Unique situation in Vancouver

Unique situation in Vancouver

Member since 2019 · 7 posts · 4 votes

My parents are getting older and want to move into a home closer to us. We live in Portland, but because of the tax consequences of no income tax, they would prefer to remain in Washington. They currently live in rural Washington, but want to move to Vancouver to be closer to grand kids and us.

I am supportive of this, but because my brother lives far away, and the reality that the house they buy here will end up being given to my wife and I when they die, they want to split the proceeds from their current home with my brother, which I am in support of.

That leaves them around $350k to buy a house. At the same time, I want to get started in real estate in the local area, and due to Oregon's laws, I'd rather start in Vancouver. I proposed to my parents, that, instead of buying an SFH, we jointly buy a duplex or home with an ADU in Vancouver, expand their budget a bit, and use their cash out from their home as down payment, while I pay the mortgage on the new home. We'll rent out the ADU / other unit, and take the income, which my parents are happy to give to us. My dad used to be a real estate agent and property manager, and would manage the property for day-to-day issues (he's excited to do this -- he's always wanted to own a rental). My parents are happy that they will give my wife and I a source of income when it eventually becomes fully ours. I am happy to get started in real estate while having the help of my dad.

So, now I'm in the market looking for a home with an ADU or a duplex with limited shared walls (parents need single story for old age) in Vancouver. I see lots of such listings in Portland, but not as many in Vancouver. With the new arrangement, I'd be willing to go up to 550k. We'd also be interested in a house with an easy-to-add extra unit, such as a large lot, above garage addition, etc.

Are these easy to find in Vancouver? Does this seem like a sensible plan? Does anyone have recommendations for agents in Vancouver? Thanks for the tips.

Travis

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Vancouver, WA · Member since 2014 · 127 posts · 60 votes
5y

@Travis Athougies I would avoid a duplex as the locations for most are in locations that are not very desirable to live. I think your price point would work for a new build with ADU so that is an option to look into if you are fine with Ridgefield which is just north of Vancouver. Otherwise I like the other comments surrounding a single family 1 story ranch with room for an ADU later.

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  • Lender · Seattle, WA · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 899 votes
    5y

    Travis- plans  sounds  good ......the  challenge  ( as you already noted )  is to  locate  a property that  fits these  details ......if you have the cash  to spend  550K  you  wont need  financing ......if you  will need  a loan,  definitely get  fully approved  with a  lender  so that you can be  completely prepared to make an offer  on a property when you locate one that  works 

  • New to Real Estate · Vancouver, WA · Member since 2020 · 5 posts · 5 votes
    5y

    I'm finishing the purchase of a SFH for a rental in Vancouver, WA. We found the place off market and have used a realtor. We are putting 25% down and the rate is pretty good. Our eventual goal is similar to yours. Lot has potential for ADU.

    Now, I’ve been looking at a duplex myself and there are some options in that price range but not many in the area. It’s going to be a challenge but like everyone says, run the numbers are each opportunity. If it makes sense, then do it. 

  • Spokane, WA · Member since 2016 · 103 posts · 76 votes
    5y

    This is pretty much exactly what I'm doing Travis. It's a good plan, and you're in the right mindset.

    But I'll tell you right now, it is NOT easy to find these. The ones you do find will likely be quite overpriced, because people are aware that investors want such properties.

    The area had several properties back in 2018 when I started looking. Those are all gone now. When a property comes up, it's usually gone within days. I saw one that went from Listed to Pending within 6 hours!

    For agents, I work with @James Dishongh in Vancouver, and he's been an excellent help. 

    Feel free to PM me if you'd like more.

  • Brad HammondBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Portland, OR · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 605 votes
    5y

    Hi @Travis Athougies, this sounds like a great opportunity for everyone!  While I don't know too much about the Vancouver market, @Mathew Wray would be a great resource for you.

  • Vancouver, WA · Member since 2014 · 127 posts · 60 votes
    5y

    @Travis Athougies I would avoid a duplex as the locations for most are in locations that are not very desirable to live. I think your price point would work for a new build with ADU so that is an option to look into if you are fine with Ridgefield which is just north of Vancouver. Otherwise I like the other comments surrounding a single family 1 story ranch with room for an ADU later.

  • Investor · Quilcene, WA · Member since 2017 · 235 posts · 169 votes
    5y

    Looking outside of Vancouver proper may make it easier to find a large lot to build an ADU. MY SIL just sold her large lot home and it was 530k in Vancouver. It may be hard to find a good neighborhood in your price range in the city.

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5y

    Boy, you're right, took a look at MLS and saw 3 units ACTIVE and 12 PENDING under $600K.

    I'd hook up with a good resi broker and show them why they should send you a good listing in Clark.  Like available funds and pre-qual with a lender.

    It's a tight market, so more buyers than sellers now.

  • Investor · Quilcene, WA · Member since 2017 · 235 posts · 169 votes
    5y

    Also, Stuff is moving fast. SIL's house had multiple offers by day 2. They held offers open for the week and then chose the best one. They also got over asking for it.

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