Change your house number, boost your home value? It’s easier than you think

Your house number might be quietly costing you money. Especially if it has a 4 or 13 in it.

The fix? In Bellevue and Kirkland, you can change your address often for free. No hammers, no permits, no drama. Just a form or an email.

Why Your Address Matters

In Chinese culture, the number 4 sounds like the word for “death.” That makes it seriously bad luck. And in markets like Bellevue and Kirkland where many buyers are Chinese, that’s not just superstition. It’s a real dealbreaker.

Homes with a 4 (especially 44 or 444) can get fewer offers and sell for tens of thousands less than similar homes.

But unlike a kitchen remodel, changing your house number doesn’t require a contractor. It’s just paperwork.

How to change your number

Both Bellevue and Kirkland allow homeowners to request a new house number, typically for free or a minimal administrative fee. Crucially, if you're only changing the number and not the street name, no complex permit is usually required.

Here's the basic process:

1. Fill out a city request form.

2. Submit it.

3. Wait for approval.

That’s it.

A few rules to keep in mind

• Even stays even, odd stays odd

• Your new number needs to fit sequentially between your neighbors

• Corner lots get more flexibility and you might be able to change the street too

The catch (sort of)

Changing your number isn't quite magic. You'll need to update your address everywhere: banks, credit cards, subscriptions, driver's license, Amazon, etc. While the city updates official records, your mail won't automatically reroute itself.

This hassle factor means it's less ideal if you've been settled in your home for decades. However, if you've recently moved in or are planning to sell soon, it's a minor inconvenience for a potentially significant boost in marketability.

The bottom line

If your Bellevue or Kirkland home address features the number 4, changing it is a smart move to consider. It's:

• ✅ Extremely low cost or free

• ✅ Surprisingly simple without any permits needed

• ✅ Could potentially boost buyer appeal and final sale price

One simple form. No contractors. No dust. Just a smarter address and potentially more money in your pocket when you sell. Why leave value on the table?