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.

$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.

Case in point.

The buyers are looking at a home on the market at $339,000, they looked it up on Zillow and its value is just under $300,000. They looked it up on another site called  eppraisal.com and the value is $283,000. Now isn’t that interesting two sites don’t think the house is worth near what the sellers are hoping to get. We now have a new service associated with our  multiple listing service that has a component that does estimated value’s as well. Their associated with a company called Core Logic. Their value for the same property came in at $357,898 and they had a confidence score of 82% if you know anything about math they have a standard deviation for 11% and said they gave a range of values for the property of  $318,529 at the low end to $397,267 at the end.

Seems like lot’s of conflicting information,

Another case I remember is I had a client considering purchasing a home that was listed for about $850,000, Zillow had its value at under $600,000 and my clients were insisting they wouldn’t pay more than that. When we looked into what the difference was Zillow was not accounting for about 1000 ft.² of living space that somehow the county records they pulled the data from showed as an unfinished basement, which was beautiful finished living space. They just don’t always have all the right data and they know it.

I think the best way is to get a home’s value is to contact a professional real estate agent and find out what they think the property is worth having them do what’s called a comparative market analysis or CMA.

Zillow even recommends doing other research (but it’s hidden in the fine print) like,

* Getting a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent

* Getting an appraisal from a professional appraiser

* Visiting the house (whenever possible)

If you want to know what your home is worth, or the value of home you considering buying, give me a call at 360-739-6981 be glad to help you do some research about  Bellingham Real Estate.

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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I had trouble connecting to the internet and was able to find a wi-fi hotspot at the Blackberry House Café. When I arrived with my client the barista told us that they would be closing in 10 minutes however, she said we were welcome to stay, order a coffee and could continue to use the wi-fi service even after closing. I ended up staying for almost an hour without any interruption. Today, friendly customer service  is so hard to find these days. I was so thankful because this kind gesture allowed me to spend more time with my client, while providing us with additional time to search for directions to selected properties.

So thank you again Blackberry House Café for your hospitality, for your wi-fi connection and a great cup of coffee!

If you have questions or an interest in Bellingham/Blaine/Birch Bay real estate please give me a shout. The best way to reach Chuck is directly at 360.540.6357. Email Chuck at Chuck.Burkhart@eXpRealty.com

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Blackberry House Cafe’

321 H Street
Blaine, WA 98230-4109

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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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It’s mother’s day and when I think of mom, I think of home.  A place where you feel safe, a familiar place, where you can be yourself.

A place to go when things are tough and you want to hide from the world or a place to go to share good times and good happenings.  For celebrations, Friday night movies and pizza, or Sunday dinners.   A place for discussion and debates, a place for support, a place for learning.   A place to return to time and time again for strength, for escape, for fun.   A place where traditions are formed and solidified, where memories are made.  I have great memories of bike rides, walks, cooking with Mom; dinnertime was always family time, no tv, no radio, but time to talk with one another and so it is today that I keep this tradition going.   We moved around a couple of times in my childhood, but the mainstay and commonality was mom and her traditions.  I learned early on that a house is not automatically a home, it becomes home with a mother‘s love and teaching.
I can’t be with my mother for mother’s day but I can at least close my eyes and remember…..And in those memories I feel safe again and warm and familiar and feel right at home in those memories.

It’s mother’s day and when I think of home I think of Mom!

Roberta Soares is a Realtor in Bellingham and available to answer your questions regarding Bellingham Homes for Sale, and Real Estate in general, whether buying or selling.  Feel free to contact her at 360-303-3898 or email her at roberta.soares@exprealty.com

I had a gentleman contact me who wanted information and to see one of your listings.  He found your ad on craigslist and tried calling you, but could not reach you.  He found me via my website and called me.  I even tried calling you to get information but I only got a recording that lead me back to your closed office since it was the weekend.  The number on the listing said it was your home number, apparently not.  I was able to leave a message and over the weekend left two messages and here we are 3 days later and still no call back.

So I then called your client, the seller, to get answers to my questions. She was gracious and accomodating and apologetic for your delinquency.  She answered my questions and offered as much information as possible about her property.  She also admitted to me that she was “not impressed nor happy with your service ” or rather lack of.  That you, as her agent, “had not contacted her in 3 months”.

I did show your listing to my client, the client that could have been yours and I must admit, I’m thankful he does not like your listing.  I would have been disappointed for you to get a commission when you really haven’t earned it!
You know, I’m seeing many listings come on the market with remarks that say, ” Agent must be present and perform duties in order to get selling agent commission”, well, I feel the same must be said for the listing agent.  If you are not available to answer your phone, the least you can do is return your messages anndddd……most important attend to your clients.  The client who hired YOU to sell their property.  You, too, are under contract to perform your listing agent duties.

Again, Thank you to you the agent/s who think that only a name will sell property.  Although the internet has changed the way we do business, Sellers and Buyers in today’s world still expect a professional to do their job and can see right through the disguise.

If you would like more information on Bellingham Homes for Sale or are in need of a hard working and professional Realtor contact Roberta at 360-303-3898.