Moving to Seattle. Could use some advice.?

Question

My husband has taken a job in Seattle and we are moving in 2 months from the Midwest. I am currently a school counselor at a large school and looking for a job. Any websites that are helpful? The cost of houses are unbelievable. We have pets so renting is not an option, or is it? Any suggestions? Are banks a bit more flexible since the cost of housing is so high? Do educators earn higher salaries? We currently own a huge home here but paid 1/3 of what it would cost in Seattle area. Not sure how people afford to live out there. Would appreciate any information.

Answer 1

Here is a great website for school jobs.
http://www.wateach.com/DefaultWA.cfm?CFID=401196&CFTOKEN=5eca16b-5eeb8704-170f-40f9-98c6-a89ed5aeaf86

Since it is the middle of the school year, it's going to be tricky to find a job, however, maternity leaves are common in the spring, so you may be able to get a replacement contract.

I am a teacher in the greater Seattle area, with a master's degree and about 5 years experience. My salary is about $45,000. Luckily, counselors can be paid a lot more (think $60,000+). The districts with the highest salaries in the Seattle area are on the eastside of Lake Washington or to the north of Seattle.

The farther you commute, the cheaper your house will be. Housing in Pierce county (south of Seattle) is cheaper, and there is a commuter train that runs into Seattle which many companies subsidize.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

For the renting portion of the question, it probably depends on how many pets you have...if you have over two, I would imagine apartment complexes are out. But, you can look at these websites to check it out:
www.apartments.com
www.springstreet.com
www.forrent.com
www.apartmentratings.com (if you do find a complex you like, check out what tennants think)

You probably already know these websites, but you can check them out for jobs:
www.seattle.gov
www.careerbuilder.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.monster.com

Is it possible to live in an area outside of Seattle, but close to where your husband will be working?

Answer 3

Some landlords will rent to people with pets: I do. In fact, I prefer pet owners who have good pets because I know they're less likely to move every year: turnover in tenants is a killer. It's also helpful if you can rent for a while, so you can check out different neighborhoods.

Your husband may be able to negotiate some help with housing in the move: his company may be able to do something to help.