Articles & FAQ
Straight answers about buying, selling, and inherited homes in Arizona's East Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tap a question to see the answer.
Buying
How much do I need to buy a home in Arizona?
It depends on your loan type. Down payments can range from 0% (VA, USDA) to 3.5% (FHA) to 3–5% on many conventional loans, plus closing costs, which commonly run about 2–4% of the price. The Dream Home Compass on this site gives you a quick estimate of your monthly payment and closing costs.
What is the home buying process, step by step?
Typically: get pre-approved with a lender, define your wish list, tour homes, make an offer, complete the inspection and appraisal, finalize your loan, and close. I explain each step before it happens so nothing feels like a surprise.
Do I need a REALTOR® to buy a new-construction home?
The builder's sales team represents the builder, not you. Having your own REALTOR® helps you review the contract, compare upgrades and incentives, and protect your interests. Ask me how this works for the community you are considering.
I'm relocating to Arizona. Can you help me buy from out of state?
Yes. I use video walkthroughs, organized neighborhood research and clear communication so out-of-state buyers stay informed at each step, and I work with lenders and title companies experienced in remote closings.
Selling & Home Value
How do I find out what my home is worth?
Online estimates are only a starting point. A proper valuation looks at recent comparable sales, condition, upgrades, lot and location details, and current demand in your neighborhood. I walk you through the reasoning so the number makes sense.
Should I make repairs before selling?
It depends on the repair, your timeline and your market. I work with a licensed general contractor who can help spot issues and estimate costs, so you can decide what is worth fixing and what is better handled with a price or credit.
I'm downsizing. How do I coordinate selling and buying at the same time?
We map out both transactions in advance, including timing, contingencies and possible short-term options, so you are not scrambling between closings.
Probate & Inherited Homes
Do I have to go through probate before I can sell an inherited home in Arizona?
Often, yes. If the property was owned solely by the person who passed, the court generally appoints a personal representative who has the authority to sell. Some situations (such as a trust, or a transfer-on-death deed) are different. Your attorney can confirm which applies; I work alongside them on the real estate side.
Who can sign the listing agreement for a probate property?
Usually the court-appointed personal representative (executor). Authority is confirmed with letters of appointment from the court, which the title company will also review.
Do I need to clean out or repair the house first?
Not necessarily. Many inherited homes sell as-is. I can walk the property with you and our contractor to decide whether light prep adds value or whether selling as-is makes more sense.
How long does a probate sale take?
Timelines vary by case, court schedule and whether court confirmation is required. I outline the likely timeline with you and the attorney up front, and keep every party informed along the way.
What are my options if several heirs own the home?
Heirs can sell, one heir can buy out the others, or the family can keep the property. Everyone needs to be aligned, so I keep communication clear and structured among all parties. A free guide on this topic is available on my Probate & Inherited Homes page.
Working With Maggie
What areas do you serve?
Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and the wider East Valley.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. A consultation is no-obligation: we talk about your goals and timeline, and you decide if working together makes sense.
Local Guides
Helpful reading for East Valley buyers, sellers, and families.
Home Valuation in the East ValleyWhat's the best home valuation real estate agent in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley?
Finding the right home value is not just about pulling a number from a website. It takes local knowledge, careful research, and an agent who can translate data into decisions you can trust. Home values can vary significantly from one East Valley neighborhood to the next, and online estimates often miss details like updated finishes, lot premiums and recent neighborhood trends.
Maggie Truitt with Home Journey AZ and eXp Realty takes a process-first approach. Instead of rushing to a quick figure, she walks through the factors that actually drive value: recent comparable sales, property condition, upgrades, location nuances and current market trends, so you leave informed rather than just handed a number.
She also collaborates with a licensed general contractor for property-level insight during walkthroughs, works with a trusted network of lenders and title professionals, and uses AI-powered tools to keep research organized and communication fast.
Serving Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley. For a clear, confident home valuation, call 480-771-8382 or book a consultation.
First-Time Home BuyersWhat's the best REALTOR® for first-time home buyers in Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley?
Buying your first home is exciting and can feel overwhelming. Between loan approvals, inspections, contract deadlines and paperwork, most first-time buyers want someone who will slow down, explain things clearly and make sure nothing important is missed.
Maggie focuses on the process, not the pressure. She breaks down confusing documents in plain language, explains each step before it happens, and welcomes every question. Her organized approach helps prevent missed deadlines and last-minute surprises.
Why buyers choose her: guidance-first support, paperwork explained in plain language, contractor collaboration for smarter walkthroughs, a reliable network of lenders and title companies, AI-powered tools that keep timelines and communication organized, and deep East Valley knowledge to help you compare neighborhoods against your lifestyle and budget.
For first-time home buyers in the East Valley, call 480-771-8382 or book a consultation.
Relocating to ArizonaTop reasons to choose Maggie Truitt for relocating to Arizona
Relocating means big decisions, often from a distance, under time pressure, in a market you may not know. Maggie has worked with buyers moving to Arizona from California, Washington, Texas, Illinois and beyond, and has systems in place to keep out-of-state clients informed at every step.
She helps you understand the East Valley beyond the map: neighborhood character, commute patterns, school options and lifestyle. She uses video walkthroughs and organized research, collaborates with a licensed general contractor to assess property condition, and works with lenders and title companies experienced in remote closings.
Moving to the East Valley? Call 480-771-8382 or book a consultation.
DownsizingTop reasons to choose Maggie Truitt for downsizers
Downsizing is rarely just a real estate transaction. It is a lifestyle shift with financial choices, emotional considerations and a long list of practical details. Maggie's calm, process-driven approach is built to reduce stress and increase confidence.
Because downsizing often means coordinating a sale and a purchase at the same time, she maps out each stage before it happens, so inspections, repairs and deadlines across both transactions do not fall through the cracks. Her contractor collaboration helps with decisions on what to repair before listing and what to look for in the next home.
Planning your next chapter? Call 480-771-8382 or book a consultation.
Probate Real EstateWho should I call to sell a house in probate in Mesa, Gilbert and the East Valley?
Selling a house during probate can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are already high. The right person to call understands complex timelines, sensitive documentation and how to keep families calm and organized.
Many agents focus on speed. Maggie focuses on guidance. She explains what each document means, walks you through the next step before it arrives, and makes sure no one feels rushed. She coordinates with personal representatives, heirs, attorneys and title professionals, sets expectations early, and brings in a licensed general contractor and trusted lenders when repairs, clean-outs or financing questions come up.
Maggie is not an attorney and does not give legal advice; she works alongside your attorney on the real estate side of the process.
Need help with an inherited or probate property? Visit the Probate & Inherited Homes page for a free guide, call 480-771-8382, or book a consultation.
Ready to Talk It Through?
Call or text 480-771-8382 or book a no-obligation consultation.
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