Chris Farkas Bellingham Blog

Bellingham Homes - Sellers: Get Your Home Ready For Sale

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:24:01 -0400

When preparing your home for sale, a number of simple cosmetic changes often provide the biggest return on investment. Here are three tips to upgrade your house without breaking the bank: * Bring in the light . The right light creates the right mood. Adding lights to dark rooms can make your home feel warm and inviting. Bring outdoor light inside by opening curtains and installing economical suntubes. * Create Space. Many of today's buyers are looking for open rooms. Consider removing unwanted walls to make your home feel more spacious. Buyers will often pay a premium to get a bit of extra room. * Replace Flooring. Get rid of that old carpet in the den and replace it with today's newer hardwoods and laminates. You don't have to spend a lot to make a big impression! These simple tips can help you sell your home and take advantage of today's market. Please contact us if you have any questions about selling your home. We are here to help!

Chris Farkas www.RealBellingham.com

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Bellingham Real Estate - Bellingham Homes - Lowest Mortgage Rates Since 1950s

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:18:25 -0400

Home buyers are getting another boost this summer with incredibly affordable financing. The average 30-year fixed-rate loan dropped in June to 4.69 percent, according to Freddie Mac. These rates are the lowest on record for the 30-year loan, and comparable with the shorter 20-year home loans offered in the 1950s. These low rates offer today's buyer significant purchasing power. Through low interest rates and affordable monthly loan payments, many buyers will realize even greater savings than the $8,000 tax credit offered earlier in the year. Contact us today for more information on this favorable buyers' market! Search Homes By Neighborhood

Search Alabama Hill Neighborhood homes.
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Bellingham Homes For Sale - Existing Home Sales Remain Up

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:12:22 -0400

Existing-home sales had another strong showing in May with gains reported in the West and South. According to a June report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), existing home-sales are on an annual pace to reach 5.66 million units for the year, approximately 19 percent above 2009 levels.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, believes the trend will continue for at least another month. "We are witnessing the ongoing effects of the home buyer tax credit, which we’ll also see in June real estate closings," he said. Congress recently extended the tax credit closing deadline to September 30, helping would-be buyers who were under contract before April 30 to qualify for the $8,000 credit.

First time buyers accounted for 46 percent in May, while repeat buyers accounted for 40 percent of transactions; the remaining sales were attributed to investors. All-cash sales held steady at 25 percent, compared to 26 percent the month before.

NAR President Vicki Cox Golder said home prices appear to be stabilizing. "With distressed sales at roughly the same level as a year ago, the gain in home prices is a hopeful sign that the market is in a good position to stand on its own without further government stimulus," she said.

Looking For The Best Mortgage - Bellingham Homes

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:10:39 -0400

Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. A mortgage — whether it’s a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan — is a product, just like a car, so the price and terms may be negotiable. You’ll want to compare all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a free brochure to help guide you through this process. Download a free copy today, and please contact us for a list of preferred mortgage professionals in our area.

Existing Home Sales On The Rise - Bellingham Homes

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:05:15 -0400

Existing-home sales got a boost in April with reported 7.6 percent increase in units sold, according to a report by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). A number of factors played into the increase, including low interest rates, increased consumer confidence, and the expiring tax credit. Existing-home sales are on pace to reach 5.77 million units sold for 2010, which is 22 percent higher than the 4.70 million unit pace set one year ago.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expected the increase. "The upswing in April existing-home sales was expected because of the tax credit inducement, and no doubt there will be some temporary fallback in the months immediately after it expires, but other factors also are supporting the market," he said. "For people who were on the sidelines, there’s been a return of buyer confidence with stabilizing home prices, an improving economy and mortgage interest rates that remain historically low."

First time buyers accounted for 49 percent of April's market activity, while repeat buyers accounted for 36 percent of transactions; the remaining sales were attributed to investors. All-cash sales held steady at 26 percent, compared to 27 percent the month before.

Distressed home sales were down 2 percent in April, accounting for 33 percent of reported sales. NAR President Vicki Cox Golder explains that buyers are still active, despite the expired tax credit. "It looks like the level of home sales that close in May and June will stay elevated, but many buyers remain in the market even without the tax credit," she said. "Some Realtors tell us they are very busy with clients who are entering the market now as a result of improved conditions, while others are welcoming a slowdown from frantic market conditions in recent months."

Freddie Mac reported 30-year, conventional, fixed rate mortgages were up slightly at 5.10 percent, compared to 4.97 percent in March.

Chris Farkas www.RealBellingham.com

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Day 7 – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Bike Jump Park

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:45:13 -0400

Kids love this. My kids are almost old enough. Thanks Michael.

Via Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty):

Bellingham's Bicycle Jump Park is located on Puget Street, in part of the Civic Field complex. The park grew out of an idea of a Bellingham teenager who was looking for a place to practice dirt riding.
The site has been graded into six parallel lines of dirt obstacles ranging from 2 feet to 7 feet high, from beginners to intermediate, so bikers can progress to different levels. They include a low single dirt mound for beginners, a series of five ‘tabletop' hills, where riders practice the skills needed for other runs, a series of four ‘gap' jumps -- here's where you catch some air, and some more difficult sets of ‘gap' jumps with steeper lips, and some steeper jumps.

The park is free, open during daylight hours and unsupervised. Helmets are a must, and gloves and padding are strongly advised for all riders.

This is a well used park, a great place for both young as well as pros who want to build up their skills before heading for the hills.

Day 6 – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Artwood Gallery

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:43:13 -0400

Artwood is awesome. Fairhaven is always a treat to visit. Thanks Michael.

Via Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty):

Artwood is a cooperative woodworking gallery that is in the heart the Bellingham's Historic District of Fairhaven. There are 13 active members of the cooperative and over 70 other artists that show there work here, most of it is fine woodworking that are complemented by a variety of other media. You can find beautiful furniture, wooden instrument, toys and all sorts of useful and artistic pieces in the gallery.

Incredible Samish Highlands custom home w/ panoramic view of Bellingham Bay Bellingham Homes

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:35:19 -0400

Incredible Samish Highlands custom home w/ panoramic view of Bellingham Bay, San Juan Islands, Mountains, and City of Bellingham from every room in the house! Meticulous detail & first class design with Vaults, Brazilian Hardwood & Natural Travertine floors, Granite counters & Cherry cabinets throughout. Fully applianced with stainless Viking oven, super-size refrigerator, wine cooler, and steam bath generator. Situated on professionally landscaped .94 Acre Lot with gorgeous water feature.

Full Details: http://www.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-49859&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Andrew Rogers

Chris Farkas www.RealBellingham.com

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Loan Modification Or Short Sale - Is There A Choice Anymore?

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:26:47 -0400

Well written Nicholas. Loan mods do not work and cause more pain and anguish. Chris

Via Nicholas Goglucci, PA. South Florida Real Estate (RE/Max ParkCreek):

Recently - I went on a listing appointment and met a couple who tried unsuccessfully to do a loan modification with the bank.

They had purchased a condo for $255,000 in 2006 and now it is worth about $90,000 in today's market. Condos have been hit harder than single family homes in South Florida.

The couple called the bank with the help of an attorney - received the "temporary" loan modification and "probationary period" for three months. Three months passed and they made the payments on time and thought the bank would give them the "permanent" loan modification which was promised if they passed the probationary period.

Well - they like thousands of other loan modifications were denied. Banks are not approving the "permanent" loan modifications. I know of a bank who approved of 18,000 probationary loan modifications but only approved 18 permanent loan modifications.

EIGHTEEN OUT OF EIGHTEEN THOUSAND!

How can this be working? How is that fair to promise the customer of a permanent loan modification if they pass the three month probationary period only to be denied and told they should do a short sale transaction.

The bank told the customer to call me and list the property for sale and they will approve a short sale with a satisfactory market value contract.

Seems to me the banks are more willing to approve short sales than actually approve a "permanent" loan modification even after some have paid attorney's thousands of dollars only to be approved for three months and after be told to do a short sale?

If you need professional consultation in short sales and loan modification call Nicholas Goglucci @ 954-650-7800

I can help you - give Nicholas Goglucci - Certified Short Sale Specialist a call.

954-650-7800

Nicholas Goglucci, PA., CRS

Re/Max Hall Of Fame Member - 2009

Certified Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Specialist
Certified Residential Specialist
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

e-Pro Certified

Re/Max ParkCreek

121,614 Associates in 6,960 offices in over 65 countries
Direct Line: 954-650-7800
Fax Line: 954-653-1481
www.GoglucciTeam.com

www.FreedomFromForeclosure.Org

Day 5 – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Uisce Irish Pub

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:51:04 -0400

Undoubtedly the best Irish place this side of Greenland. Molly and Jeff are great. Chris

Via Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty):

Today being St Patrick's Day, we're featuring Uisce's Irish Pub (sorry but if your under age you'll have to find something else to do today), the pub opened at noon today, Dave, Molly and the crew will be celebrating St Paddy's Day as well as the 4th Anniversary of the Pub here in Bellingham.

The place is a classic Irish pub, with a fire place, church pew benches, and a wide range of Irish and English beers on tap, as well as lots of whiskey. You can even try your hand at darts.

Today's festivities will include live music from Giants' Causeway, Finnegan's Wake and Maggie's Fury.

Day 4 – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Go for a Swim

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:48:55 -0400

Arne Hanna is a great place to bring the kids ad forget that you were once a kid too.

Via Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty):

Go for a swim at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center .

Go inside for a swim at Bellingham's public pool. There are is something here for everyone with four swimming pools, "which include a beach-entry instructional pool with a 135 foot water slide ending in it, a 25 yard, eight-lane lap pool, a dive tank with a one-meter springboard and a hydrotherapy pool for those 16 years of age and older. "

The Arne Hanna Aquatic Center offers loads of programs, including lap swims, American Red Cross swim lessons and training courses. If you want to exercise in the water there are three different intensity levels of shallow water aerobics, deep water running, deep water aerobics.

They also offer water child care, kayaking and preschool, family and open swims.

You can check out there schedule here.

Day 3 – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Go for a hike in the Chuckanut's

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:47:05 -0400

THe Chuckanuts are absolute magic. I have a friend that lives on 20 acres off the grid just south of Larabbee State Park and he is in heaven. Chris

Via Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty):

The Chuckanut Mountains are small compared with the Cascades or Olympics, but they hold their own when it comes to beauty.

This mountain range was formed about 55 million years ago and fossil remains are still found in rock cuts along Chuckanut Drive. I saw one of a giant palm frond there myself many years ago.

You can access a series of trails from the North Chuckanut Mountain trailhead, just south of Bellingham on Chuckanut Dr. You can get to lakes, view spots of the Bay and San Juan Islands, or enjoy the solitude of the forest.

Day 2 – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Boulevard Park

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:45:18 -0400

My daughters and I have spent many hours at Boulevard Park. Having lived in Switzerland and hearing the many trains all the time, I get a nostalgic feeling every time a train passes by. Chris

Via Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty):

Boulevard Park is truly one of Bellingham's gems. Our waterfront playground! On a beautiful day like the one I took this video, it is a great place to go for a walk, ride a bike, throw a Frisbee, read a book, have a picnic or anything else you like to do in a park.

If your interested in the history of the park you can read about it in "Boulevard Park, and Taylor Avenue Dock on the Old Bellingham Waterfront." by local historian, author, artist, and civil activist Brian Griffin.

Day 1 - 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA - St Patrick's Day Parade

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:41:45 -0400

The parade was awesome. What a great start for a great city. Chris

Via Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (eXp Realty):

Welcome to 365 Things to do in Bellingham Washington.

I'll be introducing you to the parks, trails, events, restaurants and beauty of Bellingham and the surrounding area in this new series. If you have any suggestions let me know.

Day 1 - Bellingham's 1st Annual St Patrick's Day Parade is Saturday starting at Noon. The parade is to honor Bellingham's brave and hard-working Law Enforcement and Fire Departments. Our Mayor Dan Pike will be the Grand Marshall. Performances will include: The Snohomish County Firefighters Pipes and Drums with traditional bagpipe music, The Boundary Bay Regulars kazoo band will perform whatever kazoo bands perform, and Bellingham's own folk icon Robert Blake. There'll be green- and human-powered floats and high-stepping Irish dancers parading through downtown Bellingham

The theme is Green. The parade is encouraging creative use of alternative sources of energ, Decorate float's with reclaimed, recycled, reusable materials, making a leprechaun costumes with green gear from Bellingham's many thrift stores, biking to the parade or biking in the parade!

The parade starts near Bellingham High School in the parking lot of Cool Beans Espresso at the corner of Cornwall Ave. and Ohio street, then South on Cornwall Ave., turning left at Chestnut St., and right on Railroad Ave. It will march past Depot Market Square and turn right at E. Maple St., ending at the parking lot at the Northeast corner of E. Maple and Cornwall Ave. The festivities will continue at Boundary Bay Brewery with live music throughout the afternoon and evening. There are even plans to open Boundary's popular outdoor seating area and courtyard, weather permitting.

Come on down and Enjoy the parade.

Image courtesy of flickr.com by cygnus921

Smokin' Deal - Approved Short Sale

Chris Farkas (Keller Williams Western Realty) — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:43:30 -0400

Walk into an amazing deal with the short sale already approved. Sweeping fairway and pond views from this golf course property. This beautifully updated home boasts an upscale custom kitchen with granite countertops and a breakfast bar. Bright open vaulted floor plan with many upgrades and lovely newer touches. Cozy second family room with gas fireplace. Premium location just 1 block to marina, beach access, clubhouse, community pool and pro shop. Motivated seller looking at all offers!

Full Details: http://www.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-29040200&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Christine Farkas