Pros and Cons of Buying Property in Washington

Washington is one of the most popular states for people getting ready to move, but there’s a lot to figure out regarding what you can afford.  Although some areas are affordable, the closer you get to cities, the more unrealistic the property prices get. 

Photo by Matt Briney on Unsplash

These are the pros and cons of buying property in Washington and why someone may or may not choose this incredible state as the next place they’ll make an investment.

Coastal Property Enjoys Warmer Winters

Moving north can be daunting for those who aren’t used to cold winters: but there’s no need to worry if you live close to the coast!  The coast of Washington doesn’t go far below freezing and rarely gets accumulations of snow.

This means any southerner moving up here can rest easy knowing they’ll have time to acclimate to chillier weather without worrying about learning how to drive on snow or slush any time soon.

Incredibly Expensive Property Near Cities

Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the USA.  Although this isn’t a big deal for some, for others, it can be a deal-breaker.  The further away from the city, and the coast, you get the far easier it is to purchase land.  This can complicate things for first-time homebuyers, but it’s vital to remember when you’re ready to move forward with purchasing.

Smaller towns and cities that are at least an hour from Seattle are far easier to move out to and could be a great first choice so you can work your way up to the big city.

Endless Natural Beauty

The natural beauty in Washington will blow you away, if you’ve never been.

Although it can be a drive from the city if you’re in Seattle, the rest of the state gets to enjoy massive beautiful forests, gorgeous rivers, and beautiful long stretches of road lined with the best nature views you’ll ever see.  This is a great state for those who want more excuses to spend time outside.

Highly Competitive Market

There’s a highly competitive real estate market in Washington, especially the closer you get to Seattle.  Although Bellevue houses for sale can stay on the market a little longer, they often still get snatched up quickly.

This is both a pro and a con, depending on whether you’re selling or buying.  If you invest here, the chances are very good that you’ll see a high return: unfortunately, the buy-in can be pricey and stressful.

No Personal Income Tax

Although some may assume Washington is a high-tax state, there’s no personal income tax here, and the average property tax is lower than the national average.

The nice thing is, this means that you save the five to ten percent of your paycheck that the average state takes out of income taxes and that you can put that towards other expenses.

Washington Is a Mixed Bag: But a Great One

My Say

Although it may feel tempting to assume that the entire state is too expensive or too competitive, Washington is an amazing place to live for anyone who wants to make it their home.  Not only are property investments here better: it’s also kinder on your wallet than you’d believe.