Whether you're retired or still working, I'll help you find the right winter home in the Valley, and buy it with confidence from 1,500 miles away.
Average January high, 1991 to 2020 climate normals
Every buyer asks about weather. After that, what matters depends on the state you're leaving.
Washington buyers trade rain for sun. Many keep Washington as their home state, which makes the Arizona house a second home for tax and property tax purposes. Ask your CPA how Washington's capital gains and estate rules fit your plan.
The shortest flight of the three, and you stay on the same clock all winter. Buyers ready to change their home state often weigh 4.4% against 2.5%. That decision decides where you file, so map it out with a tax professional before you buy.
The biggest temperature swing of the three. Illinois already exempts most retirement income, so retirees often find the income tax gap smaller than expected. Property tax is the difference people notice first: Arizona's effective rate on owner occupied homes is about 0.48%.
Average daily high in metro Phoenix. Most snowbirds arrive between late October and early January and head home by late April.
Best time to shopOctober and November. Sellers have the most homes ready and you can tour before peak season crowds.
Peak monthsJanuary through March bring golf, spring training, hiking and patio dinners. Snowbird demand is highest now too.
Spring exitThe first 90 degree day usually lands near the end of March. Most part time owners close up the house in April.
Monthly normals: National Weather Service, Phoenix
Eight communities my snowbird buyers ask about most. Tap any one and I'll send you the homes for sale there right now.
The original Del Webb active adult community, opened in 1960. Established streets, recreation centers, golf and the lowest entry prices on this list.
Del Webb's second Sun City, opened in 1978. Golf, clubs and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center right inside the community.
Newer Del Webb homes in Surprise with golf, fitness centers and easy access to Loop 303. A step up in size and finishes from the older Sun Cities.
Resort style 55+ living in north Peoria with a clubhouse, golf and mountain views. Homes listed recently from the $430Ks to over $1.2M.
A master planned community near Lake Pleasant with trails, parks and plenty of newer homes with dens. A strong fit if you still work remotely.
Several country club neighborhoods south of Chandler with golf, lakes and a long tradition of Midwest winter visitors.
A gated Mesa community with golf, pools and a full activity calendar. Close to Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport and its Midwest nonstops.
A quieter town just past Scottsdale with McDowell Mountain views, its famous fountain and lock and leave condos alongside custom homes.
Prices are approximate medians from Redfin for fall 2026 and move quickly. Median list and sale prices measure different things. For today's homes and prices, tap "Get current homes" and I'll send a list from the Arizona MLS.
Everything to line up before you tour, while you buy and before you leave for summer, on two pages.
A few Arizona rules matter more to seasonal owners than anyone else. Know these before you write an offer.
Maricopa County classifies the home you live in as Class 3 and a second home or rental as Class 4. Only Class 3 homes get the state's Homeowner Rebate, 40% of the school district primary tax up to $600 a year. You can claim one primary residence in Arizona.
Arizona presumes you're a resident for income tax once you spend more than nine months of the year here. Keep a simple travel log from day one, and decide with your CPA which state is home before you change your license or voter registration.
Check rental limits, minimum lease terms, guest stay rules, golf cart and RV storage, and who handles landscaping and the pool while you're away.
Budget for a home watch service, pest control, an AC tune up before you go and a thermostat setting that protects the house. Newer roofs and AC units are worth weighting in your search.
Arizona requires a transaction privilege tax license for short term rentals, and many cities require a local permit. HOA rules may limit it, so confirm before you buy if rental income is part of your plan.
Second home mortgages have their own occupancy rules, so talk with a lender early. On the offer, I look at every lever, including seller paid closing costs when the market allows.
The biggest worry I hear from snowbirds is buying a home they haven't stood in. Here's how I take that off the table.
I preview homes in person and tell you what the photos don't show, from road noise to the smell of the garage.
We walk the home together on FaceTime or Zoom. You ask, I open closets and check water pressure.
I attend the inspection, send photos the same day and walk you through what's normal and what isn't.
Sign electronically and with a mobile notary where you live, then fly in to a house that's ready.
Your timeline, budget, must haves and which areas fit.
Second home or primary residence, and approval to match.
A short list from the Arizona MLS, only homes that fit.
In person or live video, then a clear, well built offer.
Inspection, closing and your summer care plan lined up.
I'm Michelle Hansen, a REALTOR® with EveryPlace with Laughton Team in Peoria. For seven years I've helped people buy and sell across the Valley, and snowbirds are one of my specialties, along with downsizers and new construction.
I bring an MBA's eye for the numbers and a straightforward way of working. You get the data, clear options and a straight answer, then you decide. When you're buying from another state, I'm the person who walks the house, asks the hard questions and tells you what I'd want to know.
We guide your decision like it's ours.
Tell me a little about your winter plans. I'll follow up to set a time, usually the same day.
Clarity over pressure. Always.