See the market report details in DECEMBER from the year 2024 to 2025 in the slides below. All data is directly from the Arizona MLS.
As we navigate through these market dynamics, potential buyers and sellers are encouraged to stay informed. For expert guidance and support in your Encanterra real estate endeavors, contact us at SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP. Stay tuned next month for further insights into the evolving Encanterra Real Estate Market.
Selling a home in 2026 isn’t about doing everything.
It’s about doing the right things in the right order so buyers feel it, see it, and act on it.
If we were selling our own home in 2026, here’s exactly what we’d do.
Before we touched price or marketing, we’d start with the part most sellers underestimate: how the home feels the first 10 seconds.
Declutter like you’re moving tomorrow
Buyers need to see the home, not your stuff. We’d clear countertops, remove extra furniture, minimize decor, and simplify closets. Not because buyers are nosy, but because space sells. A closet that looks roomy makes the whole home feel bigger.
Stage to highlight the lifestyle
In a community like Encanterra, buyers aren’t just buying square footage. They’re buying a lifestyle. We’d stage to make the home feel easy, bright, and inviting. Clean lines, cozy seating, and a layout that makes sense. If the home has a den, we’d stage it as a true home office or guest space, depending on what buyers are searching for right now.
Repaint to look fresh and current
Nothing dates a home faster than tired, marked-up walls or bold colors that buyers can’t mentally “move into.” We’d repaint in a clean, modern neutral palette so the home shows crisp in person and on camera.
Create curb appeal that pulls people out of the car smiling
Curb appeal isn’t landscaping perfection. It’s the feeling that the home has been loved and maintained. We’d focus on the front door, clean windows, tidy pathways, fresh gravel or mulch, trimmed plants, and a clean, welcoming entry. Because if the outside feels “blah,” buyers walk in already looking for what’s wrong.
In 2026, pricing is still the fastest way to create momentum or kill it.
We’d look at closed homes, but we would not stop there
Sold homes show what buyers were willing to pay, but they reflect the past. The market you’re selling in is happening right now.
We’d compare our home to active listings
Active listings are your direct competition. Buyers don’t compare your home to what sold months ago, they compare it to what they can go see this weekend. We’d ask:
Which homes are buyers choosing to tour?
Which homes look better online than ours?
Which homes are sitting, and why?
We’d be honest about how our home stacks up
Same model doesn’t always mean same value. Condition, lot, exposure, upgrades, layout changes, and presentation can swing pricing in a big way in Encanterra. We’d price based on how a buyer will compare our home to the best alternatives available today.
And we’d avoid the “let’s try high and see” trap
The first wave of buyers is your best wave. Those buyers are watching daily, they’re ready, and they move fast when something is priced right and looks right. If we miss them, we’re usually chasing the market instead of leading it.
In 2026, buyers are shopping with their thumbs before they ever step through the front door. So we’d make sure the marketing is doing more than “being posted.”
We’d want our home positioned, not just listed
Who is the buyer for this home?
Winter visitor
Full-time resident
Golfer
Entertainer
Lock-and-leave
Home office buyer
The marketing should speak directly to that person, not to everyone.
We’d check the full marketing mix
Social media targeting
Is it being shown to the right demographics and relocation markets, not just the agent’s followers?
Print exposure
Are the right local audiences seeing it, and does the print piece look premium and intentional?
Open houses with a purpose
Not just a sign and a sign-in sheet. We’d want neighbor outreach, pre-promotion, and a strategy to capture serious buyers already in the community.
Video that sells the feeling
Video matters more than ever. Not a shaky walkthrough, but a video that tells the story of the home and the lifestyle. Buyers need to feel the backyard, the flow, the light, the vibe. The right video creates urgency and increases showings fast.
And we’d want proof it’s working
In 2026, you can track everything. Views, clicks, saves, showings, feedback patterns. We’d want an agent who watches the data and adjusts quickly, not one who posts once and hopes.
This is the part that impacts everything above.
In Encanterra, details matter more than people realize
Models, lots, streets, club proximity, orientation, upgrades buyers care about, and what actually moves homes here. A general agent can list it. A true Encanterra expert can position it.We’d hire the agent who can answer these fast
What buyer pool is most active for our model right now?
What’s the biggest pricing mistake sellers are making in this community today?
Which upgrades are helping homes sell, and which ones don’t move the needle?
What should we do this week to increase showings next week?
We’d choose the agent who has a plan, not just a promise
The best agents don’t just “market your home.” They run a strategy. They know how to create urgency, protect your pricing power, and keep you from sitting on the market while other homes sell around you.
Final thought
If we were selling in 2026, we’d focus on four things:
Make it look irresistible
Price it to win the comparison game
Market it where the right buyers actually are
Choose an Encanterra expert who knows how to execute
by SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP
Your Trusted, Encanterra Real Estate Team
In our review of the 125 closings from this year, we found something interesting. It wasn’t just the specific models that sold. It was the homes that were marketed to the right demographic.
A retired couple looking for a lock-and-leave winter home has a completely different digital footprint than a full-time resident who needs a large entertaining space for the grandkids. This is where the Shea Preferred difference comes into play.
Most outside agents list a home on the MLS and wait. They treat a 1,200 sq. ft. home the exact same way they treat a 2,400 sq. ft. golf course estate. We don’t do that. We know the buyer demographic for every single floor plan in Encanterra.
• We know who prioritizes a Casita.
• We know who pays a premium for the Smart Space.
• We tailor our photography, our ad copy, and our digital targeting to put your specific floor plan in front of the specific buyer who is looking for it.
Don’t let your home sit on the market waiting for a random showing. List with the team that plays matchmaker, not just a salesperson.
If you’re thinking about selling in Encanterra or Queen Creek, here’s the reality: when more homes hit the market, buyers have options and they compare fast. If your home blends in online, it often gets skipped before it ever earns a showing.
In this quick video, Alina shares simple, practical ways to help your home stand out both online and in person so you attract stronger attention, better showings, and a better chance at a clean sale.
Watch the video here:
What matters most right now
Buyers decide in seconds. The first impression happens online with photos, presentation, and clarity, and then it has to match in person when they walk through the door. Standing out doesn’t mean gimmicks. It means the right strategy and execution.
Want a pricing and marketing plan tailored to your home?
If you want an honest plan based on what’s working right now in Encanterra, reach out to Shea Preferred Realty Group. We’ll walk you through the fastest path to getting noticed and getting sold.
Links
Website: https://www.sheapreferred.com/
More resources: https://linkin.bio/sheapreferredrealty
I just finished compiling the deep-dive resale data for our community from Jan 1 – Nov 30, 2025, and the results are truly eye-opening. It is absolutely a tale of two markets right now.
If you are thinking of buying or selling in Encanterra, you need to see the full infographic below.
Here are the critical takeaways from the data:
📈 THE WINS & LOSSES It’s a split reality. 78% of resale sellers made money this year, with an impressive average gain of $194,000. However, 22% of sellers lost money on their sale, with an average loss of $61,000. Crucially, every single loss occurred on a home purchased between 2021-2024.
🫨 THE “WOW” STATISTIC: WHO YOU HIRE MATTERS This is perhaps the most shocking number in the entire report. The difference in results based on the agent chosen is staggering:
· All Outside Agents Combined: A massive 163% cancellation rate.
· Shea Preferred Team (Us): A 20% cancellation rate with the highest number of closed sales (34).
🔁 THE MARKET SHIFT IS HERE We have officially moved past the 2021/2022 days where overvalued homes sold instantly with zero inspection items. Now, our community’s homes are aging, and deferred maintenance is growing.
In today’s market, every detail matters. You have to spend a little to prep the home so you don’t lose $50k+ on price reductions later. That’s why our Shea Preferred Advantage includes professional staging, photos, full exterior cleaning, and maintenance management.
Don’t be part of the 163% cancellation statistic! Study the data in the image below.
If you want to navigate this shifting market successfully before the season rush, reach out to our team.
-Ben Leeson, Shea Preferred Realty Group
Email: Info@ENCBrokers.com
Call the Office: 480-677-8170
If you live in Encanterra (or you’re thinking about moving here), there’s a brand-new tool you need on your phone — the Encanterra Living App. And trust us… this isn’t just another real estate app.
This is your complete lifestyle companion, created to make living, exploring, and staying connected within Encanterra easier than ever.
We’re TJ & Alina — and if you haven’t downloaded it yet… what are you waiting for? 🤩
Whether you’re a longtime resident, a future neighbor, or someone who loves staying in the loop, the app brings everything Encanterra straight to your fingertips.
Here’s what you’ll find inside 👇
Support local businesses with confidence. From home improvement pros to wellness services, you can browse trusted vendors right within the community.
Book your favorite Encanterra dining and spa experiences with just one tap — no searching, no calling, no hassle.
See every active property updated in real time, beautifully displayed and easy to browse. Perfect for buyers, sellers, or anyone tracking local market activity.
Curious about your home’s value? Request a personalized evaluation completed by us — not an algorithm.
Soon you’ll be able to view rentals directly in the app, making it even easier for residents, guests, and future homeowners to stay connected with the community’s options.
Encanterra is a community filled with amenities, events, restaurants, and services… and now everything you love is organized in one convenient place.
Whether you want to book dinner, check new listings, explore local businesses, or learn what’s happening around the neighborhood, the Encanterra Living App keeps you in the know.
📲 Search “Encanterra Living” on the App Store or Google Play.
A few taps and you’re fully connected to your community.
When more homes hit the market, buyers suddenly have options—and that means sellers need to be more intentional about how their home shows up online and in person. The truth? Homes that blend in get skipped. Homes that stand out get showings, offers, and results.
Here’s the great news:
You don’t need a full remodel to rise above the competition. You just need the right strategy.
And as an experienced listing agent, I know exactly which improvements make buyers pause their scrolling and say, “Wait… this one.”
You don’t need to break the bank. The most effective buyer-attracting updates are often simple:
A new coat of paint instantly makes a home look clean, modern, and well-maintained. Buyers notice it the moment they walk in (and so do online viewers).
Better lighting = better photos.
Better photos = more showings.
It’s one of the most underrated upgrades for boosting perceived value.
Small tweaks—fresh landscaping, cleaned walkways, plants by the door—create a strong first impression before buyers even step inside.
Staging helps buyers emotionally connect with the space.
And yes… we personally roll up our sleeves to move furniture around when needed. It’s one of the secret advantages that helps our listings shine.
Even the most beautiful home won’t sell if it’s not marketed correctly. That’s where the real strategy comes in.
Bright, crisp images make your listing stand out on every platform. No quick phone photos here—your home deserves more.
From social media to online listing platforms, we spotlight your home with scroll-stopping visuals and compelling descriptions.
Your home appears everywhere buyers are already looking—maximizing views, clicks, and scheduled tours.
Pricing is part science, part psychology. We analyze market trends, buyer behavior, and comparable homes to position your property for the strongest possible results.
When buyers compare your home to others, your presentation and strategy are what tip the scale in your favor.
In a competitive market, the homes that shine—sell.
If you’re thinking about selling, now is the time to put a strong strategy in place.
✨ Let’s create a customized plan to make your home stand out — and most importantly, get it SOLD.
Send a DM or comment “READY” to get started.
If you have driven around the heart of San Tan Valley lately, you have likely noticed the vast stretches of open State Trust land. For years, it has just been dirt and scrub brush, but that is about to change.
The town has officially unveiled a vision for the San Tan Valley Urban Core, a massive 3,200-acre project designed to give our community a true downtown. Located just south of us, roughly between Bella Vista and Hash Knife Draw, east of Hunt Highway, this development promises to be a game-changer for the area.
Here is the scoop on what is planned and when we might see it.
What is the Urban Core?
Think of this as the future City Center of San Tan Valley. Unlike the usual subdivisions we see popping up, this plan is heavily focused on commercial growth. The vision includes a central downtown hub with shopping, dining, and office spaces. It also plans for job centers with high-tech and industrial zones to bring employment closer to home, and even reserves space for a potential future commuter rail station connecting Tucson and Phoenix.
The Timeline: Do Not Pack Your Bags Yet
Worried about construction noise starting tomorrow? Do not be. This is a long-term vision that will unfold over the next 20 to 40 years. Because this is State Land, it must go to auction first. Realistically, we likely will not see vertical construction for another 2 to 3 years. It will not happen all at once; the land will be sold and developed in chunks as the market demands it.
Why This Matters for Encanterra
Beyond just having new restaurants and shops a short golf-cart ride or drive away, this project is vital for San Tan Valley’s survival. As a new town, STV needs sales tax revenue to pave roads and fund police. That money comes from businesses, not just rooftops. This Urban Core is the engine meant to secure the town’s financial future.
Want the Deep Dive?
There are a lot of moving parts to this plan, including flexible zoning that allows the layout to change based on what the town needs most. For the full breakdown of the maps, the zones, and the politics behind the project, check out the full article here:
Read the full story at Pinal Post: San Tan Valley Urban Core – A Vision for the Town’s Future
If you are thinking about selling, there is one decision that quietly controls everything that happens next. How your home looks in photos.
Before buyers ever step through your front door, they are judging your home on a tiny screen. They are thumbing through listings at the kitchen table, in line at coffee, or half watching TV at night. Those photos decide whether they tap to learn more or swipe right past your home without a second thought. That is why professional photography is not a nice extra. It is marketing.
The red flag at your listing appointment
If your agent walks in and says something like, Do not worry, I have the newest iPhone, I will just snap a few photos, that should make you pause.
Phones are great for quick family pictures and social media stories. They are not a substitute for a trained photographer who understands lighting, composition, and how to make a room feel spacious and inviting on camera.
Your home is one of your biggest financial assets. It deserves more than a quick point and click. When an agent is casual about photography, it usually means they are casual about marketing overall.
Think of it this way. You would never list a luxury car online with dark, blurry photos taken in a garage at night. Yet sellers do the equivalent with their homes every day, and then wonder why the offers are low or slow to come in.
Buyers scroll like a dating app
TJ and Alina see it all the time. Buyers scroll through homes exactly the way people scroll through a dating app. Fast. Reactive. Ruthless.
You get a few seconds to make someone stop. If the first photo is crooked, dark, or cluttered, they do not stop to give your home the benefit of the doubt. They just move on to the next listing that looks brighter, cleaner, and more inviting.
On the flip side, when the photos are done right, buyers pause. They lean in. They click to see more. That pause is everything. It is the difference between a showing request and a missed opportunity.
What professional photos actually do for you
Great photography is not just about a better camera. It is a combination of preparation, skill, and editing that tells a story.
A professional photographer knows how to use natural light so your home feels bright instead of washed out. They know which angles make rooms look larger and more open. They understand how to line up sight lines so the eye moves smoothly from room to room.
Then there is the editing. Small adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color correction can make your home look true to life, but its best version. Buyers are drawn to spaces that feel calm, clean, and move in ready. Professional editing helps create that impression without misrepresenting the home.
In short, good photos do not just show the space. They sell the feeling of living there.
First impressions are made in three seconds
Studies show that people form an opinion in just a few seconds. That is as true for online listings as it is for first meetings.
Those first few photos in your listing act like a front cover of a book. If they are appealing, buyers are willing to look deeper, read the details, and schedule a showing. If they are not, many buyers will never even make it to the description, no matter how well written it is.
TJ and Alina build their marketing around that first impression. The very first photo has a job to do. It needs to stop the scroll. Every image after that should reinforce the sense that this home is well cared for, thoughtfully presented, and worth seeing in person.
Why cutting corners costs you more
Sometimes sellers push back on the idea of professional photography because they think it is an extra cost they can skip. In reality, skipping it is often what costs them money.
Listings with dark, uneven, or distorted photos tend to attract fewer showings. Fewer showings usually means fewer offers. With less competition, buyers have more leverage and are more likely to come in lower or ask for more concessions.
On the other hand, when your home stands out online, you increase your chances of multiple interested buyers. That interest can mean stronger offers, better terms, and less time on the market. Compared to the potential difference in your final sales price, professional photos are one of the smartest investments you can make.
How our team approaches your listing
For TJ, Alina, and our team, professional photography is simply the standard. We do not list homes with quick phone pictures. We start with preparation, coaching you on decluttering, staging, and lighting so the photographer captures your home at its best.
Then we bring in a professional who specializes in real estate. Someone who knows how to make Encanterra and East Valley homes truly shine. Those photos then become the foundation for everything else. Your online listing, social media marketing, print materials, and even video.
Because in real estate, the picture really does sell the story. Your photos decide whether the buyer falls in love and books a showing, or keeps on swiping past your home.
Thinking about selling and want an honest opinion on how your home would show online? Reach out to TJ and Alina for a simple walk through and photo readiness review. Before you ever go live, we will help you make sure your very first photo is working as hard as you are for the best possible result.
Every year around the holidays, we hear the same question from Encanterra sellers:
“Should we just take the house off the market and wait until January?”
Our honest answer? Not if you actually want to sell.
The holiday season in Encanterra can be a great time to attract the right buyer – the serious, motivated ones who are ready to make a move.
Here are four perks your neighbors often overlook:
1. The buyers who are out right now are serious
If someone is touring homes between holiday parties, family visits, and travel plans, they are not “just browsing.” Holiday buyers are typically relocating, downsizing, or trying to get settled before the new year. That urgency can translate into stronger offers and smoother negotiations.
2. There is less competition from other sellers
Many homeowners hit pause for the holidays, which means fewer homes on the market inside the gates. With lower inventory, your Encanterra home has a better chance of standing out instead of getting lost in a crowded spring market. Buyers have fewer options, and that can work in your favor.
3. You can stay in control of your schedule
Selling during the holidays does not mean your home is open 24/7. Together we set showing windows that work around your travel plans, visiting family, and events at the club. With advance notice and smart scheduling, you can keep your routines and still make room for qualified buyers to see your home.
4. Your decorated home feels warm and inviting
Encanterra shines during the holidays. Thoughtful décor, soft lighting, and cozy outdoor spaces help buyers imagine themselves living and entertaining here. As long as decorations are tasteful and not overcrowding the rooms, they can actually enhance your home’s appeal in photos and in person.
The bottom line
Motivated buyers are not waiting for the calendar to turn, and motivated sellers do not need to either. If you are truly ready to sell, the holiday season can be a strategic time to do it.
If you are thinking about pulling your home off the market or wondering whether now is the right time to list, let’s talk through your options. As the on-site Encanterra experts, our team knows exactly how to position your home, pricing, and marketing so you are not just “listed” – you are set up to sell.
Call Shea Preferred Realty Group at 480-677-8170 or DM us and let’s decide the best holiday strategy for your Encanterra home.
