All Forum Posts by: Christopher Bowen

@Zach Schwarzmiller Appreciate the comments, Zach. I am with you on the commercial properties in Lake Stevens. What are your thoughts about SFH in that area?

Also, in regards to Mill Creek, I agree with you that Lake Stevens is no Mill Creek because of it's norther location (among other things), however, I moved to Mill Creek about 20 years ago when it was nothing but trees and SFHs and now it's continuing to generate more and more commercial properties due to the rise in norther population and the Towncenter. In my opinion, the North Sound is the where more and more people are buying outside of the cities, and I think Lake Stevens, because of the Lake, it's family reputation, and the city's plans to put in what they are calling a "Mill Creek like" towncenter, could start to take a similar direction in the next 10 years or so. Thoughts? I agree though that Bothell is a gem right now and I would love to invest there.

You mentioned Monroe. I am back and forth on this. Would you mind sharing why you think it's destined for growth? Is it because of it's access to the Eastside?

@Paul Timmins

@Karyn T. Sorry for the delay here, Karyn. I was off the grid there for a couple weeks on vacation. Meeting people is definitely on my list. There are so many questions I have and so many people I want to talk with. You mentioned you own some North Everett property... I assume you are renting while you live down south? I am trying to learn a bit more about the Everett market.

@Glen Fullerton Indeed, we are very close! Bellingham is interesting to me as well. Love to hear your thoughts.

Hey BP!

Any Washington State investors have opinions about the Lake Stevens market (and any others in the near proximity)? I've done some research on the city website and it appears there's plans to develop multiple submarkets within city limits, starting with the 20th street corridor. The city website also indicated that Lake Stevens is in the top 5 of the fastest growing cities in WA and that over 70% of its residents are owners of SFHs. This is all from 2010 I believe, so correct me if things have changed. Also, not sure if that SFH percentage will change with the increase in population (like Mill Creek did) or remain the same. Any thoughts?

I am a newbie looking to make my first investment purchase within the next 6-8 months. I am going back and forth on SFH or Multi (up to 4plex), but quite frankly I can't find many SFHs that fit my number criteria. Hearing from others looking in the near areas would be extremely helpful. Also any opinions about Everett?

Thanks,

Chris

Zach - appreciate the info on the meetup. Looks like the next meeting will be 4/3, which I will be at. If you would like to get together sooner in the Snohomish area, I am happy to accommodate. I am free pretty much any weekday after 6. If a weekend works better, I can meet earlier.

Michele - you are correct in that my motivation for living in my investments before renting them is because of taxes, less money down, and getting the best interest rates available. I am always open to new approaches though, so if you want to share your insights I would love to hear them.

Hello Tom!

Thanks Mark! Sure is a great place.

Gerald - thanks for the link. I'll take a look.

@Zach Schwarzmiller - I would love to learn more about the meetup so I can attend.

Hi BP community! My name is Chris Bowen and I looking to network with fellow Washingtonians about buy and hold strategies in this great state. I currently own one house in Lake Stevens, which I have lived in for the last 2.5 years, but am now looking to convert that to a rental and buy my next property, which I would live in for two years and then do it all over again. I have spoken with a few others that have gone this route and they have seen positive returns (given their investments smart buys). Any thoughts from the community?

Also, as you can see I am relatively new to the REI world and it's my goal to network to grow my knowledge and reach as well as to better understand this market. If anyone is familiar with the Western Washington State market (specifically north of Seattle and the east side) and wants to chat more, I would love to make that happen.

Thanks!

Chris