The Bellingham Real Estate Blog

Home Allergy Tips

Fawn — Wed, 30 May 2012 20:50:09 +0000

I happen to be on the the “lucky” ones who suffer from allergies. If you are anything like me you will do anything possible to avoid allegies at all costs. I got this great article from Pillar to Post Inspections about home allegeries and thought I should share!

Household allergens can cause a variety of symptoms in many people, including sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and shortness of breath. Allergens may also be a contributing cause of asthma, especially in children. However, it is possible to minimize the effects of such allergens by taking steps to control their presence and dispersal in the home.

The most common household allergens include dust mites, mold, mildew, pollen, and pet dander (dried flakes of skin shed by pets, particularly cats and dogs). Effective control relies on a combination of measures that, when used properly, will reduce the levels of allergens

Increase ventilation to the home. Opening windows whenever possible promotes good air exchange and will reduce the concentration of airborne allergens, especially pet dander.

Wash bedding and stuffed toys once a week in hot water to control dust mites and cat allergens in particular.

Keep pets clean and well groomed to control dander.

Use mite-resistant mattress covers and pillow covers and wash these frequently.

Dust and vacuum regularly, and use microfiltration or HEPA filter vacuum bags. The jury is still out on whether bagless vacuum cleaners are more effective in removing allergens than those that require bags; some studies indicate that many bagless vacuums are not sealed tightly enough and can actually exacerbate the problem. Wearing a dust mask while dusting and vacuuming is also a good idea.

Consider removing wall-to-wall carpeting and use easily-cleaned area rugs instead, particularly in bedrooms.

Make sure bathrooms, especially those with showers, are well ventilated. Open the window and use exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors to prevent a buildup of moisture, which can encourage growth of mold and mildew.

If possible, reduce indoor humidity to 50% or less by using room dehumidifiers or the dehumidifier feature available with many central air conditioning systems.

Clean or replace furnace and central air conditioner filters on a regular basis. Make sure that air conditioner drain pans are clean and allow the water to drain properly.

Big thank you to Pillar to Post Home Inspection Services for these great tips!

For more information on Bellingham Real Estate or to search for homes in the Bellingham and Whatcom County area visit www.JohnsonTeamRealEstate.com, your one stop Bellingham real estate and community information resource!

Mortgage Rate Update Courtesy of People’s Bank

Fawn — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:23:32 +0000

If you are shopping loan rates for a new home purchase or refinance you will want to read this! It’s that time again, time to update you on the latest in home loan and mortagage rates. If you are in the market for a home loan below are the mortgage rates as of today May 30th, courtesy of Sidney Stonecypher at People’s Bank Barkley Branch here in Bellingham.

	Down Payment	Interest Rate	APR	Credit Score	Points
Conventional 30 yr fixed	20%	3.625	3.727	740	1
Conventional 15 yr fixed	20%	2.875	3.029	740	1
Jumbo 30 yr fixed	20%	4.500	4.584	740	1
FHA 30 yr fixed	3.5%	3.250	3.743	660*	1
VA 30 yr fixed	0%	3.250	3.592	640	1
*Score requirement will vary by lender

To view homes or property for sale visit our Bellingham Real Estate Search Page. For more details, or a custom home loan quote, contact Sidney Stonecypher at People’s Bank, 360-676-4597 or sidney.stonecypher@peoplesbank-wa.com. Remember that many variables come into play in determining the rate a lender will give a borrower. If you are getting a rate quote from a lender who does not have all your information, that rate may not be real. What with the low rates, it is still a great time to buy a house!

Pending Ratios- How active is the Bellingham real estate market?

Fawn — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:10:11 +0000

Happy Monday! Every week we keep track of how many homes are for sale around Bellingham and Whatcom County and how man of those homes have pending offers on them. Pending is the time frame between when an offer has been mutual accepted between the buyer’s and the seller’s of the home and when the title actually transfers hands. This give the buyer’s time to get the financing, do inspection, review the title reports and more. As of Saturday, May 26th, the pending ratio in Bellingham was 30% . Click the links to view a report of how many homes are for sale in each area and price range and how many of them are pending showing just how active certain sectors of the market are.

Birch Bay had a pending ratio of 15%

The Lynden area in East Whatcom County has a pending ratio of 29%

The Sudden Valley pending ratio was 23%

The Ferndale pending ratio was 27%

If you would like to search for Real Estate in Bellinghamand Whatcom County that is currently for sale visit

NEW LISTING! 3 bedroom, 2 bath Bellingham Home with Shop!

Fawn — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:51:04 +0000

Welcome to 4063 Jones Lane, located in Bellingham, Washington and listed at $265,000. This lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath home is tucked away on the North end of Bellingham away from the hustle and bustle of town, yet only a few minute drive to either downtown Bellingham or Ferndale. The home has the ease of one level living with many designer touches. The open floor plan provides spaces for everyone.

You can enjoy your morning coffee on the private patio accessed through custom French doors. From the patio you can enjoy the private 1/2+ lot with space for gardening, critters, kids or toys! A extra bonus is a large shop for all those special projects you have dreamed about doing but never had the space to do them.

This home has it all in one very affordable package. To schedule a private showing of the home feel free to call us at 1-888-713-3056 or (360) 303-2734, we would be happy to give you a tour!

Below you will find an online virtual tour of the property.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

Mortgage Rate Update

Fawn — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:55:03 +0000

If you are shopping loan rates for a new home purchase or refinance you will want to read this! It’s that time again, time to update you on the latest in home loan and mortagage rates. If you are in the market for a home loan below are the mortgage rates as of today May 23rd, courtesy of Sidney Stonecypher at People’s Bank Barkley Branch here in Bellingham.

	Down Payment	Interest Rate	APR	Credit Score	Points
Conventional 30 yr fixed	20%	3.500	3.635	740	1
Conventional 15 yr fixed	20%	2.875	3.054	740	1
Jumbo 30 yr fixed	20%	4.375	4.498	740	1
FHA 30 yr fixed	3.5%	3.250	3.743	660*	1
VA 30 yr fixed	0%	3.250	3.592	640	1
*Score requirement will vary by lender

Friends of the Bellingham Library Used Book Sale Starts Tomorrow May 23rd.

Fawn — Tue, 22 May 2012 21:20:03 +0000

Tomorrow is the kick off the Friends of the Bellingham Library Used Book Sale . The sale starts tomorrow May 23rd at 10am with most books being sold for only $1. Come out to the Bellingham Public Library located at 210 Central Ave, in Belligham to browse the books and help support a great local community resource for the whole family.

Hours of the Sale are below:

Wednesday, May 23rd: 10am-6pm

Thursday, May 24th: 10am-6pm

Friday, May 25th: 10am-6pm (books will be half priced)

Saturday, May 26th: 10am-6pm ($4 per bag of books)

If you are not familiar with the location on the library here’s a map to help you find it!

For additional details on the book sale feel free to call them at (360) 778-7250

Bellingham’s Zuanich Point Park and Squalicum Harbor

Fawn — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:05:29 +0000

Bellingham Fisherman's Memorial

I sure am lucky to call Bellingham, Washington my home. Last week with the incredible weather we had I was able to sneak away from my desk and enjoy a wonderful walk along Bellingham’s waterfront along Roeder Ave, Squalicum Harbor and Zuanich Point Park. The sun was shining, Mt. Baker was peaking over the hills and everyone was out enjoying the day.

Squalicum Harbor Bellingham

The docks of Squalicum Harbor were filled with lovely sail boats, pleasure boats and fishing vessels all of which enjoy the lovely water’s of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Island’s beyond. Zuanich Point Park located along the shores of Squalicum Harbor was busy with kite fliers, runners, in line skaters and a whole handful of kids taking full advantage of the marine themed childrens play area while their caretakers and parents enjoyed the sun, lunch and even in some cases a good book with the stunning views of the bay and beyond.

The Bellingham Waterfront has a little something for everyone from the park, to local resteruants such as Anthony’s and the Bayside Cafe to the Marine Touch Tank for the kids everyone in your family is sure to find something to do here. Below is a virtual tour of the Bellingham waterfront along Roeder Ave, and Squalicum Harbor. If you have never been down there before be sure and check it out!

Are Homes Selling? Learn about Bellingham and Whatcom County Pending Ratios.

Fawn — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:36:59 +0000

Happy Monday! Every week we keep track of how many homes are for sale around Bellingham and Whatcom County and how man of those homes have pending offers on them. Pending is the time frame between when an offer has been mutual accepted between the buyer’s and the seller’s of the home and when the title actually transfers hands. This give the buyer’s time to get the financing, do inspection, review the title reports and more. As of Saturday, May 19th, the pending ratio in Bellingham was 29% . Click the links to view a report of how many homes are for sale in each area and price range and how many of them are pending showing just how active certain sectors of the market are.

Birch Bay had a pending ratio of 17%

The Lynden area in East Whatcom County has a pending ratio of 26%

The Sudden Valley pending ratio was 24%

The Ferndale pending ratio was 25%

If you would like to search for Real Estate in Bellinghamand Whatcom County that is currently for sale visit

Thinking About Purchasing a Home or Refinancing?

Fawn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:01:59 +0000

If you are shopping loan rates for a new home purchase or refinance you will want to read this! It’s that time again, time to update you on the latest in home loan and mortagage rates. If you are in the market for a home loan below are the mortgage rates as of today May 16th, courtesy of Sidney Stonecypher at People’s Bank Barkley Branch here in Bellingham.

	Down Payment	Interest Rate	APR	Credit Score	Points
Conventional 30 yr fixed	20%	3.625	3.734	740	1
Conventional 15 yr fixed	20%	2.875	3.062	740	1
Jumbo 30 yr fixed	20%	4.50	4.606	740	1
FHA 30 yr fixed	3.5%	3.375	3.867	660*	1
VA 30 yr fixed	0%	3.375	3.725	640	1
*Score requirement will vary by lender

Bellingham and Whatcom County Real Estate Market Update

Fawn — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:38:07 +0000

Happy Monday! Every week we keep track of how many homes are for sale around Bellingham and Whatcom County and how man of those homes have pending offers on them. Pending is the time frame between when an offer has been mutual accepted between the buyer’s and the seller’s of the home and when the title actually transfers hands. This give the buyer’s time to get the financing, do inspection, review the title reports and more. As of Saturday, May 12th, the pending ratio in Bellingham was 31% . Click the links to view a report of how many homes are for sale in each area and price range and how many of them are pending showing just how active certain sectors of the market are.

Birch Bay had a pending ratio of 17%

The Lynden area in East Whatcom County has a pending ratio of 28%

The Sudden Valley pending ratio was 23%

The Ferndale pending ratio was 23%

If you would like to search for Real Estate in Bellinghamand Whatcom County that is currently for sale visit