Home Values in Scottsdale: Market Trends and Tips

How to get a home value estimate

Need to figure out your home’s value? Several online tools can provide estimates to help you calculate potential net proceeds or set a competitive list price.

Use an online home value estimator

Using an online home value estimator is a quick way to get a ballpark figure for your home’s value. These estimators pull data from public records, MLS listings, and user-submitted information. HomeLight’s home value estimator takes things a step further by asking specific questions about your home, generating a more accurate estimate in just a few of minutes.

Request a comparative market analysis

Another effective method is to request a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local real estate agent. A CMA compares your property to similar homes recently sold in your area, considering factors like size, age, and location.

The report includes detailed information, such as charts and photos, giving you a comprehensive view of your home’s worth. Many agents will offer a CMA for free as an incentive for you to list your home with them, although others may charge a small, flat fee.

Get a pre-listing appraisal

For a more precise home valuation, consider getting a pre-listing appraisal. This is especially useful for homes with unique features or those in rural areas. A professional appraisal provides an accurate estimate that reflects your home’s true market value.

The cost of a pre-listing appraisal typically ranges from $450 to $550, with higher fees for complex properties. Note that even with a pre-listing appraisal, the buyer’s lender will still require their own appraisal to determine the loan amount.

How to increase the value of your Scottsdale home

To maximize your Scottsdale home’s value, consider these effective strategies.

Curb appeal: Improving curb appeal is a must, with 92% of realtors recommending it before listing. Simple projects like power washing the exterior, mowing the lawn, adding fresh mulch, painting the front door, and installing outdoor lighting can make your home more attractive to buyers and create a memorable first impression.

Strategic updates: Focus on impactful home improvements like updating flooring, painting walls, and modernizing kitchen and bathroom fixtures. According to Zonda’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing garage doors recouped 103% of the costs, making it one of the most worthwhile investments. Updating lighting, hardware, and appliances can also significantly boost your home’s appeal

Necessary fixes: Address essential repairs before listing. Fixing issues with your roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC can help you avoid negative inspection results. Making sure everything is in working order reassures buyers and can prevent last-minute renegotiations.

Decluttering and depersonalizing: Decluttering and depersonalizing your home helps buyers envision themselves living there. A HomeLight survey found this could increase your sale price by $8,000 or more. Remove personal items like family photos and religious items, as well as excess furniture, to make spaces appear larger and more inviting.

Deep cleaning: A thorough deep cleaning can enhance your home’s appeal and increase its market value. Another HomeLight survey revealed that deep cleaning can increase your home’s value by an average of $3,700. Focus on cleaning carpets, grout, windows, and less obvious areas like vents and baseboards.

Home staging: Professional home staging showcases your home’s best features and helps buyers imagine themselves living there. Staged homes can sell for up to 13% more, according to HomeLight’s insights. Staging can include rearranging furniture, adding decor, and ensuring each room has a clear purpose.

Unlock Your Equity and Buy Before You Sell

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

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How to buy before you sell in Scottsdale

For Scottsdale homeowners looking to buy a new property without the stress of selling their current one first, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) program offers a smart solution.

BBYS allows you to unlock a portion of your home’s equity quickly so you can make a competitive, non-contingent offer on a new home. This program lets you buy your new home first and sell your current one while it’s empty, simplifying the moving process and avoiding the hassle of living through showings and open houses. The equity from your home can be unlocked within 24 hours, with no upfront fees or commitment required.

HomeLight charges a straightforward fee of 2.4% of the selling price of your current home. If your home does not sell within 90 days of closing on your new property, HomeLight will purchase it and continue to market it for sale. After covering any expenses, HomeLight will pass on the remaining proceeds to you.

Click on the video below to learn more about HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program:

How to find a top agent in Scottsdale

Choosing a real estate agent with a strong track record is essential for maximizing your home’s selling price. Using HomeLight’s agent matching service is a great way to find top candidates. This free service connects you with up to three top agents in your area in less than two minutes, with results based on an agent’s past sales, local expertise, and specialties.

An important metric to consider is the agent’s sale-to-list ratio, which compares a home’s final sale price to its original listing price. A high sale-to-list ratio indicates that the agent prices homes accurately and sells them close to or above the asking price, helping you get the best value.

Before settling on an agent, make sure to interview at least three candidates. During these interviews, ask specific questions to evaluate their competence and fit for your needs. Some key questions include:

By leveraging HomeLight’s agent match tool and asking the right questions, you can find a local expert who will help you achieve the best results for your home sale.

Get a free preliminary home estimate today

Knowing your home’s value is essential for making well-informed financial decisions, whether you’re planning to sell soon or considering a home equity loan. Using HomeLight’s free home value estimator, you can get an initial estimate of your Scottsdale home’s worth in less than two minutes.

HomeLight can also connect you with top agents who specialize in selling homes for the highest price or assist you in leveraging your equity to buy a new house before selling your current one. Staying on top of Scottsdale market trends and leveraging HomeLight’s tools will help you maximize your home’s value efficiently.

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