Author: Pete Torrez

After nearly three decades guiding clients through Arizona’s real estate cycles, I’ve learned that every shift brings both challenges and opportunities—especially in dynamic markets like Phoenix. Right now, we’re seeing the effects of the last building boom: more homes on the market and buyers with a bit more room to negotiate. This increase in inventory is slowly bringing some relief to affordability, though it’s also keeping sellers from pushing prices too aggressively unless demand really picks up.

Recent research shows that as price growth slows and mortgage costs ease, conditions for buyers could keep improving in major cities. If inventory continues to get absorbed and borrowing costs move closer to sustainable levels, we might see stronger buyer activity by 2027. Having flipped hundreds of homes and negotiated a wide range of deals, I know firsthand how these trends play out in the neighborhoods we call home. Staying informed—and ready to act—makes all the difference as the market evolves.

In my 26 years working in Arizona real estate, I’ve watched the Phoenix market evolve—but the latest numbers on seller concessions really stand out. Right now, 67.4% of buyers in Phoenix are receiving some form of seller concession when purchasing a home. That’s a jump of 15.3 percentage points compared to last year, putting Phoenix among the top metros for this kind of seller flexibility. In fact, only two cities nationwide saw higher concession shares. This shift means buyers here are negotiating from a stronger position, while sellers are adapting to new market realities. Having handled hundreds of listings and negotiations myself, I can say this level of change is rare and signals just how quickly the deal-making landscape can shift in our city. If you’re weighing your next move, understanding these trends is key to making the most of your leverage—whether you’re buying or selling.

After 26 years in Arizona real estate, one thing I always remind clients—whether you bought your home last year or decades ago—is to keep an eye on deed fraud. Many long-time homeowners already have title insurance, which often covers you if a forged deed surfaces down the line. But I’ve learned that not all policies are created equal. If your coverage is pretty basic, consider asking your title rep about an endorsement that adds protection for future deed or mortgage forgery. It’s a simple step, but it can add real peace of mind—especially in a market as active as ours. A little extra security goes a long way when it comes to protecting what matters most.

After 26 years in Arizona real estate, I’ve learned that market shifts reward those who adapt quickly—and right now, Phoenix sellers are seeing that firsthand. Active listings have reached 17.7K, up about 5% year-over-year, which means buyers have noticeably more choices than they did last year. What’s interesting is that new supply is up less than 1%, so most of these extra options are homes lingering on the market, not a flood of fresh listings. Nearly 28% of Phoenix homes have already had a price cut, giving buyers extra leverage and pushing sellers to adjust expectations before offers even come in. The typical Phoenix home is spending 67 days on the market—slightly faster than last year, but still long enough to reward buyers who move with patience and sellers who price with discipline. For anyone listing right now, the message is clear: realistic pricing and flexibility are vital, because today’s buyers have the luxury of being selective. These are the kinds of market dynamics I focus on every day to help my clients make smart, confident moves—whether you’re hoping to snag a deal or get your property noticed.