Frequently asked questions

Chicago-area families commonly cite winters without snow, outdoor living year-round, more space for the money in many price ranges, different tax structures, direct flights home and a lifestyle centered on the pool and the mountains. Olga Boyke specializes in helping Chicago and Midwest buyers relocate to Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale and Phoenix.

No. Arizona closings are handled by escrow and title companies rather than by attorneys, as is common in Illinois. Standard Arizona Association of REALTORS® forms govern most resale purchases. You may still consult an attorney for complex situations.

It depends on your equity, financing and risk tolerance. Selling first gives certainty, buying first gives flexibility, a contingent offer protects you but is less competitive, and aligned closings with a short rent-back can bridge the gap. Plan the structure before you list.

Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% and Arizona has a flat rate of 2.5%, and Arizona does not tax Social Security benefits. Property taxes in Maricopa County are generally lower as a percentage of value than in Cook County. Tax rules change, so confirm your situation with a CPA.

Summer afternoons often exceed 100°F, and the monsoon runs from mid-June through September. Homes are built for it, with air conditioning, shade, pools and covered patios, and many residents spend summers indoors or traveling. Visit once in July or August before committing.

Yes. Many relocating buyers use area-orientation visits, detailed video tours, electronic signing and local inspection and closing coordination. Olga recommends a two-trip structure: one trip to compare areas and one to tour a short list.

North Scottsdale generally means the part of Scottsdale north of the Loop 101 and the Shea Boulevard corridor, toward Pinnacle Peak, Happy Valley Road and Carefree Highway. Communities include DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk, Troon and Desert Mountain.

Not always. Some communities require or include membership, others offer optional or equity memberships, and many neighborhoods have no club requirement. Review the club's current terms before making an offer.

Environmentally Sensitive Lands rules apply to many hillside and desert areas of North Scottsdale. They regulate natural open space and home placement, which can affect remodels, additions, pools and walls.

There is no single threshold. Many buyers and agents consider homes starting around one million dollars to be in the luxury tier in much of the Valley, while the definition shifts by submarket. Features, location, lot, views and build quality matter as much as price.

Yes. Olga Boyke, REALTOR® with eXp Realty, represents buyers and sellers of luxury homes in North Scottsdale, North Peoria, North Glendale and Greater Phoenix, with strategy-led pricing, presentation and negotiation.

North Glendale is the northern part of the City of Glendale, in the Northwest Valley of Greater Phoenix, along and north of the Loop 101 toward the Loop 303 area, next to North Peoria.

Yes, for buyers who value space, mountain views, newer construction and outdoor living. North Peoria offers master-planned communities, large lots, Lake Pleasant access and often a lower price per square foot than North Scottsdale.

The drive typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes depending on route and traffic, so most buyers choose a side of the Valley based on where they work and spend time.

Several districts serve the area, including Peoria Unified and Deer Valley Unified, and boundaries depend on the exact address. Always verify the assigned schools with the district before you buy.

It is strongly recommended. The builder's sales representative works for the builder. Your agent represents you in negotiation and contract review, and many builders require your agent to be present at your first visit.

No. Independent inspections at stages such as pre-drywall and final completion, and before the first-year warranty ends, help you identify defects and document repair requests.

It is a special taxing entity that can finance infrastructure in new communities. Related assessments may appear on the property tax bill, so ask for amounts and remaining terms before you buy.

Not automatically. Builder incentives are often tied to a preferred lender, so compare the total cost, including rate, fees and incentive value, with an independent lender's offer.

Olga Emilia Boyke is a REALTOR® with eXp Realty serving buyers, sellers, investors and relocating families in Greater Phoenix since 2017. She is originally from Poland, speaks Polish and English, and previously worked in banking and financial services. Arizona license SA674087000.

Olga specializes in North Scottsdale, North Peoria and North Glendale, with focus on luxury homes, new construction and relocation. She also serves Phoenix, Surprise, Desert Hills horse properties and active-adult communities such as Sun City.

Olga Boyke is a licensed REALTOR® with eXp Realty, not an independent brokerage. The office address is 6991 E Camelback Rd #D300, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

Call or message on WhatsApp at (623) 800-1245, or email olgaboyke@gmail.com. English and Polish are both welcome.

Yes. Olga represents sellers with pricing strategy, preparation, editorial presentation and negotiation, including for luxury homes in Scottsdale and Peoria.