Aldo Levain

If you’re buying a home in Bellingham or anywhere in Whatcom County, my biggest advice is to start with clarity and local guidance. The market here changes block by block, so working with a local realtor who knows the neighborhoods — from Cordata and Barkley to South Hill and Geneva — can save you from costly surprises. If you’re relocating, take time to explore which area truly fits your lifestyle, whether that’s schools, commute times, or access to trails and waterfront. Get pre-approved early so you understand your buying power, budget for more than just the purchase price, and don’t be afraid to ask questions at every step. A trusted realtor should make the process transparent, explain contingencies and timelines, and negotiate on your behalf so you feel confident — not rushed — from your first showing all the way to getting the keys.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Bellingham or anywhere in Whatcom County, my advice is to prepare and position your property like today’s buyers expect. In 2025, most buyers are relocating from outside the area, and their first impression comes online. That means investing time and money upfront into cleaning, repairs, and updates — plus professional staging, photography, and video. Pricing is just as important. Homes that are priced strategically — not just high — attract more showings, multiple offers, and stronger terms. A local realtor who understands neighborhoods like Barkley, Columbia, Fairhaven, and Sudden Valley will know exactly how to showcase your home’s value and market it across the right platforms: Zillow, Google, YouTube, and relocation channels. The goal isn’t just to get your house sold, but to get it sold smoothly, quickly, and for the strongest net possible.

’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients — from first-time buyers navigating their very first purchase, to families relocating to Bellingham and Whatcom County from across the country, to longtime locals looking to upsize or downsize. Many of my clients are relocation buyers, and at the LeVain Team with Windermere Real Estate, we’ve developed a proven system to make the transition smooth whether they’re moving from California, Texas, Florida, or elsewhere. I also specialize in helping homeowners who need to sell and buy at the same time — guiding them through timing, financing, and negotiations so the process feels seamless. On the selling side, my average list-to-sale price in 2024 was 102%, which means my clients consistently netted above asking.

One recent transaction that stands out was with our sellers on 5531 Knight Rd in Bellingham. They came to the LeVain Team asking how to best position their home to sell quickly and for the highest return. I laid out two clear options: sell the property as-is at a lower price, or make targeted updates (fresh paint, new carpet, updated light fixtures, staging, and even a new gravel driveway) and strategically price it just below market value to drive competition. They chose the second option, trusted our process, and it paid off—within days we had four offers and the home sold for $30,000 over asking. This is a great example of how the right preparation, pricing strategy, and local expertise can completely change a seller’s outcome.

Before real estate, I worked in car sales—50+ hours a week, sitting around for 8–10 hours a day waiting for people who often didn’t even want to work with me just because I was a ‘car salesman.’ I knew I wanted more with my life and career. Luckily, my girlfriend (now wife) had a mom in real estate, and that gave me the push to make a change. In January 2016, I quit my job, got licensed, and went all-in on real estate. Since then, I’ve built the LeVain Team into one of Bellingham’s trusted real estate groups, helping buyers, sellers, and especially relocation clients move to and from Whatcom County with confidence.

I’ve lived in Bellingham and Whatcom County my whole life, so my clients benefit from 25+ years of firsthand local knowledge. I understand the neighborhoods, schools, and market trends in a way that only comes from growing up here and staying connected to the community. On top of that, I’ve developed advanced skills in real estate negotiations, tactics, and strategies—helping both buyers and sellers position themselves for success in competitive situations. Where I really stand out is marketing. I believe I’m the best marketing agent in the area, leveraging professional video and social media campaigns across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Whether it’s showcasing a listing to attract multiple offers or creating relocation-focused videos that help buyers learn about life in Bellingham, the LeVain Team makes sure our clients get maximum exposure and results.