Resource hub
Navigate Your Real Estate Decisions With Confidence
Access a curated selection of resources, vetted local professionals, and services.
Buying or selling a home is one of a family’s most consequential financial and emotional endeavors. To streamline this journey, I have put together this resource hub designed to simplify the process and point you in the right direction.
Learning
For Buyers
Other resources for buyers
Free Guides / Resources
Special Discounts
Get our exclusive discount list- rental cars, hotels, fitness and more offers.
Discount sheet ➦
Utility & Services
Important information all in one place
Open PDF ➦
Discover Bellingham
Get in-depth community information on Whatcom
City Website ➦
Learning
For Sellers
Market Snapshot
Whatcom County Monthly Real Estate Report, see the data before you sell
Special Discounts
Get our exclusive discount list- rental cars, hotels and more offers.
Discount sheet ➦
BHHS Moving Concierge
Let us help you with your move
More Info ➦
Contractors
Get your home ready to sell
Get info ➦
Learning
Senior Communities
Senior Living (55+) Communities in Whatcom County
These sites offer a clear overview of well-established communities, including details on unit layouts, construction quality, HOA fees, and community features (like clubhouses, gardens, or fitness centers).Think of it as a starting point to compare options in your preferred area.
Services
Utility Services
Whatcom County Utilities and Services Directory
Find essential utility and service providers throughout Whatcom County. This comprehensive directory connects residents with local electricity, water, gas, waste management, and other vital services. Whether you’re moving to a new home or looking to update your current services, this resource offers convenient access to the contact information you need to establish or transfer utilities in your area.
Water & Sewer
- City of Blaine
utilitybilling@cityofblaine.com
(360) 332-8311
- City of Ferndale
utilitybilling@cityofferndale.com
(360) 384-4302
- City Of Everson
slarson@ci.everson.wa.us
(360) 966-3411
- City of Nooksack
info@cityofnooksack.com
(360) 966-2531
- City of Lynden
utilityinquiries@lyndenwa.org
(360) 384-4269
- City of Sumas
abons@cityofsumas.com
(360) 988-5711
- Birch Bay Water & Sewer
office@bbwsd.com
(360) 371-7100
Bellingham Water Districts
- City of Bellingham
info@cob.org
(360) 778-8000
- Water District #2
wcwd2@qwestoffice.net
(360) 733-5770
- Water District #7
office@waterdistrict7.com
(360) 752-9208
- Water District #10
info@lwwsd.org
(360) 734-9224
- Water District #12
No email listed
(360) 734-5664
- Water District #13
admin@wcwd13.com
(360) 599-1801
Water Associations
- Elder Road Water Association
(360) 384-1118 - Glacier Water District No 14
glacierwater@glacierwaterdistrict.com
(360) 599-2558 - Lummi Point Water Association
HillTopJudy2@gmail.com
(360) 758-7440 - Pole Road Water Association
info@poleroadwater.com
(360) 354-8936 - Thornton Water Association
(360) 384-3264 - Mountain View Water Association
jodi@watersystemservices.net
(360) 354-7909 - Deer Creek Water Association
dcwa@deercreekwater.org
(360) 820-4314
Propane Companies
- Vander Yacht Propane
info@vanderyachtpropane.com
(360) 398-1234 - NW Propane (Green Lid)
leshae@nwpropane.net
(360) 354-4471 - Propane Gas, INC (Blue Lid)
(360) 384-4922 - American Propane
(360) 398-1841 - CHS Northwest (Red Lid)
lyndenmaincustomercare@chsinc.com
(360) 354-4595
Sanitation and Recycling Services
Electricity
Cable Television, Internet, Phone
Natural Gas
- Cascade Natural Gas
customerservice@cngc.com
(360) 733-5980
Services
Planning & Development Services
Find experienced and qualified consultants for planning and development of new builds on a property– including environmental consultants in wetland development, geologic hazards and more.
Whatcom county
- Whatcom County Natural Resources List of Qualified Consultants
Open PDF here
Skagit County
- Skagit County Planning & Development Services List
Open PDF here for a list of approved consultants
Services
Mortgage Lenders
Get pre-qualified or pre-approved:
Understanding your financial standing is crucial. Even if you feel comfortable with a certain monthly payment, lenders may approve you for a different amount—or deny your application altogether—based on factors like credit history, employment stability, or past financial challenges. By getting pre-qualified or pre-approved, you’ll know exactly what you can afford and gain a competitive edge when making an offer.
Sellers often prioritize buyers who are already pre-approved, so this step is a game-changer.
Understanding Mortgages
Need Financing?
Understanding Mortgages
Let’s start with the heart of the matter – mortgages. For most homebuyers, a mortgage is an essential tool, and the choices can be vast, varying from lender to lender and buyer to buyer. Your peace of mind begins with understanding your options. I urge you to take the time to explore and engage with multiple lenders, ensuring that you secure the best possible deal tailored to your unique circumstances.
Types of Mortgages
There are three primary types of mortgages that cater to diverse financial situations:
Conventional Mortgage
This is the standard choice for buyers with strong credit, offering flexibility in down payments based on your creditworthiness and location.
FHA Mortgage
Designed to assist buyers with lower credit scores, it provides a lower initial down payment option, although it may entail mortgage insurance premiums.
VA Mortgage
A salute to our veterans and active military members, this loan offers numerous benefits, including simplified approvals and lower interest rates.
What Do Mortgages Include?
Your mortgage payment is comprised of four key components, collectively known as “PITI” :
- Principal: This covers the repayment of the initial borrowed amount, essentially the price of your home.
- Interest: This payment compensates the lender for lending you the money, adding to the overall cost of your home.
- Taxes: Property taxes are prorated into your mortgage, calculated annually and divided into manageable monthly payments.
- Insurance: Your homeowner’s insurance safeguards your investment against potential risks and is conveniently integrated into your mortgage.
Going Loan Shopping - Your Options
Understanding Your Options
Going Loan Shopping
Before committing to a specific loan or lender, arm yourself with knowledge. Consult at least two lenders to ensure you secure the most favorable interest rate. Familiarize yourself with the two main types of interest rates:
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Predictable and stable, this option ensures your monthly payments remain constant, providing peace of mind.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
While initially offering lower rates, these mortgages can fluctuate with the market, resulting in some variability in your payments.
My preferred lenders
Ellie Margulies | Edge Home Finance
Mortgage Loan Originator
📞 (360) 739-9943
📩ellie.margulies@edgehomefinance.com
🔗 Website
Ally Ubben | Evergreen Home Loans
Loan Officer
📞 (360) 229-3774
📩aubben@evergreenhomeloans.com
🔗 Website
Scott Ask | Edge Home Finance
Loan Officer
📞 360-920-7840
📩 rates@scottask.com
🔗 Website
Casey Porter | Caliber Home Loans
Loan Officer
📲 Cell 360-543-8508
📞 Office: 360-510-2840
📩 Teamporter@caliberhomeloans.com
Corey Peay | Trailhead Mortgage
Mortgage Loan Originator
📞 (208) 963-1410
📩 cp@trailheadmortgage.com
NMLS #2013059
Services
Home Inspectors
The home inspection phase is one of the most critical steps in the home-buying or selling process. To help you navigate this important step, I’ve compiled a list of trusted local home inspectors:
These professionals have been used by my previous clients, who have had positive feedback about their thoroughness and professionalism in providing unbiased reports. I encourage you to review their websites, read customer reviews, and verify their credentials. This list is intended to serve as a helpful starting point, but please feel free to conduct additional research or explore other inspectors not included here. My goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed when hiring a home inspector
My preferred providers
Brian Mattioli | Habitat Home Inspections
📞 (360) 366-8142
🔗 Website
Casey Sobjack | Sobjack Home Inspections
📞 (360) 306-6079
🔗 Website
Steven Kennerly | Front Door Home Inspections
📞 (360) 922-9646
🔗 Website
Curtis Brown | Curtis C. Home Inspection Services
📞 (360) 296-4020
🔗 Website
Jordan Baker | Baker Home Inspections
📞 (360) 305-6198
🔗 Website
Shay Schiefelbein | West Inspect Home Inspections
📞 (360) 303-0410
🔗 Website
Services
Home Insurance
The home insurance process is one of the most critical steps in the home-buying journey. To help you navigate this important step, I’ve compiled a list of reputable local insurance providers:
These companies have been used by my previous clients, who have shared positive feedback about their customer service and fairness in providing comprehensive policies. I encourage you to explore their websites, compare their ratings, and evaluate their financial strength. This list is intended to serve as a helpful starting point, but please feel free to conduct additional research or consider other insurers not included here. My goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed when choosing a home insurance provider.
My preferred providers
Thanh Le | Farmers Insurance
360-223-6006
📩 tle1@farmersagent.com
Reed Mergen | Goosehead Insurance
📞 (360) 510-4721
📩 reed.mergens@goosehead.com
Keith Browne | State Farm
📞 (360) 483-4422
Tyson Twiford | PCF Insurance Services
📞 (360) 201-1446
📩 tyson@riceinsurance.com
Magas Insurances | Magas Insurances, Inc.
📞 (360) 483-4422
📩 info@magasinsurance.com
Derek Barnes | D&D Insurance Agency LLC
📞 (360) 392-8159
📩 derek@dandins.com
Services
Contractors
Home improvement can be stressful when searching for the right people for the job. These are some of my trusted contractors who have done a great job with my clients.
Dry Wall Specialists
Speedy Drywall Services
(360) 305-4578
Copeland Drywall Specialist
(360) 319-1235
Sturtz Finishes
(360) 927-8239
Local Carpenters
Flooring Specialists
Deck & Patio Specialists
Handyman
Do You Have Any Questions?
I’m here to help!
