All Forum Posts by: Martha Bishop

In response to Brian's question about my experience with new construction and development, it's zero ( if you don't count the wooden shed I built some years ago). It isn't my intention to build anything myself. I thought I could hire a builder contractor to do it. I think manufactured/modular home businesses include installation and set up in their services. My work would be dealing with the county officials in getting necessary permits, mitigation etc. Any physical work would be done by contractors.

Thanks Chris for the links to Snohomish County's pamphlet regarding Transfer of Development Rights. You are right about its obscurity and it is very generous of you to share the idea especially since developers seem to be very busy in Snohomish County so I can see where you are going with this.

The $270Ks price was true in midsummer but you are right about the land being the real value. 

I did think about purchasing acreage with an old mfr on it that could be removed and replaced with a stick built house hoping that would take care of all the initial costs/permitting of installing power, well, etc. I have no illusions of anything being easy when dealing with County regulations and wasn't surprised to find you need to get a permit to remove an old mobile. I have seen a lot In Clyde Hill where the sellers demolished the house and then put the cleared lot on the market. Maybe there is money in buying land that has some old derelict structure on it and getting it clear and ready for a developer? Probably depends on location...

I have about two or three months before I need to decide which way to go and I really appreciate all the information on BP and helpful members.

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Thank you for your very detailed and informative post. 

I became interested in the idea of raw land development in more rural settings largely because I was surpirsed when a family member told me about several 1,2 or 3 acre properties in Snohomish and Skagit counties with circa 1980's manufactured homes on them being listed in the $270Ks...and having multiple offers. I bought an undeveloped 4 acre parcel in Gig Harbor for only $45K last year and that is what got me thinking about the earning potential in developing raw land.

As Greater Seattle has become increasingly expensive,  there is a growing demand for affordable housing even if it means longer commutes. Dealing with development within any city limits let alone Seattle, would definitely not be for a beginner like me. 

Thanks for the welcome and encouragement. I will follow up on the links you gave me and let you know how things work out. 

I am an older woman about to sell my single family residence. I want to use some of the proceeds to launch into real estate investing.

My initial idea was to buy parcels of raw land, deal with the county to get all the necessary permits to then install power, water, septic, access road etc. I would then either sell it to a builder at a mark up or build a house on it myself to sell for profit. I would then repeat the process until such time as I can purchase enough rental properties to generate a liveable income. 

However, browsing through Bigger pockets has made me wonder if this is the best approach so I have signed up and am eager for advice as a beginner in real estate investing.