Move-Up Buyers (Home Upgrades)
Tucson, AZ Real Estate Guide
Imagine this, after a few years in a cozy starter home, your family outgrew the space (and the two new dogs needed a bigger yard!). You decided to sell your first house and upgrade to a bigger one in Tucson. It felt like juggling too many tasks at once, staging your old home, coordinating showings, and hunting for a new one. But with a plan, it became smooth sailing. Your agent helped prepare the sale of your home, then applied that momentum to find the perfect larger house, so you moved only once instead of twice.
Things to Ponder.
- Prep your current home. First impressions matter. Declutter, repaint, and make small repairs so your home shines. We recommend simple staging (even rearranging furniture) to highlight the home’s space. In Tucson’s market, a well-prepared home can sell very fast, our clients often get multiple offers within days. (For context, the average Tucson home goes under contract in about 50 days, so selling in under 2 weeks is exceptional.)
- Price it right (but aim high). Work with your agent to set a competitive asking price. Check recent sales of similar homes in your area. In spring 2025, for example, the median listing price was around $389K. By pricing smartly, you can attract multiple bids and often sell at or above asking. One of my clients even sold for over asking in just 10 days! Keeping an eye on current market trends ensures you neither leave money on the table nor scare off buyers.
- Time the transition. If possible, get pre-approved for your new home before listing the old one. This way you’ll be ready to move quickly once your sale closes. Some sellers coordinate closing dates (for example, selling the old home a few days before buying the new one) to avoid moving twice or finding temporary housing. Your agent can help arrange these details with lenders and escrow.
- Stay flexible. In Tucson’s hot market, be prepared to act fast on homes you like. Understand any contingencies you might need (like an inspection period), but also be ready to adjust (e.g., a quicker closing if required). Conversely, on the selling side, stay open to offers. Good communication with buyers and your agent can turn what seems like a complex timing puzzle into a coordinated plan.
- Use an expert negotiator. A top-notch agent will keep your interests front and center. They’ll communicate every update clearly, vet buyers’ offers, and negotiate the best terms. High character agents also uphold integrity throughout. One satisfied client of mine noted that “communication was amazing” and “always had my best interests in mind.” Trust is key when buying and selling simultaneously.
Lets Goooo!
Upgrading your home should be exciting, not overwhelming. By staging well, pricing wisely, and syncing your sale and purchase, you’ll transition smoothly to your new dream home. When you finally step into that extra room or bigger backyard, you’ll know the hard work paid off.