A lot of the buyers I talk with are not moving here full time, at least not yet. They want somewhere warm from January to April, a place to golf with friends, or a home they will grow into when they retire. A second home here can be all of those things, but it works best when you buy it for how you will actually use it.
Decide how often you will really be here
Be honest about the calendar. Six weeks a year and six months a year call for different homes. If you will be away most of the year, a smaller lock-and-leave home with low maintenance usually makes more sense than an estate with a big yard and a pool to look after.
Lock-and-leave is a real category
In North Scottsdale you will see patio homes, villas and casitas built for exactly this: smaller footprints, landscaping handled by the HOA, and often a gate. The Boulders, for example, has patio homes and casitas that many owners use seasonally. In a golf community, it is also worth asking whether the club offers a seasonal or non-resident membership option.
Check the rental rules before you count on rental income
If you plan to rent the home while you are away, look at three layers of rules: the City of Scottsdale, which requires short-term rentals to be licensed; the HOA, which may limit or prohibit rentals or set a minimum lease length; and any club rules about guests using member amenities. These rules differ a lot from one community to the next, so confirm them for the specific home before you buy.
Plan for the summer
An empty house in an Arizona summer needs a plan. Most seasonal owners set the thermostat to keep the home cool and dry rather than turning it off, have someone check the house every week or two, and keep the pool serviced. Many also use a home watch or property management service. Ask about the home’s age, roof and air conditioning systems during your inspection, since those matter more here than almost anywhere.
Think about timing
Most buyers shop in winter, when they are here and the weather is perfect. That is also when competition is highest. If you can look in late spring or summer, you may find more room to negotiate and sellers who are ready to move on. Video tours make it practical to shop from home and fly in for the final two or three.
Questions to ask on every home
- What are the HOA dues, and what do they cover?
- Are rentals allowed, and for what minimum length?
- What are the summer utility bills with the house unoccupied?
- Is there a club, and does it offer a seasonal membership?
- How old are the roof, air conditioning and water heater?
If you are starting to think about a winter home here, tell me how you plan to use it and I will help you narrow down the neighborhoods that fit. The golf community guides are a good place to start browsing.
Leave a Reply