By Sean Colón
The Arizona housing market is shifting, and so are seller expectations. In 2025, the days of relying solely on the MLS to move a listing are over. As Hilary Schultz, Owner of Rent to Own Homes Dallas, points out, “Too many agents take the ‘list and pray’ approach, putting a property on MLS and hoping it sells.” That approach might have worked in hotter markets, but today’s competitive environment requires agents to prove they can go further.
For Arizona Realtors, that means offering sellers a clear strategy that integrates alternative marketing and sales channels, builds trust through communication, and demonstrates adaptability when listings slow down.
Why MLS Alone Won’t Cut It in Arizona’s Market
According to the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS), Phoenix Metro inventory rose nearly 18% year-over-year in mid-2025, while closed sales have slowed. More homes are sitting longer, and buyers have more choices. In this environment, agents who rely only on MLS exposure risk losing clients to competitors who can demonstrate broader reach and creativity.
Sellers are no longer impressed with “just list it” — they want proof of resourcefulness. A strong Arizona Realtor must explain how they’ll supplement MLS syndication with strategies that create additional buyer opportunities.
Expanding Your Sales Channels
When sellers ask, “What alternative marketing and sales channels do you use beyond simply listing on the MLS?” your answer could be the difference between winning or losing the listing. The most successful Arizona Realtors in 2025 are diversifying their playbook. Consider adding these tools:
Investor Networks: Build relationships with cash buyers and investor groups who can step in when traditional financing is a hurdle.
Creative Financing Options: Rent-to-own agreements, lease-purchase offers, and seller financing can help broaden buyer pools, especially for mid-tier homes.
Exclusive Buyer Lists: A robust CRM with segmented buyers allows you to pair listings with the right prospects before the home hits the broader market.
Off-Market Marketing: Tap into private real estate groups, direct mail to surrounding neighborhoods, and even exclusive pre-listing previews.
This kind of proactive, multi-channel approach helps reassure sellers that you’re not just waiting for the right buyer to appear — you’re actively hunting for them.
Communication Builds Confidence
Even with alternative sales channels, execution matters. Sellers today expect real-time updates on marketing efforts and buyer feedback. If you can’t demonstrate how you’ll measure success across these channels, clients may see you as reactive instead of strategic.
As Schultz explains, “The right agent will have multiple paths to get your home sold, not just one.” To stand out in Phoenix and across Arizona, agents must not only offer these options but also show sellers how they’re tracking performance. That could mean analytics on digital ads, engagement metrics from listing videos, or reports on buyer activity from private networks.
Why This Matters in Arizona’s 2025 Market
With rising insurance costs due to climate risks, fluctuating mortgage rates, and inventory levels edging higher, sellers in Arizona are more cautious than ever. According to Redfin, nearly 15% of Phoenix listings were delisted in the summer of 2025, a sign of seller frustration. Realtors who can provide multiple solutions — and communicate those solutions effectively — will win the trust of clients navigating these challenges.
Elevating Your Listings with Presentation
Before & After virtual staging shows buyers the home’s potential. But it also shows sellers YOUR potential as a listing agent!
Marketing channels are only half the story. To stand out, your content on those channels must be irresistible. Professional real estate photography, drone footage of Arizona neighborhoods, and immersive 3D tours are no longer optional: they’re expected. These assets give your listings the stopping power needed to capture buyers’ attention and make alternative sales channels even more effective.
If you’re ready to strengthen your marketing with high-impact photography that converts more showings into offers, I specialize in helping Arizona Realtors elevate their listings. Visit SeanColon.com to see how professional real estate photography can give you the edge in today’s market.
By the way, I help realtors improve their online and social media presence by providing beautiful photos of their listings. That is why I’ve created this FREE HOME PREP LIST for your clients to help your listings look their best. Feel free to share.