Carmella Hustoft

Ferndale's Artistic Community Thrives

This year's Whatcom Artist Studio Tour proved that creativity abounds in this county in Washington State. Locally, 52 artists opened their studios to the public on two weekends. The sunny autumn days made driving between locations a special added bonus.

Just outside of Ferndale on Custer School Road is the delightful Whimsy Glass Studio featuring unique fused glass creations by Jennifer Reich. To get an idea of the scope of her work, go to www.whimsyglass.comand you'll be amazed at the colors and textures of her designs. You'll find beautiful display pieces of platters as well as bowls, boxes, and even a Seattle Seahawk emblem! Stay tuned for Jennifer's annual Christmas sale.

Jodi Gear has been painting portraits of horses for most of her life. The Red Shed Studio is a wonderful extension of her garage on Crescent Street in Ferndale, filled with wonderful artwork: portraits, pets, botanicals and landscapes. Upon learning that I was realtor, Jodi whisked me into her home to see her kitchen and bath remodel. The walls reflected her artistic flair with wonderful tile designs.

Kathy McGee's studio, Impressions by Kat, is located in the basement of her Olson Road home. I don't know of another artist that takes thick acrylic paint strips and weaves them together to create incredible wall hangings. It's hard to believe that what you're seeing is layers of dried paint. The metallic, marble-like effect is incredible. As Kathy explains, each piece involves a long process but it's all worth it.

Currently, Lynden is holding it's annual Antique Show at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. Click on the accompanying link for information from the Lynden Chamber of Commerce website.

www.Lynden.org

Summer provides unique networking opportunities that don't feel like work at all. This was demonstrated to me recently on a sunny Saturday morning at the Ferndale Farmer's Market in Western Washington. Now in its second year, the Ferndale Market is small compared to the Bellingham or Pike Place Markets. White tents line the Centennial Riverwalk along the Nooksack River, and display organic produce, local meats and fish and hand-made products. I took a leisurely stroll down the walkway and found plenty of space and room to grow. Absent were the jostling crowds of the older and more established markets. The Ferndale Farmer's Market is a breeze.

Stepping into a candle booth, I recognized the vendor as a small business owner and before I could say hello, she said, "Oh, I get all your postcards! I've been thinking I should look into the business of real estate." I thought to myself, It's been at least a year since I mailed out any paper, although the last postcard was a memorable one to my geographic farm area. This prospect will now remember me as someone who took the time to sniff her homemade candles and greet her by name.

At a Mexican food lunch wagon I bought a steak taco from the president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and he kidded me about my request for mild sauce. I discovered jewelry artist Annie Kenoyer sitting behind her collection of beautiful earrings. She's the daughter of a local real estate family, but that did not deter me from buying two pair of earrings. I chatted with a vendor selling fresh-cut lavender who I previously met while volunteering with Ferndale Dollars for Scholars.

Relationship is the word that keeps popping up in our business of buying and selling homes. Blue skies and friendly conversations make for great relationships that in turn lead to positive imprinting on the minds of folks in small towns. Taking the time to participate in community events is an enjoyable and rewarding practice. Just show up with no agenda except to have a good time, and see what happens!

We stood around the granite-covered island in the kitchen of a bank-owned property and as we chatted I felt it was time to bring out the Buyer Agency Agreement. I casually went into the script that began: “As you know, everything in real estate is done in . . .” Since acquiring my ABR designation, I’ve made it a point to have buyers sign on the dotted line. Not long ago, having an agreement on file paid off when a misguided client and agent tried to pull a fast one. I got paid, but that’s not the point here.

Today was a turning point for me. While conveying all the benefits and protections a Buyers Agency Agreement offers both agent and buyer, I still felt a twinge of uneasiness as I explained this to my young first-time homebuyer and his dad. Today, however, I was on a roll closing with a light-hearted twist: “And if at any point you feel I’m not doing my job you can fire me, and I’ll tear up this agreement!” Pretty dramatic statement said in jest, but the knee-jerk response from dad was telling. “No way . . . you’ve been GREAT!” he roared.

If buyers see that I’m going all out to find what they want, if I show up at properties ahead of time to set the stage by turning on the lights, etc., if I anticipate their concerns and help with finding answers, if I give them a sense I’m there for them, if every time we meet I’m upbeat, and if I promptly return their phone calls in a cheerful voice, then I have no reason to feel insecure about asking to be hired as their exclusive buyer’s agent.

Today I got it. The fear of getting buyers to sign on the dotted line is not about them as much as it’s about my own sense of worth as a professional. I have testimonials aplenty that speak of my good work, and I have proved that I am a professional. From here on there will be no more feelings of unworthiness when asking for a contract between a buyer and myself. I have earned it.

"This is perfection in the Pacific Northwest," I thought. The ocean breeze blew through my hair, and the sunshine hung as the perfect backdrop for a high school graduation celebration. About forty of us sat around picnic tables on the deck of our friends' waterfront home at Sandy Point where we soaked up the warm spring air. Teenagers hung-out at the end of the boat launch. The graduate's dad flipped burgers, and the food table overflowed with salads and fresh fruit.

From behind her sunglasses, one guest and former client announced that she could "live like this", and I went for the close. "Well, on the drive in, did you notice all the homes for sale?" I pointed to a neighbor¹s property, "What do you say we write up an offer on that one?"

At my table, we shared how each of us had ended up in this town of 10,000 just north of Bellingham and how moving to Ferndale, Washington had turned out to be a good thing for our families. A quick poll revealed that most of us have lived here less than 10 years.

The conversation turned to our kids heading to college and the life-changing transitions about to take place for all of us. One mom turned to look in the direction of a young man who just received a full scholarship to the Air Force Academy. She reminisced over her own son bringing friends over to the house. "They were good boys," she said, "and so much fun to be with!" She quickly added, "Of course, they weren't perfect, but they were good boys."

It just so happened that the young man we were celebrating earned Eagle Scout status in his senior year at Ferndale High School. I was there at the presentation ceremony where words from an oath were recited: do my best . . . do my duty to God and my country . . . help other people at all times. . ." This small town seems to produce some fine young men.

I am thinking of a highly profiled football player from our little town who is now the quarterback for the University of Washington. In high school, Jake Locker led Ferndale to its first state championship. Interestingly, journalists interviewing Locker seem to continually be struck by his character. They see a young man with a lifestyle of leadership, strong family values, and a positive winning attitude.

I am grateful for this glorious spring day and for the fine company with whom I share it. And I'm grateful for my own fifteen-year-old who gives me shoulder rubs, hugs me good-night and who is growing up to be another of the fine young men from Ferndale.