Ever dreamed of calling the Sonoran Desert home? If you’re reading this, there’s probably a little desert dream already brewing in your heart—and I get it!
When I bought my first house in Cave Creek at 25, I got a lot of eyebrow raises. I loved city life, modern conveniences, and a buzzing social scene. Moving here felt… unexpected.
Truth be told, I swore I’d never come back. I grew up in Cave Creek but left for college in Boston, convinced Arizona was just a dot in my rearview mirror.
Then something funny happened… I started missing the space. The fresh air. The wild beauty of the desert. So when life brought me back to Arizona, there was only one place that felt like home—Cave Creek.
Now, I know moving to the “burbs” of the Wild West might give you pause. But let me tell you—this town is anything but boring. If you’re curious about:
🏡 Buying a home in Cave Creek
💛 What the community is really like
🌵 How to live your best desert life
Then you’re in the right place. I made the move, embraced the Creeker (yep, that’s what we call ourselves!) lifestyle, and never looked back. So, saddle up—let’s dive into everything you need to know about making Cave Creek home.
If you know Cave Creek is the place you want to call home then contact me today and let’s get started!
Here’s a look at what we’ll cover:
- Why Choose Cave Creek for Your New Home
- What You Need to Know About the Cave Creek Housing Market
- The Homebuying Process
- Costs of Buying a Home
- Life In Cave Creek
- Common Homebuying Mistakes to Avoid
- Are You Ready to Buy a Home in Cave Creek?
Why Buy a Home in Cave Creek?
One word to describe Cave Creek?
If I had to sum up Cave Creek in one word? Cozy.
But if you’ll give me a few more—cozy cowboy town with laid-back desert vibes and a tight-knit community.
Picture this:
☕ Saturday morning—sipping a locally roasted coffee as the sun warms the desert.
⛰️ Midday—hiking Black Mountain, then unwinding in a hammock with a book.
🎶 Evening—a night out with friends, enjoying live music and a glass of wine at a locally owned spot.
That’s life in Cave Creek. And the best part? It’s all within a 10-minute drive.
Surrounded by local restaurants, charming shops, and stunning Sonoran Desert views, Cave Creek has a way of making you feel right at home. Oh did I mention our summer weather is pretty great?!
Want more on the desert life? Check out more of my blog for all things Cave Creek living, home buying, and local favorites.
Understanding the Cave Creek Housing Market
Cave Creek is a one-of-a-kind Arizona town—and when it comes to real estate, it’s hard to compare apples to apples. Homes here range from planned communities to equestrian properties, so the right fit really depends on your vibe (and your budget).
More Space, More Freedom 🏡🌵
One of the biggest perks of Cave Creek? You get room to breathe. Many homes sit on large lots, some even spanning hundreds of acres!
🏇 Love horses? There are plenty of horse properties.
🏜️ Want a secluded desert retreat? You’ll find it here.
🏘️ Prefer a planned community? There are great options with smaller, well-designed lots.
My own home sits on two acres, and after living in a Boston condo, let me tell you—not being right on top of the neighbors is refreshing!
Is Cave Creek Affordable? Let’s Be Real. 💰
Cave Creek isn’t a budget-friendly market, but it’s also not the most expensive in Arizona. In 2024, it didn’t even crack the top 10 priciest ZIP codes—so while it’s not cheap, it’s still more accessible than Scottsdale or Paradise Valley.
The bottom line? There’s something for everyone here, whether you want wide-open space or a close-knit neighborhood.
If you’re a numbers person this might be the post for you: Thinking about buying in Cave Creek? Let’s chat—I’d love to help you find the perfect spot!
The Homebuying Process
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Moment of truth—most real estate professionals won’t take you house shopping without a loan pre-approval or proof of funds. So, let’s get a jump start! If you need a local lender, I’ve got connections—just shoot me a message here.
Step 2: Find the Right Real Estate Agent (Oh, Hi!)
Buying a home is a big deal, and you’ll be spending a lot of time with your agent. Find someone who passes the vibe check and truly understands your needs.
One perk of working with me? I live here. I know the market, the neighborhoods, and all the nitty-gritty details that can make or break a deal.
Step 3: Let’s Talk – Coffee or Wine?
Once we connect, we’ll sit down to chat about everything that matters to you in a home.
✔️ Must-haves & deal-breakers
✔️ Your home & lifestyle goals
✔️ Budget & financial strategy
✔️ Kids, pets, future plans—because it all matters!
Step 4: The Home Search Begins
After we narrow down what you’re looking for, I’ll share neighborhoods that could fit your vibe and budget. We might even drive through a few together to get a feel for them.
Once we’ve dialed it in, I’ll start sending homes straight to your inbox. You’ll flag your favorites, and we’ll put together a game plan to see them in person.
Step 5: Touring Homes (AKA, I’m in the Attic & Backyard)
Let’s go and take a look together! When we walk through homes, I’m not just opening doors—I’m checking air conditioners, pool equipment, and spotting red flags. I’m no inspector, but I’ve seen things and I’ll try to point them out as soon as possible!
Step 6: Making an Offer
We found the one—now it’s time to craft a competitive, strategic offer that works for you and the seller.
I love working with the agent on the other side to understand the seller’s priorities. It’s all about communication and finding common ground (and I’ve got a good success rate doing it!).
Step 7: You’re Under Contract! Now We Gather All of the Important Information You Need.
Once the offer is accepted, we’ll do a deep dive into the home during out period of due diligence (read: we’ve got to do our homework.):
🔎 Professional inspection – Know what you’re getting into.
📝 Insurance checks – Make sure the home is insurable.
🔑 Final walkthrough – Double-check everything before closing day.
Step 8: Closing Day = Key Time!
BOOM! The day has arrived. There’s nothing more rewarding than handing you the keys to your own slice of the desert. 🌵🏡
Costs of Buying a Home
You might already be a homebuying pro, but let’s talk about something that surprises even experienced buyers—the extra costs that can come with owning a home in Cave Creek.
SIGH. I know. But fear not! With good planning and the right guidance (hi, that’s me! 👋), you’ll be totally prepared.
Upfront Costs Every Buyer Should Expect
These are Important expenses you’ll need to budget for:
✔️ Inspection & appraisal fees – Typically a few hundred dollars each.
✔️ Closing costs – Usually 2-5% of the purchase price.
✔️ Earnest money deposit – Think of this as your “good faith” deposit (which may go toward your down payment).
Ongoing & Property-Specific Costs
Some expenses depend on the home you buy, but they’re equally as important:
💰 HOA fees – Some neighborhoods have monthly or annual dues.
💡 Utilities & setup fees – Electricity, water, gas, internet—some require upfront deposits.
🏡 Property taxes – Thank goodness Cave Creek’s are relatively low, but they vary from home to home.
🔧 Repairs & improvements – Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or a new roof, it’s good to plan for future costs.
How I Help You Plan Ahead
These aren’t things to stress about—just things to plan around. My job? To make sure you have all the financial details upfront so there are no surprises.👉 Ready to start house hunting with confidence? Let’s chat! I’ll help you navigate the costs, find the right home, and make the process stress-free.
Moving to Cave Creek: What You Need to Know
Remember when I said Cave Creek was quirky? I mean that in the best way. Every town has its unique quirks, and Cave Creek is no exception. Here are a few things you should know before moving here!
1. Yes, We Have Wildlife
Snakes? Check. Scorpions? Yep. Coyotes and javelina? You bet (they look like boars but aren’t).
But don’t worry—you’ll learn to live with them. Just spray your home monthly, keep screens closed, and stay mindful outdoors. It’s really not so bad!
2. Winters are GREAT. Summers are HOT.
You know what you’re getting into with this summer heat! But I’ve got to put it out there if you’ve never experienced it before.
Stepping out of your car in the Target parking lot your met with a hair-drying blast like no other. But, that’s why we have so many pools, right?!
3. Septic Systems Are Common
Many homes in Cave Creek aren’t on public sewer—they use septic systems instead. I almost backed out of our first home when I learned about it! Turns out, it’s no big deal—it just takes a little extra knowledge.
💡 FYI: When buying a home in Cave Creek, a septic inspection is required before closing. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting into!
4. No Public Trash Service
Cave Creek doesn’t have city garbage pickup. You either haul your own trash (not fun) or hire a private service (highly recommended). Some HOAs include garbage service in their fees, so check with your community.
5. Low Property Taxes (Surprise!)
When we got our first property tax bill, we thought it was a quarterly payment—nope, it covered the entire year!
Property taxes in Cave Creek are relatively low compared to other areas. Plus, Arizona has a flat 2.5% state income tax, making it a great place to live financially.
Common Homebuying Mistakes to Avoid
Now, I’m not here to say you’re not an expert.
But I have seen a few things that can cause buyers to hesitate before sealing the deal—and these insights are worth keeping in your back pocket. So, let’s talk!
1. Not Considering Desert Home Maintenance
Cave Creek homes are stunning, but they come with unique upkeep.
Think desert landscaping, pool maintenance, and flat roof repairs. And let’s not forget regular exterior painting to keep your home looking fresh.
Every home is different, and my job is to make sure you walk in knowing what kind of maintenance your dream home might require.
2. Skipping the Home Inspection (Please Don’t!)
A lot of savvy buyers try to make their offer more competitive by waiving the home inspection.
But here’s the deal—this is one step you don’t want to skip, especially in the desert.
Many Cave Creek homes have complex systems (AC, pool, water softener, etc.) that should be checked, not to mention the fairly common wood crunchers that live here (yes, termites!).
Your home-buying journey will be completely unique to you, but these are just a couple of things to keep in mind as you start shopping in Cave Creek.
My goal? To make sure you walk away feeling confident, informed, and excited about your new home.
Ready to Buy in Cave Creek?
Let’s find your perfect Cave Creek home?
Think of me as your go-to friend who just happens to know a heck of a lot about the Cave Creek market. From hidden gem properties to must-know local insights, I’ve got you covered.
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