Your Arizona Relocation AgentReal Estate Specialists

One of the great things about the Phoenix metro area is how many different communities there are to choose from—and they definitely don’t all feel the same! Scottsdale is known for its restaurants, shopping, resorts, golf, and nightlife, while Gilbert and Chandler offer their own vibrant downtown areas and plenty of newer development. Tempe has a lot to offer and is close to ASU and nice outdoor activities. Mesa, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley have grown tremendously and can offer more space and newer homes, while areas like Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, and Buckeye give buyers lots of options on the West side of the Valley.

And don’t forget Phoenix itself! From downtown and historic neighborhoods to Ahwatukee resting in the lovely foothills, upscale Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Desert Ridge and the mountainside communities of North Phoenix, there are many very different lifestyles within Phoenix city limits. There are many new build areas as well as abundant retirement communities in all corners of our valley. I’d love to chat with you more about these and the rest of the ones not mentioned.

The “right” area really depends on your budget, commute, lifestyle, and what you’re hoping to find in your new Arizona home. That’s one of our favorite parts of helping relocation clients—getting to know what matters to you and helping you explore the different areas until something feels right.

The answer depends quite a bit on where you live and your lifestyle. Housing is generally the biggest variable, with home prices ranging considerably between different parts of the Valley. Property taxes in Arizona are pleasantly surprising to people moving from some other states, while summer electric bills can be a bit of a shock the first time around, if the home has not been updated with energy saving items!

You’ll also want to consider HOA fees, vehicle expenses, insurance, utilities, and pool maintenance if your home has one. We’re happy to help relocation clients compare the costs of different areas—not just the price of the house—so you have a better idea of what everyday life here may actually cost.

Not going to sugar coat it – the valley of the sun gets hot—but we’re built for it! Many homes in the Phoenix area are designed with superior insulation, upgraded windows and efficient cooling systems. With smart habits and good maintenance, it’s easy to stay comfortable. Then comes the payoff: our spring, fall and winters are absolutely beautiful. Mild temperatures, sunshine, patio dining, hiking, golf and outdoor events are a big reason so many people fall in love with Arizona. While much of the country is shoveling snow, there’s a good chance we’ll be eating lunch outside!

Welcome to Arizona—we have some interesting weather vocabulary!

While the Phoenix area has an average of 299 days of sunshiny skies per year, our summer monsoon season can bring occasional dramatic thunderstorms, rain (which we appreciate), lightning and occasional flash flooding in outlying areas. Dust storms can also develop, and a particularly large wall of blowing dust is commonly called a haboob.

They can look intimidating, eerie, and pretty incredible, but the important thing is knowing how to stay safe. Visibility can drop very quickly during a dust storm, so you should never attempt to drive through one when visibility becomes unsafe. You’ll also quickly learn that Arizona rainstorms can be very localized—it may be pouring at your house for a short time while a friend ten minutes away doesn’t see a drop

Yes, we have them. But no, that doesn’t mean you’re going to wake up with one on your pillow!

Scorpions are part of living in the desert, but how often they’re encountered can vary greatly by location, property, surrounding terrain, construction and pest-control practices. Many homeowners rarely or never see one, while certain areas may experience more activity. I am born and raised here and in the many homes I’ve lived in since 1983, I have only seen them in 2 of my houses.

Regular pest control that focuses on scorpions, sealing entry points around the home, keeping landscaping maintained and eliminating their food sources can help. If scorpions are one of your biggest Arizona fears, don’t be embarrassed to ask us about it—we promise you won’t be the first!

There’s a reason Arizona has been attracting retirees for decades! Sunshine, warm dry air, mild winters, golf, outdoor recreation, active-adult communities and a huge variety of housing options make the Phoenix area appealing to many retirees.

The Valley offers everything from large 55+ communities packed with amenities to smaller gated neighborhoods, golf communities, condos and traditional neighborhoods where residents of all ages live.

If retirement is bringing you to Arizona, we can help you explore the different options and decide which type of community best matches the lifestyle you envision.

We also have a dedicated website for retirement in Arizona that you can check out, as the FAQ section touches on many more retirement-related questions.

If you enjoy the outdoors, lovely weather, stunning sunsets and gorgeous scenery – Arizona gives you plenty to do. Hiking, golf, biking, pickleball, boating, swimming, horseback riding, camping and off-roading are all popular, and there are beautiful parks and countless trails of all difficulty levels throughout the Valley.

Summer changes the schedule a little — locals tend to hike and exercise very early in the morning when temperatures are cooler. And one of our favorite things about living in Arizona is how quickly the scenery can change. Drive a couple of hours from Phoenix and you can trade saguaros and desert scenery for pine forests, mountains, stunning red rocks of the Sedona area, and even snow!

Pool costs vary depending on the size and type of pool, equipment type and age, landscaping nearby, whether it’s heated, if the heater is gas or electric, and whether you maintain it yourself or hire a pool service.

Professional pool service adds another monthly expense or around $125-150 for weekly visits (including skimming, sweeping, basket emptying and chemicals), but many homeowners consider it money well spent.

The upside? In Arizona, a pool isn’t something you only get to enjoy for a few weeks each year. For many of us, it’s practically another room of the house! Also remember we do not winterize pools in this part of Arizona.

Utilities can vary significantly depending on the city, square footage and age of your home, insulation, thermostat settings, number of occupants, pool equipment and energy efficient features and upgrades.

The biggest thing newcomers should prepare for is summer electricity usage. Your air conditioner works hard when it’s 110°F outside! On the flip side, our mild winters generally mean much less heating is needed than in colder climates. Most households only turn their heater on a few times a year!

When you’re considering a particular home, we can ask for historical utility information, and that can give you a much better idea of what to expect

Yes! Arizona offers solar tax credits and energy savings with the use of a solar system. I can connect you with reliable solar professionals to help you save on energy costs, or we can simply find a home with a Solar system already installed that you can assume when you purchase!

Usually these listings will show a year’s worth of energy bills so you can see the savings. I have a lot of experience with listings that have a solar system installed, what questions to ask to protect my clients, and how to navigate the transaction smoothly.

Phoenix does have public transportation, including buses and Valley Metro Rail, and the light rail serves portions of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. However, the Phoenix metro area is very spread out, and for most residents a car is still the easiest and most practical way to get around.

Where you live can make a big difference. If walkability, public transportation or proximity to work is important to you, let us know early in your search so we can help you focus on areas that better fit that lifestyle.

Like any major metropolitan area, Phoenix definitely has rush-hour traffic, particularly on major freeways during morning and afternoon commutes. However, where you live in relation to work and other areas you plan to visit can make an enormous difference.

The Valley is much larger geographically than many newcomers realize, so we always recommend considering your commute before falling in love with a house. A home that looks close on a map isn’t necessarily a quick drive during rush hour!

Luckily, it’s not “California gridlock” traffic, and we do have HOV/Carpool lanes on every freeway that are only active M-F 6-9am & 3-7pm, so they are open to use for anyone during non-peak hours.

Also, Phoenix metro area has a well-laid out grid system of roads, so if there is an accident on one route, there are many other routes that you can use instead.

This is an understandable question when you’re considering moving to the desert—and it’s one we think is worth asking.

Arizona’s water situation is complex, with communities relying on different combinations of Colorado River water, groundwater, in-state rivers and stored supplies. Water availability and regulations can also vary depending on where in Arizona you’re buying.

Conservation is an important part of desert living. You’ll see water-wise landscaping, drought-tolerant plants and other conservation efforts throughout the Valley. If you’re considering acreage, a private well or property outside established municipal service areas, water becomes an especially important part of your due diligence.

Probably the biggest thing we’d tell you is: don’t assume every part of the Phoenix metro area is the same.

The Valley is huge, and communities can differ considerably in home prices, area landscaping, commute times, age of homes, lot sizes, amenities, restaurants, recreation and overall feel. Spend some time exploring before deciding where you want to live—or let us help you narrow things down based on what’s important to you.

Also prepare for the heat, drink more water than you think you need, learn to hunt out a shade tree to park under, and don’t touch metal seatbelt buckles with bare skin in July!

Seriously though, relocating can feel overwhelming at first – that’s exactly why we’re here. We love helping newcomers learn the Valley and feel at home in Arizona.

Once you’ve unpacked the boxes, there are a few housekeeping items to tackle—things like updating your driver’s license and vehicle registration, registering to vote if eligible, setting up utilities and services, updating insurance, and learning your new trash/recycling schedule.

Don’t worry—we’re not disappearing after closing! We’re always happy to point our clients toward local resources and trusted professionals as they settle into their new Arizona home.

Absolutely! We help out-of-state buyers shop for and purchase homes pretty often. With today’s technology, much of the home-buying process can be handled remotely—from touring homes and signing documents to inspections and even closing.

Of course, if you can visit Arizona before buying, that’s wonderful. But if you can’t, don’t worry! We can be your eyes and ears on the ground, help you learn the different areas, tour properties in detail as well as neighborhoods surrounding the homes you like virtually, coordinate inspections and appointments, and keep things moving while you’re miles away. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and informed, even if you aren’t physically here. We often even help coordinate quotes and workers on after-closing updates and repairs!

Yes! Virtual showings are one of our favorite tools for relocation clients. We can walk through a home with you by video call or take detailed short videos of the home and surrounding neighborhood so you can see much more than what appears in the listing photos.

And we don’t just show you the pretty stuff! We’ll show you the street, neighboring homes, backyard, views, traffic noise and those little details that professional listing photos conveniently don’t capture. I also point out red flags that I see, just as I would if you were touring in person. I work for your best interest – not just to quickly sell a house.

When you’re buying from another state, having someone you trust to give you an honest look at a property can make a huge difference.

That’s one of the most common questions we get—and there isn’t one right answer!

The Phoenix metro area is HUGE geographically, encompasses many cities and districts – and each community has something different to offer. We start by learning what’s important to you: your budget, commute, preferred home style, lot size, proximity to activities and amenities, whether you want newer or established neighborhoods, and other objective criteria that matter to your move.

From there, we can help you narrow down the areas that meet your needs so you can explore them and decide which feels most like home. Often relocation clients arrive convinced they want one area and end up falling in love with somewhere completely different!

The Phoenix real estate market is constantly changing—and it can vary considerably by city, neighborhood and price range. One area may favor buyers while another can still have strong competition for desirable homes.

Rather than relying on national headlines or broad statistics, we prefer to look at what’s happening right now in the specific areas and price range you’re considering. We’ll review recent sales, current competition, inventory and other local market information so you can make decisions based on what’s actually happening where you want to buy.

Once you’re prequalified with an Arizona Lender and we house hunt and go under contract, a financed Arizona home purchase will often take around 30 days to close, although the timeline can be shorter or longer depending on financing, inspections, appraisal, seller repairs, and the specifics of the transaction.

Finding the right home is the unpredictable part! Some clients find “the one” immediately, while others need more time. Sometimes we go under contract and the professional home inspection is a nightmare and we cancel, get your down payment refunded, and continue the search. We never want you to feel pressured into buying simply because you’re relocating on a deadline. If possible, getting your financing and home search organized before your move gives you so much more flexibility and a head start.

Both can be great options—it really depends on your priorities.

A resale home may offer an established neighborhood, mature landscaping, a larger lot or upgrades already completed. New construction gives you the opportunity for a brand-new home, modern floor plans and energy-efficient features, and builders may occasionally offer financing or closing-cost incentives.

One important thing many relocating buyers don’t realize: you can have your own Realtor when purchasing new construction. The builder’s sales team works for the builder. Having your own agent gives you someone focused on your interests throughout the process, and you do not pay me a dime to professionally represent you.

If you’re interested in new construction, please contact us before your first visit or online registration with a builder, as builder policies have a “threshold” policy regarding outside Realtor representation, and generally state that I must be with you on your first visit to each community to register you. Let’s set up a tour to see multiple communities, and I can make sure we get the time we need to tour the models and spec homes, and understand the options and pricing – but don’t get sucked in to a lengthy sales pitch from biased agents that only work for their specific community.

Closing costs vary depending on the property, loan, lender, title/escrow company, and terms negotiated in your purchase contract. Buyer expenses can include loan-related fees, appraisal, title/escrow charges, prepaid insurance and taxes, HOA-related charges when applicable, and other transaction expenses. Often we can get the Seller to pay for all or part of your closing costs, along with their own.

Don’t worry—we’ll help you understand the costs associated with your particular transaction so there aren’t unnecessary surprises along the way. Your lender and escrow/title company will also provide detailed figures well before closing

This is often a pleasant surprise for people moving from states with higher property taxes, as they are considered considerably lower.

Arizona property taxes are based on assessed values and local tax rates, so they vary by property and location. When we’re looking at homes, we will absolutely review the property’s current tax information with you.

Also, AZ property taxes are paid in “Arrears”, which means you live in the house for most of the year before the payment is due. What this means is that upon selling, the seller will credit you for the time they spent in the house before closing, and you will either pay it later or it is looped in with your mortgage and automatically paid. The same happens when you sell down the road.

It is important to know that not every neighborhood has HOA fees, and I am able to easily find homes with no HOA if that is important to you. HOA fees are however extremely common throughout the Phoenix metro area, particularly in newer communities, and they can vary tremendously.

Some may be relatively modest and cover common-area maintenance and keeping control of how the neighbors upkeep the exterior of their homes, while others—particularly gated, golf, condo or active-adult communities—may include extensive amenities and have significantly higher fees. Some properties can even have more than one association or additional community center-related fees. Some HOA’s have massive play areas, pools, sport courts, walking trails, gyms, community centers, and more. Others include water/sewer/trash, pest control, and even electricity. I have seen HOA’s run from $15 to over $600 a month, so it is not a one answer fits all type of question.

We’ll help you identify the HOA costs and review the available HOA information during the purchase process so you understand what you’re buying into—not just the house itself.

It surprises some newcomers that flooding is something we even discuss in the desert, but yes—certain Arizona properties are located within designated flood hazard areas.

Whether flood insurance is required will depend on the property’s flood-zone designation and, in some cases, your lender’s requirements. Even when it isn’t required, buyers can choose to investigate coverage for additional protection.

We can help you identify available flood-zone information for a property, but your lender and insurance professional are the right people to determine your specific insurance requirements and coverage options.

Pools are incredibly popular here – not only are they visually pleasing, on a 110-degree summer day you’ll understand why! There’s nothing like a refreshing dip during our hot summers.

But a pool is also a major component of the property, so we recommend taking its condition seriously. I suggest that buyers get a professional pool inspection in addition to the general home inspection. Things like the pump, filter, heater, plumbing, surface condition, decking, electrical and other equipment can become expensive when they need repair or replacement. Home warranties are also available with pool equipment coverage and can be a life saver.

We’ll help you understand your inspection options so you can enjoy the pool instead of discovering an expensive surprise after closing.

Schools are understandably important to many buyers, but what’s considered a “good” or “best” school is very personal. As Realtors, we also follow Fair Housing guidelines and don’t steer clients toward or away from particular neighborhoods based on schools or demographics.

What we can do is point you toward objective school information and resources so you can research districts, individual schools, programs, boundaries and other factors that matter to you. Once you’ve determined which areas meet your criteria, we can help you find homes within those areas, and even have the capabilities on MLS to search for homes within a specific school if you have one that is important to you.

Absolutely! After many years and hundreds of Arizona real estate transactions, we’ve developed relationships with lenders, inspectors, handymen, contractors, home warranty companies, insurance brokers, and other professionals who may be helpful during your purchase and after you move in.

We’re happy to provide options, but the choice is always yours. We encourage our clients to research providers, read reviews, and select the professionals they’re most comfortable working with.

And if something comes up after closing and you suddenly need a plumber, electrician, pool company or handyman—call us! We don’t stop answering the phone once you get your keys.

We primarily serve the greater Phoenix metro area throughout Maricopa and Pinal counties, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Maricopa, Ahwatukee, Laveen, Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Anthem, Litchfield Park, and many surrounding communities.

We’ve also helped clients in areas farther north, including Prescott, Cottonwood, Sedona and Payson. If you’re considering an area outside our normal service area, just ask! If it’s somewhere we don’t personally serve, we’re also part of the RE/MAX network and are happy to help connect you with a great agent in another area.

This is where we shine! Relocating involves a lot more than finding a house. You’re learning an entirely new area while possibly juggling a job change, packing, movers, travel, selling another home and dozens of other things at the same time!

We can help you narrow down communities, understand the local market, tour homes virtually, coordinate inspections and appointments, communicate with your lender and escrow company, recommend local professionals and generally be your boots on the ground in Arizona when you can’t be here yourself. My objective is to be helpful, make you feel comfortable, and keep you informed – even if you aren’t physically here. We even help coordinate bids and schedule workers for updates and repairs after closing!

As Arizona natives and full-time RE/MAX Realtors, we know the Valley, and after hundreds of transactions we’ve learned that good communication can make an enormous difference—especially when our clients are hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Our goal isn’t simply to help you buy a house. We want to make your entire transition to Arizona feel easier and help you feel at home once you get here.