Living In Washington

This is the conversation I’d have before anyone signed a lease...

If you’re moving from Hawai’i to Washington, one of the biggest questions is whether to rent or buy first…

🏠 Renting first

For a lot of families, renting is the right first step. It gives you time to explore different communities, learn your commute, and figure out where you truly want to put down roots.

Just know there are a few trade offs…

Many rentals have pet restrictions, application and background checks, income requirements, and limits on making the home feel like your own. If you have multiple pets or specific needs, your options may be more limited than you expect.

🏡 Buying first

If you’re financially ready and already have a good idea of where you want to live, it’s worth exploring.

In today’s market, buyers often have more negotiating power than they did a few years ago. Depending on the home, you may be able to negotiate closing costs, repairs, or other concessions.

More importantly, you can start building equity from day one instead of paying rent while you get settled.

Neither path is right for everyone.

The best choice comes down to your finances, timeline, and how confident you are in the area you want to call home.

When my wife and I made the move from Hawai’i nearly 10 years ago, having a plan made all the difference.

If you’re trying to figure out what that plan should look like, DM or comment “GUIDE” and I’ll send you what I wish we had when we made the move. My blueprint to Greater Seattle’s Most Popular Areas, where you’ll learn the population, median age, median home price, median income, public school ratings, and so much more.

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