The Bellingham Real Estate Podcast

Bellingham’s neighborhoods can feel like totally different worlds, but the pattern isn’t random. When you follow the city’s housing history, the map starts to click: why Fairhaven and South Hill skew older, why streetcar-era blocks cluster near the core, why Silver Beach developed as a distinct pocket, and why the north side and east side took off later. We sit down with Jen Sandoval, our go-to lo...

We walk through the exact prep and pricing blueprint that helps a Bellingham home sell well over asking even when the market feels balanced. We focus on the upgrades that create a move-in-ready feeling, the projects we skip on purpose, and the hidden upside that comes from confirming zoning and ADU potential.  • deciding whether to list high, at market, or a little low to trigger multiple offers ...

We map out Bellingham Washington neighborhoods by the way you actually live, from walkable streets near restaurants to trail-heavy areas close to Lake Whatcom. We compare vibes, housing styles, and practical trade-offs so you can narrow your search with confidence instead of guessing. • walkable neighborhood picks like Downtown, Fairhaven, Columbia, Sunnyland, York, Lettered Streets, Barkley, Seho...

Bellingham is officially planning for a much bigger future, and the numbers are hard to ignore: today’s population of around 100,000 is projected to climb to roughly 135,000 by 2045. So where do all those people live, and what does that mean for homeowners, buyers, and anyone watching Bellingham real estate? We walk through the newly adopted Bellingham Plan (the city’s comprehensive plan) and tran...

We explore what life in Blaine, Washington really feels like, from walkable schools and parks to a border-enabled lifestyle and weekends on the water. We weigh the trade-offs of fewer big-box amenities against rapid housing growth, a revitalized downtown, and strong community events. • small-town feel with walkable schools, parks and waterfront • affordability compared with Bellingham for similar...

Spring came in hot, fall cooled it down, and somehow Whatcom County finished the year right where it started. We unpack how a classic seasonal surge ran into a wall of rising inventory and sticky mortgage rates, leaving both prices and sales flat year over year. Justin Nelson joins Paul Balzati to break down the quarter-by-quarter story: multiple offers in core neighborhoods, longer days on market...

We trade our favorite Whatcom County hidden gems, then stress-test each one: which picks truly fly under the radar and which are simply great. From ferry-access hikes and flat lake walks to secret bakery windows, underrated pizza, and summer community nights, we map plans you can do this week. • Baker Preserve on Lummi Island as a short ferry adventure with summit views • AM/PM Beach in Sudden Val...

We share how Bellingham Washington's trail network shapes where we live, ride, and invest, from beginner-friendly bunny lines to double-black descents and the neighborhoods that put them minutes away. We also map rural options, community events, and the easements and volunteers that keep 3,000 acres open. • Galbraith mountains size, easements, and multiuse access • Trail progression from gree...

William Elmer shares how finding community transformed Bellingham from just a place to live into a true home, and how realtors can help newcomers build meaningful connections in a new city. • Moving to a new place is challenging – it took time for William and his family to feel at home in Bellingham • Community connections started through Facebook groups and unexpectedly through a local comic book...

We explore Bellingham's vibrant boating scene and waterfront real estate opportunities with Barbara, who balances her realtor career with working as a checkout skipper at San Juan Sailing. • Barbara shares her sailing journey from the University of Wisconsin to California racing and now the Pacific Northwest • The San Juan Islands offer protected waters with milder weather conditions compared...

Discover Bellingham's extensive trail systems and how they connect the city's diverse neighborhoods. We explore both well-known paths and hidden gems that make Bellingham a paradise for walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all experience levels. • Trail systems throughout Bellingham allow users to loop around the entire city with minimal road travel • Chuckanut and southern areas feature Fr...

Generational trends highlight the pressing challenges facing Gen Z in homeownership, with only 3-4% of all homeowners represented by this Generation. John L. Scott Real Estate broker Irena Kolbert shares her story of financial discipline, sacrifices made during early career years, and essential tips such as consulting lenders and maintaining the right mindset to achieve homeownership dreams.  • De...

Podcast Summary: Debunking 3 Common Real Estate Myths with Leela Nelson-Hollcroft In this episode, Realtor Leela Nelson-Hollcroft tackles three widespread myths in real estate, sharing her expertise and personal experiences to provide valuable insights for buyers and sellers. 00:30 – Myth #1: You need 20% down to buy a home. Leela recounts her inspiring story of purchasing a home with zero down as...

In this episode of the Bellingham Real Estate Podcast , Marsha Brown shares her expertise and personal experiences on the challenging but rewarding process of downsizing—or "right-sizing." Whether it’s moving to a smaller home, a low-maintenance property, or a retirement community, Marsha offers practical advice for making the transition smoother. Episode Highlights: 1:50 – Marsha shares...

Considering a move to Bellingham Washington? Dani Colito has been sharing insights into Bellingham on her Youtube channel , and joins The Bellingham Real Estate Podcast to further discuss the pros and cons of living in Bellingham. The main pros highlighted include the areas natural beauty, abundant outdoor recreation, and relatively mild winters, while the cons included the higher cost of living,...

In honor of Veterans Day, navy veteran and John L. Scott Realtor Will Potts joins the podcast. Will shares his background in the navy, and some stories from multiple trips to Iraq. Will also shares some of the many benefits of VA loans along with resources available to active military and veterans in Whatcom & Skagit county and throughout the Pacific Northwest.   You can reach Will at willpott...

Agricultural land is a major part of the economy in the rural areas of Whatcom County including Lynden, Everson and Ferndale Washington. Whatcom County is also the top producer of red rasberries in the country.  Harm Lidhran joins the podcast to talk all things farming, as well as developing agricultural land.  1:20 Harm shares his story developing agricultural land for profit. 13:00 Buying land f...

The NAR (National Association of Realtor) settlement was enacted into law, and Realtors are now working with new rules regarding fees and disclosures. What is not in the news is that in the PNW, Realtors are members of the Northwest MLS, a private MLS that had already adapted to many of the settlement requirements over the last few years. In this episode, Nathan Butcher and Paul Balzotti break dow...

Whatcom County has many storage units and industrial parks throughout Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine Washington. Storage units can be an incredibly low maintenance cash flow investment that is sometimes overlooked by Real Estate investors. Alicia Jansen Penningon shares with Paul Balzotti some of the options for both investing and developing storage units.  1:00 About Alicia and her famil...

Whatcom County has two true golf course resort communities. Sudden Valley is located just east of the city limits of Bellingham on the shores of Lake Whatcom. And Semiahmoo, which is on the northwestern tip of the the state and the U.S. Just 12 minutes from the border and 30 minutes from Bellingham. Realtor Jess Davis Perrino discusses with Paul Balzotti the scoop on both communities and key diffe...

Embark on the journey of turning dreams into reality with new construction homes in this insightful podcast episode. Join Paul Balzotti in conversation with seasoned broker Justin Nelson as they delve into the intricacies of building or purchasing a new home. From the allure of custom-built homes to the convenience of pre-sales, they explore the various avenues available to homebuyers. Navigate th...

As the popularity of Airbnb and vacation rentals has surged over the past decade, purchasing a second home has become increasingly feasible for many. In this episode of our Real Estate Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of managing Airbnb properties with Ian Krause, a seasoned Realtor who brings valuable experience from overseeing numerous private Airbnb accommodations. Ian provides valuable i...

Many homeowners have delayed a move-up purchase due to rising interest rates in 2023. In 2024, with rates projected to decline and the higher-end market still soft, this may be a good opportunity to consider a move-up purchase. Kate Fadden is a top-producing broker at JLS Bellingham, and she speaks with Paul Balzotti about the process of move-up buying and some creative ways to make it happen. 00:...

Paul Balzotti and Vanessa Treadway look back at the 2023 Real Estate market and discuss the JLS forecast for 2024 for both Bellingham and the Whatcom County. 1:00 Vanessa shares her experiences working with buyers in 2023.  2:45 The median price ranges pick up at the start of the year. 5:25 Vanessa covering appreciation over the last 3-5 years. 7:00 How interest rates will affect the market in 202...

At the start of 2024, Washington state will require Real Estate licensees to have service agreements signed between buyers and buyers agents, outlining the agency relationship and the way the buyer's agent will get paid. Sarah Aguirre is one of JLS's top buyers agents, assisting 28 clients in 2023, 17 of them being buyers. Sarah goes over her process and some ways she tries to bring valu...