Before You Move to Phoenix, You Need to See This

WHAT A VIRTUAL SHOWING IS REALLY LIKE: A REAL OUT-OF-STATE HOME TOUR IN GILBERT, AZ

If you’re thinking about moving to the greater Phoenix area from out of state, one of the biggest questions is: How do you actually see homes before you arrive? Watching listings on Zillow with a glass of wine is fun, but what you see online isn’t always what you get in real life.

Today, we’re walking you through a real virtual showing our team did for clients who wanted to buy before arriving in Arizona — and highlighting what you need to look for when buying a resale home from afar.

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL SHOWING — REALLY?

A virtual showing isn’t just a quick Facetime walkthrough. It’s a customized, detailed tour tailored to your comfort level, timeline, budget, and criteria. For out-of-state buyers, it’s often the first real look at a property before submitting an offer.

Whether you’re ready to make an offer sight unseen, or prefer a staged approach with extra steps (like a second walkthrough once you’re in town), our team will adjust the process to fit your needs.

THIS HOME IN GILBERT: FIRST IMPRESSIONS VS. REALITY

We toured a home in Gilbert, listed for just a few days — and since well-desirable homes in this area fly off the market quickly, timing mattered. Although the Phoenix market has tilted more in favor of buyers overall recently, Gilbert remains a hot market with strong demand.

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS EXTERIOR

From the street, this home may not wow you — in fact, even locating the front door might take a second glance! But once you step inside (virtually, of course), many of the features tell a different story:

• Spacious backyard with quality turf — low maintenance, perfect for dogs or outdoor living
• Evidence of thoughtful yard improvements like rock landscape features
• Potential jacuzzi area (though not installed)

Even so, every home has positives and things to watch out for, especially resale properties.

INSPECTIONS AND WHAT THEY REVEAL

During the 10-day inspection period, your inspector typically checks the whole home — including the pool and systems like HVAC. In this home’s case:

• Pool pump and equipment condition would be documented
• Water features have great potential, but may need fixes
• Some signs of water exposure behind the house warranted remarks about soil and foundation — particularly common in Gilbert’s soil conditions.

Other items we noted on walkthrough:

• Old AC drip pan missing (an inexpensive fix)
• Cracking around the foundation
• Original cabinets and outdated finishes in several areas
• Some renovations seemed cosmetic — as if done to make it rent-ready rather than buyer-ready

These are the types of things a remote buyer might miss if they’re only scrolling photos.

LAYOUT & INTERIOR FEATURES

Based on the virtual tour:

• Cozy kitchen with separate breakfast nook — great for those who like distinct rooms
• Bedrooms and closets vary in size — which is important when planning furniture and storage
• Wall textures and finishes reflect older building trends — not necessarily bad, but something buyers often update later

This home might fit someone who wants a smaller, inviting space, ideally suited to empty nesters, pet owners, or those favoring easy outdoor living.

LOCATION — A MAJOR ADVANTAGE

One of the biggest perks of this home wasn’t inside it — it was where it’s located:

• Mature neighborhood with large shade trees and community feel
• Close access to major freeways like the 60 and 101, easing travel to Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and the airport
• Strong nearby amenities — shopping, grocery stores, and home improvement centers are all within easy reach
• Highly regarded schools and community events add lifestyle value

Gilbert continues to be one of the most desired Southeast Valley communities, blending suburban comfort with convenience.

FINAL VERDICT: DID OUR CLIENT MOVE FORWARD?

Despite some great features and an excellent location, our clients decided to move on from this particular property. The virtual tour highlighted a few considerations that ultimately led them to keep searching for the right fit.

TAKEAWAYS FOR OUT-OF-STATE BUYERS

Virtual showings are more than a luxury — they’re a necessity when buying from afar. They help you:

• Evaluate real conditions beyond staged photos
• Spot potential issues before bidding
• Understand how a home feels in person
• Make informed decisions without stepping on a plane

Whether you’re local or relocating from another state, we’re here to be your go-to resource for the entire journey — from virtual tours to closing and beyond.

Give us a call, shoot us a text, or send us an email — days, nights, or weekends. We’ve got your back when moving to Phoenix, Arizona.