Every year around this time, we welcome friends, neighbors, and clients back to Arizona for the winter. And who can blame them? While much of the country is preparing for snow and freezing temperatures, we are looking forward to sunny afternoons, desert hikes, golf and pickleball under the blue skies, outdoor dining, and some of the best winter weather in the country. It’s why 400,000 seasonal snowbirds come back to the Valley of the Sun each season!
For many winter visitors, owning a home in Arizona is a dream. Having a place of your own to enjoy the season, welcoming family and friends, and embracing the Arizona lifestyle is a wonderful thing.
But buying a winter home comes with some unique considerations. Here are six things we encourage buyers to think about before making the leap:
1. Find the Right Community and Lifestyle
Arizona offers an incredible variety of communities. From active golf communities and quiet desert neighborhoods to vibrant city condos and tranquil palm tree-lined estates – the Valley of the Sun truly has it all. When you start to think about purchasing a winter home, take your time to explore different areas, and think about how you want to spend your winters here. Do you enjoy golf, pickleball, hiking, or an active social calendar? Is proximity to restaurants, shopping, sporting events, or the airport important? A beautiful home is important, but finding the right community can make all the difference.
2. Work With a Local Agent Who Really Knows the Area
Metro Phoenix has more than five million residents and is also geographically vast. Consequently, neighborhoods that look similar online can offer very different lifestyles and long-term value. Choosing an experienced local agent who will help you understand the communities, HOA structures, amenities, and nuances that make each neighborhood unique is important. Your realtor will also be a resource for you for repair people, amenities, community information, and may even help you to meet new friends and neighbors.
3. Pay Attention to Lot Orientation and Sun Exposure
This is something buyers from colder climates don’t always consider, but in Arizona, lot orientation can make an enormous difference in enjoyment and value. A south-facing backyard can offer wonderful winter sunshine, while north-facing patios tend to be cooler and more shaded. West-facing yards may have spectacular sunsets but can also experience intense afternoon heat in the summer. Understanding how sun exposure affects your outdoor enjoyment, energy efficiency, and future resale appeal is especially important in our desert climate.
4. Understand the Year-Round Maintenance and True Cost of Ownership
If you are only here for part of the year, consider how much maintenance you’re willing to manage from a distance. Some communities include landscaping, exterior maintenance, and even roof repairs, while others leave nearly everything to the homeowner. Arizona summers can be tough on an unattended home, with extreme heat, monsoon storms, irrigation leaks, and pool or mechanical failures. Understanding what your exposures are on the front end is something you may want to consider. Beyond the purchase price, also consider property taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA fees, landscaping, pool service, regular property checks, and the cost of club memberships. Understanding the full cost of ownership will help you budget accordingly and enjoy your Arizona home with greater peace of mind.
5. Prioritize the Features That Matter Most
One of the greatest joys of wintering in Arizona is enjoying the outdoors every day. A sunny patio, beautiful mountain views, gorgeous sunsets, a heated pool, and community activities can add so much to your experience. Before you buy, think about how you’ll actually use your home. Will you be entertaining friends or welcoming family for the holidays? Do you need extra bedrooms, a home office, or storage for belongings? Make sure you choose a home that will support how you want to live in the winter months.
6. Don’t Ignore the Resale Side of the Equation
We represent many winter visitors as buyers, but we also represent many as sellers. When you are buying your winter home make sure you are considering the future sale of your property. What will the home look like in 5 to 10 years? How much maintenance will be required down the road to make it sellable? Is the community well-maintained or on the decline? These are all factors to consider when purchasing your winter home.
There really is something special about spending the winter in Arizona. People started wintering in the Valley in the late 1800s and there is a rich tradition here that has drawn sunseekers for generations.
As local experts in Northeast Mesa, we have helped hundreds of clients find their perfect winter spot right here in the Valley. We understand the complexity, always provide candid advice, understand the nuances, and take a personal interest in helping our clients find their perfect place! Give us a call today and let us help you find your place in the sun!