Custom homes are super cool. You get to design and build a home exactly how you want, with whatever you want. This week’s cool house is a great example of that, plus it is on a private airstrip.

The downside to creating a property with your unique touches and desires, is trying to find someone to sell it to, who likes all the same things you built.

In this newsletter:

Thanks for being here, have an amazing weekend.

I have a great ‘off-market’ opportunity in Arrowhead Ranch. This is a fantastic starter home in Phase 2 and is priced at $450,000.

Details:

This home will be ready for showings soon, once the exterior painting is complete. Take advantage before it hits the MLS!

Schedule a private showing, call or text me at (480) 797-8975

I started out looking for a house with a big garage, and this one definitely has that (it has a hangar!) but the more I looked at this house, the cooler it got. The kitchen has three islands, there is an elevator, a gun range & bowling alley, and the house is on an airstrip!!! It’s kind of a solid value considering all you get, even at $17mm.

Introducing Misión Veintidós (Mission Twenty-two). This amazing Pegasus Airpark (5AZ3), Queen Creek, AZ home was inspired by classic Spanish style mission architecture. The unique mission style entrance to the home is through a breezeway gate which leads you to a stunning courtyard view of the estate. This estate of 32,000 sq ft of luxury living, with an incredible 26,000+ sq ft of conditioned space has 16'' thick walls for style and maximum efficiency. Perfectly situated on North South double lot, taking a massive 350' of taxiway, sits the main residence on three levels and includes all these features: A 10,000 sq ft steel construction Hangar with Full HVAC, Epoxy coated floor, ''Big Ass'' Fan, Pocket style main hangar doors with an 78'x17' clear opening. Flight office,

Storage room, Downstairs bathroom, Interior stairs to mezzanine with bar, Upstairs bathroom, Balcony, Two motorized vertical opening 20 ft glass garage style doors facing the courtyard. " A massive courtyard featuring: 2,000 feet of covered breezeways, Multiple swimming pools with fountains and firepots, Covered outdoor full kitchen under a mission style bell tower, Lit Pickle ball/basketball sports court & Putting green, Sand Volleyball court. "The main house has a 5,000 sq ft Basement: bowling alley, 75 ft shooting range, Tiger Woods' (Full Swing Pro 2.0) Golf Simulator, Wine Cellar, Walk-in vault, Storage room, Bathroom, Interior and exterior stairs. " Next is a 2000+ sq ft detached Master Bedroom: Custom his and her walk-in closets, Separate bathrooms and linens, Large walk-in shower & separate tub, Incredible ceiling details with accent lighting, Multiple balconies, Bar, Fireplace, sliding doors. " Master Spanish Garden: with water and fire features. " General Design considerations: 16" double insulated walls which are quieter, more energy efficient and style correct as seen in the deep-set windows and doors, The extensive iron work is amazing, Custom railing with HH monogram, windows with iron details. " Don't miss these details: clear view elevator from basement to second story sized for wheelchair access. " Wired Cameras access from internet. " Automated lighting. " Security System " Hidden AV closet " Luxury full-service guest suites with spa like bathrooms, suites include laundry and bar in each " 2834 sq ft 2nd Story with Gym, spa and sauna, gym bathrooms & laundry. " Large outdoor balcony, firepit, incredible views of the Superstition and San Tan mountains " Balcony sliding windows overlooking the courtyard. " Firepole slide down from gym to first floor hidden door " Formal living room " 30' sliding glass doors with view of hangar " 28' ceiling with massive beams " Oversize castle style fireplace " Gourmet kitchen with Baking center " Sub Zero Wolf appliances, Easy access from vehicle to kitchen, Fully equipped Butler's Pantry. Dark and smokey (informal sitting room) " Floor level gas fireplace " Full bar " Bathroom " Large sliding window overlooking courtyard pool. Too many features to list.

Check out all the details here.

Property listed by Darren Tacket with eXp Realty

Interest rates have improved the past week, with FHA & VA rates back below 6%!

Here are today’s national averages for Conventional 30 year fixed rate, FHA 30 year fixed rate & VA 30 year fixed rate loan programs.

In real estate, the details matter. The way a property is prepared, marketed, and priced can have a major impact on how buyers respond. A recent duplex sale illustrates this perfectly.

Both sides of the duplex were identical in floor plan and location. They shared the same neighborhood, the same square footage, and the same potential. Yet one side sold in just over two weeks at full asking price, while the other lingered for more than two months and sold for $61,000 less.

Here is a closer look at how the two sales unfolded and what we can learn from them.

The seller of Unit A took a proactive approach. Before listing, they invested in basic but impactful improvements. New carpet and fresh paint gave the property a clean, move-in ready feel. This helped potential buyers visualize themselves living there rather than focusing on worn finishes or dated colors.

The seller also worked with an agent who brought in a professional photographer. The listing photos were clear, well lit, and staged to highlight the home’s best features. Since most buyers start their search online, high quality photos can make the difference between a property being skipped over or added to a buyer’s must-see list.

Unit A hit the market at a fair price, attracted attention right away, and went under contract quickly. The final sale price matched the list price of $280,000 after only 18 days on the market.

The seller of Unit B chose not to make improvements before listing. The property hit the market in “as-is” condition, which immediately limited its appeal compared to its freshly updated neighbor. Potential buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a home that looks ready on day one.

The listing photos were taken on a cell phone, and it showed. Dark, poorly framed, or grainy images do not inspire confidence in buyers. Online shoppers scroll quickly, and if a property’s photos do not catch their attention, they will move on to the next option.

The pricing strategy also worked against the seller. Unit B was listed slightly below Unit A, but with no improvements and poor marketing, buyers were not convinced. After sitting on the market for a month, the seller reduced the price by more than $36,000. Two weeks later, another $20,000 cut followed. Price reductions often send a message to buyers that a property is flawed, which can further weaken demand.

After 71 days, Unit B finally closed for $219,000.

These two sales provide a clear case study in how preparation and marketing affect the bottom line. Both homes were the same size and design, yet one seller walked away with $61,000 more than the other.

Why did this happen?

This duplex shows that a smart selling strategy is not just about listing a property. It is about presenting it in the best light possible. Sellers who invest a little time and money into preparation and who use professional marketing tools can sell faster and for significantly more.

If you are thinking of selling, remember that buyers compare your home to every other property on the market. A home that looks cared for, professionally marketed, and correctly priced will always have an advantage.

In this case, the advantage was worth $61,000.

Thinking of selling your home? Find out how you can be on the winning side of this example. Reach out to me on my cell at (480) 797-8975

If you’re like me, when I travel anywhere I’m always looking online to see what homes sell for in the area. And I find myself thinkings, should we move here?? This section of the newsletter will feature an interesting home from another part of the country.

This week is a home listed for sale by an agent friend of mine, Jeff West with Real Broker in Grant’s Pass, Oregon.

Set among the mature pine trees, tucked back in one of the most sought after westside neighborhoods, this Broken Top townhome is a perfect place for year round enjoyment or as a gathering place for your family/guests to vacation in Bend. With just over 2700 SF, there are two ensuite guestrooms and an office/den on the main level. Upstairs is an open loft/flex space and a 3rd ensuite guest room. Newer updates include engineered wood flooring, interior/exterior paint, kitchen appliances and a washer/dryer. A recently completed firewise landscaping plan is another bonus. The attached two car garage has plenty of storage for all your toys. Come see this home today, and start planning to spend the holidays in beautiful Bend Oregon.

See all the pics & details here, and dream about what it would be like to live in SW Oregon.

Fall is here, and that means pumpkin patch events are in full swing. I put together a list of local events in the Valley & across Arizona, which I think are the most noteworthy. (link)

Last week’s trivia question was ‘What name was given to the prehistoric Hohokam city near Sacatan, Arizona?’

The answer was: Snaketown (Hohokam Pima National Monument)

Snaketown was a major prehistoric Hohokam village near Sacaton, Arizona, inhabited from around 300 to 1200 CE. The settlement was abandoned around 1100 CE, likely due to environmental changes, but it remains one of the most important sites for understanding the ancient Hohokam, and evidence of far-reaching trade with Mesoamerica. The settlement was abandoned around 1100 CE, likely due to environmental changes, but it remains one of the most important sites for understanding the ancient Hohokam culture.

With cooler weather upon us, and hiking season about to be in full swing, I got together with a couple of my friends here in Arrowhead Ranch and we have started a local hiking club.

This club is meant for everyone, from seasoned hikers, to out of breath beginners like me. So if you want to hit the trail and enjoy the outdoors, check out our ArrowheadHikingClub.com or find us on Facebook.

Our first group hike is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th at Thunderbird Conservation Park in North Glendale.