Real Estate Investing in Seattle, Washington (98136)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98136 (Seattle, WA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 32.9 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Seattle, WA (98136)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 98136 Seattle
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Seattle's 98136 ZIP reflects signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $936K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 98136 can be a a credible choice for hunting ground — but the discount at $936K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
ZIP 98136's metrics run below King County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Who lives in 98136 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
The 98136 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Seattle:
Property Strategy for 98136
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $420,207 | $2,230 | 3.8% | +1.2% | $420,207 |
| 2BR | $694,632 | $2,600 | 2.7% | +2.8% | $347,316 |
| 3BR | $935,605 | $3,400 | 2.6% | +4.2% | $311,868 |
| 4BR | $1,202,754 | $4,000 | 2.4% | +5.3% | $300,689 |
| 5BR | $1,446,785 | — | — | +6.2% | $289,357 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98136 Compare?
| Metric | 98136 | Seattle | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $935,925 | $694,046 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.7% | 0.8% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $2,368 | $2,268 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.0% | 2.3% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 98136 (Seattle, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 98136 (Seattle, WA)?
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Property managers serving King County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Alki Property Management LLC specializes in apartment rentals. summary from their website
Brink Property Management offers residential property management and vacant home management services in Bellevue, providing marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance. summary from their website
Full Service Property Management offers compassionate property management across Metro Seattle, including multi-family management, property marketing, and maintenance services. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $935,925 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,368 |
| Price-to-Rent | 32.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.0% |
| Cap Rate | 2.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +3.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.0%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 98136
Population: 17,299
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 98136
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
West Seattle Elementary School
David T. Denny International Middle School
Louisa Boren STEM K-8
Sanislo Elementary School
Highland Park Elementary School
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 3,198 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the investability score for Seattle, WA?
Seattle, WA scores 2.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $936K and rents near $2,368/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Seattle, WA?
The median home value in Seattle, WA is roughly $936K. That puts it reasonable relative to the WA statewide average.
What is the average monthly rent in Seattle, WA?
Rental rates in Seattle, WA average $2,368/mo. Tenant demand and $936K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Is Seattle, WA a friendly market for rental owners?
The landlord environment in Seattle, WA is tenant-protective. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
Which real estate strategy fits Seattle, WA?
Most investors in Seattle, WA run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 2.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
You know 98136 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 98136 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 98136 ranks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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