Frequently Asked Questions

Real Estate Answers You Can Trust

From buying your first home to selling a Las Sendas estate — we've answered the questions our clients ask most.

About The Engstrom Team

Who is The Engstrom Team?
The Engstrom Team is Becky, Kate, and Kari Engstrom — a mother-daughter team of licensed REALTORS® with Coldwell Banker Realty in Mesa, AZ. With over 80 years of combined experience and 25 years in the Las Sendas community, we are one of the Top 10 Coldwell Banker teams in Arizona.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary market is the East Valley, including Las Sendas, Northeast Mesa, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, and Scottsdale. We have deep roots in Las Sendas and the surrounding communities, but we serve buyers and sellers throughout the greater Phoenix metro area.
Why should I work with a team instead of a single agent?
Working with a team means you always have someone available. Three licensed agents means faster responses, more showing availability, and the collective expertise of agents who have handled virtually every type of transaction. You get the personal relationship of working with a small team that actually knows you — not a large impersonal office.
How do I get started with The Engstrom Team?
The easiest way is to call or text us directly. Becky is at 602-228-2673, Kate is at 480-250-1936, and Kari is at 602-531-1386. You can also fill out our contact form and we'll reach out within one business day.

About Las Sendas

What makes Las Sendas different from other Mesa communities?
Las Sendas is a master-planned community nestled in the McDowell Mountain foothills on the far northeast edge of Mesa. It offers stunning desert and mountain views, a championship golf course, resort-style pools and recreation centers, miles of hiking and biking trails, and some of the most beautiful custom and semi-custom homes in the East Valley. It truly feels like a destination — but you live there.
What types of homes are available in Las Sendas?
Las Sendas offers a wide range of home styles, from attached townhomes and condos starting in the mid-$300,000s to multi-million-dollar custom estates on large lots with sweeping mountain views. There are sub-communities within Las Sendas that cater to different lifestyles — active adults, families, golf enthusiasts, and luxury buyers all find a fit here.
How are the schools near Las Sendas?
Las Sendas is served primarily by the Mesa Unified School District, which includes highly regarded elementary, middle, and high schools. Many families specifically choose Las Sendas for the school options. There are also several excellent private and charter school options in the surrounding area.
What is the commute like from Las Sendas to downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Las Sendas is conveniently located near the Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway), which provides straightforward access to Scottsdale, downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and the rest of the Valley. The commute to downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale Fashion Square is typically 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Where can I search for available homes in Las Sendas?
We recommend visiting lassendaslifestyle.com for the most current MLS listings in Las Sendas. You can also contact us directly and we'll set up a personalized search that notifies you the moment new listings hit the market.

Buying a Home

How do I know how much home I can afford?
The best first step is to get pre-approved by a reputable lender. Pre-approval gives you a firm understanding of your purchasing power and makes your offers significantly more competitive. We can refer you to trusted local lenders we've worked with over the years. Mortgage payments typically include principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance (PITI), so factor all of those into your budget.
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported information — it gives you a ballpark. Pre-approval is a thorough review of your credit, income, assets, and debt by a lender, resulting in a conditional commitment for a specific loan amount. Sellers take pre-approval seriously; pre-qualification much less so. Always aim for pre-approval before making offers.
How long does it typically take to buy a home in the East Valley?
The full process — from starting your search to closing — typically takes 60 to 120 days, though it varies. Finding the right home can take a few weeks to several months depending on inventory and how specific your needs are. Once under contract, a standard closing takes 30–45 days. In competitive markets, things can move faster.
What are closing costs and how much should I budget?
Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing a real estate transaction. For buyers, they typically range from 2–5% of the purchase price and include lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, prepaid property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. Your lender will provide a Loan Estimate early in the process detailing these costs.
Should I get a home inspection?
Absolutely. A professional home inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying process. It typically costs $300–$600 depending on home size and gives you a thorough picture of the property's condition. We always recommend an inspection, even on new construction. Findings can be used to negotiate repairs or a price reduction.

Selling Your Home

How do you determine what my home is worth?
We conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) — a detailed review of recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, adjusted for differences in size, condition, location, and features. We combine hard data with our on-the-ground knowledge of what buyers are actually paying in your specific community. This isn't a Zestimate — it's real expertise.
What should I do to prepare my home for sale?
First impressions matter enormously. We'll provide you with a personalized preparation checklist, but general priorities include deep cleaning, decluttering, addressing deferred maintenance, and considering cost-effective updates that drive strong ROI (fresh paint, updated fixtures, landscaping). We can also recommend trusted local contractors for any work needed.
How do you market my home?
We use a comprehensive marketing approach: professional photography, MLS listing, featured placement on Realtor.com and Zillow, targeted social media advertising, email campaigns to our buyer database, open houses, and our extensive network of local agents. Las Sendas listings also benefit from promotion through the Las Sendas Lifestyle platform.
What is the typical timeline to sell a home in Mesa/East Valley?
In a balanced market, well-priced homes in the East Valley typically sell within 30–60 days. In stronger seller's markets, properly priced homes can see multiple offers within days. Overpriced homes can sit for months. Accurate pricing from the start is the single most important factor in achieving a fast sale at top dollar.
Do you help with the negotiation process?
Negotiation is one of our strongest skills — our clients regularly cite us as "strong negotiators." We'll guide you through evaluating offers, counter-offers, inspection negotiations, and any complications that arise during escrow. Our goal is always to maximize your net proceeds while protecting your interests throughout the process.

Other Questions

Do you work with investors?
Yes. We work with investors ranging from first-time landlords acquiring a single rental property to experienced investors building portfolios across the East Valley. Our market knowledge helps investors identify properties with strong rental yield and appreciation potential.
Do you help with relocations to or from the Phoenix area?
Absolutely. Relocation is a meaningful part of our business. Whether you're moving your family from out of state or leaving Arizona for a new chapter, we're experienced in the unique logistics and timeline pressures of relocation transactions. We can also connect you with trusted agents in other markets through the Coldwell Banker national network.
Are you available on weekends?
Yes — real estate doesn't keep banker's hours. One of the core advantages of working with a three-agent team is that we can accommodate showings, calls, and questions seven days a week. We'll set clear communication expectations with you at the start of every engagement.
What if I want to buy and sell at the same time?
Buying and selling simultaneously is one of the most complex scenarios in real estate, and it's something we navigate successfully all the time. We'll help you explore options including contingent offers, bridge financing, sale-leaseback arrangements, and timing strategies to minimize risk and stress. Having a team means we can work both sides of your transaction with full attention.
How do I stay up to date on the Las Sendas market?
The best way is to contact us for a free market update. We track Las Sendas and East Valley market data closely and can provide you with current median sale prices, days on market, and inventory levels at any time. You can also visit lassendaslifestyle.com for current listings and community news.

Still have questions?

We're always happy to talk through your specific situation. Give us a call or send a message.