FAQ
Questions People Ask Before They Call Us
Straight answers to what we hear most — buying, selling, the valley, and 55+ communities. Each one’s kept short here; follow the link if you want the full picture. If your question isn’t here, just ask us — we’d rather answer it directly.
Buying
Buying a home
How much do I need for a down payment in Arizona?
Far less than 20%. FHA loans need 3.5%, conventional first-time loans as little as 3%, and VA/USDA loans 0% if you qualify — and assistance can cover much of that. → First-time buyer guide
Is there down-payment help in the valley?
Yes. Home in Five offers Maricopa County buyers up to 6% (plus 1% for teachers, first responders, and military), and HOME+PLUS is a statewide option. Terms and funding change, so verify with a lender. → First-time buyer guide
Can I buy from out of state without flying back and forth?
Yes — video tours, e-signing, and remote online notarization mean most relocation buyers buy without repeat trips. → Relocating guide
I'm moving from California — what will my money buy?
Roughly three times the home. The San Jose median runs about $1.4–1.5M; the valley's is around $450–460K. → Relocating guide
Selling
Selling a home
What does it cost to sell a home in Arizona?
Commission (fully negotiable), the owner's title insurance (~0.36%), half of escrow, and small recording and HOA fees — and Arizona has no state transfer tax. → Seller's guide
Do I have to pay the buyer's agent's commission?
No. Since August 2024, Arizona sellers aren't required to — it's now a strategic choice we'll walk through. → Seller's guide
Should I take a cash offer on my home?
Usually the open market nets more — investors typically pay 70–85% of value. Cash can be the right call for speed or a home that needs work; compare the net. → Cash offer vs. listing
What's my home actually worth?
The honest answer comes from a real comparative market analysis, not an online estimate. → Get your home's value
How will you market my home?
The right price, strong photography, and exposure across the MLS and every major portal. Marketing amplifies a well-priced home — it can't rescue an overpriced one. → Marketing guide
Where to live
The valley & where to live
Which part of the valley should I look in?
The valley grew outward in rings — older established homes toward the center, newer master-planned ones on the edges. The right fit depends on commute, budget, and what you want. → Areas we serve
What areas do you cover?
The whole Phoenix valley, with deep local pages for Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Phoenix, Buckeye, Anthem, New River, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and the Sun Cities. → Areas we serve
55+ communities
55+ active-adult communities
What's the difference between Sun City, Sun City West, and The Grand?
Sun City is the original (oldest, lowest fees), Sun City West is newer with deeper amenities, and The Grand is a newer master-HOA community in Surprise. They differ on governance, fees, age rules, and era. → 55+ communities
What are the fees in a 55+ community?
Usually two buckets: a yearly community assessment, and a one-time amenity fee (about $5,000–$5,800) paid at purchase — sometimes a sub-HOA on top. → 55+ communities
Do I have to be 55 to buy there?
Generally at least one resident must be 55+ (The Grand allows up to 15% of residents aged 45–54). Always verify the specific community's deed restrictions. → 55+ communities
The team
Working with the Millers
Who are you, and what brokerage?
A father-and-son team — Dale and Chris Miller — at Realty ONE Group, serving the entire Phoenix valley. → Meet Chris and Dale
Are you licensed?
Yes — both Arizona-licensed REALTORS®; our license numbers are on our bios. → Meet Chris and Dale
How do you get paid?
By commission, which is negotiable and agreed up front — no surprises. → Talk to us
Still have a question?
Ask us directly.
No pressure, no obligation. We’d rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.
Keep exploring: Areas we serve · 55+ communities · Buyers · Sellers