What Is the Average Time to Sell a House in Phoenix?

What factors influence the home selling timeline?

When it comes to selling a house, several factors can impact how quickly it sells. These range from the home’s specific attributes to broader market trends and the pricing strategy you employ.

“Pools, large yards, open or gourmet kitchens, and highly rated schools are common factors that determine the speed at which a home sells,” says Bourland. These features appeal to a broad range of buyers and could help your home stand out in a competitive market.

Bourland also highlights some factors that may slow down the sale process. “Abutting a busy street, near a factory/farm/airport/etc., small bedrooms, and small lots all tend to be less desirable to the general buyer and will increase the time on market,” he explains.

What will help my Phoenix house sell faster?

To maximize the chances of a fast home sale, you’ll want to highlight the most appealing features of your property and align your selling strategy with the preferences of Phoenix-area buyers. Here’s a list of tips to help your Phoenix house sell faster:

• Emphasize desirable features: If your home has desirable features that Phoenix buyers often seek— such as a pool, a large yard, an open kitchen, or proximity to highly-rated schools — make sure these are highlighted in your listing.
• Mitigate potential negatives: If your home has small bedrooms or sits next to a busy street, consider strategies to mitigate these less desirable features. For instance, you could use creative staging to make smaller rooms appear larger, or invest in window upgrades to minimize traffic noise.
• Utilize home staging: A well-staged home can help potential buyers visualize living in the space and can often lead to quicker sales and higher selling prices.
• Price it right: An overpriced home can sit on the market longer, so ensure your home is priced competitively based on recent sales of comparable homes in your area. Your agent can provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA).
• Highlight unique features: Bourland shares an anecdote about a small, 1,100-square-foot home he recently sold for the highest price in its neighborhood. “The reason? A detached studio [apartment] in the back,” he says. “The larger corner lot and no homeowners association restrictions certainly played a part, but in this area, a studio apartment can be rented out to offset the slight increase in cost.” If your property has unique features like an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or an oversized lot, be sure to highlight these in your listing.
• Consider energy efficiency upgrades: In Phoenix’s hot climate, homes with energy-efficient features can be especially appealing to buyers. These might include solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or high-efficiency HVAC systems.

Remember, what works best for your home sale will depend on your particular property and circumstances. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can be a big help in formulating an effective selling strategy.

How should I prepare my Phoenix house to sell?

Preparing your house for sale is crucial to attracting buyers and achieving a fast, profitable sale. Here’s a list of preparation tips when selling your Phoenix home:

• Deep clean: A clean house gives buyers a positive first impression and signals that the home has been well-maintained.
• Declutter: Free up space to make your home appear larger and allow buyers to envision their own belongings in the house.
• Fresh paint: A fresh coat of paint can make a home feel new and inviting. Choose neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
• Address Repairs: Fix any minor issues like leaky faucets or chipped paint to prevent giving buyers an excuse to negotiate the price down.
• Curb appeal: Improve the exterior of your home with well-maintained landscaping, freshly painted doors, or new outdoor lighting to attract more buyers.
• Stage the home: Home staging can help buyers visualize living in the house. This can include arranging furniture or adding decor to enhance the home’s appeal.
• Tidy up outdoor living spaces: In the Phoenix area, outdoor living spaces like patios and pools are highly desirable. Make sure these areas are clean, inviting, and well-lit for evening viewings.
• Air conditioning maintenance: Ensure your AC unit is serviced and working optimally, as buyers will likely check this in Phoenix’s high temperatures.

Remember, each house will have unique preparation needs. A local real estate agent can provide tailored advice for your property.

How can I decide when to sell my Phoenix house?

Deciding when to sell your house can be a complex process that involves taking into account a variety of factors. These might include personal circumstances, market trends, and the specific attributes of your home. Here are some steps to help you make this important decision:

1. Evaluate your personal and financial situation: Consider why you’re selling and whether now is the right time based on your personal and financial circumstances. Do you need to relocate for a job? Are you looking to downsize or upsize? Do you need the funds from the sale for another investment? Your answers to these questions can provide valuable guidance.
2. Understand the market: Research the current real estate market conditions in Phoenix. Are homes selling quickly? Are prices rising or falling? A local real estate agent can provide insights into these trends and help you understand what they might mean for your sale.
3. Consider seasonality: As we’ve discussed earlier, home sales in Phoenix tend to be seasonal, with higher sales volumes in April, May, and June. Consult with a top local agent about the best time to sell in your Arizona community.
4. Analyze your home’s readiness: Consider the condition of your house. If it needs significant repairs or updates, it might be worth delaying the sale until these tasks are complete.
5. Use available tools: Utilize tools like HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator, Home Value Estimator, and Net Proceeds Calculator to get personalized estimates to help plan your home sale.
6. Consult a professional: A top local real estate agent can offer invaluable advice tailored to your specific home and situation. They’ll be able to provide insights into local market conditions, help you understand how your home compares to others on the market, and guide you through the selling process.

By considering these factors and seeking professional advice, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about when to sell your Phoenix home.

How can I sell my Phoenix home fast for cash?

There may be circumstances where you need to sell your Phoenix home quickly and are willing to accept a cash offer to expedite the process. While a cash offer will typically mean accepting a discounted purchase price, the speed and convenience may be the solution you need if you are relocating for a job, dealing with financial difficulties, or managing an inherited property that you can’t maintain.

While you could reach out to individual house-buying companies or look for “We Buy Houses” websites, there’s an easier and more efficient way to sell your house for cash — through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform.

Simple Sale connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the U.S., streamlining your home sale process and letting you control your move-out date. By answering a few questions about your home and selling plans, you can receive an all-cash offer with no obligation in as little as a week. This means you could close on your Phoenix home sale in as few as 10 days.

Ready to sell your Phoenix home?

Selling your Phoenix house can be a significant undertaking, but knowing the average time it takes to sell and the factors that can speed up the process can give you a competitive edge. By preparing your house effectively, pricing it right, and timing your sale, you can optimize the selling process and potentially achieve a faster sale and a better price.

If you’re considering selling your house in Phoenix, it’s a good idea to get expert advice tailored to your specific situation. HomeLight can connect you with top-performing local agents who have a track record of selling homes quickly and for the best price. These agents can provide valuable insights into the Phoenix market and guide you through each step of the selling process.

Header Image Source: (Colin Lloyd / Unsplash)