April 2026 Newsletter

Trilogy at Vistancia Market Update – March Highlights

Spring is bringing serious momentum to the market!

In March, 30 homes sold in Trilogy at Vistancia — more than double February’s 14 sales and the highest number of homes sold in the past 12 months!

Here’s a deeper look at the numbers:
• Median Sold Price:  Decreased from $675K to $625K
• Active Listings: 58 homes currently on the market
• Absorption Rate: Held steady at 4 months
• Sold-to-List Price Ratio: Slight dip from 97% to 96%
• Average Days on Market:  Improved from 82 days to 70 days

What is Absorption Rate?
Absorption rate measures how quickly homes are selling based on current inventory. A 4-month absorption rate means it would take about 4 months to sell all existing homes at the current pace — indicating a balanced market.

What this means for YOU:

For Sellers:
Strong demand with record sales activity
Homes are selling faster (less time on market!)
Slight price softening means strategic pricing is key to maximize value

For Buyers:
More inventory = more choices and negotiating room
Slight drop in prices creates opportunity
Homes are still moving quickly — be ready to act when you find the right one

The market is active, balanced, and full of opportunity on both sides!

Thinking about buying or selling in Trilogy? Let’s create a plan that works for you.

612-968-2262

SoldSistersGroup.com

Respectfully Yours,

Renelle Kunau & Terri DeVeau

Earth Day Special:

Green Upgrades That Add Value

Earth Day is a perfect moment to make sustainability upgrades that boost comfort, lower bills, and increase resale value. Here are practical, market-smart improvements buyers notice — and that appraisers and agents increasingly value in 2026.

• High-Efficiency Heat Pump (Air Source or Mini-Split)

Why: Replaces aging furnaces/AC with one system for heating and cooling, often qualifies for rebates and tax credits.

Impact: Lowers energy bills, improves home comfort, attractive to eco-conscious buyers.

Cost/ROI: $6,000–$18,000 depending on size; strong long-term savings and elevated appraisal adjustments in markets valuing efficiency.

• Solar PV with Battery Backup

Why: Reduces electricity bills and grid dependence; battery allows resilience during outages.

Impact: Major selling point in sun-rich markets; often adds perceived and actual value.

Cost/ROI: $15,000–$35,000 before incentives; federal/state incentives (and PACE/solar loans) can shorten payback. Solar-ready homes often command higher offers.

• Energy-Efficient Windows & Doors

Why: Improves insulation, reduces drafts, lowers heating/cooling costs, enhances curb appeal.

Impact: Immediate comfort and visible quality upgrade.

Cost/ROI: $500–$1,200 per window; good ROI in colder climates or older homes.

• Attic and Wall Insulation Upgrade

Why: One of the most cost-effective efficiency measures.

Impact: Significant heating/cooling savings and improved comfort.

Cost/ROI: $1,000–$5,000; quick payback and high ROI — often recommended pre-listing.

• Smart Thermostat & Home Energy Monitoring

Why: Low-cost tech that optimizes HVAC use and demonstrates savings.

Impact: Appeals to tech-savvy buyers; can be included as a selling point with documented usage data.

Cost/ROI: $100–$400; high perceived value, often increases listing attractiveness.

5 Tax Deductions (and Breaks)

for Home Sellers

Selling your home can come with a nice financial upside—but it can also raise questions about taxes. The good news is that many sellers qualify for valuable deductions or exclusions that can significantly reduce what they owe. Here are five key tax breaks every home seller should know about:

1. Capital Gains Exclusion
One of the biggest tax advantages for homeowners is the capital gains exclusion. If you’ve lived in your home for at least two of the last five years before selling, you may exclude up to $250,000 of profit from taxes if you’re single—or up to $500,000 if you’re married filing jointly.
This means many sellers won’t owe any tax at all on their home sale profit.

2. Selling Costs Deduction
Many of the costs associated with selling your home can be used to reduce your taxable gain. These include:

Real estate agent commissions

Title and escrow fees

Legal fees

Advertising and staging costs

These expenses are added to your cost basis, which lowers your overall profit—and therefore your tax liability.

3. Home Improvements
Major home improvements made over the years can also reduce your taxable gain. Projects like:

Kitchen remodels

Room additions

New roofing or HVAC systems

These are considered capital improvements and can be added to your home’s cost basis. Just be sure to keep records and receipts.

4. Property Taxes (Prorated at Closing)
When you sell your home, property taxes are typically prorated between you and the buyer. The portion you paid during your ownership may still be deductible on your tax return, depending on your situation and current tax laws.

5. Mortgage Interest Deduction (Final Year)
In the year you sell, you may still be able to deduct the mortgage interest you paid up until the date of the sale. This can provide an additional tax benefit for sellers in that final year of ownership.

Final Thoughts

Every seller’s situation is unique, and tax laws can change, so it’s always a smart idea to consult with a tax professional before filing. But understanding these common deductions and exclusions can help you keep more of your hard-earned equity.

If you’re thinking about selling and want to understand your potential net proceeds, we’re happy to help you break it all down—just reach out anytime!

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for Desert Living

Spring in the desert isn’t just about blooming cacti and warmer days—it’s your window to prepare your home before the intense summer heat arrives. A little maintenance now can improve efficiency, conserve water, and protect your property from extreme conditions.

Exterior Inspection & Sun Protection

Desert sun can be harsh on your home’s exterior.

Inspect roof tiles for cracks or shifting (common with heat expansion)

Check stucco for hairline cracks and seal them early

Clean out gutters—yes, even in the desert (dust buildup is real!)

Power wash to remove dust, pollen, and buildup

Touch up exterior paint to prevent sun damage and fading

Landscaping & Water Efficiency

Smart landscaping is key in desert climates.

Remove dead plants and winter debris

Check drip irrigation systems for clogs, leaks, or misaligned emitters

Adjust watering schedules for warmer temperatures

Add fresh mulch to retain moisture and protect roots

Trim trees away from rooflines and AC units

Windows, Doors & Energy Efficiency

Keeping cool air in is everything.

Clean windows and screens (dust accumulates quickly)

Check weather stripping and reseal gaps

Consider sun screens or window tinting for heat reduction

Inspect door seals to prevent cool air loss

HVAC System Prep (Essential!)

Your AC is about to work overtime.

Replace air filters (more often in dusty areas)

Schedule a professional AC tune-up

Clear debris around outdoor units

Make sure vents are clean and unobstructed

Plumbing & Water Systems

Water conservation matters more in the desert.

Check for leaks in faucets, hoses, and irrigation lines

Inspect water heater for sediment buildup

Consider installing low-flow fixtures if not already in place

Safety & Pest Prevention

Warmer temps bring critters out.

Seal cracks and openings around the home

Check for signs of pests like ants, scorpions, or rodents

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Clear dry brush or debris away from the home

Interior Dust Control & Refresh

Dust management is a desert must.

Deep clean floors, baseboards, and vents

Vacuum air returns and replace filters regularly

Declutter to minimize dust collection

Rotate ceiling fans to counterclockwise for cooling

Final Thought

Preparing your home for desert spring isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about staying ahead of the heat, saving on energy costs, and protecting your investment. If you’re thinking about making a move this season or just want to know your home’s value in today’s market, we’re always here to help!

What Eating Bananas Every Day Does to Your Body,

According to Nutrition Experts

• Eating bananas every day can support your overall health with their rich nutrients, affordability, and easy availability.
• Bananas keep you full longer, promote gut health, and help regulate blood sugar levels for steady energy.
• Their potassium content supports healthy blood pressure, while antioxidants protect your cells from long-term damage.

Bananas are nutritionally impressive fruits. They’re high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which are all needed for optimal health. The fruit is also relatively easy on the stomach, making it ideal for soothing digestive woes. Furthermore, bananas are inexpensive and widely available, so you won’t have to go far to find them.

For these reasons, you might find yourself adding bananas to your daily diet. Maybe you enjoy adding them to oatmeal or blending them into smoothies? Or perhaps you like eating them as a snack in between meals? You’ll be pleased to hear that consuming bananas has profound benefits for the body, according to nutrition experts.

6 Strategies to Outsmart

Spring Allergies

It’s time to spend more time outside-but it also means unpacking those pesky spring allergies. Rather than suffer through the season, try these tactics to reduce symptoms.

• Be proactive.

If allergy pills are part of your annual remedy, start taking them before your symptoms begin. This will allow the medication to start working through your system ahead of flare-ups.

• Protect your peepers.

Sunglasses aren’t just to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays-they will also keep them clear from pollen, which can cause itchiness and redness.

• Know the numbers.

Avoid going outside when the pollen count is at its peak-which is in the evening for spring and summer seasons*. It’s even better if you can wait until after a good rain, which will clear the air of pollen**.

• Change your clothes.

Even if the T-shirt you wore yesterday looks clean, it could be teeming with pollen. Make sure to put on a fresh set of clothes every day. In the same vein, don’t try to cut back on your energy usage by air-drying your clothes and sheets outside-pollen will stick.

• Allergens not welcome.

Door mats don’t just keep floors clean-they also stop allergens in their tracks. Wash mats weekly, and ask guests to remove their shoes when entering your home so dust and mold are left at the door.

• Ditch the broom.

Sweeping will only stir up the dust that has settled on your floors. Instead, use a damp mop to trap particles. If your allergies are severe and you have carpet, consider replacing it with hardwood, tile or linoleum-or at the very least vacuuming once a week with a model that features a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

What’s Happening in the Neighborhood

• Starbucks is Open – Woo Hoo
• Firehouse Subs – coming soon
• Nail Salon – coming soon

As we wrap up April here in the desert, we’re grateful for the sunshine, the blooming landscapes, and the continued trust you place in us. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply curious about the market, we’re always here to help guide you home. Wishing you a wonderful spring season ahead—stay cool, stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out. And as always, your referrals mean the world to us!

The Sold Sisters Group

Renelle Kunau

612-968-2262

Terri DeVeau

612-860-1121