Selling your 55+ home

Step 1: Know what your home is worth

Value in 55+ communities depends heavily on the specific floor plan, lot (golf course, lake, mountain view, or interior), updates and season. Greg looks at recent sales of comparable homes in your community, not just your ZIP code.

Step 2: Plan the move before the sale

• Timing: Many West Valley 55+ buyers are seasonal visitors who shop in fall and winter. Greg can help you decide when to list.
• Where you're going next: Buying another home, renting, or moving to independent or assisted living? Lining up the next step first reduces stress.
• Downsizing help: Greg can refer you to move managers, estate-sale companies, donation pickups and cleaners.
• Family: If adult children are helping, decide who will sign documents and who should get updates.

Step 3: Prepare the home

• Fix the small things: dripping faucets, burned-out bulbs, sticky doors, worn caulk.
• Consider a pre-listing inspection on older homes so there are no surprises.
• Gather receipts for roof, HVAC, water heater, plumbing and remodeling work.
• Declutter and lighten up rooms. Buyers want to picture their own furniture.
• Freshen up curb appeal: gravel, trimmed shrubs, a clean entry and working irrigation.
• Check with your HOA about any unapproved exterior or backyard changes. Arizona law and many associations require disclosure.

Step 4: HOA and community paperwork

Every association has its own resale process. Typical items include the resale disclosure packet, a compliance inspection, payoff of dues through closing, and transfer fees. The buyer usually pays the one-time capital or preservation fee, but who pays what is negotiable and should be spelled out in the contract.

• Open houses may need advance registration (for example, Arizona Traditions requires 24 hours' notice).
• Gated communities need gate access arranged for showings.
• Sun City's transfer fees can also apply to inheritances and other title changes. Talk to Greg and your title company early.

Step 5: Selling an inherited home or settling an estate

• Confirm who has legal authority to sell (personal representative, trustee or heir). Your attorney and title company can help.
• Keep utilities, HOA dues and insurance current while the home is vacant.
• Ask about vacant-home insurance requirements.
• Greg can coordinate with out-of-state family, estate-sale companies and contractors so you don't have to be here for every step.

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Talk with your attorney, CPA or financial advisor about capital gains, trusts and estate matters.