the other option is to head south, unless you really want the scottsdale scene. there are large swaths of open lots and land in gilbert. great views of the santan mountains.

lot of development happening in the area, so need to make sure you know what's zoned for around you, but many private and gated areas are there. very much a buyers market in this area though, so offering at least 10-20% below asking would seem fine to me for what some people are still asking.