Bellingham Homes & Real Estate

Here are some great tips to remember when selling your home this year! If you have any questions or want my opinion on the market here in Bellingham, feel free to call or email me.   ~Jack~     Top Tips for Selling a Home in 2016

You are finally at a point in your life where you'd like to purchase your first home, GREAT! First thing you should do is connect with a local REALTOR that you trust and can guide you. Here is a great article on buying your first house.         Are You Wondering What It Takes To Buy Your First Home?  

In case you are going to be selling your home this year. Make sure to keep a lid on some of the phrases that can do harm when selling your home.         "6 Things You Should Never Say When You're Selling Your Home"   Thinking of selling your home this year? Did you know it's free to get all your questions answered? Also, as a token of my appreciation for choosing me to sell your home, I'll take you on a scenic flight around Bellingham and the San Juan Islands.   Jack Otto eXp Realty Bellingham, Washington JackOttoHomes.com

  How does the housing market in the Bellingham area look at the end of 2015 and what can we expect in 2016?    (click to zoom) Take a look at the listings for December 2014 versus December 2015. There will be a continued shortage of homes on the market going into 2016. More homes sold or were under contract in Dec 15 than Dec 14. Pointing to strong demand from buyers going into 2016.     Average price per square foot is down from the summer but way up from December of last year! Good news for sellers. Homes are selling for 94% asking price and spending an average of 56 days on the market.    Probably the most important graph, amount of inventory on the market. 2.1 months means it's a sellers market. 6 months of inventory is where we start to say it's a buyers market. You can also see the downward trend. The forecast is a sever lack of homes on the market going into what could be the best year for the housing market since 2007. It'll be a

You've probably heard about the shortage of homes on the market over the last year. Well it hasn't gotten any better and isn't forecasted to. So what does that mean for you selling? Higher price, quicker selling time, less negotiating. etc. It's a great time to sell your home! But also, rates are still low so it's a great time to buy. You just have to be patient in looking for your home.   Questions about the Bellingham area market? Give me a call!       Lack of Listings Slowing Down the Housing Market  

It's the start of 2016 and you are ready to sell your home. GREAT! What's next? Well you need to find a REALTOR® you can trust that will guide you through the process. Everyone asks, "well can't I sell it myself?" well sure, but why would you? To save a little money? An experienced REALTOR® will get more for your home and save you time and a lot of headache.   If you have questions, give me a call! As always, getting your questions answered is free. I hope to hear from you.   "So You Want to Sell Your Home? Step 2: Find the Right #Realtor"         

This is the year you are going to buy a home, GREAT! Get the info you need on the down payment so you know what to expect!       So You Wanna Buy a House? Step 2: The Down Payment http://ht.ly/WY7QF

Have you tried these great places in Bellingham for your morning coffee? If not, you should! Are there any that didn't make the list that should have?       "In Search of Coffee: Six Places to Get Caffeinated in Bellingham" via @WhatcomTalk http://ht.ly/WY6UN

You've decided this year is the year to buy a home, GREAT! Now make sure you've answered these three question to make sure you are ready.   As always, if you need help or some advice feel free to call me. I don't mind helping you and of course buyer services are always FREE.       "Thinking of Buying a Home? 3 Questions Every Buyer Should Answer First"   http://ht.ly/WUqfd

This is the year you buy a home, or maybe you sell the one you are currently in and buy another. Either way make sure you are getting daily or weekly email alerts about homes that are new to the market. This way you'll be the first to know when a new home hits the market.   Newest Homes To the Market in Whatcom County      

2016 is upon us and this year is going to be a killer to get top dollar for your home. But is it ready to be put on the market? Did you know I can come take a look and give you suggestions for free before you even decide to list your home? Lets talk about what needs to be done to your home to get it ready to sell!       "So You Wanna Sell Your Home? Step 1: Whip It Into Shape" http://ht.ly/WIaqG

Fun shot of the little guy checking out an Alaska Seaplanes Cessna 206 passing through Bellingham. They had a new paint job and brand new Aerocet amphib floats put on.  

 It's a new year and you've decided that this is the year you are going to buy a home. Interest rates have ticked up, although still historically low. And the inventory is tight in our market! So you want to be ready when you find that dream home. Well start early and make sure your credit score is where you need it to be!       "So You Wanna Buy a House? Step 1: Clean Up Your Credit Score" http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/clean-up-credit-score/

Say Goodbye to These 10 Home Design Trends That Are So 2015       http://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/say-goodbye-to-these-10-home-design-trends-that-are-so-2015/