Luxury Real Estate

Custom Chuckanut Home with a Stellar View

Recently, I stopped by an open house on Chuckanut Drive. It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon with clear blue skies and a cool 65 degrees.  My plan had been to drive down Chuckanut to Larrabee State Park to get some pictures of the San Juan Islands across the bay. I noticed the open house and decided to drop in.

The place looked very cool from the outside, obviously a custom design intended for its hillside perch overlooking  the dark blue waters of Chuckanut Bay.  At the very least, I figured, I could get some great pics of the bay from the deck, which looked to be a good 60 feet higher than the road, offering unobstructed views of the water and the islands beyond.

Once inside, I was so impressed with the creative custom design and the impressive flood of natural light, and of course the view, that I thought I’d better write about it.  The design does an impeccable job of maximizing the West-facing view by integrating several large windows with a large, entertainment-sized deck. The layout is open, with the kitchen and main living area flowing together nicely with the deck space wrapping around the North and Western sides of the house.

Click the thumbnails below for full-sized pictures. Click here to see the full collection.

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This home sits just off of Chuckanut Drive about 5 minutes south of Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood and features 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with a total of 2200 square feet. The 2006 design is eco-friendly, featuring abundant natural light and radiant heat under the polished concrete and bamboo flooring. Just behind the home is the Bellingham inter-urban bike and walking trail that extends connects Fairhaven to Larrabee State Park. The current list price is $779,000.

For more information on this home, or other Chuckanut or Fairaven real estate, please give me, Rob LeRoy,  a call at 206.883.6668, or e-mail me at rob.leroy@exprealty.com.

Also, please take a look at my website, www.TheRealEstateNovelist.com, or find me on Facebook!

A View to Remember on Chuckanut Shore

South of Bellingham, down the hill from the beautiful Chuckanut Drive, lies a small, cozy community of about two to three dozen homes perched on the cliffs above Bellingham Bay, overlooking the San Juans and the tiny Dot Island.  The setting is reminiscent of the cliffs of Malibu, California, mixed with the forest greens and cobalt blues of the Pacific Northwest.

Resting quietly at the center of this little community is a wonderfully updated 1960’s-era Cape Cod-style home with a commanding 180-degree SW facing view of the islands and the bay, with 103 feet of saltwater-frontage, complete with private dock.

The home itself contrasts perfectly with the breathtaking views by offering a refreshingly warm, intimate atmosphere, especially given it’s nearly 3200 square feet.  The main floor is comprised of a study, two living areas (one at each end) and dining area, surrounding a central kitchen.  A patio extends along the length of the house looking over the water. The layout is such that just about every room has a view of the islands.  There are a total of four bedrooms and three bathrooms.  Having received a face-lift in 2000, the home features Scandinavian-inspired character, with bright, vibrant colors, excellent natural light, and the best in modern appliances.  The decor is tasteful and inviting, carefully arranged by a loving owner with a true eye for design. Given the evident symmetry of home and decor, the owner’s are willing to include much of it with a sale.

Click on the pictures below for full-sized versions. Click here for a Virtual Tour.

Externally, this home and neighborhood have a lot to offer. In addition to the home’s 103 feet of private waterfront, there is a community boat launch nearby, as well as a  private beach available to owners.  The home itself has a private dock. The water is not deep for large vessels, though there is plenty of room for deep-water moorage out in the bay, with access by dinghy.  There is also a two-car garage, with guest parking available across the street.

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Priced at $1,595,000, this home is a real treasure.  It is quiet, private, and unquestionably special, perfect for anyone looking to live in understated luxury while enjoying the peaceful serenity offered by one of the most incredible natural settings in the World.

Owner financing is available at competitive rates to qualified buyers.

For more information on this luxury Bellingham home, please e-mail Rob LeRoy at rob.leroy@exprealty.com, or call me directly at 206.883.6668.

Please visit my website, www.TheRealEsateNovelist.com

Home-Staging Consultations FREE with New Listings!

If you are thinking about selling your house this year, you might want to get ready sooner, rather than later. With the impending expiration of the First-Time-Buyer tax credit, many experts in the industry are nervous about the potential market adjustment to follow. Given that first-time buyers accounted for an astounding 47% of all home sales last year, it stands to reason that there is the risk of a slump in sales following the expiration of the tax credit.  At the very least, it looks clear that there are a whole lot of would-be buyers running around scooping up whatever they can find while there’s still time. With the expiration of the tax credit set for June 1st, time is of the essence, and I’m here to help.

How About  a Free Home Staging consultation?

From now until April 30th, I will be teaming up with Bellingham Home Staging to provide complimentary home staging consultations on all new listings.  The fabulous Kimberly Lee of Bellingham Home Staging will give your home the makeover it needs to sell quickly for a great price.  So yes, you will have to lose the fuzzy tapestry of dogs playing poker ( I really miss mine from college…), and she’ll probably make you hide any self-portraits from past vacations (sorry, but buyers don’t need to see you in a thong…), but it will be worth it. Don’t worry, we won’t mock you for having bad taste (at least I won’t)…it’s not your fault. Some people just have a gift for design…just like some people have a gift for writing humorous real estate articles…ahem… I should clarify that Kimberly will be telling you what to do…not me. I’m too nice to tell you that you have bad taste. I will, however, bring donuts. What is Home Staging?

“Home staging is a proven advertising method in real estate, interior design, and retail that uses principles in design, psychology, and marketing to make a house more attractive to the emotions of a purchaser. As Consumers, we see this every day when we look at our favorite issues of Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, shop at Ikea, or look through a Crate and Barrel Catalog. Items are placed, arranged, and organized to make the consumer want or need them. Everything is neat, orderly, and neutralized to attract a wide range of buyers who have differing styles and tastes. Ultimately, we want buyers to see and feel themselves living in your house. “ – Kimberly Lee.

If you have us list your home, you will get much more than this fantastic staging consultation. You’ll also get a custom blog article to accompany the MLS listing. I’ll write and in-depth portrait of your home that goes well beyond the limitations of the MLS, print media, and other traditional marketing avenues. You’ll see your home prominently featured on this website (with 7,000 monthly visitors!), as well as several similar sites to maximize exposure across the entire internet*. We’ll also broadcast the details by email to our database of thousands of website subscribers. For examples of my previous listing articles, click here, here and here. The combined force of our staging and unbeatable online marketing strategy will give your home the exposure it needs to sell for the best possible price in the shortest amount of time.

*87% of home buyers use the internet to look for homes, and 85% use buyers agents, who of course search online, as well.

For more information on Bellingham Home Staging, click here or join the Facebook fanpage here!

For more information on the benefits of home staging, in general, click here.

Click the thumbnails below for some before-and-after staging shots

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions or want to schedule a listing consultation, please feel free to email Rob LeRoy directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

Be sure to check out my other website, TheRealEstateNovelist.com!

Bellingham Country Estate

Enter this serene country estate through a large rustic gate blacksmithed by the owner himself.   This is just a taste of the multitude of attributes this estate and property has to offer.

If you’re looking for a quiet ” room to roam” property spread out from your neighbors, yet close enough to all that the city has to offer, this is it.   Just about 15 minutes to Bellingham, 45 minutes to Mt. Baker and 25 minutes to the Canadian Border, very central and ideally located allowing you to still live the country life.

Miss the sounds and wonder of wildlife?  You’ll have it in your own backyard.  In the still of the night you can hear the coyotes howl, or on occasion the owls’ hoot.  One look out your bedroom window and behold “ the deer and the antelope playing” .   In the spring comes the fabulous honk of the geese and their gaggle.  Witness Mother Goose herself as she teaches her young goslings the ways of the world in the large shared pond at the north end of the property.  There is so much to explore here and we haven’t even hit the home yet!!

Situated on five acres of rolling pasture sits a 3200 sq.foot palace of a home designed and built by the owner.  It is a 3+bedroom, 2.5 bath incredible fortress with soaring ceilings and massive windows in the great room that allows in light even on the darkest of our NW days.  The great room is combined with the gourmet kitchen complete with concrete counters, high-end appliances, custom made cabinetry and beautiful tile-back splash. The maple flooring hand laid and the slate tile flooring hand cut and laid by the owner.  There is a Garden room off of the great room with a mosaic-themed tile floor and plumbed for a hot tub or to protect your prized plants in this climate controlled environment.
What you see on the surface belies the craftsmanship beneath/behind the walls.  The owner built this to withstand the cold and blustery winters as well as hot days of summer.  The insulation is above the normal requirements therefore, keeping your energy costs down in all climates.  Pretty much everything about this home is above and beyond the norm.

Maybe you own your own business and need a property large enough for your home, family and business?  In addition to the home is a 3000 sq.ft heated shop complete with office space.  You have to see it to believe it and appreciate it.  Also, other outbuildings to house your equipment or maybe house your farm animals.  This  would  be a great property for the hobby farmer.  So much space to plant your garden, or a few grazing animals such as sheep and horses.  Sit back on your covered deck and watch the eagles soar.

There is so much more to mention, but I really suggest you come and see this marvel for yourself.

Call me, Roberta Soares,  for a private tour at 360-303-3898.

Lake Whatcom’s Hidden Waterfront Hideaway

Looking for the perfect waterfront vacation home? How about a private corporate retreat?  Or maybe you’ve dreamed of owning a bed-and-breakfast or an income-producing vacation rental, perfect for grand weddings and family reunions… Here it is, the estate at Chesley Park on the shores of the beautiful Lake Whatcom.

Nestled at the southern tip of Bellingham’s Lake Whatcom is a small waterfront community of a few dozen beautiful homes.  Many of these are vacation homes, owned by snowbirds from all over the World. Just up the hill, overlooking the lake is a magnificent estate that rests on almost six acres.

The estate consists of a carriage house, a main residence, a couple of outbuildings for parking, storage and landscaping equipment, as well as 460-ft of shared Lake Whatcom waterfront, including a dock. The main residence is a grand, custom-designed marvel consisting of 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. Designed and built in the early 90’s by its one and only owner, the home is like none other. The innovative floorplan includes a Great Room with 30-ft ceilings, a library, and a huge kitchen designed for traditional entertaining. The large deck extends from the dining and living area and faces north toward the private orchard and Lake Whatcom’s majestic blue waters. The carriage house offers 1725 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with a double garage.  The finishes are high quality, though somewhat dated.  The right buyer with an eye for design could polish this gem into a shining masterpiece.

Click here for additional full-size pictures of the estate and surrounding area.

As a family friend of the owners, I have spent some time at this wonderful home over the years.  My personal feeling is that it is perfectly suited for a bed-and-breakfast, vacation rental or corporate retreat. It is possible to comfortably accommodate 15-20 people between the main house and carriage house. There is room for weddings and all sorts of gatherings in the front yard with the lake as a backdrop. Parking is ample, and the setting defines the words serene and private.  Weddings at comparable properties often go for thousands per day. Vacation rentals of this size can rent for thousands per week. The house is set up such that there is a true Master Suite on the main floor, apart from the rest of the house, perfect for a live-in operator of a bed-and-breakfast.  The opportunities and possibilities are myriad…limited only by the imagination and ambitions of an inspired new owner.

Currently listed at $1.25M, this home is truly unique. There is nothing else like it anywhere… 6 acres, 460-sf of Lake Whatcom waterfront, 8 bedrooms…surrounded by private forests… It may be beyond the scope of most of us, but there is a special someone out there for whom this magnificent estate will be a dream come true.

For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact Rob LeRoy directly at 206.883.6668 or by email at rob.leroy@exprealty.com

Thanks for Reading!

Bellingham’s Newest Waterfront Condos: Edgewater Place

A couple of days ago I had a chance to stop by the Edgewater Place Condominium project, currently under construction near Fairhaven.  Wow.  These places are NICE!!!  I’ve spent quite a bit of time touring condo projects, old and new, throughout the Northwest, from Portland to Seattle to Vancouver, BC, and I am not kidding when I say these compete with the best of them.  That’s no accident.  From what I’ve heard, the developers deliberately set out to emulate the best features of the most popular condo projects in each of those areas. Edgewater Place is a near-perfect hybrid of the best of the Northwest.  Combine that with it’s superb location, perched on a bluff overlooking Boulevard Park  and the beautiful Bellingham Bay.  Perfect as a vacation home or a relaxing, luxurious place to retire, Edgewater has a lengthy list of perks that make it stand out in front of the competition.  Prices range from $950-1.25M.  Spendy, yes. But well worth it.  A few reasons why:

• The view is unparalleled, unobstructed and unbelievable.  Each unit has a 40-foot view of the park, the bay, and the San Juan Islands in the distance.
• Entertainment-sized decks with optional gas fireplace and BBQ
• Top-end appliances from Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Miele
• State of the art acoustical designs that keep the units almost completely soundproof
• Innovative, open floor-plans that maximize the view and make great entertaining spaces
• Two shared guest suites- so your friends and family can visit (and stay out of your face at the end of the day!)
• Shared gym and meeting area
• Secured underground parking with elevator access
• Great investment potential. There are only 16 units, so they will always be in high demand. It is unlikely that another project will ever come close to competing with the class and style of this building.  Owning one of these will make you feel seriously special.
• Click here for a full list of specs (provided by the developer)
• Click here for architectural drawings of the 4 unit types

For more of my pictures, please click here!

The Edgewater Place Condominiums are located at 472 S. State St. in Bellingham. Click here for a map

For more details on Bellingham condos, or to schedule a tour, call me any time at 206.883.6668, or e-mail me at rob.leroy@exprealty.com

Be sure to check out my other articles here!

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. I appreciate your feedback! If you have any questions about Bellingham, Seattle, or real estate in general, please feel free to email Rob LeRoy directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

This post simultaneously published by Rob LeRoy at theRealEstateNovelist.com

Report Finds That Real Estate Agents are Normal People

According to a recent report by a highly reputable investigative entity, most… several…that is, some real estate agents out there are actual people, just like you- with hearts, minds, maybe even a personality!  I can tell you how to spot them.

I know the drill- you’re up late one night, semi-casually considering the possibility of maybe buying Bellingham real estate but don’t know which website is the best, so you sign up to a few, then over the next few days or weeks you get bombarded with phone calls and e-mails from all kinds of people asking you about your potential plans to buy or sell or move or invest… It’s annoying. Some of them stammer, others talk too fast. They leave awkward, rambling messages on your voice-mail and always seem a little bit jittery and caught off-guard if you actually pick up one of their phone calls. I know, I know, it’s all just so uncomfortable…like talking to your mother late on a Sunday afternoon when she’s been out golfing* with “the girls”.  Just remember though, they’re more afraid of you than you are of them. Just be gentle and let them speak.  Who knows, you might get lucky and find one that actually knows what he’s talking about.  That’s especially likely to happen if you dial 360.510.2230 and ask for Rob LeRoy.  He’s one of the best. If you don’t believe me, read this article (#5) written by an industry insider who’s “in the know.”

*drinking Bloody Marys

And another thing- it’s important to keep in mind that this is what we do for a living.  All day, every day…losing sleep, missing birthdays, missing weddings (sometimes our own), ignoring medical check-ups and Happy Hours…wait, we actually never miss those…but, still, you see what I’m getting at. This is our job, our career, so don’t be so surprised when we call and remind you that we exist. It is not our intent to irritate or harass, but rather to educate and provide you with a service, whether that service involves an actual transaction somewhere down the road, or simply some casual, professional advice or instruction on the fascinating world of real estate.  If you’re truly interested, let us know.  If not, don’t be afraid to say you’re just browsing.  We can take rejection, believe me.  Only about 1 -to- 2 out of every 20 people who sign up to a real estate website  actually buys something.  The rest are just browsing, researching, or laughing out loud as they read an exceptionally humorous article written by a gifted young real estate agent.

Good agents are happy to help either way, but it certainly saves everybody a lot of time if you just let us know up front which side you’re on.

Thanks for reading!  Please leave comments below, if you have any. If you’d like to read more of my posts click here.

Silverado: Not just a clever name for Paradise North of Bellingham

I’m driving North on the Guide Meridian, and we’re all about to die.  A rough overstatement, to be sure, but as an avid fan of Rolling Stone, the movie “Almost Famous”, and an East coast driver on the wrong coast, I’ve seen more close calls that the Seahawks/Steelers Superbowl so many Bellinghamsters are still bitter about.  I’m trying not to weave through shoppers, buskers, rubber-neckers, and Vespas, but the best defense is a good offense. 

The draw?  Silverado;  newer construction in Bellingham on an acre that boasts Master Bedrooms on the main floor, and unique interior design that offers a real Great Room, and a kitchen to match.  This isn’t the McMansion area that you might be thinking of, but rather a neighborhood of homes that were built in the last 8 years in a neighborhood that welcomes you from the street.  Green pastures with white fences, grand entrances, large windows to let in the light, just amazing.

And rare to come on the market.  Since 2005, only 3 have come on the market, one sold, one still remains, and the other has just gone to inspection. Each is over 3,000 feet, on an acre of manicured lawn, and upon entering, the feel is palatial, some of the homes even featuring columns in the formal dining room (remember those?).

The view is country, or territorial as you’ll see on most real estate websites, but the location’s champion points are easily your proximity to shopping, Canada, the airport, and serenity.  The neighborhood is off of Axton, and the commute to DT Bellingham could be longer than you would want, but the features of the home and the neighborhood might just make it worth it. Worth over $599,000?  That will be one of those conversations to have with your REALTOR, yours truly included.

If you’re interested in further photos of the interior of the remaining home, feel free to e-mail us and they’ll be sent from my phone as soon as possible.  There are a number of neighborhoods and properties that have similar features, and I’ll be happy to recommend those as well.

Owning a home is a keystone of wealth.. both financial affluence and emotional security.
Suze Orman

Chuckanut Drive, not just a road but an experience

Chuckanut Drive is one of my favorite places to go for a drive or to get away for the day. On in given day the beauty of the ocean and the northwest rainforest prevails. There are several places to visit, park & enjoy the view along the way.

If you want a little more adventure you can take a hike on a number of trails around Chuckanut. I recall a hike to Fragrance Lake. My family has many different versions of that particular hike, in fact I recall it ending with my Dad placing crawdads in the foot of my bed. He is always the prankster. You can only imagine a teenage girls reaction. I don’t recommend this part for your family but the hike is wonderful.

You can also enjoy the day at Larrabee State Park. From walks on the beach, having the train pass by and climbing a rock wall there is something for everyone. Young and old love traversing tidepools or just enjoying the waves lapping on the shore.  This is a wonderful place to look for special treasures from the ocean, just be sure to put back all living creatures from the sea back where you found them .

There  are a few notable places to dine along Chuckanut Drive as well. Should you care for a romantic sunset and wonderful meal or just an appetizer with a view. Oyster Creek Inn, which has closed recently and is currently looking for another revival. I had a wonderful mother/daughter moment with chocolate chip cheesecake and will always have fond memories of that day. The Oyster Bar, which poses wonderful views and food to match. A wonderful dinner with friends was enjoyed at this restaurant. I especially remember the mussels. Chuckanut Manor which holds a spot near and dear. This was a place that was a favorite of my late grandfather. It is always a pleasure to reminisce with the owner and the stories he tells. It has an opportunity the others do not, in that you can stay in one of the bed and breakfast suites. What a way to wake up in the morning and look out upon that gorgeous view. Last on the journey would be the Rhododendron Cafe where you will find the great history of Chuckanut Restaurants.

If you would like to take home some of the seas bounty then stop by Taylor Shellfish farm for fresh Dungenous crab, oysters, and Mussels.

This is the freshest we could find for our neighborhood crab feed. There is no better way to get to know your neighbors than by cracking crab together and finding out who eats theirs as they go or who piles it up for a one course meal.  The mussels are just wonderful. It’s funny, I never ate mussels until I was probably 32 and wow was I missing something. Of course the oysters are over the top and myfavorite is on the barbecue with a little butter, Tabasco and a gentle squeeze of citrus. My grandfather always had them raw on the half shell.There’s a Swede for you. There is a story about Lutefisk for another day.

The drive out Chuckanut is enjoyed by many motorists whether it be by motorcycle, sportscar with the top down or a mini van full of children so please drive carefully. The curvy road and amazing views lends itself to an enjoyable ride. There are many auto and motorcycle clubs that like to take this drive as a group. I remember watching  a gaggle of Porsches cruise by as a teen thinking what a life…

During the winter, Chuckanut Drive may have closures due to rock slides, so please be aware of the road.

You will need to see if the road has been closed due to slides. 

So next time you decide to visit Bellingham or live here and need to get away for the day take a drive out on Chuckanut and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer.

It is a great way to spend the day whether with family, friends or just a loved one for a romantic drive.

-Katharine Carey- Real life, Real estate in Whatcom County

*special thanks to my daughter for taking the drive herself (another story for another day) and taking these wonderful photos. Please do not copy them as they are her work.

Much appreciated and Thank you for taking time out of your day . Comments welcome

A different feel: Waterfront Condos in South Hill/Fairhaven Area

When I see the condominiums in Bellingham, I’m doing so after having seen flats, condos, Brownstones, from Florida, to Boston, to Chicago, as well as Seattle.  I’ve been lucky enough to travel early on, and see a lot of different architecture, interior design, and changing trends and products used to various benefit and demise.  And since moving here, and working on expertise as a relocation and luxury second-homes  (working on, I’ll never be finished), I’m with clients from out-of-the area, from the same areas, and exploring how to help people acclimate to our climate, both the weather and the weather of our Real Estate market.  It’s a harder conversation than you might think. And it’s why I preview as many properties as possible, trying to find the diamonds in the rough.

Because if I have clients from Florida, and they want to see a water-view condominium in Fairhaven, over a certain price range, they’re going to expect a WOW factor, like the one’s you would get from walking through the Park Place condominiums, overlooking Boulevard Park.   Keep your 9 foot ceilings, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances.  Try contemporary glass frontage that takes advantage of the view.  Use cement for the interior walls, and include radiant heat and a twelve foot long gas fireplace so questions about warmth dissipate with the view.

If my clients are from New England, maybe they’ll want something with more traditional accents, like the Pierside Condos on the water side of Eldridge.  These are real cathedral ceilings, with a view out the windows worthy of worship, and accents in the master suite that make the owner really feel like, well, the master of the house.

Can you see the detail in the ceiling here?  Compare this bedroom with your usual flat white ceiling, non-descript lighting fixture, married to the “real estate brown” walls we’ve all seen 1,000 times.   I’ll wager 100% of my clients are more impressed, and will be more excited to see this condo.

And there are those from across the country that want a taste of the Pacific Northwest, the Upper Left Hand Corner, and theCraftsman detail on the inside and outside of the condos on Taylor are a perfect example. Water view, close to Fairhaven, BUT, the inside is a warm lodge atmosphere with exposed beams, wood floors, and accent lighting that shows premeditation that resulted in a killer interior.

The luxury that these condos lend is expensive.  What’s outrageous for some is the cost of comfort for others.  But certain builders are recognizing the value of craftsmanship that should accompany the pricetag.    And to them, I’m saying thank you.

Quote for the day:

“I can’t sell my VW for more, just by parking it in downtown Fairhaven. More people might look at it, but in the end, it’s going to come down to the quality of the interior.”

-Anonymous client

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