Higher mortgage rates are slowing demand, making monthly payments harder to justify and pushing more buyers to wait.
Pending sales are losing momentum, showing that fewer buyers are moving from house hunting to actually making offers.
Homeowners with cheaper existing mortgages aren’t eager to move, keeping many potential listings off the market.
The result? A housing stalemate: buyers want better payments, sellers don’t want to give up cheap loans, and transactions remain unusually slow.

Navigating Arizona’s housing market can feel daunting, especially when only a little over 40% of households are able to afford a new mortgage right now. Even with some recent progress, price relief has been limited, and high starting values continue to put real pressure on buyers throughout the state—including right here in the Prescott Quad Cities. With Arizona still about 56,000 homes short of immediate demand, inventory remains tight, and a well-thought-out search strategy becomes absolutely essential.

I've seen firsthand how important careful budgeting and payment planning are in this environment. Construction activity has been sluggish, with weaker permit numbers suggesting that new supply won’t arrive quickly enough to offer much near-term relief. That means elevated prices are likely to stick around, making it all the more vital for buyers to be prepared and to have a professional in their corner to negotiate effectively.

With over two decades in real estate, my focus has always been on guiding clients through these complexities—helping you set expectations, understand your options, and make decisions with confidence. Even in a challenging market, the right approach and informed strategy can help you achieve your homeownership goals.

In a recent US poll on best long-term investments, Real Estate led at 38%, ahead of stocks or mutual funds at 20%.
Gold followed at 18%, while savings accounts or CDs drew 12%, bonds 4%, and cryptocurrency 2%, showing Americans still value familiar assets.
Experts said the results reflect trust and familiarity: homes feel stable, and Real Estate is the investment many Americans understand most clearly.
For many households, a home works like a savings tool: mortgage payments build equity over time, while gradual appreciation has supported long-term wealth building.
Experts said long-term investing works best without either-or choices: gold can diversify, while savings accounts and CDs near ~4% mostly keep pace with inflation.

If you own property in Yavapai County, you may have heard about the proposed 2.9% increase to both the primary county property tax levy and the library district’s secondary levy for FY2027. County officials are looking at a combined $2.1 million increase over previous levies (not counting new construction), with a public hearing scheduled for July 27 as part of the budget process. What does this mean for you? For a $100,000 home, the county tax would rise to $164.43 (from $159.84), and the library district portion would be $13.46—making the combined total $177.89. That’s an increase of just under $5 compared to the current rate. With new construction factored in, county levies reach about $69.6 million and the library district about $5.7 million, though tax rates themselves remain unchanged due to increased taxable values.

As someone who’s spent two decades helping Prescott area residents navigate property decisions, I know how even modest changes like these can raise questions about budgeting and long-term planning. My approach is always to help clients understand the numbers, the why behind local policy decisions, and the real impact on their homes or investments. If you have questions or want clarity, I’m here to help you feel confident about what these changes mean for your real estate goals.

Staying informed about interest rates is essential for anyone navigating real estate decisions. The Federal Reserve has just raised its key rate by 0.25%, bringing it to a range of 3.75%-4%—the first increase since July 2023. They’ve also indicated that another hike could be on the horizon as inflation continues to exceed their 2% target. The next review will come at the Fed’s meeting on October 27-28, 2026, when they’ll reassess economic conditions and inflation trends.

As someone who’s spent over two decades guiding clients through market shifts in the Prescott Quad Cities, I know how changes like these can impact everything from monthly payments to long-term investment plans. My approach has always been to break down complex updates so you can make confident, well-informed choices—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. If you have questions about how this news might affect your real estate journey, I’m here as a resource to help you move forward with clarity.

When it comes to timing your home purchase, having the right information can make all the difference. For those planning ahead to 2026, there’s a particular window that stands out: September 27 to October 3. During this period, buyers are expected to find the best combination of available homes, more approachable pricing, and less competition—all factors that can ease the journey. Nationally, active listings could be up by 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% higher than an average week, giving buyers more options to choose from. Listing prices are projected to be about 3.5% below their seasonal high, which could mean potential savings of $14,000 on a median-priced home of $416,000. Buyer competition is also expected to be down 30.1% from the annual peak, and homes may spend around 64 days on the market—offering precious breathing room for decision-making. The overall landscape is expected to favor buyers, with expanding inventory and gentler demand. As always, my focus is on helping you understand these shifts so you can approach your next move with clarity and confidence.