So, you’ve decided to move to the Emerald City. Congratulations! You’ll soon be settling in a great city with over 700,000 Seattleites! Seattle, WA, is a beautiful place to live, with a wide array of things both indoors and outdoors. However, housing costs can be quite high, and finding the right place isn’t always easy. Here are six insider tips for finding a place to live in Seattle.
1. Whether You’ll Buy or Rent
Today there’s nearly an even split between people who buy and people who rent in Seattle. It’s a personal choice, one driven by factors such as your family plans, career stability, and savings. Housing is the highest monthly expense in our budgets, so it pays to compare the average home-buying costs as well as the rent prices in Seattle. If you can afford to buy a home, that provides security, and you don’t have to be at the behest of a landlord.
2. Prioritize Your Wish List
Knowing what features your ideal home has will help you weed through listings. You might not be able to check off every item on the list, but at least you get the best option. Separate your list by “must-haves” (such as an in-unit dryer and washer and pet-friendly rental policy) and “desires” (such as a private entrance, balcony, or no roommates). Then, see what you can find in your preferred neighborhoods that meet as many of these wish list items as possible.
3. Use Listings Websites
Use real estate listings sites to find a place in Seattle. While there can be a lot to wade through, listings websites allow people to filter for what they’re searching for in a house. Many home-hunting apps and websites allow people to limit their search to a particular area and see the range of prices within that area.
4. Expect An Application
Almost all rental apartments require you to submit a screening application. The rental application process can be long and arduous. Expect a credit check, background check, and try to come prepared with your referrals. Ask about all the applicable fees associated with the application process for the property you’re interested in renting.
5. Make Sure You Come Prepared
If you’re apartment hunting, bring your copies of your credit report, two recent pay stubs, and a copy of your ID. Gather the information of two previous landlords you can use as references. If you’re ready to make an offer on the house, begin to collect the documentation that you will need to verify your financial health on the mortgage application such as:
- bank statements
- pay stubs
- W-2’s
- copies of your tax returns (if self-employed)
6. Ask About Special Discounts
Depending on the apartments you’re considering, there may be move-in discounts or special offers you can take advantage of before moving. For example, your future property manager may offer you a month of free rent if you decide to sign a long-term lease. Even if there aren’t any special discounts, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
By doing research and gathering the necessary paperwork beforehand, you’ll know exactly how much you can spend and what to expect during the home-hunting process. After the preparation, you should be able to find the home of your dreams and devote time to thinking about furnishing, decorating, and a housewarming party – in other words, the fun stuff.