Bellevue 2044 - Housing

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  affordable housing is possible

  by Barbara Carey, over 3 years ago
  We have recently moved from a downtown apartment near the park to Silver Glen off of BelRed road - a co-operative community for those over 55 - independent living.

  
  

  Tha apartment has heated up tremendously the last two years because of the many buildings to the east that face west and reflect afternoon heat on those to the west. It is becoming intolerable. The city planners have allowed so many building that the city dwellers are having to endure warmer temperatures than more open space would provide.

  
  

  The co-op is a very interesting alternative - prices are held by a... Continue reading

  We have recently moved from a downtown apartment near the park to Silver Glen off of BelRed road - a co-operative community for those over 55 - independent living.

  
  

  Tha apartment has heated up tremendously the last two years because of the many buildings to the east that face west and reflect afternoon heat on those to the west. It is becoming intolerable. The city planners have allowed so many building that the city dwellers are having to endure warmer temperatures than more open space would provide.

  
  

  The co-op is a very interesting alternative - prices are held by a limited increase in value allowed each year, making the units very affordable - literally half the price of other comparable residential units. Members participate through committees in the management of the units, although we also have a full time manager and maintenance staff. The co-op owns and maintains all appliances and provides all needed maintenance. It is a very affordable and supportive option for seniors. Yet is it is almost the only one in our state. the concept has taken off in the midwest - Minnesota has more than 85 senior co-ops with a similar structure to ours. Other midwest states are following suit, and many are currently in the works in their areas. The local governments have worked to make these developments attractive to developers. I think it would be an excellent idea for city planners to look into this concept and to think strongly about establishing such co-ops in Bellevue and surrounding areas.
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  A landlord's perspective

  by Bill Dennis, over 3 years ago
  I am a small landlord with one rental home a few blocks from my own. I maintain the home well and work with my tenants during difficulties.

  
  

  When I signed my most recent lease, my tenant negotiated a slight increase in rent in exchange for a 2 year lock on the price (I gave 3 years).

  
  

  I do not feel a need to maximize rent just because the market has gone there. A tenant should have the right to some stability.

  
  

  While I am now far below current rents, I am fine with that. Where this will become a problem... Continue reading

  I am a small landlord with one rental home a few blocks from my own. I maintain the home well and work with my tenants during difficulties.

  
  

  When I signed my most recent lease, my tenant negotiated a slight increase in rent in exchange for a 2 year lock on the price (I gave 3 years).

  
  

  I do not feel a need to maximize rent just because the market has gone there. A tenant should have the right to some stability.

  
  

  While I am now far below current rents, I am fine with that. Where this will become a problem is with the new property valuations. This will surely drive my costs up while my income is prevented from moving with it.

  
  

  When my 3 year lock expires, catching up will unlikely be a gradual move which I will be discussing with my tenants well in advance.

  
  

  The issue is when legislation is passed to address the abusive corporate landlords. Some bills usually limit the raise of rent to a percentage without any look-back to determine trends or history for the particular property or landlord.

  
  

  I am hoping that if Bellevue moves towards restrictions on rent gouging, they take a balanced approach that doesn't leave me forced to sell to the corporate landlords that are creating this nightmare.

  
  

  Just my perspective, thought I would share a side not often addressed.
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  Property tax increase forcing a move

  by Privacy , over 3 years ago
  The massive increase in our property taxes has made staying in our home impossible. Can we ask people who are not primary residents to pay more? Can we tax foreigners who want second homes here? We need housing for residents, not for real estate portfolios.

  The massive increase in our property taxes has made staying in our home impossible. Can we ask people who are not primary residents to pay more? Can we tax foreigners who want second homes here? We need housing for residents, not for real estate portfolios.
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  Costly

  by Tamecat , over 3 years ago
  We decided to live in the footprint of Clyde Hill Elementary. We elected to spend more on the house and use public school. It worked out, but our now adult son can’t afford a one bedroom apartment anywhere in town. He’s in a two bedroom apartment with a roommate. Paying more than 30% of his income for housing.

  We decided to live in the footprint of Clyde Hill Elementary. We elected to spend more on the house and use public school. It worked out, but our now adult son can’t afford a one bedroom apartment anywhere in town. He’s in a two bedroom apartment with a roommate. Paying more than 30% of his income for housing.
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  Housing hunting on the eastside

  by Susan P, over 3 years ago
  Over six years ago I began search for smaller home to downsize to after my spouse's death. Low inventory for several years and most were expensive fixer uppers so I passed. Even these fixers were being gobbled up by international cash payers at way over price, solely for investment purposes - homes remained unoccupied for a long time when I checked back on them in my area.

  Quit looking for three years during Covid but now I see smaller homes being bought up and mowed down to insert mega homes with tiny yards (smaller than even the yards we have... Continue reading

  Over six years ago I began search for smaller home to downsize to after my spouse's death. Low inventory for several years and most were expensive fixer uppers so I passed. Even these fixers were being gobbled up by international cash payers at way over price, solely for investment purposes - homes remained unoccupied for a long time when I checked back on them in my area.

  Quit looking for three years during Covid but now I see smaller homes being bought up and mowed down to insert mega homes with tiny yards (smaller than even the yards we have now!). Removal of large trees and less bare ground I suspect future drainage problems (rain runoff) between neighbors. City MUST get ahead of the upcoming impacts via permits and proper inspections taking into consideration the whole block/area, much like a major apartment complex that is being developed. That is what these homes truly are.

  I have now adjusted my home search for housing outside Bellevue and am looking at senior housing - cottage like or larger condo/apartments with a garage (I hope) but am angry that I must leave Bellevue to find it. I want a community feel, with families, parks and resources close by. Need energy efficient construction - Kirkland has a new plan (ParkShore) that will include solar panels, HPs, etc in the design. Bellevue doesn't require any in the new condo/apartments going up --- absolutely ridiculous and short sighted in this era. If I am going to invest time and money into a new home, I want it to be environmentally sustainable. I am willing to install these products but prefer that they are already put in. Where can I find it today in Bellevue?

  
  

  
  
• Share The only house you can afford is the one you live in on Facebook Share The only house you can afford is the one you live in on Twitter Share The only house you can afford is the one you live in on Linkedin Email The only house you can afford is the one you live in link

  The only house you can afford is the one you live in

  by marriedtotech, over 3 years ago

  I moved to Bellevue in 2008 when I married my spouse, who had purchased a modest SFH in NE Bellevue a few years earlier on his tech worker salary. Working in a less lucrative field, I am keenly aware that I would not be able to afford to live in Bellevue if not for being partnered with someone who works in tech. I also find it incredibly sad that as we add all sorts of low-wage jobs in Bellevue, the only housing we seem to be adding is luxury housing that none of those retail, food, and service workers can... Continue reading

  I moved to Bellevue in 2008 when I married my spouse, who had purchased a modest SFH in NE Bellevue a few years earlier on his tech worker salary. Working in a less lucrative field, I am keenly aware that I would not be able to afford to live in Bellevue if not for being partnered with someone who works in tech. I also find it incredibly sad that as we add all sorts of low-wage jobs in Bellevue, the only housing we seem to be adding is luxury housing that none of those retail, food, and service workers can afford. Shouldn't our teachers, librarians, police officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers be able to work and live here?

  Since 2008, I have watched our house's value fluctuate both down (during the Great Recession) and then steadily up. Our house is one of the most modest in our neighborhood and, especially since adding a child to our family, we have often dreamed of moving into something slightly bigger and more updated. Unfortunately, we would not be able to afford a nicer home in Bellevue unless we were willing to take on significant additional debt. A house in our neighborhood that was valued at less than $800K in 2014 recently sold for over $4.5 million!

  It is now rare to see a SFH home in Bellevue listed for sale for under $1 million. Many of the more affordable homes are purchased, torn down, and replaced with large luxury homes. Not all of us work in tech and not all of us make salaries that allow for that type of spending on a home. We need regulation to prevent wealthy investors and corporations from buying up and flipping all of the available houses or renting them out at inflated prices.

  We love living in Bellevue but when we are ready to move on to a new home, we may have to look elsewhere to find something we can afford that meets our needs.
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  Amazing opportunity

  by Gabrielle , over 3 years ago
  I’m a young 72 year old woman living in a 55 and over subsidized apartment building in West Bellevue. I love Bellevue. In the 1990’s, as a working single Mom, I commuted from Snohomish for 6 years to complete a BA at City University. I always felt at home in Bellevue, but I never imagine I could ever live here, because of high cost of housing. This is the only way I can live here comfortably. I’m in an amazing location, a half a block from Main Street, Old Bellevue. It feels like a miracle! I feel very blessed to... Continue reading

  I’m a young 72 year old woman living in a 55 and over subsidized apartment building in West Bellevue. I love Bellevue. In the 1990’s, as a working single Mom, I commuted from Snohomish for 6 years to complete a BA at City University. I always felt at home in Bellevue, but I never imagine I could ever live here, because of high cost of housing. This is the only way I can live here comfortably. I’m in an amazing location, a half a block from Main Street, Old Bellevue. It feels like a miracle! I feel very blessed to be here. I’m not a city girl, but all the lovely green spaces and parks help me to feel like I’m not in the city. From my apartment window all I see is green!. The walk ability of my neighborhood is another bonus. I feel very fortunate, but I know, without help, this is not a place assessable to many people.
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  Robinswood

  by slocan, over 3 years ago
  I grew up in Robinswood. My parents bought a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bathrooms, double garage for $15,000 in 1955. It was to be my parents starter home but they ended up living there until the end. I lived with my mother for 12 years, as she declined and died in her home December 2012. It became my adult home too. I love Robinswood Park and walking around Phantom Lake, almost daily. I've been dismayed to watch new people move in and cut down the beautiful Douglas Fir trees. Bellevue really needs stricter tree cutting laws. My mother left the... Continue reading

  I grew up in Robinswood. My parents bought a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bathrooms, double garage for $15,000 in 1955. It was to be my parents starter home but they ended up living there until the end. I lived with my mother for 12 years, as she declined and died in her home December 2012. It became my adult home too. I love Robinswood Park and walking around Phantom Lake, almost daily. I've been dismayed to watch new people move in and cut down the beautiful Douglas Fir trees. Bellevue really needs stricter tree cutting laws. My mother left the house to my three brothers and I. I tried to buy out my brothers and qualified for a $360,000 mortgage with 1/4 down, which was a going price in 2013. I worked at the UofW, as an adviser, and only made $52,000/year. My Construction Management chauvinistic brothers said no, they'd sell the house for more. They put $10,000 more into the house but only sold it for $370,000. There are still hard feelings, with them throwing me under the bus. This same house would now go for $1.2 million. Robinswood has become a tear-down neighborhood. Builders are buying these ramblers for these high prices, tearing them down and then building 5 bedroom 5 bathroom homes and selling them for $3..4 - 4.5 million. They sell quickly because of the convenient and pretty location. A neighbor sold her rambler for $725,000 in 2020, they tore it down and built a house to put on the market for $3,400,000 (but had to come down $152,000 to $3,298,000.00). The neighbors across the street have been offered 1.5 million for their four bedroom rambler (a bedroom had been added on). I had bought a condo in Issaquah for $275,000 in 2013. I sold it in 2020 for $510,000.00. I was near I-90 and the noise bothered me. But it was two-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and a garage, 1100 sq. ft.. I had planned to immediately buy another condo in a quieter place. But COVID hit. So, I've been in an apartment, in Bellevue, 650 sq. ft., $1725/month + $335/month storage. I've retired from the UofW, but have had to take on an Amazon job, as a Grocer Associate, to make ends meet. I'm afraid I've been priced out of the market. I'll probably need to find low-income housing, once I can no longer work. I'd like to stay in Bellevue. It is home. But, I'm not sure where I'll find housing.
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  We basic workers cannot live here

  by RNcycler, over 3 years ago

  I moved here from NC in December to be near family, who have lived here before prices escalated. I am single and a nurse, and in NC, I could live comfortably in a new home and commute by moped safely to work. I tried applying to rent in this area where I got my new job here (in Bellevue) and would sometimes be 18th in line with a credit score over 700 and no debt and still could find very few places that would even accept my application because of the demand and applicants ahead of me in line. Few... Continue reading

  I moved here from NC in December to be near family, who have lived here before prices escalated. I am single and a nurse, and in NC, I could live comfortably in a new home and commute by moped safely to work. I tried applying to rent in this area where I got my new job here (in Bellevue) and would sometimes be 18th in line with a credit score over 700 and no debt and still could find very few places that would even accept my application because of the demand and applicants ahead of me in line. Few, if any, in my wage bracket can buy, so I guess rental demand skyrocketed to the moon. I finally found a place to rent, but at almost $3000/mo, old, dated, moldy smelling, no a/c, funky, and taking almost half of my take-home pay, I am greatly disheartened that I cannot ever get ahead trying to live in the city I work in. And forget commuting by scooter or bike like I did before. How scary the horrendous traffic is here.
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  Too little, too expensive

  by nothere, over 3 years ago

  I moved to Bellevue in 2016. At the time, I was a student at Bellevue College, where I also had a part time job. On my very small salary, the only housing I could afford in the area was the option of renting out the living room of a 2 bedroom apartment shared with two other people in West Bellevue. And I felt lucky that I was able to find even that, after months of searching and reaching out to housing ads.

  
  

  I was paying out of pocket for college at that time and did not yet receive financial aid... Continue reading

  I moved to Bellevue in 2016. At the time, I was a student at Bellevue College, where I also had a part time job. On my very small salary, the only housing I could afford in the area was the option of renting out the living room of a 2 bedroom apartment shared with two other people in West Bellevue. And I felt lucky that I was able to find even that, after months of searching and reaching out to housing ads.

  
  

  I was paying out of pocket for college at that time and did not yet receive financial aid, so I had no outside help to cover my expenses, not even from family. The cost of rent increased steadily year by year. In 2020, I took a job working with Bellevue's Parks department. I still could not afford to even rent a studio apartment on my salary alone. I was unhoused for a brief amount of time when my roommates moved out and I couldn't afford the place on my own.

  
  

  This reality drove me to seek work and housing in Seattle late 2021, where at least more programs exist to help people in need. With my own ears I have heard Bellevue citizens brag about the fact that you don't see as many homeless folks in Bellevue, as if the lack of support the city has to offer is something to be proud of. It makes me sick.