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, 1,908 finished square feet, a finished daylight lower level, an attached two-car garage, and a 0.27-acre lot on a quiet dead-end street.

The property is in the Brownsville area of Bellingham’s broader Silver Beach neighborhood, putting it near Barkley Village, Lake Whatcom, Bloedel Donovan Park, Whatcom Falls Park, neighborhood trails, and practical routes toward Interstate 5.

For buyers who want an updated Bellingham home without immediately taking on a long renovation list, this one deserves a closer look.

Quick answer: At the time of filming, 3838 Cindy Lane was a three-bedroom, 2.25-bath split-entry home listed at $675,000. It included 1,908 finished square feet, an updated kitchen, newer roof, fresh paint, new carpet, a finished lower-level recreation room, an attached two-car garage, a newer Trex deck, and a private backyard.

3838 Cindy Lane at a glance

Property details above are based on the MLS sheet provided for the home.

Is 3838 Cindy Lane move-in ready?

“Move-in ready” can mean different things to different buyers. In this case, it means many of the visible improvements and larger-ticket projects had already been addressed before the home came to market.

According to the listing and walkthrough, updates include:

• New carpet
• Fresh interior paint
• Updated lighting
• Updated trim and interior doors
• An improved front entry
• Updated kitchen cabinetry and flooring
• Newer appliances
• A newer composition roof
• Upgraded exterior siding
• A newer Trex deck

The MLS also notes double-pane or storm windows, Corian kitchen counters, updated bathroom finishes and a partially fenced backyard.

No home should be purchased solely because it looks updated during a video tour. Buyers should still review the seller’s disclosures, inspection information, title documents and other material facts with the appropriate professionals. But from a practical standpoint, this home appeared to offer a shorter immediate project list than many older homes in the same general price range.

A bright and open main living area

The home was built in 1982 and follows a traditional split-entry layout, but the main living area feels more open than many homes of that era.

A partial wall has been removed near the entry, allowing light from four large front windows to travel across the living and dining areas. The result is a bright main floor with a more connected feel than buyers may expect from a conventional split-entry home.

The living room also includes a recessed area that could accommodate a television, bookshelves, a reading space or additional seating. It is not an enormous formal room that dictates how it must be used. It is a flexible everyday space that buyers can arrange around the way they actually live.

An updated kitchen with useful storage

The kitchen is one of the strongest parts of the home.

It includes updated cabinetry, Corian countertops, stainless steel appliances, pull-out cabinet storage, a traditional pantry and a breakfast bar that opens toward the dining area.

The MLS indicates that the dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator and stove or range were included with the property. The washer and dryer were also listed as appliances that stay.

What stood out to me during the tour was not just the appearance of the kitchen, but its usability. There is enough cabinet and pantry storage to keep the counters clear, and the room offers enough space to cook without constantly working around another person.

That practical functionality matters more over time than a kitchen that simply photographs well.

Three bedrooms together on the main level

All three bedrooms are positioned along the same hallway on the main floor, away from the kitchen and primary living areas.

The two secondary bedrooms face the front of the home and offer mirrored closets. They could function as bedrooms, guest rooms or office space depending on a buyer’s needs.

The primary bedroom sits toward the back of the home and includes a wide closet and a private three-quarter bathroom. A three-quarter bathroom typically includes a sink, toilet and either a shower or bathtub rather than both. The separate hall bathroom serves the other two bedrooms and has also received updates.

Why does the MLS say 2.25 bathrooms?

Bathroom totals can look confusing because MLS systems combine different bathroom types numerically.

This home includes:

• One full bathroom
• One three-quarter bathroom off the primary bedroom
• One additional partial or powder-bath arrangement downstairs

Those components are combined in the listing as 2.25 bathrooms.

The downstairs bathroom and laundry configuration is somewhat unconventional, so buyers should view it in person and decide whether the existing arrangement works for them.

A finished lower level with flexible space

The finished daylight basement adds a large recreation room with three windows and good natural light.

This space could work as a:

• Family room
• Media room
• Playroom
• Home gym
• Office
• Hobby room
• Combination of several uses

The flexibility is the value here. It gives buyers space to separate noisier or more casual activities from the main living floor without losing the room to a dark, unfinished basement.

The lower level also includes a dedicated laundry area, bathroom facilities, storage beneath the stairs and direct access to the garage.

A larger-than-expected two-car garage

The attached garage has two separate garage doors and more usable space around and between the parking areas than many standard two-car garages.

During the walkthrough, one door had an automatic opener, while the second appeared to be wired for one. Buyers should independently confirm the condition and operation of all equipment.

Beyond parking, there appeared to be room for shelving, tools, bikes or a modest workshop area. For many Bellingham buyers, that storage can be especially useful for outdoor equipment, seasonal items and wet-weather gear.

The backyard may be the home’s biggest surprise

The newer Trex deck leads from the dining area into a backyard that feels more private than expected for an in-town property.

The 11,761-square-foot lot includes a level upper section, mature trees, garden space and partially sloped areas around the perimeter. The yard is also partially fenced.

Possible uses include:

• Raised garden beds
• An outdoor dining space
• A firepit
• A hot tub
• A play area
• Expanded landscaping
• Leaving the existing vegetation in place for privacy

The upper portion of the yard is the most immediately usable area, while the outer sections leave room for someone with the interest and budget to shape the property over time.

The territorial view is mostly mature greenery rather than a dramatic mountain or water view, but that tree cover contributes to the sense of separation from neighboring homes.

What is the Silver Beach neighborhood like?

Silver Beach is located along the eastern edge of Bellingham near Lake Whatcom. The City of Bellingham describes it as an established neighborhood with a wide range of home ages and architectural styles, well-maintained properties, Lake Whatcom shoreline and access to significant recreational opportunities.

The city also notes that portions of the Railroad Trail and the northern side of Whatcom Falls Park are within the Silver Beach neighborhood.

3838 Cindy Lane is in the Brownsville subdivision within the broader Silver Beach area. The street itself is a quiet dead-end street near the Tweed Twenty area and north of Academy Road.

One thing I have noticed locally is that homes along this stretch are gradually being updated as properties change hands. That does not guarantee future appreciation or predict what any individual owner will do, but it can affect the overall appearance and feel of an established neighborhood over time.

What is near 3838 Cindy Lane?

Barkley Village

The home is a short drive uphill from Barkley Village, a mixed-use area with residential properties, offices, shops, restaurants, services, entertainment, parks and trail connections. Barkley Village describes itself as a 250-acre urban village east of Interstate 5.

For day-to-day living, this gives nearby residents convenient access to groceries, dining, professional services, fitness options and entertainment without needing to drive across town for every errand. Barkley Village also connects with portions of Bellingham’s broader walking and bicycling trail system.

Bloedel Donovan Park and Lake Whatcom

Bloedel Donovan Park sits on Lake Whatcom and is one of the better-known recreation areas in this part of Bellingham. The City of Bellingham lists water access, trails, play equipment, picnic facilities, sports areas, restrooms and parking among its amenities.

The Silver Beach neighborhood page also identifies Bloedel Donovan as a 20-acre park with boating access, a swimming area, playgrounds, courts, open fields and community facilities.

Whatcom Falls Park

Whatcom Falls Park offers trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, multipurpose fields, sports courts, a fish hatchery, fishing areas and other public amenities. The City of Bellingham identifies entrances from Electric Avenue and Silver Beach Road.

The proximity of these parks is one reason buyers often consider the eastern side of Bellingham. It is possible to stay reasonably close to services and major roads while also having direct access to trails, trees and Lake Whatcom recreation.

Is 3838 Cindy Lane below Bellingham’s median home price?

During filming, I referenced a Bellingham median sale price of slightly more than $752,000 and compared it with the home’s $675,000 asking price. That market figure was a point-in-time snapshot, not a permanent benchmark.

Real estate inventory, pricing and median values can move quickly. A responsible comparison should always use the latest available data for the specific property type, location and time period being discussed.

The more durable takeaway is this: at the time of filming, the asking price positioned 3838 Cindy Lane below the median figure I was using, while still offering three bedrooms, nearly 2,000 finished square feet, meaningful updates, a finished lower level, a two-car garage and a quarter-acre lot.

That combination—not simply the price—is what made the property worth touring.

What should a buyer consider before purchasing this home?

Every home involves tradeoffs, and this one is no exception.

The split-entry layout

Some buyers like having living areas divided across two levels. Others prefer a single-level or more traditional two-story floor plan. Spend time at the entry and move through the home as you would on a normal day before deciding whether the layout works for you.

The downstairs bathroom arrangement

The lower-level laundry and bathroom setup is functional but unusual. Buyers should evaluate it in person and consult qualified contractors before assuming it can easily be reconfigured.

The partially sloped lot

The upper backyard is relatively level, but other sections slope toward the front and sides. Any landscaping, drainage or construction plans should be reviewed with the appropriate professionals.

Property condition

The listing indicated that the home had been pre-inspected and that the inspection was available to interested parties after an initial showing. Buyers should still conduct the level of independent investigation recommended by their real estate agent, inspector and other advisers.

Who is this home likely to work well for?

3838 Cindy Lane may be a good fit for buyers looking for:

• Three bedrooms on the same floor
• An updated home below $700,000
• Extra lower-level living space
• A private backyard
• An attached two-car garage
• Access to Barkley Village and Lake Whatcom recreation
• A quieter residential street
• Fewer immediate cosmetic projects

It may be less suitable for someone who strongly prefers single-level living, wants a completely conventional bathroom configuration or does not want stairs at the main entrance.

That is why a walkthrough should do more than make a home look attractive. It should help buyers understand how the property would actually function from one day to the next.

Frequently asked questions about 3838 Cindy Lane

How much was 3838 Cindy Lane listed for?

The home was listed for $675,000 at the time of filming. Its original asking price was $699,000. Price and availability should be verified before relying on this information.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the home have?

The MLS lists three bedrooms and 2.25 bathrooms. The bathroom total reflects a full bathroom, a three-quarter primary bathroom and an additional partial bathroom arrangement on the lower level.

How large is the home?

The listing reports 1,908 finished square feet, based on Realist as the square-footage source. Buyers should independently verify measurements when square footage is material to their decision.

Does 3838 Cindy Lane have a finished basement?

Yes. The MLS describes the lower level as a fully finished daylight basement. It includes a large recreation room, laundry area, bathroom facilities, storage and garage access.

Does the home have a garage?

Yes. It has an attached two-car garage, along with driveway and off-street parking.

How large is the lot?

The property sits on an 11,761-square-foot lot, or approximately 0.27 acre.

Is the backyard fenced?

The MLS describes the yard as partially fenced. It also includes garden space, a deck, a patio and mature landscaping.

What parks are near the home?

The home is near Bloedel Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom and Whatcom Falls Park. Both offer a variety of trails and public recreation amenities.

What neighborhood is 3838 Cindy Lane in?

The MLS identifies the subdivision as Brownsville, while the broader area is commonly described as part of Bellingham’s Silver Beach neighborhood.

Final thoughts

3838 Cindy Lane is not trying to be a luxury showcase or a dramatic architectural statement.

Its appeal is more practical than that.

It offers three bedrooms together on the main floor, an updated kitchen, bright living areas, flexible finished space downstairs, a useful garage and a private backyard on a dead-end street. Several of the projects buyers often worry about—including the roof, siding, paint, carpet and deck—had already been addressed according to the listing.

For buyers comparing Bellingham homes below $700,000, it is the overall combination of condition, space, lot size and location that makes this property interesting.

Watch the full video tour to see how the layout flows, then reach out if you would like current information about this property or help comparing other homes in Bellingham and Whatcom County.

Sean Hackney
Realtor® and co-owner
NextHome Northwest Living
Serving Bellingham and Whatcom County
Humans Over Houses

Listing courtesy of Paulina Antczak, Windermere Real Estate Whatcom, Inc. NWMLS #2520915. Property details, pricing and availability may change. Buyers should independently verify all information important to their purchase.