3
Average Listing Price $182,967
Average Sold Price $175,967 Average Days on Market 105
Median Listing Price $159,900
Median Sold Price $144,900 Median Days on Market 27
Pending Sales Last Week: 0 Total pending sales: 1

Average Sales Price July 2008: $0

Median Sales Price July 2008: $0

Sold in July 2008: 0

There are some great values in the Sudden Valley market right now, and interest rates are still extremely low.

Don't forget about the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit of $8,000 available to anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years, ask your lender about using that tax credit for part of you downpayment or closing costs.

You might want to talk to your banker to see what you can afford. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Sudden Valley homes or condos feel free to email me or give me a call at 360-739-6981.

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for July, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:25:40 -0500

The following is a quick analysis of the Ferndale real estate market.

There are currently 237 homes for sale.
Homes are priced from $74,900 - $1,950,000
Average Asking Price is $405,021 Days on Market are 110 days
Median Asking Price is $355,000 Days on Market are 88 days
Homes sold in July: 28
Average Listing Price $347,430
Average Sold Price $322,816 Days on the Market 99
Median Listing Price $274,975
Median Sold Price $253,475 Days on Market 68
Homes Pending this week: 13 Total Homes Pending: 65

Average Sales Price July 2008: $293,737
Median Sales Price July 2008: $276,000
Sold in July 2008: 31

The Average Sales price is up 9.9% compared to July 08 and down 0.8% compared to last month June 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 8.2% compared to July 08 and up 5.9% compared to last month June09.

The number of sales is down up by 3 compared to July 08 and is up by 11 compared to last month June 09.

If you would like some info about Ferndale real estate or living in Ferndale visit my website at BellinghamProperty.com or give me a call.

Fairhaven Eatery's

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:42:54 -0500

Fairhaven has lots of great places to eat. If your looking for a meal or a snack, a cup of coffee or tea, there are lots of options and they are all in a short 2 block radius from 11th an Harris in the center of the historic

I hope you have a chance to enjoy the wonderful variety of foods available in Fairhaven when you are there.

Sudden Valley Road Names to Officially Change

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:35:45 -0500

Have you ever been to Sudden Valley at the corner of Polo Park and Polo Park? Redundant road names abound in Sudden Valley and can be very confusing to visitors...

Four roads share the name Marina: Marina Circle, Marina Court, Marina Lane and Marina Place.

Five roads are named Harbor View, six roads share the name Beaver Ridge. And how many Strawberries are there?

This is all about to change Monday, Aug. 3 when the road names will officially be changed.

The Marina's have been renamed Inlet Circle, Spinnaker Lane, Longshore Lane and Bowline Court.

New road signs have already been installed above the old signs which will remain for up to 60 days before they are removed.

About 70 percent of the homes in Sudden Valley are on roads that are being renamed,

Something new in Sudden Valley is that mailbox numbers will match the addresses of residents' homes.

Brick Home in Great Neighborhood - $245,000

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:28:54 -0500

Classic 2 bedroom brick home on a large lot in a great quiet neighborhood, close to Bellingham and Whatcom Falls Park. Great in town location, dead end street. This home is clean, recent interior paint and the carpets have even been cleaned, it's ready for you to make it your own.

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 858 Sq. Ft., .31 Acres

Address: 2212 Whatcom St Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225
MLS #: 29106533

500 SF detached garage/shop, ideal for artist, craftsman. Great first time homebuyer opportunity.

Birch Bay Cabin - $125,000

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:12:33 -0500

Birch Bay Cabin - $125,000

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 858 Sq. Ft. Partial Bay View from the Deck

Address: 7403 Sunet Dr Blaine, WA 98230
MLS #: 29104045

Birch Bay cabin with large deck - ready for a new owner, move in as it is, remodel or build a new home on this great lot that is just a few minutes to the beach, Enjoy living near the beach. The lot has the potential to buid a 2 or maybe 3 story home that would have a great view of the bay.

Lynden Real Estate Market Report for June, 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:59:18 -0500

The following is a quick analysis of the Lynden real estate market.

There are currently 147 homes for sale.
Homes are priced from $170,000 - $1,100,000
Average Asking Price; $382,631 Days on Market are 122 days
Median Asking Price: $349,900 Days on Market are 77 days
Homes sold in June: 15
Average Listing Price $275,230
Average Sold Price $266,700 Days on the Market 161
Median Listing Price $269,900
Median Sold Price $266,000 Days on Market 175
Homes Pending last week: 9 Total Homes Pending: 21

Average Sales Price June 2008: $322,617 137 Dom

Median Sales Price June 2008: $329,900 84 Dom

Sold in June 2008: 21

The Average Sales price is down 17.3% compared to June 08 and down .6% compared to May 09.
The Median Sales prices is down 19.4% compared to June 08 and down 6.7% compared to May 09.
The number of sales is down by 6 compared to June 08 and is up by 5 compared to last month May 09.

Condo Analysis for Lynden

There are currently 44 condos for sale.
Condos are priced from $141,000 - $419,000
Average List Price $238,862 Days on the Market: 183
Median List Price $234,225 Days on the Market: 120
Condos Sold in June: 1
Average List Price: $309,000
Average Sales Price: $290,000 Days on the Market: 21
Median List Price: $309,000
Median Sales Price: $290,000 Days on the Market: 21
Pending Sales Last Week: 1 Total Condos Pending: 2

Average Sales Price June 2008: $194,450 Dom 53

Median Sales Price June 2008: $194,450 Dom 53

Sold in June 2008: 2

The Average Sales price is up 49.1% compared to June 08 and up 31.7% compared to May 09.
The Median Sales prices is up 49.1% compared to June 08 and up 31.7% compared to May 09.
The number of sales is down by 1 compared to June 08 and is down by 1 compared to last month May 09.

The Average Sales price is up 3.1% compared to May 08 and up 6.1% compared to April 09.

The Median Sales prices is up 2.5% compared to May 08 and up 22.3% compared to April 09.

The number of sales is down by 4 compared to May 08 and is down by 1 compared to last month April 09.

Buyers: Interest rates are still low making now is a good time to get in the market. There are still plenty of homes to choose from and lots have been on the market a long time so there are some motivated sellers out there who need to sell their homes.

Sellers: There is still a lot of competition right now and if you don't want your home to sit on the market without an offer here are a few bits of advise:

The most important thing you can do is price your home right, have your real estate agent do a CMA and price your home aggressively, that is in the lower range of similar homes if you want a quick sale
Have a pre-inspection done to your home and fix any problems
Give your home curb appeal
Offer a Home Warranty if it is an older home
Get rid of clutter, start clearing out your things, even if you have to put them in storage.
Think about staging your home, get advise from a staging professional or at least your agent.

If you would like some info about Lynden real estate or living in Lynden visit my website at BellinghamProperty.com or give me a call.

More Accolades for Bellingham Ranked #1 for Small Smart City

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:53:38 -0500

More accolades for Bellingham ranked #1 for small cities (population 50,000-99,999)

The Natural Resources Defense Council has a project and website called Smarter Cities. The website says their "mission is to foster a little friendly competition (Annual Cities Research and Rankings) as well as provide a forum for exploring the progress American cities are making in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth"

The criteria and Bellingham's ranking for each is

Green Building (#4)

Air Quality (#1)

Transportation (#7)

Recycling (#4)

Green Space (#1)

Energy Production and Conservation (#2)

Bellingham's been well recognized by for it's green power usage, clean air, clean water, good transportation, mild climate, natural beauty, & great parks and trails. We are also in the midst of a large scale long term project of transforming an aging pulp mill on the waterfront of Bellingham Bay to a unique new waterfront downtown.

I think Bellingham's future is bright, and our real estate market will remain strong because of it.

Written by Michael Eisenberg. If you are considering relocating to Bellingham or looking to sell or buy locally, feel free to contact me: Email Michael.

Ferndale Real Estate Market Report for June 2009

Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:03:33 -0500

The following is a quick analysis of the Ferndale real estate market.

There are currently 228 homes for sale.
Homes are priced from $74,900 - $1,950,000
Average Asking Price is $398,439 Days on Market are 113 days
Median Asking Price is $349,500 Days on Market are 71 days
Homes sold in June: 31
Average Listing Price $300,387
Average Sold Price $287,620 Days on the Market 102
Median Listing Price $299,000
Median Sold Price $285,000 Days on Market 61
Homes Pending this week: 12 Total Homes Pending: 60

Average Sales Price June 2008: $295,995

Median Sales Price June 2008: $260,700

Sold in June 2008: 20

The Average Sales price is down 2.8% compared to June 08 and down 2.6% compared to last month May 09.

The Median Sales prices is down 5.5% compared to June 08 and down 1.4% compared to last month May 09.
The number of sales is down up by 11 or 55% to June 08 and is up by 12 or 63% compared to last month May 09.

If you would like some info about Ferndale real estate or living in Ferndale visit my website at BellinghamProperty.com or give me a call.