As the popularity of Airbnb and vacation rentals has surged over the past decade, purchasing a second home has become increasingly feasible for many. In this episode of our Real Estate Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of managing Airbnb properties with Ian Krause, a seasoned Realtor who brings valuable experience from overseeing numerous private Airbnb accommodations.Ian provides valuable insights into the dynamics of Airbnb management and offers practical advice for prospective buyers seeking properties with high return potential in Bellingham and the broader Whatcom & Skagit County markets.Highlights of the episode include:Ian's firsthand experience managing Airbnb properties.Exploring various management services available for vacation rentals.Tips for scouting investment-worthy Airbnb properties in Bellingham and Whatcom County.Factors to consider, such as property size, in maximizing rental returns.A market update on furnished rentals.Insights into the impact of new ADU laws on Airbnb rental investments in Washington state.For more information or to connect with Ian, reach out to him at iankrause@johnlscott.com.

Bellingham, a thriving city nestled in the heart of Washington state, has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years. In this enlightening episode, Real Estate Broker Kerri Zender sits down with Paul Balzotti to reminisce about her upbringing in Bellingham and reflect on the city's remarkable evolution over time. Together, they delve into the expansion of Bellingham's city limits, highlighting the emergence of vibrant new neighborhoods such as Barkley, Baker, Cordata, and King Mountain.Key topics covered in this engaging conversation include:Kerri's personal experiences growing up in the dynamic city of Bellingham, Washington.The rich culture of outdoor activities that characterizes life in Bellingham.An exploration of the city's burgeoning population growth and its impact on the local real estate landscape.Insightful discussions on the neighborhoods that have been annexed into Bellingham's city limits, offering listeners a glimpse into the city's expanding footprint.A closer look at the concept of in-fill development and the rising popularity of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in Bellingham.For those eager to learn more or connect with Kerri, she can be reached at KerriZender@johnlscott.com. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the past, present, and future of Bellingham's dynamic real estate market.

Many homeowners have delayed a move-up purchase due to rising interest rates in 2023. In 2024, with rates projected to decline and the higher-end market still soft, this may be a good opportunity to consider a move-up purchase. Kate Fadden is a top-producing broker at JLS Bellingham, and she speaks with Paul Balzotti about the process of move-up buying and some creative ways to make it happen.00:50 What is move-up buying and what does that look like.04:18 Snoop Dogg almost buying in Bellingham.5:55 Real Estate stats that benefit a move-up purchase.08:25 Timing the market and interest rates.11:00 The costs of waiting. 14:44 Realtor cliches about it always being a good time to buy.20:20 Consolidating debt when doing a move-up purchase.You can reach Kate at katefadden@johnlscott.com.

Paul Balzotti and Vanessa Treadway look back at the 2023 Real Estate market and discuss the JLS forecast for 2024 for both Bellingham and the Whatcom County.1:00 Vanessa shares her experiences working with buyers in 2023. 2:45 The median price ranges pick up at the start of the year.5:25 Vanessa covering appreciation over the last 3-5 years.7:00 How interest rates will affect the market in 2024.11:00 When is the bottom for home values.13:00 Final predictions for JLS 2024 housing market. Any questions, please reach out to Vanessa at vanessatreadway@johnlscott.com

At the start of 2024, Washington state will require Real Estate licensees to have service agreements signed between buyers and buyers agents, outlining the agency relationship and the way the buyer's agent will get paid. Sarah Aguirre is one of JLS's top buyers agents, assisting 28 clients in 2023, 17 of them being buyers. Sarah goes over her process and some ways she tries to bring value to her clients.00:15  Buyer agency agreements need to be signed in 2024.01:15  Sarah Aguirres sales in 2023.02:35  Sarah updating her process helping buyers in a more challenging market. 06:30  Creating financing options and lender partnerships.08:50  Negotiation tactics to help buyers win in today's market. 11:10  Using data when presenting an offer. 16:44  Working with Spanish-speaking clients.You can reach Sarah at sarahaguirre@johnlscott.com

When selling your home, the details matter. And there is a range of what price your home can sell for. The factors that a Realtor can help you with to help you get top dollar include, preparation, presentation, promotion and strategic pricing. William Elmer sits down with Paul Balzotti to talk about the programs and formula behind what has helped Will sell all of his listings in 2023 for well above asking price.1:45 Market Ready Plus. The JLS  0% credit 6:40: Being Market Ready Day One. It is all in the preparation.12:00: Marketing to the backlog of buyers.You can reach Wìĺĺiam at Williamelmer@johnlscott.com.

Water rights is a major concern in Whatcom County with Washington State moving forward with water adjudication for the Nooksack basin and surrounding areas. All owners & prospective buyers of vacant land or residential homes on a well or shared well, should be aware of what is upcoming. For more questions you can reach crissyimpero@johnlscott.com

CEO of John L. Scott, J. Lennox Scott is the 3rd generation leader of the company. John L. Scott is a top 20 Real Estate brand in the country with over 100+ in the northwest region and over 3,000 associates. Lennox talks about the history of John L. Scott Real Estate, what the company is working on to evolve, the future of A.I. in Real Estate, and he provides a market forecast for Whatcom County and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. 00:15 About J. Lennox Scott & John L. Scott Real Estate.02:08 The history of John L. Scott Real Estate05:48 Industry changes and what is next for the company and the industry in general.08:40 How A.I. will change Real Estate10:45 Company philosophy.17:10 Real Estate market update & market forecast.

The city of Bellingham has agreed to adopt the majority of the new ADU (additional dwelling units) law EHB 1337 that was mandated from Washington state. Hannah Jones talks to Paul Balzotti about the changes the city has approved and what that means for Bellingham.1:00 Hannah explains.4:15 How this new law will impact the city of Bellingham.10:00 How ADU's help with Affordable homeownership.17:00 ADU's for extended family, and other benefits of more ADU's. See episode 6 of the Bellingham Real Estate podcast for more on ADU's. To reach Hannah Jones, email hannahjones@johnlscott.com

At the mid-year point in 2023, Dexter Andrews and Paul Balzotti sit down to discuss the year to date statistics, as well as the small correlation (and major differences) between the 2008 Real Estate market crash, and the 2023 market slowdown. 00:30 Dexter Andrews background in Real Estate, beginning in Minnesota.02:40 Paul Balzotti touching on 2023 mid-year market statistics.04:00 Interest rates and how they effect home prices.06:00 Predictions for rest of 2023.08:18 The year 2008 verse 2009.12:00 Stories from 2006-2012.21:00 Talking boating with Dexter.Dexter Andrews is a Real Estate broker with nearly 30 years in the business, and he can be reached at dexterandrews@johnlscott.com

When looking at a home, it's important to take a closer look at the quality and condition of a home, even before doing your home inspection. Travis Boyd is a former contractor and property manager plus offers 3 years full-time in sales. In this episode, Travis and Paul Balzotti discuss things to consider before, during, and after the home inspection when home buying. 00:30 Travis's background in construction and property management. 03:12  Consulting with a buyer before looking at homes. 04:40  First things to look for when getting to the home.12:23  Why so many deals fall apart during the inspection.16:14  What comes up the most during the inspection.20:55  New construction homes have issues too.24:15  How to work through inspection.You can reach Travis at travisboyd@johnlscott.com

Veteran Bellingham Real Estate broker Molly Visser talks about downsizing from a larger home to a smaller condo. Tips for downsizing and things to consider when buying a condo. You can reach Molly at mollyvisser@johnlscott.com00:20 - Molly Vissers background.01:10  - Molly's story about downsizing from a home to a condo.5:50 - Trade-offs and lifestyle changes.6:20 - Researching different condo HOAs.12:10 - Tips for downsizing.18:10 - Analyzing the location to downsize You can reach Molly at mollyvisser@johnlscott.com

Blake Lester talks to Paul Balzotti about his background working at Zillow, his time living out of a van in Mexico. WWU economist Hart Hodges also just provided an economic forecast for 2023 for the Whatcom Realtor association, and Blake and Paul share reports from this forecast and where the market stands early in 2023.You can reach Blake at blakelester@johnlscott.com00:20  Blake talks working for Zillow for 5 years before becoming a Realtor.02:44  The Zestimate.05:50  Blake moves to Mexico.07:25  Hart Hodges WWU economist forecast.12:00  Real Estate market update so far in 2023.14:00  Market forecast.

Glacier Washington has been the hottest Real Estate market in Whatcom County over the last 3 years. Located 10 miles northwest of the Mount Baker summit, Glacier is a popular location for 2nd homes and Air B&B homes. Marty has been serving the Glacier Washington market for nearly 20 years and shares insights into the different communities in Glacier.1:00: How Marty started working in Glacier.2:45: A-frame and chalet-style homes.7:14: The 3 main communities in Glacier and the differences between them.13:20: Air B&B process and options if renting your home. Marty can be reached at martyk@johnlscott.com.

Irena Kolbert worked in property management for 2 years before getting her Real Estate license to be a full-time sales broker. She covers some important things to consider when buying an investment property, and things to consider when hiring a property management company. 00:40 Irena's property management background.02:30 Whether or not to use a property management company.04:05 Tips for landlords not using a property management company.07:52 Tips for hiring a property management company.14:25 What Irena has learned that has transferred to Real Estate sales.19:40 The strength of the rental market in Bellingham & Whatcom County.Irena can be reached at irenakolbert@johnlscott.com

Cal Leenstra started his Real Estate career in Bellingham in the 1960's as the co-owner of Kelstrup Real Estate, which eventually became Prudential Kelstrup. He was a co-owner for 20+ years, and has continued in sales (both residential & commercial) for 50+ years!In addition, Cal holds his CCIM, the highest designation in commercial sales, and has also been investing and developing in Whatcom County real estate for 50+ years as well.  In this podcast, Cal touches on some of that history.... how things have changed (and stayed the same) in Real Estate sales, as well some investing tips.1:00  Cal's start in Real Estate.7:00  Getting started in Real Estate now verse in the 60's and 70's.10:47  Investing in Bellingham Real Estate beginning in the 1960's.16:50  Risk vs reward when considering investing today.23:15  What has changed in Real Estate and what has stayed the same. You can reach Cal at calleenstra@johnlscott.com.

Since June of 2022, the market has shifted from a frenzy sellers market in Bellingham and Whatcom County Washington, to a more balanced market. Home prices have softened and days on market has increased.Mira Gregory has been a full-time Realtor for 5+ years, and discusses with Paul Balzotti the talking points she is having with her clients in this shifting market.0:53 Mira's career background.1:24 A summary of the market shift.2:07 Setting expectations and then re-adjusting expectations with sellers during this shift.6:09 Prepping your home for sale.8:41 Market Ready Plus program to fix home up and pay for it out of closing.11:33 Buying and selling in the same market and writing contingent offers.15:05 Home buying thoughts.17:33 Where the buyers are coming from. 19:17 How many homes are selling in the first 7 & 30 days and change in intensity of the market.You can reach Mira Grigory at mira@johnlscott.com

The housing market has become more balanced over the last 6 months, with homes staying on the market longer, and buyers having more negotiation power. At the same time interest rates have risen, creating a pinch for home buyers trying to make a move. Lee Rosales is a rising star in the Real Estate business, working successfully throughout 2022 to help her buyers make it happen.Paul Balzotti and Lee Rosales discuss what they are discussing with home buyers in this changing market, and what tactics are being used to make sure they get the best deal possible.1:00  Mira's client base.2:30  Teaming up with Mira Gregory.3:30  Paul's market update.5:08  How Lee is helping buyers negotiate and navigate the current market.7:30  How the buyer process has changed as the market has shifted.10:38  Opportunities to negotiate.11:27  When is the right time to buy?15:00  Lee's prediction on home values for 2023.You can reach Lee at lee@johnlscott.com

Sarah Aguirre is a rising star in our local Real Estate business, and a big factor in her success can be attributed to social media. Sarah is active on all major platforms, regularly posting Reelz & new content (including "Spilling Tea on Realty") for both her Real Estate account as well as her husband's construction company, Mountain View construction.Paul Balzotti and Sarah talk about the different social media platforms, how it affects their Real Estate business, and tips for business owners on how to improve their social media engagement. 0:45 Fun facts about social media.3:05 What social media accounts Sarah uses and how she uses them.5:30 Direct messaging (DMing) instead of emails or texts.8:05 How Realtors use social media to help sell homes.11:14 Instagram Reelz.13:00 Tips for Realtors & business owners on how to do a better job with their social media accounts.16:12 Posting Stories.18:11 Social media for business owners.You can reach Sarah at sarahaguirre@johnlscott.com

There is a lot to know about buying your first home, and Oksana Martynyuk is a broker that has hosted First Time Buyer classes and specializes in helping first time buyers. Oksana discusses how most first-time home buyers deserve more education on the process, and more hand-holding along the way. 1:14  Why Oksana is passionate about helping first-time home-buyers.2:25  Buying a home in your 20's.5:03  Why now is a good market for first-time home buyer.8:44  First-time home-buyer loan programs.12:30 The 85% rule.15:00  What your first step should be.You can reach Oksana at oksanan@johnlscott.comLinks mentioned on the show:USDA loan program:https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans/waWashington state bond:https://www.wshfc.org/