Tips & Advice
These tips and advice have been developed to make your homeowning experience as smooth as it can be. From weatherization grants, to tax tips, and everything in between, here are some helpful homeowner resources.
Financial Resources
Obtain tax return information or transcripts from the IRS.
Protect yourself from predatory lending.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers consumer financial resources.
Foreclosure Prevention from the Washington Homeownership Information website.
Make a budget and keep track of your spending with this free, easy-to-use money management program at Mint.com.
Get money saving tips at Northwestern Mutual.
Learn about Opportunity Council’s Wx Weatherization Program, offering free weatherization to qualified tenants and homeowners.
Reduce your electrical bill with ideas from PSE’s Savings & Energy Center.
If you need help paying your utility bills check out the Opportunity Council’s Energy Assistance Program.
Take Advantage of all incentives and rebates for energy efficiency. Check out the state’s incentive comprehensive database at www.dsireusa.org.
Health & Safety
Reduce lead hazards.
Learn about asbestos
Use this comprehensive home maintenance guide from Mike Veitenhans of MV Home inspection to simplify home maintenance year-round.
Build a family disaster kit.
Greening Your Home
Make your green yard even greener with native plants.
Use recycled materials for your home improvement projects! Have you checked out the Habitat for Humanity store in Bellingham, the RE Store in Bellingham or the Second Use website for inspiration?
Reduce your water use.
Get free water conservation kits and tips for Bellingham residents.
Improve your home’s energy efficiency using the Community Energy Challenge.
Check out the City of Bellingham’s Water & Money Saving Guide.
Participate in the City of Bellingham’s Water Use Efficiency Rebate Project.
Community Resources
Use the City of Bellingham’s website to find more resources.
Sustainable Connections offers many community programs.
“Moving out of the foothills to live close to town allows us to lower our energy consumption, and greatly reduces our commute and its consequences.”
— The Ashers, KulshanCLT Homeowners