Microsoft Relocation (Seattle, Bellevue, Renton: for sale, rent, homes)

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by thatguy950

Under 500k in a nice area and ONLY a 30-40min/1 hr commute? Sorry, wrong part of the country

I think he realizes that: "I'd like to stay under 500k but that seems completely unreasonable." He said there was little under $1 mil where he'd been looking. He didn't say how much higher he'd be willing to go, but $750-800k would be more realistic, it seems to me.

[Thom52]

Check out North Rose Hill in Kirkland, if you are willing to put up with "old" 1970's construction, and a split level layout. Most people will only look at new construction and no one seems willing to settle for a split level layout. Oddly, many of the lots are much larger than the new construction and most places have been remodeled and updated inside. That might get you into the $750k range for 2000 square feet, but I admit I haven't checked in the last year or so. That area is an easy bike or drive commute to MicroSoft.

[cpfoutz]

Yes, Mt. prospect is very much like Schaumburg...maybe a bit older, smaller houses and cheaper but same price per square foot and in the same area.

So I get 500k is too low...I have a chance to boost my pay grade and therefore my salary and have historically spend a small percentage of my salary on housing. What's a more reasonable number. I have a hard time thinking it's $1.2M. I saw a couple houses for 700k-800k...are there cities where that is the norm?

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by cpfoutz

Yes, Mt. prospect is very much like Schaumburg...maybe a bit older, smaller houses and cheaper but same price per square foot and in the same area.

So I get 500k is too low...I have a chance to boost my pay grade and therefore my salary and have historically spend a small percentage of my salary on housing. What's a more reasonable number. I have a hard time thinking it's $1.2M. I saw a couple houses for 700k-800k...are there cities where that is the norm?

Yes, 700k-800k are more realistic numbers to work with, have a look at Bothell as well. Older home often equals larger lot, mature landscape/trees and more square footage for the money. There are some mid century places in North Kirkland and Bothell that have a lot of character and wouldn't be terrible commutes to Microsoft. Another benefit of those areas is Hwy 522 gets you right out to Hwy 2 and up past Index and Stevens Pass to great hiking trailheads and skiing/winter sports.

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by cpfoutz

I saw a couple houses for 700k-800k...are there cities where that is the norm?

Renton or Newcastle. Maybe Factoria.

[Seattlegirl01]

I live in Newcastle now and we really like the location to Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah and the airport.

According to this via Redfin (not sure how accurate the data is) the average price in Newcastle is 919k.
https://www.redfin.com/city/12446/WA...housing-market.

The Renton Highlands appears to be a little lower but it’s a longer commute, but a lot of houses have the Issaquah School District. Newcastle is served by both Issaquah and Renton school districts. The Renton school district isn’t as highly rated, but the schools that are specifically in Newcastle are great as there is a large amount of parent support and participation.

What about Snoqualmie or Woodinville?

[Hemlock140]

I often get realtor alerts for homes in Sammamish (for some odd reason) and there are still a few older late 1970s smaller homes in the $500-$600 range.

This one for example is on a 1/3 acre lot, so room to add on.


Moderator cut: link removed, competitor site


I guess no one wants a two bedroom anymore.

[cpfoutz]

Thank you all...oyu've provided a lot of help for me to research. It's become clear that 7-800k is a more reasonable price range which will be doable. Now I just hope for an offer and one that allows me to afford such prices :-) If things are thumbs up I'm sure I'll have more questions.

[homesinseattle]

You're welcome, foutz. Really, truly think about traffic and put yourself as close to work as you can. I've said this many times on the forum: consider a home that is older, classic, mid century, a little dated, maybe a place that needs a bit of cosmetic work. They are often very well built, have bigger lots, are in established neighborhoods and have more attractive price to value. Good luck on the offer!

[Gaylord_Focker]

Originally Posted by Seacove

True but they could try Renton.

https://www.redfin.com/WA/Renton/481...home/169637613

https://www.redfin.com/WA/Renton/525...57/home/342903

First one is a 2br, and 400 HOA.