Quick answer: If you're moving to Spokane for a new job, start talking to an agent and lender two to three months before your start date. Get pre-approved, choose your area based on your commute, and decide early whether to buy right away or rent first while you learn the city.
If you're moving to Spokane for a new job, you're not just buying a house. You're doing it on a deadline, often from another state, while starting a new role and maybe moving kids, pets and a spouse at the same time.
I've helped a lot of families make this exact move, including military families as a Military Relocation Professional. The ones who come out happiest aren't the ones with the biggest budget. They're the ones who had a plan before they packed the first box.
One family I worked with was planning a move to the Cheney and Spokane area while still living out of the area. I ran their search, organized every inspection and sent them each report quickly, so they could make decisions from a distance.
"Since we were not living close by, Chelsea managed everything for us. She organized all the inspections and got all the reports to us quickly."
Kim W., Zillow review
Here's how I walk my relocation clients through it.
Your first day of work is the one date that won't move, so everything else plans around it. A typical purchase takes about 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing. Add time for getting pre-approved, a house-hunting trip and travel, and most families should start talking to an agent and lender two to three months before the move.
If your timeline is tighter than that, it can still work. It just means making some decisions faster, and possibly renting first (more on that below).
If you're flying in for a weekend of showings, a pre-approval letter is what lets you write an offer that same weekend. Tell your lender about the new job right away. Many lenders can work with a signed offer letter, but the details matter, so don't assume.
If your employer offers a relocation package, find out exactly what it covers. Some help with closing costs, temporary housing or selling your current home. That money can change what you're able to do.
There's no wrong answer here, and I'll tell you honestly which I think fits your situation.
Buying right away makes sense when:
Renting first makes sense when:
The right choice depends on your timeline, your budget, your family and how well you already know Spokane. I'd love to walk through it with you and help you weigh what matters most for your move.
Where you work will shape your daily drive, so it's worth mapping your commute before you start touring. I can show you homes in any area you'd like to see and share facts like drive times, lot sizes and what's for sale, so you can decide what fits your life.
If you'd love some land, a short drive out of town opens up a lot of acreage options. Helping people get out of the city and onto acreage is one of my favorite things to do, because I did it myself: I moved to a little over five acres and am building my dream homestead.
A couple from Southern California found their lake-view lot this way. I sent them daily property reports, then spent several days showing them the best options when they flew in.
"We were extremely impressed by Chelsea's professionalism, expertise and organized attention to detail. She handled absolutely everything and remained 'present and available' every single step of the way."
Larry A., Zillow review
You can absolutely buy a home in Spokane without seeing it in person, but I'd rather you see it if you can. When you can't, here's what I do for clients:
A home inspection protects you either way. If you buy sight unseen, don't skip it.
If you're coming from somewhere warm, ask about the things that matter here in winter: the slope of the driveway, the heating system, the age of the roof and how the home handles snow. A steep driveway that looks charming in July is a different story in January.
Military moves have their own rules, and I hold the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification because I wanted to understand them well. Fairchild sits just west of Spokane, so many families look at Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Cheney and the West Plains for an easier drive to base.
A few things I help military families think through:
I'm the only Military Relocation Professional on our team, so military families work with me directly from the first call through closing.
"She provided us with the most knowledgeable suggestions on how to make our offer stand out because we were using our VA Loan benefits."
Andrew W., Zillow review
Spokane is a wonderful place to land for a new job. It's big enough to have what you need and small enough that you'll start running into people you know. The families who settle in easiest are the ones who give themselves a little time and a little help.
I've helped so many people relocate to Spokane and North Idaho, often looking for a different way of life. Where we call home is such a big part of all our lives, and it's different for everyone. I know this firsthand: I moved up from Southern California, and it took me 10 years to find my dream home. That's why I take the time to really get to know my clients, learn what they're looking for and help them find a happier way to live.
Two to three months before your start date is ideal. That leaves time for pre-approval, a house-hunting trip and a typical 30- to 45-day closing.
Yes. Live video walkthroughs, neighborhood drive-throughs and a professional home inspection make remote purchases workable, though seeing a home in person is always best.
Many look at Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Cheney and the West Plains because of the shorter drive to base.
Buy right away if you know which area you want and your job location is set. Rent first if you're unsure of the area or still selling a home elsewhere.
Whether you're months out or just got the offer letter, I'm happy to help you figure out your timeline, your neighborhoods and your next step.
Call or text Chelsea: 509.565.1581
Email: chelsea@mcfarlandprey.com
Office: 1402 S Grand Blvd, Suite 201, Spokane, WA 99203
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