Turning dreams into reality (Seattle, Pacific: real estate, renters, house)

[LAX2SEA]

I have to admit I am a huge lurker and tire kicker, so it is a big deal for me to announce I am moving from L.A. to Seattle. I have been visiting for a long time, and have had a job with opportunities to transfer there. I finally set the wheels in motion with a transfer request, and anticipate arriving by mid summer. My wife has a big family on the east side. We plan to rent for a year and then buy. I'll probably be on here a bit as I'll have questions about specific areas. I just wanted to share I am super excited to be moving to Seattle and can't wait to call it home. I don't have any reservations. Just ready to soak it all in

[Ira500]

Sounds like you're ready.

[homesinseattle]

Welcome (almost) to our fine little hamlet!

[angelenogirl]

Former Angeleno here. Feel free to reach out any time!

[SusanInSeattle]

You're going to love it!

[Blondebaerde]

Twice as exciting to see someone smart enough to arrive with a *job* beforehand. Those who arrive without make me nervous, from a risk perspective, 'cause it's a bummer to see the high cost of living here drive people away.

Read an article today about "sellers markets" in the U.S.: per Zillow, Seattle is No. 5 in the nation at the moment. Not so good for buyers. "In general, buyers in sellers' markets this spring can expect tight inventory, increased competition and a greater sense of urgency".

Most of the strongest seller's markets mentioned were out West. Strange times, RE real estate supply/demand and job market, yet national economy is still dodgy to say the least. Would be great to see more opportunity for buyers and renters here. As an owner, guess it's nice from an unrealized equity perspective, though taxes go up with arbitrary valuation increases, too.

[GatsbyGatz]

Congrats! I also moved from decades living in SoCal. I love it up here!

[Gruvis]

Originally Posted by Blondebaerde

Twice as exciting to see someone smart enough to arrive with a *job* beforehand. Those who arrive without make me nervous, from a risk perspective, 'cause it's a bummer to see the high cost of living here drive people away.

Read an article today about "sellers markets" in the U.S.: per Zillow, Seattle is No. 5 in the nation at the moment. Not so good for buyers. "In general, buyers in sellers' markets this spring can expect tight inventory, increased competition and a greater sense of urgency".

Most of the strongest seller's markets mentioned were out West. Strange times, RE real estate supply/demand and job market, yet national economy is still dodgy to say the least. Would be great to see more opportunity for buyers and renters here. As an owner, guess it's nice from an unrealized equity perspective, though taxes go up with arbitrary valuation increases, too.

This is way easier said than done. Employers favor nearby candidates over those from out of state, which I can totally understand why. I'm finding that even with professional engineering experience, I am SOL without a computer science/IT degree for remote job searching in Seattle. I still have hope, though.

Major props to the OP.

[LAX2SEA]

I'm just very fortunate to have a job that has opportunities to work almost anywhere in the country. Since taking this job, it has taken me almost nine years to work up the "courage" to move from familiarity to some place new and largely unknown.

As for the sellers market, that is one of the things that is allowing me to move. Selling my house will be easy and I might even time it perfectly after I rent in Seattle for a year or two when we are knowledgeable and settled in to buy. Perhaps it will be a buyers market by then.

Any nerves are over overpowered by excitement. I'm really looking forward to embracing all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I hate to admit Seahawks and beer are the first two things that come to mind, but yeah. I'm excited for Seahawks and beer!