Nick Berard Realtor

10/13/2026

A surprise $20,000 repair nearly ended my seller's deal. Here's how I kept it together and got them to closing.

09/30/2026

A hidden attic problem surfaced at inspection and nearly ended a sale. Here's how we handled it, and what every Bellingham seller can learn.

09/19/2026

Happy Belated 15 year anniversary Babe! I couldn’t ask for a better best friend & I’m looking forward to the next 15 years and beyond with you!

09/13/2026

Take a quick walkthrough of one of the cutest new homes on the market in the Silver Beach neighborhood here in Bellingham. Main home is 3/1, single story, with Lake Whatcom Views throughout. There is garden space & blueberry bushes next to two large storage sheds. Then comes the Studio ADU with a 3/4 bath, full kitchen and laundry plus a bonus loft space. DM for more info or a private tour.

09/12/2026

Part 5 - First look of a ‘First Look’ during our first open house. On my way to host our first open house we got our professional photos. And there are a few edits we requested, so we are still waiting to update our photography on our listing.

We listed this property under the new ‘First Look’ status on Wednesday with a few exterior photos. We started to get Buzz, agents have already scheduled showings, we have had landscape worked on, clean up of the interiors, had it professionally staged and it’s Saturday afternoon and still waiting for all of our professional photos. Under the old MLS rules we would still be off market & couldn’t tell anyone about it because pre-marketing was illegal before a listing was active in the MLS.

If you want to check out the cutest 1 story with an ADU in Bellingham, with water views and short walks to trails & restaurants while being in the heart of Bellingham, check out our listing, MLS # 2579568

I have been sharing a lot of the positives, but what do YOU consider are the Negatives? What are the downsides you can think of & we can explore ‘First Look’ status together. Comment below.

09/11/2026

Part 3 - First Look of a ‘First Look’ - the mini series about the new NWMLS marketing status. As of Friday 9/4/26, Washington home sellers are able to publicly advertise their home for sale before it’s ready, have 0 days active for up to the first 21 days of marketing before it’s officially in Active Status. The downsides could be that some sites wont have the correct info uploaded. It’s new, and sites need to update how they display info. But a major plus in my clients case is that we can start getting the word out using this new MLS tool by utilizing this First Look’ marketing status while we prep (cleaning, yard maintenance, staging, photos, and the last final touch ups we do for every listing). This home is situated in the Silver Beach Neighborhood of Bellingham, has drop dead gorgeous views of Lake Whatcom and overlooking Bloedel Donovan Park, 3 beds, 1 bath, sun soaked deck for relaxing, large yard front & back, a studio ADU w/loft, two large storage sheds and off-street parking. Minutes to downtown Bellingham, walking, hiking & biking trails. And only 4 minutes to my favorite Lafeen’s family pride donuts 🍩✨ - IFYKYK

09/11/2026

Part 2 - First Look of a ‘First Look’ as the new status for listings in the MLS. Last week this would have been illegal to share details of a listing that wasn’t fully marketed in the MLS. My seller had just had their tenant move out of this Silver Beach neighborhood home and gave back keys…problem was it is an empty home. My sellers did not want to lose the opportunity to let buyers & agents know we are available for sale while we are still getting the property ready. Located with sweeping 180 degree views of Lake Whatcom, nice yard, storage sheds plus an ADU, it’s a prime property for someone looking for their new home. Today we had professional staging completed. Next is professional photography. Stick around for Part 3.

09/09/2026

Part 1 - First Look at the NWMLS ‘First Look’ listing status. This used to be illegal. Sharing a listing before it was ready to go Active in the MLS, posting on social media before the listing is active. One use case why NWMLS ‘First Look’ status can be very useful. My seller just had a tenant vacate and we are prepping for sale. They don’t want to lose marketing time while we prep. With the new ‘First Look’ option in the MLS, we have made it available while we are prepping and we aren’t losing days on market while we prep. Stay tuned for Part 2 as we continue prepping this listing.

08/25/2026

The housing market has changed more than most homeowners realize this year. Home prices have barely moved, more homes are on the market, and the number you see online may already be outdated. If you've been curious where your home actually stands, I'll put together a free home value report based on what's selling in Bellingham right now. Real sales, real data, specific to your neighborhood. Takes less than a minute to request:

How much is my home worth? Get a free Bellingham home value report based on recent sales, upgrades, and current market data.

06/21/2026

📍 2709 Lynn Street, Bellingham, WA

Three things I absolutely love about this Columbia neighborhood home. ❤️

✔️ Timeless 1946 Cape Cod character with beautiful hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and thoughtful updates.

✔️ A rare bonus lot on a separate tax parcel that extends to a peaceful wooded creek corridor.

✔️ One of Bellingham’s most sought-after locations — just minutes from downtown, the Bay, parks, and trails while still feeling tucked away and private.

This is one of those homes that offers both charm and opportunity — something that’s becoming harder and harder to find.

🏡 Which feature would be your favorite: the character, the bonus lot, or the location?

💬 Comment below and let me know.

📩 DM me “HOME” for a private tour or a list of similar homes currently available in Bellingham and Whatcom County.

Listed by Nick Berard

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