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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.

$750,000
3 Beds 2 Baths 7070448 MLS 1,288 SqFt.
Opportunity meets charm in the heart of Arcadia Lite! This inviting property offers the best of both worlds: enjoy the character and flexibility of the existing home today, or take advantage of the exciting redevelopment potential in an area where stunning new construction continues to transform the neighborhood. The main residence features 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, concrete floors, an updated kitchen with granite countertops, and a beautiful new coffee bar that adds both function and style. Plus loads of storage space for a home of this size! A separate 1-bedroom, 1-bath casita with charming pitched ceilings and an oversized walk-in closet that creates incredible versatility as a private primary suite, guest retreat, home office or potential income-producing space. Outside, the backyard is made for Arizona living, with beautiful mature landscaping and a large, covered patio complete with sunshades is perfect for alfresco dining, entertaining or relaxing outdoors. An RV gate and one-car carport add even more convenience. And then there is the location! Situated in highly desirable 85018, just off the 32nd Street corridor, this home is surrounded by some of the Valley's favorite restaurants, coffee shops, shopping and neighborhood gathering spots, with easy access to the Biltmore, Arcadia, Old Town Scottsdale, the Camelback Corridor and Phoenix Sky Harbor. Whether you're looking for a charming home with a detached casita, an investment opportunity, a property with multiple living options, or a homesite for your future dream home, this beautiful home offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the neighborhood now while investing in its future.

4446 N 33rd Place, Phoenix

$384,500
2 Beds 2 Baths 7070404 MLS 1,025 SqFt.
Location is everything, and this residence puts you in the middle of one of Phoenix's most desirable lifestyles. Set in the heart of Arcadia Lite, you're just minutes from the Biltmore's premier shopping, sought-after restaurants, coffee shops, and the walkable dining scene that makes this area so popular. Tucked quietly toward the center of the community, this two-bedroom, two-bath condo offers a peaceful setting while being just steps from the resort-style amenities. The living room features a cozy fireplace, while the kitchen combines functionality and style with stainless steel appliances, generous cabinetry, and an additional pantry for plenty of storage. The primary bedroom offers a comfortable private retreat with its own ensuite bathroom, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. A private patio provides an additional spot to enjoy the outdoors. But the lifestyle is what truly sets this home apart. Residents have access to a sparkling pool and spa, clubhouse, and an impressive wine room complete with your own personal wine vault--a unique amenity that adds an unexpected touch of luxury. A one-car garage is conveniently located right by the pool, while the HOA takes care of the roof, grounds, trash, gated community features, and common-area maintenance, making ownership wonderfully convenient. With its central position, distinctive amenities, private wine storage, and proximity to the best of Arcadia Lite and the Biltmore, this is an opportunity to enjoy a vibrant Phoenix lifestyle with the ease of low-maintenance living.

4848 N 36th Street Unit 130, Phoenix

$824,999
3 Beds 2 Baths 7070359 MLS 2,152 SqFt.
3846 E Keresan St - Luxury MLS Listing Description TURNKEY • EXTENSIVELY UPDATED • PRIVATE RESORT-STYLE LIVING Welcome to 3846 E Keresan St, beautifully refreshed single-level residence offering the perfect combination of comfort, style, and Arizona resort living. Thoughtfully updated throughout, this exceptional 3-bedroom, 2-bath, .26 acre lot home offers extensive improvements, elevated finishes, and an incredible indoor-outdoor lifestyle. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the home's fresh, well-maintained presentation. The roof was resealed in 2025, the south perimeter wall was replaced, and the exterior walls were freshly stuccoed and painted. The oversized 3-car garage features **new garage doors, an electronic keypad, and a professionally epoxied floor**. Inside, the home has been extensively refreshed with **fresh interior paint, new Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, new LED/can lighting throughout, new faucets, toilets, exhaust fans, and a new state of the art thermostat and doorbell**. The air ducts have been professionally cleaned and the floors steam cleaned, creating a fresh, clean, move-in-ready environment. The heart of the home is the beautifully appointed kitchen, featuring custom cabinetry, granite countertops, gas cooking, double ovens, generous storage, and an expanded pantry. **Wine enthusiasts and entertainers will love the conditioned walk-in wine cellar**, offering a dedicated climate-controlled space to store and showcase your collection while keeping it conveniently accessible for entertaining. The spacious primary suite provides a peaceful retreat with a beautifully updated bath, walk-in closet, and convenient access to the backyard and pool. Multiple living spaces and fireplaces provide flexibility for both everyday living and entertaining. Step outside and discover your own **private Arizona oasis**. The sparkling diving pool has been thoughtfully upgraded with a **new pool filter, resealed waterfall, automated water-leveling system, grounded electrical system, and new lighting**. The pool deck has also been refreshed, creating the perfect setting for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying Arizona's year-round sunshine. The extensive list of improvements continues with a **new 50-gallon water heater installed in 2025, new water softener, reverse osmosis system, R-49 attic insulation, new garage doors, epoxy garage flooring, updated plumbing fixtures, electrical improvements, and much more**. With **more than $85,000 in documented recent improvements**, this home offers the rare opportunity to enjoy a beautifully updated property without the expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty of taking on major projects yourself. Located in desirable **Ahwatukee**, this home offers convenient access to shopping, dining, parks, hiking, recreation, major freeways, and the beautiful South Mountain landscape. **Beautifully updated. Exceptionally maintained. Designed for entertaining. Ready to enjoy.** **3846 E Keresan St -- where luxury, comfort, and the Arizona lifestyle come together.**

3846 E Keresan Street, Phoenix

$348,000
1 Beds 2 Baths 7070331 MLS 1,103 SqFt.
Welcome to easy living in Villa Monterey / Seville Park, a sought-after 55+ community in the heart of Scottsdale. This one bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home offers a surprisingly huge main living area and an ample-sized primary suite, ideal for comfortable everyday living or entertaining. Recent upgrades include newer dual-pane windows, a new sliding door, updated AC, and roof coating, giving you peace of mind for years to come. Owner-occupancy is required per HOA guidelines. Enjoy an unbeatable location just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square, grocery stores, Spring Training facilities, some of the best dining around, professional sports arenas, golf, hospitals, and museums. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own in one of Scottsdale's most convenient 55+ communities! Tucked into the established Villa Monterey / Seville Park community, this one bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home is a rare find for buyers 55 and better who want a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle without giving up space. The main living area is unusually generous for the floor plan, giving you room to entertain, relax, or spread out, while the primary suite is sized to feel like a true retreat rather than an afterthought. Recent updates -- newer dual-pane windows, a new sliding door, updated AC, and a fresh roof coating -- mean the big-ticket items are already handled, so the next owner can move in and simply enjoy the home. Per HOA guidelines, the property must be owner-occupied. Villa Monterey / Seville Park is one of Scottsdale's classic 55+ communities, prized for its central, walkable location as much as its single-level patio-home charm. The neighborhood sits along the Chaparral Road corridor, putting Old Town Scottsdale's galleries, nightlife, and farmers market just minutes away, along with Scottsdale Fashion Square for upscale shopping. Scottsdale's scenic canal system runs right past Fashion Square, lined with its own shops and restaurants, and ties into the city's extensive network of paved bike paths and trails for residents who'd rather walk or ride than drive. Everyday grocery stores are close by as well, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is roughly 10 miles away -- about a 15 to 20 minute drive, handy for residents who travel often or host visiting family. Easy access to Loop 101 also makes it simple to get around the Valley of the Sun without fighting downtown traffic. For recreation, Chaparral Park is essentially right in the neighborhood, with baseball and soccer fields, fishing at Chaparral Lake, a dog park, and the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden. Golfers have some of the Valley's best courses nearby, and fitness-minded buyers will find LifeTime Fitness and several other gyms within easy reach. Sports and entertainment options extend to Cactus League Spring Training facilities, professional sports arenas, and Talking Stick Resort & Arena and Casino Arizona, a short drive away via Loop 101. Car enthusiasts will appreciate being in the same city that hosts the world-famous Scottsdale collector car auctions each January, including Barrett-Jackson at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Lifelong learners have Arizona State University and Scottsdale Community College nearby. When it's time for a night out, this pocket of Scottsdale delivers some of the best dining in the Valley, and museums and cultural attractions round out the lifestyle. Nearby hospitals add everyday peace of mind. For active adults looking for a Scottsdale home that combines an unbeatable 85250 location, a genuinely spacious layout, and recent upgrades already in place, 7804 E Plaza Avenue in Villa Monterey / Seville Park is worth a serious look.

7804 E Plaza Avenue, Scottsdale

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