Any questions about these numbers? Give me a call!
The overall market in 2021 was a bit nuts! I have posted lots of graphs & charts below for you to see. These include all of Whatcom County. You will notice our active listings are extremely low, about 43.4% lower than 2020, but our overall closed sales by month actually increased by about 5% since last year. Yes, we are living in a seller’s market, but interest rates have remained low all year which is very beneficial for buyers too.
All Stats here are taken from the NWMLS. They include residential and condos in Whatcom County.
We will see what 2022 has in store for us! Currently we are experiencing LOW inventory. The last couple of weeks we have had less than 200 total listings for Whatcom County. I know buyers are are out there & wanting to BUY! It has been predicted that interest rates will go up this year so they are wanting to take advantage while rates are low. So, if you’ve been on the fence about selling, now is the time to take the next step. I would love to chat about your real estate goals & get some of the prep work started!
If you have any questions about the stats above or what is happening in your neighborhood- please reach out!
Event Description: ELF ON THE SHELF SCAVENGER HUNT – The Elf on the Shelve has returned. Join us for the Elf on the Shelve Scavenger Hunt in downtown Lynden. The Elf hunt is Saturday, December 4th. Find all the elves in businesses downtown and your name may be drawn to win a prize package worth over $300.
Three winners will be drawn!
For more event details click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1553795577969252/
Event Description: Join us for Lynden’s annual holiday celebration, the Lighted Christmas Parade, on Saturday, December 4 at 6:00pm! Visitors will be treated to holiday carolers & a dazzling display of lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment, & more! The procession starts at Fairway Center and travels along Front Street throughout downtown Lynden.
Event Description: Come join us for this holiday classic, LIVE, on stage in Lynden! Music Theatre International says, “Rudolph saves Christmas and goes down in history in this family classic!The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, what makes Rudolph different turns out to be what helps him save Christmas!” (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com)
To get more information or your tickets click here: http://WWW.TheClaire.org
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, especially in a small town! I hope you are able go to out and enjoy some of these events!
It is suppose to be cold & possibly SNOW so make sure to dress warm!
I’ve been told by a few local lenders & my financial advisor that interest rates WILL rise next year! We have been lucky with historically low rates for a couple of years now and plans for 2022 will still keep interest relatively low compared to 10+ years ago BUT they will increase which can make a huge impact for a buyer’s overall budget in buying a home. Here is a great article from Keeping Matter Current about rising rates.
”
Mortgage rates are one of several factors that impact how much you can afford if you’re buying a home. When rates are low, they help you get more house for your money. Within the last year, mortgage rates have hit the lowest point ever recorded, and they’ve hovered in the historic-low territory. But even over the past few weeks, rates have started to rise. This past week, the average 30-year fixed rate was 3.14%.
What does this mean if you’re thinking about making a move? Waiting until next year will cost you more in the long run. Here’s a look at what several experts project for mortgage rates going into 2022.
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is expected to be 3.0 percent in 2021 and 3.5 percent in 2022.”
“Right now, we forecast mortgage rates to average 3.3 percent in 2022, which, though slightly higher than 2020 and 2021, by historical standards remains extremely low and supportive of mortgage demand and affordability.”
“Consensus forecasts predict that mortgage rates will hit 3.2 percent by the end of the year, and 3.7 percent by the end of 2022.”
If rates rise even a half-point percentage over the next year, it will impact what you pay each month over the life of your loan – and that can really add up. So, the reality is, as prices and mortgage rates rise, it will cost more to purchase a home.
As you can see from the quotes above, industry experts project rates will rise in the months ahead. Here’s a table that compares other expert views and gives an average of those projections:
Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing because your needs have changed, purchasing before mortgage rates rise even higher will help you take advantage of today’s homebuying affordability. That could be just the game-changer you need to achieve your homeownership goals.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling over the next year, it may be wise to make your move sooner rather than later – before mortgage rates climb higher.”
To get more info/ read similar articles click here.
Beautiful well maintained single story attached home in coveted Cordata Park Place 55+ community! This end unit gets tons of natural light throughout the day. Great layout w/2nd bdrm separate from master suite. Lovely kitchen has tall wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances & granite counters. Hardwood floors throughout living area, vaulted ceilings in living room & cozy gas fireplace. Master suite has 3/4 bath & walk in closet. Private patio just off dining room to enjoy the peace & quiet. Fully finished room above garage perfect for extra storage or den (not counted in square footage). Clubhouse has game room, common area & more. Must see!
Get out & Explore some of the parks in Whatcom County! It is mide July already- summer is half way over. I just wanted to take some time to highlight a few of the beautiful parks in Whatcom County. We are lucky enough to live in a place with lots of different options to explore!
272 Marine Dr, Blaine, WA 98230
This park has a great playground! Part of it is even shaped like a pirate ship. It is located on the bay & a short distance to downtown Blaine.
Image Credit & More information about Blaine Parks Click Here.
4510 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98226
Looking for a little bit of everything? This park has a lot of options. There is a large playground for kids of all ages & a splash pad. They also have an outdoor parkour course & a paved pump track. It is a 25 acre park with lots of trails to go & explore as well.
Image Credit & for more information about the Cordata Park Click here.
9006 Silver Lake Rd, Maple Falls, WA 98266
Silver Lake is a gorgeous small lake located in the foothills. They offer camping & cabin rentals April-the end of October. They also have a playground, fishing, & lots of different boat rentals available. They require a max of 10 horsepower on all boats so the lake stays relatively quiet.
Image credit: https://beautifulwashington.com/photo-gallery/97-home/slider/north-cascades/547-silver-lake-campground.html
More information about Silver Lake Park Click Here.
4882 S Samish Way, Bellingham, WA 98229
Lake Padden Park is the largest park out of the ones I have mentioned, this park is over 700 acres. It does include the Padden Golf Course. It also have a lot of different activities for everyone including basketball, pickleball & tennis courts, dog park, playground, walking trails, boat launch, fishing dock & lots of picnicking areas close to the lake. They do require non motorized or electric motors only for boats.
Image Credit & for More Information on Lake Padden Click Here.
These are just a few of the parks located in the great PNW! I know there are plenty more out there. I hope you are able to go out & explore some of them this summer!
“Absolutely stunning estate with gorgeous Canadian Mt. views in Lynden SD! Elegance meets country as you pull into the inviting wrap around driveway amongst the beautifully irrigated & landscaped front yard. 2 story ceilings t/out main living areas & walls of windows bring the outside in. This gorgeous custom home has 2 living areas, office, formal & informal dining, & a huge vaulted master on the main. Upstairs, open to below, has 3 more bdrms & 2 full baths. The mostly finished & partially daylight basement has 1 more huge bedroom & full bath, a large spacious open rec room, plus a large unfinished room fully plumbed for a 2nd kitchen. So many possibilities w/the 6+ acres, 2 outbuildings, pond, & gorgeous views!”
