A Step-by-Step Guide for Choosing Your Next Hometown
(Without Losing Your Mind)

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Introduction: Start with Strategy, Not Listings

When you’re thinking about moving but have no idea where to go, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Most people skip straight to browsing listings, falling in love with a dreamy deck or the perfect backsplash, before considering whether the location even supports their life.

This guide is here to help you flip that process.
We’ll zoom out first, and then methodically zoom in, filtering by values, lifestyle, and finances, using a process of elimination so that you can make a confident move that actually fits.

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Step 1: Start With the Wide View — Dream Without Borders

Before you look at any houses, take a deep breath and step into possibility.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of life do you want to live day-to-day?

• Do you thrive in big cities, small towns, or in-between spaces?

• What kind of weather energizes you (or drains you)?

• Do you need easy access to mountains, coastlines, trails, or lakes?

• Is political or cultural climate a factor for you?

• What kind of community vibe matters: tight-knit, diverse, artistic, family-focused?

👉 Action Tip: Make a “Lifestyle Priorities List” and rank what matters most:
Weather, outdoor access, community values, proximity to family, airport distance, etc.

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Step 2: Use Your Budget to Filter With Purpose

Next, let’s talk dollars and sense.

Your price range isn’t a limitation—it’s a lens. A way to cut through noise.

• Determine your comfortable purchase range (considering monthly payments, not just sticker price).

• Use cost-of-living tools to see how far your money goes in different regions.

• Remember: It’s not just the house. Consider:

  • Property taxes

  • Insurance (especially in wildfire, flood, or hurricane zones)

  • Utilities & services

  • Transportation or commute costs

  • HOA fees, if applicable

👉 Pro Tip: A $600K house in one state may cost as much monthly as a $450K home in another once you factor in taxes and insurance.

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Step 3: Shortlist Regions That Match Your Lifestyle & Budget

Now it’s time to narrow your search to a few regions that fit your life and your wallet.

This is where preferences start to meet reality—and that’s a good thing.

Compare regions based on:

• Topography: Are you drawn to ocean air, pine-covered hills, or desert landscapes?

• Climate: Hot, humid, dry, snowy, temperate?

• Pace of life: Do you want things buzzing, balanced, or slow and simple?

• Services & infrastructure: Are there enough hospitals, schools, grocery stores, and internet options?

• Work & Commute: If remote, does the area support remote work well? If not, what’s your commute?

👉 Narrow to 3–5 regions max. Keep the list manageable so you can dig in deeper later.

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Step 4: Lifestyle Alignment Over Listing Lust

⚠️ Warning: Do NOT start looking at homes yet.
It’s too soon—and here’s why.

Falling in love with a backyard in the wrong city is like getting excited about a wedding venue before you’re in a relationship. It’s fun, but it sets you up for frustration.

This stage is still about where to live—not what to buy.

You want to avoid:

• Chasing listings that don’t match your true needs

• Wasting emotional energy on homes in places you won’t live

• Overlooking major factors (like commute, culture, cost) because of quartz countertops

👉 Stay focused on location and lifestyle for now. The right home can only exist in the right place.

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Step 5: Research Like a Local Without Committing Yet

Now that your search is narrowing, it’s time to gather firsthand impressions—without making any big moves or calling in agents.

Start with light, low-pressure exploration:

• Join neighborhood Facebook groups and read local threads

• Watch YouTube vloggers who live in the area

• Use Google Maps to “walk” the neighborhood

• Read local news or community calendars

• Look at parks, trails, museums, libraries, coffee shops

If you’re really serious, consider:

• Booking a 3–5 day visit or Airbnb stay

• Checking out a farmer’s market or local event

• Driving a typical commute during rush hour

👉 This is all about vibe-checking, not decision-making.
You’re dating the idea of the place before proposing to it.

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Step 6: Once You’re Focused & Ready—Bring In the Local Pro

Once you’ve narrowed it down to 1–2 top locations and you’re financially and emotionally ready to take action, that’s when it’s time to loop in a trusted real estate expert.

Here’s what a great local agent can do:

• Translate neighborhood nuance that online research misses

• Validate your assumptions (or challenge them thoughtfully)

• Show you homes that align with your lifestyle and long-term goals

• Help you understand local market conditions, timelines, and negotiations

👉 We’re happy to connect you with the right person—
       Once you have narrowed down your target location and you’re truly ready to explore buying, not just browsing, we will connect you to a trusted referral partner. By waiting until this point, you will protect your energy, our referral network, and ensures you have the best possible experience.

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Bonus Filters Many People Forget:

• Schools (even if you don’t have kids): Resale value often ties to district quality

• Natural disaster risk: Fire zones, floodplains, hurricane routes—know your risks

• Zoning & future development: What’s planned nearby? Will it help or hurt your future value?

• Walkability & public transit: Even if you drive now, options matter

• Healthcare: Are there specialists, urgent care, and hospitals nearby?

• State and local laws: Property taxes, homeowner rights, short-term rental laws, etc.

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Final Thought: You Don’t Need the Perfect Place, Just the Right One for You

This guide isn’t about finding a unicorn. It’s about finding a real place that supports your real life, today and tomorrow.

If you follow this process, you’ll move with clarity, not chaos.
When the time comes to buy, you’ll know that you’re not just choosing a house…

You’re choosing a life.

Which Home Search Website Is Best? Here’s My Honest Take. (Refreshed for 2025)

When I sit down with home shoppers—people dipping their toe in the water of homeownership—this question comes up more often than not:

“Which home search site should I be using?”

Here’s the short answer:
Your favorite one… plus a great Realtor®.

Let me explain why.

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There Are a Lot of Search Sites Out There

From national portals to brokerage apps to direct MLS feeds, there’s no shortage of places to look at homes online. Most of these are free to use and only ask for your name and email once you want access to saved searches or extra features.

They typically fall into three big categories—and each has its strengths, quirks, and things to watch for. Let’s break them down:

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1. The Big Guys

Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, Homes.com, etc.

These are the household names. They’ve spent millions to make your search experience easy, intuitive, and available anywhere—whether you’re on your phone during lunch or curled up on the couch at night.

👍 Pros:

• Beautiful design and intuitive user experience

• Syncs well between desktop and mobile

• Tons of filters and features for search personalization

👎 Cons:

• Data accuracy can be hit or miss (outdated listings, missing info)

• Listing agents are often replaced by “featured” agents who pay for placement—not necessarily someone local or right for you

• Can lead to confusion when homes show up differently than your agent sees them

💬 My take:
If you like using one of these apps—great! Keep using it. Just know that not everything you see is current or complete. That’s where a trusted pro (hi, it’s me!) can step in to verify info, fill in gaps, and bring real-time clarity.

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2. The Brokerage Sites

Windermere, Redfin, Compass, Coldwell Banker, etc.

Each major brokerage has their own site, and many of them are connected directly to their local MLS. That means better accuracy and faster updates than the big guys, though the user interface might not be quite as sleek.

👍 Pros:

• More accurate, up-to-date data

• Usually ad-free and branded with your agent’s info

• Some offer unique tools (like Windermere’s Neighborhood News, or Redfin’s map-based search insights)

👎 Cons:

• May feel a little clunkier or less intuitive than national apps

• Less cross-market visibility if you’re looking in multiple areas

💬 My take:
If you’ve already chosen your agent (or you’re working with me), using their brokerage’s site can be super helpful. It makes communication easy, keeps you in sync, and often delivers the most reliable data for our local market.

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3. The Granddaddy: The MLS Itself

Your agent’s direct search portal (like NWMLS)

This is the source. Where agents list homes. Where the data is born. When a home goes pending here, it’s pending everywhere else—eventually.

👍 Pros:

• The most accurate and up-to-date data available

• Often shows info not visible on public sites

• Enables your agent to see what you’re browsing and tailor your experience

👎 Cons:

• Usually accessed through your agent

• Not always as user-friendly—designed for pros first, clients second

• May come with more communication than you’re ready for (talk to your agent about how you want to stay in the loop)

💬 My take:
If you’re a data-driven searcher and don’t mind a little tech friction, this is the gold standard. But even if you prefer the big-name app, I always recommend cross-checking your favorites through the MLS so you’re not chasing ghosts.

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Here’s the Bottom Line

Use the site you enjoy. Really. The best home search site is the one that fits how you like to explore. But don’t stop there—pair it with a trusted professional who can guide you, answer your questions, and make sure you’re not missing what matters most.

Because algorithms are great, but they don’t ask you how you feel walking into a home. They don’t know your goals, your story, or what a backyard means for your kiddo or your dog. That’s where our relationship changes everything.

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Ready to Go from Home Shopper to Homeowner—Without the Headaches?

Let’s sit down and chat. Whether you’re six months out or still deciding if now is the right time, I’ll walk you through how to be a smart, confident buyer—and connect you with trusted partners to make it happen.

This is what I do, and I do it by referral—so my business only works when my clients feel so well cared for that they tell their friends. That means I’m always in your corner, committed to an experience you can feel good about referring.

Let’s find your next home—and enjoy the process along the way.

 

 

Robert Contreras
Real Estate Broker / REALTOR®
Windermere Port Orchard
(360)979-0529 cell
(360)876-9600 office
robertc@windermere.com
www.RobertContrerasHomes.com
WA Lic. #116083

Choices are the spice of life, am I right? What about when you have to choose the type of countertop you are about to purchase? The material choice alone can be daunting if you don't really know the pros and cons of the materials you are choosing from. Here is my take on a few popular countertops. I didn't include such options as travertine, glass, concrete or other alternatives because I just don't see them used as countertops very often if at all, even though concrete is making a run in certain parts of the country. That being said, let's get started!

 

 

Granite

The king of HGTV and the favorite material in most new construction, granite is one of the most popular upper end materials being used in kitchens today. 

Pros: Granite is a natural stone formed in the molten heat of the earth. Each square inch of every slab is unique and natural, giving a it a beauty that isn't easily matched. Because of the way it is formed, granite is very durable and stands up well to knife nicks and scratches, staining, heat and other wear and tear. 

Cons: Granite needs to be sealed to avoid stains. Because if its natural slab design, if you somehow manage to chip or crack your countertop, repairs can be costly or even impossible. 

 

 

Corian

Corian is actually a brand name for a synthetic countertop material made from acrylics. The brand name has been adopted as a general term for this type of material.

Pros: Corian is nonporous like stone which makes it virtually maintenance free, but it can be scratched and burned. No worries, if it isn't too bad, those accidents are fairly easy to sand out. Because it is a synthetic material, much like laminate, there are an incredible array of colors and patterns available to get the exact look you want. 

Cons: Corian can have a tendency to look and feel like plastic and still cost as much as some natural stone.It also doesn't do too well against hot pans or sharp knives as well as other materials that can stain or melt the material. 

 

 

Quartz 

Also called engineered quartz, this man made stone is a great combination of easy maintenance and natural looking beauty. Made of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz is quickly becoming a very popular choice for countertops. Don't confuse this with the naturally occurring Quartzite! For more information, check out this informative piece on Quartz vs. Quartzite

Pros: Quartz  has the same pros as Corian as far as maintenance. As a man made product, it's available in more colors and patterns than natural stone and can be poured into any shape if you have a challenging project. 

Cons: Some lower end quartz can look like they have been engineered and lack the beauty of natural stone. It isn't cheap, but exceptional durability and a natural look can make higher end quartz a worthwhile investment. 

 

 

Quartzite

Often confused with its engineered cousin quartz, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that is harder than granite. 

Pros: Because it is a natural stone, quartzite will carry its unique traits and beauty into your home. It is a very durable stone that will hold up to scratching, cutting or staining. 

Cons: Like all natural stones, quartzite will need to be sealed once or twice a year to keep it easy to clean. Also, still pointing at the fact that this is a natural stone, your color choices will be limited and prices may be higher if you have large countertops. 

 

 

Marble

One of the classics, marble is a favorite of candy makers and pastry chefs. 

Pros: While not as popular today as granite and quartz, marble has been an elegant choice for decades. As mentioned above, candy makers and pastry chefs have taken advantage of marbles ability to remain cool. 

Cons: Marble stains like crazy, even with proper sealing. Because of this, most folks who choose marble these days only use it on one or two countertops in conjunction with other materials. 

 

 

Tile

Tile can work in any kitchen design because of how versatile and modular it is. With a great designer, you can create a timeless masterpiece. 

Pros: It is pretty durable and holds up well against heat and sharp blades, and stains. If one or two tiles break or chip, they are relatively easy to replace.

Cons: Tile is uneven and can make using a cutting board frustrating. Also, grout lines mean you won't be rolling out dough on your tile counter. If those grout lines are not well sealed, they will trap all sorts of grime and stains. 

 

 

Laminate

Often considered to be "cheap junk" from the 70's, laminate has come a long way and is looking better and better every year. Because of advances in engineering and design, the product is more durable and stylish than every. 

Pros: Laminate is flat out the lowest cost option out there making it a mainstay in budget kitchen deigns. It is also available in an infinite array of colors and patterns. 

Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel. If it gets damaged, you are going to replacing the entire sheet of laminate. 

 

 

Stainless Steel

Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is sneaking into modern kitchen designs in the home.

Pros: Think of stainless steel as the "Incredible Hulk" of countertops. You are not going burn, scratch, or stain this countertop unless you are trying to. There is a reason you find this stuff in most commercial kitchens. 

Cons: Stainless steel can and will dent if you are banging pans around. Chances are you won't be doing that though because of how loud your kitchen will be with stainless. Also, you are going to be wiping fingerprints from your countertops for EVER!

 

 

Butcher Block

Butcher Block brings a functionality and classic beauty to your kitchen that is tough to match. 

Pros: Having the warm look of wood brings a farm or cottage feel to the kitchen and gives you a cutting board every where! Some who go with this material enjoy the look of the wear and cuts that come with use and those who don't can easily sand out any worn spots and make the countertop new again. 

Cons: Being wood, the porous material can harbor bacteria if not properly clean and disinfected. it also will absorb moisture causing it to swell and recede. 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to call or email and I will get you to the information you need! Thank you for reading. 

 

 

Robert Contreras
Real Estate Broker / REALTOR®
Windermere Port Orchard
(360)979-0529 cell
(360)876-9600 office
robertc@windermere.com
www.RobertContrerasHomes.com
WA Lic. #116083

 

 

 

 

Learn the basics of writing and submitting an offer on a home you are ready to buy with this video from our friends over at Realtor.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

What happens after your offer is accepted? Our friends over at Realtor.com share the basics on escrow, or the closing process, so you know what to expect after you find a home to buy, submit an offer and come to agreeable terms between you and the seller. If you have more questions, I am happy to sit down with you and make the process of buying or selling even easier to understand!