Author: Troy Jones PC

Phoenix sellers are feeling the shift—active listings have climbed to 17,700, up about 5% from last year. That means buyers now have more choices and a bit more leverage than they did just a year ago. What’s driving the extra inventory? It’s not a flood of new sellers (new supply is up less than 1%); it’s homes lingering on the market, giving buyers the upper hand. Nearly 28% of active listings already carry a price cut, so negotiating power is clearly on the buyer’s side before the first offer is even written.

The typical Phoenix home is spending 67 days on the market—faster than last year, but still long enough for patient buyers and for sellers who know how to price and position their property competitively. For anyone looking to sell, the message is simple: realistic pricing and flexibility are your best tools right now. I’ve seen firsthand how disciplined pricing—backed by hard ARMLS data—and a creative approach to negotiations can make all the difference, whether you’re aiming to maximize your equity or just need a clean, reliable exit. In this market, straight answers and the right strategy open more doors than ever.

Seller concessions have taken center stage in Phoenix—67.4% of buyers secured them in their home purchase by mid-Q3, putting our city among the nation’s most flexible markets. We’ve seen a striking jump: concessions here climbed 15.3 percentage points over last year, and only two other metros posted a higher share. In practical terms, this means Phoenix buyers have more negotiating muscle than they did a year ago, while sellers have had to get creative and meet the market where it is.

For those thinking about selling, these numbers drive home a point I see every week: the old "list and wait" approach just isn’t enough. Success today is about adapting—whether that means strategic pricing, targeted marketing, or structuring terms that actually move the deal forward. Phoenix is one of just three metros with such a dramatic shift in concessions, so if you’re weighing your options, know that there are real, data-driven strategies available to help you come out ahead—no matter which side of the table you’re on.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

Phoenix’s 85004 zip code is making waves—50 movers per 1,000, and the shifts across the Valley are worth a closer look. In the first half of 2026, we’re seeing two distinct trends: buyers are flocking to the edges of the metro (think Surprise to Rio Verde), while new renters are gravitating toward the city center. The outskirts are dominated by owner-occupancy—about 90%—with median incomes near $130K, homeowners averaging 50 years old, and home values around $720K. Just look at Surprise’s 85387: the population has grown by roughly 111% since 2018, median age dropped from 63 to 50, household income climbed 41% to nearly $99K, and 95% of homes are owner-occupied. Meanwhile, central areas like 85004 have seen an 89% population jump, 106% income growth, and a much younger median age of 28. Over in 85034 near the airport, household income is up about 132% since 2018, reaching $64K, and home values remain comparatively affordable at $284K.

For homeowners considering a move or investors eyeing the Phoenix market, these numbers aren’t just stats—they’re signals. Rapid changes mean opportunity, but also call for precise pricing and a strategy that meets the moment. My approach goes beyond the old list-and-wait routine. Whether you’re looking to capture equity in an owner-occupied hot spot or need creative solutions for a property that’s weighing you down, I dig into the real numbers and bring every tool to the table. No sugar-coating—just clear options and a real plan for your next step.

A lot of people are asking: where is Phoenix housing headed—and could 2027 mark a real shift? After the last construction surge, we’re seeing more homes on the market than buyers are used to. That means you have options—and, as a seller, you can’t just slap on a high price and expect a bidding war. More inventory has opened up some negotiating room, and we’re finally seeing affordability start to improve.

The latest research backs this up: slower price growth and a bit of relief on mortgage rates can gradually nudge the market toward better buying conditions. If current trends hold, and our inventory gets absorbed while borrowing costs keep heading toward sustainable territory, we could see a lot more buyers ready to make a move by 2027.

Whether you’re hoping to cash in your equity or your property’s become a burden, my job is to give you straight answers and real solutions—using real ARMLS data, creative sale options, and tough negotiation. No sugar-coating, just facts and a path forward. Let’s see where this market goes together.

Here’s a quick look at the Phoenix rental scene—and what it means if you’re planning your next move. The latest numbers show average rent in Phoenix has climbed to $1,700 a month. That’s less than the national average, but still up slightly (just under 1%) year-over-year. In plain terms: rents are rising, but at a slower, more manageable pace right now.

For anyone weighing whether to rent or buy—or for owners considering how rental income stacks up—the typical household needs to bring in about $69,100 a year to cover the average Phoenix rent. That’s a real figure to keep in mind when setting budgets or talking about what’s possible.

As someone who helps clients navigate these choices every day, I know that rent trends and income requirements matter for both sides: tenants looking for a place they can afford, and landlords thinking about who qualifies. The overall Phoenix market is a mix of rising costs and affordability concerns, and the right strategy—whether you’re renting, buying, or selling—often comes down to real data, not guesswork.

If you’re looking for clear answers and practical options, I’m here to help you find the right path.