Leo Cohen
Designated Broker | Owner
Leo founded Bellingham Real Estate Co. after years as a lead inside sales agent for a large team. He partnered with Christopher Lee (now Director of Operations) and the two of them built what the company is today.
The idea was straightforward: be the kind of professionals you don't hesitate to tell your friends about. Not because of slick marketing, but because the experience was genuinely good.
Areas of Expertise
Buying
First-time buyers, relocations, and move-up buyers across Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Learn more →Selling
Data-driven pricing, professional staging & media, and proactive communication through closing.
Learn more →Investing
Rental properties, multifamily, and long-term portfolio strategy for Bellingham investors.
Learn more →More than transactions.
Leo hosts the Building Bellingham podcast, conversations with local entrepreneurs about building businesses and building community in the Pacific Northwest.
He founded the Whatcom County Real Estate HUB, an online professional community that's grown to over 700 local brokers, the largest network of its kind in the county.
After every closing, he donates a portion of his commission to charity: water . Separately, the team hosts a monthly Clean Water Happy Hour at Overflow Taps. Your first pint's on us, plus giveaways from local businesses.
Married to Emily. Dad to Brynne. Lives in Bellingham.
Awards & Recognition
Top 7 Under 40
2023Whatcom Young Professionals / Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
Recognizes outstanding character, community impact, leadership, professional accomplishments, and personal vision among young professionals in Whatcom County.
BBB A+ Rating & Accreditation
2020Better Business Bureau
Accredited since 2020 with an A+ rating, zero complaints, and zero negative reviews.
Featured in Business Pulse Magazine
2022Business Pulse Magazine
Profiled for how the Building Bellingham podcast supports the Whatcom County business community.
Featured on Bellingham Tonight
2020Bellingham Tonight
Featured for going beyond real estate through the Building Bellingham Podcast and community engagement.
Whatcom County Real Estate HUB Founder
2019Whatcom County Real Estate Community
Founded the online professional community that has grown to over 700 area brokers, serving as the go-to resource for local real estate professionals.
Featured on KGMI News/Talk 790
KGMI News/Talk 790
Featured on local radio discussing the Building Bellingham Podcast and its mission to highlight local businesses.
What Clients Say
Buyers
"Leo and his team made our first home purchase in Bellingham feel effortless. They were honest about every property, never pushed us, and found exactly what we were looking for."
Sarah & Mike R.
South Hill
"Moving from Seattle, we needed someone who really knew Bellingham neighborhoods. They spent hours walking us through different areas before we ever looked at a listing. That changed everything."
Jennifer & Paul K.
Edgemoor
Sellers
"We interviewed three agents before choosing BHRECO. The difference was night and day. They actually listened to our goals and priced our home based on real data, not wishful thinking. Sold in 9 days."
David T.
Sehome
"Leo and his team lived up to their 5-star reputation: expertise, knowledge, responsiveness, and professionalism. From finding a contractor to marketing, staging, and closing, it was seamless."
Mark & Lisa D.
Bellingham
Investors
"As a first-time investor, I had a lot of questions. They walked me through the numbers, the neighborhoods, and connected me with a great lender. I now own two rental properties."
Chris L.
Whatcom County
"I bought a duplex as my first investment property. They helped me understand the rental numbers, connected me with a property manager, and made the whole process way less intimidating."
Jason M.
Lettered Streets
Let's talk about your next move.
Whether you're buying your first home, selling after fifteen years, or figuring out what your options are, Leo's happy to have the conversation.