Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or selling an inherited property, starting the process of selling your home in Phoenix can feel like a major undertaking. But with the right preparation and guidance, it can be a smooth and manageable experience.
This guide walks you through the most common ways to sell a home in Phoenix—working with a real estate agent, selling on your own (FSBO), selling to an investor, and more—so you can choose the option that fits your needs.
Working with a real estate agent
Many Phoenix homeowners choose to work with a real estate agent to help navigate the selling process. Here’s what’s typically involved:
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Find a qualified local agent. Look for someone with strong knowledge of Phoenix neighborhoods and a solid track record. Ask about their marketing strategy and communication style.
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Sign a listing agreement. This contract outlines the agent’s responsibilities and commission structure and usually lasts a few months.
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Team up to sell your home. Your agent will usually handle:
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Pricing the property based on comps
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Coordinating professional photos
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Listing and marketing the home
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Hosting open houses and showings
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Negotiating offers
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Assisting with the closing process
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Agents offer valuable experience, but you'll also pay a commission, and you may need to make repairs or updates before listing.
Selling FSBO (For Sale By Owner)
Selling your home without an agent puts you in control, but it also means more work. Here’s what you’ll be responsible for:
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Researching local comps to set your price
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Marketing your home (MLS, social media, signs, etc.)
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Scheduling showings
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Handling negotiations
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Managing paperwork and disclosures
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Coordinating with a title company to close
Phoenix sellers who go the FSBO route often do so to save on commissions but be prepared to invest time and effort to complete the sale.

Getting your house ready to sell
Regardless of how you plan to sell, you’ll want your Phoenix home to look its best. Here are key steps:
Declutter and deep clean.
Clear out unnecessary items, clean every room, and create open, welcoming spaces.
Handle minor repairs.
Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, cracked tiles, and other small issues.
Boost curb appeal.
Trim landscaping, refresh paint where needed, and make the front entrance inviting.
Stage if possible.
Keep furniture simple and neutral. Highlight your home’s best features.
Consider a pre-inspection.
This can help you identify problems early and decide what to fix before listing.
Protect valuables.
During showings, store away anything sensitive or expensive.
Disclose required information.
Arizona law requires sellers to disclose known defects and issues that could affect the home's value. Your agent or a title company can help make sure you’re compliant.
Your selling options in Phoenix
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selling a home. Here are the most common approaches Phoenix homeowners take:
Listing with a real estate agent
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Pros: Hands-on support, potentially higher selling price
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Cons: Commission fees, longer process, potential home prep expenses
Selling FSBO
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Pros: No agent commission, direct control
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Cons: Time-intensive, legally complex
Selling to a direct home buyer in Phoenix
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Pros: Sell “as is,” no showings or repairs, fast closings
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Cons: Offer may be lower than traditional market value
Auctioning your home
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Pros: Quick process, competitive bidding
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Cons: Less control over sale price, auction fees may apply
What to consider when deciding how to sell
Before you choose how to sell your house in Phoenix, think about:
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Your timeline: How fast do you need to sell?
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The home’s condition: Will repairs be required to list on the open market?
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Your comfort level: Are you willing to handle negotiations and contracts yourself?
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Your financial goals: Would you rather maximize profit or prioritize convenience?
Sell your Phoenix home fast with We Buy Ugly Houses®
If you want to sell your house in Phoenix quickly without the time or expense of preparing it for the market, We Buy Ugly Houses® might be the right fit for you.
We buy houses “as is,” which means you don’t have to clean, stage, or make any repairs. You can skip showings and agent commissions, and we cover standard closing costs.† In some cases, you could get an offer the same day as your consultation—and we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks.
We’ve been helping homeowners for over 25 years and have earned a 95%* customer satisfaction rating. Our local Phoenix team is ready to help you sell on your terms, without pressure or obligation.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.