Silver Beach Neighborhood Profile

The Silver Beach Neighborhood offers some of the areas best views of Lake Whatcom, the largest lake in Whatcom County. Located on the north side of Lake Whatcom, houses in the area range in ages from new construction through the early 1900's. There are a good mix of condos, upscale lakefront homes, median homes, and rentals. Most of the newer homes are located along the north edge of the neighborhood along Barkley Blvd. Most of the homes and lots are in good shape and well cared for.
The shopping in the area consists of a small local mart; however, just a few miles north and you are right in the heart of the Barkley Village. There you will find a large Haggen's grocery store, as well as numerous restaurants and service-oriented shops and stores.
Residents of the Silver Beach Neighborhood attend Silver Beach Elementary School, which is within walking distance to most of the homes. Students who live north of Alabama Street attend Silver Beach Elementary, Whatcom Middel School, and Squalicum High School. Those living south of Alabama Street attend Geneva Elementary School, Kulshan Middle School, and Bellingham High School.
One of the most popular parks in all of Whatcom county is located in the Silver Beach area. Bloedel Donovan Park is located at the north end of Lake Whatcom, and features swimming, large grassy areas, sand and grass volleyball areas, basketball courts, covered shelters, boat ramps, and off-leash areas for dog owners until 10 a.m. during peak season, and all day the rest of the year.

Glacier / Mt Baker Home For Sale

Wow, immaculate square Yellow Cedar and Fir timber log cabin with 2020 sqft of luxury living. Lounge the summer away on the custom wrap around deck as you gaze across the rolling grassy lawn and rock terraced landscaping. Modern amenities include thermal windows, metal roof, 3 french doors, modern wood stove, cast iron ceiling fan, as well as hand-made cabinets, doors, and other elegant features. 13x20 shop with electrical and custom features. Logs PermaChink
and CWF treated every 3 years.

Lynden Wa Home For Sale

Immaculately home on .61 acre lot. 2400 sqft rambler in Lynden has been totally remodeled. New kitchen, new master suite, bamboo floors, huge thermal picture windows, and 5 seasons porch with master gas grill area. Large bedrooms and a double car garage.

Ferndale Wa Home For Sale

Immaculate rambler with finished daylight basement, located on a lush private lot that backs up to a wooded creekbed. Watch deer roam through your yard from the extra large deck while you sip coffee in the morning. RV parking, waterfall and pond, low maintenance yard, and extra large garage make this a wonderful home to own. Skylights, granite counters, hardwood cabinets, and tons of storage allow the freedom to enjoy your living space. Don't miss out on this unique home on an amazing lot.

Custer, Wa home on .88 acres

.88 acres of flat cleared land with facilities for small animals, this 1512 sqft 2006 home features quality living and room to roam. Located close to Birch Bay and in Ferndale school district, this home features a large den that could be another bedroom. Master bath has a separate shower and soaker tub. Why live in a subdivision when you can have nearly 1 acre with 2 separate living area and room for the dining room table.

York Neighborhood Profile

The York Neighborhood consists of homes as old as the 19th century, all the way up to new construction. The majority of the homes were built from about 1880 through the 1920's. The population density is high in this area, but the charm of older homes draws homebuyers to these historic homes. The tree-lined street, mature landscaping, and large porches, stir memories of yesterday, and homeowners take a lot of pride in maintaining and renovating these old majestic homes. The Shuksan Healthcare Center and the Lincoln Square High-Rise for senior residence is also in the York Neighborhood.
There are several parks / open spaces...one being Franklin Park and the other being Rock Hills Park. Playgrounds, grassy areas, and basketball courts can be found, with many people enjoying spring days in the pleasant climate of Bellingham.
Most of the York area is services by Lowell Elementary, Fairhaven Middle School, and Sehome High School.
One of the oldest operating corner markets is located at the corner of Potter and Humbolt St. Nelson's Market has been in operation continuously since the 1880's. There are also larger shopping areas like Fred Meyer, as well as many shops and galleries.
The homeowners association was founded in 1977.

South Hill Neighborhood

South Hill is one of the most desirable areas of Bellingham because of its panoramic views of Bellingham Bay, Canadian coast, and San Juan Islands. Located between Western Washington University and Bellingham Bay, South Hill is most known for its well-kept homes, classic architecture, and historical atmosphere.
One of the older areas of Bellingham, the homes in South Hill range from late 19th century, to new homes, as well as condos and duplexes. The architecture is very classical and the lards are smaller; however, flowers, terraced gardens and courtyards add vibrant colors and appeal to the quaint streets. Alley are also the means for parking and access to garages because of the steep nature of the front yards and street layouts.
At the lower edge of the neighborhood, most of the homes were built in the early 1900's as Bellingham began to grow along the banks of the bay. As building progressed through the first have of the 20th century, building moved up the side of the hill, past 17th St. Towards the top of the hill, homes were built starting after WWII and still continue. Lots here are a bit larger and there are more trees as you are near the Sehome Arboretum.
Along the lowest part of South Hill is State Street, connecting Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham. The main road is lined with newer condos and apartments, and easy access to Boulevard Park, one of Bellingham's most used parks. Boulevard Park stretches along the banks of the bay and is connected to Fairhaven via a pedestrian / walking pier called South Bay Trail and offers visitors a great views of the bay, sunsets, as well as up the side of South Hill. The park is also filled on 4th of July with people watching the fireworks. There are grassy areas and playgrounds, as well as shelters and areas for picnics.
Students living in South Hill attend Lowell Elementary School, Fairhaven Middle School, and Sehome High School.
Shopping areas are near by in downtown Bellingham a few miles north and the Fairhaven area to the south. Major grocery stores and shops are with a few miles of the centrally located South Hill Neighborhood.

Geneva Neighborhood Profile

The Geneva Neighborhood is one of Bellingham’s most desirable areas to live. There are no commercial districts, and the large number of tall evergreen trees and views of Lake Whatcom offer serenity and peacefulness. Located between the northwest corner of Lake Whatcom and the tree covered side of Galbraith Mountain, Geneva offers a rural feel with most homes on large treed lots, many with great views of the lake. Some homes even have beach access and private docks that line the shore of Lake Whatcom.Lakeway Drive is the main road that goes through the Geneva area, connecting the edge of Bellingham and Sudden Valley 4 miles beyond. Lakeway can be a busy road, especially during work commute times.The Firs is a day camp and convention area that host many events throughout the year. This 30 acre facility is nearly 100 years old and is well-known by many Whatcom area residents who have attended an event or two in their lifetime.There are no shopping areas in the Geneva Neighborhood. The closest gas station is across from Whatcom Falls Park, and Fred Meyers grocery store is about 4 miles to the west.There are several park area, boat launches, and foot hiking trails that cross the Geneva Neighborhood. The closest public boat launch is in nearby Bloedel Donovan Park in the the Silver Beach Neighborhood. There is also one small open space that is along Lake Whatcom, between Euclid and Lakeway Drive. Galbraith Mountain is also one of the most popular places for local mountain biking enthusiasts. Motorized bikes are prohibited and the miles of challenging trails are maintained by the Whatcom Independent Mountain Peddlers. Geneva Elementary (public K-5), Evergreen Christian (private K-8), and the Whatcom Hills Waldorf School (private K-8) are the three schools located in the Geneva Neighborhood.Students who live west of Euclid Ave. attend Carl Cozier Elementary, Kulshan Middle School and Sehome High School. Students who live east of Euclid Ave. along the west shore of Lake Whatcom, attend Geneva Elementary, Kulshan Middle School and Bellingham High School.

Sudden Valley Neighborhood Profile

Sudden Valley Neighborhood Profile

Located about 5 miles outside of Bellingham, Sudden Valley is a planned community on the western shores of Lake Whatcom. Even though Sudden Valley has a Bellingham address, it functions in many ways as its own city. It has an association that provide many amenities such as a golf course, marina, parks, swimming pool, and local theater called The Barn Theater. The golf course at Sudden Valley was given 4 stars by Golf Digest and is the home of many Pacific Northwest Golf Tournaments.
Homes and condos in Sudden Valley vary greatly in size and age. Most of the homes off Lake Whatcom Blvd, in gates 1 and 2, have breathtaking views of Lake Whatcom. The majority of the homes throughout the rest of Sudden Valley have wooded atmospheres and are dotted across hills along the west side of the lake.
Shopping in Sudden Valley is located in a small strip mall that has a gas station, video rental store, postal services, and a convenient store. Most grocery shopping is located about 8 miles away in Bellingham.
Students attend Geneva Elementary School, Kushan Middle School and Bellingham High School.

Whatcom County Is Washington State's 10th Fastest Growing County

Whatcom county was Washington State's 10th fastest growing county last year. According to the Office of Financial Management, Whatcom county grew just over 2 percent, which is the highest rate in the last 6 years. Bellingham took in nearly 45 percent of those people moving to Whatcom county. Bellingham's growth is also astounding at nearly 2.5 percent in the last year, the highest in 6 years.

Many beleive the growth is fueled by the positive media exposure that the Bellingham Whatcom county area is receiving. "Top Places To Live..." lists with national coverage consistently place Bellingham on their lists. Comcined with the relatively inexpensive housing when compared with places with similar lifestyle offerings, the Bellingham Whatcom county area will liely continue to grow.

State data also reveals Whatcom county's fastest growing city. Nooksack, also the smallest in Whatcom county, grew by 71 people to a total of 1,075. This represented a rise of just over 7 percent.

Using Water Efficiently In The Garden

As we enter into the hot months, water conservation may or may not be on the top of your mind. Depending on what region of the United States you live probably plays a big part in your "top of mind awareness".

In the Bellingham Washington, where I live, it is a mix of people who do and do not concern themselves with water conservation. Actually, the mix is nearly equal to those that call themselves Democrats versus Republicans! I am not necessarily drawing any correlations however:-)

No matter what you politically spray...I mean sway, everyone should take a few basic and simple measures to conserve water. Since the Bellingham city water supply comes from Lake Whatcom, the previous year's snow fall in the Cascade Mountains dictates the extent to which water conservatists will be persuading.

Steps to conserve water:

Be sure to water your garden for fewer times, but for longer periods of time. This will encourage deep root growth.

Adjust sprinklers so they do not water sidewalks or areas where there is not vegetation. This also helps prevent wed growth in areas where there are no desirable plants to compete against weeds.

Add organic matter to clay or sandy soils. These additives will increase the penetration, or holding capacity of your particular soil.

Lay mulch around plants and potted plants. This will reduce evaporation. Compost is recommended.

Use food scraps, yard clippings, and other organic materials to form a compost pile. The use of compost can prevent erosion and replace the need for chemical fertilizers.

Arrange container plants so they are out of the wind and they are in the shade partially throughout the day.

Install, or have an irrigation drip system installed to control where the water goes. This alone can conserve as much as 60% of garden water used.

Be sure to have desirable plants growing in as many areas as possible. This creates competition for weeds. Landscaping fabric between the soil and mulch is the best solution.

Real Estate Education

Last week I attended continuing education classes facilitated by the CRS (Council of Certified Residential Specialists), hosted in sunny Las Vegas. I was in class for a total of 6 days, with each of the three classes consisting of 2 days.

The fist class was called "Creating Wealth Through Real Estate Investments". In this class I learned that owning real estate is one of the best ways to accumulate wealth. After all, where else can you put $20,000 of your cash, and earn 6% return on a $200,000 house. 6% is $12,000...on a $20,000 investment. Sorry stock market.

The second class was called "Business Planning and Marketing For The Residential Specialist". The job description of a real estate agent has expanded to include over 250 individual task during any given transaction. That does not even include all the systems in place for generating leads, maintaining contact with past clients, and servicing clients not yet under contract. Any successfull agent looks at him or herself as a business operation, not a salesperson. Budgets, business plans, conversion ratios, ROI, taxes, and incorporation are all components of being a successful real estate agents in todays market. These were all points hit on this class.

The last class was called "Building An Exceptional Customer Service Referral Business". When NAR (National Association of Realtors) surveyed recent home buyers and sellers, they were asked how they found their last agent. Over 70% said they were referred by a friend, relative, or someone they all ready trusted. If this is the case, any goo agent would be sure to allocate their "first fruits", or their first advertising dollars, to this valuable source of future business. I am not saying to stop all passive marketing to the masses; rather, make sure you are putting fort maximum efforts and money into your "past clients" and "have met" marketing plans.

So there you have it. A summary of what I learned this last week in sunny Las Vegas. What a great place to hold continuing education classes. Work hard during the day, and play hard in the evenings.