Moving from the UK to Phoenix means learning a home-buying system that uses some familiar words in unfamiliar ways. In Arizona your own buyer's agent, a lender, a title company and an escrow officer each handle a separate piece. Once you see who does what, buying from a distance is very manageable.

UK to Phoenix at a glance

  • Who you work with: your own buyer's agent, plus a lender, inspector, and a title and escrow company
  • Time: Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year (outside the Navajo Nation), so Phoenix is 7 hours behind the UK in winter and 8 hours behind during British Summer Time
  • Homes: mostly single-level, block or frame with stucco, many with pools and HOAs
  • Climate: very hot summers, mild winters, a summer monsoon season
  • Note: this post covers the home purchase only, not visas, immigration or tax questions

See all homesCall Terry: 602-483-4665

Your agent works for you, not the seller

In the UK the estate agent usually works for the seller. Here, most buyers hire their own agent to represent them: finding homes, checking the details, writing the offer and negotiating repairs. Ask your agent to walk you through the written buyer agreement before you tour, so you know exactly what services you are getting and how they are paid for.

The seller has their own listing agent. Homes are shared through the local MLS, so one agent can show you nearly every listed home in the Valley, not just one office's stock.

Title and escrow replace much of what a solicitor does

UK buyers often ask me, "Where is the solicitor?" In Arizona, a title company researches the ownership history and issues title insurance, and an escrow officer holds the earnest money, collects signatures and documents, and pays everyone out at closing. Many buyers also hire their own attorney for advice, which is always an option.

If you are financing, federal rules require your lender to give you a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, so you can compare final figures with your loan estimate. The CFPB explains the Closing Disclosure here. One safety tip I repeat to every out-of-country buyer: always confirm wiring instructions by phone with a number you already know, never from an email alone.

HOAs are common, and worth reading

Many Phoenix-area homes sit in a homeowners association. The HOA may maintain common areas, pools or gates, and it has rules on things like parking, paint colors and rentals. If you plan to rent the home out while you are away, check the rental rules before you write an offer. Your agent can request the HOA documents during escrow so you can review them.

Heat, pools and how you will use the house

Phoenix summers are a different kind of hot than a British heatwave. The National Weather Service Phoenix heat page is a good reference before you plan a summer house-hunting trip. When you tour, look at the things that make a home livable in July: covered patios, shade on the west side, the age of the air conditioning system, and window coverings.

A pool is one of the most common questions I get from UK buyers. Pools are popular here and can be used much of the year, but they come with equipment, servicing and safety fencing questions. Have the pool included in your inspection, ask the seller for service records, and ask your inspector about barrier and gate requirements for that address.

Choosing an area by how you want to live

Rather than picking an area by reputation, I ask newcomers what their week will look like. Want to walk to coffee and restaurants? Older central neighborhoods and downtown areas in Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale are worth a look. Want a newer home with a bigger garage and a community pool? Master-planned communities in the East and West Valley may fit. Flying back to the UK often? Note how far each area is from Phoenix Sky Harbor and drive it yourself at the times you would travel.

Buying from a distance

  • Get a lender's pre-approval first, so offers are taken seriously
  • Use video tours, then plan one trip to see your shortlist in person if you can
  • Ask about remote or mobile signing options early, especially with the time difference
  • Keep a simple list of who to call for what: agent, lender, escrow officer, inspector

An assumable loan is worth asking about

Some Arizona homes have an FHA or VA loan the buyer may be able to take over, subject to the loan servicer's approval and the buyer qualifying. It does not suit every buyer or every situation, but it is worth asking whether a home you like has one. I can help you check.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my own agent to buy a home in Phoenix?

You are not required to, but most buyers use one, and the seller's agent represents the seller. Ask any agent to explain the buyer agreement in writing first.

Who handles the money and paperwork?

An escrow officer holds the deposit and coordinates documents and closing, and a title company checks ownership and provides title insurance. Your lender handles the loan.

What is the time difference between Phoenix and the UK?

Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, so Phoenix is 7 hours behind the UK in winter and 8 hours behind during British Summer Time.

Are most Phoenix homes in an HOA?

Many are, especially in newer communities, but plenty of older neighborhoods have no HOA. Read the HOA rules before you buy.

Can I buy without visiting?

Many buyers do the search by video, but I always suggest seeing the home in person or having someone you trust walk it, and getting a full inspection.

Planning a move from the UK? I'm Terry Day with DeLex Realty. Call me at 602-483-4665 and we can map out your search, step by step.