🍂 Why Fall Can Still Be a Great Time to Buy (If You’re Ready)

As the Arizona heat finally starts to cool down, so does the real estate market — at least a little. Fall often brings a quieter pace to home shopping, but that doesn’t mean opportunity disappears. In fact, for serious buyers, this can actually be one of the best times of year to make a move.

Here in the West Valley, across communities like Surprise, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Peoria, the market tends to shift in the fall. We see fewer bidding wars and a more balanced environment for both buyers and sellers. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, this season could offer some real advantages.

One of the biggest benefits of buying in the fall is less competition. During the spring and early summer, homes can move fast, and multiple offers are common. By fall, many of those buyers have already found homes or decided to pause their search. That means less pressure and more breathing room — giving you the chance to take your time, explore your options, and make confident decisions about your purchase.

You’ll also find that sellers are often more motivated this time of year. Many homeowners want to close before the end of the year or make a move before the holidays. This can create opportunities for negotiation on price, repairs, or even closing costs — things that can make a big difference in today’s economy.

Another factor working in buyers’ favor is more realistic pricing. Homes that didn’t sell during the busy summer months are often adjusted to reflect current market conditions. We’re seeing a few price corrections across parts of the Valley, and that can open the door for buyers who might have felt priced out earlier this year. Combined with motivated sellers, it’s a great window to find a home that’s both a fit and a smart investment.

There are also some financial advantages to buying before the end of the year. Depending on your situation, there may be potential tax benefits — such as mortgage interest or property tax deductions — when you close before December 31. Plus, buying in the fall means you’ll be settled just in time to enjoy your new home during the holidays and Arizona’s best weather season.

And finally, let’s not forget the Arizona advantage. While other parts of the country are heading into snow and ice, we’re just entering our most comfortable months. It’s the perfect season for house-hunting — and for enjoying your new backyard, golf course views, or community amenities once you move in.

Even in a challenging economy, opportunities still exist for buyers who are prepared and well-informed. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible this fall, I’d love to help you find a home that fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. You don’t have to rush — you just need a plan and the right person guiding you through it.

Ready to see what’s out there?

Let’s connect and review the latest listings and opportunities across the West Valley.

Why Buyers Should Be Excited Right Now

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole has shifted the narrative. While not committing to immediate action, Powell acknowledged rising risks in the labor market—despite inflation still being a concern—and signaled that a change in monetary policy might be warranted as soon as September. That marked a notable dovish turn, encouraging speculation that interest rates could begin to fall soon. 

Markets Have Reacted—Expectations Are High

The response was swift:

• Wall Street surged, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rallying on the prospect of lower borrowing costs. 
• Trading markets now assign an 80–87% probability of a 0.25% cut in September. 
• Major financial institutions—including Barclays, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and J.P. Morgan—are revising forecasts toward rate cuts this fall, some even expecting multiple cuts by year-end. 

Mortgage Rates Are Already Near a Multi-Month Low

Although mortgage rates haven’t dropped yet, they’re edging lower. The 30-year fixed rate currently sits at 6.58%, holding at its lowest point since October 2024—down 31 basis points over the past quarter. This trend reflects investor anticipation of Fed easing and is a welcome sign for buyers.

What This Means for Homebuyers

• More affordability: Even a small dip in mortgage rates can improve purchasing power. Consumers are already reacting—40% say they’d consider buying if rates fall below 6%, and 32% if they dip below 5%. 
• Relief from rate-lock bias: With rising rates over the past year, many homeowners are hesitant to move. A shift downward can encourage listings and increase inventory, balancing a supply-constrained market. 
• Opportunity to act now: If the Fed follows through, we may see rate-sensitive buyers re-enter the market in Q4—before the traditional holiday slowdown.

Keep an Eye on Coming Data

Powell emphasized that future Fed actions hinge on upcoming data, particularly September’s jobs report (due Sept. 5) and inflation readings (around Sept. 11). Should the data confirm a cooling labor market and easing price pressures, the likelihood of a rate cut—and a stronger housing market—will rise.

Bottom Line for Homebuyers and Sellers

For Buyers: This could be the turning point. If rates fall as expected, buying power increases—and sooner may be better than later.

For Sellers: If you’re waiting to market your home, increased buyer interest could arrive as early as the fall.

For Real Estate Professionals: Stay proactive—now is the time to line up fresh listings, update buyers on rate shifts, and tailor strategies for a potentially more competitive Q4.

📉 National Housing Market Overview: 

A new Realtor.com report reveals that 33 of the 50 largest U.S. metros saw year-over-year list price declines, with hot markets like Austin, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles leading the way.

In Austin, the median listing price is now nearly 15% below its mid‑2022 peak, as inventory surges and demand cools. These dynamics—record high inventory, slower sales, and growing delisting’s—are reshaping buyer-seller balance across the South and West.

What This Means for Arizona: Market Parallels & Local Conditions

Arizona’s metro areas are seeing similar shifts:

• Phoenix‑Mesa‑Chandler has seen a spike in delisting’s—up 47% year over year—as some sellers opt to remove their listings rather than continually drop prices.
• Inventory levels in Arizona are rising sharply. In May 2025, there were over 46,000 active listings—20% higher than the previous year—with average supply hovering around 4 months.
• Approximately 35% of Arizona’s listings show price reductions—up over 4 points year over year. Only about 14% sell above list price, down from 2024.
• Overall housing inventory remains below 2019 levels, despite recent growth, meaning it’s still easier to find a home now than in the post‑pandemic boom—supply is catching up.

🏠 Arizona 2025 Snapshot: Trends & Forecasts

Price Trends & Forecasts

• Median home prices in Arizona remain around $450,000, with modest annual growth—projected around 3–5%for 2025 depending on location (Mesa/Chandler, Tucson, Flagstaff).
• Some areas like rural Northern Arizona and Flagstaff are expected to enjoy stronger appreciation due to tight supply and demand from remote or second-home buyers.

Affordability & Mortgage Rates

• Mortgage rates in Arizona generally range from 5.5% to 6%, with experts warning that even small rate jumps add significant monthly payment burden—for example, jumping from 5.5% to 6.5% could increase monthly mortgage costs by ~$240 on a $450K home.
• Higher rates support growing demand in the rental market: Phoenix has a vacancy rate around 7.5%, while median one-bedroom rents hover near $1,250.

Seller Strategy & Market Timing

• Some sellers are pulling listings to “reset” market perception, then relisting later with fresher status—part of a growing trend of delist-and-relist to avoid stale listing stigma
• The Arizona REALTORS® forecast highlights building demand in 2025 as rates slightly stabilize. However, listing prices need careful calibration—simply waiting may not sell your home faster.

📊 Quick Comparison: Austin Trends vs. Arizona Market

🧭 What This Means for You

For Arizona Buyers:

• More homes to choose from and stronger negotiating power in many neighborhoods.
• Expect longer days on market (~50–60 days) and price reductions on many listings.
• Stay prepared: mortgage pre‑approval is key, especially with high rates and cautious lenders.

For Arizona Sellers:

• Realistic pricing is critical—overpricing risks long listing times or delisting.
• Consider strategic flexibility: relisting with updated marketing or staging can help.
• If your home sits too long, options like rent-back or short-term rental could maintain value while waiting for the market to firm up.

✅ Key Takeaways: Arizona Outlook in 2025

• The national price cooling trend mirrored in Austin and similar metros is affecting parts of Arizona—especially the lower end of the market and overbuilt neighborhoods.
• Growing inventory and affordability pressures are balancing the market toward buyers, even though Arizona still lags behind several pre‑pandemic norms.
• Northern Arizona and desirable suburbs may outperform, while entry-level markets could soften or require pricing concession.
• Mortgage rates remain a constraint—but not a blocker. Buyers who act with financing in place and agents who adjust quickly will benefit most.

For many of us, our dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family. And when it comes to buying a home, their needs matter just as much as ours. Whether you have an energetic pup who needs space to run or a senior dog who prefers lounging in the shade, house hunting with pets in mind can make all the difference.

As a pet-loving real estate agent (with three Shihpoos of my own!), I know exactly what dog parents should keep an eye out for when searching for the perfect home. Here’s your guide to pet-friendly home features—and a few tips for showing your home with pets still living in it.

🏡 Top Home Features for Dog Owners

1. A Fenced Yard (Bonus: Block Wall Fencing)

This one’s obvious, but essential. A secure, fully fenced yard means peace of mind and easy bathroom breaks. In Arizona, block walls are common and preferred—they offer safety, privacy, and durability.

2. Durable Flooring

Tile, vinyl plank, and laminate floors hold up much better than carpet when it comes to shedding, accidents, and muddy paws. Bonus points if the home already has pet-resistant surfaces in high-traffic areas.

3. Shade and Outdoor Comfort

In the Arizona heat, shade is a must. Covered patios, pergolas, or even mature trees can make the yard much more usable—for both dogs and their humans.

4. Pet Wash Stations (or Space for One!)

Some newer homes feature built-in pet wash areas in the laundry room or garage. Even if it’s not there yet, a utility sink or hose access nearby is a great start.

5. Nearby Walking Trails or Parks

Proximity to greenbelts, trails, or dog parks is a game-changer. If your dog needs a daily stroll to stay sane (and so do you!), consider the neighborhood as much as the house itself. Remember, those summer temps climb fast, and pavement can get dangerously hot—quickly. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day, and always do the “5-second hand test” on concrete or asphalt. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

6. Open Layouts and Extra Space

An open floor plan gives larger dogs room to move—and gives you fewer tight corners to navigate with a leash or water bowl in hand.

🧼 Selling Your Home? Here’s How to Prep with Pets Around

1. Deodorize Before Showings

Even the best-behaved pups leave behind a scent. Use an air purifier, steam clean carpets, and consider a light, fresh-smelling spray—not too strong!

2. Remove Toys, Bowls & Beds

During showings, tuck away pet items to help buyers focus on the space—not your dog’s squeaky toy collection.

3. Crate or Relocate Pets During Showings

It’s safest for everyone. If you can’t take them with you, consider a trusted friend or doggy day care during open houses.

4. Fix Minor Damage

Patch up scratches on doors, baseboards, or floors—buyers will notice.

🐾 Final Thoughts

Our dogs are part of the homebuying journey—and they deserve a space that’s safe, functional, and comfortable too. Whether you’re buying or selling, planning with your pup in mind can make the whole process smoother (and a lot more fun!).

Looking for a dog-friendly home or need help staging your space with pets around? We’ve got you—and your furry family members—covered.

🏜️ Arizona Real Estate Market Update – June 2025

The Arizona housing market continues to evolve, and the numbers from June offer clear insight into where things stand as we head deeper into the summer season. Inventory remains elevated, buyer activity is showing signs of hesitation, and homes are spending more time on the market—marking a continued shift toward a more balanced environment.

📈 Inventory Holding Strong, Giving Buyers More Leverage

In June, there were 19,064 active listings across the Arizona market, a 43% increase year-over-year. While this is slightly lower than May’s total, the elevated inventory level is still giving buyers significantly more options compared to this time last year.

For sellers, this means more competition. Pricing strategy and presentation are now critical to capturing buyer interest in a slower-paced market.

🛑 Buyer Activity Continues to Cool

Pending sales remain lower than earlier in the year. While exact contract data wasn’t provided in June’s report, the absorption rate—a key indicator of how quickly homes are selling—dropped to 26.88%, a decline of nearly 27.5% from last year.

Closed sales also slipped slightly, and buyers are clearly taking more time to make decisions. While this may reflect ongoing affordability concerns, it also presents opportunities for buyers to negotiate more favorable terms.

🏡 New Listings Dip Slightly Month-Over-Month

There were 5,644 new listings in June, down from 6,097 in May—a 7.4% monthly decrease. However, compared to June 2024, new listings are still slightly up, showing that homeowners remain confident but are entering the market more selectively as summer sets in.

⏳ Homes Sitting Longer on the Market

Homes are staying on the market longer, with the average days on market (DOM) rising to 78 days in June. That’s a noticeable increase from 64 DOM this time last year and reflects a more patient, cautious buyer pool.

💰 Home Prices Showing Mild Softening

The average sales price in June was $632,258, down 0.87% from May but still slightly higher than a year ago. The median sales price came in at $474,990, down 0.42% month-over-month.

While prices aren’t plummeting, they are adjusting—especially in higher price ranges. Mid-range homes ($300,000–$500,000) remain the most competitive, continuing to sell close to list price.

🔑 Key Takeaways

For Buyers:

• More listings = more options and stronger negotiating power.

• With homes sitting longer and prices softening slightly, summer may offer a less competitive window to purchase.

For Sellers:

• Strategic pricing and strong marketing are essential.

• With more inventory on the market, making your home stand out is the key to getting noticed—and getting offers.

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead

As we move further into summer, staying informed on real-time trends will help you make confident, strategic decisions—whether you’re buying, selling, or preparing for either.

If you’d like to see what’s currently available in your area, check out the latest listings here:

👉 View Maricopa County Homes on Realtor.com

📞 Have questions or need personalized insight? We're just a message away!

Arizona Real Estate Market Update – May 2025

The Arizona housing market continues to shift, and May's numbers offer important insight for both buyers and sellers as we move into summer. With rising inventory, slower buyer activity, and homes taking longer to sell, it’s clear the market is settling into a new rhythm compared to the fast pace of previous years.

Inventory Growth Offers Buyers More Choice

In May, there were 20,169 active listings across the Arizona market—an increase of over 50% compared to this time last year. Inventory also rose nearly 24% over the past six months and 9.64% over the past three months. This significant rise in active listings gives buyers more options and may indicate a shift toward a more balanced market.

For sellers, this increase means more competition. Homes need to be priced strategically and presented well to stand out.

Buyer Activity Shows Signs of Slowing

Pending sales, or homes that went under contract in May, dropped by 7.59% compared to April and by 1.53% over the past three months. This indicates a slight slowdown in buyer activity. Closed sales also dipped 3.7% month-over-month, with 5,574 homes sold across the market.

While these numbers suggest buyer hesitation, it may also reflect seasonal trends and continued affordability challenges.

New Listings Slowing, But Still Higher Year-Over-Year

There were 7,835 new listings in May—down slightly from the previous month but still 17.46% higher than May 2024. While fewer sellers are listing month-over-month, the year-over-year increase suggests more homeowners are feeling confident about entering the market.

Homes Are Sitting Longer on the Market

The average number of days a home spent on the market in May was 74. This is a clear indication that the pace of sales has slowed, and buyers are taking more time to make decisions.

Price Ranges and Sale-to-List Price Trends

Homes priced between $300,000 and $500,000 remained the most competitive, selling at 98.7% of list price on average. Other price brackets, including the $500,000–$700,000 range, also held strong at 98.5%. This shows that while the pace may have slowed, motivated buyers are still making competitive offers—especially in mid-range price points.

Key Takeaways

For buyers, increased inventory means more selection and more room for negotiation. This could be a good opportunity to enter the market with less pressure than earlier in the year.

For sellers, standing out is more important than ever. With more homes for buyers to choose from, proper pricing, home preparation, and marketing will make all the difference.

As we head into the summer months, staying informed on market trends is key. Whether you're buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, understanding how conditions are shifting helps you make the right move at the right time.

Phoenix Real Estate Market Report for March 2022

So let's take a look at what the Phoenix real estate looked like in March. As you'll see the market has been on fire and we didn't see a change....

Would you like to read the entire report? Click here to download your copy!

Phoenix Real Estate Market Update for Jan 2022

If you would like the full report, it's free! Just Click Here to download the report or ask your Desert Home Premier agent and we can break it down to your home, community or city.

Wondering what the real estate market is doing in Phoenix, Arizona? In this short video I review the results for October 2021 and little of where it might be going. Check it out and let us know if you have any questions.

If you would like to download the full report Click Here!

One word to describe our real estate marketing in Phoenix, Arizona is CRAZY! We've been a strong seller's market for a while now and we do not see any signs of that changing over the next couple of year. In this short video we cover where the market went over the last 12 months as well as cover some information about institutional buyers and how they're changing the real estate landscape.

If you'd like do download your copy of the full report please CLICK HERE!