On our site, you can do a proximity search. Pick your husband's worksite and search within x number of miles. The thing I would caution you about is the traffic here. We measure commute times in terms of time, not miles. an 80 mile travel range, from Tacoma to Everett for example can take 90 minutes or it can take 4 hours. Much depends on weather, time of day, accidents and construction. I used to be a consultant to Washington Mutual and travelled the same area your husband will be travelling. My office was in Seattle and I live in Lake Stevens. I know the commute well. There are homes under $250k, though most are either in the Tacoma area, south of Seattle, or the Lynnwood to Everett area, North of Seattle. I know the search process can be frustrating and sometimes discouraging, but hang in there. You may want to make a list of your Must Have's, Would be nice, and Don't want items and contact a specific Realtor to work with.

Wed May 28 2008, 06:57

No need to become discouraged. There are hundreds of homes under $250,000 in the area you are describing. You will definitely come across many bank owned homes also. These are at least 30% of the market in this price range.

I would look into the territory your husband will be working. I believe Michigan has traffic challenges of its own, but Tacoma through Everett gets very congested. Check out the attached website for traffic information.

Will you be closer to Everett or Tacoma? I was able to find 152 homes, (3 BDRM/2BTH under 250K) within 26 mile radius of Everett/Tacoma. Best of luck with your home search.

Tue May 27 2008, 13:48

Renting first is common, and it depends on whether or not you are willing to pay someone else's mortgage while you look around and familiarize yourself with the area. Aside from the obvious downside, if you decide to rent for a while, try to negotiate a 6-month or shorter, lease. As your husband begins his new job, he can ask others where they live, and that will assist you in exploring an area. Once you've picked an area, visit our web site to learn about neighborhoods, schools, etc. and once you find a home, you can hook up your utilities from our site as well.

Mon May 26 2008, 09:37

I agree with Ardell's answer below. Natalie, I would try renting for a while first to get to know various communities. Tacoma to Everett is a huge span. I recommend finding a place to rent and getting preapproved so that when a home comes along in your price range, you'll be able to move on it. You might try renting around Federal Way (recently written about in Seattle Metropolitant Magazine as a place to buy).

Sun May 25 2008, 18:04

I am currently working with a couple who are moving to the Seattle area from Michigan. For the past couple of months I've been sending them listings of homes that meet their search criteria. When they find one of particular interest, I go to the property, take a look, take pictures you don't see on the MLS and email them with my comments. I've also put them in touch with two lenders so that financing won't be an issue, and they can review schools and neighborhoods from our web site. When they move here, they can set up utilities, cable, etc. right from our site, so the lights are on when they get to their new home. So don't get discourage, just find an agent who is proactive and will work with your situation in a way that actually works for you.

Sat May 24 2008, 09:14

Talk to a Realtor and have him/her send you listings based on things you talk about in your conversation. You might have to consider townhouses as well.

Fri May 23 2008, 23:09

Natalie, Take a look at my website. I have a link with all of the homes listed in King County priced from $200-300,000. It's always up to date and shows the location on the map and additional pictures. It's a great place to start your search.

Thu May 22 2008, 22:28

It would likely make more sense for you to rent first as your price range may take you into some less than desirable areas. You want to be sure to check out any areas selling at $250,000,and you may be happier renting a condo that is in walking distance to shops and amenities, until you get acclimated to the area.

Sun May 11 2008, 14:50

Hi Natalie,
Hopefully you've found your solution by now. I have lived in Seattle (In City) for over 50 years. Things have changed here over the years.
You mention that your husband will be driving between Tacoma and Everett on a regular basis. It now takes 4 and a half days to make the trip from Tacoma to Everett by car up I5 or I405 during rush hour, if it isn't raining. Ok, so it's "only" two hours each way, but why do it?
Do you really want a lifestyle where your most precious person is only available by phone? Cell phone service is pretty good tho'. I think it is totally unrealistic to expect any decent type of life when you spend all day in Seattle traffic.
Most of the people on this post sell real estate in a particular area and aren't making the commute. I was in large computer sales covering the territory you describe. I quit a few years ago, before traffic got even worse. This state has no master plan for traffic. I now work from home and wait until rush hour is over to go view houses I am considering buying. (Sorry, I don't have any for sale in your price range, or I'd tell you.) But, seriously, you (and all who read this) should REALLY consider the commute time and gas. It ain't gonna get any cheaper or faster.

Sun May 11 2008, 12:23

So, have you found someone who can help you in finding your new place? If not, I'll be glad to help you.

Sun May 11 2008, 12:19

As a military family I certainly understand the stress that goes along with a long distance relocation! I think an important step in this process is beginning to work with a lender to be sure that you are looking in the right price range for starters. That way there will be no surprises and you will know exactly what a potential home will cost. If you need a referral to a local lender I am happy to make a few suggestions.

As far as the ability to find a home in your targeted price range, a quick MLS search shows that you have plenty of choices. Working with a couple of real estate professionals in several areas in the Seattle I-5 corridor (Everett to Tacoma) will help you to weed out properties in not great areas and hopefully bring you some encouragement.

This is a super Buyer's market with many available financing choices- just be sure to line this up first so when you find the perfect nest you are ready!

Good luck with your decision!

Sun May 11 2008, 11:06

Your best bet will be homes either south of or north of Seattle. I can tell you about a very nice 4-bedroom rambler with an indoor shop, sunroom, enclosed entry, RV parking, Fully-fenced and with a 3-year old roof for $247,500, and best of all, it sits on a lot that you can add another house or duplex to, on nearly 1/3 acre and within a mile of the Tacoma Horse Stables and downtown Spanaway. If you'd like to see it, go to http://www.circlepix.com/home2/MG4NT7 for the virtual tour.

Sun May 11 2008, 09:16

Might consider beautiful Whidbey Island. Happy to help you. John

Fri May 9 2008, 12:02

Hi, I know relocation is stressful enough without having to worry about housing. I moved to Washington 18 years ago and currently live in Federal Way. Federal Way is approx 21 min from seattle and 30 min from Olympia. There are several cities that are in between your hubands commute so its all a matter of finding the perfect home for you guys. I can send you some listings in the area is you are still seaching. Feel free to call me with any questions you may have about our area, houses, or just basic questions or concerns you have. As you can see on my profile, I have been working in the Real Estate industry since 1995 and today I have close to 30 agents working for me, so we can help you.

Anatoly Kalchik
A Kalchik Realty
253-569-5849
akalchik@comcast.net

Thu May 8 2008, 15:59

I understand your frustration and confusion. I moved to the Seattle area approximately 20 years ago and it is difficult to even know where you want to live if you haven't spent any time in this area. My recommendation is to rent initially until you become familiar with the neighborhoods and areas in the Puget Sound Region. This would allow you to take a look at various cities and also provide time to look for a great buy in the area. You didn't mention if you have children but you may want to take a look at school districts if you do and also the commuting time to and from work since traffic is also a serious consideration.

Let me know if I may be of assistance to you! Happy to help.

Thu May 8 2008, 10:38

I have lived in western WA for almost 70 years and agree that you might find a house for under $250,000. But there are reasons that these houses go for that price when the average price is much much higher. If it's not a fixer, then I would be very careful about the neighborhood. You say that your husband's job will take him on the road and if he's gone overnight, some neighborhoods might pose a special challenge for you. I know of areas in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett that I would not consider but I am not sure an agent can legally or ethically bring them up to prospective buyers. I would strongly suggest what others have, i.e. rent for 6 months and get to know the area before you start to look for a house. My next door neighbor came from Ohio and he couldn't believe how much higher the prices are here for what you get. I also worked with a person from Texas who moved back because housing prices were so high compared to her home state. This is taking sticker shock to the extreme. But Good Luck.

Thu May 8 2008, 09:14

Natalie,
I would like to echo Ms. Porter's suggestion. Although I am in the business of selling real estate, sometimes the best course of action is to rent first.

Here's why: moving to a more expensive area than the one in which you currently reside will require research to find an afforable neighborhood that is acceptable to you.

Also, with your husband's commuting habits, you probably need a location fairly central -- think of gas costs! Unfortuately, for your husband's work region, "central" means Seattle, one of the more expensive areas here.

However, you may be able to find something just north or south of the city. Nevertheless, it is important you are happy with your new community. I like the idea of "trying it on" when it comes to choosing a neighborhood. Have time to visit shops, or walk the neighborhood.

There are a lot of excellent resources online to find rentals, including the MLS if you have a Realtor. Feel free to check out the rental links on my website.

Good luck and welcome to the Northwest! It is a wonderful place to call home.

Thu May 8 2008, 08:20