Relocation Guide
Moving to Washington
Everything you need to buy FSBO and relocate to Washington without paying a buyer's agent commission.
$520,000
Median Home Price
113
Cost of Living Index
Above Average
vs. National Average
None
State Income Tax
Cost of Relocating to Washington
The median home price in Washington is $520,000. That's well above the roughly $330,300 median across the states in this guide. Its cost of living index is 113 — above average. Washington is also one of only 9 states with no state income tax, which meaningfully changes the take-home math on relocating for a job.
Climate
Oceanic west of Cascades — mild rainy winters, warm dry summers; east is drier and colder
Why People Move to Washington
Washington has no state income tax, home to major tech employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing.
Popular Cities
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Bellevue
FSBO Tips for Washington
- Search owner-listed homes on Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace — many FSBO sellers skip the MLS entirely.
- Hire a real estate attorney or title company in Washington to handle the purchase contract and closing documents.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage before making offers. Sellers prefer buyers who can close quickly.
- Request a home inspection even when buying directly from an owner — it is your main protection against undisclosed defects.
Buying Long-Distance
Relocating means you're often making an offer, and sometimes closing, before you've set foot in the state. A local title company or closing attorney can handle a remote or mail-away closing — documents get notarized wherever you are and shipped back, so you don't need to fly in for signing day. If timing is tight, a power of attorney lets someone local sign on your behalf for the final closing. Whatever you do, don't waive the inspection to compete on speed just because you're buying from out of state — that's exactly when an in-person, unbiased set of eyes on the property matters most.