3 Reasons You Might Regret Buying a Home in Arizona
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Nicholas Morine
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Arizona offers plenty of benefits to those thinking about buying a house there, but like everywhere else, there are things to consider before moving to this state.
If you’re thinking of buying a house in Arizona, Christy Walker — a RE/MAX real estate agent based in Phoenix — recommends looking over the state’s best resources known as the buyer advisory. “Not only does this document contain an excellent checklist of things to consider before purchasing a home, but it includes resources and links to websites that assist buyers with doing their due diligence,” explained Walker.
To help you avoid buyer regret, here are some things to consider before buying a home in Arizona and common misconceptions.
You May Have To Deal With Termites
“We often see those from out of state assume that a house with termites is something to be avoided,” Walker said. “However, there are many different variations of termites, and the ones in Arizona typically did not cause the same kind of damage we see in other parts of the country.”
According to The University of Arizona, the desert termite is one of the most common species in the state, but it’s not always a structural pest. “We often jokingly say a house in Arizona has either had termites, has them now or will have them since it’s a fairly common occurrence in the Phoenix and Tucson areas,” Walker added.
Summers Are Hot and Dry
According to the University of Arizona, daytime temperatures in the low Arizona deserts can sometimes reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher during the summer. However, temperatures and precipitation usually vary with elevation, and nighttime temperatures often drop to 50-60 degrees cooler than the daytime maximum. Temperatures can decrease by as much as 5.5 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. There’s also a cool season (October through March) that brings cool, dry air.
Higher Cost of Living
The cost of living in Arizona is nowhere near as pricey as in California, but it’s not the most affordable, either. For instance, the cost of living in Scottsdale is 13% higher than the national average. But this doesn’t mean everywhere is expensive. In cities like Douglas, San Luis and Eloy, home prices range between $155,000 and $300,000, Houzeo reported, and the overall cost of living is lower than the state and national average.
Walker recommends considering your needs and wants before buying a home, doing your due diligence and having a financial plan in place during the purchase process. “Read through the buyer advisory and don’t skimp on doing your due diligence. This is a large investment, and it needs to be taken seriously,” she said.
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