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🛠️Repairs, Fees, & Hidden Costs
A clear, Arizona‑specific guide to the real costs of selling your home — and how to avoid surprises.
Most Arizona homeowners expect commissions and basic closing fees. What they don’t expect are the repairs, credits, HOA charges, and small-but-steady expenses that quietly reduce their final walk‑away amount. This guide breaks down the true costs of selling, what’s required, what’s optional, and what often catches sellers off guard.
📊Arizona Seller Cost Snapshot (2025)
Your final walk‑away amount depends on five major factors:
1
Required fees
commissions, title fees, HOA transfer fees
2
Likely costs
repairs, inspection credits, cleaning, staging
3
Hidden costs
prorated taxes, rush HOA fees, mobile notary, solar transfers
4
Total impact
typically, 6%–10% of the sale price
💡Arizona Tip: HOA communities in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Chandler often charge $500–$1,500+ in transfer and disclosure fees — one of the most common “surprise” seller expenses.
🧰Repairs You’ll Likely Face Before or After Listing
Even well‑maintained homes need a few fixes before hitting the market. Buyers in Arizona pay close attention to major systems and visible wear.
Common Pre‑Listing Repairs
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HVAC service or tune‑up
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Roof patching or sealing
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Water heater repairs
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Pool equipment fixes
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Exterior paint touch‑ups
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Window screen replacements
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Plumbing leaks or drips
Inspection‑Driven Repairs
Once under contract, buyers may request repairs for:
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Electrical issues
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Roof concerns
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Water damage or stains
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Pool cracks or equipment issues
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Safety hazards
💡Arizona Tip: A pre‑listing inspection can save you thousands by identifying issues early and reducing buyer credit requests.
💵Required Seller Fees (The Non‑Negotiables)
These are the fees nearly every Arizona seller pays.
Typical Required Fees
1
Agent commissions
Typically, 5%–6%
2
Owner’s title insurance
Estimated to be around $1,000–$4,000
3
Escrow fees
Anywhere from $600–$1,200 (often split)
4
Recording & notary fees
Around $50–$300
5
HOA transfer & disclosure fees
Around $200–$1,500
💡Arizona Tip: HOA disclosure packages can take 7–10 days to receive. Ordering early prevents rush fees.
🧾Optional (But Common) Seller Costs
These aren’t required — but they’re often smart investments.
Optional Prep Costs
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Deep cleaning
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Carpet cleaning
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Landscaping refresh
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Light staging
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Window washing
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Minor cosmetic updates
Optional Buyer Incentives
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Home warranty, typically ($400–$700)
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Closing cost assistance
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Rate buydown credits
💡 Arizona Tip: Homes with clean windows, fresh landscaping, and light staging often sell faster and with fewer concessions.
🕵️Hidden Costs Sellers Don’t Expect
These are the expenses that catch most homeowners off guard — especially first‑time sellers.
Common Hidden Costs
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Prorated property taxes (Arizona taxes are paid in arrears)
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Prorated HOA dues
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Solar lease transfer fees
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Septic inspection/pumping (required in some counties)
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Termite treatment (common in older homes)
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Mobile notary fees
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Rush HOA document fees
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Final utility bills
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Move‑out cleaning
💡Arizona Tip: If your home has solar, expect transfer fees and additional paperwork — one of the most overlooked seller expenses.
🧮How These Costs Affect Your Final Walk‑Away Amount
Your final net proceeds = Sale Price − Mortgage Payoff − Required Fees − Repairs/Credits − Hidden Costs − Prorated Taxes & Dues
Example on a $500,000 home
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Required fees: $35,000
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Repairs/credits: $3,000
-
Hidden costs: $600
-
Mortgage payoff: varies
Estimated total costs: $38,600+
💡 Arizona Tip: Homes that are well‑prepared before listing typically face fewer credits, fewer concessions, and higher net proceeds.
❓ Repairs, Fees, & Hidden Costs FAQ
What repairs do most Arizona sellers need to make before listing?
Common repairs include HVAC servicing, roof patching, water heater fixes, pool equipment repairs, and exterior paint touch‑ups.
Do I have to fix everything before selling my home?
No. Focus on high‑impact repairs that affect safety, function, or buyer confidence. Cosmetic updates are optional.
What repairs do buyers most often request after inspection?
HVAC issues, roof concerns, plumbing leaks, electrical problems, and pool equipment repairs are the most common.
Should I get a pre‑listing inspection?
It’s optional but highly recommended. It helps you avoid surprise repair requests and negotiate from a stronger position.
How much should I budget for repairs before selling?
Most sellers spend $500–$3,000 on basic prep and repairs, depending on the home’s age and condition.
What fees are required for all Arizona home sellers?
Typical required fees include agent commissions, title fees, owner’s title insurance, escrow fees, and recording/notary fees.
How much are HOA transfer and disclosure fees?
HOA fees range from $200–$1,500+, depending on the community. Some HOAs charge rush fees if documents are needed quickly.
What hidden costs catch sellers off guard?
Prorated taxes, prorated HOA dues, solar transfer fees, septic inspections, termite treatment, and mobile notary fees.
Do sellers have to pay for termite treatment?
Not always, but termite issues are common in Arizona. If discovered during inspection, buyers often request treatment or a credit.
Are solar homes more expensive to sell?
They can be. Solar lease transfers, UCC filings, and additional paperwork often create extra fees and longer timelines.
Do I need to pay for a home warranty for the buyer?
It’s optional. Some sellers offer a home warranty as an incentive, typically costing $400–$700.
What cleaning or staging costs should I expect?
Deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, window washing, landscaping refresh, and light staging are common prep expenses.
Can I avoid paying for repairs by offering a credit instead?
Yes. Many sellers offer credits instead of completing repairs, especially if they’re relocating or short on time.
Do sellers pay property taxes at closing?
Yes. Arizona taxes are paid in arrears, so you’ll owe prorated taxes up to the closing date.
What’s the biggest hidden cost sellers overlook?
HOA fees and inspection‑driven repair credits. These two categories surprise Arizona sellers more than anything else.
🤝 How Sold & Sunset Helps You Avoid Surprises
Most sellers don’t want pressure — they want clarity. Sold & Sunset is built for that early research stage.
We help you:
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Understand every cost before you list
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Avoid unnecessary repairs
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Reduce buyer credits
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Navigate HOA fees
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Prepare your home strategically
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Protect your final walk‑away amount
🌟 How Sold & Sunset Supports Your Early Journey
📘 Learn the Process at Your Own Pace
Explore guides, checklists, neighborhood insights, and step‑by‑step explanations designed for beginners — no pressure, no sales pitch.
📍 Understand Phoenix Neighborhoods
Compare areas, home styles, price ranges, and long‑term trends with clear, neutral, compliance‑friendly information.
🎁 Discover Grants & Assistance Options
Learn about federal, state, and local programs that can help with:
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Down payments
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Closing costs
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Affordability support
All explained in simple, practical terms.
📊 Build a Realistic Plan
Use our tools and resources to understand:
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How much you can afford
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What credit score you need
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What down payment options exist
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What to expect at each stage
So you can make informed decisions when the time is right.
🧭 Avoid Early‑Stage Mistakes
We help you understand the pitfalls that catch many first‑time buyers off guard — before you’re under contract or financially committed.
🔗 When You’re Ready, We Connect You with Trusted Partners
Once you feel confident and prepared, Sold & Sunset pairs you with:
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A vetted Real Estate Partner
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A trusted Mortgage Lending Partner
These professionals take you from education → execution, guiding you through:
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Pre‑approval
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Touring homes
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Making offers
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Inspections
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Closing
You stay in control. You choose when you’re ready.
💡 Phoenix Tip: Many buyers spend weeks — sometimes months — in the research phase. That’s normal. Sold & Sunset is designed to support you during this stage so that when you’re ready to take action, you already feel informed and confident.