Blaine Area Blog

By now everyone knows the great weather has arrived in Whatcom County.  Hopefully, you were able to get in on some the activities and didn't miss the hole in one (13th hole) during the NCAA Div II championship hosted at Loomis Trail, I don't think  anyone  in the area  missed The  Ski to Sea.

On a different note.  Real Estate activity in Whatcom County has started to increase.  It is that time of year when business does increase.  However, looking at the numbers, it appears that the $8,000 tax credit, low interest rates and a great inventory to choose from has sparked an increase in pendings and solds.

Lenders have tightened their guidelines and continue to do so.  However, with a great credit score a few other lender requirements, you can get a great deal on your dream home.

I have listed below the current ratios for the area.  January '09 numbers versus May 23, 2009.  The ratios give us numeric pulse of the business.  0-45% (buyers Market)   45-55 (balanced Market)                    55-100 (Sellers Market)

By watching the ratios, you can keep an accurate reading of market trends by price break and area.

Location          January (ratio)     May (ratio)

Bellingham      13.50                    26.09

Blaine             8.22                     14.41

Ferndale         11.89                    18.45

Lynden           13.19                    15.24

Sudden Valley  19.67                   22.70

The ratios have been tracked on a weekly basis.  If you want to look at the steady progression of  percentages, go to:  www.WhatcomCountyHomeSearch.com  Move down the left side of buttons.  You will find all of the above locations with individual buttons/information and graphs.

Hope this blog entry was helpful. 

If you need additional information, give me a call.

Friday is here and it is Memorial Day weekend in the northwest.  So, what are you going to do? 

If you haven't taken in the NCAA Men's Division II golf championship at Loomis Trail Golf Course in Blaine, WA this past week, you've still got some time left to head north to Blaine and Loomis Trail Golf Course.  They should still be out finishing up around 6:30 tonight...and it is not getting dark until around 8:30.  So, you still have time.  Best part is that this is all free!  This has been happening all week (ends tonight) and we should find out final scoring tonight about 6:30 to 7:00.

Okay, how about Saturday and Sunday?  Weather report says it is going  to be beautiful all the holiday weekend.  Maybe you should consider the Ski To Sea.  This yearly celebration could  keep you going all weekend.  The races, parades, even after hours.  If you want to plan out a Ski To Sea weekend, my suggestion would be to go to:  www.SkiToSea.com 

Want a kinder, gentler type of weekend?  How about Birch Bay State Partk?  This park might be small. but is one of the most beautiful beaches and parks around.  Walk the beaches, enjoy the sunsets, ducks, eagles, put your toes in the water.  After you finish drive into Birch Bay and enjoy the restaurants and  shops.  For information on Birch Bay State Park and other parks go to:  www.Parks.Wa.Gov.com

Want to watch the the sun go down and the lights of White Rock,Canada light up?  After you finish walking the beaches, head a few minutes north to Semiahmoo.  Drive all the way across the spit until  you are  at the Semiahmoo Resort.  Park your car, grab a blanket and walk to the north side of spit. Get settled in and watch the sun go down while the lights of White Rock, Canada begin to twinkle.  If you get a little chill, go to the Resort, they have a great restaurant and coffee shop.

I hope you enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!

The golf Gods have smiled on Blaine, Washington!

The NCAA Men's Division II Golf Championship has been playing at Loomis Trail Golf Course since Tuesday.  The practice rounds started were Sunday and Monday. 

Sunday was the perfect golf day, clear, near perfect temperature and you could easily see Mt. Baker in the background. 

Monday not so!  Monday was cool rainy day and when I dopped by the course, I couldn't see anybody out practicing.  They may have been out, I didn't get out and walk the course.

The weather report said it was suppose to rain all week.  Tuesday rolled around and it was another great day.  Temperature at 1:30 was 55 degrees and the wind was out of the south at about 10 mph.

If the wind was giving any problems on number 12, I didn't hear any grumbling.  In fact it was very quiet out there.  A lot of intense concentration!

The weather report has changed and given a blessing for the rest of the week.  It is suppose to North West Washington beautiful.

Take Friday off and get out and enjoy some great golf at a great course.  It is free and parking has been easy.

If you want track the scores, go to: http://www.golfstat.com/

Sunday and Monday were going to be two days of practice for the NCAA players.  I had the opportunity Sunday to watch some mighty fine golf on Sunday. 

I say Sunday because the nice weather went to NW rain in Blaine on Monday.  Sunday the weather was near perfect, 78 degrees, beautiful blue sky and not much wind. 

I heard a couple of the players say that the 12th hole was challenging.

The guys were tearing up the course.  It was encouraging to see someone actually grip it and rip it.  I didn't see any player stare down the ball or do a pre-swing waggle before hitting the ball.  Everyone I watched checked out the hole, got the line, set up and crushed the ball.

After the players got off the course, they were still at the driving range hitting balls and working on their chipping and putting...poetry in motion--they knew what they were doing.  Most of them called it a day about 7:00pm.  I also called it a day and went over to Semiahmoo to watch the sun go down, end of a great day.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) starts the tournament and the weatherman has called for rain until Thursday.  Should make for some interesting golf.

Hope you enjoyed this entry in The Blaine Area Bolg. take some time off and visit the Tournament at Loomis Trail Golf Course in Blaine, WA    If you need information regarding Real Estate, go to www.WhatcomCountyHomeSearch.com  and  www.WesNygaard.com

The picture says it all.  Stress?  What stress?  Next time you feel relaxed on the course, remember this picture...before a tournament.

Looking for the essentials on your way to water in Birch Bay or going to Birch Bay State Park?

The long awaited new grocery store, The Market at Birch Bay Square has officially opened.  Grand opening was May 13, 2009. 

The new store location offers general foods and upscale varieties of groceries, Boars Head Deli Meats & Cheeses, Salad Bar, fresh cut meats, poultry, and fish.  The fresh produce department offers nice selections of fruits and vegetables with taste selection trays to sample fruits. 

Their bakery is impressive with fabulous varieties of fresh baked artisan breads, pastries and gorgeously decorated, decadent cakes and other pies and desserts for all occasions.  You can enjoy eating deli prepared foods and salad bar in the special dining area at the indoors and outside patio with fireplaces for cozy warmth and ambience as you visit with friends and family.   

If you are in need of a gift, the store also sells gift cards to restaurants and stores and has a nice selection of floral bouquets, color bowls, and garden plants. 

The store location is just off of I-5 on Exit 270, Lynden Birch Bay Road at Birch Bay Square which is really convenient for those coming or going out to enjoy the water at Birch Bay, Semiahmoo or Canadians crossing the border, not to mention all the locals needing a new option. 

You can also enjoy fresh brews at The Woods Coffee, and eateries like Bob's Burger and Jack in the Box restaurants. 

I hope you enjoyed this entry in the Birch Bay Area Blog. If you want information regarding Real Estate in the Blaine-Birch Bay area, log into:  www.WhatcomCountyHomeSearch.com

Search All Homes For Sale In Whatcom County:  www.WhatcomCountyHomeSearch.com

Beautiful and Private 4.8+/- acre lot in gated community located on the south side of H Street Road. Only minutes to the US-Canadiam border, close to shopping, Blaine Marina and White Rock, BC. Gated access to the community, paved driveway, shared well, propagate, electricity. Septic permitted for 4 bedrooms.  For more information regarding Real Estate in Whatcom County:  www.WesNygaard.com

Love Golf?  Love Golf!

Tomorrow, Sunday May 16th starts the practice rounds for The 2009 NCAA Division II Men's National Championship at Loomis Trail Golf Club.  Practice rounds will be Sunday and Monday.

There will be an early shotgun start, there will be an early morning wave, and an afternoon wave.

There is no charge to spectators, just stay on the cart path and at least 15 feet from the players.

Kudos to Bret Eaton and staff, the course looks great.  Staff was saying the course is in great shape and the greens are running fast. 

Watch the players on holes 11, 12 and 13.  The're going to be tough!   Especially number 12 if there is some wind.  The wind will make the 12th hole, 223 yard par 3 into a 235-240 yarder.

Some of the schools that will be at the 2009 Div. II Men's Golf National Championship:  North Alabama, Wayne State, Colorado-CO Springs, Indiana U.of PA, Northeastern State, CSU, Fayetteville State, Sonoma State, Central Missouri, Concord, Columbus State, CSU San Bernardino, Ferris State, Fairmont State, Georgia College and State U, Indianapolis, Grand Canyon, St. Thomas Aquinas, Chico St. Florida Southern, Western Washington.  Hope I got them all. 

Take some time off, go to Greens at Loomis Trail and see some of the best golf around.

See you at Loomis!

The Greens At Loomis Trail--$142,500--Lot #11 is one of the finest and one of the largest fairway facing homesite lots in The Greens At Loomis Trail. 15,681 +/- sqft. with all 6 utilities in the ground. Spectacular views of 12th hole, ponds, the fairway, clubhouse, Mt.Baker and more! This prime building location is only a short stroll via sidewalk to the clubhouse and driving range. Level and easy location to build your dream home!  Check out this lot and the entire area while attending the NCAA Men's Div. II Tournament at Loomis Trail May 17th thru May 22nd.  More information:  www.WhatcomCountyHomeSearch.com

Beautiful Lynden Home--$699,000--4800+/-SF. 6 bdrm, 5.5 bath w office and bonus room, master suite on the main and second floor. This home has radiant heat under all tiled areas-individual zone thermostats, hardwood floors, crown molding throughout the entire home, 9 foot ceilings, and high efficiency heating system, granite counters, and cherry cabinets, short walk to Isom Intermediate School. The best materials and attention to details are evident everywhere in this home. Also, open floor plan, RV parking, huge deck, master shower w/ steam!  More information:  www.1542WestviewPl.com   or   www.WhatcomcountyHomeSearch.com

Love golf? 

If you do, then you're going to enjoy taking some time off from the regular work schedule and heading north to Loomis Trail Golf Course to watch some of the best. 

There  will be 20 teams, 5 on each team.  Golfers from all across the USA.  They will be practicing Sunday and Monday, rounds begin on Tuesday and will end on Friday. 

Practice:  Sunday May 17th and Monday May 18th

Tournament:  Tuesday May 19th thru Friday May 22nd. 

This will be at no charge to the public to watch; however, course management asks that you stay on the cart path and stay at least 15 feet from the players. 

Loomis Trail Golf Course is Located at:  4342 Loomis Trail, Blaine, WA  98230

Phone:  360.332.1725   or  (Pro Shop) 360.332.8138

Directions:  I-5 to exit 270 (Birch Bay Lynden Road),  West to Peace Portal Drive.  Turn right on Peace Portal Drive and go north to Loomis Trail--make sure you turn LEFT on Loomis Trail (WEST).  Loomis Trail is a split road.  One portion will take you to the east over the Hwy-not the correct road or direction.  When you reach Loomis Trail, turn left (west) and drive approximately 1 1/2 miles.  The course is on the north side of the road. 

Be sure to congratulate Golf Course Superintendant, Bill Dierdorff, on the beautiful course and a job well done!