Valley Home Team Blog

Sunday, December 14, 2025 / by Diane Breard

The Home Buying Process in Arizona: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a home is exciting, but the process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or buying a new build, understanding the Arizona home buying process can make everything feel easier and more manageable.
At Valley Home Team, we guide our clients through every step so they can buy with confidence. Here’s what the home buying journey looks like from start to finish.

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before shopping for homes, the first step is getting pre-approved by a lender. This tells you:
How much home you can afford
What your estimated monthly payment will be
That you’re a serious buyer when submitting an offer

In competitive Arizona markets like Scottsdale, Gold Canyon, Mesa, Queen Creek, Gilbert, and Chandler, a pre-approval is essential.

Step 2: Hire the Right Real Estate Agent

Having your own e. ...

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Thursday, November 6, 2025 / by Diane Breard

Why Now Is Still a Smart Time to Buy a Home in Arizona — Even Before Rates Come Down

Many buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for interest rates to drop before purchasing a home. While that might sound like the safe move, the reality is that waiting could actually cost you more in the long run — especially here in Arizona, where demand and home values continue to rise.
Here’s why buying now, rather than waiting, can be a smart financial decision:
1. Home Prices Are Continuing to Rise
Even with higher rates, Arizona’s housing market remains strong. Low inventory and steady demand mean home prices are still trending upward in most areas. If you wait for rates to drop, there’s a good chance you’ll be paying more for the same home later.
2. You Can Always Refinance Later
As the saying goes — “Marry the house, date the rate.” You can lock in your dream home now and refinance when rates eventually decrease. This approach allows you to start building equity today instead of waiting for the “perfect”m ...

arizona, buyer, buying, home, homebuyer, housing, real estate, realtor, chandler, gilbert, market, queen creek, moving

Thursday, May 8, 2025 / by Diane Breard

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Arizona

Are you considering relocating to Arizona? With its sunny weather, booming economy, and diverse landscapes, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to call the Grand Canyon State home. Whether you’re drawn by the desert beauty, the affordable cost of living, or the world-class amenities, Arizona has something for everyone.

Here are the Top 5 Reasons to Move to Arizona:

1. Gorgeous Weather Year-Round

If you’re tired of harsh winters, Arizona’s mild, sunny weather might be exactly what you need. The state is known for its warm, dry climate, especially in cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Arizona is perfect for those who love outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to golfing and simply enjoying the beautiful desert landscapes.

While summers can be hot in some areas, the evenings are often much cooler, and the lower humidity makes the heat more tolerable. If you enjoy the sun, Arizona offers thea ...

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Wednesday, January 26, 2022 / by Diane Breard

Should I use a Realtor if I’m buying new construction from a builder?

Building your dream home from the ground up can be exciting. You get to choose your lot, the floor plan, the exterior design, the interior finishes and any upgrades. But it’s a common misconception when you’re buying a new constructed home that you don’t need to work with a Realtor®. However, that’s not necessarily true. Below are some good reasons why it makes sense to have a real estate agent represent you when building your new home.

The sales agent works for the builder.

The real estate representative in the builder’s sales office represents the builder’s best interest not yours. An independent real estate agent represents your interests and advocates on your behalf. Additionally, a real estate agent will help you get the most value for the least amount of money and make the real estate transaction easy and frustration free.

Your real estate agent is your advocate.

Your Realtor is obligated to work tow! ...

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Thursday, June 24, 2021 / by Diane Breard

How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a House?

You can buy a house with less than 20% down, but other factors determine the exact down payment you need.

Before you start shopping for a home, you need to know what you can afford – and a big part of that depends on how much you can afford as a down payment.

But how much down payment do you need to be able to afford the house you want? The answer isn't the same for everyone, but key information can help you determine the right amount to save, the mortgage programs to explore and other resources to consider to help you buy the right home.
What's a Typical Down Payment Amount?

Beyond being able to buy a home with cash, many lenders and consumers view a 20% down payment with a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage as ideal.

However, the typical U.S. homebuyer is putting far less money on the table at closing. The median down payment is 12%, according to the National Association of Realtors 2021 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends report. Broken out into age ...

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Valley Home Team Blog

The Home Buying Process in Arizona: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Now Is Still a Smart Time to Buy a Home in Arizona — Even Before Rates Come Down

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Arizona

Should I use a Realtor if I’m buying new construction from a builder?

How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a House?

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Valley Home Team Blog

The Home Buying Process in Arizona: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Now Is Still a Smart Time to Buy a Home in Arizona — Even Before Rates Come Down

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Arizona

Should I use a Realtor if I’m buying new construction from a builder?

How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a House?

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