THE REAL BLOG

A Real Issues Analysis Introduction: The Story You’ve Been Told vs. The Truth You Haven’t For years, Bellingham officials and outside advocacy groups like the Sightline Institute have pushed one message: “Density equals affordability.” It’s repeated so often that many people assume it must be true. But when you look at the data, follow the money, and compare Bellingham’s actions to its own past promises, a very different story emerges. This is not a housing strategy. It’s a r

The Untouchables: How Bellingham’s Planning Department Quietly Took Over Housing The Most Powerful Department You Never Voted For Everywhere you look, Bellingham is talking about housing. Affordability. Density. Infill. Middle housing. Climate goals. Transit corridors. But almost nobody talks about the most powerful force shaping all of this: The Planning Department The department that decides: What gets built What cannot  be built How long permits take How many homes can exi

This is what happens with the residents are not kept informed on what policy changes are happening.

Bellingham’s planners have unveiled their 2025 Comprehensive Plan draft — “The Bellingham Plan”  — forecasting a future full of new residents, new jobs, and new homes. The document projects by 2045: 135,829 residents 66,109 housing units 89,768 jobs Those numbers sound confident. But they aren’t rooted in reality — they’re recycled optimism from a city that’s already missed its targets once before. The Growth Projection That Ignores Reality Between 2005 and 2025, Bellingham’

The Data Doesn’t Lie In Bellingham's Housing Crisis

Navigating the housing market can feel like trying to read a map in a foreign language. Prices shift, policies change, and what seemed like a good deal yesterday might not hold true tomorrow. Today, I want to walk you through the latest current housing trends, especially focusing on what’s happening in Washington State and nearby areas. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, policymaker, or real estate professional, understanding these shifts can help you make smarter decisions. Und

We’re for ADUs that help real homeowners stay solvent, not for fantasy policies that no one can actually build or buy into.

“Now you see it — now you don’t.” In most magic shows, the illusionist hides a rabbit. In Bellingham’s Planning Department, they hide developable land. The Setup City planners love to talk about “limited buildable land.”They point to charts and maps that show a shrinking supply, then use that “evidence” to justify higher density, smaller lots, and new fees. But behind the curtain lies a trick that would make Houdini proud: they don’t just measure land — they make it vanish on

In a time where nearly everything feels political, here’s something we should all be able to agree on: our housing system, especially here in Bellingham, is an equal opportunity killer of dreams and hopes when it comes to ownership. It doesn’t matter your background, your politics, or how long you’ve lived here. If you’re trying to build a future, put down roots, and someday own a home, the odds are stacked against you. And the worst part? It didn’t happen by accident. The dr

Bellingham housing costs aren’t just market forces. Government policies limit homeownership choices, pushing rentals over single-family homes.

Bellingham’s Greenways Levy and watershed programs have been sold to voters as ways to preserve open space, protect water, and improve...

Let’s talk about parking—because no one at City Hall wants you to. In addition to rebranding multifamily rentals as “Middle Housing” to...

Discover the truth about middle housing. Who really benefits from zoning reform—developers, homeowners, or first-time buyers? Dive into the equity and impact of middle housing.

Avoid costly errors when selling your home with expert tips from Brian Gass of ONE Real Estate. Discover the 5 biggest mistakes home sellers make—and how to avoid them to sell faster, smarter, and for top dollar.

Discover the best down payment assistance programs in Washington State. From veterans to first-time buyers, find out which program fits your needs and how to apply.

Discover how Washington State’s Covenant Homeownership Program offers up to $150,000 in 0% interest loans to families historically excluded from housing. Learn how this equity-driven initiative is changing lives.

Discover what House Bill 1217 really means for renters, landlords, and the future of affordable housing in Washington. Get the full story—without the spin.

Explore the real impact of Washington State House Bill 1217—its goals, funding mechanisms, and community implications. Learn how this landmark legislation could reshape access to essential services, reduce disparities, and drive local economic development across Washington.

Buying a home is more than a transaction—it’s a journey. Learn the real steps, challenges, and expert tips from agents in the field in this home buying podcast breakdown.

Cities claim to boost affordable housing with new zoning laws—but hidden costs like impact fees, permits, and utility charges are making real affordability impossible. Discover what your city isn't telling you.