Tech Worker Home Buying Cheat Sheet: 20 Questions Amazon, Microsoft & Google Employees Ask

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Tech Workers Buying a Home in Seattle

If you work at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, or another tech company in the Puget Sound area, buying a home looks different for you than it does for most people. Your income includes RSUs, bonuses, and sometimes stock options. Lenders don't always know how to handle that—and neither does the standard home-buying advice you'll find online.

This Q&A cheat sheet answers the 20 most common questions I hear from tech workers every week. Bookmark it. Share it with coworkers. And if you want personalized answers for your specific situation, reach out directly.

PART 1: Money & Mortgage Questions

1. Can I use my RSUs for a down payment?

Yes—but with nuance. Lenders treat RSU income as "variable income," which means they typically require a 2-year history of receiving RSUs before counting them toward qualification. However, if your RSUs have already vested and are sitting in a brokerage account, that money is yours—you can use it for a down payment as soon as it clears.

What to do: Sell vested RSUs at least 60–90 days before closing to avoid "source of funds" headaches. Keep the transfer statements from your brokerage to your bank account.

2. How do lenders calculate my income if I get RSUs and a bonus?

Lenders average your last 2 years of total income from your W-2s and tax returns. RSUs and bonuses count if they appear consistently. If you just started getting RSUs, your lender may only count your base salary—which can significantly reduce what you qualify for.

Pro tip: Work with a lender experienced with tech workers. They know how to document RSU income correctly so you get full credit for your earnings.

3. How much house can I afford on a $200K–$350K Amazon/Microsoft salary?

A rough rule: lenders allow up to 43% of gross monthly income for all debts (mortgage + car + student loans). At $250K/year, that's ~$8,950/month in debt payments. A $1.2M home with 20% down and 6.5% rate would run about $6,000/month—well within range.

But affordability and comfort are different. Many tech buyers find that buying at 5–6x annual salary feels sustainable while buying at 7–8x creates stress during layoffs or market corrections.

4. Should I put 20% down or less?

In competitive Seattle-area markets, sellers strongly prefer buyers with 20%+ down—it signals financial strength and removes PMI concerns. If you have the RSUs to cover 20%, strongly consider it. That said, if putting 20% down would drain your emergency fund, a 10% down conventional loan still works well in most cases.

5. What is PMI and how do I avoid it?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required by most lenders when you put down less than 20%. It typically costs 0.5–1.5% of the loan per year—on a $1M loan, that's $5,000–$15,000 annually. To avoid it: put 20% down, use a piggyback loan (80/10/10), or get a lender-paid PMI product (higher rate, no monthly PMI).

6. 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage—what makes more sense for tech workers?

Tech income is often higher but less certain than traditional W-2 careers. Layoffs happen. A 30-year mortgage with a lower required payment gives you flexibility—you can always pay extra. A 15-year locks you into higher payments. Most tech workers in high-cost markets choose the 30-year and invest the difference in the market.

7. Should I buy or rent in Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland right now?

If you plan to stay 5+ years, buying almost always wins in the Seattle Eastside. Even with today's rates, equity builds faster than rent costs in this market. If you're uncertain about your job or location (especially post-RTO announcements), consider a shorter lease and wait for more clarity—but don't wait indefinitely.

PART 2: Neighborhood Questions

8. What's the best neighborhood for Amazon employees commuting from home?

The sweet spot for Amazon HQ2 South Lake Union employees: Capitol Hill, First Hill, Queen Anne, or Bellevue's west side (if you drive). Kirkland and Redmond are popular for Amazon employees who prefer suburban space with a 20–30 minute commute.

9. Where do Microsoft employees in Redmond mostly live?

Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, and Bothell are the top choices. Sammamish offers newer construction and highly-rated schools. Kirkland has the most "walkable downtown" feel. Redmond proper offers the shortest commute.

10. What are the best neighborhoods in Snohomish County for tech workers?

Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Bothell (Canyon Park area), and Lynnwood (especially near Alderwood) offer significantly more home for the money than Eastside King County. Commute to Redmond: 30–45 minutes. Commute to Bellevue: 45–60 minutes. Many tech workers making the move call it the best financial decision they made.

11. How does the 2026 real estate market look in King County?

Inventory remains tight, especially under $1.2M. Homes in move-in condition in strong school districts are still getting multiple offers within a week. The rate environment has cooled buyer competition somewhat, but tech worker demand is consistent. If you find the right home, move on it—waiting rarely rewards buyers in this market.

PART 3: Offers & Strategy Questions

12. How do I win a bidding war in the Seattle area?

The winning formula in King County:

• Escalation clause (up to your max price automatically)
• Large earnest money (2–3% of purchase price)
• Short inspection contingency (5 days vs. 10)
• Pre-inspected properties where possible
• Flexible close date that works for the seller
• Strong pre-approval letter from a known local lender

Cash or large down payments get noticed. If you have RSUs available, having 25–30% down can be the tiebreaker in a multiple-offer situation.

13. What is the Odigo Tech Package?

The Odigo Tech Package is a specialized program for tech workers buying or selling homes in King and Snohomish counties. It includes:

• Mortgage pre-qualification coordination with tech-income-experienced lenders
• RSU timing strategy for down payments
• Off-market property access
• Buyer representation at no cost to you (seller pays)
• Relocation support for employees arriving from out of state

Learn more at odigotechpackage.com.

14. How much over asking price should I offer?

There's no magic number—it depends on the home, neighborhood, and current inventory. In 2026, homes priced right in Bellevue/Kirkland/Redmond are often receiving 3–8% over asking. In Snohomish County, it's typically 1–4% over asking. The key: know the comparable sales before writing the offer, not after.

15. Should I waive inspection?

Almost never. Instead, negotiate a short inspection period (5 days) and consider paying for a pre-offer inspection on serious contenders. Buying a home with an unknown roof leak or electrical issue because you waived inspection is a very expensive mistake.

PART 4: Selling, Taxes, and Investing

16. Can I sell my Seattle home tax-free?

Yes—up to $250K in profit (single) or $500K (married) is excluded from federal capital gains tax if you've lived in the home for 2 of the last 5 years. Washington has no state income tax, so there's no state capital gains on the sale of a primary residence.

17. Should I rent my home or sell it when I relocate?

This is one of the most underrated questions. Seattle-area homes held as rentals have historically appreciated 5–8% annually while generating rental income. If you can afford to carry it, holding often wins long-term. The tax-free exclusion still applies if you sell within 3 years of moving out.

18. I'm relocating to Seattle for a new tech job—what should I do first?

Start with a 6–12 month lease near your office. Use that time to explore neighborhoods, understand commute patterns, and save for a down payment. Buying within 30 days of relocating is almost always a mistake—you'll make decisions without enough local context. The Eastside market rewards patient, well-prepared buyers.

19. Are there good investment properties near tech hubs in Washington?

Yes—but they're competitive. Duplex and triplex properties in Redmond, Bothell, and Lynnwood offer strong rent-to-price ratios compared to Seattle proper. Short-term rentals near Microsoft and Amazon campuses are also high-performing in the right zoning. Talk to an agent who knows the investor side of the market, not just residential resale.

20. What's the #1 mistake tech workers make when buying in Seattle?

Waiting too long because the market "seems expensive." In every year from 2015 to 2025, there were buyers who said prices were too high and decided to wait. The buyers who closed are sitting on significant equity. Real estate in tech-hub markets rewards action over analysis paralysis. If your finances are ready, your job is stable, and you've found a home you love—buy it.

Ready to Buy? Let's Talk.

Peter Kim is a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider and licensed WA real estate agent (Lic. #112064) specializing in helping tech workers navigate the Seattle Eastside market. With 119 five-star Zillow reviews and deep experience with RSU income, Amazon/Microsoft relocation, and competitive offer strategies, he's the agent tech workers trust.

📞 (425) 409-3823 | 📧 odigorealty@gmail.com

Learn about the Odigo Tech Package →