Sold2914 N 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85018
3,601 Sq.Ft
Phoenix · Central & West Valley
Phoenix, AZ real estate agent & realtor.
Homes for sale, neighborhoods and local guidance in Phoenix from Jan Tamou, REALTOR.
Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona and has by far the widest choice of homes in the metro, from new construction and single-family homes to multi-family properties, condos and homes with guest houses. Because it is so large, the neighborhood you choose matters as much as the home.
Jan helps you narrow the search by commute, home type and budget, and helps sellers understand how their specific part of Phoenix is performing.
New construction in Phoenix: what to know before you walk into a model
Builders in the Valley offer both to-be-built homes and quick move-in homes that are finished or nearly finished. New homes come with warranties and modern systems, but the contract is written by the builder, so the details matter.
Bring your agent on your first visit. Many builders will only pay a buyer's agent if that agent is registered at your first visit to the sales office, and the on-site sales team represents the builder, not you. A new home should still get its own independent inspection before closing.
- Register Jan on your first visit to any model home or sales office
- Compare builder incentives, including closing-cost help that may depend on using a preferred lender
- Ask what is included versus an upgrade, and whether the lot carries a premium
- Schedule an independent inspection before closing, even on a brand-new home
Tiny homes and ADUs in Phoenix
Tiny homes are a common search in Phoenix, and the details matter. A tiny home on wheels is generally not real property and is financed differently, while an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a lot is governed by city zoning and permitting.
Before you buy a lot or a property for a tiny home or ADU, confirm zoning, utility connections and whether the city allows what you plan to build.
- Confirm zoning and ADU rules for the exact parcel
- Ask how the structure is classified and how it can be financed
- Check utility hookups and any HOA restrictions
Homes with a guest house, casita or in-law suite in Phoenix
A detached guest house, attached casita or in-law suite is one of the most-searched features in Phoenix. Buyers use the extra space for visiting relatives, multigenerational living, a home office or a studio.
Not every guest house is the same. Some are permitted living space that counts toward the home's square footage. Others are converted garages or unpermitted structures that an appraiser or lender may treat differently. Jan checks permits, kitchen and bath details and HOA rules before you fall in love with a floor plan.
- Ask whether the space is permitted and included in the listed square footage
- Confirm it has its own entrance, a bathroom and, if you need one, a kitchen
- Check whether the HOA or city limits who can live in it or rent it
- Ask your lender how the space will be treated for the loan and appraisal
Multi-family and investment properties in Phoenix
Duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes turn up in searches here. One- to four-unit properties are financed as residential, and an owner-occupant can buy with as little as 3.5% down on an FHA loan if one unit will be their home.
Jan can help you compare rents and expenses, review each unit's condition and understand the lease situation before you make an offer.
- Collect actual rents, leases and the last two years of expenses
- Inspect every unit, not just the one you would live in
- Check local rental rules and licensing
- Ask a lender how owner-occupied and investor loans differ for 1 to 4 units
Condos, townhomes and patio homes in Phoenix
Lower-maintenance homes are popular in Phoenix. Condos, townhomes and patio homes can suit first-time buyers, downsizers and investors, and the HOA is a bigger part of the decision than it is with a standard house.
Review the HOA fee, what it covers, the reserve fund and any special assessments. Some loan programs, including FHA and VA, only finance condos in approved projects, so it is worth checking early.
- Ask for the HOA budget, reserve study and any pending special assessments
- Confirm what the monthly fee covers, such as roof, exterior, insurance and amenities
- Check whether the project is approved for FHA or VA financing if you need it
- Review rental limits and pet rules
Moving to Phoenix: what to plan for
If you are relocating to Phoenix, a few things are worth planning early: which part of the Valley fits your commute, how summer cooling costs affect your budget, and whether to tour in person or start with video walk-throughs.
Jan has helped buyers relocating from other states, and works with clients in English, Arabic and Assyrian.
- Map your commute at the hours you will actually drive it
- Ask for a year of electric and water costs on any home you tour
- Decide which features are must-haves: pool, garage size, single story, no HOA
- Line up your lender early so you can move quickly on the right home
Communities and areas buyers ask about in Phoenix
These names come up most often in searches for Phoenix homes. Ask Jan for current listings and recent sales in any of them.
- Laveen
- Anthem
- Ahwatukee
- Arcadia
Homes Jan has listed in Phoenix
SoldSelling in Phoenix?
A good listing starts with an honest valuation. Jan prepares a free, no-obligation valuation using recent sales of similar homes, then walks you through preparation, pricing and negotiating offers.
Frequently asked questions about Phoenix real estate
Which part of Phoenix is best for me?
It depends on your commute, budget and the kind of home you want. Phoenix is large enough that two neighborhoods a few miles apart can be very different, so Jan compares areas on actual sold prices, home types and HOA costs rather than reputation.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Phoenix?
Prices vary widely by community, age, lot size, condition and features, so a single average is not very useful. Jan can send you a current snapshot of what homes in your target part of Phoenix have actually sold for, and show you how down payment, interest rate and HOA fees affect the monthly payment. You can also try the mortgage calculator on our down payment assistance page.
Should I buy new construction or a resale home in Phoenix?
New homes bring modern systems, warranties and builder incentives, while resale homes often offer larger lots, established landscaping and a faster move-in. The right choice depends on your timeline and budget. Jan can compare actual options side by side, including what builder incentives are worth.
Do I need my own agent to buy a new build in Phoenix?
It is a good idea. The sales team at a builder's model home works for the builder, and many builders will only pay a buyer's agent who is registered on your first visit. Having Jan with you from the start protects that, and she can help you review the contract, upgrades and inspection.
Is down payment assistance available for homes in Phoenix?
Arizona has several down payment assistance programs, and many apply statewide, including homes in Phoenix. Eligibility depends on things like income, credit score, purchase price limits and, for some programs, first-time buyer status. Down payment assistance is Jan's specialty, so ask her which programs you may qualify for before you start shopping.
How is a home valued in Phoenix?
Valuation starts with recent sales of similar homes nearby, then adjusts for size, condition, lot, upgrades, pool and location. Market conditions matter too. Jan can prepare a free, no-obligation valuation using current local data.
Ready to make a move in Phoenix?
Tell Jan what you are hoping to do and she will map out your next steps.