If you’re walking the trails at South Mountain or grabbing coffee in Downtown Chandler, you’ve likely seen the "For Sale By Owner" signs popping up lately. It’s tempting to think that in a market as hot as the Phoenix Metro Area, a home will simply sell itself.
I’m Kip Wilkins, and I’m here to tell you that the "easy sale" is often the most expensive mistake a homeowner can make. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the absolute biggest regret for solo sellers is failing to price their home correctly for the current market.
In a fast-moving landscape like Chandler or Ahwatukee, "guessing" your price is a gamble you usually lose.
Selling a home in the Valley is more than just a transaction; it’s a logistical marathon. NAR identifies the top five hurdles for those going without an agent:
Nailing the initial asking price (The #1 difficulty)
Prepping the home to stand out against modern renovations
Meeting the desired closing timeline
Navigating complex Arizona legal disclosures and paperwork
Managing the sheer volume of inquiries and showings
In the East Valley, market conditions can shift block-by-block. To price effectively, you need a pulse on:
Real-time buyer demand in specific zip codes (like 85224 or 85044).
Current competition levels—who else is listing this weekend?
The exact "appraisal gap" common in your specific neighborhood
Getting the price right is just the foundation. To get the maximum return on your investment, you need Specialty Marketing. This is how we move beyond the "list and pray" method. By targeting the specific demographics looking for the Ahwatukee lifestyle or Chandler’s tech-corridor convenience, we create a sense of urgency that drives offers up.
I’ve detailed these exact strategies in my latest guide. You can see how we position homes for top-dollar results here: The Art of the Sale: Valley Edition.
In our market, the first 10 days are your "Golden Window." If you price too high, buyers—who are more savvy and selective than ever—will simply bypass your listing.
NAR reports that 59% of homes sold without an agent had to slash their price at least once. These price cuts often signal "desperation" to buyers, inviting low-ball offers that end up netting you less than if you had priced it correctly from day one.
The data doesn't lie: Homes sold with a professional agent sell for nearly 8% more. When you factor in the time, the stress, and the risk of legal errors, the "savings" of selling solo quickly disappear.
Don't leave your equity to chance. Let's talk about how we can use specialty marketing to ensure your home doesn't just sit on the market—but sells for what it's truly worth.
Download "The Art of the Sale" eBook now to see the difference professional marketing makes.
Kip Wilkins is a trusted REALTOR® in Chandler, Arizona, with Equities Real Estate, LLC, and a key member of the Arizona Dream Living team. He specializes in residential real estate throughout Chandler, Ahwatukee, and the East Valley, helping buyers and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions in today’s Arizona housing market.
Recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and compassionate, client-first approach, Kip provides personalized guidance at every stage of the home buying and selling process. His deep understanding of local market trends, strong communication skills, and commitment to client success ensure a smooth and strategic real estate experience.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, or relocating within Chandler, Ahwatukee, or the greater East Valley of Arizona, Kip Wilkins offers responsive service, local expertise, and trusted real estate advice you can rely on.