Need Advice for trip to check out homes in Phoenix Area (landscaping, new home)

[michaelm]

Hello All,

I recently came across this website and have to thank all of the people who have been posting as I've already learned quite a lot. My wife and I are in our early 30's (no children yet) and seriously considering moving to to the Phoenix area. We have a trip booked to fly to Phoenix the weekend of August 17th so we can experience the summer heat and get an idea what we could buy for our price range ($400-$450).

We could use some advice on where to look as we would like to be within a 30 min. drive (during rush hour) to the Phoenix area. I've also read some interesting posts regarding buying brand new homes vs. older homes (5-10 yrs) as with the market, there may be some better deasl buying existing homes, especially as I read by adding a swimming pool to a new home, it's hard to recoup the cost when you sell.

Also, I've heard plenty of negative comments regarding two story level homes, any opinions on that?

Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Michael

[Boatdrinks]

I prefer single story houses, but it's tough to get a good amount of square footage (more then 3100 sq ft) within a decent pricerange. If you want more square footage and don't have a ton to spend (usually over 600K, give or take), two stories will be your only option. Single stories with basements are very popular, but they're pricey - it usually runs over 125K to build a basement.

I've lived in single stories and two stories out here and while I prefer a single story, two stories are fine too. We've had very good luck with our north/south exposure two story. East/west exposure can make it tougher to cool upstairs b/c you have sun shining in the windows all day. Sun shades help though.

I can't really help with suggestions for a 30 minute rush hour commute within your price range. Everything I'm thinking of within 30 minutes of the city during rush hour will cost a good deal more then 450, but I don't really know too much about the area that close to the city. I'm sure others will help with that.

I think there are really great deals to be had with resales now and your pool and landscaping is done, which is great. Builders are also offering great incentives on inventory homes, but most of the new construction I know of that close to the city is out of your price range. Again - I'm not an expert on that area. Further out, you'll have no problem finding a house for 450K.

Good luck with your trip! We also flew out here in mid-August to check it out...phew...it was HOT!!! And it was monsoon - I remember thinking "What are we getting ourselves into????" Almost 4 yrs later, I'm still glad we decided to move. If you like the area but not sure about the heat, make a trip back out in the winter so you get a good weather experience too

[StillLookingToo]

August, the perfect time to come visit AZ You might want to wait until January if your trying to sell this to the other 1/2 There have been a ton of investors, buying and flipping while the market was hot, got caught when the bubble burst and unloading homes at prices that are great which is creating competion for regular sellers and new home sales alike. Its wonderful to be a buyer in this market. Having a single story with tile, the cold floors feel great now. Some people sink incredible amounts into backyard pools grottos etc, they may not get all of it back. But realtors tell me your typical pool is a nescessity to sell your home in the summer in a slow market.

[michaelm]

Thank you all for the replies. My wife who is not 100% sold on moving to AZ insisted we visit during the summer heat so we can fully experience what we may be getting into. I've only visited AZ during the winter so I'm sure I'll be in for a surprise.

As for the home prices, we'll have to see how the market goes and for our situation, possibly decide if we want to spend more for a smaller home with less of a commute, especially as gas is so expensive now.

I will continue to check out the other postings and appreciate the help.

Michael