Buying a Home in the Phoenix & Tucson Metro Areas
Choosing the Right Home in the Phoenix & Tucson Metro Areas
Finding the Right Home in the Phoenix & Tucson Metro Areas
Choosing the right home is both a practical and emotional decision. Buyers must balance lifestyle needs, financial considerations, and long-term goals—while also trusting how a home feels the moment they walk through the door. Jan and Ben Croft of Croft N Croft Real Estate Concierges guide buyers throughout the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, helping them make informed, confident decisions at every stage of the process.
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From established neighborhoods and newer developments to custom desert homes and low-maintenance properties, homes across Arizona vary widely in design, age, and construction. Understanding how these factors align with your priorities is essential when narrowing your options. With local expertise and a concierge approach, Jan and Ben help buyers evaluate homes thoughtfully—beyond surface features.
A Practical Guide to
Choosing the Right Home
Define Your
Needs & Wants
o1.
The Most Important Things
for My Home
​Begin by identifying your non-negotiables, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, budget, location, and proximity to work or schools. Then outline features that would enhance your lifestyle, like outdoor space, updated interiors, or a specific architectural style.
o2.
Establish a Comfortable Budget
Add Up the Expenses You Will Have
Your budget should reflect not only the purchase price, but also ongoing expenses such as property taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA fees, and long-term maintenance—especially important considerations in the Arizona climate.
Evaluate the Home Itself
As you tour homes, pay attention to layout, natural light, orientation, storage, and overall condition. Take notes and photos to help compare properties objectively once emotions settle.
Consider Long-Term Value
Even when buying a “forever home,” it’s wise to consider resale potential. Location, neighborhood stability, and property condition all play a role in how well a home retains value over time.
o3.
Inspection Insight Matters
More Insight. Better Questions. Smarter Decisions
One of the unique advantages of working with Croft N Croft is Ben Croft’s background as a professional home inspector. While buyers should always obtain an independent home inspection from a licensed third-party inspector, Ben’s experience allows clients to approach the process more informed and prepared than the average buyer. His insight into construction quality, home systems, and potential maintenance considerations helps identify areas to pay closer attention to, ask better questions during inspections, and make more confident decisions—well before issues arise.
Compare & Reflect
o4.
Make a List and Take Pictures
Create a simple pros-and-cons list for each property. Comparing homes side by side helps clarify which one best aligns with your priorities, lifestyle, and budget.
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​Think About the Future
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Consider how the home will serve you over time. Whether it’s a growing family, work-from-home needs, or plans to downsize later, choosing a home that can adapt to life changes is key.
