Andi Dyer

Let me help you find your future home

  • About
  • Contact Page
  • Refer a Friend
  • News
You are here: Home / Buying a Home / Whatcom County home sales up 18 percent in 2015

Whatcom County home sales up 18 percent in 2015

January 11, 2016 By Andi Leave a Comment

BY DAVE GALLAGHER

dgallagher@bhamherald.com

Whatcom County experienced a big increase in home sales in 2015, but most of that growth took place outside of Bellingham.

 

Much of the increase in home sales took place in the Mount Baker area (up 35.1 percent year over year), Lynden (up 27.6 percent) and Ferndale (up 24.8 percent).

In Bellingham, homes sales rose just 0.8 percent. While Bellingham is still the largest single market in Whatcom County, its market share is decreasing, Johnson said. After rising to 46 percent of the residential sales in 2013, Bellingham’s share dropped to 38 percent in 2015.

Johnson said the change in market share for homes sold could have several explanations, but the biggest factor probably is the availability of land in Ferndale and Lynden to build new homes. For a family who wants a new home and makes a reasonable income, Johnson they usually need to look outside Bellingham.

“Inventory levels have dropped more in Bellingham and prices are generally higher there than for a comparable home in other areas,” Johnson said.

While home sales jumped in Whatcom County, prices rose only moderately in 2015. According to Johnson’s report, the median price for a home sold in Whatcom County last year was $285,500, a 2 percent increase compared to 2014. The median price has steadily risen in recent years: In 2014, the median price jumped 7.7 percent compared to 2013. Back in 2011, the median price was at $242,310.

Bellingham’s median price for homes sold jumped 8.7 percent in 2015, to $325,000.

It could be a bit of a mixed bag for local real estate in 2016. The aluminum smelter operations at the Alcoa Intalco Works plant near Ferndale are expected to be curtailed in the coming weeks, laying off around 465 people. If the smelter remains idled for a long period, Johnson suspects some of those workers could leave the area, putting homes on the market. Combined with the recent closure of the CH2M Hill Bellingham office and layoffs at other companies like Faithlife, there may be less demand and more inventory in the coming months.

However, mortgage rates remain low and are not expected to rise dramatically. That, combined with a local unemployment rate that had fallen to around 5 percent prior to the recent layoff announcements, could bring buyers to the market.

Currently the most in-demand homes are generally in the $300,000 range in established neighborhoods, particularly in Bellingham.

Dave Gallagher: 360-715-2269, @BhamHeraldBiz


Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article53297780.html#storylink=cpy

Filed Under: Buying a Home

About Andi

World-wide traveler. Excellent shot. Lover of Cairn Terriers (specifically Shaymus). Vegetarian. Enthusiastic, yet amateur beer brewer. Licensed, independent Real Estate Broker and Designated Broker for Sterling Real Estate. I have the inside knowledge of the 'diamonds in the rough' hiding throughout Whatcom County. Want to learn more? Contact me at AndiDyer@gmail.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Recent Posts

  • The 7 Worst Habits Homeowners Need to Break Now
  • What You Need to Know About Researching Home Prices
  • Home Upkeep Tips for People With Better Things to Do Than Chores
  • Filing Taxes After Divorce: Tips for Homeowners
  • 7 Cleaning Tips for Keeping Your Home Spotless When Selling It

Testimonials from Happy Homeowners

Andi is a very motivated and talented professional who considers all aspects of any project before quickly moving forward with precise action.
~ Teresa

Andi quickly discovered our parameters and made sure we didn't waste time looking at properties we wouldn't be interested in and stay within our budget.
~ Trulia Reviewer

Andi has a keen instinct for smart marketing and is very responsible to her clients. She is a committed Real Estate broker and has a very sunny disposition. No matter what your needs are, be it finding a home or selling your current real property, her years of experience in the field are a huge asset!
~ T.W.

It has been a pleasure working with Andi. She always has a smile and a positive attitude. She put a lot of time and effort into selling my house and I couldn't have happier with anyone else.
~J.M.

Selling a house is STRESSFUL. There are so many things to do and so many cracks to slip into. Thanks to Andi, there were no cracks with her timely checklists; she showed me that selling doesn’t have to be so stressful. A good selling experience is possible! She is the broker to keep in your back pocket.
~ Rose W.

Andi was always on our side working to make our house purchase as simple and successful as possible. The best part about working with her was that she was always more focused on answering our questions, giving us good advice, and finding homes that met our needs than she was on closing a deal. All throughout the negotiations and closing she was there quickly handling any issues that may have risen. We would recommend her to anyone. If the time ever comes when I will be looking for a new home, there isn't any question on who my Realtor will be!
~Zillow Reviewer

About Andi

World-wide traveler. Excellent shot. Lover of Cairn Terriers (specifically Shaymus). Vegetarian. Enthusiastic, yet amateur beer brewer. Licensed, independent Real Estate Broker and Designated Broker for Sterling Real Estate. I have the inside knowledge of the 'diamonds in the rough' hiding throughout Whatcom County. Want to learn more? Contact me at AndiDyer@gmail.com Read More…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

I can help you find your dream home.

I am located in two offices to support my Whatcom clients. Come visit me soon.

Office Locations

Downtown Bellingham Office
2011 Young Street, Suite 101
Bellingham, WA 98225

See Location

Ferndale Office
1820 Main Street
Ferndale, WA 98248

See Location

Sterling Logo   Realtor logo   Sterling Logo       Sterling Logo

Copyright © 2021 · Log in