Help! Arriving in 2 weeks to buy a house! (Phoenix, Mesa: short sale, apartments)

[cactusland]

Stick to north phoenix, those other areas are too far for you, trust me. And don't rule out scottsdale completely.

[pbenjamin]

The 85254 zip code is worth checking out. It's in Phoenix but has a Scottsdale address. Paradise Valley Schools. The eastern edge of 85032 is good too, you don't get the Scottsdale address but the homes are similar and a little bit cheaper. Easy commute from these places to your husband's office.

[cactusland]

Also you guys might want to consider month-to-month rental places during the move because not having a stable place to sleep while buying is really, really stressful.

[jmarc23]

Originally Posted by cactusland

Also you guys might want to consider month-to-month rental places during the move because not having a stable place to sleep while buying is really, really stressful.

I've got my eye on that too...as of now, we're renting our old house in Michigan, but the buyers want it eventually, so we've got to find something in the Scottsdale area, whether it be a purchase or a lease until we can find the right place. I'm dreaming that just the right house will become available right around the time we arrive in a couple of weeks!

[pgc323]

Anthem is great for families. A bit of a drive from N Scottsdale, but not too far. Plenty of information in the following link and there are homes in your price range. | Online At Anthem

[jmarc23]

Originally Posted by pgc323

Anthem is great for families. A bit of a drive from N Scottsdale, but not too far. Plenty of information in the following link and there are homes in your price range. | Online At Anthem

Thank you, this is helpful! We've been eyeing Anthem, it seems to have everything we are looking for.

[FromEastCoast]

Have him start looking for rentals as well. Best would be if you find an area you like and then can do a rent to own. I did this in Anthem and couldn't be happier.

[FromEastCoast]

Anthem will be longer than 30 minute commute though.

[PoppySead]

Here is a list of master planned communities all over the valley. They will offer you more to do as a new resident and your kids will make friends through all the events.
Master-Planned Communities | Welcome to Phoenix

The valley is daunting for a home search in that amount of time. I understand the dog issue, maybe you could work a deal on a rental in the area you are thinking you'd like and make sure. You don't want to be stuck someplace you don't like. I know it seems easy to sell here but in reality it is not. If you get a bad place it can make you regret your move rather quickly.

I would say spending a year seriously checking out all the areas of the valley would greatly benefit you. Otherwise you might end up in a place with a pest infestation, horrible neighbors, huge electricity bills, etc. etc. We've heard it all before on here, and it's really worth waiting. I'm sure you can find a rental agent that will help you with a nice place that accepts dogs.

But....if you are sure you want to buy off the bat I'd try a master planned community. That way you have community pools incase your dream house doesn't come with one, plus holiday activities and parties, a community spirit.

[autism360]

Home prices will be going higher due to lack of new home building over the last 7 years and rental prices make it almost cheaper to buy a house than rent. I would buy something now even if it is not your dream home.