There are so many advantages to living in Arizona. Maybe you’ve heard about our Arizona summers. But, what the critics don’t tell you is that Arizona is built for the heat which means an abundance of pools and air conditioning which turn that heat into a good time and an attractive option for year-round living. So, is Arizona for you? Take this short 3 question quiz:

• Are you tired of the square footage you get for the amount of money you pay?
• Are you tired of shoveling snow or dealing with days of constant rain?
• Are you tired of the dealing with the havoc caused by natural disasters?

If you said "yes" to any of these, then maybe you’re ready to live in Arizona.

Here are some of the key advantages that Arizona residents (whether full-time to seasonal) enjoy:

1. Exceptional Weather - Arizona is known for its warm and sunny climate, boasting around 300 sunny days per year. The mild winters, with temperatures often in the comfortable 70s, are particularly appealing for those looking to escape colder climates in the northern states and Canada. Our relatively low risk of natural disasters also makes us a prime destination.
2. Outdoor Lifestyle - Arizona is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the United States. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring these beautiful landscapes year-round. And it’s not just the red rocks of Sedona or the Grand Canyon. Although Phoenix is a metropolitan area, we are called “the valley” because we are surrounded by mountains that are just as beautiful to look at as they are a thrill to hike or bike. Plus, Scottsdale has a wide variety of world-class golf courses that you can enjoy year round. And don't even get me started on our sunsets...
3. Affordable Cost of Living - Compared to many other states, Arizona has a relatively low cost of living. Housing, in particular, is more affordable, making it easier for families and individuals (especially from California, New York, Florida, New Jersey, New England, Oregon, and Washington) to find a home that fits their need for size and amenities in addition to their budget. 
4. Strong Job Market - Arizona, especially Phoenix, has a robust job market. The state is known for its growing industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, providing ample employment opportunities with fair to generous wages. Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States and the city was built for it with a grid system of streets, multiple airports, a network of highways that can get you anywhere quickly, and the space for continued growth. 
5. Low Humidity - The dry climate in Arizona means you won’t have to deal with the high humidity levels found in many other parts of the country. This can be a relief for those who find humid weather uncomfortable. Can every day be a good-hair-day? Well, in our low humidity climate, you’re about to find out.

Those are just a few of the many benefits of living in Arizona.  So!... you want to move to Arizona? Excellent! House hunting and relocating can be both exciting and overwhelming. But when you are guided by the right real estate agent, their experience, negotiation strategies, and organization can help to turn that relocation nightmare into a dream.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and find your Arizona dream home:

1. Find the right real estate agent - Find an agent who understands your priorities and your goals, and who shows a realistic knowledge of how to help you achieve them. Consider their access to listings, their negotiation skills, their experience in the market where you want to be, their personality (a mismatch of personalities can actually add stress to your process), and their track record. Remember that once you enter an Agency relationship with a real estate agent, you become their client which means they have statutory and fiduciary responsibilities to represent your best interests throughout the process. So, ask them how they intend to do that for you. The right agent can turn an overwhelming and stressful process into something completely manageable that allows you to sleep through the night.
2. Define Your Priorities - Before you start looking at houses, make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Be flexible where you can, but also know what you need and want. Consider factors like:
   • • Location: Proximity to work, schools, public transportation, hospitals, and amenities.
     • Size: Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, office space, square footage, etc.
     • Type: Single-family home, condo, townhouse, etc.
     • Features: Yard, garage, pool, modern kitchen, detached casita, etc.
     • Future: Consider factors like potential personal or family growth, resale value, and neighborhood development.
3. Set a Realistic Budget - Determine how much you can afford by considering your savings, income, and expenses. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Once you determine your budget and how much you can afford for a down payment, a mortgage banker or mortgage broker can get you pre-approved for a mortgage. What’s the difference between a mortgage banker and a mortgage broker? How do you know which one to work with? An experienced real estate agent can help you by recommending lenders they have had good experiences with and can help answer those questions.
4. Attend Open Houses and Showings - Visit as many open houses and showings as possible. This will give you a better sense of what’s available and help you refine your preferences. Take notes and photos to keep track of the properties you visit. Your real estate agent can help you locate open houses and can schedule showings for you to attend.
5. Be Ready to Act Fast - In a competitive market, good houses can go quickly. Be prepared to make an offer. Having your finances in order and being pre-approved for a mortgage can speed up the process. But at the same time, don’t be hasty. Being ready and being hasty are two different things and it’s important to identify the difference.
6. Negotiate Wisely - Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price and terms of the sale. Your real estate agent can help you with this based on what kind of market it is and the needs of the principals involved in the transaction. Be prepared to compromise on some aspects but know your limits.
7. Stay Patient and Positive - House hunting can take time, and you might face some disappointments along the way. Stay patient and keep a positive attitude. The right house is out there and your real estate agent will help you find it.

You’ve got your homebuying tips handy and ready. So, time to apply them! Jeff Barchi currently represents the sellers of the following diverse and unique properties. Of course, the market moves quickly and this information is subject to change.

Here are some properties available now* in the Phoenix metropolitan areas: 

• 11375 E Sahuaro Drive, # 1017 | Scottsdale, AZ
  • List Price: $327,500
  • Subdivision: Scottsdale Somerset Condominium
  • Apartment Style/Flat
  • Stats: 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,037 Sq. Ft. | Built 1996
  • Features: Community Pool | Community Spa | Workout Facility
  • In a sentence: This is an opportunity to enjoy Scottsdale's condo lifestyle with quick access to everything, at an affordable price, in one of the few ground level units with no upstairs neighbor!
  • Click here to tour the property on Zillow

• 37445 N. School House Rd. | Cave Creek, AZ
  • List Price: $545,000
  • Land and Lots
  • Zoning: Single Family
  • In a sentence: This 2.04 acre lot has utilities to the lot and is ideally located, within walking distance to the many amazing restaurants on Cave Creek Main Street and included with the purchase you'll receive two sets of plans, one which has already been approved by town of Cave Creek.
  • Click here to view the property on Zillow

• 10731 N. Sonora Vista | Fountain Hills, AZ
  • List Price: $1,299,000
  • Subdivision: Summit at Crestview
  • Single Family – Detached
  • Stats: 4+ Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,637 sq. ft. | Built 2007
  • Features: Panoramic Views | Gated Community
  • In a sentence:  Prepare to enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views from almost every room and homes with amazing features and stunning views like this don’t come around often. 
  • Click here to tour the property on Zillow

• 10468 E. Quartz Rock Rd. | Scottsdale, AZ
  • List Price: $1,750,000
  • Subdivision: Troon Fairways
  • Stats: 4 Beds | 4 Baths | 3,691 Sq. Ft. | Built 1992
  • Features: Mountain View | Pool | Spa | Gated Community
  • In a sentence: This beautiful custom home was perfectly designed to gaze directly upon Troon Mountain with the specific goal of soaking in those majestic views, topped by subtle southwest details add tons of charm inside and outside.
  • Click here to tour the property on Zillow

• 10763 E. Addy Way | Scottsdale, AZ 
  • List Price: $4,150,000
  • Subdivision: Mirabel Club
  • Stats: 4+ Beds | 4 Full + 3 Half Baths | 6,043 Sq. Ft. | Built 2005
  • Features: Panoramic Views | Pool | Spa | Guard-Gated Community | Golf Course
  • In a sentence: This home is truly one of a kind, with quality materials that cannot be built for even close to this price today, and the rare combination of views while maintaining privacy.
  • Click here to watch the property tour video on YouTube

• 37200 N. Cave Creek Rd. # 1017 | Scottsdale, AZ 
  • List Price: $5,900,000
  • Subdivision: The Village at Seven Desert Mountain
  • Stats: 4+ Beds | 4 Full + 2 Half Baths | 6,297 Sq. Ft. | Built 2022
  • Features: Panoramic Views | Pool | Spa | Guard-Gated Community | Golf Course | Membership available **
  • In a sentence: Spectacular, golf course fronting, Contemporary ultra-high-end great room plan home with excellent golf and idyllic nearby mountain views.
  • Click here to watch the property tour video on YouTube

If you have any questions, call Jeff at 602-558-5200 and he will be happy to give you the most up-to-date information on these properties and any comparable properties in the area.

Jeff Barchi with RE/MAX Fine Properties is the #1 RE/MAX agent in Arizona (2023) and is consistently ranked in the Top 1% of all real estate agents nationwide. For more information, please visit www.HomeSellerArizona.com.

_{* This information is subject to change.}

_{** Membership to the Club is by application, and the seller's sought after full privilege Golf Membership is available to the home's purchaser via a separate transaction with the Club, avoiding a long waitlist. Call the club for more information.}

_{About the Author:}

_{Kaci Guldalian currently works as Jeff Barchi's Licensed Assistant and has been a proud member of Jeff's team since 2015. For more information, visit www.HomeSellerArizona.com and go to “Meet The Team” or e-mail [email protected].}