It’s been quite a ride for homebuyers this year! By the end of Q3, the typical monthly mortgage payment hit $2,600—a 14-month high. With sale prices holding steady (the national median is now around $399,000, up about 2% from last year), affordability is definitely a bigger challenge than ever, and pending sales have stayed pretty flat. Mortgage applications have dipped a little, and new listings slowed down a bit over the holidays, but we’re still seeing more options than this time last year. Sellers are making some smart moves: about 21% of active listings have cut prices, and it’s clear that strategic pricing can really make a difference—overpricing is holding some homes back. Inventory is slowly improving, with about 1.5 million homes on the market and nearly four months of supply, though we’re still not quite at that “balanced market” sweet spot. As someone who’s always passionate about helping people find their place in Arizona, I’m keeping a close eye on these trends to help you navigate this ever-changing market with optimism and a little bit of adventure!

It’s definitely an adventurous time for homebuyers! By late Q3, monthly payments for the typical US buyer soared to $2,600—a 14-month high—thanks to rising mortgage costs and steady home prices. The national median sale price nudged up around 2% year-over-year to about $399,000, which has made affordability even more of a challenge and kept pending sales flat month-over-month and lower compared to last year.

Mortgage-purchase applications have dipped slightly, and while new listings slowed down a bit thanks to holiday timing, they’re still a touch higher than the same period in 2025. What really stands out is how important the right seller strategy has become: about 21% of active listings made price cuts, and sharp, realistic pricing is drawing attention—while overpricing is giving buyers pause.

Inventory is showing a little improvement too, with active supply up about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes and overall supply hovering near four months. That’s still not quite a balanced market, but it’s a step in the right direction. If you’re looking for guidance as you navigate these ups and downs, I’m always here, passionate about helping you find your perfect Arizona home—no matter where the adventure leads!

With all the talk about where interest rates might be heading, I know it’s on a lot of minds—especially if you’re dreaming about a new home or thinking about your next move. Persistent inflation and those higher long-term Treasury yields mean we can’t count on rates dropping quickly, even as we look ahead to 2027. The Federal Reserve is in a tough spot, balancing inflation worries with hints that the economy could be slowing down. What does this mean for all of us? Borrowing costs could stay higher for a while, touching everything from home loans to business lending and commercial real estate. In times like these, I believe in keeping a positive outlook and helping clients stay informed so they can make the best moves for their future. It’s all about finding balance—just like investors are doing as they navigate interest-rate uncertainty and the bigger financial picture. If you have questions or just want to talk through your options, I’m always here to help you find your perfect place in the Arizona sun!

It’s been an interesting Mid-Q3 across our country, with home prices per square foot dropping year-over-year in 36 of the 50 largest metro areas. As someone who’s loved seeing the excitement in real estate, I’m noticing this cooling trend too—a nationwide decrease of about 2% per square foot marks the 10th consecutive month of softening. Sellers are adjusting, trimming asking prices to help buyers and sellers find more common ground, especially with high mortgage rates continuing to test affordability. Even some of the markets that soared during the pandemic are now giving back a bit, as inventory sits above pre-pandemic levels. I’m passionate about helping clients navigate these shifts with optimism and local know-how—there’s always a new adventure in real estate, and I’m grateful to be along for the ride!