Bob Boyington

Winter...BRRRRR: Here it comes to our sheltered western Washington. Predictions go from a very wet winter to very cold in the later half. For all you skiers it looks like a possible record breaking year for snow fall at Mt Baker. For all us locals prepare your mindset early for the weather this winter...BRRRRR so as to avoid any mood swings as the winter drags on. Wish all the best to everyone and stay dry & warm.

Blackberry season! It is the time of year when you swear they can grow 3 ft. in a single day. Time too tame the weed. One has to dress as if they were in medieval times with armor as to protect themselves from the nasty thorns of which tend to put one on the edge of total frustration. Several way's one can control this nasty weed. One is to spray with "Crossbow" (found at your local hardware store). Though I am not a advocate of spraying in the right application it can prove effective with minimal effect on our environment. The other way(very environmentally friendly) is to cut the vine close to the ground. If you can re-cut every couple of weeks the plant will die. Although for several years you might deal with

new seedling sprouts they too will fade away with cutting every couple of weeks. If one does this just prior to winter and a hard frost comes along that also can assist in killing the plant as their root system is very shallow.

There is the tip for the day for Blackberry control.

Glenhaven(Whatcom County) statistics are as follows;

33 homes sold in 2010.

18 homes listed as of Jan 15, 2011.

7 homes currently in pending as of Jan 15, 2011.

$194,500 average home price sold in 2010.

$202,600 average price of listed homes as of Jan 15, 2022.

Pretty good stats for movement for 2010. Predominately a middle class neighborhood, Glenhaven (Whatcom County) still

statistically shows it as a great place to live.

Bob Boyington

Whatcom County Residential properties just felt the statistics for the last 12 months. Happy to say Whatcom County Residential value only decreased approx 2%. Compared with the rest of Washington that decreased near the 7% level I feel good about the resilience of our somewhat stable residential market. The rest of the U.S. averaged at close to 4%.

Our Whatcom County Residential properties have shown:

• Demand is still there and things are moving. Such a quality place to work and live, it is no question as to what keeps us bouyant. The Canadian market most surely helps us along with all the publicity various articles continualy show Bellingham as a preferred place to live and retire. Outdoor recreation abounds throughout the region from hiking mountain trails to exploring the many islands we have in Puget Sound.

Too much fun and moderate weather make's it worth enjoying. I feel confident anyone with a 5 yr plan looking to invest in Real Estate will do pretty well with Whatcom County Residential.

Bob Boyington

bobboyington@gmail.com

www.bobboyington.com

Skagit county Mountain View properties, are becoming harder and harder to find. Most of the good ones are developed but there two 5 acre parcels that might possibly have the best mountain views up river. They are located on Cedar Grove road outside of Concrete. Both have septic permits and on a paved street with water and power and CC&Rs for your protection. Both are cleared, level and ready to build. Currently planted as a hay field both parcels are dry. Great views of Baker & Sauk and located in a recreational paradise. They do not make properties like these anymore. One could buy for a home site or investment. High and dry! No flood worries ever. If interested follow the links and drop me a note. Happy to supply any information on these or any other Skagit county mountain view or rural type properties.