By: Terri Jo Neff of Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group
On January 22, the head of the Canada Arizona Business Council advised Cochise County Realtors that Canadians love visiting Cochise County as tourists and many are looking to purchase residential properties in southeast and southern Arizona as “second, sometimes even third” home.
Glenn Williamson is Canada’s Honorary Consul to the State of Arizona and president of Epcor Water, Arizona’s largest private water company. He spoke to a room full of real estate professionals at the Southeast Arizona Association of Realtors offices in Sierra Vista, at the request of the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group (SAEDG) and the Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO).
“Instead of trying to market up in Canada, spend your time talking with those Canadians who are here,” he advised. “Find out who they are, what their story is, why they are here. Make it personal and then ask for referrals.”
Per records at the Cochise County Assessor’s office, 775 parcels in the county list to a Canadian address. But Williamson believes the actual number of Canadian-owned properties in Cochise County is much higher since many Canadians also have US addresses or utilize US property management companies.
According to Williamson, 93% of all internationally owned residential properties in Maricopa County are owned by Canadians. He believes the next few years will see a shift out and away from Maricopa County -- with Cochise County a popular venue
Canadian home ownership in the US will continue to grow despite fluctuating or falling exchange rates. “It’s a security issue and America is still the best foreign investment option, and it’s a cool thing for a Toronto guy to be able to say: I have a ranch in southern Arizona!”
Williamson forecasts Cochise County will also experience a growing Canadian market thanks to more and more Canadian companies expanding into Mexico. The top managers and officers will work in Mexico, but want their family and their home on the other side of the border.