All Forum Posts by: Jody Ho

Thank you @Daniel Nobile. The initial assessment showed the offset of 2-3 inch and slope on one corner of the property, and crack on interior and exterior walls. From the report, it was recommending to install helical piers. There are obvious work done, but there is zero record, steel plates mounted on the side of concrete foundation wall, and new concrete work around that corner (That's how inspector spotted the work).

Let's say the permit was not properly filed. Who can I hire to inspect the work? How can I make the permit and other things right now? 

I am in contract with the seller on a property, which have done some foundation repair. However, I wasn't able to find any permit record from the city, and the seller couldn't provide sufficient paper work (only one receipt and two quotes from two foundation companies back in that time, no final receipt or permit or review report). I was able to got the initial assessment report (based on the only receipt) after reaching out one of the companies involved, the other company gave the quote wasn't sure they did the work or not, they could find any records on their end.

1. Does foundation repair require permit? What paper work do I need to keep for the future buyer?
2. How can I verify the work has been done correctly?

Thank you Jay. Glad you let me know about this. This really affects investor to buy underperforming properties.

Thank you so much Louis. I will search for rules in Snohomish. 

I am searching for the landlord tenant law in Bothell WA, in particular, I want to know what is the rules on rent increase, notification timeline if I want to remodel and end the month to month lease, etc. I googled, but nothing showed up. It does not like city of Seattle which is very easy to find. Thank you.

Hey fellow investor,

I am looking at a property with LR-1 zoning (6000 sqft lot), and the existing structure (~3500 sqft) is built on one side of the lot with a big back yard.

I am wondering whether I can add another structure, says another 4-plex, behind it. Where should I start the feasibility study? Seattle Department of Construction & Inspection? or need to hire someone to evaluate it? 

Thank you in advance.

I remember my agent told me if the seller is not living in the property, form 17 will not contain useful information and usually not provided. 

@Eric Huang, I am in very similar situation as you, in tech and started looking for investment property. Still haven’t had much success to acquire rental property, made some offers, most got out bids and few got into contract and didn’t go through at the end. Seattle is very competitive, esp when it is a good deal, and be prepared. 

I have the same question and would love to know the answer.

From my understanding, it won't happen automatically. I have been checking the assessed value after some properties got sold, nothing would change). Also, there is additional tax on places near the new light rail. I heard you can appeal the assessed value shortly after the new value came out, and you can use the purchase price to appeal to them. I would love to hear other people experience.

Also, the land value and improvement value are very inconsistent, this is super weird to me.