The Big Question...

Not that I want to get into it, but my wife and I have had a long-running debate about the benefits of moving back to the Pacific Northwest. Well, she wouldn't be moving "back"--she's a local girl. (Someone called me a liar in a combox on that one, but I assure you, it's true! I've met her parents!) I've always said we should definitely move out west. She's hated every trip out there she's ever made. Reasons include the rain (which is less than the average rainfall of D.C.), cold, and "rednecks," among other things. I've always thought if you're going to raise a family, you should probably be near family. But now that we're getting into the very industry my family's in, we could learn from and partner with them.

I admit, I'm more torn now. Northern Virginia has its pluses. Surprisingly, our little church, St. Mary's is a big one of them. It's the first time we've ever had a community of like-minded Catholics nearby, and though she's been Catholic for only a short while, even she knows that this is a relatively rare thing. (We're known for, among other things, how fast we skeedaddle out of Mass at the end.)

Anyway, we have yet to make a deal, and we're starting to wonder if this is even possible in NOVA. The weekly "Deal Alert" I get would seem to indicate it's very difficult. People are tearing it up in Maryland, but here...not so much. We know we have to try something else, (making dozens of offers through MLS isn't cutting it), and we will, but now another option is on the table: moving west.

Like I said, I've got family there, and they're either developers, contractors, electricians or real estate agents. The cost of living is cheaper, and while the market sucks right now, it might be just as good a time to buy as it is here. (Or...I think it's a good time to buy here, anyway...) I want all the stars to align on this one, and we'll be praying hard for the next few months. But...we'll see. I'm hesitant for reasons mentioned above, as well as for reasons I won't go into here.

I'd welcome anyone's thoughts, questions...

Also, are there any investors from the northwest reading this site? What's it like out there? I know Seattle's great, but I wouldn't want to live there. That DOES live up to its reputation as rainy, cold and miserable.

Anyway, help me out, folks. I've got one of these bona fide Big Decisions coming up, and unless we make a deal in the next few months, our decision might just be made for us. As it is, we've crossed a line and I now have to become a part-time mover in my after-hours...