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What's the best time to buy a house in Arizona? It all comes down to where you're searching, what kind of home you have in mind, and what your budget is.
In recent years, listing prices in Arizona have been lowest in May, with homes around $38,319 less expensive than the annual average. In November, listing prices spiked to around $41,822 more than the yearly average.
Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December. But with interest rates currently on the rise, it pays to explore your options with a trusted mortgage provider to make sure you get the best rate possible.
Read on to find out which time of year will give you the most options and the biggest savings when buying a house in Arizona!
Getting started
If you're interested in buying a home in Arizona, it's important to find a local realtor who knows your market. Economic conditions change rapidly, and an experienced realtor will help you navigate the best times and places to buy.
To find a realtor, we recommend using a free service like Semya-Moya. Clever matches you with top agents from well-known brokerages like RE/MAX and Keller Williams.
Interview as many agents as you'd like until you find the perfect fit, or walk away at any time with no obligation. Add your zip code below to request hand-picked agent matches today!
If you're ready to buy a home, Clever can connect you with an agent who knows the market!
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JUMP TO SECTION
- Best time to buy a house in Arizona
- Best Arizona cities to buy a house
- How to get a deal on a Arizona home
When is the best time of year to buy a house in Arizona?
Because of the harsh summers and mild winters, the real estate market in Arizona is unique compared to the rest of the country. Arizona sees fewer homes on the market and rock-bottom prices in the heat of summer, while most of the country sees these in the dead of winter.
If you're hoping to find a bargain, the summer might be a good time to buy, but you’ll likely have fewer options. If you want more homes to choose from, try buying during the moderate January and February months. More homes are on the market in Arizona during those months, with sellers hoping to entice snowbirds to stay long term. Overall, the market is busiest from late fall to early spring.
Price trends can vary from city to city — and there may even be differences within certain neighborhoods. The best way to find a home in your target market is to connect with a local realtor. They'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your market and find the best time to buy a house in Arizona.
💰 Find a top buyer's agent near me today!
What are the best cities to buy a house in Arizona?
Do you know you want to buy a home in Arizona, but you’re not sure exactly where? Take a look at these Arizona cities.
Tucson
Tucson is a two-hour drive south of Phoenix, and several of its neighborhoods are ranked among the best places to live in Arizona. The area boasts affordable real estate and a lot of diversity, in addition to gorgeous mountains, outdoor activities, and a growing food scene.
Flagstaff
Located in northern Arizona, Flagstaff has a climate and geography that's distinctly different from major cities in the south. With all four seasons and a population of 69,903, this city offers breathtaking natural beauty, good schools, and an active cultural scene.
Chandler
A suburb of Phoenix, Chandler offers world-class golf facilities and a historic downtown. The city is full of families and professionals, with access to work in Chandler and Phoenix and plenty of parks and coffee shops. Don't miss the Ostrich Festival in March or the Chihuahua Races in May!
Oro Valley
Located near Tucson, this suburb has become a tech hub with employers such as Honeywell, Sanofi-Aventis, and Ventana Medical Systems. You can easily hike, bike, camp, and golf in different parts of the valley. The median income is $79,458, and the median home price is $288,400.
Gilbert
This suburb of Phoenix is the safest place to live in Arizona. It’s a great place to raise a family, with excellent schools and an affordable cost of living. The median income is $81,485, while the median home price is $231,100. You can explore hiking trails and go horseback riding, or you could see over 300 species of birds at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
Four ways to get a great deal on a home in Arizona
Knowing when and where to buy is only part of the home buying process. You’ll also want to learn how to get a good deal. Here are four things to keep in mind.
1. Find a great Arizona real estate agent
Every area of Arizona has a different real estate market, price range, and variety of neighborhoods. An experienced real estate agent can help you find exactly what you want for a price you can afford. With a professional by your side, you can be confident about when you buy and the amount you offer for the home.
2. Determine what you need and want in a house
Once you have an agent, start thinking about what features you need your future home to have. Which are essential and which are simply nice to have? Do you need a short commute to a specific company, or are you looking for an area where work is easy to find once you arrive? You'll also want to work out your budget. Your agent can help you understand what is realistic in your target area and help you get the best price.
3. Find a lender and secure financing
Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in Arizona, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, in Arizona a typical house is worth $297,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $1,060. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $1,002.
4. Negotiate for the best possible price
Once you've found an Arizona home, your real estate agent will help you determine the right price to offer and how to respond during negotiations. After the home inspection, you may need to negotiate further if the home needs repairs. Your agent will ensure you pay a fair price in your local market.
If you're looking for a realtor, Clever can connect you with the top buyer's agents in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Fill out our online form, and a Clever representative will reach out to get the process started and answer any questions.
Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!
