The Bellingham Real Estate Podcast

Hosted by Paul Balzotti

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Bellingham Real Estate Podcast features Realtors and Real Estate industry professionals covering a range of Real Estate topics as well as local housing information for Bellingham Washington, Whatcom County Washington, and the Pacific Northwest.

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58 recent

July 20, 2026Episode 6014 min

Ferndale Washington. Offering Small Town Living With Big Access. With Vanessa Treadway

Ferndale offers a small town feel with quick access to North Bellingham, and we explain why that mix keeps pulling buyers north. We share what locals know, what newcomers miss, and the real-world factors that matter most when you’re choosing a Ferndale neighborhood. • reasons families move to Ferndale for location, schools, and neighborhood life • the biggest pros and cons, including amenities, dining, and small town pace • how the Portal Way overpass changes traffic and daily routes • east side versus west side trade-offs for commuting and convenience • local lore like the Ferndale fox and the Metallica bridge • the “Fernducky” misconception, plus demographics and housing variety • what to watch for in flood zones near downtown and low-lying areas • market performance, appreciation trends, and how prices compare to Bellingham If you got more questions about Ferndale, you can reach out to Vanessa Treadway at vanessatreadway@johnlscott.com

July 1, 2026Episode 5925 min

From Longhouses To ADUs: A Clear History Of Bellingham Housing with Jen Sandoval

Bellingham’s neighborhoods can feel like totally different worlds, but the pattern isn’t random. When you follow the city’s housing history, the map starts to click: why Fairhaven and South Hill skew older, why streetcar-era blocks cluster near the core, why Silver Beach developed as a distinct pocket, and why the north side and east side took off later. We sit down with Jen Sandoval, our go-to local historian for old homes and neighborhood context, and trace Bellingham housing from its deepest roots to the decisions shaping today’s market. We talk about Coast Salish history and how people used the land and water long before modern development. Then we move through the early settler period, timber mills, railroad speculation, and the boom years that left us with many of the historic downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven buildings buyers still admire. From there, the story becomes a practical guide for anyone house hunting in Whatcom County. We connect the 1903 city consolidation to infrastructure growth and the rise of Craftsman bungalows and worker cottages, then explain how the Great Depression, postwar years, cars, and I-5 reshaped what got built and where. We also dig into Western Washington University’s long-term pull on housing supply, student rentals, and why infill keeps happening around campus. We end with the current chapter: affordability pressure, mixed housing, ADUs, and the debate over neighborhood character in places like Columbia and Fairhaven, alongside the rise of new “urban village” energy in Barkley and Cordata. If you want a clearer lens for understanding Bellingham real estate, listen, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s moving here, and leave a review with the neighborhood you want us to cover next. You can reach Jen at jensandoval@johnlscott.com

June 2, 2026Episode 5835 min

Which Home Improvements Actually Pay Off Before Selling, with Ian Krause

We walk through the exact prep and pricing blueprint that helps a Bellingham home sell well over asking even when the market feels balanced. We focus on the upgrades that create a move-in-ready feeling, the projects we skip on purpose, and the hidden upside that comes from confirming zoning and ADU potential. • deciding whether to list high, at market, or a little low to trigger multiple offers • using comps to pick the right price bracket and avoid over-improving • learning which bigger remodels can pay off when they improve layout and views • timing a sale around interest rates, renting headaches, and capital gains rules • choosing high ROI updates like paint, touch-ups, and tightening loose fixtures • making smart flooring calls with carpet cleaning versus replacement • boosting curb appeal with exterior paint, pressure washing, landscaping, and window cleaning • coordinating contractors and photo timing for a clean listing launch • staging and decluttering to help buyers feel at home • emailing the City of Bellingham to confirm zoning, ADU, or subdivision options and marketing that upside Comment or subscribe if you haven't subscribed to the podcast, please do. You can reach Ian at iankrause@johnlscott.com

April 15, 2026Episode 5728 min

How To Choose The Right Bellingham Neighborhood For Your Lifestyle with Rose Forsgren

We map out Bellingham Washington neighborhoods by the way you actually live, from walkable streets near restaurants to trail-heavy areas close to Lake Whatcom. We compare vibes, housing styles, and practical trade-offs so you can narrow your search with confidence instead of guessing. • walkable neighborhood picks like Downtown, Fairhaven, Columbia, Sunnyland, York, Lettered Streets, Barkley, Sehome, South Hill, and the Western area • what “outdoorsy” looks like in Bellingham, from Whatcom Falls to Silver Beach and Geneva near Lake Whatcom and Galbraith • how I-5 creates a real east side versus west side split for some buyers • young family considerations like schools, parks, home size, and newer construction concerns • where professionals often look for condos and townhomes with lower maintenance • retiree-friendly features that make Cordata stand out, including 55+ communities, medical access, and shopping • where new construction is happening now, including Cordata, King Mountain, Irongate, Barkley, and areas near Puget and Waukom Falls • why map search beats list search when dialing in a neighborhood I’d love comments on what your favorite neighborhoods are. You can reach Rose at rosef@johnlscott.com

March 17, 2026Episode 5618 min

New Comprehensive Plan. How Bellingham Plans To Add Housing with Nicole Tingvall

Bellingham is officially planning for a much bigger future, and the numbers are hard to ignore: today’s population of around 100,000 is projected to climb to roughly 135,000 by 2045. So where do all those people live, and what does that mean for homeowners, buyers, and anyone watching Bellingham real estate? We walk through the newly adopted Bellingham Plan (the city’s comprehensive plan) and translate the parts that actually change what can be built, where, and how quickly. We dig into missing middle housing and infill development, including ADUs and DADUs, and why recent Washington State housing bills are reshaping what a “single-family lot” can support. We also share a real example from the city showing how a larger lot could qualify for multiple infill units, plus why pre-approved ADU floor plans and streamlined permitting could reduce upfront design costs and shorten timelines. If you’ve ever wondered whether adding a rental unit could pencil out, we talk through the practical side, including how some lenders may count a portion of rental income toward loan qualification. From major growth zones in the north to urban villages like Barkley Village and Cordata, we connect zoning and infrastructure to the amenities people actually care about, like transit access and walkability. We also cover key limits that still apply, including Lake Whatcom watershed protections, climate priorities, tree canopy goals, and landmark tree rules that shape what development looks like on the ground. Subscribe for more clear, local housing intel, share this with a neighbor who’s curious about ADUs, and leave a review if it helped. What part of Bellingham’s growth plan excites you or worries you most?

February 22, 2026Episode 5518 min

Living In Blaine: Affordability, Growth, And Life On The Border with Joni Wenger

We explore what life in Blaine, Washington really feels like, from walkable schools and parks to a border-enabled lifestyle and weekends on the water. We weigh the trade-offs of fewer big-box amenities against rapid housing growth, a revitalized downtown, and strong community events. • small-town feel with walkable schools, parks and waterfront • affordability compared with Bellingham for similar home quality • cross-border perks with Nexus access to White Rock and Surrey • current impact of tariffs on local businesses and spending • downtown street upgrades improving sidewalks, lighting and landscaping • annual events including Wings Over Water, July 4th, harbor music week, pirate festival and Oyster Fest • distinctions between Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo within one school system • where new construction is happening: The Ridge, Mott’s Hill, A Vista, Lincoln Mews • boating lifestyle with two marinas and fast access to the San Juan and Gulf Islands • how added rooftops may attract better groceries, restaurants and services If you have questions about Blaine, Birch Bay or Semiahmoo, reach out to Joni

December 10, 2025Episode 5420 min

2025 Market Recap and 2026 Forecast for Bellingham & Whatcom County with Justin Nelson

Spring came in hot, fall cooled it down, and somehow Whatcom County finished the year right where it started. We unpack how a classic seasonal surge ran into a wall of rising inventory and sticky mortgage rates, leaving both prices and sales flat year over year. Justin Nelson joins Paul Balzati to break down the quarter-by-quarter story: multiple offers in core neighborhoods, longer days on market across the board, and a four-month supply that changed the pace without crashing values. We get specific about buyer and seller behavior. Buyers finally had time to compare homes, revisit favorites, and negotiate on terms. Sellers had to recalibrate: a sharp first weekend is still possible for well-priced listings, but patience and realistic pricing became the norm. We also split the market by price point. The high end is carrying a heavy load of inventory and longer absorption times, while low-to-mid price bands continue to see steady demand, especially in in-town neighborhoods where convenience and condition drive action. Then we look ahead. If mortgage rates drift toward six percent, expect more transactions in 2026 as buying power recovers and fence-sitters reenter the hunt. We explore how Bellingham’s comprehensive plan—ADU expansion, potential lot splits, and broader infill—could unlock supply and attract local investment. We also discuss the potential impact of a 50-year mortgage on affordability, sales volume, and pricing dynamics, especially for entry-level and move-up buyers. Our take: modest spring appreciation followed by a plateau, more sales overall, and a high-end segment that may lag until inventory thins. Want the playbook for your next move—price strategy, timing, financing, and neighborhood selection? Tune in, subscribe for more local market insight, and leave a review with your 2026 prediction so we can revisit it next year.

October 14, 202527 min

Whatcom County Hidden Gems with Sarah Colin

We trade our favorite Whatcom County hidden gems, then stress-test each one: which picks truly fly under the radar and which are simply great. From ferry-access hikes and flat lake walks to secret bakery windows, underrated pizza, and summer community nights, we map plans you can do this week. • Baker Preserve on Lummi Island as a short ferry adventure with summit views • AM/PM Beach in Sudden Valley as a destination beach with amenities • Lake Padden off‑leash access via Galbraith lot for quieter dog miles • Hertz Trail on South Lake Whatcom as a flat, swimmable lakeside walk • Beach Store Cafe on Lummi for pizza, locals, and live music • Breakfast at Avenue Bread James Street as a specific, worthwhile order • Elizabeth Station’s sleeper pizza and pairing with Structures Brewing • Iron Rooster in Fairhaven as a weekends-only pastry window that sells out • Cobb & Cork in Bow and Chuckanut Manor as scenic, upscale date-night options • Barkley Village events—Play Days, farmers market, Tuesday Tunes—as community glue • Beach Cat Brewing’s Birch Bay and downtown spaces for family-friendly hangs • Semiahmoo area as a staycation set with beach walks, spa, and Packers We’d love your hidden gems—drop them in the comments so we can explore them next. You can also reach Sarah at sarahcolin@johnlscott.com

September 29, 2025Episode 5223 min

Where to Live for World-Class Bellingham Mountain Biking with Jessa Loudon

We share how Bellingham Washington's trail network shapes where we live, ride, and invest, from beginner-friendly bunny lines to double-black descents and the neighborhoods that put them minutes away. We also map rural options, community events, and the easements and volunteers that keep 3,000 acres open. • Galbraith mountains size, easements, and multiuse access • Trail progression from green to pro, safety, and etiquette • Geneva, Whatcom Falls, Silver Beach price bands and access • Puget and Samish neighborhoods for quick south and west entries • Lookout and Stuart mountain for expansion and acreage • Chuckanut and Blanchard mountani for coastal tech and views • How trail proximity influences home values and demand • WMBC membership, races, camps, and Trackside scene • Northwest Tune-Up festival highlights and demos If you’ve got more questions about mountain biking or real estate, you can reach out to Jessa Loudon at jessal@johnlscott.com

July 22, 2025Episode 5120 min

The Big Small Town: Finding Your Community in Bellingham Washington with William Elmer

William Elmer shares how finding community transformed Bellingham from just a place to live into a true home, and how realtors can help newcomers build meaningful connections in a new city. • Moving to a new place is challenging – it took time for William and his family to feel at home in Bellingham • Community connections started through Facebook groups and unexpectedly through a local comic book store • Bellingham offers the perfect balance as a "big small town" – large enough for anonymity when desired, small enough to regularly encounter friends • Realtors can serve as community connectors, helping newcomers find neighborhoods and activities aligned with their interests • The office environment at John L Scott creates its own supportive community network • Bellingham offers diverse communities for various interests – outdoor activities, comic books, board games, sports leagues, and more • Local nonprofits provide opportunities for deeper community engagement through volunteer work and events • JLS annual events like poker nights, baseball games, and golf tournaments support local charities while building connections • Understanding clients' interests helps realtors guide them to appropriate neighborhoods that complement their lifestyle needs If you're new to Bellingham or looking to expand your community connections, reach out to the John L. Scott team for guidance beyond just real estate transactions. You can reach William Elmer directly at williamelmer@johnlscott.com