F
or years, many Canadian “snow-birds” have been bundling into RVs for the long trek south each winter, with Arizona a perennial favourite destination. Recent economic woes of our neighbours to the south have presented a tempting alternative for smart Canucks planning for a perpetually sunny retirement. Increasing numbers of Canadians have been purchasing property in the Greater Phoenix area, taking advantage of favourable exchange rates, a depressed Arizona property market, and the availability of “distressed” foreclosure and short- sale properties ranging from sleek townhouses in gated communities to multi-room mansions.
Beginning October 31 and every Monday until April 30 WestJet is offering seasonal non-stop flights weekly from YLW to Phoenix. Now it’s never been easier getting to your desert home for the winter, bringing the family down for Christmas, or even popping back to Kelowna if you realize you left the oven on. With the growing popularity of buying south, several specialty realtors have stepped up to help Canadians select and purchase their Arizona pads. The Share Team, Ian and Diana Share, are Realtors operating on both sides of the border, right here in Kelowna and in Phoenix in partnership with Mira Vista Properties Realty Group who service the entire Greater Phoenix area. Ian Share points out that Canadians are the largest out-of-state property purchasers in Arizona, and says there are still “lots of opportunities” for Canadian buyers in Phoenix.
There are many reasons Phoenix has become a top spot in the US Sun Belt for Canadian snow-birds. Even in the
depths of winter, average daytime temperatures typically remain in the high teens (Celsius that is), and it hardly ever rains - less than 8 inches a year (it is in a desert, after all). America’s sixth-largest city, Phoenix combines the wild frontier of cowboys and cacti with the urban sophistication of shops and spas. And then of course there are the golf courses, literally dozens of them, open all year, and if you really miss winter (being Canadian and all) skiing is just a few hours drive away or a quick flight back to the famous Okanagan white powder. Hiking trails, museums, the zoo, family attractions, professional sports teams, theatres, and a plethora of cosmopolitan restaurants ensure that even annual visitors are unlikely ever to run out of things to do in and around the city.
For those seeking a permanent winter base in Phoenix, the choice of homes has never been more plentiful, or more
affordable. Modern two-bedroom townhouses in desirable areas can start from as low as CAD 40,000 and prices show no sign of increasing; that may not be music to the ears of investors looking to make a quick return, but it means potential long-term buyers can afford to be choosy and make offers. Renting opportunities are often available to offset the mortgage, and while financing can be arranged in the US, many Canadians finance US homes through loans against their existing Canadian properties. The cost of furnishing a second home also needs to be factored in – though buyers with time and imagination can have some fun bargain- hunting on Craigslist, at garage sales, or at one of Phoenix’s many auctions.
“The choice of Realtor is paramount” for Canadian buyers, says Ian Share. Many Phoenix Realtors focus on one area, and are not always prepared to guide Canadians through the process
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