Service Areas
Acme, WABellingham, WABlaine, WABow, WACuster, WADeming, WAEverson, WAFerndale, WALummi Island, WALynden, WAMaple Falls, WANooksack, WA
View All Service Areas
About Michael Shkurat
Michael Shkurat is a highly respected and results-driven real estate professional serving Bellingham, Ferndale, and the greater Whatcom County area. Known for his exceptional market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and personalized client care, Michael provides a level of representation that consistently exceeds expectations for both home buyers and sellers. With roots in real estate dating back to 2013, Michael began his career as the Director of Marketing and Technology for RE/MAX. This background gives him a unique advantage in branding, advertising, digital marketing, and strategic exposure for listings--skills that directly translate into faster sales, stronger offers, and maximum visibility for his clients' homes. He has extensive experience in real estate systems, agent education, public relations, and technology integration, allowing him to deliver top-tier service and innovative solutions. Michael holds a combined degree in Economics and Political Science from Western Washington University's College of Business & Economics, paired with a background in Paralegal Studies and additional specialized education in real estate investment. This academic and professional foundation equips him with a deep understanding of real estate law, property valuation, market trends, and investment strategy, giving his clients a distinct advantage in today's competitive market. A fluent Ukrainian and Russian speaker, Michael proudly serves a diverse range of clients throughout Whatcom County. He is an active member of the Whatcom County Association of REALTORS(R), where he serves as the Chair of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) and volunteers on community-focused initiatives. His commitment to ongoing education ensures he stays at the forefront of industry developments, market shifts, and best practices. As a Bellingham homeowner with an additional investment property in Lynden, Michael understands the local market firsthand--from buying and selling to renovating, investing, and building long-term equity. His clients consistently praise his proactive communication style, strategic guidance, and unwavering dedication to helping families and investors achieve their real estate goals. Outside of real estate, Michael enjoys an active lifestyle--traveling, snowboarding, rock climbing, wakeboarding, and spending quality time with family and friends. If you're looking for a top-performing real estate agent in Bellingham, Ferndale, or Whatcom County, Michael Shkurat delivers exceptional representation, powerful marketing, and proven results. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, he's ready to help you succeed with confidence.
OTHER LANGUAGES
Ukrainian, Russian
Community Involvement
Chair of Young Professionals Network (YPN) for WCAR
HOBBIES/INTEREST
Active lifestyle--traveling, snowboarding, rock climbing, wakeboarding, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Read More About Michael
Credentials
LICENSE
Real Estate - Washington - # 22033607
Designation
At Home with Diversity
CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert)
Real Estate Broker
REALTOR
Specialties
- Sellers
- Buyers
- Residential Property
Awards
2026
TOP AGENT
Ferndale, WA
2026
TOP AGENT
Maple Falls, WA
Other Awards
2024 - 100% Club Award | 2024 - Rookie of the Year Award, Whatcom County Association of Realtors | 2023 - Executive Club Award, RE/MAX | 2023 - Rookie of the Year Award, RE/MAX
View All Awards
FAQ
Top Advice for a Buyer Trying to Purchase a Home
1. Get pre-approved early
A strong pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready. It also helps you understand your price range and monthly payments before you start touring homes.
2. Work with a knowledgeable local agent
The market moves fast. A local agent can help you spot opportunities early, understand neighborhood trends, and guide you through strategy, pricing, and negotiations.
3. Be prepared to act quickly
Good homes don’t sit long. If you find a property that fits your needs and budget, be ready to write an offer right away.
4. Know your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
No house checks every box. Focus on what can’t be changed (location, lot size, layout) and stay flexible on cosmetic items that can be updated over time.
5. Understand the full costs
Beyond the purchase price, consider inspections, closing costs, insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and potential repairs or upgrades.
6. Don’t skip the inspection
Even in competitive markets, a home inspection is crucial. It protects you from unexpected issues and gives you leverage to negotiate repairs or credits.
7. Avoid big financial changes
Don’t open new credit lines, switch jobs, or make major purchases while you’re under contract. These can affect your loan approval.
8. Look past the cosmetics
Outdated paint or carpet is easy to fix. Good bones, a solid roof, clean crawl space, and a functional layout are what matter long-term.
9. Think long-term resale
Even if you plan to stay for years, choose a home that will hold value in terms of location, schools, neighborhood, and layout.
10. Stay patient but persistent
The right home will come. Don’t settle out of frustration—stay focused, keep searching, and lean on your agent for guidance.
Top Advice for Home Sellers
1. Price it strategically from day one.
The first 7–10 days on the market are the most important. Homes priced correctly attract more buyers, more showings, and often stronger offers. Overpricing leads to sitting, price drops, and ultimately selling for less.
2. Make your home show-ready.
A clean, uncluttered, well-lit home always feels bigger and more inviting.
• Deep clean
• Declutter and depersonalize
• Freshen paint where needed
• Consider small, high-ROI updates like landscaping, hardware, or lighting
These minor investments can easily pay for themselves.
3. Maximize curb appeal.
Buyers form an opinion in the first 10 seconds. Trim landscaping, add fresh mulch, wash windows, and make your entryway warm and welcoming.
4. Stage (or at least pre-stage) the home.
Professional staging can dramatically increase buyer interest. But even simple steps—like rearranging furniture, adding neutral accents, or removing heavy curtains—make a big difference.
5. Fix what you know is broken.
Buyers will find issues during inspection. Fixing obvious problems ahead of time reduces surprise costs and keeps deals from falling apart.
6. Use high-quality marketing.
Professional photos, videography, drone shots, floor plans, and strategic online exposure matter. Today’s buyers shop online first—your digital presence is your first showing.
7. Be flexible with showings.
The more accessible your home is, the more buyers will see it. Try to accommodate showings whenever possible—those early, motivated buyers are often your best ones.
8. Trust the local market data, not emotions.
Your home is full of memories, but buyers are comparing it to other options and sales data. Work with your agent to make data-driven decisions that position your home competitively.
9. Prepare for the inspection and appraisal.
A clean, well-maintained home typically has smoother inspection results.
For appraisal: provide upgrades, receipts, and any improvements to help support value.
10. Hire an experienced local REALTOR® who handles everything.
A strong agent:
• Prices the home accurately
• Oversees prep and staging
• Markets aggressively
• Negotiates powerfully
• Manages paperwork, timelines, and risks
Selling is one of your biggest financial transactions—having the right advocate makes all the difference.
I’ve worked with a wide range of clients across many areas of real estate, including:
Residential sellers preparing to list and maximize their home’s value
First-time homebuyers navigating the process for the very first time
New construction buyers and sellers, including builder representation
Investors looking for cash-flow opportunities in duplexes, triplexes, and multifamily properties
Vacant land buyers seeking everything from recreational acreage to future development sites
Commercial buyers, including clients acquiring land for specialized uses—such as a shoreline property for a fishery
Manufactured home buyers and sellers, both in parks and on owned land
Condo buyers looking for low-maintenance living or investment opportunities
This diversity has given me a deep understanding of many property types, transaction structures, and client goals—allowing me to tailor my approach to each situation and deliver strong results.
One of my favorite recent transactions was helping a family sell their home in the Whatcom Falls neighborhood near Galbraith Mountain. We listed the home higher than other agents had suggested, prepared it with staging and professional photography, and went on the market. Thanks to our strategic negotiation style, we received an offer above list price within just two days. The sale went smoothly, and my clients were thrilled with the results as they moved on to their next chapter.
I got started in real estate growing up in a family that bought, built, and sold homes, which gave me an early appreciation for the industry. Professionally, I began as a transaction coordinator and later served as Director of Marketing and Technology for RE/MAX, honing skills in marketing, technology, and client strategy. I’ve also bought, fully renovated, and invested in properties myself, giving me firsthand experience that helps my clients succeed in buying, selling, or investing.
I hold a degree in Economics and Political Science, a background in Paralegal Studies, and have completed 17 hours of real estate investment courses. I also hold the Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) and C2EX designations, and with my experience as RE/MAX Director of Marketing and Technology plus hands-on investing and renovations, I provide clients with strategic guidance and results-driven service.
Contact Information
Location
913 Lakeway DriveBellingham, WA, 98229
Social Media
Trusted Professionals
Trusted Pro
Michael Shkurat is a Trusted Pro with a network of verified professionals.
Lindsay Rohweder
Real Estate Agent
ZillowVERIFIED