It's Time to Gather Around the Table

Looking to invest smartly or plan your next move in Whatcom County? Some local neighborhoods are showing impressive signs of growth, value retention, and strong rental potential making them ideal for long-term appreciation. Here’s a look at five communities worth keeping on your radar: 1. Roosevelt (Bellingham) With its central location, large lots, and ADU-friendly zoning, Roosevelt continues to attract buyers who want flexibility and walkable convenience. It’s a favorite among those seeking character and proximity to downtown. 2. Birch Bay This waterfront community is seeing major infrastructure upgrades and renewed interest as a vacation and investment hub. Its scenic shoreline and growing amenities make it a strong contender for long-term appreciation. 3. Ferndale (East Side) With newer developments, room to expand, and commuter-friendly access to I-5, East Ferndale offers both value and convenience. It’s an area where growth feels steady and sustainable. 4. Columbia (Bellingham) Known for its historic charm and tight-knit feel, Columbia holds its value remarkably well. Buyers love its tree-lined streets and classic homes — perfect for light renovations or long-term investment. 5. Sudden Valley An affordable entry point into lake life, Sudden Valley combines trails, community amenities, and access to Bellingham with room to grow. Its popularity among remote workers continues to rise. 📊 Want to See Data for Your Favorite Neighborhood? I can send you a custom report with market trends and appreciation forecasts tailored to your goals.

Hey Bellingham, Bellingham isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to live, savor, and explore. From seaside sunsets and cozy coffee shops to mossy forest trails and dog-friendly hangouts, our city has a rhythm all its own. I’ve rounded up my personal favorites in a free download: A Local’s Guide: My Top 10 Favorites in Bellingham. You’ll find hidden gems, local eats, and can’t-miss experiences that make this corner of Whatcom County feel like home. Whether you’re new to the area or just want to rediscover it through fresh eyes, this guide is your invitation to wander like a local. 📍 Download the guide now and start exploring the best of Bellingham. One latte, trail, and sunset at a time.

Hello Bellingham, LAST Chance: First-Time Homebuyer Class | 2-Night Event You’ve got one more chance this year on October 20 and October 21 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm to complete the two-night series at Movement Mortgage:2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Save your seat! Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.

Hello Bellingham, Being a landlord can be rewarding—but it’s not as simple as handing over the keys. From screening tenants and setting clear leases to handling maintenance and avoiding common pitfalls, a little strategy goes a long way. Whether you already own a rental or you’re just curious about investing, this quick read breaks down the essential do’s and don’ts every landlord should know. 👉 Read the full guide on Avail.

Hi Bellingham,  🍂 Get Autumnal in Whatcom County Hello Bellingham, From cozy corn mazes to picture-perfect pumpkin patches, fall is in full swing across Whatcom County. Discover the best spots for hayrides, cider sips, and pumpkin picking this season. 👉 See the full roundup on WhatcomTalk.

🍁 Hello Bellingham, Fall is packed with local favorites from Doctober Film Festival to the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour and Bellingham Exit Arts & Music Festival. Don’t miss Blaine’s Seaside Bash & OysterFest for waterfront fun and local flavor, or get your fright fix at the Bleedingham Horror Film Festival later in the month. Whether you’re into films, food, or fall color drives, there’s something happening every weekend to celebrate our vibrant community.

The federal government shutdown that began today is already impacting homebuyers, sellers, and renters in Whatcom County, according to local Managing Broker and REALTOR® Andi Dyer of RE/MAX Whatcom County. One of the most significant immediate effects is the lapse of authority for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to issue new policies. This could delay closings for properties in flood-prone areas such as Birch Bay and the Nooksack Valley. Existing NFIP policies remain valid for 30 days, but uncertainty grows the longer the shutdown continues. Other disruptions include: IRS income verification delays, which could slow mortgage approvals. FHA and VA loan processing backlogs, affecting many first-time buyers and veterans. Potential funding slowdowns for federal housing programs, which may ripple into rental markets. This doesn’t mean real estate transactions stop—it means they may take longer. Real estate doesn’t stop during a shutdown—it just gets more complicated. My job is to help people cut through the red tape and keep their transactions on track. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is urging Congress to reauthorize NFIP and pass a funding agreement to reduce uncertainty in the housing market.

(From Someone Who’s Been There — and Won!)

Discover how Bellingham’s zoning changes open doors for garages, D-ADUs, and investment growth. Learn how to spot an opportunity. Zoning might sound like a snooze-worthy subject until you realize it could be the difference between your future ADU income stream or a garage gym…and a hard “no” from the City of Bellingham. Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, or investing, zoning affects what you can do with your property now and how it grows with you later. Let’s decode the fine print without the headache. What’s Changed in Bellingham Zoning? D-ADUs are in. Many lots can now support Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. “Missing Middle” zoning allows duplexes and triplexes in many residential neighborhoods. Parking requirements have eased, reducing cost and complexity for additions. How to Spot Future Potential Lot size + layout Slope and access Utility hookups Bonus tip: A daylight basement with exterior access? That’s a future rental unit waiting to happen. Tools of the Trade City of Bellingham GIS Portal Permitting Portal Custom zoning cheat sheets I share with clients Want to Know What You Can Do With a Property? I’ll run a full zoning analysis and walk you through what’s possible.