Arizona MLS Real Estate Search

Avoid These 9 Mistakes When Downsizing to a Smaller Home in Arizona

How to Sell the Place You Call Home

Are you an “Empty Nester” who needs a home for the future? Is it time to downsize or to move into another home more suitable for your glorious retirement years? Like thousands of homesellers, you may be discovering that after years of non-stop child traffic in and out of your doors, toys on the floor, music floating throughout, suddenly you can hear a pin drop over the quiet hum of the refrigerator. Your rooms are filled with pictures and memories of this wonderful time in your life, but there are many empty rooms gathering dust now that your children have moved on. The freer years ahead are exciting ones to look forward to, and it may be time for you to move as well. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re in vast and good company. And what that means is that there are many wonderful opportunities for you to create this new chapter in your life . . . if you know what it takes to get the most out of the equity you’ve built up in your current home To help you understand the issues involved in making such a move, and how to avoid the most common and costly mistakes most Empty Nesters make, we’ve prepared this special report to help you identify and plan for the move ahead.


“The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations cropping up hours before you take possession of your new home.”


Selling your home is one of the most important steps in your life. This 9 step system will give you the tools you need to maximize your profits, maintain control, and reduce the stress that comes with the homeselling process:

  1. Know why you’re selling, and keep it to yourself. The reasons behind your decision to sell affect everything from setting a price to deciding how much time and money to invest in getting your home ready for sale. What’s more important to you: the money you walk away with, the length of time your property is on the market or both. Different goals will dictate different strategies.  However, don’t reveal your motivation to anyone else or they may use it against you at the negotiating table. When asked, simply say that your housing needs have changed.
  2. Do your homework before setting a price. Settling on an offering price shouldn’t be done lightly. Once you’ve set your price, you’ve told buyers the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home, but pricing too high is as dangerous as pricing too low. Remember that the average buyer is looking at 15-20 homes at the same time they are considering yours. This means that they have a basis for comparison, and if your home doesn’t compare favorably with others in the price range you’ve set, you won’t be taken seriously by prospects or agents. As a result, your home may sit on the market for a long time and, knowing this, new buyers will think there must be something wrong with your home.
  3. Find Out What Other Homes are Selling For. (In fact, your agent should do this for you). Find out what comparable homes in your own and similar neighborhoods have sold for in the past 6-12 months, and research what current homes are listed for. That’s certainly how prospective buyers will assess the worth of your home.
  4. Find a “good” real estate agent to represent your needs. Nearly three-quarters of homeowners claim that they wouldn’t use the same realtor who sold their last home. Dissatisfaction boils down to poor communication which results in not enough feedback, lower pricing and strained relations.
  5. Maximize your home’s sales potential.  Each year, corporate North America spends billions on product and packaging design. Appearance is critical, and it would be foolish to ignore this when selling your home.  You may not be able to change your home’s location or floor plan, but you can do a lot to improve its appearance. The look and feel of your home generates a greater emotional response than any other factor. Before a showing clean like you’ve never cleaned before. Pick up, straighten, unclutter, scrub, scour and dust. Fix everything, no matter how insignificant it may appear. Present your home to get a “wow” response from prospective buyers. Allow the buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. The decision to buy a home is based on emotion, not logic. Prospective buyers want to try on your home just like they would a new suit of clothes. If you follow them around pointing out improvements or if your decor is so different that it’s difficult for a buyer to strip it away in his or her mind, you make it difficult for them to feel comfortable enough to imagine themselves an owner.
  6. Make it easy for prospects to get information on your home. You may be surprised to know that some marketing tools that most agents use to sell homes (eg. traditional open houses) are actually not very effective. In fact only 1% of homes are sold at an open house.  Furthermore, the prospects calling for information on your home probably value their time as much as you do. The last thing they want to be subjected to is either a game of telephone tag with an agent, or an unwanted sales pitch. Make sure the ads your agent places for your home are attached to a 24 hour prerecorded hotline with a specific ID# for your home which gives buyers access to detailed information about your property day or night 7 days a week without having to talk to anyone. It’s been proven that 3 times as many buyers call for information on your home under this system. And remember, the more buyers you have competing for your home the better, because it sets up an auction-like atmosphere that puts you in the driver’s seat.
  7. Know your buyer In the negotiation process, your objective is to control the pace and set the duration. What is your buyer’s motivation? Does s/he need to move quickly? Does s/he have enough money to pay you your asking price? Knowing this information gives you the upper hand in the negotiation because you know how far you can push to get what you want.
  8. Make sure the contract is complete. For your part as a seller, make sure you disclose everything. Smart sellers proactively go above and beyond the laws to disclose all known defects to their buyers in writing. If the buyer knows about a problem, s/he can’t come back with a lawsuit later on. Make sure all terms, costs and responsibilities are spelled out in the contract of sale, and resist the temptation to diverge from the contract. For example, if the buyer requests a move-in prior to closing, just say no. Now is not the time to take any chances of the deal falling through.
  9. Don’t move out before you sell. Studies have shown that it is more difficult to sell a home that is vacant because it looks forlorn, forgotten, simply not appealing. It could even cost you thousands. If you move, you’re also telling buyers that you have a new home and are probably highly motivated to sell fast. This, of course, will give them the advantage at the negotiating table.

4138 E Larkspur Drive, Phoenix
$510,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7099329 MLS ⋅ 1,390 SqFt.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath attached townhouse located in a desirable gated community! This move-in-ready residence offers an ideal blend of comfort, style, and modern updates. Inside, you'll find luxury vinyl plank flooring installed in 2022, neutral paint colors, updated bathrooms, and a remodeled kitchen featuring appliances replaced in 2023. The spacious living area showcases an updated wood-burning fireplace with a TV mounting bracket already installed above, creating the perfect gathering space. The thoughtfully designed floor plan includes two dining areas, a wet bar, and a versatile bonus space ideal for a home office, reading nook, or play area. The primary suite features a sliding glass door leading to the patio, a large walk-in closet, and an updated en-suite bathroom. Major system upgrades provide peace of mind, including windows and doors installed in 2021, an AC unit replaced in 2022, a roof replaced in 2024 and inspected in August 2026, a six-month-old washer and dryer, and an electrical panel updated in 2026. Additional highlights include an electric vehicle charging hookup, no popcorn ceilings, and an attached 2-car garage. Step outside to enjoy the oversized patio and large private yard, a rare find for townhouse living. Residents also enjoy access to the community pool and the security and convenience of a gated neighborhood. This exceptional home combines modern updates, functional living spaces, and fantastic community amenities, making it a must-see!

4138 E Larkspur Drive, Phoenix

2916 W Stradling Avenue, Apache Junction
$530,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7099298 MLS ⋅ 2,492 SqFt.
This house has been well cared for. Inside, wood-look tile runs underfoot, so you get the warmth of wood without worrying about scratches, spills, or Arizona dust. The kitchen has clean white quartz counters & cabinets, and the layout gives 4 bedrooms, a large loft and 3 full bathrooms to breathe without wasted space.The backyard is finished. Turf, pavers, and a covered patio are already in, so there's no landscaping project waiting for you. It's ready for morning coffee or evenings outside once the heat breaks. The community adds a lot. Radiance at Superstition Vistas has a pool and spa, a clubhouse, a fitness room, a playground and splash pad, and a shaded ramada for picnics or get-togethers. Paved walking paths wind through green belts, so an evening walk is easy. It sits on the M This is a home that has been well cared for. Inside, wood-look tile runs underfoot, so you get the warmth of wood without worrying about scratches, spills, or AZ dust. The kitchen has clean white quartz counters & cabinets, and the layout gives 4 bedrooms, a large loft and 3 full bathrooms plenty of breathing room without wasted space. The backyard is finished with turf, pavers, a fire pit a covered patio and a spacious side yard featuring an RV gate. The community was thoughtfully planned with generous amenities. Here you can enjoy a fenced in pool and spa, a splash pad, a clubhouse, a fitness room, a playground, a shaded ramada for picnics or get-togethers and a massive lush green park. Paved walking paths wind throughout the community and 2916 is located perfectly adjacent to both the pool and the park. It sits on the Mesa side of Apache Junction near Meridian Rd, with the Superstitions to the northeast. It is a great home and neighborhood, well worth a visit!

2916 W Stradling Avenue, Apache Junction

14755 W Smoketree Drive, Surprise
$454,990
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7099286 MLS ⋅ 1,949 SqFt.
What's Special: North Facing Lot | Backs to Open Space | Close to Park | Close to Trails | Best Seller | Featured Home. New Construction - January Completion! Built by America's Most Trusted Home Builder. Welcome to the 40-RM1 at 14755 W Smoketree Drive in Los Cielos at Rancho Mercado! This beautifully designed single-story home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-concept layout that blends comfort and functionality. At the heart of the home, the spacious great room flows effortlessly into the dining area and kitchen, where a large island and pantry provide the perfect setting for gathering, entertaining, and everyday living. Privately situated at the rear of the home, the primary suite offers a relaxing retreat with a walk-in closet and a well-appointed en-suite bath. Three secondary bedrooms are thoughtfully positioned near the front of the home, providing flexibility for family, guests, or a home office. Extend your living space outdoors with the covered patio, while the laundry room and two-car garage add convenience to daily life. A desert oasis awaits at Los Cielos at Rancho Mercado. Take your competitive spirits to the basketball and volleyball courts, breath in nature as you meander along lush walking trails, let your furry friends run free at the dog park and encourage little ones to make friends at the playground. Additional Highlights Include: super shower at primary bath, 8' interior doors, 36" slate kitchen cabinets, and paver driveway. MLS#7099286

14755 W Smoketree Drive, Surprise

3051 W Sousa Court, Anthem
$1,300,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7099281 MLS ⋅ 4,704 SqFt.
Prepare to be Enchanted! Located in the heart of Anthem, Arizona, this exceptional home offers an impressive blend of luxury, functionality, and entertainment. Lovingly maintained by its original owners for 22 years, this home showcases thoughtful upgrades, custom features, and incredible indoor-outdoor living. Step inside to discover fresh interior and exterior paint, updated flooring, new baseboards, updated lighting throughout, and nearly all-new ceiling fans. Additional improvements include updated door hardware and shutters throughout. The kitchen features custom granite countertops, a designer backsplash, double ovens, updated microwave, refrigerator and stove, plus reverse osmosis. The living room boasts a custom built-in entertainment center, and fireplace with updated cabinetry, creating a warm and inviting gathering space. The spacious primary suite includes a flex area and California Closets. The beautifully updated primary bathroom features upgraded cabinetry, waterfall quartz countertops, sinks, faucets, newly updated primary shower with floating bench and a luxurious freestanding soaking tub. Additional bathrooms have also been updated with stylish finishes. A home office, additional bedroom/den, kids' study area, formal dining room, breakfast bar, and great room provide flexible spaces for work, relaxation, and entertaining. The home could potentially accommodate up to six bedrooms by converting the office and den. Movie nights come to life in the added theater room featuring soundproofing, blackout features, a projector, and speakers, complemented by whole-home surround sound. Designed with smart-home capabilities, this property offers convenience and versatility throughout. The laundry room features custom California Closets cabinetry, while the garage includes custom cabinets, a tankless water heater, and a water softener system. The backyard is an entertainer's dream! Enjoy artificial turf, an outdoor kitchen and seating area, an outdoor fireplace, two grills, and accommodations for up to five TVs. The impressive pool features a 10-foot depth, waterslide, and waterfall, complemented by a relaxing spa. Exterior gates, a welcoming front courtyard, an intercom system, and security-system readiness add convenience and functionality. Additional features include three air conditioning units, all reported to be in good working condition, with approximate ages of original, seven years, and five years. The roof was replaced approximately seven years ago, and UV sun shades help protect the home from the Arizona sun. This home perfectly located in the booming north Phoenix area just minutes from I17, TSMC plant, and Halo Vista development. With extensive updates, custom finishes, incredible entertainment spaces, and a resort-style backyard, this remarkable Anthem home offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Arizona living at its finest with all the Anthem amenities.

3051 W Sousa Court, Anthem

17826 W San Miguel Avenue, Litchfield Park
$688,990
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7099239 MLS ⋅ 2,392 SqFt.
What's Special: Gourmet Kitchen | RV Garage | Covered Extended Lanai | Close to Amenities | Larger Lot | North Facing Patio. New Construction - December Completion! Built by America's Most Trusted Home Builder. Welcome to the 55-RV2 at 17826 W San Miguel Avenue in Allen Ranches Fiesta Collection! This impressive new home is designed for both everyday comfort and exceptional storage. At the heart of the home, the open-concept great room, dining area, and gourmet kitchen create a bright and inviting space for gathering. The gourmet kitchen features beautiful quartz countertops, a large island, abundant cabinetry, and a walk-in pantry. The private primary suite offers a relaxing retreat with a spacious walk-in closet and well-appointed bathroom, while two secondary bedrooms, a flex room, and multiple bathrooms provide flexibility for guests, hobbies, or working from home. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with expansive covered outdoor spaces and the convenience of an oversized RV garage. Allen Ranches in sunny Litchfield Park, AZ offers fun and adventure with a playground, sparkling pool, basketball court, and the thoughtful design of a master-planned community. With quick access to Loop 303, you're just minutes from lush parks, Harkins Theatres, Costco, and plenty more nearby conveniences. Additional Highlights Include: Multi-slider door at great room, RV cleanout, upgraded tile throughout main living area, and HVAC mini split pre-wire at RV garage. MLS#7099239

17826 W San Miguel Avenue, Litchfield Park

6202 E Quartz Street, Mesa
$549,900
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7099214 MLS ⋅ 1,449 SqFt.
Your private Mesa oasis awaits! Enjoy this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring a private pool, RV gate, and NO HOA! Bring your toys, outdoor gear, and enjoy the flexibility. The functional floor plan offers comfortable living and space for guests or everyday living. Step outside to your private pool, perfect for cooling off, entertaining, and enjoying Arizona's sunny days. Outdoor enthusiasts will love nearby Usery Mountain Regional Park, Wind Cave Trail, the Hawes Trail System for hiking and mountain biking, plus kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing along the Lower Salt River. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, recreation, and freeway access, this home offers the freedom and lifestyle you've been looking for! evening at home. With Arizona sunshine practically built into the lifestyle, this outdoor space offers an extension of the home's living area and plenty of opportunity to create your own backyard retreat. The garage adds another practical feature with built-in storage, giving you an organized place for tools, seasonal items, outdoor equipment, and all the extras that come with everyday life. Beyond the home, enjoy everything Northeast Mesa has to offer. You'll be close to an array of shopping and dining options, including Mesa Riverview and Dana Park, while nearby parks and recreational destinations make it easy to get outside and enjoy the desert surroundings. Usery Mountain Regional Park is just one of the area's nearby destinations for hiking, biking, scenic drives, and exploring the Sonoran Desert. Convenient access to major roadways also makes getting around the East Valley a breeze, with Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, and other popular destinations within reach. With a refreshing pool, practical garage storage, versatile living space, and a location that puts recreation and everyday conveniences close at hand, this home offers the comfort and lifestyle today's buyers are looking for. Come see all that this Mesa gem has to offer!

6202 E Quartz Street, Mesa

Start Your Search

Copyright 2026 Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service, All rights reserved. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless.

How much is your home worth?

Get instant property value now!