Sean Hackney's Blog Posts

I was just up in Canada this weekend participating in the Whistler Gran Fondo Forte cycling event.  Whew…incredibly challenging, beautiful, and rewarding all packaged in 6 hours on my

"Sean, I heard you can buy a house here with zero down. Is that actually true?"I get this question a lot from first-time buyers, especially the ones who moved up from Seattle or King County and are

"Sean, the builder says they'll buy down my rate — is that basically free money, or is there a catch?"I get some version of this question every time a buyer starts looking at new construction

You've found the view. The dock's in decent shape, the bulkhead looks solid, and you're ready to write an offer.Here's what I tell every buyer looking at waterfront property in Whatcom County before

City of Bellingham, R.G. Haley and Cornwall Avenue Landfill Site Cleanup project imagery. Graphic created by Sean Hackney for educational use.A buyer I was showing homes to near Boulevard Park

"Sean, is this HOA going to hit me with a surprise assessment after I move in?"I live in an HOA and get some version of this question almost every time I write an offer on a home in Barkley Village,

"Sean, I want to sell my rental, but my tenant's lease doesn't end until next spring. Am I stuck?"I get some version of this question every few months, usually from a landlord who's ready to be&

"Sean, if I sell this rental, how much of it am I actually going to lose to taxes?"I hear this from landlords all over Whatcom County — people who bought a rental near Western Washington

"Sean, I love this house — but how do I pay for a new electrical panel, a new roof, and the mortgage, all at the same time?"I get this question a lot from buyers looking at the older homes in

What Does $1.2 Million Buy on Lake Samish? Touring a Bellingham Waterfront FixerWhat does $1.2 million buy you on Lake Samish in Bellingham, Washington?In this case, it buys a lot of waterfront, a

"Sean, does my regular homeowners policy cover this if the river comes up?"A buyer asked me that standing in a backyard in Everson last spring, looking out at a fence line that backs right up to the

"Sean, I've owned this house since the '90s. Am I going to owe taxes when I sell it?"I hear a version of this question almost every time I sit down with someone who's owned their Bellingham home

"Sean, do we really need to worry about a septic tank and a well? We've never owned a house that wasn't on city water."I get some version of that question almost every time I show a buyer a property

"Sean, why is my closing getting pushed back two weeks? We already have a buyer."I got that call from a seller in a Barkley Village condo a few months back. Her buyer was ready, financing was,

Does your Whatcom County assessed value tell you what your home will actually sell for?"Sean, the county says my house is worth $610,000. Why are you telling me to list it at $685,000?"I get a

Can you still find a move-in-ready home in Bellingham for less than $700,000?At the time I filmed this tour, 3838 Cindy Lane was listed for $675,000. The home offers three bedrooms, 2.25 bathrooms,,

"Sean, can I even get insurance on this house?"I got that question twice last month. Not from buyers looking at fixer-uppers or flood-zone properties — from buyers looking at completely

"Sean, do I have to waive my inspection to get this house?"I've had almost this exact conversation with every buyer client I've worked with this summer. It's usually the first question that comes up

"Sean, my neighbor sold last year without giving the buyer a dime. Why is my agent telling me to offer money?"I've gotten some version of this question from almost every seller I've talked to this

"Sean, my ex and I can't agree on what to do with the house. Can I just sell it without him signing?"I get this question more than people might expect, and my answer is always the same: not in

"Sean, why can't I just pour a bigger driveway?"A buyer asked me that this spring, standing in the yard of a place near Silver Beach with a great view of Lake Whatcom and about eight feet of gravel

I get a version of this question almost every month, usually from someone who's already bought and sold property in BC:"Sean, I've done this before. Is this going to work the same way?"The honest

"Sean, is it smart to buy a place in Old Town right now, with all that construction going on?"I get a version of this question every time a buyer starts looking seriously at Old Town or the

For the last few years, a lot of homebuyers have felt like the market was working against them.Prices moved quickly. Mortgage rates climbed. Inventory stayed tight. And in many cases, buyers felt

I had a seller ask me last week: "Sean, is this growth plan thing going to hurt my property value or help it?"Fair question. Most homeowners have heard the plan is coming, fewer know what's actually

 I got a call a few months back from a client who'd already accepted a new job in Denver."Sean, we start in six weeks. How do we sell the house from a thousand miles away?" It's a question

Check out the Walk Through Tour HereSome homes are about the view. Some are about the layout.The best ones give you both.That is what stands out at 1200 37th Street in Bellingham’s Samish

Lately, I've been hearing the same question from a lot of buyers."Sean, can I build a rental unit on the property if I buy it?"Or..."I've heard the ADU rules changed. Does that make buying a home

One of the questions I've been getting more often lately is:"Sean, should we buy new construction or stick with a resale home? Is it really worth paying more?"It's a great question, and honestly,

🎥. Watch the YouTube video here Why Is Bellingham So Expensive?If you've ever searched "Why is Bellingham so expensive?", you're certainly not alone.It's one of the questions I'm asked more than

If you've been searching for a home that offers privacy, nature, & walkability without giving up the convenience of living in town, 2412 W. North Street is one of those rare opportunities that

One of the most common conversations I have with homeowners goes something like this:"Sean, we're ready to move. We've outgrown this house. Or maybe we're looking to downsize. The problem is we need

Over the last few months, I've had several sellers ask me some version of the same question:"Sean, I heard there's a new law about listings. What changed?"It's a good question.And honestly, for most

Some of the hardest phone calls I receive aren't about real estate.They're from families who have just lost a parent, a spouse, or someone they love.In the middle of grief, they're suddenly faced

Congratulations!After weeks—or sometimes months—of looking at homes, writing offers, and wondering if you'll ever get one accepted, you've finally heard the words every buyer wants to

When people are considering a move to Bellingham, one of the first questions they ask is:"What does around $1 million actually buy in today's market?"This week's home tour takes us to the highly

Photo:  Lake Padden / June 13, 2026One of the biggest mistakes I see home buyers make is focusing entirely on the down payment and forgetting about everything else.They spend months saving,

One of the questions I get all the time from renters is:"Sean, does it even make sense to buy right now?"And my answer is probably not what most people expect from a Realtor.Sometimes the answer is

One of the first questions I get from homeowners who are thinking about selling is:"Sean, how much money am I actually going to walk away with?"It's a great question because the number on the

When people think about the most desirable neighborhoods in Bellingham, Washington, South Hill is almost always at the top of the list.With its historic homes, stunning views of Bellingham Bay,

Does Washington's New Millionaires Tax Apply to Home Sales?Washington's new millionaires tax (SB 6346), signed into law on March 30, 2026, does not apply to home sales (yet!). Real estate gains are

As I continue the series on Whatcom County's hidden gem, Lummi Island, let's look into 18 more reasons that make it so unique!Tucked into the Salish Sea just west of Bellingham, Lummi Island is one

That same appeal has made Lummi Island vacation rentals and Airbnbs increasingly attractive to buyers, second-home owners, and investors looking for something scarce, special, and

Tides 101: What Buyers Should Know About Living on Lummi IslandFor many buyers considering Lummi Island, the tides are one of the least familiar—and most important—parts of daily life.

Welcome to Living Lummi IslandThe ferry crossing is only minutes long, but it creates a boundary—between urgency and ease, between the mainland and a place that still listens to the tides

If you’ve been thinking about a backyard cottage, garage apartment, or multigenerational suite in Ferndale, WA, 2025 finally tipped the scales in your favor. As a local real estate resource, I

When I talk to homeowners around Bellingham and Whatcom County, one question keeps coming up: "Can I finally build an ADU on my property without jumping through a thousand hoops?"The short answer:

With listings climbing nearly 50 % in the region, buyers in Whatcom County are finding more options—giving you more time, more leverage, and more chance to find the right home. BUT the best

A Market That Finally Feels FamiliarAfter years of record-low inventory and fast-moving sales, the Whatcom County housing market is starting to feel something we haven’t seen in nearly a:

A Quick Recap: Lynden’s Market in MotionLast week, we explored how Lynden, WA is sitting in a beautifully balanced market — one where homes are selling at a healthy pace, and buyers and

A Market That Reflects the Heart of LyndenThere’s something special about Lynden — and it shows not only in its tree-lined streets and Dutch-inspired downtown but in the steady

Every month, I dig deep into Whatcom County’s housing data to help Bellingham homeowners make confident, strategic decisions.And September’s numbers confirm what I’ve been seeing

If you’ve been hearing talk about home prices “dropping” in Bellingham or Whatcom County, let’s set the record straight: what we’re seeing isn’t a downturn ;

If you’ve been watching the Whatcom County housing market lately, you’ve probably noticed something we haven’t seen in a long time — more homes to choose from. Inventory is,

The holidays may not seem like “home-buying season,” but in Bellingham, savvy buyers know the fourth quarter can offer hidden advantages. With fewer buyers in the market, sellers eager

Most buyers assume spring and summer are the “best” times to purchase a home. But in Bellingham, the fourth quarter (October through December) can actually be one of the most favorable

Why October Matters for HomeownersOwning a home in Bellingham or Whatcom County isn’t just about walls and square footage — it’s about the lifestyle that comes with it. October is

Even though Whatcom County as a whole is experiencing longer days on market and softer prices compared to last year, certain Bellingham neighborhoods continue to buck the trend. These areas combine

Small, smart updates can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells—and at what price. In Bellingham’s shifting market, strategic improvements give you an edge without

With home values leveling off and days on market increasing, correctly pricing your Bellingham home has never been more important. Overpricing can cost you time and money—here’s how to

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to sell your Bellingham home, now may be it—rising inventory, longer days on market, and subtle price drops are signals sellers should act

What the Fed's Upcoming September Meeting Could Mean for Buyers in BellinghamThe Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates by 25 basis points at its September 16–17 meeting, marking the first

Top Questions Bellingham Buyers Are Googling Right NowThinking of buying a home in Bellingham or Whatcom County? Here are the questions your neighbors are asking—and the answers you need.1. Is

Why mortgage rates are finally moving—and why now might be your moment to buy in Whatcom CountyMortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in nearly a year, around 6.28–6.29%,

Where Can Retirees Find Peaceful, Affordable Housing in Whatcom and Skagit Counties?Retirees can find peaceful, affordable housing in Bellingham’s growing inventory — where median prices

What unexpected cultural or logistical quirks should people know before moving to Bellingham, Washington?Bellingham newcomers are often surprised by strict parking rules, abundant roundabouts, and a

THEWeekly Insider Scoop🎥 MAKE MY HOME FAMOUS SPOTLIGHTStep inside this week’s featured listing and see why Bellingham living is next-level. From smart design to PNW charm, this one’s

THEWeekly Insider Scoop✨ DID YOU KNOW?🎭 Mount Baker Theatre in downtown Bellingham is the largest performing arts venue north of Seattle. Opened in 1927 in a Spanish-Moorish style, it’s

Bellingham Housing Market Update: What the Latest Data Tells UsAs someone who has called Bellingham home for over 35 years and spent the past 22 years helping clients navigate our local real estate

Bellingham's Housing Market: Why Prices Keep Climbing & What’s Next 🏡📈If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Bellingham housing market, you’ve probably noticed a trend:

Kick Off 2025 With a New Home: Your Roadmap to SuccessIt’s that time of year again—when we set goals, dream big, and envision the life we want to build. If your 2025 goals include making

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to turn to online tools for just about everything—especially when trying to figure out how much your home is worth. But relying

If you’ve been thinking about selling your house yourself – often called “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) – it might seem like a good way to save money. 💸 But here’s

Today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices might have you asking yourself: Is buying a home still a good idea? 🤔 It’s a question as old as time—or at least as old as real

For over 79 years, VA home loans have been a game-changer, helping countless Veterans achieve the dream of homeownership. 🏠 Did you know that only about 3 in 10 Veterans realize they could

Thinking about making a move in this unpredictable housing market? 🏡 It's no secret – from home prices to mortgage rates, things are feeling a bit all over the place right now. If you're

With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down.Election Years Bring a Temporary

Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got 

Now’s the Time To Upgrade to Your Dream HomeIf you’ve been wanting to sell your house in Bellingham or anywhere Whatcom County and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not

Don’t Fall for These Real Estate Agent MythsWhen it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you’ll work with

How the Federal Reserve’s Next Move Could Impact the Housing MarketNow that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed). The overwhelming expectation is that

Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the ScaleAre you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off? It’s a common dilemma, but here’s

Today’s Biggest Housing Market MythsHave you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? That’s especially true if you’re thinking about buying or;

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent HighMortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Their EquityCurious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. I had been in business for just shy of 4 years at that point.  I was both in that market as a real

As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.Home Prices Are Expected To Climb ModeratelyHome prices

What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home

If you're a member of a younger generation, like Gen Z, living in Bellingham Washington or anywhere in the U.S., you may be asking the question:"Will I ever be able to buy a home in this beautiful

Let's take a closer look and see if they’re motivating you to make a change too.1. To Make a ProfitIf you’re thinking about selling your house, you probably have a lot of questions

Hey there, future homeowner! 🏡 If you're eyeing that dream house in Bellingham Washington, but your student loans are making you wonder if it's just a pipe dream, hold up! Let's talk about how

Hey there fellow Bellingham and Whatcom County homeowners and potential sellers! 🏡💰So, you've decided it's time to sell your house, and you're eyeing this spring season as your prime

Going into 2023, there was a lot of talk about a possible recession that would cause the housing market to crash. Some in the media were even forecasting home prices would drop by as much

If you're on the house hunt and feeling like every home you see is missing that special something, it might be time to think outside the box. Enter: the fixer-upper. 🛠️In our cozy corner of the

Hey there, future Bellingham homeowner! 🌲 If you're gearing up to embark on the exciting journey of homeownership in our vibrant corner of the Pacific Northwest, here's a heads-up: your credit

🏡 Hey there, future Bellingham homeowner! Ready to dive into the exciting world of homebuying? Let's talk down payments. 💰So, you've probably heard the buzz about needing a whopping 20% down

Hey there, future homeowner! 🏡 Ready to dive into the exciting world of real estate? If you've been hearing whispers about "pre-approval," let's unpack what it's all about and why it's your

Moving to or from Bellingham Washington or Whatcom County this year?As you think about the year ahead, one of your big goals may be moving. But, how do you know when to make your move? While spring

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If you've been putting off the idea of selling your house, thinking mortgage rates were playing hard to get, well, I've got some good news for you! 🏡💰 The rates have decided to do a little

Ever caught yourself in a real estate conundrum, itching to sell but caught in the "finding the perfect home" limbo?  I totally get it! Did you know that nearly a third of homes waiting

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