Should You Wait to Buy a Home in Phoenix? Why Waiting Could Cost You Five Years of Wealth BuildingIf you are thinking about buying a home but are waiting for lower interest rates or lower home prices, you are certainly not alone. Many future home buyers believe the market will become easier over the next several years. While that sounds like a smart strategy on the surface, waiting could actually cost you one of the most valuable financial opportunities available today.A recent survey of 1,000 Americans planning to purchase a home within the next five years found that 95 percent believe something is preventing them from buying today. Higher mortgage rates, affordability concerns, and limited housing inventory continue to keep many buyers on the sidelines. Nearly half of those surveyed b... 07/16/2026

Water in the desert, it is a beautiful sight. (Water drop by Rony Michaud, Pixabay) Now, a waterfall in the Phoenix metro? Yes, (see early photo from 1800s) if you live in the neighborhoods of Arcadia and the site of Arizona Falls and Arizona's first Hydro Power Plant, now at Herberger Park.Arizona Falls in 1800s...Water in the Desert  Phoenix homes for sale with lush greenery and upscale neighborhoods, south of Camelback Mountain. Where? Read on to find out about Arizona Falls and Arcadia...   Arcadia homes are just south of local landmark Camelback Mountain.  YES! Arcadia a large neighborhood(s) in the desert city of the Phoenix Arizona and characterized with homes with green grass, canals, irrigation and a waterfall. Yes, you heard correctly, grass in a city that only gets 7 inches o... 05/23/2026

Is Arizona’s AG or Recorder Blocking FBI Voter Record Access?When federal investigators request election records, they often run into a maze of state laws, local offices, and privacy rules. In Arizona, questions have emerged about whether the attorney general or the Maricopa County Recorder is doing more to slow or shape the FBI’s access to voter data connected to 2020 and 2022 elections.The reality is more complex than a simple blame game. The attorney general represents the state and often weighs legal risks, privacy protections, and political pressures when responding to federal subpoenas. That office may argue for limits on what can be shared, such as redacting sensitive personal information or narrowing broad requests.The county recorder is responsible for maintaining voter rolls a... 05/07/2026

Lookout Mountain Living: Why 1739 E Monte Cristo Ave Is the Kind of Home Buyers Wait ForSome homes check boxes, some homes create a lifestyle. That’s exactly what’s happening at 1739 E Monte Cristo Ave in Phoenix. Right out of the gate, this property separates itself. Over 3,800 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, a loft, and a 3-car garage it’s built for flexibility. Families, multi-generational living, work-from-home setups. it handles all of it without feeling cramped.But here’s what most buyers miss…It’s not just the size, it’s the setting.This home sits in the Lookout Mountain area, and if you know that pocket, you know exactly what that means. You’re getting elevation, mountain views, and a quieter feel compared to a lot of the Valley. It’s one of those areas where you feel just a l... 05/03/2026

Biltmore Living Redefined: Why 5314 N 24th Place Is Sitting in One of Phoenix’s Most Powerful CorridorsThere are locations in Phoenix… and then there’s the Biltmore corridor. 5314 N 24th Place sits right in the middle of one of the most established, high-demand pockets in the entire Valley and that matters more than most buyers realize.When I look at a property in this area, I’m not just evaluating the home I’m evaluating positioning. This is Camelback East. This is where business, luxury, and lifestyle all collide. You’ve got proximity to Biltmore Fashion Park, high-end dining, golf, and one of the most recognized business corridors in the city. It’s no accident that this zip code has remained one of the most desirable in Phoenix for decades.And here’s what’s really important: demand h... 04/30/2026

Downtown Phoenix Living at Its Peak: Why 200 W Portland St #1113 Is Turning Heads Right NowThere’s a different kind of energy in Downtown Phoenix right now and if you’ve been paying attention, you already know it’s not slowing down. Properties like 200 W Portland St #1113 sit right in the middle of that momentum. This isn’t just a condo, it’s a lifestyle decision.When I walk into a high-rise unit like this, I’m not just evaluating square footage or finishes. I’m looking at positioning. And this one? It’s positioned exactly where today’s buyers want to be right in the Roosevelt Row Arts District, surrounded by walkability, culture, and everything that makes urban living actually feel alive.This pocket of Phoenix has transformed over the last decade. What used to be “up and coming” is now... 04/29/2026

Why a Maricopa Judge Is Weighing Election Power ShiftsIn Maricopa County, AZ, a quiet and unnoticed court battle is shaping how future elections will be run in that state. A Superior Court judge is hearing a lawsuit that centers on who controls the people, money, and responsibilities that make Election Day work.For years, Arizona law has given the county recorder a clear role in voter registration and early ballots. But many core election tasks, like running vote centers and tabulating results, are handled through agreements with the County Board of Supervisors. Recently, changes to those agreements have sparked sharp conflict. After voters recently elected a new recorder, supervisors pulled staff, funding, and key functions away from his office, weakening the authority voters thought t... 04/27/2026

Cabinets represent the single biggest line item in most Phoenix kitchen remodels. Spend less on cabinets without sacrificing quality, and you'll have more budget left for everything else. That simple math explains why more Phoenix homeowners and contractors now buy from wholesale cabinet suppliers instead of retail showrooms. Wholesale pricing can cut cabinet costs by 30% or more compared to big-box stores, and many Phoenix-area wholesale sources offer the same all-wood construction and modern features you'd find at twice the price. Local suppliers let you inspect finishes in person, pick up orders the same week, and skip the long freight delays that come with ordering from out-of-state vendors. Choosing the right supplier means matching their business model to your project. Some specia... 04/23/2026

Real Estate Rule Changes Reveal Commission System GapsReal estate rule changes highlight the gap between how the commission system is described and how it operates in practice. Arizona buyers and sellers have felt these shifts since the 2024 updates.The National Association of Realtors no longer allows offers of compensation to display in MLS systems. On paper, commissions come from seller proceeds. In practice, buyers fund the full transaction, and expectations around fees still shape decisions.When sellers negotiate the buyer agent commission the paperwork still shows the seller paying the commission in full, yet the economics reflect a split of who pays. Some agents want a fixed X percent for their work as a buyer agent. Even though they might renegotiate that X percent in order to g... 04/22/2026

A waterfall in the Phoenix metro? Yes, (see early photo from 1800s) if you live in the neighborhoods of Arcadia and the site of Arizona Falls and Arizona's first Hydro Power Plant, now at Herberger Park.Water in the Desert (photo: Arek Socha, Pixabay)  Phoenix homes for sale with lush greenery and upscale neighborhoods, south of Camelback Mountain. Where? Read on to find out about Arizona Falls and Arcadia...   Arcadia homes are just south of local landmark Camelback Mountain.  YES! Arcadia a large neighborhood(s) in the desert city of the Phoenix Arizona and characterized with homes with green grass, canals, irrigation and a waterfall. Yes, you heard correctly, grass in a city that only gets 7 inches of rain each year. The neighborhoods of Arcadia are irrigated off of the expansive ca... 04/15/2026

Downtown Phoenix Living at Los Olivos: Walkable, Connected, and Full of CharacterTucked into the heart of Downtown Phoenix, the Los Olivos community offers a lifestyle that blends charm, walkability, and convenience. This ground floor one bedroom, one bathroom residence welcomes you with an inviting great room filled with natural light thanks to floor to ceiling windows that brighten the living space throughout the day. The bedroom opens directly to a private patio, creating a peaceful place to relax while still being surrounded by the energy of the city. Residents enjoy lush landscaped grounds, shaded walkways, and community pools that give the neighborhood a comfortable, close knit feel that many buyers look for when exploring Downtown Phoenix condos and urban living opportunities.Loc... 03/12/2026

Water in the Phoenix metro? Yes, if you live in the neighborhoods of Arcadia and the site of Arizona Falls and Arizona's first Hydro Power Plant.Water in the Desert (photo: Arek Socha, Pixabay)  Phoenix homes for sale with lush greenery and upscale neighborhoods, south of Camelback Mountain. Where? Read on to find out about Arizona Falls and Arcadia...   Arcadia homes are just south of local landmark Camelback Mountain.  YES! Arcadia a large neighborhood(s) in the desert city of the Phoenix Arizona and characterized with homes with green grass, canals, irrigation and a waterfall. Yes, you heard correctly, grass in a city that only gets 7 inches of rain each year. The neighborhoods of Arcadia are irrigated off of the expansive canal system in Arizona. You may want to consider buying a h... 03/04/2026

Most of us have shown homes in Mountain Park Ranch where buyers focus on list price and condition, only to hesitate once HOA structure enters the conversation. In master planned communities across Ahwatukee and the broader Phoenix housing market, the fee itself is rarely the issue. It is the structure, reserves, and layered governance that shape buyer perception.In 2026, the Mountain Park Ranch master assessment is $219 semi annually, due January 1 and July 1. On paper, that equals $36.50 per month. In isolation, that number feels modest. In context, it becomes part of a broader value equation that influences how buyers compare neighborhoods across the Phoenix market.As practitioners, we know the monthly figure is only the starting point. The real conversation is about structureMountain... 03/03/2026

In an ever changing landscape of home construction, the building industry has shifted to offer a different marketing message.    That shift is because of consumer demand and innovation.   The building industry now builds more comfortable, resilient, healthier, and lower cost of ownership homes.  What does all that mean?  Builders are building homes with better features that include better indoor air quality and energy and water saving features that save homeowners money.   So instead of listing price per square foot, consider that value per square foot is what consumers want in their homes.  The recent article from "Green Builder, Music to The Ears" shares why their "narrative" is changing.  In-demand features are reshaping housing.  Consumers want better indoor quality, healthier inter... 02/23/2026

You all know who I'm referring to for this month's challenge - Membership Appreciation Month!  This month we are challenged, thanks to Patricia Feager  and Lew Corcoran with writing about an ActiveRain member who has been inspirational, supportive, helpful, positive, generous, courteous,  referral-giver, feedback giver, and/or done something extraordinary.  The first member that came to mind (among others), is Anna "Banana" Kruchten! Anna and I met so long ago that I had to look back at the numerous years of Meet ups, birthday celebrations and holiday celebrations to figure out how long we've known each other!  Through research, I discovered our Meet ups go back 14 years!   In April, 2012, Julie Vosmik reached out to me about hosting a Phoenix Meetup.  In the Summer of 2022, Anna reache... 02/09/2026

The last month of 2025 ended with more sales in the Phoenix Metro area than December, 2022.   Total sales were 69,304, very close to the same number of sales for 2015, except for trailing foreclosures and HUD sales that year.   Declining inventory for December, put the squeeze on buyers to make decisions.   Higher price ranges definitely contributed to more sales in total for 2025.   Our appreciate was slow and steady with no real volatility.  Home sellers needed their homes to be priced right, move-in ready and/or have great remodels to sell faster.For the last four years, affordable homes have declined rapidly as prices rose during the frenzied home market.  Real estate prices soared with low interest rates and spreadsheets for listings were required !  Homes are still selling though!... 01/07/2026

Do you want GREEN GRASS on your next Phoenix Arizona home? Not in to cacti and desert landscaping you say? 'Gotta' have a lawn, I can help you with that. I will show you homes for sale in the Arcadia neighborhoods in the Green irrigated areas of Phoenix with large traditional homes. The GREEN GREEN GRASS Of Home...ah yes that sounds idyllic. But can you find this in Phoenix Arizona, America's fifth largest city in the great desert southwest? Yes, and a waterfall as well. Read on...   Arcadia homes are just south of local landmark Camelback Mountain.  YES! Yes, in Arcadia a large neighborhood(s) in the desert city of the Phoenix Arizona and characterized with homes with green grass, canals, irrigation and a waterfall. Yes, you heard correctly, grass in a city that only gets 7 inches of r... 11/03/2025

Now is your opportunity to live in a luxury condo at "Portland On The Park" in Phoenix, directly above and with views of the world famous Japanese Friendship Garden. Now on the market at 200 W Portland St 322, Phoenix, Arizona 85003.Live in urban luxury at Portland On The Park in downtown Phoenix with the perfect blend of city life & modern convenience. Luxurious 1 BR 1 BA 891 sq ft 3rd Floor Condo offers a contemporary design, open concept, floor to ceiling windows.Prime condo location on 3rd floor directly above the serene world-famous Japanese Friendship Garden (water features and peaceful trails) to view from condo or on your own private balcony w/peaceful views & tons of natural light. The lush greenery, koi ponds, walking paths, & waterfalls of the garden brings the outdoors indoo... 10/18/2025

For Sale two side by side licensed 5 bed assisted living homes and businesses in North Central Phoenix Arizona for a total of 10 revenue producing beds.Each of the two homes has 5 revenue producing private bedrooms, roll in showers and upgrades for a very pleasant and comfortable resident experience. Total in both homes of 10 private licensed bedrooms plus an 11th bedroom for caregiver(s). The two homes have a total 11 bedrooms, 5 roll in shower bathrooms, 4,005sf (total) and 4 car garage spaces.These are two of the nicest assisted living homes you will see in a private and peaceful location. Pleasant courtyards and gardens.Fully occupied with a waiting list. Real Estate and Business $1,500.000.The address and prospectus is confidential until a serious ALH buyer signs NDA and provides P... 10/07/2025

Looking to safely dispose of old tax files and paperwork? Join us for a FREE community Shred-A-Thon in Ahwatukee. Bring your boxes, clear the clutter, and help local students at the same time.Event Details When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:00–11:00 AM Where: Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary, 15221 S Ray Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044 Cost: Free (optional healthy snack donations for the Kyrene Family Resource Center) Limit: Up to 20 boxes or bags per vehicle What We Can Shred ✅ Paper documents — staples & paper clips are OK ❌ No three-ring binders or non-paper materials (no plastics, sleeves, electronics, CDs, cardboard) Why It Matters Prevent identity theft with on-site secure shredding. Support local Kyrene students with snack donations via the Kyrene Family Resource Center. Hosted ByShirley Coo... 10/06/2025