When my family and I decided to leave King County (Redmond, WA) for Southwest Washington, we had just a few months to figure out where to live—and I wasn’t just moving, I was relocating as a Realtor unfamiliar with The Couve area. Here’s what I learned and experienced that can help anyone considering a similar move.
Work With a Trusted Local Realtor
Even though I’m a licensed Washington state Realtor, I chose not to represent myself in this transaction. Why? Because knowledge of the local market matters—and I didn’t have that yet.
A brief online search wasn’t enough. I relied on trusted colleagues familiar with the area, who answered my questions, provided insight into neighborhoods, and helped guide me through the search. Partnering with a local Realtor allowed me to manage logistics while still in Redmond. At the same time, they handled in-person tours, local negotiations, and nuances I wouldn’t have picked up from afar.
Yes, I gave up the buyer’s commission and accepted a referral fee instead. But what I gained was priceless: time saved, faster vendor connections (like mobile notaries and inspectors), and less stress throughout the process. And now, I do the same for my own clients, making the move.
Buying in Summer May Offer Unexpected Advantages
While summer is typically seen as a competitive time to buy, I noticed something different in Southwest Washington. Once school let out, many local families left for vacation, which created quieter open houses and less urgency around new listings. This opened up opportunities for buyers to have deeper conversations with listing agents and potentially negotiate better terms.
However, don’t expect a parade of open houses—many listings require scheduled showings. That’s where having an agent in your corner (like me) comes in handy to get you in quickly and strategically by understanding the Flow of the Market for buyers.
Pre-Inspections and “Back on Market” Homes
Coming from King County, I was used to seeing pre-inspection reports readily available on listings. That isn’t always the case in SW WA. Here, the seller expects the buyer to conduct the inspection after going under contract. As a result, many homes fall back on the market post-inspection—sometimes multiple times—without ever adjusting their price or terms.
That alone can be a signal of hidden concerns or unrealistic seller expectations. As a local buyer’s agent, I’ve become skilled at identifying these red flags and guiding clients on when to walk—or when to move fast.
Neighborhood Feel and HOA Realities
The layout of neighborhoods here surprised me. Older communities in Vancouver often have wider streets, larger driveways, and a more open, spacious feel. Newer developments tend to have tighter spacing, less parking, and minimal privacy—something we experienced firsthand in an AirBnB that felt like living in a fishbowl, even with fences up.
We ultimately chose a more rural setting for greater space and seclusion. If privacy or space is important to you, I help buyers identify which neighborhoods offer those features—or which Home owners association (HOA) -managed areas fit your desired lifestyle.
HOA dues can vary wildly—from under $100/month to over $600/month—and what’s covered can range from front yard maintenance and roofing to full amenity access. I help clients break down what’s truly included so they’re not caught off guard.
Lifestyle Pace and Traffic Flow
One of the best parts of relocating to Southwest Washington has been the lifestyle shift. Compared to Seattle or even Los Angeles (where we’d previously lived), the pace here is refreshingly relaxed.
Local events, small-town charm, and a sense of community are prevalent. And while some residents grumble about a 30-minute drive, it feels peaceful to me—especially compared to commuting across King County or through Bay Area traffic.
Yes, I-5 and I-205 back up during peak hours, but I’ve also noticed more roundabouts and better local traffic flow than in more urban areas. It’s all about perspective—and having a local guide to help you navigate what “too far” really means in this region.
Thinking About Moving to Southwest Washington?
Whether you’re relocating from King County, California, or anywhere else, working with someone who knows the local rhythms of The Couve makes all the difference. I’ve walked this path myself, and now I help others do the same.
👉 Let’s talk about your next move. Whether you need guidance on neighborhoods, commute times, HOA communities, or simply want a local’s honest take on what to expect, I’m here to help.
📩 Schedule a free home discovery session —I’d love to be your guide to Southwest Washington living!
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