Katannya Hartwell

Purchasing a primary or second home in Flagstaff can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re moving from a big city or out of state. This area has its unique rhythms and realities—from managing water haul or off-grid setups to preparing for heavy snowfalls that can impact home access. Many are surprised to learn that most Flagstaff homes lack air conditioning, a nod to our high-altitude climate. The most important thing I advise is to start with clarity about your daily lifestyle. Do you envision a private, rural retreat surrounded by nature? Or are you drawn to the buzz of downtown living, perhaps with a golf course nearby? Maybe something in between feels right for you. Knowing how you want to live day-to-day—what makes you feel at home—will help you focus your search and make choices that truly fit your vision. Keep in mind, Flagstaff’s inventory is limited and competitive. Be ready for a fast-moving market, and understand that unless you’re looking at a new build, you might need to budget for updates and maintenance. Think of these as opportunities to make a place your own, rather than obstacles. Preparation and flexibility are your best tools here. In short: Clarify your lifestyle priorities. Understand what you want your daily life to feel like and how different areas of Flagstaff align with that vision. Be prepared for surprises. Unique factors like off-grid living and climate differences can impact home features and maintenance needs. Budget for updates. Flagstaff homes often need a little love, but that’s part of their charm—and your chance to personalize your space.

In today’s Flagstaff market, sellers need a well-curated approach to stand out, especially for homes that reflect a higher level of quality and design. First, ensure your home is impeccably prepared—updates, thoughtful maintenance, and polished presentation matter greatly to today’s discerning buyers. Second, price your home strategically, ideally just under neighboring properties. This creates early momentum, draws in a larger pool of potential buyers, and can lead to competitive offers that push the final price higher. We’ll work together to set a starting price that attracts strong interest while defining a strategy that protects the value you expect, ensuring you stay in control of the outcome. It’s also essential to recognize what truly drives your home’s value. Factors such as condition, presentation, and curb appeal are within your control, while others—like shifts in the economy, interest rates, and political climate—are not. The real estate market is a living, breathing ecosystem, influenced by forces beyond any one person’s influence. To navigate this effectively, you need an advisor who not only understands the nuances of the Flagstaff market but who also keeps a pulse on the broader trends shaping the decisions of today’s buyers. My role is to bring that level of insight and strategy to ensure your home is positioned for the strongest possible outcome.

I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from first-time sellers and seasoned homeowners to those upgrading, downsizing, or relocating to Flagstaff. My client base has included professionals balancing busy careers, families looking for the right space to grow, and homeowners seeking to maximize their property’s value. I specialize in helping clients who value clear communication, strategic marketing, and a collaborative approach to selling their home—whether that’s a cozy first property or a higher-tier residence that requires a more curated plan.

Recently, I had a listing and the seller did not want to use my recommended price. Instead they chose to list 10% below the market value I determined. I was certain the home was highly desired and that the market would respond accordingly. It did and we received an offer nearly 11% over our asking price for a total of $61,000 above the listed price. The transaction highlighted how the market is driven by real people, not just numbers on a report. What pleased me the most about this transaction was having an accurate read of the market, not just getting a price over list. On another transaction, where I represented the buyer, I was pleased to see how happy it made the buyer to get into a second home that reminded them of their Grandma's home. The inspections went smoothly, the offered price was accepted, and everything closed on time. I love it when it's a win-win all the way around!

A mentor of mine who had been a broker told me I'd be a great realtor. I didn't believe him until he pointed out that real estate is about helping people, listening, and truly caring about other people's needs. He said it's my genuine interest in others that would make me a great realtor. Our human condition interests me and I love being able to step in as a guide, educator, and advisor on the journey of home ownership, property investment, and supporting others through life's changing landscape.

There are many people who want to own a second home in Flagstaff. Sometimes as their own private getaway and other times as a combination of getting out of the heat from nearby cities alongside short term rentals for additional revenue. Having managed homes in the area, I have my thumb on the pulse of the market as well as resources to determine great neighborhoods and sought after amenities for such homes. I'm also trained in social media, negotiation strategies, and high ethical standards. I have the eXp Luxury certification that affords me access to additional advertising resources for listings as well as leaning in to Zillow Showcase to improve my seller's marketing on Zillow.