From cold weather sports to warm weather festivals, Washington mountain communities have what it takes to attract homebuyers.

Mt. Baker

"East of Deming to the Mt. Baker recreation area," says Realtor Maryann Angus , "you're close to skiing, fishing, rafting, mountain hiking, and the National Forest. It's about a 30-45 minute drive from Bellingham, but a fantastic rural lifestyle."

Angus says, "Skiing season is here, and a lot of people have been calling to see property. Inventories are very low, with some condominiums and recreation homes becoming more difficult to find. We're just 30 minutes from the ski area and other trails. The Nooksack River also beckons. So if you like to ski, snowboard, mountain hike or bike, fish, canoe, or go rafting, this is the life for you, in all seasons.

"Many people are moving to that area because of the rural lifestyle and privacy," Angus continues. "Characteristically in the past, the homes here were second homes, but in the recent past more year-round residents are living here. We have more new construction, and the change in the Canadian dollar has prompted more people to make the scenic 30-45 minute drive through the valley to their permanent home. There are a few gated communities which allows for access to amenities such as swimming pools, fishing areas access, tennis courts, etc. Recent sales have been brisk with very little inventory available. There are also condos in this area that make a great get-a-way with little ongoing maintenance. In the Glacier area, you are just 30 minutes from the 'top' of beautiful Mt. Baker. In the Mount Baker district there are currently approximately 60 listings that are homes, four condos, and 34 land listings."

Mt. Vernon

"This is the hub of commerce and life in Skagit Valley," says Realtor Vickie Cooley . "Mount Vernon is the home of the annual Tulip Festival every April.

About the market, Cooley advises, "We have elegant homes on golf courses to small farms in the valley to delight the eye and senses. You don't miss a thing here!

"The market is "hot" in Mount Vernon," she continues. "By the end of November there were only 137 active listings compared to 201 last year at this time. The median price of a home moved from $188,400 to $219,000 (an increase of over 16 percent). The average number of days on the market before sold is only 80 days. If you want a home in a lovely city with all the amenities you expect plus the beauty of the Skagit Valley, Cascade Mountains, and within minutes to the beaches of Puget Sound, and at a good price, this is the place."