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Tustin Ranch Aerial View: Greenfield and Pecos Exciting news for homebuyers in Gilbert, Arizona! Tustin Ranch, a brand-new gated community, is coming soon to the southwest corner of Greenfield and Pecos Roads. Developed by Tri Pointe Homes in partnership with Kimley-Horn, this highly anticipated neighborhood offers a perfect blend of luxury, open space, and convenience. Spacious Homes and Thoughtful Design Tustin Ranch will feature 76 single-story, single-family homes on generously sized lots ranging from 10,800 to over 15,000 square feet. Designed with comfort and privacy, these homes will cater to various lifestyles, making them ideal for families, retirees, and anyone looking for a high-quality living experience in Gilbert. A Focus on Community and Outdoor Living One of the standout features of Tustin Ranch is its commitment to open space and outdoor amenities. Over 7.4 acres—nearly 18.5% of the community—will be dedicated to green spaces, surpassing the town’s 10% requirement. Residents can look forward to: Walking trails for morning strolls and evening jogs A half basketball court for recreational play Ramadas with picnic tables and BBQ grills for gatherings Fire pits for cozy nights with friends and family A playground with swings and a spacious turf play area for children Prime Location with Easy Access Tustin Ranch boasts a prime location near some of Gilbert’s most popular attractions. Discovery District Park is just to the north, while the Gilbert Temple is conveniently located to the east. With easy access to the Loop 202 freeway, residents will enjoy quick connections to nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment options throughout the East Valley. A Development Rooted in Community Feedback The project recently received approval from the Gilbert Town Council for a minor general plan amendment and zoning changes, transitioning the land from commercial and office use to residential. Developers incorporated valuable community feedback throughout the planning process, leading to design enhancements such as larger lot depths, single-story home restrictions, and improved landscaping, which created a more visually appealing and livable neighborhood. What’s Next for Tustin Ranch? As of early 2025, development is underway, with more details on home availability, pricing, and pre-sales expected soon. If you want to make Tustin Ranch your future home, watch for upcoming updates! Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new community in Gilbert, and feel free to reach out if you’d like to explore real estate opportunities in the area! Tustin Ranch cross streets - Gilbert

15 Cities Have Deteriorated for Sellers Over the Last Month The table is once again reporting a swing in favor of buyers. We have 15 cities that have deteriorated for sellers over the last month, with Mesa and Gilbert joining the 13 we saw last week. We only have two cities that have improved over the past month, Goodyear and Cave Creek, both by small percentages. The average change in Cromford Market Index* over the past month is -7.5%, while last week we saw -8.0%. There is a tiny sliver of good news that the decline is no longer accelerating.   The fastest decliners are Fountain Hills, down 15%, and Maricopa, Glendale, and Paradise Valley, down 12%. Peoria is down 10%, and Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe are down 9%.   Seven cities are still seller's markets, five are balanced, and five are buyer's markets.   Now that the spring selling season is properly underway, more listings are going under contract. The supply of active listings without a contract has grown, but only by over 2% during the past week. This is slower than last month when we saw an increase of 3.2%. The contrast ratio has clawed its way back to 37, which is low but not terrible.  This time last year, it stood at 52 mainly because we had far less supply. Although CMIs are still headed lower in most places, the slight improvement in demand is starting to slow that trend.   Among the secondary cities, El Mirage, Apache Junction, Anthem, and Tolleson are seller's markets, and Laveen is balanced. At the same time, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Sun City West, Arizona City, Gold Canyon, Casa Grande, and Sun Lakes are buyer's markets. More listings are under contract now that the spring selling season is properly underway. The supply of active listings without a contract is growing, but only by over 2% during the past week. This is slower than last month when we saw an increase of 3.2%. The contract ratio has clawed its way back to 37, which is low but not terrible. This time last year, it stood at 52 mainly because we had far less supply. Although CMIs are still headed lower in most places, the slight improvement in demand is starting to slow that trend.   Casa Grande is in a robust buyer's market with a CMI of only 46.3.   Price changes are very much in vogue. They recently peaked at 3,820 per week, 52% higher than this time last year. This is not surprising, as we have 40% more listings now. Price cuts outnumber price increases by about 14 to 1. *Cromford Market Index™ is a value that provides a short-term forecast for the balance of the market. It is derived from the past four years pending, active, and sold listings trends compared with historical data. Values below 100 indicate a buyer's market, while values above 100 indicate a seller's market. A value of 100 indicates a balanced market. DSCR Loans: A Guide for Real Estate Investors As a real estate investor, whether just starting or experienced, you may explore various financing options to kickstart or expand your property investment journey. One financing option that you might come across is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan. DSCR loans are specifically designed for income-generating properties, and understanding them can be vital to making informed financial decisions as a real estate investor. This article will explain DSCR loans and how they can benefit you.   What is a DSCR Loan? The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is a financial metric lenders use to assess the risk of providing loans for income-generating properties. DSCR loans evaluate the property's ability to generate sufficient income to cover its operating expenses and debt service obligations. In other words, it analyzes whether the property's income is enough to pay the mortgage payments and other related costs.   How is the DSCR Calculated? To calculate the DSCR, you need two main figures: the property's proposed or existing rent and total debt service. Request your comparative market analysis   Rent: • Proposed (or Market) Rent : If you’re considering buying a property that isn’t currently income-producing and converting it into a rental, we order a Rent Schedule with the appraisal. The appraiser pulls the rents of nearby comparable homes, and we use that information to determine what the house would rent for in the current market. • Existing Rent  – if the home is currently rented out with a lease agreement, we can use that with documented proof of receipt.   Lease agreements are referred to as long-term rents (LTR).  However, with the rising popularity of VRBO and AirBnB, DSCR loans also allow for short-term rents (STR).  The easiest and preferred way to document this is to gather the rental data and documentation from the seller for the last 12 months.     Debt Service:   Total Debt Service:  Total Debt Service refers to the total debt payments required, including the mortgage payment and any other obligations on the property(most commonly, this would be the HOA dues). Once you have your Rents and Total Debt Service figures, you can calculate the DSCR using the following formula:   DSCR = Net Rent / Total Debt Service   Typically, lenders prefer a DSCR of 1.25 or higher. This means the property's income is 1.25 times greater than the debt service obligations, providing a comfortable margin for covering expenses and loan payments. It should be noted that ratios less than 1.25 are allowed.     Why are DSCR Loans Attractive to Real Estate Investors?   DSCR loans offer several benefits that make them attractive to real estate investors:   1.  Focus on Property Income:  Unlike traditional residential mortgages that heavily consider the borrower's personal income and credit history, DSCR loans primarily focus on the income-generating potential of the property. This allows investors to qualify for financing based on the property's performance rather than their financial standing.  This is particularly beneficial for self-employed borrowers who may have trouble qualifying based on tax returns. 2.  Enhanced Cash Flow:  DSCR loans ensure the property generates sufficient income to cover expenses and loan payments. This can lead to positive cash flow, where the rental income exceeds the expenses, providing investors with extra funds for property improvements or future investments. 3. Portfolio Growth:  DSCR loans can facilitate easier access to financing, allowing first-time investors to acquire multiple income-generating properties and expand their real estate portfolio. 4. Lower Personal Liability:  DSCR loans are often non-recourse, meaning that in the event of default, the lender's recourse is limited to the property itself, not the borrower's assets. This reduces the investor's liability, providing an added layer of protection.   Challenges to Consider:   While DSCR loans offer valuable benefits, real estate investors should also be aware of potential challenges: 1.  Stringent Qualification Criteria:  DSCR loans require substantial property income and may have stricter qualifications than conventional residential mortgages. One primary example is the down payment. DSCR loans typically need at least 20% to 25% down. 2.  Limited Options for Non-Income Properties:  DSCR loans are best suited for income-generating properties, making them less applicable for fix-and-flip or non-income properties.   Conclusion: DSCR loans present an attractive financing option for first-time or experienced real estate investors looking into income-generating properties. DSCR loans offer enhanced cash flow and portfolio growth opportunities by focusing on the property's income-generating potential. However, knowing the stringent qualification criteria and limitations for non-income properties is essential. As you explore financing options for your real estate investment, understanding DSCR loans can be valuable in making informed decisions that align with your investment goals and financial capabilities.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to see how we can use this loan option to build your real estate portfolio. Housing Market The NAHB reports a sharp decline in builder sentiment in February due to concerns over tariffs, elevated mortgage rates, and high housing costs. Winter storms slowed single-family homebuilding in January. A limited rebound is expected amid tariffs and elevated mortgage rates. Mortgage demand dipped last week. Applications fell 6.6% as affordability continued to sideline potential buyers. Economy The minutes from last month's Fed meeting showed that officials wanted to maintain policy rates despite stubborn inflation and economic uncertainty. Mortgage rates have held steady to begin the year as inflation fears and concerns over a surge in debt issuance have failed to materialize. New jobless claims increased moderately last week, suggesting the labor market remains solid. Weather Have a great week!

HardtSeasons  is more than a home—an unmatched luxury experience  on nearly five private acres  in prestigious Prado Estates ! 🌄✨ 🔥 Fully furnished  and spanning 21,410 sq. ft. , this estate boasts: 🏠 5 luxurious bedrooms & 18 bathrooms ⛳ Golf simulator, 9-hole putting green & chipping range 🎥 State-of-the-art movie theater 🏀 Regulation-size underground basketball gym  w/ private parking, loft & locker room 🔥 Two resort-style pools  with fire & water features 🕶️ The Jordan Room  – a museum-quality display of 290+ Michael Jordan sneakers! 🏆 Over 60 NBA legends  (Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard & more) have stepped foot in this iconic estate. Now, it’s your turn. 💰 Offered at $23,000,000 📲 Call/text (602) 679-1025  for details or a private tour. ℹ️ For more information and to see more photos - Here *Listed by: Real Broker #CallBradToSellYourPad #LuxuryLiving #MichaelJordanRoom #BasketballEstate

Once again, the table looks less favorable than the previous week. We have 15 cities that have deteriorated for sellers over the last month, with Mesa and Gilbert joining the 13 we saw last week. We only have two cities that have improved over the past month, only by 1% in both cases. The average change in the Cromford Market Index (CMI)* over the past month is -8.0 %, while last week we saw -5.5 %.   The fastest decliners are Fountain Hills, down 21%; Maricopa, down 16%; and Paradise Valley, down 14%. But then we see Glendale down 12% and Avondale down 11%. Seven cities are still seller's markets, five are balanced, and five are buyer's markets.   Demand is showing signs of growth now that the big game is over. However, we are still seeing supply grow faster, and this trend needs to stop and reverse if sellers will feel the benefit of the slight rise in demand. *Cromford Market Index™ is a value that provides a short-term forecast for the balance of the market. It is derived from the pending, active, and sold listing trends compared with historical data over the previous four years. Values below 100 indicate a buyer's market, while values above 100 indicate a seller's market. A value of 100 indicates a balanced market. Fact Check February   7 Narratives on Housing There is no online shortage of armchair quarterbacks regarding prognostications on the future of home values and affordability. However, there are narratives that some people, including journalists, stubbornly hold to that are simply outdated or incorrect. Many were valid a few years ago but are no longer true today. Here are just a few:   Myth #1 - Buyer demand is declining. This was true in 2022 and 2023 but is no longer true today. While mortgage rates have stifled many buyers, buyer demand is now stable, following last year’s trend, with little reaction to rate fluctuations.   Myth #2 - There is very little to buy under $300K. This was true a few years ago, but not today. In February 2022, only 90 single-family listings were active for sale under $300,000 in Maricopa and Pinal County. Today, there are 534, mostly in Pinal County. Condo and townhome inventory is even more abundant by comparison. In March 2022, there were only 156 active condo/townhome listings; today, there are more than 1,200 in Maricopa County.   Myth #3 - My income is too high to qualify for homebuyer assistance programs. Some grant and downpayment assistance programs correlate to an area, not income. Many have income limits as high as $150,000/year, and some don’t have income limits at all. Researching and finding a qualified loan officer to explain these programs could save thousands of dollars.   Myth #4 - I must be a first-time homebuyer or renter to qualify for homebuyer assistance programs. In most cases, this is not true. They may say first-time home buyer, but if you haven’t owned a home in 3 years or more, you’re a first-time home buyer again, according to HUD’s definition. Also, if you’ve only ever owned a home with a spouse, have a child, and are now divorced, you are also a first-time home buyer. Or, if you’ve only ever owned a mobile home. These are just 3 of the 5 HUD definitions for first-time homebuyers.   Myth #5 - Mortgage rates are too high; nothing can be done about it. 57% of January sales between $200,000 and $600,000 involved seller-paid incentives. Most went towards a temporary buy-down of the mortgage rate, and many home builders are providing permanent rate buy-downs. Other sellers have assumable FHA or VA loans with rates below 5%. About 10% of all active listings fit this criteria. Some buyer assistance programs even allow grant money to buy down mortgage rates. Again, a little research goes a long way in addressing the affordability issues caused by mortgage rates.   Myth #6 - Housing is in a bubble, and home prices are on the precipice of a crash. Greater Phoenix already had a bubble and price crash in 2022 when prices rose to their peak by May and declined a whopping 12.3% from May to December that year, with short-term flip investors taking the brunt of the pain. Since then, prices bounced and stabilized, with most price ranges seeing less than 2% appreciation year over year today. That is less than the current inflation rate and what is expected after nearly a year in a buyer-leaning market. While Greater Phoenix is officially in a buyer’s market, it’s very mild. Under these conditions, sale price measures show that most non-luxury buyer negotiations are approximately 1.9% below the last list price. That’s a considerable improvement over 2022, where sales prices averaged 2.4% OVER list price. Prices are declining in some areas, but not all, and not by leaps and bounds. Current supply and demand indexes do not support massive declines in sales prices, but shaving 1-2% off lower list prices during negotiations is not out of the question. Sellers are not pushing the market with outrageous list prices. Most are in line or even below last year in some price ranges.   Myth #7 - I’ll sell my home “as-is” and price it aggressively with buyer incentives. This worked in the mild seller’s market of 2023 and the first part of 2024, but not now. In a buyer’s market, it’s okay to sell your home “as-is” so long as it “is” in excellent condition. The hierarchy of importance isn’t price first, then buyer incentives, then condition. It’s condition AND price; the importance of additional incentives depends on your area and price range. When everyone offers low prices and buyer incentives, properties in good condition rise to the top. Housing Market Purchase mortgage applications declined again, falling 2% for the week. However, demand was 2% higher than the same week last year. ICE reports a 22% growth in for-sale inventory in 2024. At the current pace, the market will return to pre-pandemic inventory by mid-2026. Rising rental supply fosters a renter-friendly market, but slowing multifamily construction may tighten the market after this year. Economy Consumer prices increased the most in 1.5 years in January, reinforcing the Fed's message that it was in no rush to resume cutting policy rates. In Congressional Testimony, Fed Chair Powell said the economy is doing well, and the Fed can take its time to decide on future policy rate cuts. New applications for unemployment benefits fell last week, suggesting the labor market remained stable early in February. In 2025, several home design trends will blend aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. 1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials Homeowners increasingly prioritize environmental consciousness by incorporating sustainable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and natural stone into their interiors. These choices reduce carbon footprints and infuse spaces with a timeless, earthy ambiance. 2. Biophilic Design The connection between indoor spaces and nature continues to gain popularity. This approach emphasizes using large windows for natural light, organic textures like woven rugs and stone surfaces, and abundant greenery to create serene, nature-inspired environments.   Koti Design 3. Warm and Earthy Color Palettes Deep browns, muddy greens, and other earthy tones are becoming prominent in home decor. These colors evoke a sense of calm and permanence, providing a comforting backdrop in interiors. 4. Brass Fixtures Brass is making a comeback, particularly in unlacquered or brushed finishes. This metal adds warmth and elegance to spaces and is used for lighting fixtures, cabinet pulls, and faucets.   Modern Medal 5. Textured Walls Textured walls are becoming more popular for adding depth and character to rooms. Techniques include using upholstery, wood paneling, plaster, or lime wash to create visually engaging surfaces. 6. Multifunctional Spaces With changing lifestyles, there’s a growing demand for versatile spaces that serve multiple purposes. Designers are creating adaptable areas that can function as home offices, gyms, or guest rooms, maximizing the utility of each square foot. 7. Smart Home Integration The integration of innovative technologies continues to evolve, with a focus on creating dynamic, user-shaped spaces. Agentic technologies like conversational agents, robots, and virtual avatars are being incorporated to enhance daily routines and household dynamics. 8. Cozy Sunrooms There’s a growing trend towards creating cozy sunrooms that maximize natural light and provide comfortable seating. These spaces often feature neutral color palettes, natural materials, and abundant greenery, offering a tranquil retreat within the home.   Better Home and Gardens 9. High-Contrast Design Bold, high-contrast designs are gaining popularity. Homeowners opt for striking color combinations and patterns to create dynamic and visually stimulating spaces. 10. Wellness Amenities There’s an increasing emphasis on incorporating wellness amenities into home designs. Features like home gyms, saunas, and cold plunge pools are becoming desirable as homeowners prioritize health and fitness within their living spaces.  the Spruce East Valley Weather

Did you know the average tax refund in 2024 was $3,004 ? #1 💰 That extra cash could be a game-changer on your path to homeownership! If you’re planning to buy a home, here are four savvy ways to use your refund to make the process more affordable and achievable: ✅ Boost Your Down Payment - Many buyers believe they need a 20% down payment, but many qualified borrowers can put down as little as 3-5% . A tax refund could go a long way toward meeting that target. A larger down payment can help lower your monthly mortgage payment  and improve your loan options. ✅ Cover Closing Costs - Closing costs typically range from 2% to 4%  of the home’s purchase price. Instead of scrambling to cover these expenses, your tax refund could be enough to offset or completely cover closing fees , reducing your out-of-pocket costs. ✅ Pay Down Debt - When approving a mortgage, lenders look at your  debt-to-income (DTI) ratio . Using your tax refund to pay off credit card balances or other debts can lower your DTI, boost your credit score, and improve your loan approval odds. ✅ Lower Your Interest Rate - You may be able to use your refund to buy discount points  and reduce your mortgage interest rate. Discount points  are prepaid interest fees—typically 1% of the loan amount per point—that can help secure a lower rate, potentially saving you thousands  over the life of your loan. A tax refund is an excellent opportunity to invest in your future home . If you’re ready to start your home search, let’s connect at RelocateToAZ.com or Here 📞 Call or text me at 602-679-1025  to discuss your options! 🔗 Source:   #1 IRS Filing Season Statistics

January Market Update: Trends & Insights for Maricopa County The latest real estate data is in, and we’ve analyzed Maricopa County’s January 2025 filings to give you a clear picture of where the market stands. While we saw a notable increase in closed transactions compared to January 2024, the numbers remain lower than in December, signaling a seasonal shift. Market Snapshot Total Closed Transactions: 5,066, up 6.7% year-over-year but down 13% from December. New Home Sales: 1,138, up 4.1% from January 2024 but down 18% from December. Resale Transactions: 3,928, up 7.4% from January 2024 but down 11% from December. Home Prices Hold Steady Overall Median Sales Price: $484,990, up 6.6% year-over-year and 0.5% month-over-month. New Home Median Price: $539,715, up 7.9% from January 2024 and 1.2% from December. Resale Median Price: $460,000, up 4.8% year-over-year and 0.4% month-over-month. Market Shifts & Seller Strategies Despite a sluggish market in the low and mid-price ranges, the luxury segment continues to prop up pricing and transaction volumes. However, the new home market share dipped to 22.5%, down from 23.0% a year ago. New home builders have leveraged mortgage rate buy-down incentives for much of the past year to attract buyers. However, this advantage has eroded in recent months. Sellers of existing homes can compete by offering similar incentives; a strategy savvy agents can help with. City-Level Market Movements The data shows mixed conditions across the Valley: ✅ Strongest Markets: The Southeast Valley remains resilient, with Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, and Goodyear seeing positive movement. 🔻 Fastest Declining Markets: Fountain Hills: Down 20% Maricopa: Down 15% Paradise Valley: Down 12% Other Declining Cities: Buckeye, Avondale, Cave Creek, and Glendale saw high single-digit declines. Currently, the market breakdown is as follows: 8 cities remain seller’s markets 4 cities are balanced 5 cities have shifted to buyer’s markets What’s Next? Historically, buyer demand has increased after the Super Bowl, so sellers should remain optimistic as spring approaches. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, staying strategic and informed will be key to success in 2025. *Cromford Market Index™ is a value that provides a short-term forecast for the balance of the market. It is derived from the pending, active, and sold listing trends compared with historical data over the previous four years. Values below 100 indicate a buyer's market, while values above 100 indicate a seller's market. A value of 100 indicates a balanced market. Mortgage Market and Economic Update – Week Ending February 7th, 2025 It was a crazy week for politics, and the markets saw 30-year mortgage rates drift closer to the 6s. The recent trends in inflation (PCE) were encouraging, but the BLS jobs report could set the tone for bond yields and mortgage rates over the coming weeks.   “Core” PCE (inflation) is flat at +2.8% YoY. While the “Headline” PCE did rise from +2.45% year-over-year in November 2024 to +2.55% in December (primarily due to higher fuel prices), “Core” PCE was flat at +2.79% YoY. But if you look closer, the monthly trend was very encouraging. [Bureau of Economic Analysis]   Over the last 6 months, “Core” PCE has risen by 1.13%. If you annualize that (multiplying by 2), you get 2.25%. Over the last 3 months, “Core” PCE has risen by 0.54%. If you annualize that (multiplying by 4), you get 2.15%. The Fed’s target for inflation is 2.00%, and when they talk about that target, they’re referring to the “Core” PCE. In other words, we’re getting close.   Job openings fell significantly.  The JOLTs report (Job Openings and Labor Turnover) revealed that total job openings had declined from 8.15 million in November to 7.60 million in December. The hiring rate was flat at 3.4%. The quits rate was also flat at 2.0%. Companies aren’t hiring much, and workers aren’t quitting much.   TP: The monthly job openings can have big swings (remember, the US has almost 340 million people). The most important thing is to look at the long term. The graph below shows that the COVID-driven hiring frenzy has ended, with job openings nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels. The quits rate, meanwhile, is already below pre-pandemic levels. Workers quit when there are more attractive opportunities(many job openings with higher pay). Total job openings (JOLTs report) Quits rate (% — JOLTs report) Mortgage Market Mortgage rates were briefly below 7%. Since hitting 7.25% in January, average 30-year mortgage rates have been drifting lower — not necessarily because the inflation or jobs data has supported higher bond prices (which means lower bond yields). Instead, we’ve had a ‘risk-off’ trade (from stocks into bonds) and, most recently, comments from the US Treasury that helped allay bond supply fears. [Mortgage News Daily] We could get a good (lower than expected) January jobs report and/or a good (lower than expected) January CPI report. In that case, I’m confident that average 30-year mortgage rates would move back into the 6s — just in time for the spring selling season.   Here’s what the Fed Funds Rate futures market is currently pricing for rate cuts. The current Fed Funds Rate policy range is 4.25–4.50%.   March 19 FOMC Meeting : 86% probability that the policy rate will remain at 4.25–4.50%. In other words, the Fed will stay on pause. 14% probability of a 25 bps cut (25 bps = 0.25% = a quarter percentage point) to 4.00–4.25%. May 7 FOMC Meeting:  59% probability that the policy rate will remain at 4.25–4.50%. There is a 36% probability of a 25 bps rate cut. You must attend the June 18 meeting before the probability of lower rates than today is greater than 50%. Average 30-Year Fixed - Rate Mortgage Housing Market Purchase mortgage applications fell 4% from the previous week, though they were flat from the same week a year ago. Realtor.com reports that more sellers are offering price cuts. Last month, 15.6% of sellers dropped prices compared to 14.7% in January last year. The NAHB says tariffs could push up new home prices. Economy The monthly JOLTs report showed a drop in job openings during December. Hiring, voluntary quits, and layoffs held steady. Treasury Secretary Bessent said the Trump administration will focus on lowering the 10-year Treasury yield, which may help mortgage rates. New tariffs on Canada and Mexico were delayed for 30 days, helping mortgage rates remain at current levels. Primary Mortgage Market Survey 02/06/2025 Weather East Valley Weather

Moving to Arizona If you're considering relocating to Arizona, you're not alone. The Grand Canyon State has become a top destination for people looking for a fresh start, better affordability, and an excellent quality of life. Whether you're moving from California or another state, this guide will help you understand the key factors to consider, including the cost of living, weather, job market, and lifestyle. Cost of Living: More Home for Your Money One of the biggest reasons people move to Arizona is the affordability factor. Compared to California, the cost of living is significantly lower. Housing prices, property taxes, and utility costs all contribute to a more budget-friendly lifestyle. Home Prices : The median home price in Arizona is considerably lower than in major California cities. In places like Phoenix, Gilbert, and Queen Creek, you can buy a spacious home for a fraction of what you'd pay in Los Angeles or the Bay Area. Taxes : Arizona's state income tax is lower than California's, which means more money stays in your pocket. Arizona has a flat tax of 2.5% compared to California's progressive tax, which can go as high as 13.3%. Utilities : While summers can be hot, overall utility costs in Arizona are still lower than in California, where electricity and water rates tend to be higher. Our clients who moved to Arizona mentioned that the electrical service tends to be more stable, with significantly fewer rolling blackouts than in California.   Grand Canyon Hiking Weather: Sunshine Year-Round Arizona is known for its warm, sunny climate. While summers can be intense, the fall, winter, and spring seasons offer mild and pleasant weather. Summers : With temperatures often exceeding 100°F, many homes in Arizona are designed for heat resistance, and air conditioning is essential. When purchasing a home, we highly recommend considering several factors, with a dedicated AC inspection being one of the top priorities. Winters : With temperatures averaging in the 60s and 70s, Arizona offers a welcome escape from snow and cold in most of the state.  Outdoor Lifestyle : The sunny climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from hiking in the Superstition Mountains to golfing, boating, fishing, and exploring national parks. Job Market: Opportunities Across Industries Arizona's job market has been steadily growing, with strong industries including technology, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Tech Hub : Cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale have seen an increase in tech companies and startups, attracting skilled professionals. Healthcare : With a growing population, healthcare jobs are in high demand. Remote Work : Many people moving from California are bringing their remote jobs, benefiting from Arizona’s lower cost of living while keeping their West Coast salaries. Sunrise Ski Resort Lifestyle: A Perfect Mix of Relaxation and Adventure Arizona offers a diverse lifestyle with something for everyone. Outdoor Recreation : Hiking, biking, and exploring national parks are everyday activities. Many are surprised to learn that northern Arizona offers multiple ski resorts for wintertime fun. Entertainment & Dining : Arizona boasts a vibrant dining scene, great shopping, and many entertainment options, from professional sports to live music. Slower Pace, Friendly Communities : Many people enjoy the more relaxed, friendly atmosphere compared to the hustle of big cities in California. Final Thoughts Moving to Arizona is an exciting opportunity to enjoy a lower cost of living, warm weather, a thriving job market, and a lavish lifestyle. If you're considering making the move, reach out for expert advice on finding the perfect home. Arizona has something to offer if you're looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, a retirement retreat, or an investment property. For personalized real estate guidance, visit www.relocatetoaz.com  or call (602) 679-1025 !

If you live in a presidentially declared disaster area, you may be eligible for mortgage assistance or financial help to repair or rebuild your home. Mortgage payments on your home after a disaster You must continue to pay your mortgage even if a disaster damages your home. Contact your mortgage servicer if you are unable to pay. Ask your servicer if you qualify for  mortgage forbearance . Mortgage help for homeowners with FHA loans Borrowers with mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) can qualify for additional help.  Answer this series of questions from the FHA  to determine what help you may be eligible for.  Once you answer the questions and know your eligibility, contact your mortgage service Get a home loan after a disaster - Get an SBA disaster loan to repair your home The Small Business Administration (SBA) loans money to homeowners and renters whose homes were damaged in a disaster. You may be eligible even if you do not own a business.  To qualify for an SBA home loan:  Your home must be in a presidentially declared disaster area.  The loan must be for your primary home.  The loan cannot duplicate benefits from insurance policies or benefit programs.  Learn more about SBA loans for homes and personal property and how to apply.   Before applying for an SBA disaster loan,  register with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov . Learn how to get an FHA mortgage to replace your home. The FHA makes getting a mortgage to rebuild or buy a new home easier.  The FHA offers mortgage insurance  if your home is destroyed in a disaster. Under this program:  You will not have to make a down payment.  You will pay the FHA mortgage insurance as part of your mortgage payment.  Contact an FHA-approved lender to apply for an FHA disaster mortgage. Contact Us