All posts by Jerry Blankers

New Listing- Historic Lynden Home

Real Estate
Historic home on picturesque tree lined Front Street, just steps to downtown Lynden. Original oak flooring in formal dining room, spacious living room, updated kitchen opens to eating space and family room, large utility/mud room, main floor master suite with walk in closet and bath. 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs with bath and dry basement for all your storage needs. Extra spacious private patio and detached garage with shop area, loft storage and alley access. Upstairs could easily be converted back to apartment if you desire. Explore the possibilities! Offered at $259,500
Click here for more information and photos.

Homeowner Net Worth

Real Estate
Home values have TRIPLED in the last 30 years, setting homeowners average net worth at $160,000. That’s down from average net worth of $230,000 at the height of the housing market, but it remains in stark contrast to renters net worth which has barely changed in the last 30 years and is an average of $4000. Home buyers who enter the market now, at a low point, stand to have significant gains over the years and increasing net worth.
Courtesy of Lawrence Yun, Realtor Magazine

Raspberry Festival 2012

Real Estate
Join us in downtown Lynden July 20 & 21 for the 14th annual Curt Maberry Memorial Classic 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the streets of Lynden. Held in conjunction with the Raspberry Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Food vendors, live music, kids bouncy house and much much more! The Muljat Group is proud to honor Curt’s memory by organizing, running and sponsoring the 3 on 3 tournament.
Go to www.lynden.org for details on the festival.

Housing Forecast

Real Estate

QUOTE OF THE WEEK… “Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.” –William James, American philosopher and psychologist

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE… The housing market sure seems to be getting a second wind. The latest forecast from the National Association of Realtors predicts a 9.5% gain in existing home sales in 2012 and a 6.9% boost in 2013, to almost 5 million units. New home sales are projected to jump 29% this year and 62% (!!) in 2013, to 629,000 units. Median prices for existing homes should be UP 3% in 2012 and UP 5.7% in 2013. New home median prices are expected UP 4% this year and UP 4.6% in 2013.

Courtesy of Nicole Walker, Sterling Bank

Picking the Right Neighborhood

Real Estate

Picking The Right Neighborhood

You’re in the market to buy. You’ve probably given a lot of thought to the type of home you want as well as your budget and buying price range. There’s an additional topic, though, that requires your careful consideration. Which neighborhood is right for you?

Neighborhoods vary as widely as the people that live within them. Some have diligent HOA’s with strict rules of appearance and conduct, while others are more lax … sometimes to the detriment of home values.

It’s important to research the neighborhood where you’re considering purchasing a home. You want an area that fits your needs, personality, and social habits. These factors can influence your overall happiness just as much as that updated master bath or outdoor kitchen.


Read the full story from Realty Times.

Posting courtesy of wahomeowners.com.

Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market

Real Estate
In this rebounding real estate marketplace buyers need to have guidelines for success in their real estate search. Buyer should know what they are up against and what opportunities are available.
Be prepared by checking your credit report, study nearby comparable sales, be ready to negotiate, know the local market and plan for closing costs.
With the help of your Realtor, preplanning and understanding the market can smooth out your real estate transaction.

Housing on the Rebound

Real Estate
May Housing Stats the best they have been in 2 years

According the the article in the Seattle Times the housing market has shown more promise last month than it has in over 2 years. With home prices still low and interest rates at record lows builders are gaining confidence in the Real Estate Market and are building at a faster pace than we have seen in the last few years.
NOW is the time to jump in the Real Estate market.
Click on the following to read the article Read the full article from the Seattle Times here…