Jay Baklund

Many of us received gift cards for Christmas. There are now websites that allow you to sell these gift cards. For example, if you received a gift card that you can't or won't use, you can go to one of these websites and they'll buy it from you. It appears to be a win-win. You get cash, which you'll use, and they get a gift card for less than the face value. That's the catch. Well it's not really a catch. They buy the gift cards for slightly less than face value. Then they turn around and sell them for face value. But everyone seems to win. This is good for the buyer, the seller and the company that puts the parties together. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Happy New Year!

Jacob Baklund, Realtor

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!

The holidays are a time to gather with friends and family. It's also a time to reflect and be grateful.

I feel grateful to those that helped me succeed. 2009 was another great year for me, personally and professionally.

If you have any real estate needs, now or in the future, don't hesitate to call.

Take care,

Jacob Baklund...husband, father, realtor

The President has signed the Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation, extending and expanding the tax credit. Legislation includes some modifications to the existing tax credit which will become effective December 1st. The National Association of Realtors has created written materials explaining the original and modified Homebuyer Tax Credit.

Please contact me to receive a copy of "homebuyer tax credit changes" and/or "homebuyer tax credit frequently asked questions"

Jacob Baklund 360-961-0796

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES AND CONDOS

NEW LISTINGS: 228

TOTAL ACTIVE: 1687

NUMBER OF PENDING SALES: 195

NUMBER OF CLOSINGS: 235

AVERAGE PRICE: $290,344

MEDIAN PRICE: $240,250

This information has been provided to you by Jacob Baklund. The information comes from The Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at 360-961-0796.

Whatcom County Housing News, July 2009

Home prices listed at $300,000 or less getting full price offers

A seller's market has been reported for homes listed under $300,000, however home prices have been consistently sliding since June 2006.

June 2006 buyer's paid 96% of original listed price.

June 2007 buyer's paid 95% of original listed price.

June 2008 buyer's paid 94% of original listed price.

June 2009 buyer's paid 92% of original listed price.

Discounts have been deeper in homes above $750,000 while homes under $300,000 are closer to original price.

Lowest inventory of homes priced under $300,000

Breaking down the 7.5 months of inventory for real estate in Whatcom County (the lowest since August 2007)

Houses priced under $300,000 had a 5.4 month of supply at the end of June, down from 7.2 months in April and 9.7 months in January.

Houses priced between $300,000 and $500,000 had an 8 month supply at the end of June, down from 30.2 months in January.

Houses priced more than $500,000 had a 24.4 months of supply at the end of June, down from 63.5 months in January.

*This information has been provided by Stewart Title of Bellingham*