Real Estate Investing in Point Roberts, Washington (98281)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98281 (Point Roberts, WA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 67.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.2 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Point Roberts, WA (98281)?
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Market Analysis: 98281 Point Roberts
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Point Roberts's 98281 ZIP reports signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $403K pricing implies.
Rent of $1,332/mo on a $403K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 98281 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
In the broader WA picture, 98281 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Who lives in 98281 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Strategy in 98281 is an operator game, not a passive one. Meanwhile, entry prices of $403K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Point Roberts:
Property Strategy for 98281
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $284,346 | $1,250 | 3.2% | +4.6% | $284,346 |
| 2BR | $367,247 | $1,480 | 2.9% | +3.9% | $183,623 |
| 3BR | $508,300 | $2,080 | 2.9% | +4.6% | $169,433 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98281 Compare?
| Metric | 98281 | Point Roberts | Bellingham, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $403,308 | $403,308 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.9% | 2.9% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,332 | $1,332 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 98281 (Point Roberts, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $403,308 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,332 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.0% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.6%). 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 98281
Population: 1,275
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 98281
Schools in This ZIP Code
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of market is Point Roberts, WA for investors?
Point Roberts, WA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $403K and rents near $1,332/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
What are vacancy rates like in Point Roberts, WA?
Point Roberts, WA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect measured absorption at market rents of $1,332/mo.
What type of investing works in Point Roberts, WA?
Most investors in Point Roberts, WA run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
What is the typical renter like in Point Roberts, WA?
Tenant demand in Point Roberts, WA is solid. The local workforce $1,332/mo rents across most rental classes.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Point Roberts, WA?
Point Roberts, WA operates under WA law, which is tenant-protective overall for landlords. Expect even-keeled treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
You know 98281 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 98281 ranks in Bellingham, WA
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