of selecting exactly the right property in exactly the right location, including making sure you chose the “right side of the freeway” within a given neighbourhood. Ian’s advice? “Look around, and take your time”, choose a Realtor who understands what is involved and offers a helpful, soft-sell approach, and don’t be persuaded to sign a Buyer’s Agreement up-front. It’s easy to be dazzled by comparing Phoenix house prices to our own, but Canadian-friendly Realtors counsel against making a snap decision. Other sage advice includes doing your research by looking on-line and chatting with fellow Canadians who have purchased real estate south of the border. And don’t forget good old-fashioned books – helpful titles include “South of 49”, “The Canadian Snowbird Guide”, and “The Canadian Snowbird in American” to name but three.
The Share Team publish a brief guide to avoiding some of the mistakes Canadians sometimes make when purchasing property in the US, available through their website (see below for the link.) Potential pitfalls include sticking with pre-conceptions on what type of property to buy. For example, Ian suggests that buyers who think they want a condo should also check out single family homes: “you’ll see much better value and it’ll have greater potential for future capital appreciation” he explains. He also recommends against high-maintenance properties such as those with lawns or swimming pools, and advises clients to check property taxes and any HOA (strata) fees carefully before agreeing to a deal. Buyers who plan to rent out their property would do well to check some of the rentals-by-homeowner sites
(see below) to get an idea of prime locations, rates, and booking calendars. Property Management Companies offer maintenance and rental services, but going it alone can save a lot of money and is, says Ian, “easier than you might think.” While a good Realtor can help you find the services you need to keep your property ticking over when it’s not occupied, perhaps the best way to find maintenance help, security companies, bug guys, gardeners or housekeepers is through referrals from other snow-bird owners – many of the developments in the Phoenix area already contain a few Canucks, especially those communities with gates and a golf course. Other considerations for the winter- weary who intend to spend part of the year down south include setting up a US bank account and establishing a credit history (for example through store cards), helpful when it comes to getting the cable connected. Realtors like Ian who are licensed in both BC and Arizona can also put prospective buyers in touch with legal, immigration and tax specialists who are familiar and experienced with Canadians buying homes in the US, and can advise and guide them through the process. Medical insurance is available through many independent providers or brokers, including BCAA, or through the Canadian Snowbirds Association (see right for their website).
Owning property in the US is not for everyone. But if your retirement plans include escaping Canadian winters, you can buy a comfortable, modern home in Phoenix for considerably less than the price of a half-decent used RV, and flying WestJet non-stop from Kelowna to Phoenix (in less than three hours flying time) is a good deal cheaper and quicker
than driving. Being a snow-bird has never been so easy, or affordable.
WEBLINKS: WestJet:
www.westjet.com
The Share Team:
www.phoenix4canadians.com
Canadian Snowbird Association:
www.snowbirds.org
Phoenix Visitor Information:
www.visitphoenix.com
Owner Rentals:
www.homeaway.com www.vacationrentals.com www.vrbo.com
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