Sell Your Phoenix Home Now, Stay Put, Move When You're Ready

The Clearly Sold Sell & Stay program lets you sell your Greater Phoenix home and keep living there as a renter, so you can move on your timeline instead of a closing-day countdown. According to AARP's 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, 75% of adults age 50+ want to stay in their current home as they age, which is a big reason "move later" solutions have become so appealing.

If you're downsizing after decades in the same home, relocating from across the country, or simply want time to plan without feeling rushed, this approach can be a game changer. In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how Sell & Stay works, when it makes the most sense, and real-life scenarios where people love it.

Hi, I'm Andrew Texidor, Realtor and Founder of Rewarding Heroes and Clearly Sold brokered by HomeSmart, and I'm also a Certified AI Agent. My goal is simple: help you choose the option that fits your life, not force your life to fit a transaction.

What exactly is Clearly Sold's Sell & Stay program in Greater Phoenix?

Sell & Stay is a residential sale-leaseback, meaning you sell your home and then lease it back so you can keep living there as a renter. Clearly Sold describes it as a way to convert your home equity into cash while continuing to live in the home you love.

Here's the simple version:

• You sell your home to Clearly Sold at a competitive price (like a traditional sale)

• You stay in the home as a renter at a fixed monthly rate (no guessing what next month's payment will be)

• You keep flexibility to move when you're ready, and the program notes the option to repurchase later

Takeaway: This is designed for people who want cash from their equity but want breathing room to plan the next chapter.

Who is Sell & Stay perfect for in Phoenix, and why is it getting popular?

Sell & Stay is popular because it solves a very real problem: life rarely lines up perfectly with a closing date.

Zillow notes that timing gaps are common, and reported that many seller-buyers sell first and then buy, which can create a transition period where you need time to find the next place.

In Greater Phoenix, I see Sell & Stay resonate most with:

• Active adults who want to downsize thoughtfully, not frantically

• People relocating from out of state who want time to shop neighborhoods in person

• Homeowners downsizing after many years, who want time to pack, declutter, and coordinate family help

• New construction buyers who need flexibility if the build timeline moves

• Families navigating life events (divorce, estate timelines, caregiving transitions)

Takeaway: It's convenient because it replaces "rush mode" with a plan.

Is Sell & Stay the same as a rent-back agreement after closing?

Not exactly. They're related concepts, but the structure feels different.

A rent-back (also called leaseback) is typically negotiated with the buyer of your home, and it's usually meant to be short term. Rocket Mortgage explains that a rent-back agreement lets the seller rent the home from the buyer after closing, with negotiated terms like rent, responsibilities, and move-out date.

HomeLight adds that rent-backs are commonly structured for a limited time and notes they are typically not long.

Sell & Stay is a sale-leaseback program, where the purchase and the lease are designed to work together, and Clearly Sold states you can lease at a fixed monthly rate with flexibility to end in the short term or continue renting longer term, based on the rental agreement.

Takeaway: Rent-back is often an add-on to a traditional sale. Sell & Stay is built as the plan from day one.

What does a realistic Sell & Stay timeline look like, from offer to moving day?

A practical timeline is one of the biggest stress reducers, because you can see what happens next.

Here's an example timeline many homeowners find comforting (exact timing varies by property and paperwork):

1. Week 1: Explore options and numbers

• You share your address and details

• You review an offer and lease terms

• Week 2: Paperwork and planning

• You finalize the sale agreement and lease details

• You line up your "move later" plan: downsizing, travel, family help, movers

• Closing week: Sell, then stay

• You close like a traditional sale

• You stay in the home under the lease at a fixed monthly rate

• After closing: Your move on your schedule

• You choose when to move, subject to the rental agreement

• If your plan is to repurchase later, you map out what that would require

Takeaway: The big win is that "moving day" becomes a decision, not a deadline.

How can active adults in Greater Phoenix use Sell & Stay to downsize without stress?

For many active adults, the hardest part of downsizing is not the decision: it's the logistics and the emotions.

AARP reports 75% of adults 50+ want to remain in their current homes, which aligns with why many people want control and comfort during big transitions.

Sell & Stay can be a fit when you want to:

• Sell the larger home now

• Take your time choosing the right next step (a patio home, condo, 55+ community, or a home closer to family)

• Pack and declutter at a sane pace

Clearly Sold's website highlights active adult areas and communities across the Phoenix region, including places like Sun City, Sun City West, PebbleCreek, Trilogy at Vistancia, Ventana Lakes, and Victory at Verrado.

Example scenario:
You live in Sun City West, you know you want a smaller, low-maintenance place, but you want to visit communities, compare HOA rules, and talk it through with your family. With Sell & Stay, you can sell, stay put, and make that decision with less pressure.

Relocating from out of state? How Sell & Stay reduces the chaos

If you're moving to Phoenix from another state, the typical timeline problem is brutal. You sell, you close, and suddenly you have to move… even if you haven't yet chosen the right area.

Sell & Stay can help when you:

• Want to sell now

• Need time to scout neighborhoods (Scottsdale vs. North Phoenix vs. East Valley vs. West Valley)

• Prefer to arrive first and learn the area before committing to the next purchase

Example scenario:
You're relocating from Chicago to Phoenix. You want to test-drive commutes, amenities, and daily routines. Sell & Stay can give you a smoother runway instead of forcing a fast decision.

Downsizing after 20+ years? How Sell & Stay protects your sanity

Downsizing after living somewhere for decades is a project, not a weekend.

You might be sorting:

• Furniture and heirlooms

• The garage, the attic, the spare room everyone avoided

• Family visits, donation pickups, estate-sale conversations

Sell & Stay works well for downsizers because you can sell the home and still have time to do it right. Clearly Sold emphasizes moving when you are ready and having flexibility to end the lease short term or continue renting longer term.

Example scenario:
You raised your family in a North Phoenix home. You want to downsize, but you also want time for grandkids to visit, time to paint and prep your belongings, and time to choose a single-story home. Sell & Stay can reduce the "all at once" pressure.

What homeowner costs can you potentially drop when you become a renter?

One of the underrated benefits is the mental load of ownership.

Clearly Sold states that as a renter, you're no longer responsible for property taxes or insurance, and that you simply make a monthly lease payment.

That can mean fewer "surprise" items like:

• Big tax bills

• Insurance shopping

• Certain ownership-related responsibilities that can come with a home

Takeaway: You trade some responsibilities of ownership for the simplicity of a lease, which many people find freeing during a transition.

What should you watch for in any sale-leaseback arrangement?

This is the part I want you to read twice.

The FTC warns that in a sale-leaseback, you won't own your home anymore, and you could be forced to leave if you can't afford the rent. The FTC also encourages consumers to involve a lawyer or trusted person when reviewing complex home sale contracts.

Here's a simple checklist to keep you safe and confident:

• Lease terms: monthly payment, increases (if any), length, renewal options

• Move-out rules: notice period, condition expectations, fees (if any)

• Responsibility list: maintenance, repairs, utilities, HOA items

• Repurchase details: how it works, what triggers it, what it costs

• Transparency: Clearly Sold states there are no hidden fees and costs are clearly outlined

Takeaway: The right solution should feel clear, not confusing.

How does working with Andrew Texidor, a Certified AI Agent, make the process easier?

Being a Certified AI Agent is not about replacing human advice: it's about using better tools so you get a smoother experience.

Here's how I use AI to help you in a Sell & Stay decision, in plain English:

• Clear comparisons: I can quickly lay out side-by-side options (Sell & Stay vs. traditional list vs. cash offer options) so you can make a confident choice

• Faster communication: I use tools that help me respond quickly and keep details organized so nothing gets lost in text threads

• Smoother coordination: Timelines, notice dates, document reminders, vendor scheduling, and checklists get managed more cleanly

And because I'm the founder of Rewarding Heroes, you can expect a service mindset that prioritizes people first, especially during big transitions.

Takeaway: The goal is a calmer, clearer process, with you in control.

Final Thoughts

If you've been thinking, "I want to sell, but I'm not ready to move yet," you're not alone. Sell & Stay is designed to turn that in-between season into something that feels manageable, especially for active adults, long-time homeowners downsizing, and families navigating a major transition.

Ready to explore your options?

Schedule a consultation and let's map out the best path for your situation.

Andrew Texidor
Realtor and Founder, Clearly Sold brokered by HomeSmart
Phone: (623) 400-5957
Email: [email protected]
Learn more: https://clearlysold.com/sell-and-stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Clearly Sold Sell & Stay program?
A: It's a sale-leaseback option that lets you sell your home and continue living in it as a renter, so you can access equity without rushing a move.

Q: How do I get started?
A: Clearly Sold says you can begin by entering your address and sharing details about your home, then reviewing an offer based on market value.

Q: Is Sell & Stay the same thing as a rent-back?
A: It's related, but often structured differently. Rent-backs are typically negotiated with a buyer after closing, while sale-leaseback programs are designed as the plan from the start.

Q: Can I buy my home back later?
A: Clearly Sold states you can repurchase your home anytime, and the exact details should be confirmed in writing for your situation.

Q: What risks should I understand before doing a sale-leaseback?
A: The FTC warns that you won't own the home anymore and could be forced to leave if you can't afford rent, so review documents carefully and consider legal guidance.

Q: Who is the best fit for this program?
A: Active adults downsizing, families relocating to Phoenix, new construction buyers waiting on timelines, and anyone navigating a major life transition who wants flexibility.

Q: What cities does Clearly Sold serve?
A: We serve the entire Greater Phoenix Metro area, including Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Buckeye, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, Sun City, Sun City West, and surrounding communities.

Andrew Texidor, founder of Rewarding Heroes and Clearly Sold brokered by HomeSmart, is a certified AI agent.