WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Well, it’s May in the Pacific Northwest—when the flowers bloom, the sun pretends like it’s here to stay, and people start to wonder if it’s finally time to buy or sell that house they’ve been stalking on Zillow for the last six months.

As a local real estate agent serving Ferndale, Bellingham, Blaine, Birch Bay and the rest of beautiful Whatcom County, I get asked a LOT of the same questions.

So in honor of spring cleaning, house hunting, and moms who pretend not to be annoyed when you move back in “for a few months,” I’ve rounded up Google’s top 10 real estate questions—and I’m answering them with equal parts info and sass. Let’s dive in.

1. “Is now a good time to buy a house?”

Short answer: If you’re ready financially and emotionally (in other words: you won’t cry every time you look at mortgage rates), then yes.

Long answer: In Whatcom County, we’re seeing steady demand and limited inventory, especially in places like Ferndale and Birch Bay. While rates might not feel like a bargain, the PNW market remains a smart long-term investment. Additionally, if you buy now, you can always refinance at a lower rate later. As rates start to drop, you will also start to see house prices increase, so choosing to wait to buy will cause you to pay more for your house than if you bought today. Bonus: you get bragging rights for owning real estate in this beautiful part of the world.

2. “How much house can I afford?” Great question—also known as “How big a house can I buy without giving up avocados or joy?”

Call your friendly neighborhood realtor (Hi, that’s me) I have an amazing lender that can help you determine exactly what you can afford. A good rule? Your mortgage payment should be around 25-30% of your monthly income. Unless you’re a cat—then you just sit in the box the house came in anyway.

3. “What does a real estate agent actually do?”

Besides playing the part of therapist, part tour guide, and full-time negotiator? We help you buy, sell, and survive the process. I’ll help price your home, market it, handle showings, paperwork, negotiations, and make sure you don’t lose your mind when someone offers $40K under asking “because they feel like it.” “How do I sell my house fast?” Easy-and this works every time – price it right! Additionally, stage it well, and call me. Kidding! (Kind of, but not really)! Want a serious tip? Clean like your in-laws are coming over and take amazing photos (I know a great real estate photographer). Also, declutter—you want potential buyers to be able to see themselves living there.

4. “How much is my house worth?”

Some say, “whatever someone will pay.” Others say, “Check Zillow.” I say: let a local realtor (hi, call me!) do a comparative market analysis. A home in Blaine may be priced differently than a similar one in Bellingham, thanks to neighborhood vibes, schools, views, and proximity to the nearest coffee shop.

5. “Should I rent or buy?”

If you love flexibility and calling your landlord when the dishwasher breaks—rent. If you want to build equity and decorate however you want (hot pink walls? sure!), buy. In the PNW, homeownership still beats long-term renting in terms of value, especially in Whatcom County where demand keeps climbing.

6. “What should I look for in a house?”

Besides “not haunted”? Think location, layout, condition, and future resale potential. Pro tip: Bring a checklist, a flashlight, and me because you’ll need someone who won’t be blinded by the shiny backsplash and forget to check the water heater or ask about that funky smell in the basement.

7. “How long does it take to buy a house?”

From “we just started looking” to “where are the spoons in this new kitchen?”—typically 30-60 days after an offer is accepted. Longer if Mercury is in retrograde or someone decides to buy a new car, change jobs, or switch lenders halfway through. (Don’t do that.)

8. “Do I need 20% down?”

Nope! There are plenty of programs that help, especially for first-time buyers! There are programs that allow as little as 3-5% down. In fact, putting down less doesn’t always mean you’re less qualified. It just means you’re like most of us: not swimming in spare cash. Let me connect you with an awesome lender that spells things out and actually makes you feel smart for understanding his numbers speak .

9. “What’s the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent?”

A buyer’s agent helps you find and negotiate the best deal on a home. A seller’s agent markets your home and fights to sell it for top dollar. Some real estate agents (like yours truly) do both—and wear many hats, including but not limited to, hype person, paperwork wizard, and occasional babysitter during open houses.

And Now… A Word About Mom.

In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s give a standing ovation to the moms who…

  • Keep the family moving (sometimes literally—like to a new zip code).
  • Organize the garage sale, stage the living room, and bake cookies for the open house.
  • Somehow know the Wi-Fi password AND the property tax rate.

If you’re a mom, fur mom, or mom representative that’s juggling a move or gifting one a new home this season—let’s chat. I’m here for all of it, even if the baby cries during the showing or the dog eats the appraisal. Coffee or Tea is on me in May – I would love to get to know you…. even if you are not in the market! Sometimes you just have to get the kids out and do something!

Need help buying or selling in Ferndale, Bellingham, Blaine, Birch Bay, or anywhere else in beautiful Whatcom County? I’ve got the experience, the humor and the hustle to make it happen.

Let’s connect and get you home! Call, text, or send a carrier pigeon – 360-920-8220

Happy May and hug your mom!