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Elaine A. Cook-Connect Realty

Barkley Neighborhood Festival

July 19th from 11-2 PM
Barkley- Haggen - Gazebo

THE MO' TOWN CRUISERS will be rockin' the house! Sponsored by the Silver Reef Casino!

FOOD, FUN & FROLIC for all ages!

This is the 2nd annual Barkley Neighborhood Festival, sponsored by The Barkley Business Association!

Kids will have plenty to do and see, parents will enjoy the great live music, and everyone will appreciate a FREE BBQ, sponsored by Market Street Catering!

There will also be a Barkley Village Sidewalk Sale!

So come one, come all!

For more information on how your company can participate please contact Elaine A. Cook

New to Barkley, Bellingham...YUMMY!

Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen!
Because you want your cake...and time to eat it too!
They are not just another Bellingham bakery. At Our Kitchen Is Your Kitchen you will find homemade desserts that you would make at home, if you had the time. They offer the space, ingredients and equipment for you to design and decorate your own cakes and cookies. Send your own recipe and they will make it for your special occasion. Bring your kids in to decorate holiday cookies, have birthday parties or treat yourself to a class on decorating with all the latest techniques. Best of all...you don't have to clean up when you are done.
They offer the highest quality ingredients and a mind-blowing assortment of decorations so that you can create and decorate your own masterpiece. Or...call ahead and they will do it for you.

You may also want to stop by and treat yourself while you are running errands or being a chauffeur

Bellingham,WA Real Estate- Our local market?

Connect RealtySo what is it looking like in Whatcom County?
Things are picking up! It is still a buyers market. Meaning there is more than 6 months of inventory on the market right now. Bellingham Builders have pulled back...for now. (Stay tuned for the housing shortage that will occur in 18-24 months!) Buyers are still out there, and they have time to be choosy! Bellingham Sellers are frustrated with the extended days on market. Certain price ranges are still skipping along, we have even seen homes with multiple offers, back up offers and offers with escalation clauses!

The lender issues have finally calmed down...and we are back on track. However rates are creeping up, anticipated to continue to increase until the election...then what? Buyers who have been on the fence should be hopping down and taking advantage of the variety in Bellingham Homes for Sale, and the relatively low rates!

100% financing is still available for 1st time homebuyers, those that haven't owned a home in 3 years, rural housing (North of Bakerview, East of Toad Lake...and including the Sudden Valley area) and owner financing options. 100% financing still exist, just not available for all properties.

Current Marketing Stats for Bellingham WA

Bellingham Neighborhood Infill, Bellingham WA

Barkley VillageI am participating in the Bellingham City Planning Academy. This 4 week workshop is discussing the housing options that will be made available to builders to "infill" our neighborhoods.

This has been very interesting.

Infill is State mandated. It isn't a question of whether we want to have more homes in our neighborhoods. It is a law that we must. So let's get over the no-growth "thing" and work to fulfill our commitment to grow...thoughtfully.

With very little exception the proposed housing options will make great additions to our neighborhoods. Cottage housing is my favorite. Small homes built in a small community setting. Urban Villages such as Barkley Village are a no brainer.

As studies have shown, people are moving closer to amenities. Simplifying. Reducing the need to drive. This doesn't mean we will have towering Condo buildings in our neighborhoods. There will be some, but other options are available.

With our population increasing by 35,000+ by 2022, we have to have over 14,000 more units of housing.
Does this change the look of Bellingham? To a degree it will, but overall probably not. We will still have our unique neighborhoods, our eclectic flair. I liken it to a small San Francisco!

If you would like more information about this project, email me and I will give the final summary when the academy is over the end of May.

Bellingham, WA Bellingham Housing Stats 1st Qtr 2008

Bellingham BayAs you may have read in the Bellingham Herald....
We have experienced a drop in median price, and Lynden out preformed Bellingham. Things are still moving along, but in a more normal market. Where sellers need to plan ahead, list their home at the right price, and buyers have options with time to see several homes before choosing the one right for them! The lender issues have finally calmed down...and we are back on track.

100% financing is still available for 1st time homebuyers, those that haven't owned a home in 3 years, rural housing (North of Bakerview, East of Toad Lake...and including the Sudden Valley area) and owner financing options. 100% financing still exist, just not available for all properties.


Information provided by NW Multiple Listing Services. Email me to request specific stats in your neighborhood! Always feel free to call if you have any questions,
360-441-5882.

Residential Only

Whatcom Co

Bellingham

Barkley Area

Total Active Listings

1469

539

101

AVG List Price

$443,999

$470,490

$421,437

AVG Days on Market

110

109

112

Total Pending -

179

80

23

Total Sold - last 6 months

949

400

59

AVG Pending Price -

$338,438

$380,487

$384,934

AVG Sold Price - last 6 months

$326,881

$365,255

$349,934

AVG Pended Days on Market -

108

95

100

AVG Sold Days on Market

105

96

105