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About Me

I am a top producing, award-winning REALTOR® serving buyers and sellers in the greater Scottsdale and Phoenix Metro area I have won multiple HomeSmart Diamond Awards, placing in the top 10% of agents in Maricopa County

I have been practicing real estate since 2018 following a 12-year career in high-end business marketing and branding Born and raised in Phoenix, I have an in-depth knowledge of the communities I serve I take great pride in helping my clients achieve their home goals, and find the right home and the right community to meet their needs

My “client-first” approach, coupled with excellent negotiation skills, deep market knowledge, honesty, integrity and extensive experience in marketing and strategic communication truly set me apart. I am passionate about real estate and working side-by-side with my clients to ensure they are supported and provided with extreme value throughout every step of the buying and selling process and beyond I look forward to working with you on the successful sale of your home

Sincerely,

What My Clients Say...

Kelly Holland

“Amy was THE BEST real estate professional from day one! Her communication is stellar She returns messages promptly and addresses all questions fully, and without hesitation She works with you every step of the way until the very end to ensure a smooth transition for both the seller and the buyer Working with Amy to sell my home was incredibly positive every step of the way ”

Jim & Sharon Brown

“We met Amy while inquiring about homes for sale on her website. We spent several months relying on her knowledge of the area refining our search criteria of available homes Amy went above and beyond assisting with the offer and acceptance, inspections, recommending people for financing, repairs etc and got us to the finish line ”

Don & Gina Burns Sarai Santiago

“Amy is amazing! She answered all my questions, very knowledgeable, friendly, honest, dependable, and easy to communicate She has so many resources in her pocket She kept me updated and prepared ahead of time. I did not feel pressured, rushed or stressed. She is a natural and I am so so thankful for her help!”

Allondra Arellano

“Amy was super helpful She’s an expert in the greater phoenix area and extremely knowledgeable about the industry and housing market as a whole She’s a great negotiator and communication was always there Highly recommend Amy to anyone looking for a top tier realtor!”

“We cannot say enough amazing things about Amy Brooks and all the work she did for us Amy guided us every step of the way, always reassuring us and letting us know that everything would be ok Amy is thorough and strategic, but above all she genuinely cares and keeps her clients needs the priority.”

Eileen Wohl

“Amy was efficient, organized and very professional. She anticipated my home buying needs and met them with expert advice Amy was the best realtor I could of hoped for I cannot say enough amazing things about her ”

Home Seller’s Roadmap

Every home sale is unique We will work together to determine what’s best for you and your home sale. These are the typical steps that take place during the home selling process

2 PRICE IT RIGHT HOME PREP & STAGING PHOTOS & VIDEO

Review comparable homes and market activity in your neighborhood to establish a price for your home

LIVE ON MLS

Your home will go live on the MLS and will be viewable to agents and potential buyers

After accepting an offer, your home will officially be under contract!

Declutter, deep clean and stage your home to make it’s debut 83% of Realtors said staging made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home

The photos of your home directly influence whether or not a potential buyer will schedule a showing Your first showing is ONLINE

MARKETING OFFERS

I will use a strategic marketing plan and my expansive network to ensure maximum exposure

The buyers will typically have an inspection contingency We will negotiate any repair or credit requests made by the buyer once the Inspections are complete

We will review all offers together so you understand all the terms of the contract

9 CLOSING DAY

Pop the champagne! Time to hand over your keys and celebrate selling your home

The Right Agent is Critical

Working with a dedicated full-time agent to sell your home is crucial to getting you the highest price and best possible terms for your home As a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, I abide by a strict Code of Ethics and a fiduciary duty to represent you and your best interest

GUIDANCE THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS

From staging ang prepping, to coordinating inspections and navigating closing procedures, your agent handles all logistics and all legal paperwork. This coordination is essential for a smooth and stress-free home sale.

SKILLED NEGOTIATION ON YOUR BEHALF

Having a seasoned negotiator will help you net the highest price for your home Seller’s agents negotiate not just on price but on repairs, financing terms, timeframes, appraisal values, access to the home during showings and the sale, advocating for your best interests every step of the way

IN-DEPTH MARKET EXPERTISE

Seller’s agents offer specialized knowledge of the local real estate market and possess a comprehensive understanding of local housing trends, pricing dynamics, and neighborhood market data. This insight is invaluable for making educated decisions on price and contract terms

MANAGEMENT OF RISKS & LIABILITIES

A seller’s agent's job is to protect you and your asset They can assess and mitigate potential risks associated with the transaction, and vet the financial stability of potential buyers They will also help you understand the required property disclosures, and minimize your exposure to unforeseen liabilities.

Understanding Agency

It’s essential to understand the different roles and discuss compensation expectations with your agent upfront to ensure clarity and transparency Having an experienced licensed Realtor represent your interests during a property transaction is crucial. Agents play distinct roles tailored to different client needs.

SELLER AGENCY (LISTING AGENT)

Represents only the seller to maximize property value, attract qualified buyers, and handle the complexities of the selling process, and to try to get the highest price on the sale of the home. Compensation is pre-negotiated between the seller and listing agent

BUYER AGENCY (REPRESENTS BUYER)

Represents only the buyer in finding and purchasing a property, and to advocate for their interests, and provide guidance throughout the transaction Compensation is negotiated between the buyer and buyer's agent prior to touring homes and may be paid by the seller through terms that are negotiated in the purchase contract.

DUAL AGENCY

Represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction, when both parties agree to terms of the sale of the home and understand the potential conflicts of interest Typically compensation is split between the buyer and seller, but specific arrangement should be clearly outlined and agreed upon by both parties

NAR 2024 BUYER AGENT COMPENSATION RULING

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) implemented a nationwide rule in August 2024 requiring every buyer to sign a written employment agreement with the agent’s compensation determined. The goal is to make agent compensation more transparent for both the buyer and seller Although sellers are no longer allowed to advertise buyer’s agent’s compensation in the MLS, it is usually negotiated as a term in the purchase contract

For more information, visit amybrooksrealestate.com/2024-NAR-rule-change

Pricing Your Home

Pricing your home correctly the FIRST time might be the single most important step to getting your home sold fast. The first 2 weeks on the market is the highest opportunity to sell your home for top dollar

PRICE YOUR HOME CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME.

You will attract more buyers because you will be attracting qualified buyers in the price range your home is listed in

Your home will sell faster and for a higher price when you price it correctly from the start

Buyers will take you more seriously and reduces odds of receiving a low offer

WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE THE PRICE OF YOUR HOME?

Recent comparable home sales in your area

Condition of your home at the time of going live on the market

The current market conditions (buyers vs sellers market)

Competition in the market

Features and upgrades that your home has to offer potential buyers

The value of your property is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay, and what you, the seller, is willing to accept in today’s market It Is very Important to price your property at a competitive market value when we finalize the listing agreement

The Importance of Pricing

Mispricing your home is the biggest mistake sellers make: Too low, the home will sell, and probably quickly, but you may lose money. Too high and it will linger on the market Here are some key reasons to price your home correctly

A TIMELY SALE

Chances are your home will ultimately sell at its fair market value. Pricing it properly at the beginning increases the likelihood of a timely sale with less inconvenience and greater monetary return

COMPETITION

Buyers view many comparable properties They know, or learn very quickly, what is a fair price. If your home is not competitive in value with other homes they’ve seen in the same price range, it simply will not sell

REPUTATION

Overpricing causes most homes to remain on the market too long Buyers are often hesitant to make an offer because they fear something is wrong with the property. Homes on the market for a long period of time historically sell for less than their fair market value

INCONVENIENCE

Having your home show ready at all times can be exhausting and time consuming The longer it sits on the market, the more time and money lost

Pricing Pros & Cons

+ High interest and a quick sale

+ Possible multiple offer scenario

- Risk of less money to seller AT MARKET VALUE

+ Lower risk of appraisal issues

+ Buyers and agents will recognize a fair price

+ Will appear on more relevant buyer searches

ABOVE MARKET VALUE

- It will take much longer to sell

- The more days on market, the worse it looks to prospects

- The home may not appraise, back to negotiations

Preparing For Market

First impressions are everything in real estate A potential buyer knows within the first few minutes if the home is a yes or a no. A home in pristine condition will attract more buyers, sell in the shortest period of time and position it to bring in the highest value Here are a few things to focus on

PRE-LISITNG TO-DO LIST

DEEP CLEAN - THEN CLEAN AGAIN!

LANDSCAPING

It is essential that your home is pristine clean from top to bottom, including professionally cleaning floors and windows Be sure that kitchen appliances are clean inside and out, and bedroom closets are organized. Make sure the front and back yards are groomed and free of clutter and toys Be sure to replace or remove any dead landscaping

REPAIR ANY DAMAGE

Repair any cosmetic damage, such as holes in the wall, or missing hardware. This will save you a lot of money and headache during repair negotiations, and keep the buyer focused on the bigger picture

PAINT INSIDE & OUT

If you haven’t painted in a while, or have custom colors or accent walls, update with a fresh coat, using neutral colors. It’s a very inexpensive update that will add a lot of value

UPDATE THE ENTRYWAY

Add some potted plants and a new welcome mat to the entry way to make your buyers feel welcome when touring your home. Ensure that all locks and doorknobs work properly

Benefits of a PreListing Inspection...

Having a thorough examination of your home done by a licensed inspector allows you to identify any potential issues or repairs needed, and gives you the opportunity to address them before listing your home

This can save you a lot of time and money (potentially thousands) during the inspection and repair negotiations with a buyer.

Preparing For Showings

When showing your home to prospective buyers a positive first impression is crucial. Take these steps to ensure your home shows at its best.

Open up all drapes and blinds to let in as much light as possible and make rooms look larger

Turn on the lights in all rooms, light candles for a fresh and fragrant ambiance

At night, turn on all porch and outside lights

Leave the house in perfect order Make beds, put away dishes and hang fresh bathroom towels

Vacuum your home as much as possible to keep it in showing condition Put away all childrens toys

Leave your home when it is being shown However, make sure your agent can reach you to answer questions

Play soothing music, but do not have the TV on •

Return on Home Improvements

Here are some upgrades that typically reap the highest return, according to Realtor com

Upgrade the front door (replace, repaint, replace hardware)

Add more outdoor living space or enhance existing space

Add indoor living space such as bedroom, bath, walk-in closet

Minor kitchen remodel (repaint cabinets, replace counters, replace appliances)

Replace garage door

Photos & Videos

More than likely, the first place potential buyers will see your home is online I invest in only professional photography, video production and digital marketing to bring more qualified buyers to your home

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

High quality, professional photos showcase your home’s features, attract more buyers, and make your property stand out online, significantly increasing the likelihood of selling faster and for a higher price.

VIDEO WALKTHROUGHS

Video walkthroughs give potential buyers a more immersive and realistic experience, and a better sense of the space, layout, and features than static photos alone This is especially beneficial in Arizona where a large number of buyers are out of state

DRONE PHOTOS

Where Buyers Find You

Drones can capture a 360-degree landscape view of the property, including the surrounding neighborhood and views This can help potential buyers get a better sense of the property's size, features, and setting, and help your home stand out in a competitive market

Marketing Timeline

Strategic marketing is crucial to get your home in front of the right buyers who are motivated to make an offer. It increases the visibility of the property, highlights its best features and generates interest, ultimately leading to a quicker sale

1 COMING SOON MARKETING

Staging

Landscaping

Curb Appeal

Cleaning and Declutter

Painting and Repairs, etc.

3 HIGH IMPACT IMAGERY

2 EVENTS

Property and Listing Announcement

Open House Invitations

Targeted Email Blast to Database

MLS and Zillow

Social Media Outreach

PRINT CAMPAIGN

Flyers

Brochures

Postcards

5 DIGITAL MARKETING

Social Media

Lead Generation Campaigns

Email Marketing

Reverse Prospecting

MLS and Other Property Sites

Broker Opens

Open Houses

Special Events

The Offer & Negotiations

When a buyer submits an offer on your home, the sales process begins Every offer and home sale is unique, and all terms are negotiable.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE OFFER

Purchase Contract - Includes the buyer’s terms of the purchase, including how much they are offering for the home and any contingencies or terms

Lender Pre-Qualification or Proof of Funds - A lender pre-qualification, or proof of funds if paying cash, is required in Arizona and shows the buyer is serious, qualified, and ready to purchase

Earnest Deposit Amount - Typically 2-5% of the purchase price and is applied to the down payment The higher the deposit, the more serious and secure the buyer feels in the sale.

Financing and Down Payment Amount - What percentage of the loan the buyer is financing, and how much they are putting down as a down payment.

Closing Date - If the buyer is obtaining a mortgage, closing is typically 30-45 days from offer acceptance. Cash sales can close as quickly as two weeks.

Inspection Period - The inspection period is defaulted to 10 days, however this period can be longer or shorter depending on the property.

Addendums - Attachments that modify or expand on the Purchase Contract, including transfer of HOA enrollment and solar lease, changes in financing terms, date changes, and others.

Buyer Agent Compensation - The buyer negotiates their agent’s fee, however most offers will include in the terms that the seller will pay all or part of that fee It’s important to keep an open mind on offering compensation if all other terms are agreeable and your net proceeds are acceptable

CLOSING CHECKLIST

Schedule termination of all utilities (gas, electric, water, internet, etc )

Review the closing settlement statement

Ensure negotiated repairs are completed, send receipts to your agent.

Schedule your signing appointment.

Leave the buyer a clean home clear of all debris and unwanted items

When in Doubt, Disclose

Sellers are obligated by law to disclose all known material facts about the property. The Arizona Association of REALTORS® Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (“SPDS”) is designed to assist you in making these legally required disclosures and to avoid inadvertent nondisclosures of material facts

WHAT MUST BE DISCLOSED

In Arizona, it is mandatory that sellers disclose to every potential buyer all existing problems or defects known to the seller It is critical that all of the disclosures are in writing.

UTILITY BILLS

Most potential buyers will want to know approximate monthly utility bills Have a copy of gas, electricity, propane, sewage, garbage and water bills for the past 12 months

MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT RECORDS

Have all maintenance, warranty work and improvement records available Most buyers will ask about roof replacement and/or repairs, plumbing services and electrical work. Having this information on hand shows the buyer your pride of ownership and will make them feel more secure in making an offer

WARRANTIES

Have all warranties available that are still in effect for appliances or other items for the home. This is especially important for roofs, pools, spas, electrical and major appliances IMPORTANT!

Failure to disclose known defects can have serious consequences for home sellers and their agents The buyer can sue the seller, agent, or broker for damages, fraud, or misrepresentation, and if found negligent, the seller can be ordered to award the buyer substantial monetary damages, or the court may void the contract and order the buyer to return the property and receive a refund by the seller.

Talk to your agent about the difference between material and latent defects, and what you are legally obligated to disclose

The Appraisal

The buyer’s lender requires a licensed appraiser to estimate the market value of a home if the buyer is applying for a new loan in order to purchase the property The appraisal shows the lender they are making a prudent decision lending the buyer the money to buy your house

Once the buyer begins the new loan application process, the lender will order the appraisal To estimate the market value of your house, the appraiser will research comparable sales in your subdivision and/or your immediate area. Appraisers prefer to use sales that have sold within the past 6 months and are similar to yours in square footage, year built and amenities (i e swimming pool, garage, single story)

The appraiser will measure your home, take photos, and examine the condition and specific improvements and amenities of your house. You can help the appraiser by preparing a list of recent improvements and remodeling projects, and include their approximate costs Some appraisers appreciate this information while others may not But, if the information is already prepared when you go to market, providing it to the appraiser will be a snap

The lender will receive a copy of the appraisal a few days after the appraiser has been to your home The appraiser may require some repair before the lender can loan the buyer any money on your house In that case, you must make the repairs and the appraiser will return for a reinspection If your home does not appraise for the contract price, your buyer could renegotiate or walk away from the deal This is why your original listing price should be accurate to the market value

Inspections

During the inspection period, the buyer has the right to hire professionals to inspect the condition of the home. The standard home inspection includes the condition of the home’s heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, and structural components

ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS THE BUYER MAY ELECT:

SEWER LINES

Many homes have issues with the sewer line because tree roots can damage the connecting pipes, creating blockages and draining issues. Even a small problem can be extremely expensive or a deal breaker

TERMITES

Arizona homes are particularly susceptible to termites, and some loan programs, such as VA loans, require wood destroying organism (termite) inspections

WELL WATER / SEPTIC

If the home has a septic system or well water to make sure the water is not contaminated and the septic system is working properly. In Arizona, sellers are required to certify and pump the septic system prior to closing.

POOL & SPA

Pools and spas require regular maintenance and repairs are common Identifying and mitigating any issues prior to listing could save you a ton of money in repair negotiations.

HVAC

Especially here in Arizona, a well-functioning HVAC system is crucial Most general inspections include an HVAC inspection, but repairs can be costly and buyers may elect to have a specialist verify the system is working properly.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

PRICING YOUR HOME TOO HIGH -

Pricing your home too high may result in long market times, and ultimately less money in your pocket

PRICING YOUR HOME TOO LOW -

Pricing your home too low may result in a quicker sale, but it might also leave money on the table that should be yours

ERRORS IN MARKET TIMING - Real estate markets are different in every city and within every price point. We will analyze the market data specific to your home and neighborhood to determine market conditions

NOT PROVIDING EASY ACCESS FOR SHOWINGS - Everyone has a busy schedule Although it may be inconvenient at times, it’s essential to be flexible and allow buyers to tour your home, and let your agent hold open houses. If your home is easy for agents to show, more prospective buyers will see it, improving your odds of getting the deal you want

NOT “STAGING” YOUR PROPERTY CORRECTLY - Reference the sections on “Preparing For Market” and “Preparing For Showings” for tips on setting the stage for your home showings.

TAKING AN INFLEXIBLE POSITION ON FINANCING - I will explain what financing options are available Being flexible on financing terms may secure a better selling price, and will attract more buyers.

BELIEVING YOUR AGENT IS NOT DOING THEIR JOB WHEN THERE AREN’T ANY OFFERS - If your home shows well, but hasn’t generated any interested buyers, it may be time to re-evaluate the price

IGNORING THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS - The small things count when it comes to buyer perception Make sure buyers aren’t distracted by things like unkept lawns, cluttered living spaces and closets, and minor cosmetic blemishes Double up on your gardening, and keep the house cleaner than usual

NOT MAKING

THE RIGHT

KIND

OF REPAIRS - Don’t be tempted to make improvements prior to listing without consulting your agent. Some upgrades will not yield any real increase in value, while others may increase property value substantially