Broker & Owner, John L. Scott Real Estate Bellingham Co-Owner, John L. Scott Real Estate Anacortes, Green Ocean Real Estate Services

Real estate is something I was born into – I'm a second-generation Realtor. Growing up in Seattle, I was surrounded by the business. My father owned Balzotti Real Estate, and later, my stepfather owned John L. Scott Monroe. I moved to Bellingham in 2000 for college and began my real estate career at John L. Scott Bellingham in April 2003. Since then, I've dedicated myself to growing both personally and professionally, striving to provide the absolute best service possible. My approach is positive and energetic; I'm a cheerful and driven advocate for my clients' needs.

Since 2019, I've proudly owned John L. Scott Real Estate Bellingham, and in January 2023, I became co-owner of John L. Scott Anacortes. I'm also co-owner of Green Ocean Real Estate Services, which is a boutique property management company serving Whatcom, Skagit & Island Counties. 

While continuing to help clients buy and sell homes, I also dedicate time to supporting and leading the brokers who partner with John L. Scott Bellingham and Anacortes. I'm passionate about raising the bar for real estate in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Our core value is to "Live Life as a Contribution," bringing maximum value to everything we're involved in, for both our clients and the community.

Awards and Recognition:

  • President's Club Elite Award Winner (2004-2012, 2022-2025)
  • Realtrends Top Real Estate Agents Washington state 2024-2026
  • Chairman's Circle (2013-2021)
  • MSN RealTrends Emerging Leaders (2022)
  • Whatcom County Association Realtor of the Year (2022)

Professional Sales Designations:

  • CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): The highest designation in residential real estate, held by less than 4% of all realtors. It requires a combination of experience, sales, and advanced coursework.
  • E-Pro (Internet Marketing Professional): Trained to offer the best in online marketing expertise to clients.
  • Luxury Homes Designation (John L. Scott): Requires additional training with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and documented high-end home sales experience.
  • GREEN Designation: Certified in teaching residential green construction, remodeling, and renovation methods, promoting a green lifestyle and educating buyers on energy efficiency.
  • Certified Marketing Specialist (John L. Scott): Requires expertise in residential real estate marketing, additional education, sales experience, and completion of John L. Scott's Listing Launch program.
  • REO Certified: Experienced in over 200 short sale and REO (bank-owned) transactions, with specialized training and certification.

Community Involvement:

I contribute to the John L. Scott Foundation with every closing, supporting children's hospitals. Our brokerage also supports DVSAS, Brigid Collins, and Camp Korey through events. We regularly volunteer with Kulshan Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity. I also serve on the board of directors and lead the communications committee for the Whatcom County Association of Realtors.

Personal Life:

I'm married to Andrea, and we have a daughter, Riley, and a son, Liam. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading non-fiction, and playing and watching sports. I love golf, fishing, and I am a huge fan of the Seahawks, Huskies, and Sounders.

Reviews:

"Paul has experience. We had a somewhat complicated sale. Two different owners, and repairs that needed to be completed prior to the sale. Paul helped take care of everything. He helped find contractors, provided financing and hired amazing people to staged the house for pictures. His recommendations ended up getting us way more money for the house than we were expecting. Don't work with you aunt or brother-in-law who just got their real estate license. Hires someone who knows the area and knows what they're doing. Paul helped me buy a house a decade ago, and just helped me sell it. Buy and selling a house is a very stressful experience. Let Paul make it easier for you." -Joe P.

"Paul is a shrewd negotiator who got me an impressive deal on a beautiful house for less that the listed price. He knows what a house is worth and will not recommend that you pay more than you have to. Paul has an excellent reputation with other realtors. So when he submits a bid, the seller's agent respects him. Paul knew that I was moving from out of state. Because his office is close to my new house, he volunteered to bring the painters and carpet store employees to the house to make bids and conduct their work. He even recommended various crafts people to me and negotiated with two different painting companies on my behalf. Paul has an easy going manner and is a pleasure to work with. You will not find a better realtor." -Michael S. 

"Paul is an exceptional realtor. Period. There are a lot of folks in this business that practice real estate but there are very few like Paul. He is an expert in all areas and will be your ally and advisor in what is undoubtedly the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime. My wife and I were hoping to make a move from the Seattle area back to Bellingham. Paul used his local expertise and professional network to find us our dream home off-market and about a week before it was set to be listed. 30 days later we closed on a home that is of a quality that we didn’t think we could find. Well, without Paul none of this would have happened. We would recommend Paul to anyone that is seeking someone they can trust in this process. The real estate market has changed dramatically and Paul possesses the acumen and skill set necessary to make you competitive in the process. Whether you are on the buy-side or looking to list, we suggest you work with Paul. We guarantee your experience will parallel ours, and we couldn’t be happier we chose Paul as our realtor." -David & Laura 


"Paul is super knowledgeable and connected in the Bellingham real estate market. He did a great job of coaching us on the improvements we could make to really create a great return. He is really easy to get ahold of and stayed in close contact with us throughout the listing and sale process. We were really happy with the marketing plan provided. We had a ton of social media exposure and our video tour was an outstanding representation of our property. Paul generated a ton of interest, hosted 3 open houses, and coordinated a really busy showing and inspection schedule. Ultimately, we had several offers over asking and Paul communicated with buyers agents to really sell the unique attributes of our property. We accepted an offer much higher than our expectations and we were super happy with the end result. I would highly recommend Paul if you are listing in, or around, Bellingham."</p> -Siri T.

"In the competitive world of real estate, John L. Scott and Paul Balzotti pulled out all of the latest tech and media savvy ways to market our property they had in their toolbox. And that was many! From traditional marketing methods to Facebook and using a drone, to a live Facebook blast which included a live narrated home tour. Their approach casts the widest net to put your property in front of potential buyers. Paul works with integrity, professionalism and great enthusiasm to get results that satisfy all parties involved. And it's all done seamlessly without stress! We've worked with Paul twice and highly recommend him and his agency."
-Lori & Marty 


"This is the 4th time we have worked with Paul! I appreciate that he is detailed and upfront he is; if there are problems with a house we have looked at, he will tell us and we have never felt like he is just after the sale. Quick to respond and attentive. Lastly, we were new to being landlords and he was so helpful with our lease write up, answering questions about tenant/landlord rights, and protecting us. Thanks so much Paul!" -Denise