Localism: Bellingham, WA

Blog Pointers

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:39:18 -0600

I would love to hear from anyone who has great blog pointers. Since I am new to the blogging world, I would love any help from those diehard bloggers. I look forward to becoming a committed blogger soon.

Local Real Estate agent in Bellingham, Washington

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:32:28 -0600

Hi there,

My name is Crystal O'Neill and I'm a Real Estate Agent in Washington State. I currently live in Whatcom County (Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Sudden Valley, Blaine, Birchbay). I would love to represent any buyers or sellers that need help with the sale or buying of a new home/properties. Please contact me with any questions and remember that I'm never too busy for any or your referrals!

www.buysellbellingham.com

After the Inspection -- Anobiid Beetles on the Run

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:32:32 -0600

Over the past couple years I have written a number of posts about the silent house killer -- the anobiid beetle. This pest is common in Bellingham, Whatcom County and the Pacific Northwest. These wood-boring beetles can cause major structural damage. One article I have written, going into more detail, is here.

I decided to take a little different angle this time. I am now going to show you what happens to the home after the home inspection. Despite anobiid damage in the major structural members of this home -- posts, joists, beams, sub-flooring, this deal closed. Obviously the real estate agents, both sides, earned their chops making this happen in a way that worked for buyer and seller.

I am, this time, in the unique position of viewing, documenting and taking photos of the work as it progresses. I have included some of the photos below. This first one is an example of the damage caused by the beetles. This is still present because that corner of the home had been inaccessible. This damage was found after the contractors dug out the crawl space -- which took several days.

Below is a view of the place after it was dug out, which had to be done merely to achieve access. This is a work in progress and you can see some new structural materials are in place.

The photo below is Mike Pizzuto, Northhill Construction in Mt Vernon. He is down under, working with his crew. His company is one of the few local firms that willingly does this kind of work. Mike has been a structural pest inspector, so he understands the biology of the pest which is rarely the case with contractors. These photos give you an idea of just what the contractor has to go through to replace so much structural material. This job, needless to say, is costing thousands of dollars in materials and labor. Anytime there is major damage from wood destroying organisms, this kind of equally major repair work should be expected. That is one reason any good inspector in this state must be, in my view, a licensed structral pest inspector. Here in the northwest, the single most costly defects I have found involve wood destroying organisms, not electrical, plumbing, HVAC or even roofs. The big expensive problems are usually rot and insects.

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections

Finding a lender in Bellingham, WA

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:11:32 -0600

Lending:
When buying a home the very first step you must take is with a lender...unless you are paying all cash!

I have has two recent experiences where the buyers lenders (Big National Lenders) could not do the loans...and these were very qualified folks! So I asked them to check with our local Bellingham lenders before giving up! Leena at Neighborhood Mortgage and Rob at The Bank of The Pacific came through for these folks. With equal rates and costs the National lender was promising...yet couldn't deliver. Another one to check with is Loren over at Whidbey Island Bank. Sit down with a lender or apply online. You must know where you stand financially, how much you can afford, how much down you need, closing costs, and what lending programs are available to you.

There are still several 1st Homeowner programs, which means you haven't owned a home in the last 5 years. 100% Financing programs are still available as well, through the Rural housing program.

In today's lending climate make sure you are working with a lender who can actually get your loan funded.
Ask them how many loans have they closed in the last 2 months!

Process of Selling your home, Bellingham, WA

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:50:30 -0600

Selling your Property.
First...find that savvy agent!

Your agent will take a tour of your home. Offer suggestions for home improvement items that will help you get top dollar for your property. They will then provide you with a CMA, and help you determine your listing price.

Your agent should provide you with a complete marketing plan specific to your property. Keep in mind that 90% of all homes are sold with an agent involved, and over 80% of all home buyers search the internet. The bulk of any "savvy" marketing plan will focus their budget in these two arenas.

Work with your agent on the marketing plan. The current market in Bellingham, WA requires a great marketing plan! Tell them what you love about your home, why did you buy it?

Your agent will be taking many pictures of your home and yard. Be ready for that!

Be realistic. And be aware that while your home is on the market, you don't live in it quite the same. You try not to leave clothes, dishes, messes scattered about prior to your departure for the day! You have one first impression...maximize it!

Once we have a purchase and sale offer on the table, we will look at the validity of the offer. This is where the negotiation begins.

Once we have an accepted offer, several deadlines start ticking away. It is my job to keep you informed of these deadlines, and protect your interests. When all contingencies such as financing, insurance, inspections have been satisfied we move towards closing.