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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.

$375,000
2 Beds 1 Baths 7079419 MLS 838 SqFt.
Beautifully renovated and move-in ready, this charming single-level home sits on a desirable corner lot with no HOA, offering a rare combination of privacy, flexibility, and convenience in one of Phoenix's most sought-after locations. Tucked away on a quiet street near the sought-after Garfield District, the home welcomes you with fresh paint, a privacy fence, and excellent curb appeal. Inside, abundant natural light fills the thoughtfully updated interior, featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring, energy-efficient windows, and a modern two-tone paint palette that creates a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout. The remodeled kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, updated fixtures, and a clean, functional layout designed for everyday living. The spacious bathroom has a new bathtub, tiled surround, updated vanity, and contemporary finishes. Both bedrooms offer impressive space and comfort, while the home's corner-lot setting provides open areas on two sides, creating additional possibilities for outdoor enjoyment, recreation, or future enhancements including RV parking spaces. Ideally located just minutes from Downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport, ASU Downtown, and major freeway access including I-10, I-17, and SR-51, this home places you close to some of the city's best dining, coffee shops, museums, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions. Whether you're looking for a primary residence or an investment opportunity, this beautifully updated property delivers style, comfort, and exceptional urban convenience.

1729 E Moreland Street, Phoenix

$1,100,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 7079411 MLS 3,666 SqFt.
Situated on 1.25 Acres, No HOA, Shared Well, Paved Roads & Mountain Views, this Spanish-style desert retreat offers exceptional privacy, generous separation from neighboring homes, and the kind of space that is increasingly difficult to find. Located at the end of a very long driveway, this home is far removed from vehicle traffic on the street, making for an exceptionally quiet and private living space. The enclosed front courtyard offers approx. 2,400 sqft. of desert landscaping and private seating space, perfect for enjoying Arizona's beautiful weather. Inside, soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and beautiful mountain views create a bright and inviting atmosphere. The spacious great room features a dual-sided fireplace. The formal dining room provides an ideal setting for entertaining - or an office. The kitchen offers an expansive breakfast bar, a massive separate center island, stainless steel appliances, and abundant counter and cabinet space. The primary suite is a private retreat with a fireplace, patio access, and ensuite bath. Outside, a deep, shaded south-facing rear patio opens to mature desert vegetation, vast views, and plenty of room to add a pool, shop, etc. The rooftop deck provides a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. The property features views of the McDowells, Four Peaks, and Weaver's Needle, along with beautiful Arizona sunrises and sunsets. With NO HOA, cooler temperatures than in town, star-filled skies, abundant wildlife, and incredible access to the outdoors, this property captures the best of Arizona desert living. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is just several minutes away, with the Fraesfield and Granite Mountain trailheads offering hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nearby Tonto National Forest provides access to off-road recreation and Arizona's wide-open desert. With exceptional outdoor living and convenient access to North Scottsdale amenities, this property has it all!

13811 E Casey Lane, Scottsdale

$389,900
3 Beds 2 Baths 7079402 MLS 1,464 SqFt.
A Diamond in the Desert. Some homes just feel good the minute you walk in. This is one of them. Warm, welcoming and thoughtfully updated, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom turn-key home has finishes that feel anything but builder-basic. Nearly everything is already done, no need for weekends spent updating or remodeling. The kitchen has surprising features in this price range, like abundant specialized cabinetry, an oversized peninsula, imported tile backsplash, rustic open shelving and copper accents that provide an inviting atmosphere for everything from Tuesday-night dinner to a house full of friends. Still, the primary suite is where this home's warm personality really glows. A spacious bedroom leads to a beautifully updated bathroom featuring a dramatic dual-sink vanity, separate soaking tub, walk-in shower, toilet room and walk-in closet. Likewise, the guest bath is fresh and dramatic with its spacious vanity, grid-style shower doors and mosaic tile shower floor and niches. Throughout the home, wood-look ceramic flooring, craftsman-style door and window casing, extra closets and storage cabinets, updated lighting and thoughtful details add warmth and personality. Even the laundry room got some love! French doors lead to a low-maintenance backyard and covered patio ready for morning coffee, grilling or an Arizona evening outside. Add a 2-car garage, low HOA fees, and easy access to US60 and this little Diamond in the Desert is a gem you don't want to miss.

1231 W Diamond Avenue, Apache Junction

$560,000
3 Beds 4 Baths 7079371 MLS 2,507 SqFt.
Welcome to your Exclusive Luxury Gated Community! As you enter the large wooden doors you are greeted with a beautiful vaulted entry way with a large chandelier and beautiful great stone flooring. On the 1st floor you will find a powder room, along with the large living room, gas fireplace, and plantation shutters throughout. This opens into a dining area, a fantastic kitchen with all modern appliances, as well as a large laundry room. Going up the staircase you will find the split floor plan and upgraded carpet. The large master bedroom has a patio, split master bathroom with a walk in shower, full tub, along with cabinet space and a walk in closet on one side. Down the hall on the opposite side, you will find two great sized bedrooms each with full sized bathrooms and walk in clos Welcome to your Exclusive Luxury Gated Community! As you enter the large wooden doors you are greeted with a beautiful vaulted entry way with a large chandelier and beautiful great stone flooring. On the 1st floor you will find a powder room, along with the large living room, gas fireplace, and plantation shutters throughout. This opens into a dining area, a fantastic kitchen with all modern appliances, as well as a large laundry room. Going up the staircase you will find the split floor plan and upgraded carpet. The large master bedroom has a patio, split master bathroom with a walk in shower, full tub, along with cabinet space and a walk in closet on one side. Down the hall on the opposite side, you will find two great sized bedrooms each with full sized bathrooms and walk in closets. The location has many activities around including easy freeway access, shopping at the Biltmore Fashion park only 3 miles away, and outdoor adventures at Steele Indian School park being only 2 miles away. Don't miss this amazing property and come take a look!

111 W Missouri Avenue Unit H, Phoenix

$1,649,000
4 Beds 4 Baths 7079322 MLS 2,897 SqFt.
There are homes with beautiful views... and then there are homes where the view becomes part of the way you live. Set along the 18th hole of Seville Golf & Country Club, this exceptional single-story estate captures sweeping views of the San Tan Mountains, while thoughtfully designed custom fencing creates a remarkable sense of privacy. Outside, the home unfolds into a true private resort. A custom PebbleTec pool features a dedicated lap lane and ozone cleaning system, surrounded by beautiful landscaping and blue-ribbon rose bushes throughout the front and backyard. Raised fruit-tree gardens line both sides of the property, adding another unexpected touch to this incredible setting. The outdoor living spaces were designed to be enjoyed year-round, with an expansive covered patio, built-in barbecue, firepit and hot tub. Electric roll-down privacy screens allow the patio to transform at the touch of a button, creating an intimate extension of the home while still preserving those spectacular golf course and mountain views. Inside, every detail feels intentional. The kitchen anchors the main living space with an oversized center island and top-of-the-line commercial-grade appliances, while custom built-ins throughout the home add both beauty and function. The primary suite is its own private retreat, with separate his-and-hers walk-in closets and two massive collapsing walls of glass that open directly to the resort-style backyard. The primary bath continues the experience with an oversized walk-in shower, while a completely step-free design throughout the home creates effortless single-level living. And then there's the floorplan. Designed to accommodate the way families live today, a unique Next Gen living space creates an entirely separate experience for extended family, adult children or long-term guests, with additional bedrooms, its own living room and a private entrance. And every bedroom in the home is en suite, giving everyone their own private space. Even the garage was thoughtfully finished, with immaculate interiors, extensive built-in cabinetry, a three-car configuration and the rare advantage of two separate driveways, an unusual feature within this community. But perhaps what makes this property most special is everything that surrounds it. Legacy at Seville is one of Seville's most sought-after gated neighborhoods. Arriving home means passing the lake and Seville's iconic island 17th hole before entering this private enclave. Residents of Legacy also enjoy private pedestrian and golf-cart gate access directly to the amenities of Seville Golf & Country Club, putting the country-club lifestyle just moments from the front door. Golf. Dining. Fitness. Pools. Racquet sports. Social events. And a community that has become one of Gilbert's most distinctive places to call home. This isn't simply a beautiful home overlooking the 18th hole. It's single-story luxury, multigenerational living, privacy, mountain views and the Seville country-club lifestyle, all coming together in one extraordinary property.

6684 S San Pablo Avenue, Gilbert

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