How local buyers can evaluate homes smarter—from Bellingham to Lynden, Ferndale, and beyond.

Touring open houses in Whatcom County is exciting. You get to explore neighborhoods, compare styles, and imagine daily life in the home. But with older housing stock, coastal weather, and a wide mix of building ages across the county, Whatcom County buyers need to be especially observant.

Whether you're shopping in Bellingham’s character-filled neighborhoods, Ferndale’s newer subdivisions, or Lynden’s well-kept communities, here are the top 10 things to look for at an open house—specifically tailored to our local market.

1. How the Home Handles Moisture (a BIG local factor)

Our region’s wet climate means water management is everything. Look for:

• Moss or algae on siding and roofs
  
  
• Signs of previous leaks
  
  
• Ventilation in bathrooms and laundry rooms
  
  
• Proper gutters and downspout drainage

In Whatcom County, moisture issues can escalate fast—so spotting them early is key.

2. Roof Condition (Many local homes have aging roofs)

Between heavy rain and winter storms, roofs take a beating here. During your visit, check for:

• Moss buildup (common but expensive to remove)
  
  
• Sagging sections
  
  
• Missing shingles
  
  
• Patchwork repairs

3. Windows & Energy Efficiency (Important with rising utility costs)

With rising heating bills and cooler seasons, windows matter. Look for:

• Double-pane windows (standard in Whatcom County newer builds)
  
  
• Fogging between panes (a sign of seal failure)
  
  
• Drafts
  
  
• Older single-pane wood windows in historic Bellingham homes

In Ferndale, Barkley, Cordata, or other newer neighborhoods, expect more efficient window packages.

4. Signs of Settling or Foundation Issues

Areas near the shoreline or with softer soil - like Blaine, Birch Bay, and areas near the Nooksack - may show settling more noticeably. Inside the home, look for:

• Sloping floors
  
  
• Doors that don’t close properly
  
  
• Cracks around windows or door frames

Not all settling is serious, but it's worth noting.

5. Insulation, Heating Source & Winter Preparedness

With cold snaps becoming more frequent, buyers should check:

• Type of heating (electric, forced air, gas, heat pump)
  
  
• Year and efficiency of the furnace
  
  
• Attic insulation
  
  
• Presence of a wood stove or fireplace (common in rural homes)

6. Neighborhood Noise & Traffic Patterns

Whatcom County has a diverse mix of environments: rural quiet, busy city hubs, and everything in between. At an open house, pay attention to:

• Street noise in popular Bellingham neighborhoods like Columbia or Lettered Streets
  
  
• Train noise near Fairhaven or along the water
  
  
• Airport noise closer to Bakerview/Cordata
  
  
• Weekend traffic near lakes or parks

Walking the neighborhood helps give a real feel for the area.

7. Layout & Livability (Think winter + lifestyle)

Layouts that feel bright and open in summer may feel tight in our darker months. Consider:

• Natural light (important here!)
  
  
• Useful mudrooms/entry spaces for rainy gear
  
  
• Kitchen flow for indoor-heavy seasons
  
  
• Workspace if you WFH like many locals

Homes in Sudden Valley, for example, may have unique layouts with lots of stairs or forest-facing rooms—great for privacy, but worth evaluating for daily life.

8. Age of Major Systems 

Ask about the age of:

• Furnace
  
  
• Water heater
  
  
• Electrical panel
  
  
• Plumbing type (some older Bellingham homes may still have galvanized pipes)

A home may feel beautifully updated, but aging systems can be costly surprises.

9. Flood, Drainage & Stormwater Awareness

With increasing rainfall events and flood-prone zones, especially near the Nooksack and low-lying areas in Ferndale, Everson, and Sumas, look for:

• Water pooling around the home
  
  
• Sump pumps
  
  
• French drains
  
  
• Basement moisture signs

Even if the property isn’t in a FEMA flood zone, local drainage still matters.

10. What Staging Might Be Hiding

Staging is common across Whatcom County listings. It helps homes feel inviting, but it can also mask:

• Floor issues under rugs
  
  
• Poor lighting (watch for lots of lamps)
  
  
• Smells from pets or moisture
  
  
• Limited storage tucked behind perfectly styled décor

Take your time, open closets, and look past the pretty details.

Final Thoughts

Whatcom County is an incredible place to buy a home - beautiful scenery, strong communities, and a lifestyle that mixes the best of outdoor recreation and small-city living. But our climate and varied housing stock make it even more important to tour open houses with a sharp eye.

If you’d like a local open-house checklist, help evaluating a home you just toured, or insights into neighborhoods like Barkley, Sunnyland, Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, or Sudden Valley—we are happy to help!