2013 WCAR Nation Wide Open House

whatcom county

OPENHOUSE

Saturday, Apr il 20t h & S unda y , Ap r i l 2 1 s t

We all know there’s more to a home than what you can see from beyond the fence…

Join us for our 5th annual Whatcom County Open House Event!

Brought to you by the Whatcom County Association of Realtors

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the near future, now is the time to get out there and see what is available. Looking for room to expand? Or downsize for easier living? Want to find out more about your local real estate market? We’ve brought it all together for you on one weekend knowing that your time is valuable. Hundreds of homes for you to see, with industry professionals on site to answer your questions.

For a complete list of Whatcom County open homes visit

www.WhatcomOpens.com PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

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whatcom county

OPENHOUSE

Sa t u r d a y, A p r i l 20t h & Su n d ay, Ap r il 21s t Gold Sponsors:

The Whatcom County Association of Realtors would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for this year’s Nationwide Open House Event! These great businesses work hard with our local Real Estate Brokers building communities throughout our area, helping to keep our local economy alive and moving forward.

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

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www.WhatcomOpens.com

whatcom county

O OPENHOUSE PENHOUSE

Whatcom County

Satur day , Apri l 2 0 th & Su n d a y, A p r i l 21st

Saturday, June 4 th & Sunday, June 5 th • 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm $, , BLANK, BD, BA, sq. ft.

Individual open house times subject to cancellation. , , MLS# Price, Style C-R, Address, #BDBD, (Bedrooms), $, , BLANK, BA, sq. ft. #BA (Baths), sq. ft.

Agent Name, Agent Phone , , MLS# Number, MLS#

BELLINGHAM, SATURDAY 11am-1pm $255,500, R, 714 Verbena Ln (Lot 10), 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,285 sq. ft.

Kirby Jones, 360-393-7789, MLS# 468435 $262,000, R, 706 Verbena Ln (Lot 12), 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,303 sq. ft.

Kirby Jones, 360-393-7789, MLS# 468435 $265,000, C, 1310 10th St. #402, 2BD, 2BA, sq. ft.

Tamar Lister, 360-298-0968, MLS# 443139 $299,800, R, 4130 Silverbell Wy, 3BD, 2BA, 1,627 sq. ft.

Sharon Allen, 360-303-0111, MLS# 469944 $649,000, R, 1013 38th St, 4BD, 2.5BA, 3,631 sq. ft.

Lesli Beasley, 360-201-1669, MLS# 458401 $995,000, R, 1850 Northshore Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,149 sq. ft.

Chet Kenoyer, 360-676-9229, MLS# 453992 $234,567, R, 2522 Keesling St., 2BD, 1.5BA, sq. ft.

Nanc McNamar, 360-510-0066, MLS# xxxxxx $239,000, R, 1131 Humboldt St, 3BD, 1BA, sq. ft.

Glo Calderhead, 360-303-1800, MLS# N/A

BELLINGHAM, SATURDAY 2pm-4pm $122,500, C, 4226 Wintergreen Cit #293, 2BD, 1BA, 740 sq. ft.

Sue St. Clair, 360-961-4328, MLS# 449904 $189,900, C, 2400 Princeton Ct #2, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,640 sq. ft.

The Campbells, 360-927-0834, MLS# 456008 $235,000, R, 4201 Archer Dr, 3BD, 2.25BA, 1,636 sq. ft.

Sharon Allen, 360-305-0111, MLS# 467055 $249,000, R, 2708 Valencia, 4BD, 1.75BA, 1,428 sq. ft.

Joyce Glazier, 360-319-3424, MLS# 437752 $265,000, c, 1310 10th St. #402, 2BD, 2BA, sq. ft.

Catherine Tromp, 360-393-0110, MLS# 443139 $383,500, R, 3605 Seeley Way, 4BD, 2.75BA, 2,320 sq. ft.

Peter Roberts, 360-739-3660, MLS# TBD $350,000, R, 3589 Ridgemont, 4BD, 3BA, 2,670 sq. ft.

Hugh B. Brawford, 360-371-5800, MLS# 466912 $474,500, R, 1009 Kenoyer Dr, 5BD, 3BA, 3,034 sq. ft.

Kim Thompson, 360-296-3431, MLS# 428762 $599,000, R, 3226 Spyglass Dr, 5BD, 2.75BA, 2,992 sq. ft.

Chet Kenoyer, 360-676-9229, MLS# 441249 $699,000, R, 1001 Queen St, 5BD, 3BA, 4,056 sq. ft.

Todd Bunger, 360-920-9237, MLS# TBD $860,000, R, 320 Morey Ave, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,228 sq. ft.

Lesli Beasley, 360-201-1669, MLS# 461651 $239,000, R, 1131 Humboldt St, 3BD, 1BA, sq. ft.

Glo Calderhead, 360-303-1800, MLS# N/A $234,567, R, 2522 Keesling St., 2BD, 1.5BA, sq. ft.

Nanc McNamar, 360-510-0066, MLS# N/A

Getting the Home You Want at the Right Price Getting ready to start looking for your first or next dream home in the New Year?

Negotiating the best possible price on a home is part art and part science, with a dash of luck for good measure. The task is tricky and can't be reduced to a simple formula. It takes years of experience to know the best approach for a specific situation.

But there are steps that you can take as a firsttime homebuyer to increase the odds in your favor for getting a good deal on your dream home.

Some experts advise taking the emotion out of the process and treating it strictly like a business deal; if you can't get the price you want, simply walk away and look for another property. If you want excellent background and guidance on applying different theories of negotiation, the Harvard Negotiation Project offers many resources (www.pon.harvard. edu/category/research_projects/harvardnegotiation-project).

But as anyone who has ever shopped for a home knows, it's nearly impossible to remove your feelings completely. After all, buying a house to serve as your primary residence can generate many emotions, including the thrill of excitement as you contemplate closing the deal.

Expressing the emotions can be good in some negotiations. Your real estate agent can provide some guidance. In some negotiations, expressing your love for a particular house can work in your favor, such as when a seller is considering competing offers and wants his or her former dream home to end up in worthy hands. Being a hard core negotiator in these types of situations can work against you.

Following are a few tips for getting the home you want at a fair price: • Educate yourself. Know the market and try to determine the market price for the house you want. That way, if you decide to pay a little over market price because the home fits your needs so well, you do so with your eyes open and can feel confident in making the offer. Similarly, if you offer less than the home's value, you'll

$109,900, R, 3802 James St, #37, 2BD, 2BA, 1,500 sq. ft.

Jeff Braimes, 360-961-6496, MLS# 352262 $155,000, C, 444 S State St #416, 1BD, 1BA, 810 sq. ft.

Lois Reynolds, 360-220-2165, MLS# 431606 $699,900, R, 2423 Utter Street, 4BD, 3BA, 4,300 sq. ft.

Larry Young, 360-319-6900, MLS# 425055

BELLINGHAM, SUNDAY 11am-1pm $219,900, C, 1422 Whatcom St., 2BD, 2BA, 1,327 sq. ft.

Ryan Larsson, 360-739-7874, MLS# 464298 $219,900, C, 4039 Eliza Ave #104, 2BD, 2.5BA, 1,450 sq. ft.

Luis Herrera, 360-389-6714, MLS# 450229 $229,900, R, 1725 Saphire Trail, 3BD, 1.75BA, 2,007 sq. ft.

Rob Evans, 360-223-4722, MLS# 455984 $265,000, C, 1310 10th St. #402, 2BD, 2BA, sq. ft.

Glo Calderhead, 360-303-1800, MLS# 443139 $310,000, R, 4110 Silverbell Way, 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,628 sq. ft.

Marty Kutschbach, 360-319-0695, MLS# 453584 $389,000, R, 3540 Y Road, 3BD, 2BA, 2,177 sq. ft.

Mikki Flaherty, 360-402-8968, MLS# 453667 $399,000, R, 4414 Marionberry Ct, 4BD, 2.5BA, 2,490 sq. ft.

Chet Kenoyer, 360-676-9229, MLS# 441164 $435,000, R, 135 Hilltop Ln, 3BD, 3.5BA, 3,081 sq. ft.

Lynda Hinton, 360-303-1023, MLS# 460566 $473,000, R, 2019 Edwards St., 4BD, 3.5BA, 3,300 sq. ft.

Kevin Biery, 360-303-7757, MLS# 420336 $539,000, R, 4392 Saddlestone Dr, 4BD, 3BA, 3,820 sq. ft.

Chet Kenoyer, 360-676-9229, MLS# 396109 $600,000, R, 2740 S Park Dr, 4BD, 2BA, 2,800 sq. ft.

John Templeton, 360-920-5646, MLS# 460072 $619,000, R, 590 Beaumont, 4BD, 3.5BA, 3,000 sq. ft.

Rozy Olson, 360-220-0132, MLS# 400242 $460,000, C, 407 13th St #200, 2BD, 1.75BA, 1,420 sq. ft.

Jay Reilly, 360-739-7765, MLS# 444594 $649,900, R, 211 Evening Star, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,843 sq. ft.

Susan Stafford, 360-296-6274, MLS# 376710

BELLINGHAM FERNDALE NORTH

$745,000, R, 3215 Eagleridge Wy, 5BD, 3.5BA, 4,104 sq. ft.

Mike Trojan, 360-393-7276, MLS# 462013 $860,000, R, 320 Morey Ave, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,228 sq. ft.

Lesli Beasley, 360-201-1669, MLS# 461651 $234,567, R, 2522 Keesling St., 2BD, 1.5BA, sq. ft.

Nanc McNamar, 360-510-0066, MLS# xxxxxx $239,000, R, 1131 Humboldt St, 3BD, 1BA, sq. ft.

Tamar Lister, 360-298-0968, MLS# N/A $249,900, C, 4645 Wade St, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,618 sq. ft.

Ryan Larsson, 360-739-7874, MLS# 469961 $649,000, R, 934 Highland Dr., 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,124 sq. ft.

Annette Richardson, 360-510-7717, MLS# 450818

Condo Single Family Residence

C R

$699,000, R, 928 Highland Dr., 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,925 sq. ft.

Lori Jo Smith, 360-961-7002, MLS# 450817

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whatcom county

OPENHOUSE

Sa t u r d a y, A p r i l 20t h & Su n d ay, Ap r il 21s t BELLINGHAM, SUNDAY 2pm-4pm $119,900, C, 3538 Northwest #22, 1BD, 1BA, sq. ft.

Julia Mullenix, 360-318-4999, MLS# 419651 $122,500, C, 4226 Wintergreen Cir #293, 2BD, 1BA, 740 sq. ft.

Joyce Glazier, 360-319-3424, MLS# 449904 $159,900, C, 4614 Celia Way #101, 2BD, 1.75BA, 992 sq. ft.

Luis Herrera, 360-389-6714, MLS# 462035 $169,900, R, 736 E. Kellogg, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,881 sq. ft.

Cheryl Ferrier, 360-739-0791, MLS# 462122 $189,900, C, 2400 Princeton Ct #2, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,640 sq. ft.

The Campbells, 360-927-0834, MLS# 456008 $195,900, R, 4575 El Dorado Wy #209, 2BD, 2BA, 1,054 sq. ft.

Michael Voth, 360-510-8487, MLS# 448046 $219,900, C, 1318 Whatcom St., 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,524 sq. ft.

Sally Farrell, 360-393-7339, MLS# 454976 $234,950, C, 347 Tremont Avenue #102, 3BD, 2.25BA, 1,573 sq. ft.

Rod Blankers, 360-815-0325, MLS# 447169 $249,000, R, 2708 Valencia, 4BD, 1.75BA, 1,428 sq. ft.

Sue St. Clair, 360-961-4328, MLS# 457752 $490,000, C, 2674 Lake Whatcom Blvd, 3BD, 2BA, 1,357 sq. ft.

Susan Stafford, 360-296-6274, MLS# 468604 $250,000, R, 4321 C St., 3BD, 2BA, 1,650 sq. ft.

Rob Evans, 360-223-4722, MLS# TBD $255,500, R, 714 Verbena Ln (Lot10), 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,285 sq. ft.

Ethan Potts, 360-510-1049, MLS# 468435 $262,000, R, 706 Verbena Ln (Lot 12), 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,303 sq. ft.

Ethan Potts, 360-510-1049, MLS# 468435 $274,900, R, 125 S. 42nd St, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,958 sq. ft.

Mary Piovesan, 360-393-8129, MLS# 462558 $265,000, C, 1310 10th St. #402, 2BD, 2BA, sq. ft.

Dee Dee Wine, 425-444-4244, MLS# 443139 BELLINGHAM FERNDALE NORTH

$319,000, R, 4428 Alice, 3BD, 2BA, 1,800 sq. ft.

Steve Mason, 360-303-2913, MLS# 459174 $383,500, R, 3605 Seeley Way, 4BD, 2.75BA, 2,320 sq. ft.

Peter Roberts, 360-739-3660, MLS# TBD $345,000, R, 3451 Pinehurst, 3BD, 2BA, 1,804 sq. ft.

Lesli Beasley, 360-201-1669, MLS# 420411 $350,000, R, 3589 Ridgemont, 4BD, 3BA, 2,670 sq. ft.

Hugh B. Brawford, 360-371-5800, MLS# 466912 $374,500, R, 1120 Dondee Ct, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,412 sq. ft.

Susan Stecher, 360-319-4939, MLS# 462027 $420,000, R, 150 S 46th St, 4BD, 3BA, 2,901 sq. ft.

Aeden Hunter, 360-319-9620, MLS# 458793

Condo Single Family Residence

C R

$460,000, C, 407 13th St #200, 2BD, 1.75BA, 1,420 sq. ft.

Jay Reilly, 360-739-7765, MLS# 444594 $499,000, R, 2912 Shepardson St, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,424 sq. ft.

Dawn Durand, 360-739-3380, MLS# 427592 $499,000, C, 960 Harris Square #603, 2BD, 2BA, 1,460 sq. ft.

Jon Soine, 360-739-6995, MLS# 421107

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know if you're getting a great deal.

• Know what you can afford. Many websites offer income calculators which can help you be prepared. And a professional loan officer can help, too.

• Be realistic. Don't go too low-ball, or the seller might become insulted and refuse to work with you, says FoxBusiness.com. Try to find out the seller's situation to determine the level of his or her motivation to sell. Your real estate agent may be able to provide additional insights into the neighborhood and market that might impact the sales price.

• Be flexible. If the seller is unwilling to budge on price, seek concessions such as closing costs, repairs paid for by the seller, or appliances thrown in the deal, says Credit.com. On the flip side, offer to close the deal quickly, or reduce the time you will need to complete your inspections, as an alternative to increasing the dollar amount of your offer. One aggressive approach in competitive situations: agreeing to take the house as-is.

• Dot your i's and cross your t's. Go over your offer carefully before you submit it, and correct any errors, says About.com. If the seller's agent has to make a counter-offer to correct mistakes, the seller could decide to change the terms of the deal or even take another offer.

The best approach involves combines ideas from multiple viewpoints. Do your research.

Don't get overly emotional, but don't try to turn yourself into a home-buying robot. Stick to your guns on what you can afford to pay, but be flexible where you can. Go for the home you want, but be realistic enough to walk away if the deal doesn't come together.

And don't give up, even when things aren't going exactly the way you want. Somewhere out there is the right home for you at a fair and reasonable price!

Guild Mortgage Bellingham - Fast, free pre-approvals!

(360) 746-8328 1616 Cornwall Ave, #119 Bellingham, WA 98225 www.guildbellingham.com

www.WhatcomOpens.com

$737,000, R, 512 Northshore Dr, 3BD, 2.25BA, 2,628 sq. ft.

Chet Kenoyer, 360-676-9229, MLS# 409683 $785,000, R, 2155 Delesta, 3BD, 1.5BA, 1,342 sq. ft.

Susan Kaemingk, 360-223-2856, MLS# 461193 $792,000, R, 575 Cedar Acres, 3BD, 2BA, 2,080 sq. ft.

Mary Kay Robinson, 360-303-1911, MLS# 434285 $995,000, R, 263 Friday Creek Rd, 5BD, 3.5BA, 5,313 sq. ft.

Doug Nesbit, 360-733-DOUG, MLS# 391001 $1,125,000, R, 1542 Milton St, 3BD, 3.25BA, 3,025 sq. ft.

Chet Kenoyer, 360-676-9229, MLS# 461312 $1,095,000, R, 2327 North Shore Rd, 4BD, 3BA, 3,436 sq. ft.

Susan Secee, 360-319-6737, MLS# 352433 $475,000, R, 1000 E. Toledo, 4BD, 3.25BA, 3,264 sq. ft.

Kevin Biery, 360-303-7757, MLS# 465056 $239,000, R, 1131 Humboldt St, 3BD, 1BA, sq. ft.

Glo Calderhead, 360-303-1800, MLS# N/A $234,567, R, 2522 Keesling St., 2BD, 1.5BA, sq. ft.

Nanc McNamar, 360-510-0066, MLS# N/A $149,500, C, 3358 Northwest Ave #101, 3BD, 1.5BA, 976 sq. ft.

Lois Reynolds, 360-220-2165, MLS# 466551 $699,900, R, 2423 Utter Street, 4BD, 3BA, 4,300 sq. ft.

Larry Young, 360-319-6900, MLS# 425055 $239,900, R, 2209 Young Street, 2BD, 1BA, 1,500 sq. ft.

Shannon Neufeld, 360-393-1183, MLS# 447574 $860,000, R, 887 E. Lake Samish, 5BD, 1.75BA, 2,560 sq. ft.

Lori Jo Smith, 360-961-7002, MLS# 390063 $549,000, R, 107 Briza Ct., 5BD, 2.75BA, 3,652 sq. ft.

Annette Richardson, 360-510-7717, MLS#

SUDDEN VALLEY, SATURDAY 11am-1pm $169,000, R, 10 Alder Ct, 4BD, 2BA, 1,728 sq. ft.

Janice O’Rourke, 360-220-6094, MLS# 429869 $229,000, R, 10 Cedar Pl, 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,154 sq. ft.

Mary Kay Robinson, 360-303-1911, MLS# 454420 $259,900, R, 9 Larkspur CT, 3BD, 2.75BA, 1,651 sq. ft.

Julie Carpenter, 360-305-9986, MLS# 418754 $249,000, R, 3 Lookout Mountain, 3BD, 2BA, 1,647 sq. ft.

Shannon Neufeld, 360-393-1183, MLS# 389392

SUDDEN VALLEY, SATURDAY 2pm-4pm $169,000, R, 10 Alder Ct, 4BD, 2BA, 1,728 sq. ft.

Janice O’Rourke, 360-220-6094, MLS# 429869 $214,900, R, 51 Deer Run Ln., 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,819 sq. ft.

Paul Balzotti, 360-920-5901, MLS# 445513

SUDDEN VALLEY, SUNDAY 11am-1pm $299,900, R, 14 Eagle Ridge Ct, 3BD, 3BA, 2,500 sq. ft.

Greg Paul, 360-739-7354, MLS# 420717 $375,000, R, 10 Bogey Lane, 6BD, 3BA, 3,500 sq. ft.

Chris Weitzel, 360-739-0970, MLS# 455450

whatcom county

OPENHOUSE

Satur day , Apri l 2 0 th & Su n d a y, A p r i l 21st SUDDEN VALLEY, SUNDAY 2pm-4pm $184,900, R, 15 Sweetclover Circle, 3BD, 2BA, 1,291 sq. ft.

Chris Weitzel, 360-739-0970, MLS# 449414 $319,950, R, 8 Parkview Circle, 3BD, 2.75BA, 2,452 sq. ft.

Rick Moore, 201-8341, MLS# 446241 $417,781, R, 19 Sunflower Cir, 4BD, 2.5BA, 2,746 sq. ft.

Cheryl Ferrier, 360-739-0791, MLS# 426435 $419,000, R, 27 Par Lane, 4BD, 2.75BA, 2,810 sq. ft.

Tom Langley, 360-647-8942, MLS# 417534 $429,900, R, 9 Bogey Lane, 4BD, 3BA, 2,757 sq. ft.

Chris Weitzel, 360-739-0970, MLS# 440500 $535,000, R, 12 Horizon Hill Lane, 4BD, 2.5BA, 3,076 sq. ft.

Greg Paul, 360-739-7354, MLS# 461212

FERNDALE, SATURDAY 11am-1pm $239,900, R, 6016 Oscar Court, 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,656 sq. ft.

Luis Herrera, 360-389-6714, MLS# 429411 $279,900, R, 2674 Glenmore St, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,890 sq. ft.

Lilia Orlova, 360-510-9164, MLS# 456984 $339,900, R, 2466 Stratus Pl, 4BD, 3BA, 2,581 sq. ft.

Randy Weg, 360-305-5704, MLS# 436635 $359,000, R, 9111 W 29th Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,157 sq. ft.

Darrel Timmer, 360-410-0848, MLS# 442279 $479,000, R, 7030 Yukon Wy, 4BD, 3BA, 3,489 sq. ft.

Jon Soine, 360-739-6995, MLS# 340379

FERNDALE, SATURDAY 2pm-4pm $245,000, R, 6463 Portal Manor Dr, 5BD, 2BA, 1,413 sq. ft.

Lilia Orlova, 360-510-9164, MLS# 434956 $294,500, R, 5419 Nimbus Pl, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,604 sq. ft.

Jim Fleishman, 360-303-2690, MLS# 381744 $294,900, R, 1462 Patriot Ct, 3BD, 2BA, 1,671 sq. ft.

JoAnne Wyatt, 360-739-1540, MLS# 291770 $319,000, R, 3073 Aldergrove Rd, 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,532 sq. ft.

Julie Carpenter, 360-305-9986, MLS# 459620 $359,900, R, 2436 Crestline, 3BD, 2BA, sq. ft.

Tate White, 360-303-5680, MLS# $376,500, R, 2774 Haynie Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,022 sq. ft.

Rod Blankers, 360-815-0325, MLS# 369645 $479,000, R, 7030 Yukon Wy, 4BD, 3BA, 3,489 sq. ft.

Jon Soine, 360-739-6995, MLS# 340379

FERNDALE, SUNDAY 11am-1pm $500,000, R, 6061 Malloy Ave, 4BD, 2.5BA, 3,066 sq. ft.

Chris Weitzel, 360-739-0970, MLS# 432954 $239,900, R, 6016 Oscar Court, 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,656 sq. ft.

CANCELLED Renay Daniels, 360-220-5813, MLS# 429411 $325,000, R, 2304 Thornton Rd, 3BD, 2BA, 2,080 sq. ft.

Christine Cicchitti, 360-296-3814, MLS# 459471

Preamble – Realtors Code of Ethics Those of us with PrimeLending in Bellingham are proud to be able to offer you an opportunity to read the Preamble to the Realtors Code of Ethics in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Code of Ethics. We believe this to be a very powerful document. It demonstrates why supporting our local Realtors not only benefits our community but provides a high level of professionalism and security for those who are buying or selling a home or investment property.

Preamble Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS®should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.

Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves. REALTORS®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.

In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each other, REALTORS® continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study with others. They identify and take steps, through enforcement of this Code of Ethics and by assisting appropriate regulatory bodies, to eliminate practices which may damage the public or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the real estate profession. REALTORS®

$490,000, R, 3883 Everett Ln, 4BD, 2BA, 2,550 sq. ft.

Jan Hamilton, 360-220-1297, MLS# 260654 $630,000, R, 4157 Sucia Dr, 4BD, 3BA, 3,250 sq. ft.

Shari Draper, 360-384-4000, MLS# 375663 $195,000, R, 6120 Aquarius Ave, 3BD, 1.5BA, 968 sq. ft.

Christine Cicchitti, 360-296-3814, MLS# 459346

FERNDALE, SUNDAY 2pm-4pm $309,000, R, 2512 Sievers Way, 4BD, 2.5BA, 2,473 sq. ft.

Christine Cicchitti, 360-296-3814, MLS# 458737 $219,900, R, 6475 Portal Manor Dr, 3BD, 2BA, 1,173 sq. ft.

Lilia Orlova, 360-510-9164, MLS# 444264 $500,000, R, 6061 Malloy Ave, 4BD, 2.5BA, 3,066 sq. ft.

Karla Roosma, 360-739-4592, MLS# 432954 $205,000, R, 1789 Kaas Rd, 2BD, 2BA, 1,472 sq. ft.

Christine Cicchitti, 360-296-3814, MLS# 459000 $294,500, R, 5419 Nimbus Pl, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,604 sq. ft.

Jess Kenoyer, 360-303-7654, MLS# 381744 $294,900, R, 1462 Patriot Ct, 3BD, 2BA, 1,671 sq. ft.

JoAnne Wyatt, 360-739-1540, MLS# 291770 $399,000, R, 7442 Meadowmist, 3BD, 2BA, 2,580 sq. ft.

Michelle & Glen Streeter, 303-4673, MLS# 448563 $359,900, R, 2436 Crestline, 3BD, 2BA, sq. ft.

David Moody, 360-739-1735, MLS# $425,000, R, 4287 Sucia Dr, 2BD, 2BA, 1,362 sq. ft.

Shari Draper, 360-384-4000, MLS# 414029 $325,000, R, 5430 Nimbus Ct., 4BD, 1.5BA, 2,500 sq. ft.

Rozy Olson, 360-220-0132, MLS# 418905 $199,000, R, 3762 Sinclair Dr., 2BD, 2BA, 1,650 sq. ft.

Jeff Braimes, 360-961-6496, MLS# 395594

LYNDEN, SATURDAY 11am-1pm $234,000, R, 2213 Eastwood Way, 4BD, 2BA, 1,553 sq. ft.

Kay Waldo, 360-815-3580, MLS# 452485 $259,000, R, 1013 Ridgeway Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,831 sq. ft.

Brady DenBleyker, 360-815-0210, MLS# 433858

BELLINGHAM FERNDALE NORTH

$269,900, R, 1140 Garden Dr, 4BD, 2.5BA, 2,252 sq. ft.

Wynden Holman, 360-319-8717, MLS# 461475 $269,960, R, 120 Twin Sister Lp, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,625 sq. ft.

Ron DeBoer, 360-201-5282, MLS# 457619 $299,900, R, 512 N. 17th Street, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,034 sq. ft.

John Vande Hoef, 360-815-3443, MLS# 449261 $319,900, R, 1305 Woodfield Drive, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,174 sq. ft.

Rod Blankers, 360-815-0325, MLS# 454647 $199,900, R, 109 Liberty Park, 4BD, 1.5BA, 1,916 sq. ft.

Rick VanderGiessen, 360-815-4690, MLS# 447713 $379,000, R, 719 Edson Street, 4BD, 2.5BA, 3,254 sq. ft.

Rod Blankers, 360-815-0325, MLS# 447138

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$389,000, R, 1403 Westview Circle, 4BD, 2.75BA, 2,857 sq. ft.

Rod Blankers, 360-815-0325, MLS# 456411

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Sa t u r d a y, A p r i l 20t h & Su n d ay, Ap r il 21s t $389,944, R, 1382 Eastwood Way, 3BD, 3.25BA, 2,468 sq. ft.

Ron VanderYacht, 360-410-1604, MLS# 434429 $417,500, R, 473 Island Green Way, 4BD, 4BA, 3,140 sq. ft.

Pete Blankers, 360-354-4242, MLS# 446770 $419,900, R, 1525 Westview Circle, 4BD, 2.5BA, 2,332 sq. ft.

Jerry Blankers, 360-410-1297, MLS# 446078 $429,000, R, 1334 Eastwood Way, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,758 sq. ft.

Ron VanderYacht, 360-410-1604, MLS# 434391 $437,500, R, 1739 Emerald Way, 5BD, 3.5BA, 3,407 sq. ft.

Julie Just, 360-647-6441, MLS# TBD $515,000, R, 9662 Axlund, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,388 sq. ft.

Lynda Hinton, 360-303-1023, MLS# 453419 $525,000, R, 812 Sunrise Dr, 4BD, 3BA, 3,000 sq. ft.

Susan Kaemingk, 360-223-2856, MLS# 455637 $685,000, R, 810 E Wiser Lake Road, 5BD, 4.75BA, 5,765 sq. ft.

Jerry Blankers, 360-410-1297, MLS# 413188

LYNDEN, SATURDAY 2pm-4pm $249,900, R, 1237 Elm St, 4BD, 2BA, 1,839 sq. ft.

Wynden Holman, 360-319-8717, MLS# 453295 $269,000, R, 1516 Bryce Park Lp, 3BD, 2BA, 1,370 sq. ft.

Susan Kaemingk, 360-223-2856, MLS# 468252 $305,000, R, 1272 Bridgeview Dr, 4BD, 2BA, 2,025 sq. ft.

Loren VanCorbach, 360-303-5885, MLS# 461310 $299,900, R, 512 N. 17th Street, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,034 sq. ft.

John Vande Hoef, 360-815-3443, MLS# 449261 $409,000, R, 1072 N 8th Street, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,600 sq. ft.

Tresie Wiersma, 360-815-5208, MLS# 456292 $425,000, R, 401 14th Street, 4BD, 3BA, 3,425 sq. ft.

Rick VanderGiessen, 360-815-4690, MLS# 462759 $199,960, C, 1656 Liberty St #202, 2BD, 2BA, 1,276 sq. ft.

Ron DeBoer, 360-201-5282, MLS# 460646 BELLINGHAM FERNDALE NORTH

$525,000, R, 9140 Bloom Road, 4BD, 4BA, 3,414 sq. ft.

Rod Blankers, 360-815-0325, MLS# 454057 $525,000, R, 1219 Barnhart Road, 4BD, 2.75BA, 4,802 sq. ft.

Pete Blankers, 360-354-4242, MLS# 444568 $525,000, R, 700 Fern Dr, 5BD, 2.75BA, 3,280 sq. ft.

Rick VanderGiessen, 360-815-4690, MLS# 413380

BLAINE - BIRCH BAY, SATURDAY 11am-1pm $139,900, R, 1443 Mitchell Ave, 1BD, 1BA, 644 sq. ft.

Suzanne Dougan, 360-920-7733, MLS# 446413 $215,000, C, 7650 Birch Bay Drive #W3 (Bay Rim), 2BD, 1.5BA, 1,098 sq. ft.

Carol Klander, 360-220-9122, MLS# 463632

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$215,000, C, 8021 Birch Bay Drive #232 (Mariners Cove), 2BD, 1.75BA, 1,142 sq. ft.

Gerry Allen, 360-920-0563, MLS# 453917 $239,900, C, 8026 Birch Bay Dr #229, 2BD, 2BA, 1,121 sq. ft.

Steve Mason, 360-303-2913, MLS# 409158 $245,000, C, 1043 Peace Portal Dr #9, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,618 sq. ft.

Linda Kiens, 360-815-6640, MLS# 446871

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having direct personal knowledge of conduct that may violate the Code of Ethics involving misappropriation of client or customer funds or property, willful discrimination, or fraud resulting in substantial economic harm, bring such matters to the attention of the appropriate Board or Association of REALTORS®.

(Amended 1/00) Realizing that cooperation with other real estate professionals promotes the best interests of those who utilize their services, REALTORS® urge exclusive representation of clients; do not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over their competitors; and they refrain from making unsolicited comments about other practitioners. In instances where their opinion is sought, or where REALTORS® believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered in an objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any personal motivation or potential advantage or gain.

The term REALTOR® has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations. No inducement of profit and no instruction from clients ever can justify departure from this ideal.

In the interpretation of this obligation, REALTORS® can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule, "Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them."

Accepting this standard as their own, REALTORS® pledge to observe its spirit in all of their activities whether conducted personally, through associates or others, or via technological means, and to conduct their business in accordance with the tenets set forth below. (Amended 1/07) This article was written by:

Jack Decook Sr. Home Mortgage Consultant Prime Lending, Bellingham.

NMLS#409940 360-319-7119 www.jdecook.primelending.com

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$577,000, R, 9859 Markworth Rd, 4BD, 3.5BA, 2,902 sq. ft.

Karen Timmer, 360-410-0848, MLS# 455283 $599,900, C, 7714 Birch Bay Dr #406, 3BD, 2BA, 1,757 sq. ft.

Duane VanderYacht, 360-410-2197, MLS# 426225 $1,185,000, R, 5418 Goldfinch, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,769 sq. ft.

Rozy Olson, 360-220-0132, MLS# 456595 $Price TBA, R, 9635 Dupree Drive, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,000 sq. ft.

Christy Imperio, 360-201-4100, MLS# TBA $295,000, R, 7352 Seashell Way, 4BD, 3BA, 2,367 sq. ft.

Jim Graham, 360-201-5958, MLS#

BLAINE - BIRCH BAY, SATURDAY 2pm-4pm $240,000, R, 8292 Shintaffer Rd, 3BD, 2.75BA, 1,210 sq. ft.

Billy Brown, 360-220-7175, MLS# 443184 $159,900, R, 4842 Twilight Pl, 3BD, 1.75BA, 1,137 sq. ft.

Suzanne Dougan, 360-920-7733, MLS# 354837 $157,000, R, 4808 Cedar Ln, 2BD, 1BA, 441 sq. ft.

Terry Conway, 360-410-0503, MLS# 469515 $198,500, R, 573 Adelia St., 4BD, 1.5BA, sq. ft.

David Moody, 360-739-1735, MLS# 404396 $199,000, C, 7806 Birch Bay Dr, 2BD, 1.5BA, 890 sq. ft.

Brian Southwick, 360-815-6638, MLS# 334624 $215,000, C, 8021 Birch Bay Drive #232 (Mariners Cove), 2BD, 1.75BA, 1,142 sq. ft.

Carol McCaig, 360-303-7507, MLS# 453917 $229,800, R, 7486 Leeside Drive, 3BD, 2BA, 1,604 sq. ft.

Chris Weitzel, 360-739-0970, MLS# 433907 $239,900, C, 8026 Birch Bay Dr #229, 2BD, 2BA, 1,121 sq. ft.

Steve Mason, 360-303-2913, MLS# 409158 $260,000, R, 7985 Sawgrass Way, 3BD, 2BA, 1,693 sq. ft.

Sheila Say, 360-306-1488, MLS# 462560 $262,000, R, 5790 Skagit Pl, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,721 sq. ft.

Jan Hamilton, 360-220-1297, MLS# 382264 $297,000, R, 4606 Hall Rd, 3BD, 2BA, 1,719 sq. ft.

Gregg Baker, 360-739-5982, MLS# 418526 $318,000, R, 9005 Bay Cir, 4BD, 2.5BA, 2,054 sq. ft.

Mike Kent, 360-815-3898, MLS# 441440 $394,000, C, 9505 Semiahmoo Pkwy. #C10 (Beachwalker Villas), 3BD, 2.75BA, 1,800 sq. ft.

Carl Dufton, 360-815-6637, MLS# 411312 $469,000, R, 3683 H Street Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,356 sq. ft.

Jen Freeman, 360-815-0803, MLS# 464435 $567,500, R, 8779 Wood Duck Wy, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,400 sq. ft.

Linda Kiens, 360-815-6640, MLS# 453797 $1,500,000, R, 8739 Oertel Drive, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,532 sq. ft.

Carl Dufton, 360-815-6637, MLS# 334684 $Price TBA, R, 9635 Dupree Drive, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,000 sq. ft.

Christy Imperio, 360-201-4100, MLS# TBA $295,000, R, 7352 Seashell Way, 4BD, 3BA, 2,367 sq. ft.

Jim Graham, 360-201-5958, MLS#

BLAINE - BIRCH BAY, SUNDAY 11am-1pm

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OPENHOUSE

Satur day , Apri l 2 0 th & Su n d a y, A p r i l 21st $160,000, R, 5551 Bayvue, 4BD, 2BA, 1,863 sq. ft.

Suzanne Dougan, 360-920-7733, MLS# 373931 $169,950, R, 4924 Forsberg Rd, 2BD, 1BA, 1,223 sq. ft.

Raymond Pelletti, 360-815-0251, MLS# 443179 $204,000, C, 7806 Birch Bay Drive #1111 (Jacobs Landing), 2BD, 1BA, 880 sq. ft.

Terry Conway, 360-410-0503, MLS# 427421 $215,000, C, 7650 Birch Bay Drive #W3 (Bay Rim), 2BD, 1.5BA, 1,098 sq. ft.

Carol Klander, 360-220-9122, MLS# 463632 $215,000, C, 8021 Birch Bay Drive #232 (Mariners Cove), 2BD, 1.75BA, 1,142 sq. ft.

Jim Graham, 360-201-5958, MLS# 453917 $215,000, C, 8026 Birch Bay Dr #254, 2BD, 2BA, 1,284 sq. ft.

Paul Holtzheimer, 360-303-4444, MLS# 3511211 $318,000, R, 9259 Stadsvold Rd, 3BD, 2BA, 1,551 sq. ft.

Linda & Bob Stull, 360-739-5482, MLS# 410545 $319,000, C, 5721 Sanderling Way #10C, 2BD, 2.5BA, 2,243 sq. ft.

Lorraine Hoving, 360-961-2407, MLS# 409699 $412,000, R, 6926 Holeman Ave, 4BD, 2.75BA, 2,601 sq. ft.

Mike Vail, 360-201-4011, MLS# 449059 $449,900, R, 5141 Heronswood Dr, 3BD, 2BA, 2,196 sq. ft.

Brian Southwick, 360-815-6638, MLS# 381090 $599,000, R, 8951 Bald Eagle Dr, 4BD, 3BA, 2,586 sq. ft.

Linda Kiens, 360-815-6640, MLS# 458704 $995,000, R, 9094 Pintail Loop, 3BD, 3.5BA, 4,321 sq. ft.

Brenda Mills, 360-319-0072, MLS# 378069 $234,000, R, 8258 Breeze Loop, 4BD, 2.5BA, 1,616 sq. ft.

Christy Imperio, 360-201-4100, MLS# 395947 $405,000, R, 6926 Holeman Ave, 4BD, 2.75BA, 2,601 sq. ft.

Mike Vail, 360-2014011, MLS# 449059 $230,000, R, 4809 North Golf Course Drive (Sealinks), 3BD, 2BA, 1,290 sq. ft.

Gerry Allen, 360-920-0563, MLS# 467653

BLAINE - BIRCH BAY, SUNDAY 2pm-4pm $69,900, C, 4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd #86, 2BD, 1BA, 650 sq. ft.

Suzanne Dougan, 360-920-7733, MLS# 433119 $198,000, C, 7806 Birch Bay Drive #110 (Jacobs Landing), 2BD, 1.5BA, 880 sq. ft.

Terry Conway, 360-410-0503, MLS# 439588 $198,500, R, 573 Adelia St., 4BD, 1.5BA, sq. ft.

Tate White, 360-303-5680, MLS# 404396 $215,000, C, 8021 Birch Bay Drive #232 (Mariners Cove), 2BD, 1.75BA, 1,142 sq. ft.

Jim Graham, 360-201-5958, MLS# 453917 $215,000, C, 8026 Birch Bay Dr #254, 2BD, 2BA, 1,284 sq. ft.

Paul Holtzheimer, 360-303-4444, MLS# 3511211 $219,000, R, 8364 Beach La Mar, 3BD, 2BA, 2,022 sq. ft.

Patricia Brown, 360-510-9448, MLS# 441992

The Economic Recovery and Interest Rates If you've been watching the economic news, you've probably noticed that market experts and traders have been keeping a close eye on the Commerce Department's Personal Spending and Personal Income reports. Obviously, those reports provide insight into the health of our economy, but did you know they also influence home loan rates? That's right, personal spending can actually influence the interest rates that are available when you purchase or refinance a home.

Here's why. It has to do with something called the velocity of money. Even though the government keeps pumping money into the system, nothing happens until that money is spent or lent - and passes from one hand to another or one business to another. The speed at which this money passes between parties is called the velocity of money.

With the job market still very sluggish, consumers aren't spending much money these days, and businesses are still reluctant to spend money to make investments in their business. With the present velocity at low levels, inflation remains subdued and that's good for home loan rates. That's because rates are tied to Mortgage Bonds and inflation is the archenemy of Bonds, so low inflation is good for Bonds and rates. However, once velocity increases, the excess money in the system will cause inflation - which is bad for rates, since even the slightest scent of inflation can cause home loan rates to worsen.

While we certainly want to see better economic recovery news in the near future, we have to remember that there's an inverse relationship between good economic news and Bonds and home loan rates.

Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, which helps Bonds and home loan rates improve. Strong economic news, on the other hand, normally has the opposite result.

Currently, home loan rates are at a historically low level, but that situation won't last forever. That means now is an ideal time to purchase a home or refinance before the velocity of money - and rates - change. If you or anyone you know would like to learn more about the current economic situation and how to take advantage of historically low home loan rates, then please contact us!

$260,000, R, 8395 Grouse Crescent, 3BD, 2BA, 1,791 sq. ft.

Crystal O’Neill, 360-410-9229, MLS# 450478 $260,000, R, 7985 Sawgrass Way, 3BD, 2BA, 1,693 sq. ft.

Jan Hamilton, 360-220-1297, MLS# 462560 $297,000, R, 4606 Hall Rd, 3BD, 2BA, 1,719 sq. ft.

Gregg Baker, 360-739-5982, MLS# 418526 $318,000, R, 9005 Bay Cir, 4BD, 2.5BA, 2,054 sq. ft.

Mike Kent, 360-815-3898, MLS# 441440 $319,000, R, 7925 W Golf Course Dr, 3BD, 2BA, 1,520 sq. ft.

Lorraine Hoving, 360-961-2407, MLS# 469241 $342,500, R, 9785 Stillwater Ln, 3+BD, 2BA, 2,100 sq. ft.

John Vande Hoef, 360-815-3443, MLS# 454287 $374,800, R, 7382 Birch Bay Dr, 3BD, 2BA, 1,620 sq. ft.

Sheila Say, 360-306-1488, MLS# 450566 $389,000, R, 8093 Skeena, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,840 sq. ft.

Dave Hiller, 820-4636, MLS# 460629 $394,000, C, 9505 Semiahmoo Pkwy. #C10 (Beachwalker Villas), 3BD, 2.75BA, 1,800 sq. ft.

Carl Dufton, 360-815-6637, MLS# 411312 $399,000, R, 5410 Ocean Mist Loop, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,816 sq. ft.

Jen Freeman, 360-815-0803, MLS# 458522 $435,000, R, 8617 Semiahmoo Dr, 3BD, 2BA, 1,782 sq. ft.

Michele Peterson, 360-961-1747, MLS# 409275 $449,900, R, 5141 Heronswood Dr, 3BD, 2BA, 2,196 sq. ft.

Brian Southwick, 360-815-6638, MLS# 381090 $499,000, R, 5415 Quail Run, 2BD, 2BA, 2,225 sq. ft.

Linda Kiens, 360-815-6640, MLS# 465341 $712,000, R, 7451 Birch Bay Dr, 5BD, 3BA, 2,176 sq. ft.

Valerie Richardson, 360-920-4848, MLS# 459742 $995,000, R, 9094 Pintail Loop, 3BD, 3.5BA, 4,321 sq. ft.

Brenda Mills, 360-319-0072, MLS# 378069 $1,500,000, R, 8739 Oertel Drive, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,532 sq. ft.

Carl Dufton, 360-815-6637, MLS# 334684 $318,000, R, 9259 Stadsvold Rd, 3BD, 2BA, 1,551 sq. ft.

Linda & Bob Stull, 360-739-5482, MLS# 410545 $179,500, R, 8081 Quinault Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,712 sq. ft.

Christy Imperio, 360-201-4100, MLS# 434893 $393,500, C, 9499 Semiahmoo Pkwy B-12, 2BD, 2BA, 1,270 sq. ft.

Lucy Saldana, 360-303-6838, MLS# 462914

EVERSON - NOOKSACK - SUMAS, SATURDAY 2pm-4pm $210,000, R, 211 E Main Street, 2BD, 2BA, 1,148 sq. ft.

Lawless Tolliver-Warren, 360-220-7885, MLS# 436465 $399,000, R, 8316 Van Buren Rd, 4BD, 2.5BA, 2,028 sq. ft.

Jeff Hopwood, 360-303-8693, MLS# 470303

$229,800, R, 7486 Leeside Drive, 3BD, 2BA, 1,604 sq. ft.

Chris Weitzel, 360-739-0970, MLS# 433907

$224,500, R, 514 E Second Street, 3BD, 2BA, 1,653 sq. ft.

Jerry Blankers, 360-410-1297, MLS# 365601

$239,000, R, 4606 Elmwood Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,497 sq. ft.

Gregg Baker, 360-739-5982, MLS# 418547

$295,000, R, 597 Arthurs Way, 3BD, 2.5BA, 2,140 sq. ft.

Rod Blankers, 360-815-0352, MLS# 462762

$249,800, R, 8297 Fawn Crescent Rd, 2BD, 2.5BA, 1,100 sq. ft.

Randy Weg, 360-305-5704, MLS# 454705

Neighborhood Mortgage/62776 432 W Bakerview Rd. #101 • Bellingham, WA 98226 360-671-8044

BELLINGHAM FERNDALE NORTH

Condo Single Family Residence

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EVERSON - NOOKSACK - SUMAS, SUNDAY 2pm-4pm

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Sa t u r d a y, A p r i l 20t h & Su n d ay, Ap r il 21s t $210,000, R, 211 E Main Street, 2BD, 2BA, 1,148 sq. ft.

Lawless Tolliver-Warren, 360-220-7885, MLS# 436465

DEMING, SATURDAY 11am-1pm $495,000, R, 6622 Canyon Lake Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, 3,112 sq. ft.

Rob Merhaut, 360-319-1938, MLS# 399458

DEMING, SATURDAY 2pm-4pm $449,900, R, 3124 Mosquito Lake Road, 3BD, 1.75BA, 2,700 sq. ft.

Rob Merhaut, 360-319-1938, MLS# 456175

DEMING, SUNDAY 2pm-4pm $539,900, R, 4083 Caron Road, 5BD, 3BA, 3,700 sq. ft.

Rob Merhaut, 360-319-1938, MLS# 463831

ACME - SEDRO WOOLLEY, SUNDAY 11am-1pm $399,900, R, 4965 Turkington Rd, 3BD, 2BA, 2,200 sq. ft.

Rob Merhaut, 360-319-1938, MLS# 429738

POINT ROBERTS, SATURDAY 11am-1pm $549,000, R, 1540 Ocean View Ln, 4BD, 3.5BA, 2,811 sq. ft.

Tom Street, 360-224-2755, MLS# 368041

POINT ROBERTS, SUNDAY 11am-1pm $549,000, R, 1540 Ocean View Ln, 4BD, 3.5BA, 2,811 sq. ft.

Tom Street, 360-224-2755, MLS# 368041

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Home Buying Process

We feel that purchasing a home is the most important financial investment you will make in a lifetime. Achieving the Dream of Homeownership should be one in which we carefully guide you through the process so that it is a positive experience that you will remember. Here are a few questions that first-time buyers typically have...

1. At what point in the process should I apply for a mortgage? The best time to apply is before you purchase a home. Getting a pre-approval will give you more negotiating power with the seller as well as make the process smoother because you will know within what price range to be shopping.

2. How long will it take for our loan to be approved?

After you have submitted your application, loan approval typically takes just a few days if the documentation your Lender asked to be provided is complete. The more complete the information, the more quickly your Lender can act.

3. What is the process after the loan is approved?

Assuming you have a sales contract signed for a new home, the next step is to make sure all conditions are clear. Many of these conditions are standard and are provided by third parties, such as obtaining an appraisal and clear title. The quicker these conditions are received, the smoother the closing process.

4. What is the difference between a pre-approval and pre-qualification? A pre-qualification is an opinion on whether you are qualified for the mortgage and does not mean that the information provided has been verified or the file has been underwritten. A pre-approval means that the relevant information has been verified and the file has been underwritten and approved. The file typically would be approved subject to writing and submitting a sales contract, satisfactory appraisal on the property selected and locking in a rate and loan program.

5. When can I lock in a rate on the loan? Typically you can lock in the rate after the application is complete and after a sales contract is signed all around. Rates change daily and sometimes more than one time per day and your Lender can keep you informed as to how the markets are changing.

6. How much money will I need at closing? You will need money to cover the down payment and closing costs and escrows. The closing costs are

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itemized on the Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs, a government required form we will provide. From this number, you can subtract your deposit that is being held by the Realtors and any closing cost credit paid for by the seller.

7. Can I borrow the money I need for closing, for example, place a charge on my credit card? Each program is different with regard to how you can procure the funds necessary as well as the cash reserves needed after closing. We advise you not to borrow any money until you close on your home, at least not without talking to us first. A car or furniture purchase could change your qualification status.

8. What is included in my mortgage payment? We refer to the payment as the "PITI." This stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance. Principal and interest refers to the payment on the loan and taxes and insurance is payment for bills that will be due each year. Lenders refer to these as escrows, or money you put aside (or escrow) for bills to pay when due. Insurance is typically for a "homeowner's policy" to protect your house but there may also be monthly mortgage insurance charged by FHA or conventional lenders.

Also many homes have homeowner association fees which cover charges for common areas such as pools and tennis courts. If you purchase a condominium, the PITI may include no or reduced insurance costs because your condo fee will include insurance for the building. These fees are in addition to the PITI and paid directly to the association.

9. Will I get a copy of the appraisal of the property?

Yes, you will be provided with a copy. If there is an issue with the appraisal, for example, if the value is less than the sales prices, you will be notified promptly.

Buying a home should be a pleasant experience.

One of the key components to this being true is your active participation.

Happy Home Buying.

www.bannerbank.com Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender

whatcom county

OPENHOUSE

Satur day , Apri l 2 0 th & Su n d a y, A p r i l 21st The Perfect Loan File

By Mark Green, Contributor The media has it all wrong - securing mortgage approval and satisfying credit underwriting guidelines are not the difficulties plaguing mortgage consumers. It's in meeting the rigorous documentation requirements that most people fall flat. The good news is, the fix is simple. Just scan, photocopy, fax, and deliver every aspect of your financial life. Then, shortly before closing, check everything again.

Mortgage consumers who enter the mortgage approval process ready to battle their chosen mortgage lender will come out with a nightmare story to tell. As the process, requirements, and guidelines are the same for everybody, your mindset is the game changer. Accepting the redundant documentation necessary for lender approval will make everyone's life easier.

When I was a kid, my father occasionally issued directives that I naturally thought were superfluous, and when asked why I needed to do whatever it was he wanted me to do, his answer was often: "Because I said so." This never seemed to address my query but always left me without a retort, and I would usually comply. This is exactly what consumers should do during the mortgage approval process. When your lender requests what seems to be over-documentation and you wonder why you need it, accept the simple edict: "because I said so.'' You will find the mortgage approval process much less frustrating.

So, what's the perfect loan? Well, it's one that (a) pays back the lender and (b) pays back the lender on time. Underwriting the perfect loan is not the goal that mortgage lenders aspire to today.

The real goal is the perfect loan file.

Mortgage lenders have suffered staggering losses and gone out of business because of the dreaded loan repurchase. As mortgage delinquencies increased, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac began to audit mortgage loans they had purchased and discovered substandard and fraudulent underwriting practices that violated representations and warranties made, stating these were high quality loans. Fannie and Freddie began forcing the originating lenders of these "bad" loans to buy them back. So a small correspondent mortgage lender is forced to buy back a single mortgage loan in the amount of $250,000. This becomes a $250,000 loss to a small mortgage business for a single loan, because it

will never be repaid.

It doesn't take many of these bad loan buybacks to close the doors on many small mortgage operations. The lending houses suffered billions of dollars of losses repurchasing loans from Fannie and Freddie, and began to do the same thing for loans they had purchased from smaller originators.

The small and medium sized mortgage originators that survived created underwriting guidelines and procedures to eliminate the threat of future loan repurchase losses. The answer? The perfect loan file.

It's no longer necessary to have excellent credit, a big down payment and stable employment with income sufficient to support your debt service to guarantee your loan approval. However, you must have a borrower profile that meets the credit underwriting guidelines for the loan you are requesting. And, more importantly, you have to be able to hard-copy-guideline document your profile.

Every nook and cranny of your financial life has to be corroborated, double- and triple-checked, and reviewed again before closing. This way, if the originating lender has created a loan file that is exactly consistent with published underwriting guidelines and has documented while adhering to those guidelines, the chances are that your loan will not be subject to repurchase.

Borrowers also need to prepare for processing and underwriting. Processors and underwriters are the people trained and charged with gathering (processors), all of your required -for-approval financial documents, and then approving (underwriters), your loan. You can assume these people are well trained and very experienced, as they are tasked with assembling and approving a high-quality-these-people-will-pay us -back loan file. But just how do they go about that?

The process begins with the filter - the loan originator (a.k.a. loan officer, mortgage consultant, mortgage adviser, etc.) - tasked to match the qualifications of a particular mortgage deal to the appropriate underwriting guidelines. It is the filter's job to determine if a loan scenario is approvable and to gather the documentation to support that determination. It is here, at the beginning of the approval process, where the deal is made or broken. The rest of the approval process is just papering the file.

The filter determines whether the information

provided by the borrower can be validated and documented. This is simple, since most mortgages are approved by automated underwriting engines such as Desktop Underwriter, and the automated approval generates a list of the documents needed to paper the loan file. An underwriter can, at this stage, request additional supporting documentation evidence at their discretion, as not all circumstances neatly fit into the prescribed underwriting box. If the filter creates a loan file with accurate information, then secures the documentation resulting from the automated underwriting findings, the loan will close uneventfully.

So, let's begin with the pre-approval call. Mortgage pre-approval is typically accomplished with a telephone interview. A prospective borrower calls a mortgage rep (filter), and the questions begin.

There will be lots of questions as this critical phase of the process is akin to the discovery period in a trial -you'll need to disclose everything. Expect to answer queries on what you do for a living, how long you've been employed in your current field, and what your salary is. If there is a co-borrower, they will have to answer the same questions.

Every dollar in checking, savings, investments and retirement accounts, also known as assets to close, as well as gifts from relatives and nonprofit grants, has to be accounted for. Essentially everything appearing on a borrower's asset-radarscreen has to be documented and explained.

If you were previously a homeowner and sold your home in a short sale, or if you own a home now and plan to keep it as an investment or rental property, there are new and specific underwriting guidelines created just for you. In these cases, full disclosure of your credit and homeownership past can potentially eliminate unforeseen mortgage approval woes. For instance, Fannie Mae has a new underwriting guideline called ''Buy-and-Bail' ' for current homeowners' planning on keeping their existing home as an investment/ rental property. Properties not meeting the 30% equity test for "Buy-and -Bail" result in additional asset requirements to purchase a new home. Buyers with a short sale history may have to wait two to three years before they are eligible for mortgage financing again. Full vetting of your previous mortgage life will save you the dreaded we-have -a-problem call from your mortgage lender.

It all comes down to your proof. If the lender asks for a specific document, give them exactly what they are asking for, not what "should be OK" -

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Sa t u r d a y, A p r i l 20t h & Su n d ay, Ap r il 21s t because it won't be. This is where the approval process tends to go off the rails, when the lender asks for specific documentation and the borrower supplies something else. Here, too, is where both sides get frustrated. So if the lender asks for a bank statement and there are 5 pages for that bank statement, send them all 5 pages, and not just the summary. If you send them the summary page and they ask again, don't complain that the lender keeps asking for the same thing when you never sent it in the first place. This may sound elementary, but the vast majority of mortgage approval process woes stem from scenarios just like this.

The reason the mortgage approval process is now so rigorous is simple. Avoiding defaults and loan buybacks has become the primary goal of mortgage lenders. Higher standards are reducing loan defaults, which should mean fewer foreclosures in the future. Government data shows that less than 2% of loans originated in 2009, that were resold to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae went into default after 18 months, down from more than 22% default rates for 2007 loans.

So when your lender requests specific documents from you, give it to them just "because they said so."

You can thank my dad for that.

Posted with permission of Forbe. Media LLC (c) 2012 .

This article originally appeared as a post on Forbes .com and wa\ created by a third -party contributor. The article content is not verified by Forbes.

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First Time Buyers Have Options

By Kevin Kurtz, Residential Loan Consultant, Bank of the Pacific It can be argued that the most important segment of any housing recovery involves the first time buyer. When that piece of the overall buyer pool is active it bodes well for the market as a whole. In an effort to help more of those potential consumers realize the dream of home ownership, many lenders today are offering a number of loan programs designed specifically for the needs of the typical first time buyer.

Here are some examples: Conventional Low Down - 30 yr fixed rates - Allow as low as 3% down payment - PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) required when down payment less than 20% - Loan amounts up to $417,000 FHA - 30 yr fixed rates

- 30 yr fixed rates

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You will be asked to provide comprehensive income and asset information (your lender will provide a list of required items), but the bottom line is that the combination of today's low home prices and historically low interest rates present first time buyers with an incredible opportunity to achieve home ownership - take advantage today!

- Max loan limits apply (determined by County where property is located)

VA (must meet eligibility requirements through VA) - Zero down minimum - No PMI with monthly payment USDA (aka Rural Housing)

The information and opinion in this article is provided by a third party and is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Wells Fargo. It is being provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation. www.wellsfargo.com

All Borrowers have their unique financial "story", and with loan programs one size definitely does not fit all! The typical first time buyer does not have 20% (or more) down payment available and will be considering low down payment options like those listed above. A best practice when starting out is to determine what your personal threshold is for a monthly housing payment, then locate a seasoned mortgage professional to help figure out the loan amount and sale price that will keep you within this most important parameter. That person can also help navigate the available lending programs, identifying those that you are eligible to use. Do your research, ask questions, and be prepared to make informed decisions as you decide the best path for you.

- Minimum down payment = 3.5% (can be gifted by family)

- Mortgage Insurance required (may be higher than conventional)

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 1616 Cornwall Avenue, Suite 101 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-9888

where property is located)

- 30 yr fixed rates - Zero down minimum - Property must be located in a rural area (as determined by USDA) - Income limits apply (determined by County

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Kevin Kurtz (360) 756-2750 kkurtz@bankofthepacific.com www.bankofthepacific.com.

The Nation’s Leading Provider Of Title and Escrow Services.

“Building relationships, one transaction at a time.”

1616 Cornwall Avenue, Suite 115, Bellingham, WA 98225 507 Front Street, Lynden WA 98264 360-734-7000

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