Arizona is also home to one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon, which is the biggest tourist draw in the state. Other attractions include bustling nightlife of the major cities of Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff (where visitors and locals alike partake in the myriad bars, billiards, casinos and music and comedy shows available) as well as the many museums and festivals dedicated to the cultural arts. With a large Native American population, Native ruins, historic and cultural sites are always a big draw, as are any sites having to do with the “Old West.” With so many different things to do, it’s no wonder Arizona has been one of the top recipients of new people moving in from another state.

Arizona is currently home to 6,166,318 people, with the unemployment rate for April at about 4%, just a bit of an increase from the historical low of 3.9% from the previous month (March 2007). As of 2004 the median household income was about $43,696, which has most likely increased to about $45,000 or so by the end of 2006. The median home value in Arizona is currently $306,877 for a home a little over 1700 square feet.

Most real estate professionals agree that Arizona’s market has definitely shifted to a buyer’s market and the huge inventory of houses for sale help keep the home value averages down. Even the median home value for the greater Phoenix is down somewhat from what it was this time last year. Until the inventory of homes levels out, home value averages are likely to stay down. If you’re looking to buy in Arizona, now is a great time to do it.

The Grand Canyon stands alone in its beauty as natural formation. Millions of people a year travel great distances to drink in its beauty. A must see for travelers. Lake Powell is like no where else on the planet. Gigantic red rocks line the fingers of this vast lake. Hundreds and hundreds of miles of shoreline can be had only by boat. Wakeboarding, sightseeing and waterskiing are the main attractions for this beautiful man-made lake. If you like the water and sun, this is the place for you.

If you decide to buy a home in Arizona, there are many professional and friendly real estate agencies available to help you with all the details. They are trained to help with everything from the purchase price, negotiations, paperwork, networking and closings. FHA loans in Arizona are the most popular and accessible through a good realtor or mortgage lender. Something for everyone, sun, golf, desert, pampering and waterskiing. Call a realtor, get going and enjoy your family life or retirement.

McCormick Ranch section of town is one of the most popular places for people looking to buy Scottsdale luxury homes. McCormick Ranch is a great place to raise a family, and is located near several fantastic golf courses. This is a perfect area for couples with children who love to hit the links. Gainey Ranch is located near McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch is one of the premier places to purchase Arizona luxury homes. There are several high-end stores in the area that sell some of the most fashionable clothing and accessories in the country. A real shopping Mecca, Gainey Ranch is a fabulous spot for fashionistas.

Old Town Scottsdale. Don’t let the name fool you, Old Town Scottsdale is one of the hippest spots to see and be seen. Several Scottsdale luxury homes are currently available for purchase in the area, which features some of the coolest bars, restaurants, stores, hair salons and nightclubs in the region. No matter what you need, you won’t have to travel far to get it if you live in Old Town Scottsdale.

When was the home listed on the real estate market? Many home buyers don’t understand why this question is important, but it provides a great deal of information about the home. If a house has been up for sale for a while, it may mean that the sellers are willing to entertain offers and negotiate on price.

Has there been another buyer for the home? If a home has been in escrow before and the sale fell through, it’s important to know. This gives a lot of information – there may be a few factors that contribute to the house not selling the first time. It could be that the buyer couldn’t arrange financing, or it could mean that there was something wrong that the buyer or a home inspector found in the sale process. It’s important to ask why the sale was not completed if the house fell out of escrow.

How old is the home and how has it been maintained? The age of the home is a huge factor – homes built in before the 1960s will be built with quality materials, but you may be looking at some major upgrading of the home. The home may also have some potential problem areas with older materials, such as lead paint, or asbestos roofing materials. A home built in the 60s, 70s and 80s didn’t feature the quality of construction that older homes had. Some of these homes aren’t quite as distinctive in character, but often have good potential for remodeling and resale. Homes built in the 90s and later are going to be homes that require less initial maintenance and repair. Regardless of the age of the home, you should always have a home inspected by a qualified inspector.

What other fees will you have to pay beside the sales price? All real estate will have real estate taxes that you must pay each year. Before you commit to a home purchase, find out how much the taxes are and how it will affect your budget. Many homes have home owner association dues that the owner must pay each month. Also, many home communities require home association dues. These dues cover community maintenance, such as pool or community rooms, landscaping for the common areas, etc.