National data from Redfin show that about 40 to 45 percent of recent home sales include a seller concession. That share tells a clear story. Concessions are now mainstream in negotiation, not a red flag. Housing and finance outlets echo this pattern. With mortgage rates higher than a few years ago, buyers feel stretched, and sellers are relying on concessions to help close the affordability gap rather than assuming they will receive list-price offers with no requests for help.

Recent reporting shows that “marry the house, date the rate” can still be useful guidance, but only when buyers understand its limits.

Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) like Zillow’s Zestimate promise instant numbers, but speed doesn’t equal accuracy. Even in well-documented markets like Phoenix, AVMs can be off by 2%–6.5% for on-market homes and nearly 10% for off-market ones—a swing of tens of thousands of dollars on a $300,000 property.

For nearly a year, Phoenix-area homebuyers have enjoyed a rare stretch of leverage — more inventory, motivated sellers, and room to negotiate. But according to Tina Tamboer of The Cromford Report, those days may be numbered.

When the Federal Reserve announces a rate cut, many people expect mortgage rates to drop right away. It seems like common sense — if the Fed lowers rates, mortgages must get cheaper, right?

Not exactly.

Buckeye is once again in the headlines — this time for a project poised to reshape the economic landscape of the entire West Valley. The Grand View Arizona Community Master Plan is setting the stage for a new era of growth, turning 1,900 acres near Verrado Way and MC-85 into a full-scale employment corridor. Once annexed, the development will stretch across 2,271 acres zoned for industrial, commercial, and residential use, positioning Buckeye as one of Arizona’s most important growth engines for the next decade.

The Phoenix metropolitan area is preparing for another snowbird season, but the landscape looks dramatically different than in years past. A combination of declining Canadian participation, shifting economics, and evolving housing conditions is reshaping the market forces that have traditionally driven winter real estate activity. 

The appeal of selling your home “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) usually comes down to saving money. Skip the listing agent, skip the commission, and keep more at closing. On the surface, it seems simple enough: put up a sign, upload some photos, and wait for the calls to come in. 

Simple, right? 

Not exactly. 

Buying a home is easier when your real estate agent and lender work as a team. From pre-approval to appraisal, underwriting, and closing, I coordinate with your lender—or connect you with one I trust—to keep deadlines on track, provide clear Loan Status Updates, and reduce stress. Learn how this partnership ensures a smooth, transparent homebuying process for Arizona homebuyers.

When the Federal Reserve announces a rate cut, many people expect mortgage rates to drop right away. It seems like common sense — if the Fed lowers rates, mortgages must get cheaper, right?

Not exactly.

Arizona’s housing market spent much of this summer in a holding pattern. In August, statewide data showed signs of cooling as high mortgage rates and buyer fatigue kept activity muted. Listings climbed to 42,322—up 19.3% from last year—but buyers weren’t snapping them up. Sales came in at 7,635, essentially flat year over year, while median sales prices held at $432,000, barely ticking up 0.5% from 2024.

After a year of uncertainty, the winds are shifting in Phoenix real estate. Mortgage rates are falling, buyers are coming off the sidelines, and sellers are rushing to meet the surge in demand. Activity is rising across the Valley — but so is competition. Whether you’re buying or selling, the key now is moving strategically while this window is open.

A professional inspector will take a close look at your home’s structure and systems—foundation, roof, plumbing, windows, and more. Let’s face it: would you rather discover an issue now, when you can fix it on your own timeline, or have your buyer find it first during escrow? A pre-listing inspection gives you that chance.

Many buyers head into the buying process with a price point in mind, only to find the mortgage process tells a different story. Homes they’ve been eyeing may be out of reach, or the monthly payments could stretch their comfort level. Prequalification replaces guesswork with clarity, giving you real numbers to guide your search and a plan to move forward.

Greater Phoenix is no longer just a fast-growing metro—it’s the heart of a global technology shift. With more than 108,000 tech workers already here and 13.4% sector growth, the Valley has cemented its “Silicon Desert” reputation. What most buyers don’t realize is that we’re still in the early innings of a transformation that could reshape Arizona’s economy for generations.

For over 50 years, SEMICON West has been the leading semiconductor conference in North America. What began in 1971 as a small gathering in San Mateo grew into San Francisco’s premier tech event—drawing global industry leaders. Now, for the first time, SEMICON West is moving, and its new home is Phoenix, Arizona.