Craft Your Financial Legacy with Real Estate

ASK ANDI  “I’m retired, and my property tax bill keeps climbing. Is there any relief?” Yes. Washington has a property tax exemption built for exactly this, and a new state law makes more people eligible starting in 2027. You may qualify if, by December 31: • You’re 61 or older, unable to work because of a disability, or a qualifying disabled veteran (a surviving spouse or partner of a participant may qualify at 57) • You own the home and live there more than six months a year • Your household’s disposable income is under the county limit What it does: Depending on your income, it can freeze your home’s taxable value and remove voter-approved levies, the state school levy, and in some cases part of your regular property tax. Three things people get wrong: “My income’s too high.” Thanks to a new state law, Whatcom’s limit jumps from $52,000 to $72,000 starting with 2027 taxes. If you were turned down before, check again. “Disposable income means my gross income.” It doesn’t. Social Security counts, but certain costs, like Medicare premiums, come off. Starting with 2027 taxes, you can take a flat $7,500 deduction per person instead, if that’s simpler. “I missed my chance.” If you qualified in past years and didn’t apply, you can file for refunds going back up to three years. Over the limit? If your household income is under $80,653, ask about the state’s property tax deferral program. It postpones your taxes as a lien on the home that’s repaid when the home sells. Here is what this means for your decision: If you’re 61 or older, or will be by December 31, call the Whatcom County Assessor’s Office at 360-778-5050 before next year’s tax statements go out. Applications for 2027 taxes open early next year, and people already in the program are moved to the right level automatically. Not 61 yet? Forward this to someone who is. It might be the most useful email they get all winter. Button: Send Andi Your Question Have Questions About Whatcom County Real Estate? Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, informed decisions are the foundation of long-term financial success. I'm here to help you understand your options, navigate the market, and make strategic decisions with confidence. About Andi Dyer Andi Dyer is a Managing Broker and REALTOR® with REMAX Whatcom County, bringing more than 18 years of real estate experience to buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. A second-generation real estate broker and Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE), Andi combines local market knowledge, skilled negotiation, and a commitment to education to help clients build lasting financial wealth. Let's Connect Andi Dyer Real Estate | REMAX Whatcom County Managing Broker | REALTOR® 📞 360-734-6479 ✉️ andi@andidyer.com 🌐 www.andidyer.com Instagram: @andi.dyer Grounded. Strategic. Local. 913 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA

Bellingham Is Holding. North County Is Negotiating.

I recently had the opportunity to represent the buyer on this Blaine home, and it’s a good time to look at what’s happening in the 98230 market. August numbers show a market giving buyers a little more breathing room: • 184 homes for sale, up 17.2% from last year • 5.9 months of inventory, up from 5.2 months • Homes that sold took 73 days on market, compared with 32 days last August • The median sales price was $569,950, up 3.6% What does that mean for buyers? More choices, more time to evaluate a property, and potentially more room to negotiate, depending on the home. But it’s not a bargain-bin market. Blaine prices are holding relatively steady, so understanding the individual property, its competition, and the seller’s position still matters. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁.

 Deciding whether to sell your home, downsize, or stay where you are comes down to more than your home's value. For Whatcom County homeowners, the right decision should consider your equity, monthly housing costs, maintenance, insurance, accessibility, lifestyle, and what it would actually cost to move. Sometimes selling and right-sizing makes sense. Sometimes staying in your current home is the better financial decision. The important thing is knowing the numbers before you decide. Should I Sell My Home or Stay? If you're wondering whether it's time to sell your home, start with one question: Does my home still fit the way I live today? A home that was perfect 10 or 20 years ago may now have unused bedrooms, stairs you don't enjoy, a large yard to maintain, or repairs you would rather not tackle. On the other hand, a home that's paid off or has a low mortgage payment can be difficult to replace affordably. That's why I encourage homeowners to look at the entire picture before assuming downsizing will save money. Is It Cheaper to Stay in Your Home or Downsize? Not necessarily. A smaller home can reduce utilities, maintenance and property upkeep, but moving comes with its own costs. A replacement home may have a higher price per square foot, HOA dues, increased property taxes or a new mortgage at today's interest rates. When comparing staying versus selling, consider: Mortgage payment and remaining loan balance Property taxes Homeowner's insurance Utilities Landscaping and property maintenance Upcoming repairs or renovations HOA dues at a potential replacement property Cost of buying or renting your next home Moving and selling expenses Your estimated proceeds and available equity after a sale The better question isn't simply, "Would a smaller house cost less?" It's "Which housing choice makes the most financial and practical sense for the next stage of my life?" What Does Right-Sizing Your Home Mean? Right-sizing means choosing a home that fits your current lifestyle, rather than simply moving into a smaller house. For some homeowners, that means fewer bedrooms and less yard work. For others, it might mean one-level living, a primary bedroom on the main floor, fewer stairs, better accessibility, or living closer to family, medical care, shopping and friends. And sometimes right-sizing means staying exactly where you are and making your current home easier to live in. Is Aging in Place a Better Option? For many Bellingham and Whatcom County homeowners, aging in place can be an excellent option if the home can safely and affordably meet their long-term needs. Consider whether your current home has: A bedroom and full bathroom on the main level Manageable stairs and entryways A reasonable amount of property to maintain Access to transportation, shopping and healthcare Space that could be modified for future accessibility Maintenance and repair costs that fit comfortably within your budget You may find that a few thoughtful improvements make staying in your home far more practical than moving. How Much Is My Whatcom County Home Worth? Knowing your home's current market value is one of the most important pieces of the stay-or-sell decision. Your estimated equity can help determine what choices are realistically available to you. Online home-value estimates are a useful starting point, but they may not accurately account for your home's condition, renovations, neighborhood, view, acreage, outbuildings or other features that affect buyer demand. A local real estate market analysis can provide a more detailed estimate based on recent comparable sales and current competition in the Bellingham and Whatcom County real estate market . And getting that information doesn't mean you've decided to sell. Sometimes knowing what your home is worth gives you the information you need to confidently decide not to sell. What Should I Consider Before Downsizing? Before putting your home on the market, ask yourself these questions: 1. What would I realistically net from selling my home? Your home's sale price and the amount you walk away with are two different numbers. Consider your mortgage balance, selling expenses and other potential costs. 2. What will my next home cost? Look at actual homes that meet your needs rather than assuming smaller automatically means cheaper. 3. Will moving improve my daily life? Consider maintenance, stairs, location, accessibility, transportation and proximity to the people and activities important to you. 4. Are major home expenses coming? A roof, siding, heating system, septic system or other major project can change the financial comparison. 5. Could I modify my current home instead? Sometimes remodeling a bathroom, improving accessibility or hiring help with landscaping costs considerably less than moving. Should I Review My Homeowner's Insurance Before Deciding? Yes. Even if you aren't planning to sell, periodically reviewing your homeowner's insurance is worthwhile. Home values, construction costs and personal circumstances change. A policy you've carried for years may no longer reflect the cost of rebuilding your home or the coverage you actually need. An insurance professional can help identify whether you're adequately insured, potentially over-insured in certain areas, or missing coverage you assumed you had. When Is the Right Time to Sell a Home in Whatcom County? There isn't one perfect age, season or life event that tells you it's time to sell. The right time is when your finances, home, lifestyle and future plans point in the same direction. For some Whatcom County homeowners, selling creates greater financial flexibility and a simpler lifestyle. For others, staying in a familiar home and community provides greater value than moving. Neither decision is inherently better. A good real estate professional should help you understand both options, not convince you that selling is automatically the answer. Frequently Asked Questions About Staying, Selling and Right-Sizing Is downsizing always cheaper? No. Smaller homes can have lower maintenance and utility costs, but purchase price, interest rates, HOA dues, property taxes and moving expenses can offset those savings. Compare the total cost of both choices. What is the difference between downsizing and right-sizing? Downsizing focuses primarily on moving to a smaller property. Right-sizing focuses on finding a home that better fits your lifestyle, finances and future needs. That home isn't necessarily smaller. Should I get a home valuation even if I'm not ready to sell? Yes. Knowing your approximate home value and equity can be useful for retirement planning, estate planning and evaluating future housing options. Requesting a market analysis does not obligate you to sell. Can I stay in my home as I get older? Many homeowners can. The answer depends on the home's layout, accessibility, maintenance requirements, location and your financial circumstances. Sometimes relatively modest improvements can make aging in place more practical. How do I decide whether to sell my home in Whatcom County? Start by comparing your current housing costs and future maintenance needs with your estimated home equity and the actual cost of your next housing option. Then consider lifestyle factors such as accessibility, location, family and how you want to spend your time. Free Bellingham Lunch & Learn: The Real Cost of Staying in Your Home If you're thinking about these questions, I'm hosting a free educational Lunch & Learn with Nancy Leavitt of American Family Insurance : The Real Cost of Staying in Your Home And when staying is still the right call Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. 913 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA We'll discuss how to evaluate staying versus right-sizing, how to understand your home's current value in the Whatcom County market, and why your homeowner's insurance deserves another look. Lunch is complimentary. Seating is limited so we can keep the group small and leave plenty of time for questions. Call or text Andi Dyer at 360.734.6479 to reserve your seat. Need Help Deciding Whether to Stay or Sell? You don't need to be ready to list your home to start planning. I can help you understand your home's potential market value, estimated equity and what comparable replacement homes are selling for around Whatcom County. From there, you can make the decision that works best for you. Andi Dyer Managing Broker, REALTOR® | Seniors Real Estate Specialist RE/MAX Whatcom County 360.734.6479 | andi@andidyer.com | andidyer.com

Moving is hard for anyone. But for older adults, the process of leaving a long-time home carries a weight that goes far beyond boxes and logistics. It's a life event wrapped in memory, identity, and uncertainty, and it deserves to be handled with the care those things require. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) with Andi Dyer Real Estate, I've had the privilege of walking alongside older adults and their families during some of life's most significant moments. And one of the most valuable partnerships I've built for my clients is with Jessica Lucey-Brzoza of Smooth Transitions NW Washington . Together, we cover the full picture, from the real estate side of the move to every logistical and emotional detail in between. Two Areas of Expertise, One Seamless Experience My role as an SRES means I'm trained to understand the unique needs, concerns, and goals of older adult buyers and sellers. Whether it's timing a sale around a move to a senior community, navigating the emotional complexity of selling a family home, or helping adult children coordinate from a distance, I bring specialized knowledge to every transaction. What I can't do, but what Jessica does beautifully, is manage everything that happens around the move itself. Jessica Lucey-Brzoza is a certified Senior Move Manager serving Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Her path to this work was deeply personal: after caring for her grandparents through the end of her grandfather's life, she went on to earn an interdisciplinary degree in somatic psychology: aging, death, and dying from Western Washington University, and trained as a death doula and massage therapist. She brings all of that to every client she serves: the knowledge, the compassion, the patience. "I approach each move as a unique and deeply human process," she says. "My style is rooted in listening, not pushing, meeting people where they are, honoring their agency, and helping them let go of items and spaces with care." That philosophy aligns perfectly with how I try to show up for my clients too. What Jessica Handles While I focus on the real estate transaction, Jessica coordinates the countless moving parts that make the actual move possible. Downsizing and Decluttering: Sorting through a lifetime of belongings thoughtfully and at a pace that feels manageable. Starting early means better decisions and less stress on move day. Relocation and Resettling: Establishing timelines, coordinating movers, overseeing packing and unpacking, and making sure the new home feels settled and welcoming from day one. Whole House Cleanout: When a family home needs to be cleared after a move or a loss, Jessica creates a custom plan, including working with Maxsold, an online auction platform, to help rehome items with care. Estate Dispersal Coordination: Working with families, attorneys, and trust officers to organize and distribute an estate when a loved one has passed. Helping Aging Parents Relocate: Navigating difficult family conversations and reducing anxiety for everyone involved by providing steady, experienced guidance. Why This Partnership Matters for You When an older adult is ready to sell their home, the real estate transaction is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Clients often know they need to move, but the sheer volume of decisions and tasks involved can bring the whole process to a halt before it even begins. Having Jessica and me working together means my clients have a trusted team from the very start. I can introduce her early in the process, before the house is listed, so decluttering and downsizing happen on a timeline that works, not in a panic. And when the sale closes, Jessica's support continues, helping clients truly land in their new home rather than just arriving in it. Life isn't cookie cutter, and neither are our services. But our shared commitment to older adults in the Bellingham area means you don't have to figure this out alone. Ready to Talk? Whether you're thinking about selling, already in the process, or helping an aging parent navigate a transition, I'd love to connect, and I'm happy to introduce you to Jessica as part of that conversation. Andi Dyer Real Estate Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) andi@andidyer.com Smooth Transitions NW Washington Jessica Lucey-Brzoza, Senior Move Manager 360-927-3448 info@smoothtransitionsnww.com Bellingham, WA Serving Whatcom and Skagit Counties Schedule a free consultation with Jessica