Welcome to the heart of the Pacific Northwest
When we think about the emerald jewel of the Pacific Northwest, many people turn their thoughts to Bellingham. As the last major town before crossing the border into Canada, Bellingham is ideally situated 85 miles north of Seattle and 50 miles south of Vancouver, B.C.
Bellingham is home to many recreational opportunities and has been recognized by several outdoor publications as the perfect place to play all year round outdoors. Outside Magazine recognized Bellingham as being the “best paddling destination in the United States,” and Inside Golf Newspaper ranked Bellingham as “a hotbed of great golf“.
CNN Money Magazine ranked Bellingham as the “#5 best place to retire in the country“. National Geographic touted Bellingham as a highly recommended “Adventure Town” where you can find endless outdoor activities, great hotels, fantastic food, and sunsets you will never forget.
Included with all this fantastic scenery is nationally ranked Western Washington University. For the past 22 years, according to U.S. News and World Report, WWU has been ranked as the #1 public master’s granting university in the Pacific Northwest. WWU is also ranked as being a best-value university and 4th Top Public University in the West. Karen attended WWU as an undergraduate and can attest that WWU is a great university and a relaxing and stunning place to live while studying. Additionally, in the past five years, an explosion of student housing around the university has made finding a place to live while attending WWU much easier.
Bellingham is a haven for boaters of all types. With the world-famous San Juan Islands beckoning you, one only needs to hit the water to feel the stress and cares of the world melt away. Squalicum Harbor, the second largest in Puget Sound with just under 2,000 vessels moored, is right in the heart of Bellingham’s expanding waterfront district. Blaine Harbor to the North is an EnviroStars-certified clean marina with space for 650 boats.
Galbraith Mountain is another popular draw for outdoor adventurers. With 70+ miles of trails winding through 3,000 acres, Galbraith is open to all non-motorized use and is ranked as one of the top mountain biking destinations in Washington State.
As we are all heading into a world where climate issues occupy headlines worldwide, it is worth mentioning that in 2005 the Bellingham City Council created a climate action plan in 2007 with an updated 2018 greenhouse gas reduction plan. You can view this plan on Bellingham’s Climate Emissions and Goals webpage. While no place is completely protected from the effects of climate change, Whatcom County is facing our challenges with planned measures designed to mitigate much of the anticipated impacts of what a changing climate may bring to our fantastic part of the world.
Come see why Whatcom County is catching the attention of those seeking their own space in the lushness of the Pacific Northwest. Bellingham is waiting for you because You Belong Here.
About Kirk
I was born in California, but my childhood was spent right here in Bellingham. After graduating from Sehome High School and the University of Washington, I enjoyed an interesting career in land surveying, which was an excellent background in learning to analyze property. In 1998 I decided to join my father Mickey at The Muljat Group in the “family business”. We worked together for several years before he retired, and I have proudly carried on the tradition of service ever since.
As a second generation broker and lifelong resident, I have built a wealth of local information and connections. My encyclopedic knowledge of real estate laws and forms has earned me the office nickname of “Father Ghio”, and I contribute regularly to helping keep our agents informed of the frequent changes in the industry. I work tirelessly to protect my clients’ interests, and I consistently rank in the top 1% of Bellingham brokers. I have represented buyers and sellers all over Whatcom County and northern Skagit County. When I am working with buyers I analyze every house through a lens of “would I buy this for my own family?” We may have different tastes and needs, but I will tell you the good and the bad things I see in every house. If I think it is a bad investment I will tell you. I have talked many people out of buying marginal homes over the years, and have built a loyal following of repeat clients and referrals because of this. No matter how long it takes, I sleep well knowing I have done everything possible to find the best possible home for my clients.
I am foremost a proud parent and partner to my wife of over 30 years, and a father to our two amazing sons. “Home” is the most important place in my life, and I understand and honor that every family is seeking their own sanctuary. Your home needs to fit your specific needs, not mine. Experience matters when choosing where your family lives and I have that experience.
What does my life look like outside of the real estate world? I am a passionate explorer, hiker, traveler, reader, musician, adventure motorcyclist, and dog rescuer. If two wheeled adventures are your calling, I have recommendations for many amazing rides. Do you like to walk or mountain bike? I live at the base of Galbraith Mountain and can share the best trails and answer any questions you might have. Looking for restaurants, brew pubs, fun shops, or getaways? Ask away. I love where I live and I am always happy to share.
Your life deserves to be embraced. If you are seeking open spaces and open minds, there is a spot waiting for you here. I look forward to welcoming you.
About Karen
I am a content contributor and support person for Kirk’s real estate business. I was born and raised on the West side of Washington State. After leaving Issaquah to attend Western Washington University, I married Kirk after completing my studies. We have always had adventurous spirits filled with many stories centered on living in the Pacific Northwest. One of these adventures was moving to San Juan Island shortly after we were married. Real estate is quite expensive on the island, but with imagination and creativity, we were able to secure a tiny piece of land; with another creative bank loan, we had a tiny house. Our first son was born on the island. The story of how we started the journey of home ownership is now being repeated by our son Riley. There truly is a way, but you have to be creative and willing to make sacrifices.
We moved from San Juan Island when Riley was 2. Bellingham was calling us back and we have been here ever since. Our son Reed was born in Bellingham and has lived here his entire life.
We made the decision early on that I would be a full time stay at home mother. If living on one income is hard, not having an outside career to be a parent is harder. I never regretted my decision and am incredibly thankful that I was able to be home with my children. We have built a life here. It is a life spent learning the language of the forest, understanding that we need to respect nature and being creative.
My passions include a marine canvas business I currently started, restoring abandoned orchard trees, hiking with my three dogs, collecting very eclectic artwork, researching climate mitigation techniques, and recently, graduating from Johns Hopkins University with an MA in Culture, Heritage, and Nonprofit Management. I am a restless person who rarely sits down. I read a lot, write a lot, cook interesting food, and am passionate about other cultures. I deeply enjoying hearing about other people’s passions. I hope you take the time to share your passions with me as I will with you through the blogs I frequently write for this page.
Owning a home is about more than a financial investment. It is where your soul resides. It is where you seek sanctuary; it is the frame that holds the sculpture that is you. We are here to help you frame yourself into the right space because, “you belong here.”
