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.

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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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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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.

Purchasing a home can seem daunting whether you are a first time home buyer or have purchased a home before.  It is something we all dream about and desire, but don’t always know where to begin .  The purchase process includes many stages and phases from the actual viewing of homes and finding the right one to making an offer to closing the transaction.  It is so much more involved than this and it takes being informed and educated about the process and hiring a good Realtor to represent you.

This series is designed to help inform and educate you about the  â€œ the Purchase Process” and this  first segment is about Financing because this really isthe first step towards your home purchase.  Unless you have $200,0000-$300,000 to plop down on a home or property, you will need to get financed.  By financed I mean apply for and get approved for a loan.  Once you are pre-approved for your loan you will then know what your price range is and are ready to begin the search for your home.  Having a pre-approval letter will help strengthen your offer when you do find the right home for yourself .  Once you find that home your Realtor will write up an offer for you which will include a Financing Contingency Addendum.  This tells the seller what type of financing you are using as well as protects you should your financing fall through.

Where do you start looking for a loan?  You can apply for a loan from your own bank, from a local credit union, or from mortgage brokers.  Your bank would be a good start since they usually have your financial history on file, but the key is to shop around .  Getting a loan is just like any other service or product, you want to find  the best program for you with the best rates for the best price. Yes, there is a charge for a loan amongst other fees (that’s another discussion) and usually this is paid at closing as closing costs.  Upon being pre-approved for your loan, you will be required to submit numerous financial documents to the lender, i.e. pay stubs, tax records, bank statements, investment info.  The lender reviews all of this information to determine how much of a risk you are.  The higher your debt to income ratio, the more risk you pose as a lendee and thus the higher your interest rate will be.  If you prove to have low risk, you will have a lower rate.  That is how you earn your interest rate.

The entire process for getting the loan approved and ready for you to sign takes apprx. 30-45 days.  Most of this time is taken with compiling your file, appraisal and organizing the financial records in preparation for submission to the underwriters of this loan.  Underwriting is  the process of assessing the buyer, and determining the buyer’s eligibility and then either approving or denying the loan.

Once you have been approved you can move forward to “closing” on the  purchase of your home.  The loan documents are signed by you, and then sent back to the underwriter once more for final approval.  Once the underwriter has given that last final review of the documents and approved, the funds are collected for the purchase, the deed is transferred into your name,  recorded by the county then you are the official homeowner.

Feel free to contact me directly at 360-303-3898 or roberta.soares@exprealty.com for more information on financing, if you need a lender referral or if you have questions about Bellingham Homes for Sale.

One of the many great aspects of Bellingham are the assortment of trails that one can hike.  My favorite is in Fairhaven. This is the Interurban Trail that will take you all the way to Arroyo Park(1.8 miles) and Larrabee State Park(6.6 miles).
I usually catch it at 10th and Donovan and make my way westerly down to the edge of Bellingham Bay. This path is a level cleared path, landscaped with dense brush and foliage and old trees. Along this path, Padden Creek passes through on its way to the Bay, hydrating all the vegetation.   I love the quietness of this path.  Except for the distant horn of the train, you can hear the leaves fall, the dewdrops as they hit the ground, the pitter patter of squirrels and rabbits.  Peaceful and serene.

Along the way you hit the off leash dog park, it is set down in a large bowl well protected from the streets and elements.   Usually I’ll have my Jezebelle with me and will have to sit a good while to watch her romp and play.  One can’t help but stop and watch the interaction between the pups. I’m convinced this is therapy.

Go a  little bit further and you reach the Heron Nesting Colony. From February through
summer, the colony will be alive with the Heron and their young nesting, breeding and teaching their young.

At the west end is Marine park and the Bay with its views of Lummi Island.  On this particular morning it is beautifully fogged in.

This is how I start my day each and every day.  With views like this, with sounds of nature, with the play of my dog and others.  I never tire of this route, or for that matter any of the trails around Bellingham.  They change every day, with every step.  There is always a new color to see,  a new sound or scent, a new experience.  Like I said,  I start each and every day with a hike and so tomorrow will bring a new day and a new trail.         Happy Hiking!