Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! If you are looking at moving locally or relocating to Seattle, I recommend taking a look at these 6 tips.

1. Get pre-approved with a local lender.

It has become increasingly more and more popular to use national lenders with websites and apps that promise the best rates in the business, but it may be better to get approved from someone local. Throughout the loan process it is likely you’ll need to submit last-minute paperwork and it is incredibly helpful to be able to pick up the phone and talk to a real human. Don’t have a local lender? Check with your real estate agent—odds are that they have a team they already work with.

2. Speak with a high-qualified real estate agent.

This step goes hand-in-hand with step number one. Every major city in the country offers a plethora of qualified agents and it is important to make sure you have the right expert on your side. You may want to consider asking potential agents about their experience and years in business, how they like to communicate, how many clients they have and if they have a team. This will help you know what to expect throughout your transaction and help you decide if their business aligns with who you are.

3. Find your desired neighborhood.

Location, location, location! The most important part of purchasing a home is selecting the neighborhood that suits you. New to town? Hop in the car and start driving to see what each community is all about.

4. Does school district matter?

Seattle schools have a neighborhood school system meaning your location determines the school your children will attend. If you’re unsure of what schools will fit your needs you can do some simple research by joining local Facebook groups or checking out blogs from parents in the area. Need another resource? Seattle School Guide is the perfect starting place to see what schools in the area are all about.

5. Be prepared for competition.

Seattle’s popular neighborhoods often peak the interest of multiple buyers, and competition can be fierce. If you’re interested in a single-family home, you’ll want to work with your agent to make sure you’re prepared to secure the home you want. They’ll be able to help you structure an offer that gives a competitive edge and alleviate pressure points to make the buying process easier.

6. Understand that you’re buying location.

Our region holds home prices that are significantly higher than other cities. Here, purchase price translates directly into proximity of schools, shops, restaurants and overall ease of lifestyle. So even though $1 million for a fixer-upper may seem like a steep price point, you’ll quickly learn that your dollars are buying location. This is a global city where people want to be and if you plan to purchase you’ll need to understand what you’re investing in.

Seattle is a truly unique and wonderful city, and I know you’re going to love living here.