12 Things You Must Do Before Leaving Your Home on Vacation

Andi • July 19, 2018
A woman is kneeling on top of a suitcase filled with clothes.

Considering a trip away from home? Be sure to address these 12 must-do items before heading out the door.

Program Your Thermostat

Heating and cooling are almost always a home’s largest source of energy consumption. So why spend that money when you’re out of town? Instead, set your thermostat to maintain a stable temperature, no cooler than 54 degrees, no warmer than 80 degrees.Note that this tip doesn’t suggest turning off the thermostat altogether. You should keep your home’s temperature stable while you’re away, whether in summer or winter, in order to prevent condensation, frozen pipes or other potentially damaging effects. (The exception is if you’ll be gone long enough to winterize your home, a strategy that will be described in a moment).

Suspend Your Mail Service

Why keep receiving mail while you’re away on vacation? It could be a giveaway to potential thieves. The postal service allows customers to suspend their service. Meaning that the mail will be held at the post office until the date you specify, at which point it will be delivered. The exact duration of the service suspension may vary depending on where you live, so be sure to check with your local postal service for details.The same policy goes for newspapers and other delivery services. You won’t be there to enjoy them, and a stack of uncollected mail or newspapers is a sure sign to criminals that your home is unoccupied.

Do The Dishes

A stack of dirty dishes left in a vacant house is a beacon to pests and vermin and makes for a smelly reception when you get back home.Give everything a good wash, and you’ll be much better off. If you dirty any dishes right before you leave for vacation and don’t have time to clean them, just give them a good rinse.  Of course, if you have a dishwasher, just set it to run right before you go out the door.

Take Out all Garbage and Recycling

Often, you hear advice to clean your home before a vacation. But really, who cares about dust on the bookshelves when you get back from a trip? Instead, focus on what matters: identifying anything that might start to rot and getting it out of the home.Empty the trash and recycling. If you have a bunch of bananas or apples sitting on the counter, move them to the fridge or throw them away. Get rid of anything that might decompose and become bait for bugs and vermin.

Of course this is a pretty great time to get some cleaning done as well, and if you do it well walking into a clean home after a long trip away can make your homecoming all the more enjoyable.

Neighborly Check-Ins

Of course, if you have curb-side trash, once you take it out, you need someone to bring the containers back in for you while you’re on vacation. They say good fences make good neighbors, but the same can be said for good deeds. Ask a neighbor for help, and it will make it less apparent that your home is vacant. If you’ll be gone a while, you may even consider asking them to take the cans down to the street and back. That way, your home isn’t the only one on the block with no activity.This is also a good task to hire out to a young neighbor, who might be looking for ways to supplement their allowance.

Secure Your Home Against Criminals

You may have noticed that several of the tips in this list mention keeping up the appearance of an occupied home. It’s a sad reality that mice and ants aren’t the only invaders an empty home has to worry about.Double-check the locks on your windows and doors, and put away any easily pawned lawn items such as lawnmowers. Close the blinds or draw the curtains, and put valuables out of sight. Or better yet, hide them entirely while you are on vacation!

Social Media Settings

While technology changes, the need for safety stays the same. When it comes to home protection, don’t let the world know that your home is vacant. Hold off on sharing those vacation photos until you get home and definitely don’t post your travel plans in advance.This can be more complicated than just not broadcasting your location. Some technology is a little too “helpful” for our own good. Turn off location tags on apps like Instagram and don’t check in to places far removed from home. If you set up auto-reply on your email, don’t say that you’ll be out of town; a message saying that you’re unavailable is good enough.

Pet Plans

If you have pets, part of going on a vacation is making sure they’ll be cared for properly. If you’re going to board your pets, check availability in advance, as finding last minute accommodations is notoriously difficult. Another option is to have a friend or neighbor pet sit, possibly while they’re bringing in the trash cans.But even if you have someone coming over once or twice a day to feed and monitor your pets, you still have to deal with the boredom factor. Bored pets have to occupy themselves somehow and countless pet owners have come home after a trip to find items damaged or destroyed when a beloved pet simply didn’t know what to do with themselves. Technology is improving matters. Gadgets like the ones covered in this article allow pets to play and exercise even when you aren’t home with them.

Plant Watering

Just as you need to plan for the needs of your animal companions, you need to decide how any houseplants will be cared for as well. Happily, plant care can be automated in many surprising ways.Outdoor plants may or may not need care, depending on their hardiness and the amount of rainfall you receive. Plant monitoring devices are available to track the moisture levels of their soil, and can send notifications by text or email when they need to be watered. There are also options to build your own self-watering planter, or to set up slow-release watering containers for indoor plants. Regardless, your plants will be well cared for while you are on vacation.

Timed Lights and Motion Sensors

An excellent way to give the illusion of occupancy while on vacation and on a budget is to install timers and motion detectors on your lights. Timers are easily purchased at any home supply store, and install as simply as plugging in a lamp. The timers act as intermediaries between the light and the outlet. You set the timer, and it connects the lamp to the circuit, lighting up the room for a set period each day. This makes it appear as if someone were inside turning lights on and off.Motion detectors are usually installed on outdoor lights. They trigger only when they sense movement, connecting the light to the circuit and illuminating the area around your home. Also available at home supply stores, motion detectors are easy to install and useful as both a security feature and for when you come home late at night.

Remote Monitoring

For the ultimate peace of mind while on vacation, consider installing a remote monitoring system. Most modern systems are accessible via the internet. This allows you to peek in on your property whenever you feel the urge. Monitoring systems are available in a wide range of price points and with almost every option imaginable. You can have a system installed or go the DIY route. You can even use a monitoring system to check in on your pets or even play with them.With remote monitoring, you can breathe easy knowing that your home is being watched and looked over, even when you’re not there. So take it easy, enjoy your trip and think about all the great projects you can start when you get back home.

Winterize Your Home

If you live in a cold weather climate and you’ll be leaving on a trip of a month or more, it may make sense to winterize your home. This extra level of security will protect you if the power fails and the temperature of your home dips below freezing. If the water in your pipes freezes you can face all kinds of damage and future issues. Much of which can be prevented by simply turning off the water main before you leave.But if you are leaving for a very long trip, or if you have a seasonal property, a complete winterization may make more sense. With steps like blowing out water in drain traps and loading the toilet with antifreeze, a complete winterization is more of a project. But it’s cheap insurance against the thousands of dollars in damage a burst water pipe can cause.

How Selling a Longtime Home Is Different Than Selling a Recent Purchase

By Andi Dyer • January 29, 2026
Selling a home you’ve lived in for decades feels different than selling a place you bought a few years ago. The process may look similar on paper, but emotionally and practically, it often isn’t. Understanding those differences can make the experience feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Why longtime homes carry more complexity Longtime homes hold memories, routines, and personal history. Decisions about repairs, pricing, and timing can feel more personal because the home has been part of your identity for so long. There’s also often more accumulated “stuff,” deferred decisions, and uncertainty about where things should go next. How preparation tends to take longer Preparing a longtime home often involves more sorting, downsizing, and decision-making. This isn’t a sign of procrastination. It’s a natural part of closing one chapter and opening another. Giving yourself enough time for this stage reduces stress later. Why pricing can feel harder Longtime homeowners sometimes anchor to past values or to what the home “should” be worth based on effort and care. Buyers, however, evaluate homes based on current alternatives. Bridging that gap requires context, not pressure. A planning-forward reframe Instead of viewing the sale as a single event, it can help to see it as a transition process. The transaction is just one piece. When preparation, pricing, and timing are aligned with your goals, selling a longtime home can feel respectful rather than rushed. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you’re considering selling a home you’ve lived in for many years and want to approach it thoughtfully, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

What Sellers Should Know About Timing a Sale Around Retirement in Bellingham

By Andi Dyer • January 28, 2026
For many longtime homeowners, selling a home is closely tied to retirement planning, even if retirement is still a few years away. The decision often isn’t just about market conditions. It’s about lifestyle, income, taxes, and how much flexibility you want in the next chapter. Selling at the “right” time is less about predicting the market and more about aligning the sale with your broader plan. Why this decision feels especially heavy Homes often represent the largest store of equity a homeowner has. When retirement enters the conversation, that equity starts to feel less theoretical and more consequential. Many sellers worry about selling too early and missing appreciation, or selling too late and feeling rushed. That tension is normal and deserves a thoughtful approach rather than a reactive one. How timing affects financial flexibility Selling before retirement can create options. It may reduce housing costs, eliminate maintenance responsibilities, or free up equity that can be repositioned conservatively. Selling after retirement can also make sense, especially if staying put supports lifestyle or community ties. The trade-off is often carrying higher housing costs longer. Neither choice is inherently better. The right timing depends on income stability, health, housing preferences, and how much certainty you want. Why the market is only one variable Market conditions matter, but they’re only one part of the equation. Tax considerations, mortgage balance, and future housing plans often have a bigger impact on outcomes than short-term price fluctuations. This is why planning ahead matters. Waiting until a life change forces a decision can limit options. A planning-forward reframe Instead of asking, “Is now the best time to sell?” try asking: “What timing gives me the most flexibility and peace of mind?” That question tends to lead to clearer, calmer decisions. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you’re thinking about how a future sale fits into your long-term plans, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

When It Makes Sense to Take Your Home Off the Market in Whatcom County

By Andi Dyer • January 27, 2026
Taking a home off the market can feel like admitting defeat, but in some situations it’s a strategic and thoughtful decision. Not every pause means something went wrong. The important thing is understanding why a home might come off the market and what that choice accomplishes. Why sellers consider pausing a listing Common reasons include needing more time for repairs, reevaluating pricing, addressing feedback, or reassessing life plans. Sometimes the timing simply isn’t right. A pause can also make sense if the market response indicates misalignment that requires more than a small adjustment. How taking a home off the market can help Removing a listing can reset momentum. It gives sellers space to make changes without the pressure of public days-on-market tracking. When a home is relisted later with improved preparation or positioning, buyers often respond more positively. When taking it off the market can hurt Pausing without a plan can create confusion. If a home comes back unchanged, buyers may still have the same concerns. The value of a pause lies in what’s done during that time. A planning-forward way to decide Instead of asking, “Should I pull it?” ask: “What would need to change for this home to feel like a confident listing?” That question keeps the decision intentional. Reframing the choice Pausing a listing isn’t failure. It’s information. When used strategically, it can protect equity and create a better experience overall. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you’re wondering whether a pause would help or hurt your situation, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

How to Evaluate Multiple Offers on Your Bellingham Home Without Getting Overwhelmed

By Andi Dyer • January 22, 2026
Getting multiple offers sounds like the ideal scenario, but for many sellers it quickly becomes stressful. Instead of clarity, there’s fear of choosing the “wrong” one. The pressure can feel especially heavy when offers differ not just in price, but in terms, timing, and conditions. The most important thing to understand is this: the best offer is the one that aligns with your priorities and has the highest likelihood of closing smoothly , not necessarily the highest number on the page. Why multiple offers create anxiety instead of relief When several offers arrive at once, sellers often feel rushed to decide. There’s a fear of missing out on more money, or of upsetting someone by not choosing their offer. This emotional pressure can make it harder to see the situation clearly. What helps is remembering that multiple offers mean you have leverage and options. You don’t need to rush. You need to evaluate thoughtfully. Why price alone doesn’t tell the full story Two offers at the same price can carry very different levels of risk. Financing type, down payment size, inspection contingencies, appraisal risk, and closing timelines all affect how likely a deal is to make it to the finish line. A slightly lower offer with fewer contingencies and a flexible timeline can often produce a better overall outcome than a higher offer that feels fragile or complicated. Understanding risk versus reward Every offer has a risk profile. Some buyers are highly qualified and prepared. Others are stretching to make the purchase work. Neither is inherently wrong, but they require different expectations. Evaluating offers through a risk-and-reward lens helps remove emotion. The question becomes: “Which offer gives me the outcome I want with the least uncertainty?” Why timing and terms matter more than sellers expect Closing timelines affect moving plans, temporary housing, and stress levels. An offer that aligns with your desired timeline can be just as valuable as a higher price that creates pressure. Terms also matter. Fewer contingencies often mean fewer renegotiations later. A calmer way to choose Instead of asking, “Which offer is best?” try asking: “Which offer lets me move forward feeling confident and in control?” That mindset usually leads to fewer regrets and a smoother transaction. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you want help evaluating offers and understanding the trade-offs clearly, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

What Can Delay a Home Sale in Whatcom County (and How to Avoid It)

By Andi Dyer • January 21, 2026
Most delayed home sales aren’t caused by dramatic problems. They’re usually slowed down by small issues that compound over time. Understanding what commonly causes delays can help sellers avoid unnecessary frustration. The good news is that many delays are preventable with early planning and realistic expectations . Common sources of delay Pricing misalignment is one of the most frequent causes. When price and buyer expectations don’t match, showings slow and momentum stalls. Inspection surprises can also cause delays, especially when sellers haven’t anticipated how buyers might respond. Financing issues, appraisal timing, and incomplete paperwork can add days or weeks if not addressed promptly. None of these issues mean the sale is failing. They mean coordination is needed. Why preparation reduces delays Homes that are prepared thoughtfully tend to move through the process more smoothly. Sellers who understand their home’s condition, pricing strategy, and next steps are better equipped to respond quickly when questions arise. Responsiveness matters. Clear communication keeps timelines on track. When delays are part of the plan Not every seller needs speed. Some are coordinating a move, waiting on a purchase, or planning around life events. In those cases, a longer timeline may be intentional and appropriate. The issue is not delay itself. It’s delay without a plan. A planning-forward reframe Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, focus on what you can control. Preparation, clarity, and flexibility go a long way toward keeping a sale on track. When expectations are aligned early, delays become manageable rather than stressful. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you want to reduce the chance of delays and plan a smoother sale, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi,dyer

What Sellers Should Know About Appraisals in the Bellingham Market

By Andi Dyer • January 20, 2026
Appraisals often create anxiety because they feel outside a seller’s control. Once a price is agreed upon, many sellers assume the deal is essentially done, only to worry when the appraisal is ordered. The truth is that most appraisals come in as expected , but understanding how they work and what influences them can reduce stress and help you respond calmly if questions arise. What an appraisal actually does An appraisal is performed for the lender, not the buyer or the seller. Its purpose is to confirm that the home’s value supports the loan amount. Appraisers look at recent comparable sales, market trends, and the home’s condition. They are not trying to renegotiate the deal. They are assessing risk. Why appraisals feel tense in balanced markets In fast-moving markets, prices can rise faster than comparable sales. In balanced markets, buyers and sellers often meet in the middle, which usually aligns well with appraisals. Tension tends to arise when a home is priced at the very top of its range or when there are few recent comparable sales. That doesn’t mean the deal will fail. It means expectations need to be managed. What happens if an appraisal comes in low A low appraisal doesn’t automatically end a transaction. Often, there are options: The buyer may bring in additional funds The seller and buyer may renegotiate The parties may meet somewhere in between The right response depends on the strength of the offer, the buyer’s financing, and the seller’s goals. How preparation helps even here Clear pricing, strong presentation, and accurate documentation of improvements can all support a smoother appraisal process. While sellers can’t control the outcome, preparation reduces surprises. A calmer way to approach appraisals Instead of fearing the appraisal, it helps to view it as another checkpoint in the process. When pricing and strategy were sound from the beginning, appraisals tend to align. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If appraisal questions are part of what’s causing hesitation, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

How Smart Sellers Use Pricing Adjustments Without Losing Leverage in Bellingham 

By Andi Dyer • January 19, 2026
Few words make sellers more uncomfortable than “price adjustment.” It often feels like a failure, or a signal that something went wrong. In reality, price adjustments are a normal and sometimes strategic part of selling in a balanced market like Bellingham’s. The key is understanding when an adjustment helps restore leverage and when it quietly gives it away . A thoughtful adjustment can reignite interest. A reactive one can undermine confidence. Why price adjustments feel so emotional A home price isn’t just a number. It’s tied to expectations, memories, and often a sense of worth. When a home doesn’t receive the response a seller hoped for, it’s easy to take that personally. But the market’s response isn’t a judgment. It’s information. Buyers are constantly comparing options. If a home isn’t getting traction, it usually means the price isn’t aligned with how buyers are currently perceiving value relative to alternatives. When an adjustment actually helps Price adjustments are most effective when they are: Made early, before a listing feels “stale” Large enough to reposition the home into a new buyer search bracket Paired with a renewed marketing push and clear communication Early adjustments often reset momentum. They can bring the home in front of buyers who hadn’t previously considered it and create a sense of renewed relevance. When adjustments quietly hurt leverage Small, incremental reductions spread out over time often do more harm than good. Buyers tend to interpret repeated minor reductions as hesitation or uncertainty, which can encourage aggressive negotiation. Adjustments made after a long period on market can also signal increased flexibility, even if the seller doesn’t intend that. This is why timing and intent matter more than the adjustment itself. Using feedback instead of fear The most productive way to approach pricing decisions is through feedback. Are buyers commenting on value? Are they comparing the home to others at a lower price point? Are showings happening but not converting? Those signals are more reliable than headlines or averages. A planning-forward reframe Instead of viewing a price adjustment as “giving in,” it’s often more accurate to see it as realigning with current buyer behavior . When done intentionally, adjustments can restore confidence, reduce time on market, and lead to cleaner negotiations. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you’re wondering whether an adjustment would help or hurt your sale, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

How to Evaluate Multiple Offers on Your Bellingham Home Without Overthinking It

By Andi Dyer • January 18, 2026
Receiving multiple offers can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Sellers often worry about choosing the “wrong” one, even when the numbers look good. The most important thing to remember is that the strongest offer is not always the highest price. Evaluating offers holistically leads to smoother closings and fewer surprises. Why price alone doesn’t tell the whole story Two offers with the same price can carry very different levels of risk. Financing type, contingencies, timelines, and flexibility all influence how likely an offer is to close successfully. A slightly lower offer with strong terms can often lead to a better overall outcome than a higher offer that feels fragile. Understanding contingencies and risk Contingencies give buyers protection, but they also introduce uncertainty for sellers. Inspection timelines, appraisal conditions, and financing terms all affect risk. Understanding which contingencies are standard and which ones carry more uncertainty helps sellers choose confidently. Why timelines matter more than sellers expect Closing timelines can affect moving plans, temporary housing, and stress levels. An offer that aligns with your desired timeline may be worth more than one that creates pressure. Evaluating offers through a planning lens Instead of asking, “Which offer is best?” try asking: “Which offer supports the outcome I want with the least stress?” That lens helps remove emotion and clarify decisions. A calmer way to choose You don’t have to rush. Multiple offers create options. Taking a moment to evaluate the full picture usually leads to better decisions and fewer regrets. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you want help evaluating offers and understanding the trade-offs clearly, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

Why Some Bellingham Homes Sit on the Market While Others Sell Quickly

By Andi Dyer • January 16, 2026
When a home doesn’t sell quickly, sellers often assume something is fundamentally wrong. In reality, homes that sit usually share a few common characteristics, and those characteristics are often fixable. The key takeaway is this: homes sell quickly when pricing, presentation, and buyer expectations are aligned. When they’re not, time on market increases. Understanding these patterns can help sellers avoid unnecessary frustration. The difference between “slow” and “misaligned” Not every home needs to sell immediately. But when showings are sparse or feedback repeats the same concerns, it’s usually a sign of misalignment. Misalignment can show up as pricing that doesn’t match condition, presentation that doesn’t match price, or marketing that doesn’t clearly communicate the home’s strengths. Buyers respond quickly when a home feels coherent. They hesitate when something feels off. How buyers interpret time on market Buyers notice how long a home has been listed. They may not say it out loud, but they factor it into their expectations. A home that sits longer than average often attracts more cautious offers. Buyers assume the seller may be more flexible, which can lead to tougher negotiations later. This doesn’t mean the seller has failed. It means perception has shifted. Why early feedback is so important Feedback from the first few weeks is invaluable. It reveals whether pricing and presentation are aligned with buyer expectations. Ignoring or dismissing consistent feedback can prolong the process. Using it thoughtfully can reset momentum before time on market becomes a larger issue. When sitting is strategic and when it’s not There are times when a longer timeline is intentional. Some sellers value certainty or are coordinating moves. In those cases, time on market is not a problem. The issue arises when a home sits without a plan. That’s when frustration builds. A planning-forward reframe Instead of asking, “Why isn’t it selling?” a more helpful question is: “What signal is the market giving us, and how do we respond calmly?” That approach keeps control in the seller’s hands. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you’re wondering why your home isn’t getting traction or want to avoid that scenario altogether, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

How to Price Your Bellingham Home So It Actually Sells (Not Just Gets Clicks)

By Andi Dyer • January 16, 2026
Pricing is one of the most stressful parts of selling because it feels permanent and public. Once a price is out there, it’s visible to neighbors, buyers, and anyone scrolling online. Many sellers worry that if they price too low, they’ll leave money on the table. If they price too high, they’ll miss the moment. The reality is that pricing is not about predicting the highest possible number. It’s about positioning your home where buyers are already willing to act. Understanding how pricing actually works in Bellingham can help you approach this decision with more confidence and less second-guessing. Why pricing is more psychology than math Comparable sales matter, but pricing is not a spreadsheet exercise alone. Buyers don’t shop by logic only. They shop by brackets. They compare homes they believe are similar. They decide quickly whether something feels like a fit. When a home is priced just outside where buyers expect it to be, it often gets skipped entirely. When it’s priced in alignment with how buyers are searching, it gets attention, showings, and conversations. This is why two homes with similar features can have very different results depending on how they are priced. The importance of the first two weeks The strongest window of buyer attention is almost always the first two weeks on the market. That’s when a listing is new, visible, and actively compared against everything else. If pricing is aligned, buyers engage early. If pricing is optimistic, buyers wait. Waiting is not neutral. It changes leverage. Once a home has been on the market longer than expected, buyers begin asking “why,” even if nothing is wrong. Pricing correctly at the start protects this window. Why “testing the market” often backfires Some sellers choose to “test the market” with a higher price, assuming they can adjust later. In practice, this often leads to fewer showings and slower momentum. When a price is reduced later, buyers rarely treat it as a fresh opportunity. Instead, they assume the seller is now more flexible and negotiate more aggressively. The end result can be a lower net outcome than if the home had been priced accurately from the beginning. How local context changes pricing strategy Bellingham is not a one-note market. Buyer behavior can vary significantly by neighborhood, home style, and price range. What works in one area may not work in another. This is where local insight matters. Pricing should reflect not only recent sales, but also current buyer activity and competition in your specific segment. A planning-forward reframe Instead of asking, “What’s the highest price I can ask?” a more useful question is: “Where does my home need to be priced so the right buyers feel confident stepping forward?” That mindset tends to produce steadier momentum, cleaner negotiations, and a less stressful experience overall. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you want help pricing your home based on real buyer behavior, not guesswork, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer
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