Looking for something fun to do with mom. Head to Fairhaven for an afternoon of boutique and gallery shopping. Whether it be art, shoes, clothes, home furnishing, flowers, jewelry books or toys you are bound to find something fun in Fairhaven. While in the stores ask for the Fairhaven Shopping Guide, which is a directory for store information, maps, services and health care within the district. You can also get a walking tour map that will show you the streets, trails and stores.
For an additional treat, check out CreaTiviTea and paint your own pottery. There are hundreds of pieces to choose from or you can design your own Fused Glass. Located on 11th Street, stop in with mom and create heirloom pieces together.
Wander and stroll the district, while enjoying the historic architecture of the old and new mixed use buildings. Look for the plaques on the ground in various areas, especially down Harris Avenue and learn about the history of Fairhaven. If you stop in the Village Green you can see the bronze statue of Dirty Dan Harris sitting on a bench and the antique Tulip fountain.
And when you are hungry, stop in at one of the fine eating establishments in Fairhaven. Whether it be soup, steak, fish, Thai, Italian or Mexican you will be able to find a great meal to satisfy you and mom.
After a nice meal, a walk along the 10th Street trail to Taylor Street dock, and if you are up for it around the point to Boulevard Park. A nice way to finish the day with mom in Fairhaven.
Whatcom County is not only an active community, but a creative one as well. Whether it be theatre, music, comedy or dance, there is something for each one of us to appreciate. There is a wide array of activities in "the arts" for both adults and children to enjoy.
The Historic and renovated in the recent past, Mount Baker Theatre located in downtown Bellingham and Western Washington University's Performing Arts Center bring world class performers to the stage for our community members to enjoy. Currently, the Golden Dragon Acrobats, a premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company is back by popular demand on May 16th and the WWU-PAC has two plays running on the mainstage performed by the students in the Theatre Arts programs.
While the Lynden Performing Arts Guild presents Something's Afoot, a murder mystery musical that spoofs all things detective the Bellingham Theatre Guild concludes it's 2008-09 season with "The Boys from Syracuse", a madcap musical. Both theatres are operated by dedicated community members that are passionate about acting.
Looking for a laugh, then check out The Upfront Theatre downtown on Bay Street. You can see stand up comedy, live improv or take classes at the theatre. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly plays every Thursday at 8pm.
To stay on top of the many different creative avenues available to you pick up a copy of Entertainment News NW, which has a calendar of events to include descriptions and ongoing activities.
Don't miss this great opportunity on Bike to Work & School Day to have fun and meet some great people in Bellingham. If you know anything about Bellingham, then you know we are a huge biking community with biking lanes on the roads as well as trails throughout the city for an easier commute. 2009 is the 12th annual event, so don't miss out.
You can check out the 20 Celebration Stations that will be set up to welcome you with prizes and yummy goodies for your morning commute to work or school. Also, during the day there will be different events going on, which you can check out on the Mt. Baker Bike Club website for details. I was just notified that the May issue of the Mt. Baker Bike Club newsletter has the complete schedule of events, plus other rides for you to check out and you can download current & past issues.
May 9th events include:
May 15th events include:
Since May is Bicycle Month, you can also team up with a group of six and register to win cash and prizes by tracking your bicycle smart trips. The everybodyBIKE.com site will give you all the information that you need to participatein the Bellingham event, including a list of all the special events throughout the month. From maintenance classes to gear & confidence training, there is several opportunities to learn more about biking or just get involved in volunteering to help.
Perched above Boulevard on State Street the Cliff House Condominiums were built in 1977 and feature panoramic views of Bellingham Bay, Canadian Coastal Range and the city. There is nineteen residential units in this three story building with some units having private 2-car garages and others with carport style parking.
This complex is centrally located between Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham with the Cliff House Restaurant one block away. Western Washington University is just up the hill, where you can attend events at the Performing Arts Center or watch basketball at Carver Gym. The Bellingham Farmers Market is nearby as well as access to the Innerurban trail for biking or walking down to Boulevard Park.
There is currently one unit on the market for sale at $515,000. This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath single level unit has level entry from the garage or front walkway and a spacious living room. The wall of windows in the living room feature expansive views of Bellingham Bay, marine activity and the spectacular fireworks display for the 4th of July celebration. This unit has been updated with interior paint, tile flooring, Hickory cabinetry and the double car garage features alot of built in storage cabinets.
In case you can't get enough of the views from the Cliff House Condominiums, watch for the incredible sunsets in the evening.
Located downtown in an urban setting the Morse Square Condominiums is in the heart of Bellingham. Constructed in 2005 this secure building features 82 residential units, 5 street level commercial spaces, street plaza with benches and an underground parking garage
The Bellingham Farmers Market, which runs April - October every Saturday is across the street and many other amenities to include restaurants, community co-op and various other shops/boutiques are within blocks. Western Washington University is within close proximity and the Interurban trail runs along the building which connects downtown Bellingham to the waterfront and Historic Fairhaven via Boulevard Park.
The Morse Square Condominiums currently has 3 units for sale and 1 unit under contract. The units are tastefully finished with stainless steel appliances, granite, gas fireplaces, crown molding, tile and balconies.
One pending unit:
The Morse Square Condominiums is a great investment for students, working professionals, investors and any one that wants to live an urban lifestyle in a growing city.
Bellingham Condo & Fairhaven Neighborhood Specialist, plus a REO Certified Specialist, experienced in Short Sales & Bank Owned properties serving Western Washington.
I have tremendous enthusiasm for selling Real Estate and dedicated to educating the clients that I provide my servcies too. I received my Brokers License in 2005 and I have been actively involved in both the Washington State Association of Realtors and local Whatcom County Association of Realtors serving as a State Director on the Board of Directors for the past three years. I have served on several committees through my local association including the Habitat for Humanity Committee and Chairperson of the Countywide Open House event in April 2009, which had 650 homes open to the public over one weekend.
My passion lies in supporting our wonderful community! Currently a member of the Old Fairhaven Association, I serve as President of the Board of Directors, Chair person for both the Dirty Dan Days Festival & Veterans Memorial Flag Pole Committies, plus C0-Chair of the Fairhaven Festival where It All Ends with the Ski to Sea Race.
Additionally, I enjoy spending time with my "Little" Elaine, whom I was lucky enough to meet through the Big Brothers & Sisters program in Whatcom County eight years ago.
Whatcom & Skagit County Real Estate
I am experienced and knowledgeable in Condominiums and Residential properties sales, plus commerical, multi-family and investment properties.
My specialty niche is with Condominium sales and First Time Home Buyers. I am also consider to be the Neighborhood Specialist in the Historic Fairhaven District.
The expansion of Condominiums in the "greater" Bellingham area has increased dramatically over the last few years and the development of Fairhaven as an Urban Village with mixed-use buildings has grown. Condominiums continue to be a very popular investment for easy low maintenance living in our beautiful Pacific Northwest corner of the United States where most people want to be out participating in various activities instead of maintaining a single family home.
Contact Stephanie for your Real Estate needs.
Whatcom County Real Estate
Located in the Northwest corner of the United States, Whatcom County is snuggled in between the Canadian border to the north, Cascade Mountain Range to the east, Pacific Ocean to the west and Skagit County on the southern border. Bellingham is centrally located between two major metropolitan cities; Seattle, WA and Vancouver, B.C. along the I-5 corridor.
The abundance of outdoor activities is unlimited with the amount of flora and fauna that encompasses Whatcom County from the Mt. Baker Wilderness area to the Puget Sound with the San Juan Islands and the numerous parks, lakes and trails that are scattered among the neighborhoods. The annual Ski to Sea race from the slopes of Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay is a world renown race that brings competitors from all over the world to Bellingham. The Bellingham Parks Department as well as the Greenways group do a wonderful job of maintaining our many parks as well as developing new ones. The Innerurban trail runs parallel to the popular and scenic Chuckanut Drive taking you from South Bellingham through Larrabee Park ending at Clayton Beach.
Contact Stephanie for more information about Whatcom County.
Skagit County Real Estate
The sleepy Skagit River Valley has grown tremendously over the past few years and has changed before my eyes. As a child growing up in Sedro Woolley, along the North Cascades Highway, and now an adult it has been an amazing transformation to see. From a sleepy logging community, originally named Bug, Sedro Woolley is a bustling community and the gateway to the North Cascades.
With the hub cities of Mount Vernon and Burlington on the I-5 coridor, Anacortes to the west on Fidalgo Island and Sedro Woolley to the east the Skagit River Valley is a diverse area. The river valley "flats" creates an excellent area to grow Tulips and Daffodils, which Skagit Valley is famous for and distrbutes their bulbs all over the world. The Historic town of La Conner is a small town on a water channel that brings in thousands of travels every year.
Contact Stephanie for Skagit County Real Estate.
First Time Homebuyers
What is the definition of a First Time Home Buyer? Someone who has not owned a home in the previous 36 months or the party in a divorce that does not get the home.
As a First Time Homebuyer it is an exciting and educational experience going through the process of learning about home ownership. Get the Facts Your First Home campaign through Washington Realtors provides an excellent resource guide breaking down the process into seven steps. At our first meeting I will provide you with this free guide, answer your questions and start going over these basic steps.
Looking at homes, whether it be condominiums or single family homes, is only a part of the excitement and I am here to help you through the home purchase process. Keeping you updated on new listings that come on the market daily or referring you to lenders and professional home inspectors is part of my commitment to you.
In the current shift of the Real Estate market it is no time better than now to buy your first home! The interest rates are at all time lows, home prices are down and the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit incentive is an incredible opportunity for you. If you have not heard of the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit ask me and I am happy to go over the details with you.
There are many great financing programs for the First Time Home Buyer, so if you think you can't qualify or don't have enough money for a down payment be sure to speak to a lender so you really know. In some cases, you can get an FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down and you can use gifts or loans from family members as well as us money from your IRA. You can check out FHA, HUD or Rural Development loan programs online, if you want to do further research prior to speaking to a lender.
Contact Stephanie for information if you or someone you know is a First Time Homebuyer.
REO Northwest
We have a successful team in Western Washington with an REO presence along the I-5 corridor. We provide exceptional service to our corporate clients as well as to our large network of buyers. Our team has been commended several times.
There is 19 members of the team to include; Listing Specialists, Buyer Representatives, Transaction Coordinators, IT staff, BPO Specialist, Administrative and maintenance personnel.
Our team is highly proficient at completing BPO's and understanding market trends. We have frequent team meetings, discuss and analyze market shifts and stay current with all legislation that impacts the real estate and mortgage industries. All of this translates into the quality of our BPO's and our knowledge of the market & ability to think "outside of the box".
Utilizing the latest advances in technology to procure the most accurate & timely data. All team members are equipped with wireless technology to stay connected in field use, which means we can quickly communicate new assignments, vendor requests, or buyer lead information form the home office to our team members in the field.
Additionally, our websites are actively promoted and have a growing pool of investor/buyers who log in regularly to check out our active listings. Furthermore, we have a network of repeat buyers because of the rapport we have established with both banks & buyers, and because of our ability to smoothly and quickly negotiate transactions while maintaining a high level of integrity.
The Historic Fairhaven District of Bellingham is a wonderful area in south Bellingham located on the waterfront. The Fairhaven District was founded in the mid 1800's by Daniel Jefferson Harris, aka Dirty Dan, due to his lack of or limited hygenie. Dan was introduced to whaling by an uncle in the North Atlantic and joined the Pacific Whaling company in 1851. He arrived on Bellingham Bay in 1853 rowing from Victoria and became the largest land holder in the the area. Dan platted the town of Fairhaven on January 2, 1883.
Fairhaven is the transportation hub of Bellingham, featuring Amtrak, Greyhound, water taxis to the San Juan Islands, Victoria, as well as Port to the Alaska Marine Highway. Harris Bay is the home to many privately owned vessels with boat launch access from the Bellingham Bay Community Boat Center.
The past five years has produced an explosion of growth in Fairhaven, particularly the development of mixed use commerical and residential buildings. Whether it be new buildings with an old world flair or old buildings rehabed to keep history alive. The boutique shops, restaurants, art gallerys, banks, pharmacies and a grocery store in close proximity makes Fairhaven an excellent area for retirement or just easy urban village living. The beautiful new buildings that have developed have architectual controls to preserve the historic feeling of the district.
Fairhaven is a destination you must visit to experience and enjoy. The Old Fairhaven Association sponsors events practically every month with an all volunteer board and merchant participation. The Historic Fairhaven website features an event calendar that displays all the activities including individual merchant events. The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema is a huge event every Saturday night running from late June through September on the Village Green. Come on down, throw out a blanket and enjoy a movie while snacking on pizza delivered by Fairhaven Pizza. And don't forget the Farmers Market every Wednesday afternoon on the Village Green to supplement your Saturday shopping at the Bellingham Farmers Market downtown.
You can view my blogs at MissFairhaven.com to learn more about the events and daily activities in Historic Fairhaven.
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