Sudden Valley (Bellingham, Monroe, Deming: real estate, renting, HOA fees)

[dcgirl]

I am registered to receive information from a local realtor when new houses are on the market. My question is that I receive a ton of listings from Sudden Valley? Since I am not from the area, but would like to retire to western Washington, is there something I should be concerned about when I see so many people wanting to sell in Sudden Valley?

[the dufferz]

dcgirl,

Based on the lack of response from those who know that area best, I would assume that there is a pretty neutral view of the area. Been there a couple of times and it was ok, but not one of the "wow I wish I lived here" experiences. It may be that there are simply a lot of homes in the area who's property value has increased enough to nudge people to take the money and run, or it could be that people are getting too congested in there and are wanting to move farther out to areas such as Deming at the likes. Wish I could help more.

The dufferz

[timetogo]

Originally Posted by dcgirl

I am registered to receive information from a local realtor when new houses are on the market. My question is that I receive a ton of listings from Sudden Valley? Since I am not from the area, but would like to retire to western Washington, is there something I should be concerned about when I see so many people wanting to sell in Sudden Valley?

Sudden Valley has always had lower home prices and less demand.

In Sudden Valley, HOA fees are required and you pay money so that others can Golf etc. Sudden Valley also has a huge water fee problem: in a state with so much rain, you pay $70 per month for water. Not true in other areas of Washington.

The least desirable areas to live in are those that see the initial price decreases for homes. Sudden Valley is such a place, but take respite in the fact that all property values are declining.

Be patience as great deals will emerge.

[dcgirl]

Thanks to both of you for your input. My husband and I visited Washington State for a month when our son was stationed at Bangor NSB. My husband, ironically, had done his army basic training at Ft. Lewis many (many... lol) years before. Currently living in Texas and absolutely hating the heat we decided that we would like to move to Washington when he retires and our youngest child graduated high school. So, we have been checking the real estate and different areas. I appreciate this site as it is another way to get a feel for different neighborhoods and their pros/cons.

[Yhwnot]

I have lived in Sudden Valley I was snowed in for weeks - I lived at the top of the hill. I house was awesome the veiw beyond words - if you play golf they have orange balls (can see them in the snow) - I recommend Monroe a small town that is growing and housing is still affordable.

[jsmill]

DC girl:
I've followed this thread and am a bit surprised by the reactions to your inquiry. I am a Sudden Valley land owner with plans to retire there in the nexr 2-4 years. I consider it a "suburb" of Bellingham, which is about 10 minutes away. Sudden Valley is part of the Bellingham Public School system and is on public water. The water, at least access to it, is not a problem because there is a new (4 year old) public water system. Back in the 80s and 90s, there was a sewer moratorium which depressed the land and house values in SV but since the moratorium was lifted in 2002, land values have increased substantially as have house values. Right now, there are a lot of listings for SV because builders have been constructing "spec" houses planned before the market cooled. If you want a lot of land, SV is not for you. For me the small lots were attractive because I don't want the yard work anymore. I now live outside Washington DC and even here, with our very low unemployment, house values have flattened and in certain areas, even decreased in the last year. SV has nice homes in a very wooded community that has nice amenities. Someone mentioned golf. An annual membership is about $1100, far less than any country club I know. I've stayed there a couple of times, renting a small condo. I've found the people to be very friendly and not full of themselves. Good down to earth families who enjoy living in a peaceful beautiful area. The annual home owner fee is about $500/yr and is covers trash pickup, road maintenance, security, and most amenities. The only negative is the lack of stores. Even though the local market is expanding, for most purchases you need to go into Bellingham. But that is true for any of the communities outside of Bellingham. As for the snow, it doesn't happen often and usually melts fairly quickly. This year's storm was atypical and even closed the Bellingham schools for 3 or 4 days and Western Washington U for 2 days. I have a friend who lives in the country north of the city where the terrain is mostly flat and even she was stuck for a few days. On the whole, Bellingham and SV are wonderful places to live. In the summer, there is no more beautiful part of the country outside of a national park. Good luck with your search.

[Screenial]

I've lived in Sudden Valley in the 80's when they couldn't give houses away there. It is beautiful in the summer, lush, green, lots of wildlife, but for some reason that area seems to get the worst of the rain, snow, ice. The main road in and out of Sudden Valley ( Lake Whatcom Blvd) can get congested and I encountered dangerous black ice frequently. I got really tired of the drive to Bellingham every day, but I guess it would be okay if you were retired and didn't have a job in town. It's cheaper out there because the building lots are cheap, the nasty commute , not much in the way of stores out there, in the dense forest area there is not much sunlight, and the various fees and dues that come with home ownership.
I have friends that have lived since the place was established, raised their kids there and love it. But they work mostly from home, and have a lake front property.
Hope it helps.
PS- I just wanted to mention that there are covenants in SV. The council must approve of most improvements to your home, such as what color you paint your home.

[svhomeowner]

It was stated by timetogo that Hoa fees are charged for golf in Sudden Valley. This is not true. Golfers are charged to play golf and the profits generated after expenses are used to fund things for all Sudden valley residents. So golfers actually pay for non golfers.

Real Estate values have been going up drastically over the past 5 years. Most houses have at least doubled in value and some vacant lots have increased 10-20 times their value.

Alot of homes have been on the market in the last few years because there so many homes built on vacant lots. The number of real estate transactions in the valley have been breaking new records every year.

timetogo was right about one thing, water/sewer rates are a bit high in Sudden Valley.

I have lived here for 15 years and do not ever want to move anywhere else.

Originally Posted by timetogo

Sudden Valley has always had lower home prices and less demand.

In Sudden Valley, HOA fees are required and you pay money so that others can Golf etc. Sudden Valley also has a huge water fee problem: in a state with so much rain, you pay $70 per month for water. Not true in other areas of Washington.

The least desirable areas to live in are those that see the initial price decreases for homes. Sudden Valley is such a place, but take respite in the fact that all property values are declining.

Be patience as great deals will emerge.

[librarian2b]

My parents (who are in their 70s) moved to SV about a year ago. They have found some things difficult (such as the snow this year) and other things enchanting (such as the deer in their yard, the forested setting, and the fantastic neighbors). It's considerably cooler over there, and in the evening, it can get dark over there when it's still light on this side of town.

They moved to the area at the height of the home price boom, so they're going to hang on. There's an empty lot next door to theirs covered in construction ribbons, but it's been that way since they moved in! So who knows if they will build the house anytime soon.

There is a homeowner's association, and the fees are mandatory. They don't pay for golf, though they pay for access to the recreation center, pool, etc. To me it seems worth it. It's a nice little community, even though it feels like it's a long way from Bellingham and the larger shops and activities there. There's even a community theater just for Sudden Valley.

Just some random thoughts. I would definitely recommend paying an extended visit before making a commitment to move to SV.

librarian2b

[frogamigo]

Sudden Valley is a pretty little area. It's somewhat isolated and it's a bit wetter out there. Still, if I were to settle down here in the B'ham area, it wouldn't be a bad place for me.