It’s no secret: renters are still expecting to move more often than homeowners, but even that pace is slowing down. In 2026, the average renter’s 3-year chance of moving sits at about 37%—much higher than the 14% for homeowners, but softer than in previous years. What’s interesting is how these plans connect to the dream of ownership. Renters who don’t think they’ll ever own expect to move less, while those feeling confident about buying a home someday plan for more moves ahead.

Mortgage affordability is steering these expectations. If a renter feels it’s very easy to get a mortgage, they’re far more likely to plan a move than someone who thinks financing will be tough. Rate outlooks also matter: renters expecting lower mortgage rates are planning more moves, while those bracing for higher rates are holding back.

From my seat in the Paradise Valley market, I see this play out every week. The appetite for homeownership is still strong—what’s changing is the path to get there. Affordability, not a lack of desire, is what’s putting the brakes on mobility for many renters. That’s why creative solutions matter more than ever. Whether it’s seller financing or restructured deals, there’s always a way forward if you know how to find it. No pressure, just real options—and a plan that fits your reality.

Scottsdale's single-family home market is moving to its own beat this year, and the numbers prove it. So far in 2026, closed sales are up about 14% compared to last year, with pending sales rising another 8%. At the same time, new listings have dipped around 3%. That means buyers are staying active, even as choices tighten just a bit.

We’ve seen nearly 2,800 single-family transactions close in the first seven months alone—clear evidence of buyers and sellers getting deals done in a big way. Scottsdale doesn’t always follow the rest of the Valley, and these results highlight the unique pace and rhythm at play here.

If you’re considering selling, it’s not just about listing and hoping. I use real ARMLS data to price, market, and negotiate so you’re in the best position—especially in a market this dynamic. Whether you’re ready to tap into your home’s equity or need a creative solution, Scottsdale’s momentum this year means you have options.

Arizona is drawing national attention for its booming semiconductor sector, with Phoenix now supporting over 140,000 jobs tied to this industry—and that’s only set to grow, especially as new fabs rise in North Phoenix and Chandler. A second major facility near Phoenix has finished construction, with large-scale production slated for 2027. For buyers and investors, some see today’s price plateau as a rare opening—timing is everything when you’re looking to maximize value.

But in Arizona, there’s always another side to the growth story: water. Our allocation from the Colorado River covers about a third of statewide water use, and beyond 2026, more cuts are on the table. Local water managers remain confident cities can absorb reductions without disrupting service, yet we’re likely to see tighter conservation rules, efficiency standards, and possibly drought surcharges play a bigger role.

On the housing front, Phoenix has cooled off from the frenzy of the last boom, but most analysts see this as a healthy normalization. Expect home prices to tick up at a modest, low single-digit pace near term.

As someone who helps clients navigate both the opportunities and the risks in our market, I believe knowing the local realities—like water policy’s impact or what drives job growth—is key to making informed moves. Whether you’re looking to leverage your equity, offload a challenging property, or just want a straight answer about your options, I’m here to help you find a path that actually works.

Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.

US apartment vacancy eased to ~8% in Late-Q2 2026, but most improvement came from newly delivered communities leasing up, not stronger performance across established inventory.
Quarterly absorption reached ~164K units, topping ~118K new units added, yet stabilized properties still saw vacancy ↑~35 basis points yearly overall nationally.
High-end four- and five-star apartments captured ~70% of demand, and overall vacancy in that segment improved while stabilized luxury properties faced tougher backfilling.
The national gap between overall and stabilized vacancy reached ~50 basis points, showing new lease-ups did the heavy lifting as older properties faced leasing pressure.
Through coming quarters, headline vacancy may keep improving, but existing properties could stay pressured into 2027 as operators emphasize retention, incentives, and repositioning.

Phoenix was among the overbuilt apartment markets expected to post rent slumps in 2026, as supply outstripped demand and weakened pricing power.
The model for Phoenix pointed to continued flat-to-negative rent growth through ~2027, showing that the market still needed time to absorb excess inventory.
A sharper rebound was expected to begin around 2028 in Phoenix, once excess supply eased and local apartment fundamentals started realigning again.
For Phoenix investors, that arc meant patience could matter, because above-avg. rent growth in the early 2030s could partly make up for softer years.
By the mid-2030s, Phoenix was expected to return to a more typical moderate rent-growth pace in the low-3% range for apartments overall.

In 2024, ~935K Arizona households were cost burdened, meaning housing and utilities took at least ~30% of income under federal standards statewide.
Arizona's cost-burdened household count moved from ~770K in 2014 to ~935K in 2024, while the statewide share reached ~32% of households overall.
Renters carried a much heavier load in 2024: ~52% of Arizona renter households were burdened, compared with ~23% of owner households statewide.
Cost burden can leave households with less for food, healthcare, or savings, so budgeting conversations should weigh income and housing costs together.
Arizona metro differences also mattered: Tucson had the highest renter burden near ~53%, while Prescott Valley was lowest near ~46% during 2020–2024.