Start with the people living in the property
Renters occupy 57.68% of Tempe’s occupied housing units, compared with an owner share of 42.32%, in the 2020–2024 American Community Survey. That is a meaningful reason to discuss occupancy before paint colors or landscaping. For a landlord considering an exit, the useful starting information includes the lease, rent ledger, security-deposit records and any maintenance concerns already reported. A citywide rental percentage cannot establish the terms of an individual tenancy. [1]
Tempe’s Renting in Tempe guidance says rental units must be registered with the Maricopa County Assessor. It also explains ongoing maintenance responsibilities, including working heating, cooling and hot water. Asking for a cash offer does not pause those responsibilities or determine a resident’s rights. We need accurate information about occupancy so a proposed transaction can be evaluated without assuming the house will be empty. [2]
An older structure deserves a specific condition description
Tempe has an estimated 188,065 residents and 86,182 housing units in that Census release. Of those homes, 35,535 were constructed before 1980: 41.23% of the total. The median year built is 1984. These measurements suggest that original systems and improvements made over several ownership periods can be important topics here; they do not show that any particular roof, panel or pipe needs replacement. [1]
Instead of commissioning a broad makeover just to begin a conversation, describe the issues you actually know about. A recurring leak, a room altered by a prior owner and a tenant’s outstanding repair request are different matters. Photographs, invoices and a written explanation can help distinguish them. We buy in current condition, but an as-is agreement should still describe the property accurately and account for the terms the parties accept.
Keep value, postal geography and tax figures in their proper roles
The ACS median value of an owner-occupied Tempe home is $455,400. This is a survey estimate covering 2020–2024, not a current listing price or an appraisal of a rental house. The amount an owner can retain from a proposed sale depends on the actual offer and obligations attached to the property, so a comparison should use written figures for that address. [1]
Tempe’s municipal housing analysis discusses the 2022 creation of ZIP 85288 from part of 85281. Other Tempe mailing examples include 85282 and 85283. This illustrates why an older document can carry a different postal code without identifying a different house. Give us the complete street address; ZIP areas are mailing geography and should not be read as a map of municipal jurisdiction. [3]
Maricopa’s adopted 2026 county primary tax component is $1.1463 per $100 net assessed valuation. It excludes other applicable levies and uses an assessment base distinct from Census home value. A landlord’s current statement, balance and parcel identification are more useful for transaction preparation than a countywide rate applied to an estimated selling price. [4]
When ownership or a lender deadline complicates the handoff
For an inherited Tempe property, the Probate Department at Maricopa County Superior Court is the county court resource. Authority to sell is an estate-document question; we do not infer it from possession of keys or collection of rent. Where an estate belongs can depend on the decedent’s residence and the circumstances. [5]
Arizona law provides both judicial foreclosure and nonjudicial deed-of-trust sales. A.R.S. 33-807 places the earliest trustee sale on day 91 after the notice is recorded. The complete process can take a different length of time, and discussing a purchase does not change a recorded date. If a notice exists, disclose its status when describing the property and obtain case-specific guidance. [6]
Ways we help sellers in Tempe
Nearby places we cover
Tempe seller questions
Can I ask about selling a Tempe rental with residents still there?
Yes. Start with the current occupancy and lease information. Access, possession and any continuing obligations need to be addressed in the proposed transaction; do not assume that requesting an offer requires the tenants to leave.
Why does the Tempe guide mention 85288 when my older paperwork says 85281?
The city’s housing analysis describes the creation of 85288 from part of 85281 in 2022. Use the full address and parcel record to reconcile older documents; a ZIP change alone does not establish a change of ownership or city boundary.
Does the age of Tempe housing mean I must replace everything before selling?
No. The 41.23% pre-1980 share describes the city’s housing stock. Tell us the actual condition of your house and any known repair issues so we can discuss an as-is purchase on its own facts.