Thinking of finally putting your house on the market? Selling a home can be an exciting yet daunting process, especially in a unique market like Tucson, AZ. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get your house ready for sale, along with some of our best insights to make your property stand out.
Table of Contents:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE THE TUCSON, AZ MARKET
As of June 2024, homes sold for about 2.07% below the asking price on average, which means buyers are negotiating a bit off the top. The median listing price for homes was $379,000, reflecting a small decline of 2.1% compared to last year. When breaking it down by square footage, the median listing price was $233 per square foot, and the median price at which homes actually sold was $334,000.
One notable point is how long homes are staying on the market. On average, a home in Tucson spends about 39 days on the market before being sold. This trend hasn’t changed much from May 2024, the previous month, though it’s a slight increase from 2023, indicating homes are taking a bit longer to sell.
Whatever the market conditions, you can still achieve a successful sale with the right support and strategy. Working with a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent is one way to significantly improve your chances of selling your home quickly and at a good price.
PREPARATION STAGE: GETTING YOUR HOUSE READY FOR SALE
As a seller, the first question you have probably sounds like this: “How can I sell my house fast in Tucson?”
To answer that, you’ll need to focus on key steps that can make your home more attractive to buyers. The preparation stage involves some of the most important aspects of the selling process, such as inspections, repairs, renovations, and improvements that can boost your property’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
In other words, being prepared increases your chances of finding interested buyers, thus allowing you to sell your home within your desired timeframe and possibly for top dollar. But where do you begin?
Let’s dive into it.
Think like a buyer
Research is crucial when selling your home, and it starts with thinking like a buyer. The best part is that you don’t need to pull up any surveys or hire a professional; you just need to consider what you would look for in a property. You’d likely want the HVAC system to work properly, a functional kitchen, ample storage space, and well-maintained exteriors.
Next, walk through your property as if you were a prospective buyer. Are there any issues that stand out? Perhaps your home needs a fresh coat of paint, or the yard needs trimming. By inspecting your home with fresh eyes, you can identify areas that need improvement and create a solid plan of action.
Hire the right real estate agent
Enlisting the help of a real estate agent during the preparation process can help you determine which repairs are necessary, how to stage your home for your target market, and the correct strategies for selling your home within your desired timeframe. On top of that, a seller’s agent has a network of home stagers, photographers, and marketers so you won’t have to look for them yourself.
Inspect your home and make essential repairs
Addressing the necessary repairs and considering strategic renovations can add value to your home. Start by:
- Upgrading key areas. Focus on high-impact areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Simple upgrades like new countertops, modern fixtures, and updated cabinetry can make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive your home’s value.
- Enhancing curb appeal. The first impression your home makes is crucial, so invest in landscaping, fresh paint for the exterior, and repairing or replacing the front door. A well-maintained exterior invites buyers to see the rest of the property.
- Addressing deferred maintenance. Take care of routine maintenance tasks that may have been neglected, such as servicing the HVAC system, cleaning gutters, and ensuring all windows and doors open and close smoothly.
STAGING TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME APPEALING TO TUCSON BUYERS
Data has proven that staging a home can significantly boost buyer interest. According to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Profile of Home Staging report, 81% of buyer agents reported that a staged home allowed their clients to envision themselves living in the property.
And it’s true – a home that’s staged effectively can help create an emotional connection with potential buyers, making it easier for them to see your property as their future abode.
There’s plenty of advice out there on how to stage your home. Here are the key things you’ll need to focus on:
#1 – Declutter and depersonalize
Staging your home is all about having the buyer in mind, which means removing any personal items. For example, instead of a gallery wall filled with family photos, opt for tasteful artwork or mirrors. Clear the refrigerator door of children’s drawings and magnets, leaving just a stylish calendar. Declutter bookshelves, leaving space between books and decorative objects.
These changes help depersonalize the space, allowing buyers to envision themselves living there. A neutral environment also appeals to a wider range of tastes and makes rooms appear larger and more inviting.
#2 – Highlight unique features
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to mean stripping it of all its personality. Tucson homes often have unique architectural elements or beautiful desert views. Make sure these features are prominently showcased by arranging furniture and decor to draw attention to them.
#3 – Use neutral colors
If you want to take it a step further, a fresh coat of paint in neutral tones can make your home feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. This also provides a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their style in the space.
#4 – Enhance lighting
Ensure your home is well-lit by using a combination of natural light, overhead fixtures, and lamps. Proper lighting can make spaces appear more open and welcoming. To enhance brightness, start with a simple wipe-down of existing light bulbs to remove any dust. Consider replacing older bulbs with new ones, especially in key areas like the kitchen and living room, to maximize illumination.
A little creativity with lighting can freshen up your space. Consider adding accent lights like table lamps, floor lamps, and even under-counter lighting. Task lights such as desktop and reading lamps can be great for adding functionality to your home. Potential buyers will appreciate the thought put into it.
#5 – Create inviting outdoor spaces
Tucson’s climate encourages outdoor living, so stage patios, balconies, and backyards with comfortable seating and attractive decor to highlight the potential for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
#6 – Boost your property’s curb appeal
How do you get a potential buyer’s attention? Enhance the outside of your home. A beautiful exterior can turn the heads of passers-by. On top of that, a well-maintained outside often signals to a person that a home is clean, orderly, and inviting.
Boosting your property’s curb appeal can be anything from minor improvements like deep-cleaning the front porch and giving your yard a good sweep, to bigger projects like giving your door a fresh paint job. Another great tip is to add simple, colorful plants on your doorstep. Bonus points if they’re drought-resistant, since potential buyers won’t find them as intimidating to maintain.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Once you’re done preparing, deep cleaning, and staging your home, you can step back a little because the next step – photography and marketing – typically requires the help of a professional.
High-quality photos are crucial in today’s digital real estate market, as they are often the first impression potential buyers have of your home. Going back to NAR’s Home Staging report, 77% of surveyed buyers’ agents stated that having photos on a listing was important to their clients, and 74% said the same of videos.
Hire a professional photographer
Investing in a professional photographer who specializes in real estate can make a world of difference when it comes to presenting your home. These photographers have the experience and technical know-how to highlight your home’s best features, using techniques that might be beyond the reach of amateur photographers. For instance, they know how to work with natural light, frame each shot to emphasize space, and use professional-grade equipment to capture sharp, detailed images.
Pay attention to details
Ensure your home is spotless, well-lit, and staged to perfection before the photographer arrives. Small details, like fresh flowers or a neatly set dining table, can enhance photos.
Go beyond images
While high-quality photos are essential, consider taking it a step further by offering virtual tours or 360-degree images of your home. This technology allows potential buyers to explore your home online in a more immersive way, providing a sense of the layout and flow that photos alone cannot convey.
As an added bonus, virtual tours can be particularly appealing to out-of-town buyers or those who prefer to narrow down their choices before scheduling in-person visits.
SETTING THE RIGHT PRICE
If you’ve ever sold a home before, or talked to anyone who has, you’ll know that pricing a home is usually one of the most challenging aspects of the sale. Price too high and you might scare away potential buyers, but price too low and you’re giving yourself the short end of the stick. The question is how to find the sweet spot. Here are some tried and tested strategies to help you set the right price:
Conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA)
First and foremost, do your homework on the value of your home. Start by researching the local housing market through resources like Realtor.com. Go over recently sold homes that are similar to yours in size, features, and location, commonly referred to as “comps.”
While you can do your own research, it’s usually best to consult a local Realtor. They have access to more comprehensive data and expertise in making accurate adjustments. A good Realtor will meticulously gather data on comps, considering:
- Location
- Sale price and date of sale (More recent sales are more relevant)
- Size (Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms)
- Age and condition (Is your home newer or older than the comp? Better or worse condition?)
- Features and upgrades (Does the comp have a pool, renovated kitchen, or other upgrades?)
- Lot size (Is the lot larger or smaller than yours?)
Get a professional appraisal
An appraisal provides an objective estimate of your home’s value, based on various factors such as location, condition, and recent sales of comparable properties. This can be a valuable tool in setting a realistic price.
Be flexible with pricing adjustments
Even with the best preparation, the market can sometimes surprise you. If your home isn’t attracting offers or if market conditions change, it’s essential to be flexible with your asking price.
For example, if your home has been on the market for several weeks with little interest, it might be time to adjust the price. A price reduction can renew interest from buyers who might have previously overlooked your listing. Additionally, being open to adjusting your price shows buyers that you are motivated to sell, which can help you stay competitive in a fluctuating market. Consult your Realtor on the best way to go about this in order to mitigate the negative perception a price drop may have on your property.
WHY HIRE A REALTOR TO SELL YOUR HOME
By now, you’re probably well aware that selling your home takes time, resources, and most of all, expertise. This is where hiring an experienced real estate professional comes in handy.
Real estate agents are professional marketers
One of the many advantages of working with a Realtor is their nuanced knowledge of local market dynamics. They know the ins and outs of Tucson’s real estate trends, including which neighborhoods are hot, what the going prices are, and how to price your home competitively. Instead of guessing what your home might be worth, a Realtor can provide you with accurate, up-to-date information to help you set a realistic price that attracts buyers and gets your home sold quickly.
Real estate agents are well-connected
Realtors come with a network of professionals that can be incredibly helpful when selling your home. Need a contractor for some last-minute repairs? Your agent probably knows a reliable one. Looking for a photographer to take stunning pictures of your home? Your agent can recommend someone who specializes in real estate photography. This network extends to other brokers, home inspectors, and staging professionals, all of whom can contribute to a smoother, more efficient selling process.
A good Realtor will save you time and stress
Let’s face it, selling a home can be time-consuming and stressful. There are showings to schedule, open houses to host, and endless inquiries to manage. A Realtor takes on many of these tasks, freeing up your time and reducing your stress. They coordinate everything, from staging and photography to negotiations and closing. Their experience and efficiency can also help you sell your home faster, so you can move on to the next chapter of your life sooner.
SELL YOUR TUCSON, AZ HOME WITH SIGNATURE GROUP
Ready to sell your home in Tucson, AZ? Work with Signature Group, a team of seasoned agents specializing in Southern Arizona real estate. With a decade of industry experience, Signature Group can help you list, market, and sell your home for top dollar, utilizing fresh strategies to help you achieve your real estate goals.
Arrange a private real estate consultation with Signature Group today! Get in touch with us at 520.333.6864, or send an email here.