It depends on the incentives. Resale homes might have a lower sticker price, but new construction often comes with rate buydowns (3-2-1, 2-1), closing cost credits, and brand-new systems under warranty. When you compare the actual monthly payment—after buydowns, taxes, insurance, and HOA—new builds can end up cheaper on a cash-flow basis even if the price is slightly higher. That’s exactly what my New vs Resale Payment Calculator is built to show you.

You do not need 20% down to buy a home. Common options include:

• 3–5% down for Conventional loans
• 3.5% down for FHA loans
• 0% down for qualifying VA loans

With less than 20% down, you’ll typically pay PMI/MIP, but we can often offset that with builder concessions, seller credits, or interest-rate buydowns depending on the property and program. If you want to see how your down payment changes your monthly payment, plug your numbers into the New vs Resale Payment Calculator.

Most buyers should budget roughly 2–3% of the purchase price for closing costs. This includes lender fees, title/escrow, appraisal, prepaid taxes, and homeowners insurance. In many new-build communities, the builder may cover a portion (or all) of this if you use their preferred lender. On resale homes, we can sometimes negotiate a seller credit to help offset your out-of-pocket costs. When we talk, I’ll give you a custom estimate and we can compare it side-by-side with your calculator results.

No, you’re never required to use the builder’s lender—but builder incentives are often tied to their in-house lender. The smart move is to:

1. Get a quote from the builder’s lender (including the buydown and credits).
2. Get a competing quote from an independent lender.
3. Let me put the numbers into the New vs Resale Payment Calculator so you can see which option actually wins on total monthly payment and cash to close.

Commissions are negotiated, not fixed by law. Traditionally, the seller paid a total percentage at closing, which was then split between the listing brokerage and the buyer’s brokerage. Under the new NAR rules, buyer-broker compensation is handled more transparently and may be paid by the buyer, the seller, or some combination depending on how we structure your listing. I walk you through exactly what you’ll net after commissions and closing costs before you ever sign anything.

Yes. You can sell a distressed or hoarder property as-is. In many cases, it’s better to price the home correctly and disclose the condition than to pour money into renovations you may not recover. I have buyers— including cash investors—who specifically look for these homes. We can also explore a quiet, no-showing cash offer if privacy is important to you. If this is your situation, start with my article “How to Sell a Distressed or Hoarder House in Arizona Without Shame” or reach out directly so we can talk through your options.

A cash offer usually means a faster, simpler sale with fewer contingencies and no appraisal risk—but often at a discount from full market value. Listing your home on the MLS typically nets you more money, but comes with showings, inspections, and a longer timeline. I’ll show you a side-by-side net sheet so you can decide: more convenience now, or more equity later. If you’re curious about a no-obligation cash offer, visit my Arizona Cash Offer Options page or use the question form below.

In a balanced market, most properly priced homes in the East Valley go under contract in about 2–4 weeks. Some price ranges and neighborhoods move faster, and others require more patience. If you need to move on a specific timeline (job transfer, divorce, estate situation), we can design a plan that balances speed vs highest price, including backup options like a cash offer.

No. In most cases, you’ll get a better return by focusing on simple, high-impact items—deep cleaning, paint touch-ups, landscaping, and minor repairs—rather than a full remodel. Big projects like new kitchens or bathrooms rarely produce a dollar-for-dollar payback right before a sale. I’ll walk the home with you and tell you what’s worth doing, what isn’t, and what we can handle through credits instead of repairs.