Human Rights Film Festival – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Day 279

Posted on February 16, 2012 by michaeleyes

dove Human Rights Film Festival 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Day 279The Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival, which  supports independent filmmakers, fostering dialogue and promoting action is taking place this week.

For the past twelve years, the volunteer committee members have been selecting insightful and moving films with the hope of encouraging the community to explore and engage with critical issues.

Films will be followed by discussion, some led by the filmmakers themselves. 

The Pickford Film Center is collaborating with the Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival this year to offer a documentary human rights film each month at the new Pickford Film Center theater at 1318 Bay Street in downtown Bellingham.

Check out the schedule at the BHRFF website

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Do you know your REAL Credit Score?

Posted on February 14, 2012 by michaeleyes

credit Do you know your REAL Credit Score?Do you know that banks use different credit scoring software than most free credit reporting websites. So if you go to the free credit reporting sites to find out what your credit score is you’re not necessarily going to get the same score as the bank will when they pulled their credit. This is why people are often disappointed when they have a different score than the bank has for them.
freecredit report.com (which is owned by one of the big credit bureau’s Experian), says right on their website ….”your Experian Credit Score indicates your relative credit risk level for educational purposes and is not the score used by lenders.” But it’s in the fine print and most people don’t read it.

If you’d like the real deal credit report one of my lender partners has set up a website that will get you instant access to your real credit score, the same one that the banks will use to determine if and how much you could lend to buy your new home. It’s not free, but it is only $19.25, it might be a good investment if you’re looking to buy a home.

If you’re interested Click here to visit this website,  and give me a call when you’re ready to start looking for a home.

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The government wants to turn foreclosures into rentals.

Posted on January 18, 2012 by michaeleyes

foreclosure 300x233 The government wants to turn foreclosures into rentals.Government officials want to start a trial program to sell the homes that they own in bulk to investors who will turn them into rentals. That means Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA homes in selected markets around the country. Their hopes are that getting these homes off the government’s books, minimizing the losses and putting people back in them will help stabilize neighborhoods as well as housing values.

Fannie and Freddie combined have about 215,000 homes with more coming into foreclosure every day. This program could help get some of those homes lived in again and even help stabilize the housing market as there will not be so many distressed sales dragging down property values. Since rates are beginning to rise in many parts of the country this may help stabilize the rental market as well.

This program will probably take place in selected markets where there are large numbers of foreclosures. Reading between the lines I don’t think this will have much effect here in Bellingham.

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Bellingham Real Estate Market Report – December, 2011

Posted on January 16, 2012 by michaeleyes

Here’s a quick analysis of the Bellingham Residential Real Estate MarketBellingham Sales Stats dec 1 Bellingham Real Estate Market Report December, 2011bham res dec 11 Bellingham Real Estate Market Report December, 2011

bham condos dec 111 Bellingham Real Estate Market Report December, 2011The graph looks like we bounced up a bit from last month, but we’re still in a downward trend overall, and ended the year that way. I  think that what happens next year in the housing market will depend a lot on what happens in the economy in general, and even in the European economy as that will affect ours.

Stay tuned for 2012.

There is still a First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Available through a program called the Mortgage Credit Certification. It is a Tax Credit paid on Mortgage interest.

Interest rates are at historic low’s and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today’s rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house or condo.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Real Estate feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Data are based on information provided by the NWMLS

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Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report – December, 2011

Posted on January 15, 2012 by michaeleyes

Here’s a quick analysis of the Whatcom County Residential Real Estate Market

Whatcom Sales Stats dec 11 Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report December, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

wc res dec 11 Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report December, 2011

wc condos dec 11 Whatcom County Real Estate Market Report December, 2011

 

Looks like both the residential and condo markets are down from last year. The condo market fluctuates more due to fewer sales but some months high price units skew the numbers like last December.

The year looks like its finishing out continuing on an overall downward trend since the highs of the summer of 2007.

There is still a First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Available through a program called the Mortgage Credit Certification. It is a Tax Credit paid on Mortgage interest.

Interest rates are at historical lows and there are some great values in the Bellingham market right now. You might want to take a look at what it would cost you to purchase one of these homes at today’s rates. You might be surprised at what your monthly payments would be, maybe less than your paying for rent right now if you are renting a comparable sized house.

If you have any questions or want to see any Bellingham Real Estate feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

Data are based on information provided by the NWMLS

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Martin Luther King Celebration – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Day 278

Posted on January 15, 2012 by michaeleyes

Bellingham will celebrate the life and mission of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Monday Jan 16 at noon at the Bellingham Municipal Court, 2014 C Street with this year’s event “Martin Luther King Jr. 2012: ‘A Dream of Financial Justice.” The event will feature speakers and a performance by the Kulshan Chorus.

To honor the diversity here in Bellingham the celebration of Dr. King will feature music, inspirational speakers and a coming together of the community to focus on human rights. The event will be broadcast live on BTV10.

The former director of the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center, Bellingham, will be this year’s Master of Ceremonies.
Participants are encouraged to bring a can of food to donate to the Bellingham Food Bank.

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Resolution Run and Polar Dip – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Day 277

Posted on December 31, 2011 by michaeleyes

polar bear Resolution Run and Polar Dip 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Day 277It’s time to start off the New Year.

How about doing it with a morning walk or run around Lake Padden and a jump in the lake. There will be snacks, patio heaters and lots of camaraderie before and after the dip.

High noon is time to line up and jump intoLake Padden to see if it’s tropical or not.

There will be heated showers and goodies for everyone exiting the water.

Gather at the Lake Padden bath house at 10:45

 

If your in the north county try Birch Bay, for their annual Polar Bear Plunge at noon sharp on the waterfront at the Birch Bay Chamber Visitor Information Center. Registration is free and begins at 9:30 a.m. Wearing costumes is encouraged, and costume judging takes place at 11:30 a.m.

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Bellingham Real Estate Market Activity Snapshot: December 4, 2011 – December 10, 2011

Posted on December 13, 2011 by michaeleyes

The following data is for Single Family Residential Homes:

New Listings: 5
Closed Sales: 10
Pending Sales: 15

  • Average List Price: $228,126
  • Average Sale Price: $226,855
  • Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 100.4%
  • Average Days on Market: 113

 

Total active listings at the end of the week: 398

If you’d like any information or want to see any Bellingham Real Estate feel free to email me at or give me a call at 360-739-6981

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Jingle Bell Run – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Day 276

Posted on December 9, 2011 by michaeleyes

jingle bells Jingle Bell Run 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Day 276Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®  is Saturday, Dec 10, starting at Bellingham High School starting at 9am, There will be a run with the elves at 8am for kids under 11.

Thousands of runners and walkers will hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this year to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.

Tie some jingle bells to your shoelaces and put on a holiday themed costume.

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