By Sean Colón
In today’s Arizona real estate market, listing a property is no longer about snapping photos, uploading to the MLS, and waiting for offers to roll in. Sellers expect more—and buyers demand more. That’s why the strongest realtors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and across the Valley are the ones who can answer the tough questions sellers are now asking.
One of the most revealing? “Who are your go-to contractors for preparing a home for sale?”
As Patrick Schultz, Co-Founder of Uncle Tex Buys Houses, put it:
“If your potential agent cannot name reliable contractors on the spot, it could mean they are not fully equipped to help you compete in this market.”
That statement might have been about Texas, but it’s even more relevant here in Arizona. With inventory tight and buyers laser-focused on move-in-ready homes, having a trusted contractor network isn’t just a nice extra—it’s a necessity.
Why Contractors Can Win (or Lose) Listings in Arizona
Arizona buyers are increasingly drawn to updated kitchens, modern bathrooms, and strong curb appeal. According to the Arizona Association of REALTORS®, homes with even modest pre-listing improvements spend 33% less time on the market compared to unrenovated properties. In Phoenix specifically, listings with refreshed bathrooms and updated flooring saw an average ROI of 72% on those improvements (Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report).
That means realtors who can confidently recommend a contractor to a seller are positioning themselves as solution providers rather than just salespeople.
How to Build a Contractor Network That Sets You Apart
Realtors who consistently outperform in the Arizona market tend to build and maintain strong partnerships with contractors. Here’s how you can do the same:
Vet for Reliability: Ensure your contractors understand tight listing timelines and can work efficiently without cutting corners.
Stay on Trend: Arizona buyers in 2025 are gravitating toward desert-modern design, energy-efficient windows, and outdoor living upgrades. Your contractors should know how to deliver these features.
Negotiate Preferred Pricing: A long-standing relationship can mean better rates for your sellers, making you look like the hero.
Diversify Your Team: Don’t just have a general contractor—also have painters, landscapers, stagers, and even solar consultants on call.
By showcasing this network during listing presentations, you demonstrate not only market knowledge but also execution ability.
Marketing Listings Beyond the Update
Of course, even the most beautifully updated home won’t sell itself. High-quality real estate photography remains one of the top differentiators in competitive Arizona markets. This could be your most important vendor in the business considering the ROI of working with a photographer. According to Redfin, listings with professional photography sell for $11,200 more on average and receive 118% more online views compared to those without.
This is where many Arizona realtors fall short: they invest in updates but fail to showcase them properly. Pairing your contractor network with polished photography ensures every dollar your seller invests is amplified to the fullest.
Keep the Conversation Going
If you’re an Arizona realtor, start practicing your response to that question today: “Who are your go-to contractors?” Having a strong answer not only builds client trust but also separates you from the competition in a market where every detail counts.
And once you’ve secured those upgrades, don’t let poor visuals undersell your hard work. Professional photography is the final step in creating listings that command attention online and in person. If you’re ready to take your updated listings to the next level, let’s connect—visit SeanColon.com to book real estate photography that sells your properties faster and for more.
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.