The Bellingham Real Estate Podcast

Paul Balzotti
  • 5.0 (11)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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.

  1. DEC 10

    EP: 0054 - 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.

    21 min

  2. OCT 14

    EP: 0053 - 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

    28 min

  3. SEP 29

    EP: 0052 - 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

    23 min

  4. JUL 22

    EP: 0051 - 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

    21 min

  5. APR 28

    EP: 0050 - Where Real Estate Meets the Sea: Bellingham's Marine Community with Barbara Thevenaz

    We explore Bellingham's vibrant boating scene and waterfront real estate opportunities with Barbara, who balances her realtor career with working as a checkout skipper at San Juan Sailing. • Barbara shares her sailing journey from the University of Wisconsin to California racing and now the Pacific Northwest • The San Juan Islands offer protected waters with milder weather conditions compared to Southern California's open ocean sailing • Popular boating routes include state parks, Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor, and Rosario on Orcas Island • The charter season runs April through early November, though experienced boaters can navigate year-round • Local boating events include May 1st opening day celebrations, the historic Pitch Regatta, and Thursday night racing • Entry points to boating include Community Boating Center for small boats and San Juan Sailing for ASA certification • Bellingham and Blaine have Port of Bellingham marinas, while Sandy Point, Birch Bay Village, and Semiahmoo offer docks from residential properties • Birch Bay Village provides extra security for boat owners who travel seasonally • Marine wildlife encounters include harbor seals, dolphins, porpoises, and occasional orca sightings • Lake Whatcom offers sailing opportunities through Lakewood facility for students and certain organizations You can reach Barbara at barbarathevenaz@johnlscott.com

    21 min

  6. MAR 30

    EP: 0049 - Bellingham Trails: Navigating Bellingham's 40+ Miles of Connected Pathways with Irena Lambrou

    Discover Bellingham's extensive trail systems and how they connect the city's diverse neighborhoods. We explore both well-known paths and hidden gems that make Bellingham a paradise for walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all experience levels. • Trail systems throughout Bellingham allow users to loop around the entire city with minimal road travel • Chuckanut and southern areas feature Fragrance Lake trails and the Interurban connecting to Fairhaven • Waterfront trails link Boulevard Park through downtown with stunning bay views • Eastern neighborhoods (Barkley, Roosevelt, Alabama Hill) offer the most accessible trail connections • Whatcom Falls Park provides family-friendly recreation with waterfalls, swimming holes and playgrounds • Galbraith Mountain features 20+ miles of trails for mountain bikers of all skill levels • Lake Padden's loop and surrounding trails connect back to southern neighborhoods • Most trails are dog-friendly but check regulations as some areas have restrictions • Many trails feature well-maintained gravel surfaces with good tree canopy for year-round use • Apps like All Trails and Trail Forks help newcomers navigate the extensive network Know before you go - check which trails allow dogs, mountain bikes or horses as designations vary throughout the system. You can reach Irena at irenalambrou@johnlscott.com

    39 min

  7. FEB 11

    EP: 0048 - From Renting to Owning: Gen Z's Path Home Ownership with Irena Kolbert

    Generational trends highlight the pressing challenges facing Gen Z in homeownership, with only 3-4% of all homeowners represented by this Generation. John L. Scott Real Estate broker Irena Kolbert shares her story of financial discipline, sacrifices made during early career years, and essential tips such as consulting lenders and maintaining the right mindset to achieve homeownership dreams.  • Defining Gen Z and discussing homeownership statistics  • Challenges faced by Gen Z in the housing market  • Personal sacrifices made for saving money  • Importance of mindset in achieving financial goals  • Need for open conversations with lenders and real estate agents  • Strategies for future home purchases and leveraging opportunities You can reach Irena at irenakolbert@johnlscott.com.

    24 min

  8. JAN 21

    EP: 0047 - Debunking Real Estate Myths with Leela Nelson-Hollcroft

    Podcast Summary: Debunking 3 Common Real Estate Myths with Leela Nelson-Hollcroft In this episode, Realtor Leela Nelson-Hollcroft tackles three widespread myths in real estate, sharing her expertise and personal experiences to provide valuable insights for buyers and sellers. 00:30 – Myth #1: You need 20% down to buy a home. Leela recounts her inspiring story of purchasing a home with zero down as a single mom in her 20s. This experience motivated her to become a Realtor and help others achieve homeownership. She breaks down financing options such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, which often require as little as 5% or even no money down. 07:25 – Myth #2: Spring is the best time to sell your home. Leela and Paul explore the common belief that spring is the ideal season for selling. While spring often brings higher intensity, multiple offers, and beautiful landscaping, Leela emphasizes that supply and demand in Bellingham and Whatcom County remain steady year-round. Ultimately, the best time to sell is when it works best for your personal situation. 12:15 – Myth #3: Pricing your home slightly above market value is the best strategy. Leela debunks the idea that listing a home above market value creates better negotiation opportunities. Research shows that pricing competitively results in faster sales and higher final prices, whereas overpricing often leads to homes selling for less. However, Leela notes that pricing strategies can vary depending on market conditions. 📧 Contact Leela If you’d like to connect with Leela Nelson-Hollcroft, reach her at leelah@johnlscott.com.

    24 min
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5
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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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