STEP 3 – TO BUYING A HOME –WHAT I DO FOR YOU
Andi • April 11, 2024
WHAT I DO FOR YOU
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. When looking at all the factors that an agent influences, it’s easy to see how important it is to choose the right one for you.
Navigate a complicated process
Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. An expert will help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
Information and opinions
REALTORS® can provide objective information on utilities, zoning, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional can help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property most likely have a good resale value when I am ready to sell?
Negotiating skills
There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and including or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections, and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your Agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
Someone who speaks the language
If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
Experience
Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handles hundreds of estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
Complicated process
A home often symbolizes security – it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the largest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.
This content is not the product of the National Association of REALTORS®, and may not reflect NAR’s viewpoint or position on these topics and NAR does not verify the accuracy of the content.
Copyright © 2022 Andi Dyer and Sterling Real Estate Group. All rights reserved.
How to Invest in Bellingham Real Estate (Without Getting in Over Your Head) Thinking about investing in real estate in Bellingham or Whatcom County? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. Whether you’re dreaming of rental income, long-term appreciation, or a flexible space to grow into, Bellingham offers a sweet spot: high demand, zoning flexibility, and a community that values smart growth. But with opportunity comes complexity—and I’ve seen too many people dive in without a game plan. Let’s fix that. Why Bellingham? Here’s what makes our market unique (and worth investing in): Strong Rent Demand – With students, remote workers, and cross-border commuters, vacancy rates stay low and rents stay strong. Zoning That Works for You – Recent changes allow for D-ADUs, duplexes, and infill development in many areas. Appreciation + Lifestyle – Bellingham is one of the few markets where you can enjoy a Pacific Northwest lifestyle and build equity fast. The 5-Step Bellingham Investment Game Plan Get Clear on Your Goals Cash flow? Appreciation? ADU potential? Know what success looks like to you—it shapes every decision. Build Your A-Team You’ll need: A local real estate agent who understands zoning and rental potential (hi!). A lender familiar with multi-unit financing or renovation loans. A property manager, if you’re going hands-off. Pick the Right Property Type Condos & Townhomes: Lower maintenance, but may have rental caps or higher HOA dues. Duplexes/Triplexes: House-hack friendly and great for long-term rental income. Fixers with upside: Be ready for sweat equity and permitting timelines. Understand the Numbers Run the math on: Monthly rent vs. mortgage + expenses Cash-on-cash return Projected appreciation If you need help here, I’ve got a simple ROI calculator I share with clients. Plan for What’s Next Consider future use: Could you add a garage with an ADU? Convert a basement? Sell to a developer later? Strategic planning now = major rewards later. Real Talk: A Case Study I recently worked with a client who purchased a property near Cornwall Park. It wasn’t flashy—but it had an underutilized lot, and we confirmed through zoning research that a detached ADU was allowed. Fast forward 18 months: they’re renting out the main house and are nearly finished with D-ADU construction. Equity is up, and they will soon be generating $ 4,000+/month in rental income. That’s the power of thinking a few moves ahead. Need a Map for Your Next Move? If you’re exploring real estate investing in Bellingham or Whatcom County, I’d love to be your resource. I’ll help you: Identify high-potential properties Decode zoning and rental rules Run the numbers on your terms Let’s create a strategy that builds wealth and fits your life.
If you’ve been refreshing rate trackers over your morning Woods Coffee, good news: Whatcom County mortgage rates just slid to a new 2025 low after a softer-than-expected U.S. jobs report. Translation? The bond market is betting the Federal Reserve will trim short-term rates multiple times, and that’s putting downward pressure on home loan costs here in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, and Birch Bay. Why rates dropped this week (in plain English) When the monthly jobs report comes in weak, investors get cautious and shift money into safer assets like U.S. Treasurys. That pushes Treasury yields down—and mortgage rates often follow. You may hear chatter about “basis points” and “Fed cuts.” Don’t stress the jargon: the big picture is that borrowing just got a bit cheaper. Jobs report → bond yields → mortgage rates Slower hiring = lower expectations for inflation and growth Lower expectations = lower bond yields Lower bond yields = more favorable mortgage rates for homebuyers What lower rates mean in Bellingham, Ferndale & beyond Buyers: more purchasing power (but move fast) A small rate dip can boost your budget by tens of thousands over a 30-year loan. In neighborhoods like Barkley, Lettered Streets, and Cordata—where updated homes under $700K still draw weekend traffic—expect renewed competition. Get pre-approved and rate-locked so you can tour on Saturday and write on Sunday. Sellers: more showings, smarter pricing Falling rates wake up sidelined buyers. That can mean stronger open house turnout in Ferndale’s newer plats and quicker activity on well-prepped listings near Lake Whatcom and Meridian. Price with the market (not last spring’s wish list), and lean on fresh staging and pro photos to ride the momentum. Should you refinance now or wait? Have a rate starting with 7 or 8? Run the numbers now. Even a 0.5% drop can pay for itself quickly. Locked recently in the mid-6s? Keep an eye on the next Fed meeting. If the trend continues, a “float-down” with your lender could be your friend. Jumbo or VA/FHA loans? Program-specific pricing moves differently—let’s audit your scenario before you jump. Local lens: Whatcom County micro-trends we’re seeing Bellingham real estate market: Nicely updated, move-in-ready homes under the county median still draw multiple offers when priced right. Lynden: Tight inventory for single-level homes; rate drops amplify demand from downsizers. Birch Bay/Blaine: Waterfront and view condos perk up quickly when rates ease—watch HOA dues and special assessments in your math. Ferndale: Newer construction with energy-efficient features is benefiting as monthly payments dip. Action plan: 3 quick steps to capitalize Get a same-day pre-approval refresh. Rates shift. Make sure your letter and payment estimates reflect today’s pricing. Request a “payment-first” search. Tell me your ideal monthly payment; I’ll reverse-engineer neighborhoods and property types that fit. Plan your lock strategy. Consider a lock-and-shop or float-down option, especially if you’re 30–45 days from closing. FAQ Will lower mortgage rates drop home prices in Bellingham? Not automatically. Lower rates often increase demand, which can support or nudge up prices—especially for well-located, move-in-ready homes. Is it better to buy now or wait for more Fed cuts? If the right home shows up and the payment works, waiting can cost you in competition. We can structure contingencies and a lock strategy to manage risk. What about first-time buyers in Whatcom County? Here’s the bonus: I’m a certified Washington State Housing Finance Commission instructor , which means I can connect you with programs that unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance . If you’re starting out, this can be a serious game-changer. Call me today to start a conversation, Andi Dyer, 360.734.6479
Bellingham SeaFeast: Save the Dates! SeaFeast is back on the waterfront Saturday–Sunday, Sept 27–28 , 10 am–5 pm at Squalicum Harbor, and general admission is free . It’s a two-day celebration of our working harbor, maritime heritage, and (of course) incredible local seafood. What to expect Local seafood vendors (yes, the food court is your oyster), a beer/wine/cider garden, and Lummi Nation’s traditional salmon barbecue. Hands-on maritime fun: kids boat-building, “meet your fisherfolk,” a Coast Guard rescue demo, a family parade, and a waterfront 5K, Live music, arts vendors, education booths with a prize “passport,” and more. Plus, you can level-up your day with ticketed experiences like San Juan Cruises harbor rides, an All American Marine tour, a VIP Lounge with raw oyster bar, and crafty workshops. Plan your visit : Explore the overview and reserve ticketed add-ons in advance so you can spend less time in line and more time on the docks with your favorite fisherfolk.
21 Projects That Will Actually Hurt Your Home Value
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & October) Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Choose your series: * September: Sept 15 and Sept 17 at 6:00 pm * October: Oct 20 and Oct 21 at 6:00 pm Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & October) Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Choose your series: * September: Sept 15 and Sept 17 at 6:00 pm * October: Oct 20 and Oct 21 at 6:00 pm Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.
If you know Bellingham, you know 1107 Railroad Ave. This is the building that grew up with Boundary Bay Brewery from its early days in the basement to the bustling beer garden and stage that became a heartbeat of downtown. Now, this iconic property is officially back on the market . 3 connected buildings (1103–1107 Railroad Ave) Prime .55 acre lot across from Depot Market Square 10,599 sq. ft. of historic commercial space Zoned Commercial with endless potential Whether you see the future as a brewery, event space, or another community-minded hub, opportunities like this don’t come around often. Reach out today to explore this rare piece of Bellingham’s history and future. Andi Dyer Real Estate Real estate with care, respect, and vision Andi: 360.734.6479 | Katie: 360.820.3065
Tuesday evenings now through Aug 26th from 6–8 PM , depart from the Bellingham Cruise & Ferry Terminal for a bay tour with local legend Kolby LaBree plus select trivia and family nights. Tickets $55 (or $45 for Museum members); kids 5 and under sail free . Proceeds support Whatcom Museum programs. Grab your spot before they sell out. P.S. I did the history tour with Kolby a few weeks ago and it was terrific, I learn something new each time with her!
Join us and our guest Amy Baker to learn about first-time home buying on Tuesday, August 19th, at Goods Local Brews (2620 Northwest Ave.) at 6 pm. Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to help make the process simple and stress-free! Join us for our First-Time Home Buyer Seminar, where we’ll break down everything you need to know—from understanding mortgages and down payment assistance programs to navigating the home-buying process with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, this seminar will provide expert insights and practical advice to help you make informed decisions on your journey to homeownership. Questions? Call/text: 360.734.6479
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