The Muljat Group Blog

While some aspects of the Whatcom County economy appeared to be getting back on track in 2011, construction continued to struggle. An analysis of the Whatcom, Bellingham and Ferndale building permits showed several trends as well as a common theme: Investment in new projects remained quite sluggish last year, in some cases the slowest in many years. “We’re still in a period of shoring up and absorbing (vacant spaces),” said Troy Muljat of The Muljat Group, referring to business projects like retail, industrial and office buildings. “People are renovating existing spaces, and that won’t change until the absorption hits a level where there is rent growth.” To read more information visit http://bit.ly/y5yjlS .

Muljat Group Realtors | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |

In 2011 Whatcom County real estate agents sold 1,837 homes, down 1.1 percent compared to 2010. The median price last year was $242,310, down 3.1 percent, accoding to data collected by Lylene Johnson of The Muljat Group. “Home sales have stabilized, possibly because prices are lower and people can afford to buy,” Johnson said. “I see this potentially continuing into 2012. We’ll be in stable, calm real-estate market for a while.” To read more information visit http://bit.ly/xQZ7fo .

Muljat Group Realtors | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |

Whatcom County’s foreclosure rate dropped to its lowest rate in 16 months. The percentage of county mortgages in some stage of foreclosure was 1.09 percent in October, down from 1.16 percent in September and the lowest level since June 2010.  Whatcom’s mortgage delinquency rate was slightly higher in October than the previous month. Whatcom mortgages more than 90 days late hit 4.19 percent, compared to 4.17 percent in September.  To read more information visit http://bit.ly/xnCKsa .

Muljat Group Realtors  | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | www.muljatgroup.com |

Stacey Harmon attended a Muljat Group staff meeting. Stacey is a national speaker for the National Association of Realtors. She covered many topics dealing with Facebook and Social Media in today’s market.

Thank you Stacey!

The Muljat Group | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |

The Muljat Group is collecting Toys for Tots! All toys must be new and unwrapped only. If you would like to donate a toy for our Whatcom County children, please stop by the Muljat Group Realtors at 510 Lakeway Drive. To read more about Toys for Tots organization, please visit http://bit.ly/vVlzmC .

The Muljat Group | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |

The Muljat Group in Lynden is having a food drive in the month of November! Please drop off non-perishable food items at the Muljat Group North in Lynden. All collected food will be brought to the Project Hope, Lynden, aiding families in need. While your in Lynden, don’t forget to enter a drawing to win a dinner gift card to “The Reserve Restaurant Lounge Lynden”!

Drop Off Location: Muljat Group North, 505 Front Street, Downtown Lynden

 Muljat Group Realtors | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |

Brokers reported 4,988 closed sales during September, beating the year-ago volume by 991 transactions for a gain of almost 25 percent. Northwest MLS members added 7,923 new listings to the database last month, the fewest since February. The median price on last month’s closed sales of single family homes and condominiums (combined) was $233,945, down about 9 percent from September 2010. This market is proving to be challenging, but not for the reasons you might think. Historical low interest rates combined with lower adjusted prices are attracting home buyers and investors at a healthy sales activity level, said president of WRE.

Muljat Group Realtors | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |

A report from Trendgraphix shows us that numbers have gone up since last year! Last year in August there were 164 homes sold in Whatcom County. This year the number is up by 37! View the graph below for more information or call us for more information at 360.733.3030!

The Muljat Group Realtors | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |

After a lackluster July, Whatcom County home sales strongly rebounded in August, posting the highest monthly total in more than two years. Last month real estate agents sold 250 houses and condominiums. While sales picked up, prices dropped. Last month the median price for those Whatcom home and condo sales was $234,750. Much of the growth in home sales were concentrated in the Lynden and Ferndale areas, said Lylene Johnson, a real estate agent for The Muljat Group. To read more information visit http://bit.ly/qsQmpe .

 
The Muljat Group Realtors | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |

Northwest MLS members added 9,626 new listings of single family homes and condominiums during the month of July. View the chart below to view more information.

Muljat Group Realtors | 510 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA | 360-733-3030 | www.muljatgroup.com |