Seattle is one of the most exciting cities in the country to move to, and one of the most complex to navigate if you don't know it well. The neighborhoods are incredibly distinct, the rental and buying market moves quickly, and making the wrong choice early can cost you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
I'm Kim Reidy, Senior Broker and Director of Relocation at Pointe3 Real Estate. Relocation is my specialty. It's been the core of my business since 2010 and where the majority of my experience lives.
I work with two kinds of relocation clients, and I'm equally at home with both.
Corporate Relocation. I work directly with major employers and national relocation firms to help their incoming employees find housing quickly and confidently. Companies whose employees I've helped relocate to Seattle include Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, T-Mobile, REI, and The Allen Institute, among many others. If your company has a relocation package, I know how to work within that process seamlessly.
Personal Relocation. Many of my clients find me on their own. They're moving to Seattle for a new job, a new chapter, or simply because this is where they want to be. I provide the same level of guidance, local expertise, and hands-on support regardless of how you found me.
For personal relocation clients, I offer a Rental Finding Tour service through Seattle Rental Group. A fee applies for this service. Full details are available at SeattleRentalGroup.com.
Moving to a new city is overwhelming enough. Moving to Seattle adds a layer of complexity that most people don't anticipate, because Seattle isn't one neighborhood. It's dozens of distinct communities, each with its own personality, price point, commute profile, and lifestyle.
Ballard feels nothing like Capitol Hill. South Lake Union is a completely different world from West Seattle. And the difference between choosing the right neighborhood and the wrong one can define your entire experience of living here.
This is where I add the most value. I don't just find you a place to live. I help you understand the city, ask the right questions, and land somewhere that fits the way you want to live.
Whether you're renting or buying, the relocation process typically follows the same path:
Understanding your needs. We start with a conversation about your timeline, budget, lifestyle priorities, commute, and what matters most to you. If you're coming from out of state, I'll give you an honest orientation to Seattle's neighborhoods so you can start narrowing down before you even arrive.
The search. I'll curate options that match your criteria and guide you through tours, in person or virtually if you're not yet in Seattle. I know the buildings, the blocks, and the details that don't show up on a listing page.
Making it happen. Whether you're signing a lease or closing on a purchase, I'll walk you through every step and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Relocation timelines can be tight, and I'm experienced at moving quickly without sacrificing quality.
After you arrive. My job doesn't end when you get your keys. I'm a resource for everything from neighborhood recommendations to vendor referrals to your next real estate decision down the road.
"We worked with Kim in our relocation from Washington, D.C. She was super responsive, incredibly knowledgeable, and a real pleasure. She was also a helpful advocate for us when we found a promising place. ... You'll be glad to have Kim in your corner. We were."
"My wife and I were relocating from NYC for work in Seattle. Kim was amazing at laying out the feel of the various neighborhoods so that we could find an area that matched our taste. ... Kim was a huge help and really alleviated a lot of stress of moving from the east coast to the west coast."
"Kim was an invaluable asset in my relocation to Seattle! When my flight into the city was delayed, she was very patient and accommodating and conducted video tours of the buildings I couldn't visit personally. ... I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone considering a move to Seattle."
"I cannot recommend Kim highly enough for anyone relocating to Seattle! Her service was absolutely amazing and an incredible help during a stressful move. ... Kim’s guidance was fantastic, making my entire relocation much smoother."
I guide people moving to Seattle through neighborhood selection, commute planning, rental tours, and home purchases across the Seattle area. That includes corporate transferees working within a company relocation package and people moving on their own.
You can start researching neighborhoods about 60 days out, but the search itself works best 30 days or less before your move. In Washington, tenants only have to give 20 days' notice to vacate, so most rentals aren't listed until a few weeks before they're available. If you're buying, plan on 30 to 60 days. Once a contract is negotiated and signed, closing usually takes 30 days or less. If your timeline is tight, reach out anyway. Short timelines are common in relocation and I'm used to working within them.
Many people rent first. Renting gives you time to learn the neighborhoods and your commute before you commit to a purchase. Others arrive ready to buy, especially if they already know the area. I help with both, and many of my clients rent with me first and buy with me later.
Yes. I regularly tour homes on video for clients who are still out of state or overseas and ask the questions you would ask in person. I can also tell you what's typical in Seattle and point out things worth asking about before you sign.
South Lake Union, Belltown, Denny Triangle, and Lower Queen Anne put you within walking distance of many downtown and South Lake Union offices. Many people walk from Capitol Hill too, hill and all. In these core neighborhoods, a lot of commuters use electric bikes and scooters on bike lanes that have their own traffic signals. For a short commute with more of a neighborhood feel, look at Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, Green Lake, or West Seattle. The right fit depends on where your office is and how you like to live, which is the first thing we talk through.
Yes. I provide Rental Finding Tours through Seattle Rental Group for individuals and families relocating to Seattle who want expert local guidance. A fee applies for personal relocation clients, and full details are at SeattleRentalGroup.com.
If you're relocating to Seattle, whether through your company or on your own, I'd love to help. Reach out and let's talk through your situation.