And there’s plenty, which you can read about in the other Fairhaven articles on this site, but once you’re in, you’re in.

The challenge?  The hurdle?  There are a lot of places to live in Fairhaven, and a lot of condos to choose, some in buildings built in 1964  (Skyline House off of Boulevard), some in the last year or so (Waldron building, 2008).

Since Real Estate has beaten the “location” horse like it stole something from the beginning of time, I want to flesh out what it means in Fairhaven terms.

Walkability:  If you’re interested in a short walk to the stores right out your door, the Harris Square Buildings (2005) , Fairhaven Gardens Buildings, aka Finnnegan Way (2005), and the Fairhaven Square Building as well.   All have the brick-faced look that keeps Harris Ave and it’s neighboring streets with the quaint look that ushered Fairhaven through the last 100+ years, but with updated interiors. Caution: The Home Owner Dues on these condo units are something to keep an eye on with your purchasing budget as some of the units can push your monthly payment up to $500 more that you were expecting to pay.

Ocean View: The older buildings are going to have some of the better views, strictly from Super-positioning. The

Village Books and Colophon Cafe

idea that they were here first, had their pick of spots and perch looking at 180 degrees of San Juan sunsets are what’s going to account for most of the listing price. Buildings like Spinnaker Reach, the Skyline House, and  Riptide all have unsurpassable views, but older accoutrements.  If you’re looking for a higher level of comfort, you may have your work cut out for you (baseboard heat, formica countertops, 3 inch shag carpet, metal framed windows, and sliding doors). BENEFIT: they weren’t built in the last 4 years, and the listing price may have a little more margin to work with.  Whatever you offer, remember: The seller still has to agree with you.

Hidden Gems:  Buildings like the Creekside at Fairhaven, or Fairhaven Heights get overlooked yet still offer the proximity to Fairhaven, views mere moments from the front door, newer construction (2005, 2006), but aren’t front and center, and priced accordingly.

The condos inside these units are going to be as different as the owners, some ecletic, some simple, but they’re all looking to sell.  And with 190 days as the average of being on the market, their motivation might be increasing as the promise of spending the holidays somewhere else might be wavering.

Which is the oldest condo on the market?  E-mail me to find out. You might be surprised……

I have personally stayed at the Hotels listed at one time or another and this is of course my opinion.

Please note many have spa’s. This is due to my body needing to recover every now and then..

I also want to be able to recommend properties suited to each clients individual needs. Here is the first hotel featured in a series of great accommodations in Bellingham and surrounding areas:

Chrysalis Inn and Spa

The Chrysalis is a fantastic property nested in the Historic area of Bellingham named Fairhaven. You will not be disappointed when you are gazing out the window of your room and watching the sunset on the bay. The rooms are decorated with newer features of slate, granite and glass. Jacuzzi tub to relax in and window seat to enjoy the view. Fireplace for the winter nights and just an overall feeling of total relaxation.

This is good because sometimes I have been with clients and shown a dozen homes and you just need a place to download all the real estate you just toured.

The restaurant and Wine bar Fino is wonderful and you will enjoy the complimentary breakfast. An assortment of bagels, muffins, eggs, granola, yogurt and the usual coffee tea and juice. Dinner is truly an experience as well as the sun sets upon the bay.

The spa is award winning and would be my favorite. The smell of the Essential Elements spa products help maintain a relaxing space and you feel so blissful every moment you spend whether it be a massage, facial or just a pedicure.

Just steps outside will find you walking on a fantasic pier that connects to Boulevard Park where you can enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee and perhaps a scone at Woods Coffee. Take a walk in the other direction and you will find yourself in the heart of Fairhaven. So much to do and see that is a whole other blog in itself.

The only disclosure that must be made is that you may hear the occasional train drifting by, I personally love the sound of a train.

If you are looking to spend time looking for real estate in Bellingham and would like stay overnight, give the Chrysalis a try. It will take the stress out of riding around Bellingham with a Realtor all day:)

A sweet and simple approach to real estate,

- Katharine Carey