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Real Estate Broker

Jay (Chi Hone) Chen

I care about doing right by people. That starts with understanding what you want from a move and being honest about the options in front of you. You should feel comfortable asking questions and talking things through with me, especially when the answer isn’t obvious.

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Broker since 2019 · English & Mandarin
Mindful Home Team at Bellingham Real Estate Co.

Jay Chen smiling while seated in a yellow chair

Experience & approach.

I’ve been a real estate broker since 2019, working through the rush of the pandemic market and the more deliberate decisions that come with higher borrowing costs. My strength is taking in the whole situation and finding what deserves our attention. During a difficult inspection or negotiation, that means helping you see which issues matter most, where we can be flexible, and what to do next.

After graduating from the University of Washington in 2010, I spent a decade helping my parents grow our import and wholesale business. I worked across marketing, sales and operations, managing accounts from independent shops to major retailers. Working alongside my parents left an imprint on how I do business: understand what people need, follow through, and take care of the relationships you build.

“He knows the market well and listens to his clients first.”
Melinda PearsonGoogle review · July 2025
Read the review ↗

An owner’s perspective

I bought my first home, a condo, in 2010. In 2015, I bought a Craftsman in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood as my first investment property. I self-managed it as a rental for several years and worked with multiple property management companies. I later sold that house and bought a duplex in Bellingham. Along the way, I’ve completed two 1031 exchanges as a property owner.

Today, I live in Bellingham’s Samish neighborhood and own multiple investment properties. I’ve lived the decisions we talk about, including the work that comes after getting the keys.

How I think

I give careful, consistent attention to the things I’m responsible for, from my properties and insurance to the details of everyday life. I’m always learning, trying new tools, and finding better ways to keep a complicated life running smoothly. I enjoy sharing what I learn. For me, being organized is a way to worry less and enjoy life more. You get that same curiosity and care when we work together.

Jay holding a camera in a carved wooden doorway

My story

Away from work.

I’m Taiwanese, and Bellingham has been home since my family moved here in 1999. I didn’t speak English when we arrived, so some of my first friendships involved a lot of charades.

In 2025, I went to China to study kung fu, something I’d wanted to do for years. Three months became six. It was the hardest physical and mental challenge of my life, and I loved it enough to stay, bruises and all. Between the training, meditation and friendships, I found a second home.

Closer to home, I love kayak camping with friends in the San Juans, taking the motorcycle out, gathering family around the table, and coming home to my cats.

Say hello.

Have a question about a move? You can reach me here.

(360) 306-1920jay@mindfulhometeam.com

Mindful Moments

My monthly newsletter with notes from my life, local finds, and what I’m seeing in real estate.