Best Time to Purchase a Home in Arizona’s 55+ Communities
Best time to buy Arizona home in one of Arizona’s 55+ communities can be pivotal. While the straightforward answer is to buy when you find a home that checks most of your boxes—affordability, location, lifestyle, and amenities—timing can play a significant role in the value you receive. For those eyeing a second home in these vibrant communities, here’s what you need to know in 2023.
Best time to buy Arizona Home? When you find the right one!
Jarl Kubat
The Snowbird Phenomenon
Arizona’s winter visitors, affectionately known as snowbirds, commonly hail from Canada and various northern U.S. states, seeking respite in Arizona for 3-6 months annually. Interestingly, Minnesota boasts a large contingent of these seasonal dwellers. In recent times, a trend has emerged with seniors transitioning their Arizona properties into primary residences, a concept I term “reverse living.” This shift has been fueled by the growing ranks of retirees and the desire to reduce the costs associated with maintaining multiple homes.
Seasonal Migration Patterns
Our seasonal residents typically start their southward journey around mid-October, often returning home for the holidays before resettling in Arizona at the start of the new year. The severity of northern winters often extends their stay, with most heading back by May.
Best Time to Buy Arizona Home Spring, Fall, or Winter
Visiting Arizona between May 1st and November 1st to shop for homes can lead to substantial savings. The winter months often witness a surge in buyer activity, inflating prices. Conversely, the summer’s soaring temperatures cool the buying frenzy, making it an opportune time to secure a deal, especially for estate homes where sellers may be keen to negotiate to avoid ongoing expenses.
Bank-Owned Homes
The days when bank-owned homes dominated the market are behind us. The Arizona real estate landscape has stabilized since 2013, with a healthy annual appreciation of 3-5%. For those seeking value buys, probate or estate sales, court-ordered sales, and relocation sales present opportunities with motivated sellers. While not all such homes are in 55+ communities, they can offer significant potential.
Fixer-Uppers / Best Time to Buy Arizona Home
If you have a knack for renovations, a fixer-upper could be your ticket to a great deal. Many snowbirds prefer turnkey homes, so those willing to invest some elbow grease can find some of the best bargains available.
In essence, while you should always be ready to purchase when the right home comes along, strategically planning your search from late spring through fall could lead to impressive savings and a wider selection of homes in Arizona’s attractive 55+ communities.
The Rise of Reverse Living in Arizona
The upward trajectory of home prices in Arizona has prompted a shift among 55+ buyers towards making the state their year-round haven or adopting a ‘reverse living’ lifestyle. The economic sense of investing more time in Arizona—spanning 6-9 months annually—and escaping the scorching summer months via motor homes or seasonal rentals in their home states, has become increasingly attractive. This pattern reflects a practical approach to enjoying the best of both worlds: capitalizing on Arizona’s idyllic winters and avoiding the intense heat of the summer months, all while making a sound investment in a market that continues to promise growth and stability. This lifestyle not only maximizes their investment in their Arizona property but also offers the flexibility to enjoy their home state during the more temperate seasons, aligning with a pragmatic and enjoyable approach to retirement living.
Note: All of the 55+ Retirement Communities in the Phoenix metro area, can be found to the left side of your page.
Arizona 55+ Community Specialist
Jarl Kubat, a seasoned Arizona real estate expert affiliated with West USA Realty, he offers over two decades of experience in the niche market of Arizona 55 Plus Retirement Communities, Golf Communities, and Country Club Resort-style properties across Phoenix. Feel free to reach out to him at 480-710-6326
Please check out thes 55 Plus Communities: Mesa Arizona 55+ // Surprise 55+ Communities // Trilogy Communities