They are the welded works of Harlow Friday.  Some are whimsical, some come with a story, and some are functional but, they are all incredible!  I am drawn to welded art, the fact that a cold, strong substance, steel, can become something warm and beautiful, even soft.  Harlow designs and constructs all of his art at his home shop here in Bellingham.  He is an avid welder and sculptor.  He and Anna live in their creative and colorful compound that at one time was a chicken house/coop that Harlow reconstructed and renovated in 2001 when they relocated here from Oregon.  Harlow even lived in his grandchildren’s tree house for a short time while working on his home.

Anna, a textile artist, wears her designs of embellished denim clothing and crocheted hats, crocheted curtains that function as closet doors, and even canine garments for their mini-pinscher, Josie.  In addition to the crocheted pieces, she hand sews them on to the main fabric. On occasion you will find Anna pedaling,  chauffeuring Josie in Josie’s Hot Pink Chariot!!

Here is a photo tour of their wondrous playground and gallery of art:

 ENTER>>>>>>

A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament 
~Oscar Wilde 

For more information about Bellingham Homes for Sale,  Bellingham Real Estate, or Bellingham Art, you can contact Roberta at 360-303-3898.

                                                                                 This mornings dew on a tree.   

With Thanksgiving just a week away,  I am thankful for all of life’s little surprises.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Roberta Soares, 360-303-3898
Bellingham Homes for Sale

They’ve been a predominant player in our market for at least the last 3-5 years. The term has become part of our national vocabulary and with real estate still at the forefront of our news, the term Short Sale is just as hot if not on fire!  With more and more homeowners facing foreclosure and with real estate markets taking a hit, Short Sale properties dot the real estate landscape, attracting buyers with greatly reduced pricing.  We’ve evolved with them, learned more from them, and thus the reason for this note about what to beware of.

• Short Sales will still take a LONG time to be processed. On average 90-120 days.
  The time frame stated on a Short Sale addendum ( the time that the bank is given to respond on a offer) really means nothing to the bank.
• Be wary of the term ” approved short sale price”. Sometimes this is a ploy to lure buyers in with a reduced price on a property when in fact the bank will counter your offer and try to negotiate with you.
• There may be other liens and judgements against the said property.  Keep in mind that if the sellers have been unable to meet their mortgage payments, they are most likely in default on other payments as well, i.e. credit cards, HOA dues,taxes, etc. This means that these judgements against the property will have to be negotiated as well.  In some instances, the bank/lienholder will ask the buyer to cover these liens at a negotiated price.  It’s an emotional dilemma:  you want the house but at what price?
• The bank/s still can and will accept other offers. The process may vary from state to state, but here in WA the banks have to give the buyer in 1st position written notice that they are accepting another offer.
• The home may be in great need of repair or clean up, which will come out of the buyer’s pocket.
• These homes are usually sold ” As Is”, so the lienholder will not negotiate if there is a defect in the property.  It is still recommended that a home inspection is performed prior to purchasing for the buyer’s own knowledge. Remember Buyer Beware!
• When the bank has accepted/approved an offer, they should give this approval in writing. Here in WA state, we use a form called 90SS which states that the seller has received written acceptance from their lienholder.  As with all contracts, you want everything in writing.
• Good communication between all agents and parties will help to ease the anxiety of the wait and process.
• Last, but definitely not least, PATIENCE is still a key factor.  Short Sales are arduous even for the savviest of buyers.

Jayme Curley:  Clay Sculpture with watercolor. Jayme’s creations of watercolors on clay begin on a canvas, sculpting and working the clay into its destined design.  The canvas adds texture, the teeth imprinted on the clay. Her sculptures speak about our environment and the impact of human behavior on our environment.  An example of this is her Whatcom Creek sculpture created after the 1999 pipeline explosion which is on display at Western Washington University.  In addition to her sculpture’s Jayme also creates collage, and the occasional painted door!

Andra Millage: Sugar Sculpture/Cake Creations/Edible Art
Andra Millage has been creating cake and sugar sculpture for the last 26 years.  Working out of the commercial kitchen of her Eldridge home, she creates chocolates, cookies, and sculptures of sugar and flour.  Her cake creations very from traditional and elegant wedding cakes to fun and fantastical.  She states that her geologist training helps in fulfilling her logical side and building the right support for her cakes while the designing of the cakes fulfills her creative side.    And by the way, they taste as good as they look!   Let them eat cake!

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet some of Bellingham’s talented artists as well as private showings of their work.  The tour continues Saturday 10/8 and Sunday 10/9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..  Map/Brochure/Artist Locations

For more information about Bellingham cultural activities, Bellingham Homes for Sale or Bellingham real estate, contact Roberta Soares at 360-303-3898.

It’s the kind of place you can sit and read incognito, be online (they have wifi) , have coffee with a friend or not. The kind of place you can sit alone and watch the world go by while sipping tea and, of course, nibble on one of their luscious pastries. From the simple to the extravagant, cookies to tortes to breads to wedding cakes, all freshly made from scratch.  In fact today is Friday and they serve a couple of their specialty breads on Friday, Ryan’s Loaf and Multi-grain. Perfect with a bowl of soup, except today they ran out of their Split Pea Soup.  Ces’t La Vie!!! but their menu includes several quiches, fresh salads from green to pasta or fresh vegetable salads and the fun part, their menu changes daily.  Hmmm, decisions, decisions, well as the saying goes, life is unpredictable so eat dessert first. and I did.  Gateau au Chocolat, a rich layered, 4 layers to be exact of chocolate cake layered with and covered with chocolate ganache! all I can say is mmmmmmmm. Mouthwatering scrumptious!  and all those anti-oxidants did my body good!

La Vie en Rose is in downtown Bellingham on Holly st.   A wonderful and relaxing place to stop and unwind after window shopping or a great way to start the day.    Bon Appetit!

For  more information about Bellingham’s wonderful eateries, Bellingham Homes for Sale, or Bellingham real estate you can contact me here or via my mobile #,  360-303-3898.  We could meet at La Vie en Rose and discuss your real estate goals or just chat!

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111 w. Holly St.
Bellingham, WA 98225

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$100,000, Seems this is the magical price that buyers think will get a good deal. Without fail, I receive numerous calls for buyers looking for a home and even better, a home near the water or with a water view for $100,000. I suppose this would be an easy assumption based on the national news that weekly reports the fall of real estate prices in the U.S. and an increase of foreclosures. But, what’s happening on a national level is not what is happening here in Bellingham, WA. Real estate is hyper-local meaning each community has its own market that can and will differentiate from the national market. Another way to put it, what $100,000 will buy in say Phoenix, AZ or Detroit, MI is VERY different than what it will buy here in Bellingham,WA. Also, keep in mind that Bellingham is a waterfront city as well as a few of her suburbs (Blaine/Birch Bay). Waterfront or water view real estate, being in high demand, is pricey and therefore will hold its value.

Let’s take a look at what this price will fetch in a few markets across the nation:

Phoenix, AZ - a large variety to  choose from  (Trulia median sales price  is $109,000)
Los Angeles- will buy you a 2B/1B 860 sq.ft home in South LA or Condo ( Trulia median sales price $296,000)
Miami- a studio condo, 490 sq.ft or small home (Trulia median sales price $161,000)
Detroit- 3+ B/2+ B brand new home on large lot ( Trulia median sales price $62,000)
Tulsa, OK - Tulsa offers a large number of homes to choose from ( Trulia median sales price $198,000)

Here is a sampling of what $100,000 property looks like in Bellingham, WA:

Most of these are small 1-2Bed/1Bath and in need of repair. The one on the very right is a 3B but is on a very busy road here in Bellingham.  If you are serious about investing or purchasing property and are “handy” and know a thing or two about making repairs, then yes, I can find you something.   There are many a “fixer upper” in this price range. Or if you don’t want to be near the city and prefer to be way out in the county like Deming or Maple Falls, I know I can find you something here too.  But if you are looking for a rock bottom deal on a well constructed and well maintained home within the Metropolitan area of Bellingham or waterfront or water view, you’re going to have to up the ante.  The average price range for a modest home in Bellingham  ( 3B/2b 1500-2000 sq.ft) is 276,600..

The average price range for a waterfront home in Bellingham is $775,000.

And at $255,000 , this is one of Bellingham’s best waterfront buys.  It is out of the city limits, and needs much work.  What we call a ” tear down”.

So as you can see, $100,000 depends greatly on location and market.

If you would like more information on Bellingham Homes for Sale, Bellingham’s real estate market or if you are considering selling your home and would like additional information on what your property’s value is, contact me  direct at 360-303-3898.

I look forward to helping you whether you are looking for investment property or a residence for yourself.

Nestled at the end of a winding road, set back on level to rolling pastures sits this custom built 3200+ sf home.  Great room concept with vaulted ceilings opening to the kitchen with custom cabinetry, concrete counters, including an 18 foot counter for those largegatherings, and formal dining with gorgeous views of the property .  Maple flooring through out the home, and slate flooring at all entries.

Lowrise stairs lead you to the master loft which encompasses the entire upper floor complete with master bath and an additional bonus room that would be ideal for an office, library, what ever your needs are.

The 3000 sf heated and insulated shop is every man’s dream. Plumbed for air and comes with its own office and full bath and two 12′ roll up doors on either side, yes you can drive right through.  This would be ideal for anyone with a home based cottage business.

This home was built for efficiency and simplicity.  ICF was used to construct the home. By using ICF you can enjoy lower energy bills while maintaining comfort be it winter or summer. In fact, in the dead of winter in 2011, while it was freezing outside, it was a comfortable 60 degrees inside.   Low rise stairs are easy on the knees and this home is ADA compliant with wider hallways, wider doorways and a handicap accessible bath on the main level.

All this situated on 5.14 acres with a shared pond.  Want horses, sheep, chickens, this land is great for the grazing.

Looking for a retreat, for a vacation property, or maybe a B&B, this home is very versatile.

Come on in for a tour……5346 Stephens Dr.

For more information about this sensational property or to schedule a viewing  contact me  direct at 360-303-3898.

A quaint and rustic setting with FABULOUS feeds, not your typical soup and sandwich menu and mmm,mmm good baked goods; fresh blueberry muffins, fresh blackberry scones, delicious and unique wraps such as the Spud Fiesta to quiche to Galette, yes, galette. All baked right here in their own kitchen, no commissary, no outside foods brought in to be served, all made on the premises.

On this particular day I had the Roasted Potato, Garlic and Gruyere Galette with a hint of rosemaryand OMG! {{{ “HEAVEN, I’m in heaven”}}}…. Food this delicious does not need alot of packaging or over the top presentations. I loved how it was presented on a very french blue and white floral pattern china with slices of green apple.
Of course after this sensational lunch I had to try dessert and I had their classic chocolate chip cookies….melt in your mouth classic.

In addition to their great menu, Harvest Moon also displays hand made crafts and artwork from local artists.
This is just a great spot to sit and chat and mingle with the locals and staff, very personable.

Ok, so it’s not quite local for Bellingham, but I have to admit well worth the drive and not to mention the beautiful scenic drive along Mt. Baker Hwy…..Gorgeous! In fact, I can’t wait for my next trip out there to have another great meal and just sit for a spell!

If you would like more information about Bellingham Homes for Sale,  Whatcom County real estate or great Bellingham restaurant’s contact me direct at 360-303-3898.

I look forward to being of service to you and introducing you to this great community!

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7466 Mt Baker Hwy
Maple Falls, WA 98244

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Just in time for the Anacortes Waterfront Festival happening 5/21/11 – 5/22/11, Seafarers’ Memorial Park had its Grand Reopening today on the shores of Fidalgo Bay.  Seafarers’ Memorial Park was the original site of Scott Paper Mill and for close to 100 years of mill operation left widespread contamination from wood waste to toxic chemicals. Under the Governors Puget Sound Initiative, starting in 2009 the Park underwent a major cleanup, decontamination and restoration. As you will see today the Park is inviting and healthy,  welcoming the community to come enjoy the island views, the cleaned up waters,  picnic and  enjoy summer concerts and of course, the maritime activities.

For more information regarding Anacortes or Skagit County Real Estate or for information on Bellingham Homes for Sale, feel free to contact Roberta Soares at 360-303-3898.

Being a transplanted Southern Californian, of course I crave good mexican cuisine, and have found it at Jalapenos .  For years Jalapeno’s on Holly St. was their only location , but it wasn’t long before the owner opened another restaurant in Fairhaven, Milagros  and now this is the 3rd of the Jalapeno’s chain to open.  Their menu consists of good old traditional mexican fare  to satisfy both non- and vegetarian tastes. From  enchiladas, tacos and burritos to a few other meals on the menu that most persons might not know about but I highly recommend, such as:  Caldo de Mar ( a seafood soup), Chiles Rellenos ( anaheim peppers stuffed with cheese) or their fabulous fish tacos, not fried, but fresh grilled halibut with a pineapple salsa.

If you are looking for good Mexican food, lively ambiance and friendly and attentive service, you must try Jalapeno’s.  I guarantee you’ll become a regular!

Contact me direct at 360-303-3898 for more information regarding Bellingham’s great eateries, Bellingham Homes for Sale and Bellingham Real Estate.

[srpmap lat="48.7703272" lng="-122.4434412"]2945 Newmarket, Suite 101
Bellingham, WA 98226

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