How hard is it to buy a home in Arizona?
Simple. But use a 'trusted' agent as I have mentioned. Gary Peruzzini (email: peruzzinig@cox.net) and Laurel Luzzi (email: Laurel@snowbirdaz.com) are two such agents. They have been through the process often and know all the in's and out's that you will need to know.
TIP: If this is a long term purchase and you want your children to benefit in the home down the road make sure their names go on the deed 'at purchase point' as it is difficult to do later in life without paying estate taxes etc.
TIP: Purchase this book. The Border Guide by Robert Keates, a Guide to Living, Working, and Investing in the United States.
It is 'constantly' updated and very helpful with your purchase.
http://www.amazon.ca/Border-Guide-Living-Working-Investing/dp/1551808552/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407711555&sr=8-1&keywords=The+border+guide
How many days are we allowed to be in the United States each year?
181 days but the rules are quite convulated and in the midst of change. Traditional snowbirds arrive in mid-October meaning they 'must' be out of the country by mid-April at the 6 month level. If you come and go often during the year you must be out of the US for a total of 30 days for the 'clock' to begin again as this law is not based on 'calendar' but on a 12 month basis.
TIP: Join the Snowbird Association of Canada as they lobby for Canadian rights on your behalf. It's only $25 a year and you receive a quarterly update on all issues. Currently there is a bill before Congress that the Snowbird Asociation has been working on for about 5 years that would allow you to be in the country for 240 days.
http://www.snowbirds.org/home
TIP: Each Province has 'different' rules on how long your 'health care' is valid when you leave the country so it is imporant to know what your coverage is. Most are now 7 months which allows you to travel 'outside' the US after your 181 days are up. Some are 6 months. There are 'tax issues' that you must be aware of as well - too convuleted to explain in short form here.
Where can I find information about activities, entertainment, golf, etc. in the Phoenix area?
Check out Snowbird Arizona's Pinterest site, operated by Tom Luzzi. It is very thorough and the 'click through's' take you to each site. It is constantly updated with suggestions on things you might enjoy in the city and state. www.pinterest.com/snowbirdarizona
TIP: Snowbird Arizona is a 'home check' service for Canadians. They do a 'comprehensive check' of your home while you are out of the country which highlights everything you need to know about your home both inside and out. Many insurance companies require this as opposed to a 'friend' checking on your home.
More information is available here at: www.snowbirdarizona.com
TIP: If you're on Facebook 'Like' the Snowbird Arizona page as well as it is constantly updated with information that is of importance to Canadian's who own homes here.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Snowbird-Arizona/828606220523257?ref=bookmarks
On Twitter it's: @snowbirdarizona
TIP: Generally most Snowbirds are out of the city during the hottest temperatures of the year (summer) which means your home is vulnerable to insects, pool algae, and not having mail/flyers etc. signalling that nobody is home. The list of items that SnowbirdAz checks is listed on this document that you receive.
What's a Haboob?
It's an Arizona 'dust storm.' The winds come across the bare desert and collect dust and can drop a wave of it in a relatively short period of time. This happens throughout the summer from time to time. The only real danger is if you are driving on the highway - so caution - and people with allergies should be aware of these. Some people do, however, suffer from an affliction called Valley Fever so it is worth noting and researching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrcVqtmugj8
How much rain falls 'in the desert?'
The Phoenix area 'averages' about 6 inches of rain per year.
What are the monthly temperatures in Phoenix?
Check here: www.currentresults.com/weather/Arizona/Places
Any tips on flying in to Phoenix?
TIPS: Yes. The main carriers are US AIRWAYS and WESTJET. AIR CANADA has some flights direct from some Canadian cities but not all. There is a definate high and low season, which affects pricing as well as scheduling. Travel during long weekends or during the Spring school break is extremely expensive and especially on weekends. If you can travel during the week you can save a few dollars in this manner. Denver can be challenging if it is a stop over all 12 months of the year with bumping happening 'often' so fair warning.
TIPS: There are three Terminals at SkyHarbour so make sure you are aware of which one you are flying in to or out of. The Mesa-Phoenix airport is currently being developed to be an alternative site for some airlines. Currently the biggest airline is Allegiant Air flying out of this airport.
Is a NEXUS pass helpful?
A NEXUS (or Global Assist pass) is extremely helpful as you get to bypass the normal security lines at airports and you have allready been 'pre cleared' by both Canada and US Customs. Cost is just $50 for a five year pass and easily applied for on line. www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
TIP: Remember to update your account 'on line' when you get a new Passport and/or Nexus pass or you'll encounter problems at the border check in if and when they don't match.
Are you allowed to purchase and own a vehicle in the United States?
Yes. But there are strict rules about purchasing a vehicle in the US and importing it back to Canada.
https://riv.ca/importingavehicle.aspx
Is it difficult to Bank in the United States?
No but you are wise to see if your Canadian bank has a US bank location to make things a little more seemless to do things together, ie. transferring money, which can be quite expensive.
For Credit Cards you should try to find ones that allow you to have 'two' addresses - ie. American Express - so that you can buy and charge things from both countries easily. Shipping things from the US to Canada can be extremely expensive so many people I know have orders shipped to their US address and bring the item back to Canada when returning home from a visit.
TIP: Some companies allow you to 'suspend' services while you are back in Canada. For instance Insurance Companies (State Farm is good), ON STAR, Cable/Satellie (reduced rates), Phone, etc.
Should I use my Canadian cell phone while in the US?
Just recently the CRTC forced Canadian cell phone carriers to provide 'more affordable' rates for roaming in the US however it is still relatively expensive if you use our cell a great deal. Many Canadians have US cell phone plans, which are far more affordable than Canadian, and/or use SKYPE or FACETIME as often as they can while in the States.
TIP: US internet speeds are about 3 to 4 times 'faster' than Canadian speeds.
Check back often...more to update shortly.
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