By Darren Tackett, REALTOR® | The Grayhawk Group / The Tackett Team, powered by eXp Realty
Key takeaways
- Narrow the enclaves before you arrive, because Grayhawk has too many to see in two days.
- See the community at morning, midday and sunset.
- Limit showings to five to eight homes so you can remember them.
- Revisit your top choice at a different time of day.
- Have financing, HOA questions and comps ready so you can act.
Why plan a tour in advance?
Grayhawk is a large master-planned community with many enclaves, from townhomes and condos to larger single-family homes along the Talon and Raptor fairways. Buyers who arrive without a plan often spend their first day driving in circles. A little preparation means you spend your time seeing the homes and neighborhoods that actually fit.
What should I do before I arrive?
About two weeks before your trip, I'd suggest:
- A short call to define your criteria. That means budget, home type, size, single-level versus two-story, golf versus non-golf, pool and lock-and-leave needs.
- Narrowing to three or four enclaves. Our neighborhoods page is a good place to start. For a lock-and-leave condo or townhome, include Encore at Grayhawk in that short list. I'll suggest a few based on your criteria.
- Reviewing current listings. I'll send a curated list from homes for sale in Grayhawk and recent sales in your target enclaves.
- Lining up financing. If you'll use a loan, get pre-approved before you travel so you can move quickly. I can refer you to lenders who know the area.
- Reading up. My guides to living in Grayhawk and moving to Grayhawk from out of state give useful background.
What should day one look like?
Day one is about the community, not specific houses.
- Morning: Drive through your target enclaves. Notice the streetscapes, landscaping and how close each one is to the golf course, paths and parks. Stop for coffee nearby and get a feel for the pace.
- Midday: Visit the Grayhawk Golf Club area, walk a section of the community path system and stop by the shopping and dining along Scottsdale Road and the Grayhawk Village area.
- Afternoon: Drive to the places you'll go often, like Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, the Loop 101 and the airport, to get a feel for drive times.
- Sunset: Watch the sunset from somewhere in the community. It'll tell you a lot about which exposures you'll want.
What should day two look like?
Day two is about homes.
- Morning: Tour five to eight homes in your top enclaves. I usually keep showings in a tight geographic loop to save time.
- Lunch: Review what you've seen. Cross off homes that don't fit and identify your top two or three.
- Afternoon: Revisit your top choice, ideally at a different time of day than your first showing, so you can see how the light and the backyard change. Walk the neighborhood around it.
- Evening: Review comps, HOA details and any questions with me. If you're ready, we can discuss an offer.
What should I look for during showings?
Beyond the home itself, pay attention to:
- Orientation. Which way does the backyard face, and where does the afternoon sun fall?
- The view and privacy. What's behind the back wall? Is the home on a fairway, a wash or another lot?
- Noise. Is there traffic noise from a nearby road or activity from the golf course?
- Condition. Look at the roof, HVAC, pool equipment and any signs of past water damage.
- HOA rules. Check rentals, parking and design review if you plan changes.
How many homes should I see?
I recommend five to eight homes in a day. More than that and the homes start to blur together. If you need to see more, spread them over two days. Take photos and short notes after each showing.
What if I'm not ready to decide on this trip?
That's fine. Many buyers use a first trip to narrow the enclaves, then return for a focused second trip. Others decide to rent in Grayhawk for a season first. Either way, a structured first visit makes the next step much easier.
What's the market like for buyers this winter?
Scottsdale's Cromford® Market Index was 133.6 on Oct 29, 2026, and the Valley was at 66.7 on Oct 31. Scottsdale is still seller-leaning, but it's cooling, so buyers have more choice and time than they did a couple of years ago. Well-priced homes in popular Grayhawk enclaves still sell, so it pays to be prepared.
What should I bring on the trip?
Bring your pre-approval letter, a short list of must-haves and deal-breakers, and the questions you want answered about HOA rules, rentals and carrying costs. If someone else will share in the decision and can't travel, plan to video-call them from your top two showings. That one step often saves a second trip.
How do I put this into practice with a real address?
Start with the property you are actually considering — not a portal average. Pull the last 90 days of closed sales that match the same community, product type, and condition band. Walk the competition that is active today. Then decide whether the story of this home (or this building, or this lot) is strong enough to stand next to that set.
In my experience advising Northeast Valley clients for more than 30 years, the owners who do that homework early make cleaner decisions. The ones who wait for "the market to feel better" usually meet more inventory later. Scottsdale's Cromford® Market Index was 133.6 on October 29, 2026 — still a seller's market — while the Valley sat at 66.7 on October 31, 2026, a buyer's market. Those readings move weekly, so check the latest numbers before you make a decision.
If you want a second set of eyes on the comps and the showing plan for your specific situation, call me at (602) 622-1226. We answer 24/7, and I'll walk you through the numbers without the urgency language that wastes everyone's time.
FAQ
How long should I plan to tour Grayhawk?
Two days is a good minimum: one for the community and one for homes. Three days gives you time for a second look.
How many Grayhawk homes can I see in a day?
Five to eight is a comfortable number. More than that and homes tend to blur together.
Should I get pre-approved before visiting?
Yes, if you'll use a loan. It lets you act quickly if you find the right home.
Can I tour on weekends?
Yes. Many showings and open houses happen on weekends. I can arrange private showings any day.
Can you set up a Grayhawk tour for me?
Yes. Call me at (602) 622-1226 and I'll put together a plan based on your criteria.
If you're planning a winter trip to look at Grayhawk, I'm glad to build a tour plan around your criteria. Call me at (602) 622-1226 (answered 24/7) or email darren@thegrayhawkgroup.com.
