Fountain Hills is one of the most distinctive towns in the Valley. It's a hillside community east of Scottsdale, named for the big fountain in Fountain Park, with the McDowell Mountains on one side and wide desert views on the other. That beauty is also what makes pricing a home here tricky. Below I answer the questions Fountain Hills homeowners ask me most when they start thinking about selling.
Why doesn't the online estimate match what I think my home is worth?
Online tools mostly compare square footage and bedroom counts. In Fountain Hills, the things that set one home apart from another are often the things those tools can't measure: the view from the great room, how steep the driveway is, how much of the lot is usable, and how private the backyard feels. Two homes of the same size a few streets apart can appeal to completely different buyers.
Which features matter most to Fountain Hills buyers?
| Feature | What buyers look at |
|---|---|
| View | Mountain, fountain or city-light views, and whether you see them from the main living spaces |
| Lot | Flat, usable yard versus hillside; driveway grade; privacy from neighbors |
| Home style | Custom home, production home, townhome or condo, each with its own set of competing listings |
| Community | Golf or gated setting, HOA rules and amenities |
| Condition | Kitchen and baths, roof, AC, windows, pool equipment |
How do you come up with a price?
I build a comparative market analysis from sales that really match your home, not just the closest addresses. I look at closed sales, homes under contract and the current competition, then adjust for differences in size, lot, view, pool and updates. I also visit the home, because in Fountain Hills the view and the feel of the lot have to be seen in person. You get a price range you can trust and a clear reason for every number.
What should I do before I list?
- Show off the view. Clean windows, open blinds and trim anything blocking the line of sight.
- Handle small repairs. Buyers notice drips, cracks and worn caulk, and they add them up fast.
- Freshen the approach. Many hillside homes are first seen from below, so the driveway and front entry set the tone.
- Collect your records. Roof, AC, pool and solar paperwork helps buyers feel confident.
What if the appraisal comes in low?
Unique homes can be harder to appraise. Pricing carefully from the start is the best protection. If it does happen, here's my guide: Low Appraisal on Your Arizona Home Sale? A Seller's Game Plan. Selling and buying in the same move? Read Need to Sell Before You Buy?
Do you have an FHA or VA loan?
An assumable loan can make your home stand out to buyers. See how it works on my assumable mortgage page.
Curious what's on the market nearby? Browse Fountain Hills homes for sale, Scottsdale homes, Mesa homes, or my featured listings.
Ready to find out what your Fountain Hills home is worth?
I'll prepare a free, personal market analysis for your home. Call or text Terry Day at 602-483-4665, or visit my selling page to get started.
Terry Day, REALTOR®, DeLex Realty, Scottsdale, AZ