How We Helped a Kentucky Couple Buy a South Tempe Winter Home When Rob Toured It by Video
Rob and Jan live in Kentucky and wanted a winter home in South Tempe, Arizona, near their son and grandkids. They needed two offices, a table for 14, a pool, and a walk to Wagner Elementary and Kyrene Middle School. Rob toured the house live on video, then flew in for the inspection. They closed in July 2026 on a South Tempe home just under $1 million.
Who are Rob and Jan, and why did they want a home in South Tempe?
Rob and Jan live in Kentucky. They wanted a snowbird home in South Tempe (85284) to be near their son, his wife, and the grandkids. Rob is an airline pilot. Jan loves crafting and fabrics. They have horses back in Kentucky, so it is a fun coincidence that the house they bought is on Derby Dr.
What did they need in a house?
They needed a house that worked for one big family. Each of them wanted an office. Jan needed room for crafting and fabrics, and Rob wanted his own space, even though his day job is flying. They wanted a bedroom for the grandkids to sleep over, an open floor plan, a pool for a vacation feel, and a home with character. They also wanted a dining area big enough for 14, because the son's family and other relatives come to town to visit.
Why did walking distance to school matter?
The house had to sit inside the boundaries for Wagner Elementary and Kyrene Middle School, the schools the grandkids attend. That puts it in the middle of South Tempe. Walking distance was a bonus. I would love to tell you we planned it, but we looked at a lot of homes over several trips, and this one happened to check the boundary and the walk.
How do you buy a house when one spouse cannot make every trip?
You bring that spouse into the house live. Rob had work and could not make one of the trips, so I showed Jan a bunch of homes on my own. When we found the right one, the three of us did a live video walkthrough. Jan and I walked the house while Rob watched, and we paused in each room to talk it through.
This was new for Rob. He had never bought a home virtually, and he had not bought one in about 20 years. Their last home was custom built in Kentucky. He trusted Jan and me to be his eyes and ears. Later he flew out for the home inspection, so he saw the house in person during that step.
What did I point out that photos could not show?
Some of it was about the lot. I pointed out the north-south exposure. We showed Rob the turf in the backyard up close. It is easy to maintain, which matters when the house sits empty most of the year.
Some of it was about the floor plan. We talked through closing off either the dining room or the formal room to give Rob his own office. That is hard to judge from pictures.
Some of it was about the neighborhood. About a half mile south is Buena Vista Ranchos, an equestrian neighborhood with 14 miles of riding trails and a number of stables. If Rob and Jan miss their horses, they can take an evening walk and see some.
What came up after the offer?
Nothing dramatic. The inspection turned up normal repair items, and we negotiated a credit. That credit was later converted into a price reduction, and the home closed in July 2026 just under $1 million.
How did it turn out?
Rob and Jan bought much of the furniture and furnishings in the home, so they could be up and running when they arrived from out of state. They have used the house since. Jan's siblings came over, and the whole big family used the pool.
Jan's mom passed away earlier this year. She lived in Arizona, and the family always gathered at her house. The house on Derby Dr is now the new place where they gather.
What would I tell out-of-state buyers in the same spot?
Do the walkthrough live, not from a recording, so your questions get answered as you walk. Ask what a room could become, not only what it is today. Look at what sits within a half mile of the house, not only what is inside it. If the home is furnished, ask whether the furniture is available, because it can get you up and running faster. If you can, bring the second buyer to town for the inspection.
FAQ
Can you buy a house in Arizona without seeing it in person?
Yes, with the right setup. Rob toured this South Tempe home live on video with Jan and me, then flew in for the inspection. It was a walk and talk, not a recording, and that is what made it work.
Can you turn a dining room or formal room into an office?
That was the plan here. Rob and Jan each wanted an office, so we talked through closing off either the dining room or the formal room for Rob. Ask about it during the tour, because photos will not show you what is possible.
Are there horse neighborhoods near South Tempe?
Yes. Buena Vista Ranchos is an equestrian neighborhood about a half mile south of this home, with 14 miles of riding trails and a number of stables. Rob and Jan keep horses in Kentucky, so it was a nice fit.
How do you find a South Tempe home inside the Kyrene school boundaries?
Start with the school boundary, then narrow by distance. Rob and Jan needed Wagner Elementary and Kyrene Middle School. After several trips, we found one inside the boundary and within walking distance.
Ben Graham, luxury real estate advisor serving South Tempe and South Chandler. REALTOR since 2011 with more than 500 transactions closed, including out-of-state buyers purchasing a second home in South Tempe before seeing it in person.
