How to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Arizona Edition | Statewide Seller Best Practices

The Complete Guide to Selling Faster and for More Money

1,329

Total Homes Sold

267

Five-Star Reviews | 5.0

23+

Years in Real Estate

We build a complete marketing campaign around your home so the right buyers compete for your property from Day One.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com

James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC | Licensed Since 2002

What We Cover Together

01

Arizona Disclosures & Legal Prep

02

Pricing Strategy for Your Arizona Market

03

Pre-Listing Inspection & Repairs

04

Deep Cleaning & Decluttering

05

Arizona Curb Appeal

06

Staging for Today's Buyers

07

Professional Media & Zillow Showcase

08

The Coming Soon Advantage

09

Showings, Open Houses & Negotiation

10

Contract Through Closing

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

Why Choose the James Sanson Team

23+ Years Serving the Real Estate Market, Since 2002

1,329 Total Homes Sold, Verified on Zillow

267 Five-Star Reviews with a Perfect 5.0 Rating

Zillow Showcase Exclusive Partner

Full-Service Team: Dedicated Listing Specialists

Military PCS, Relocation, and Local Seller Specialists

$359K

Avg Sale

29

Last 12 Mo.

$845K

Top Sale

5.0★

Zillow

ZILLOW SHOWCASE: YOUR EXCLUSIVE ADVANTAGE

75%

More Saves, Shares & Views

10%

More Likely Pending in 14 Days

2%

Higher Final Sale Price

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

The Real Broker Advantage

When you list with us, you get 23+ years of Real Estate expertise backed by one of the most powerful brokerage platforms in North America.

#1

Fastest Growing Brokerage in North America

50k+

Annual Transactions Represented Nationwide

17k+

Agents in the Collaborative Network

REAX

Award-Winning Technology Platform

Technology Built for Results

• REAX: award-winning platform built for real estate professionals
• AI-powered buyer targeting identifies motivated buyers before they search
• Real-time transaction tracking keeps every step accountable
• Nasdaq-listed company: financial stability and continuous tech investment

Network That Amplifies Your Reach

• 17,000+ agents collaborate to match buyers with listings across North America
• Agent-to-agent marketing reaches buyer agents before your home goes public
• Broker network showcases and events expose your home to qualified professionals
• National reach of a top brokerage combined with 23 years of local relationships

Experience + Technology + Network. Most agents bring one. We bring all three.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

02. Pricing Strategy for Your Arizona Market

We treat the list price as an invitation, not a ceiling. Price too high and buyers do not come. The right price creates competition, and competition drives your final number up.

ACTIVE

• Current competition buyers compare to
• Seasonal inventory levels
• Price per sq. ft. analysis

PENDING

• Days on market before offer accepted
• Active-to-pending velocity ratio
• Market absorption rate

SOLD

• Sales price to list price ratio
• Price per sq. ft. of closed sales
• Seasonal adjustment factors

Three Pricing Strategies: You Make the Final Call

Strategy

Best When

Typical Outcome

Event Pricing

Price slightly below market

Inventory is low, multiple offers are likely, or speed matters most

Buyer activity surges; final price frequently exceeds aspirational pricing

Perceived Market Value

Price at or near best comps

Market is balanced and comparable data is strong

Home moves at a predictable pace; negotiations stay near list price

Aspirational Pricing

Price above current comps

Home has unique features or seller timeline is flexible

Requires patient marketing and a clear buyer narrative

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

08. The Coming Soon Advantage

Most agents list your home and hope. We spend 30 days before your home ever hits the MLS building buyer demand, gathering real market feedback, and engineering a launch that creates competition from Day One.

01 30-Day Coming Soon Campaign

• Coming Soon activated in MLS and Zillow immediately
• Social media teaser campaign to target buyers
• Email alert sent to our full active buyer database
• Neighbor outreach: postcards and door-knocking
• Broker network notified: agent-to-agent marketing begins
• Weekly traffic reports during the pre-market period

02 Neighbor-Only Open House

• Private preview event exclusively for the neighborhood
• Neighbors are your most motivated referral source
• Real-time feedback on pricing and perceived value
• Creates local buzz that spreads to buyers organically
• Surfaces buyers already connected to the community
• Feedback incorporated into final pricing decisions

03 Mega Open House

• High-energy event promoted across all buyer channels
• Advertised via social, email, database, and neighbor outreach
• Creates urgency and scarcity before the MLS launch
• Multiple offers frequently originate from Mega Open House
• Activates passive buyers who were not actively searching
• Sets the stage for a strong first day on market

Your Pre-Launch Timeline

Day 1

Prep + Inspection

Week 1-2

Coming Soon Live

Week 3-4

Neighbor Open House

3 Days Out

Mega Open House

Day 1 MLS

Go Active

THE RESULT:

Your home goes Active with proven buyer demand, real market feedback, and a launch no other agent can replicate. The MORE buyers that see your home, the more buyers compete for it, and that competition drives your price up.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

07. Professional Media & Zillow Showcase

Getting it seen is Step 1 in getting it sold. Your listing goes live with professional photography, floor plans, a virtual tour, and Zillow Showcase priority placement, with email alerts sent directly to Zillow's entire active buyer database.

Included in Every Listing

Professional Photography

Twilight + daytime exterior and interior

HD Video Walkthrough

Full-length + short-form for all platforms

Interactive Floor Plans

Dimensioned, explorable online

Virtual Tour + Property Site

360 tour and dedicated listing website

Aerial / Drone Photography

Standard in the Arizona market

Short-Form Video Reels

Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts

ZILLOW SHOWCASE

Your Exclusive Advantage

Only 10% of listings qualify. As an exclusive partner, every listing we place receives Showcase treatment automatically.

75%

More Views,

Saves & Shares

10%

More Likely Pending

in 14 Days

2%

Higher Final

Sale Price

Zillow Showcase Features

Priority map placement�Your listing stands out above non-Showcase homes in Zillow search results

Dedicated email alerts�Zillow sends your listing directly to 227M+ active monthly users on their platform

Immersive media display�High-res photos, 3D home tour, and interactive floor plan in one elevated listing page

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

Marketing at Every Stage

Maximum reach and frequency, from pre-market through closing.

COMING SOON

30 DAYS

Social, email, database, neighbor outreach, and broker network build buyer demand before Day One on MLS.

• Social media teaser campaign
• Database pre-notification email
• Neighbor postcards and door-knocking
• Coming Soon sign and MLS status

JUST LISTED

FULL LAUNCH

Every marketing channel fires simultaneously to capture all active buyers at the moment your home goes live.

• MLS syndication + Zillow Showcase
• Facebook and Instagram ad launch
• Email blast to buyer database
• Neighbor mailers + agent network

ACTIVE

WEEKLY

Fresh creative, adjusted targeting, and open house promotion every week to reach new buyers as they enter the market.

• Refreshed ad creative and targeting
• Open house promotion and hosting
• Ongoing social media content
• Continued database outreach

PENDING

BACKUP OFFERS

We continue marketing to build backup offers and protect your position in the event the deal needs a replacement buyer.

• Continued listing exposure
• Backup offer marketing
• Transaction coordination
• Buyer database update

JUST SOLD

YOUR PROOF

Your result becomes our proof. We share your success story with the neighborhood and our database.

• Just Sold social media posts
• Neighborhood notification cards
• Testimonial and review request
• Market activity report to seller

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

03. Pre-Listing Inspection & Repairs

A home that hits the market in pristine condition attracts more buyers, generates stronger offers, and closes with fewer surprises. Most agents skip this phase entirely. We treat it as the foundation of your entire sale.

01 Home Walkthrough Consultation

We walk the property first. We identify what will help your home show better and what buyers will flag, so we address it on our terms, not theirs during escrow.

02 Pre-Listing Professional Inspection

A clean report becomes a marketing asset. Problems found in escrow become leverage for the buyer to renegotiate your price.

03 Staging Consultation

A room-by-room walkthrough covering furniture placement, decluttering priorities, and curb appeal improvements that deliver the highest return.

04 Repair Prioritization & Coordination

We identify which repairs matter to buyers and which ones do not. We provide trusted contractor referrals and coordinate the work.

05 Professional Deep Clean

We coordinate a full deep clean before the photography session. First impressions are formed in photos before a buyer ever steps through your door.

06 Photography Day Prep Checklist

A detailed room-by-room checklist covering lighting, staging, exterior presentation, and every detail that separates scroll-stopping photos from average ones.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

01. Arizona Disclosures & Legal Prep

Arizona has specific seller disclosure requirements that differ from most other states. Completing these early prevents last-minute delays and protects you from legal exposure.

Required Arizona Documents

• Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS): required for most AZ residential sales
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (homes built before 1978)
• HOA documents: CC&Rs, bylaws, financials, dues, and any pending assessments
• Well Registration & Water Quality Report (if on well water)
• CLUE report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange): insurability history
• Title commitment ordered early to catch any liens or encumbrances
• Termite / Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection report
• Pool / spa barrier compliance documentation

HOA-Specific Steps (Most Arizona Subdivisions)

• Request your resale disclosure package immediately; it can take 7-10 business days
• Confirm current dues, any special assessments, and transfer fees
• Verify compliance: no open HOA violations on the property
• Gather any architectural change approvals (patio covers, pools, fences)

ARIZONA TIP:

The SPDS must be completed honestly and thoroughly. Sellers who knowingly omit material defects face significant legal exposure. When in doubt, disclose. We assist you through every line before your home goes to market.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

04. Deep Cleaning & Decluttering

Buyers decide how they feel about a home within the first 60 seconds. A spotless, decluttered home signals the property has been well cared for, and that translates directly into higher offers.

Decluttering Checklist

• Remove 30-40% of items from every room, closet, and cabinet
• Clear kitchen counters down to 2-3 items maximum
• Remove personal photos, certificates, and religious or political items
• Clear the garage to show maximum floor space and storage
• Rent a storage unit if needed. Do not move clutter to closets
• Donate or dispose of items you will not move to your next home

Deep Clean Priority List (AZ-Specific)

• Hire a professional cleaning crew before photos. We coordinate this
• Clean all AC vents and returns: a top buyer turnoff in Arizona
• Clean ceiling fans: blades accumulate dust quickly in AZ's dry climate
• Clean all windows inside and out: critical for Arizona light and views
• Steam clean carpets or replace if stained
• Deodorize: eliminate pet odors, cooking smells, and musty areas
• Clean pool tile and verify water is clear and blue
• Power wash driveway, sidewalk, and back patio

REALTOR TIP:

We coordinate a professional deep clean before your photography session at no additional management burden to you. First impressions are formed in photos before a buyer ever steps through your front door.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

05. Arizona Curb Appeal

In Arizona, curb appeal is not just about green grass. Desert landscaping, stucco condition, and outdoor living spaces are major value drivers. First impressions form before buyers step through the door.

Front of Home

• Freshen desert landscaping: rake gravel, remove weeds, edge border rocks
• Replace dead or overgrown plants with drought-tolerant species
• Paint or clean the front door. A bold door adds significant curb appeal
• Replace or clean house numbers; visible from the street
• Power wash the driveway and front walkway
• Clean or repaint the garage door. It occupies up to 40% of the front facade on most AZ homes
• Check and repair stucco cracks; paint exterior if faded or chalking
• Add potted plants or flowers near the entry for color and warmth

Backyard & Outdoor Living (Critical in Arizona)

• Stage patio furniture to showcase outdoor living potential
• Clean or replace worn patio cushions
• Ensure patio cover / pergola is in good condition and clean
• Pool: clean tile, confirm blue water, operational equipment and safety fence
• Rake and refresh gravel areas; remove weeds
• Trim oleanders, mesquite, and overgrown vegetation from walls or fencing
• Remove or organize visible yard clutter (toys, hoses, tools)
• Check and repair block wall or fencing

ARIZONA TIP:

Buyers strongly value outdoor living in Arizona's climate. A well-staged backyard with a clean pool or a comfortable covered patio can be worth tens of thousands of dollars in perceived value. Do not leave this step to chance.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

06. Staging for Today's Buyers

Staged homes sell faster and for more money. We provide a full staging consultation before photos: a room-by-room walkthrough covering furniture placement, decluttering priorities, and the details that separate good photos from great ones.

Staging Essentials

• Start with the primary bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Buyers prioritize these three spaces
• Use neutral bedding and remove excess furniture to maximize perceived room size
• Add mirrors strategically to reflect light and make spaces feel larger
• Replace heavy, dated window treatments with light, airy panels
• Add fresh white or neutral towels to bathrooms as accents
• Ensure every room has a clear purpose. Remove junk rooms or stage them as offices
• Set the dining table to suggest a lifestyle buyers aspire to

Day-of-Showing Prep

• Set AC to 76-78 degrees. A cool home is critical in Arizona at every single showing
• Turn on all lights (even during the day) to maximize brightness
• Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light
• Remove pets and pet supplies from the home
• Empty all trash cans
• Use light, neutral scents (avoid heavy plug-ins or artificial fragrances)
• Leave a property highlights sheet for buyers to take with them

ARIZONA SHOWING TIP:

Setting the AC to 76-78 degrees is one of the most overlooked showing steps in Arizona. A warm home at a summer showing creates immediate negative emotion. A cool, bright, neutral-scented home keeps buyers in discovery mode longer.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

09. Showings, Open Houses & Negotiation

We market your home everywhere: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, email, print, and neighbor outreach, at every listing status from Coming Soon through Just Sold.

Showing Best Practices

• Be as accommodating as possible with showing times. Restricting showings costs you buyers
• Use an electronic lockbox so agents can access with minimal friction
• Respond to showing requests within 15 minutes when possible
• Leave the home for all showings so buyers feel free to explore
• Keep the home in show-ready condition daily for the first 2 weeks
• Leave a one-page property highlights sheet covering your best upgrades
• Provide utility cost history (important because of summer cooling costs in AZ)

Evaluating and Negotiating Offers

We prepare a net sheet for every offer received so you compare true bottom-line outcomes, not just headline prices. In Arizona, the Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract governs your sale.

• Net proceeds after all concessions, commissions, and closing costs
• Financing type: cash, conventional, FHA, VA. Each carries different risk and timelines
• Close of escrow date and alignment with your moving plans
• Inspection period length and waiver of BINSR items
• Requests for seller concessions or closing cost contributions
• Earnest money deposit (stronger offers have higher EMD)

We Market at Every Stage

COMING SOON

JUST LISTED

ACTIVE

PENDING

JUST SOLD

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

10. Contract Through Closing

This is where most transactions succeed or fall apart. Our job does not stop when you accept an offer; it intensifies. We manage every step of escrow so you never wonder what happens next.

01 Offer Review & Negotiation

Review all terms, counter-offer strategy, multiple offer management, and a seller net sheet prepared for every offer reviewed.

02 Inspection Period

Coordinate buyer's inspection access. Review the report with you in plain language. Negotiate repair requests from a position of strength.

03 Appraisal Management

Prepare a comprehensive appraisal package. Provide comps that support your contract price. Proactively address any appraisal gap strategies needed.

04 Title & Escrow

Coordinate with title company. Track every contingency deadline. Ensure all disclosures and HOA docs are delivered on time.

05 Final Walkthrough

Coordinate buyer's final walkthrough. Confirm agreed repairs were completed. Prepare you for closing day: what to bring, what to expect.

06 Closing Day

Confirm all funds, documents, and keys are ready. Coordinate with title and escrow for a smooth close. Review your final settlement statement with you.

OUR COMMITMENT:

We handle the preparation, the photography, the marketing, the showings, the negotiation, the inspection response, the appraisal, and the closing coordination. You stay informed every week. You make the decisions that matter. We do everything else.

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com | James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC

What Our Clients Say

5.0 | 267 Five-Star Reviews | 1,329 Homes Sold

“

James and his team sold our home in 5 days. We needed to sell fast and they delivered every step of the way.

L. Tafolla | Sold in Arizona

“

James got us $11,000 over asking price. His marketing strategy and negotiation skills are second to none.

The Garcias | Sold in Arizona

“

James gave us a very detailed report each week. We always knew exactly where we stood. Highly recommend.

R. Hernandez | Sold in Arizona

“

They took all the stress away and handled EVERYTHING professionally. Can't say enough great things about the team.

Jason F. | Sold in Arizona

Ready to Get Started?

HomeSellerOptions.com | 855-750-SOLD | support@HomeSellerOptions.com

James Sanson, REALTOR® | Real Broker LLC | 1,329 Homes Sold | 267 Five-Star Reviews | Zillow Showcase Exclusive Partner