If you are an American moving back to the U.S. and landing in Phoenix, the smoothest moves follow one order: pick an area from abroad, sort out your credit and lending questions early, ship belongings on a realistic timeline, then decide whether to rent first or buy right away. Here is how I help returning Americans plan each step.

Moving to Phoenix from overseas at a glance

  • Start with where you'll work or spend your time; the Valley is spread across many cities.
  • Years abroad can leave a thin U.S. credit file. Talk with a lender months before you arrive.
  • Household shipments from overseas take time and have customs rules; your international mover and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are the sources.
  • Renting first buys time to learn the Valley; buying first avoids moving twice.
  • Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year.

I'm Terry Day, REALTOR® with DeLex Realty. Returning Americans often call me from a very different time zone with the same worry: "How do I pick a neighborhood I've never seen?" It's very doable with video tours, good questions and one well-planned visit. The bigger surprises tend to be credit and timing.

Step 1: Pick an area before you land

Greater Phoenix includes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Buckeye and more. Each side of the Valley has its own job centers and home styles. I start with three questions:

  • Where will you work, or will you work remotely?
  • Do you want a newer home in a master-planned community or an older neighborhood with bigger lots and no HOA?
  • Do you need to be near the airport for international travel? Phoenix Sky Harbor is in central Phoenix.

From there I send video tours of homes and streets so you see the real neighborhood, not just the listing photos.

Step 2: Credit and lending questions

This is where returning Americans most often hit a snag. After years overseas, your U.S. credit file may be thin or out of date, and foreign income can take extra documentation. Questions to ask a lender before you move:

  • Will my current U.S. credit history work, and how can I strengthen it before I apply?
  • How will you treat income earned abroad, or from a foreign employer?
  • How long do I need to be in my new U.S. job before I can qualify?
  • What documents will I need translated or verified?
  • If I'm a veteran, can I use my VA benefit for a home in Arizona?

Every lender handles this differently, so talk with more than one. This is general information, not financial advice.

Step 3: Shipping your belongings

Ocean shipments from overseas can take weeks to months, and customs clearance adds time. CBP has specific rules for returning residents bringing household goods back into the country, so ask your international mover to walk you through the paperwork and check CBP's guidance for your situation. Plan where your shipment will go: a rental, a storage unit or the home you're buying.

Vehicles from overseas have their own import rules. Many returning families sell their car abroad and buy here instead.

Step 4: Rent first or buy right away?

  • Rent first if your job location isn't settled, you want to try a few areas, or your credit needs time to rebuild after you return.
  • Buy right away if you know where you'll work, your financing is ready, and you'd rather move your shipment once.
  • Hybrid: a short furnished rental for a few months while you house-hunt in person.

Settling in

  • Driver license and car registration: the Arizona Department of Transportation explains what new residents need.
  • Utilities: ask which electric and water providers serve your address before closing.
  • Summer heat: if you arrive in summer, plan errands early and give yourself time to adjust.
  • Monsoon season: officially June 15 to September 30, with dust storms and short, heavy rain.

An assumable loan option

Some Arizona homes have existing FHA or VA loans that a qualified buyer may be able to take over with the servicer's approval. Approval still depends on your credit and income, and you'll usually need cash for the gap between the price and the loan balance. I can tell you which listings are worth asking about.

See all homesCall Terry: 602-483-4665

Moving to Phoenix from overseas: FAQ

Can I buy a home in Phoenix before I move back?

Yes, many people do with video tours and electronic signing. Plan for lender requirements and a final walk-through by someone you trust if you can't be there.

Will my credit history from abroad count?

Usually not directly. Talk with U.S. lenders early about what they'll accept.

Should I rent or buy first?

Rent if your job or area isn't settled; buy if your financing and location are clear.

How long does it take to ship household goods back to the U.S.?

Often weeks to months, depending on origin and customs. Your international mover can give a timeline.

What time zone is Phoenix in?

Mountain Standard Time all year; Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, except on the Navajo Nation.

Moving back to the U.S. and looking at Phoenix? Call Terry Day, DeLex Realty, at 602-483-4665 from wherever you are.