Author: Nicole Fetter

  • Peoria – Most Affordable Homes of September 2026

    Every September, I love highlighting the most affordable homes available in Peoria, since finding the right fit at the right price is at the heart of what I do. For September 2026, here’s a quick look at the best opportunities, ranging from $105,000 to $339,000.

    Here are the current options, sorted by price:
    1. ARZ7030720 — $105,000
    2. ARZ7046623 — $109,000
    3. ARZ7082757 — $130,000
    4. ARZ7020583 — $135,000
    5. ARZ7015647 — $155,000
    6. ARZ7074075 — $229,900
    7. ARZ7079724 — $229,900
    8. ARZ7077906 — $235,500
    9. ARZ7044924 — $240,000
    10. ARZ7062800 — $245,000
    11. ARZ7006761 — $254,900
    12. ARZ7070646 — $315,000
    13. ARZ6996081 — $335,000
    14. ARZ7084534 — $335,900
    15. ARZ7038378 — $339,000

    After nearly two decades working with Arizona buyers and sellers across the Valley, I know how important it is to have up-to-date, real options when you’re ready to make a move. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for something new, I’m always happy to share what’s possible and help you navigate the journey to a place you’ll truly love to call home.

  • Arizona Housing Forecast 2026–2027

    As we look ahead to Arizona’s housing forecast for 2026–2027, I’m seeing some familiar patterns—and a few shifts that matter whether you’re buying or selling in Greater Phoenix. The median sale price has held steady at $445K in mid-Q3, with roughly 23,400 active listings on the market, about 4.3 months of supply, and a median of 64 days for homes to sell. List prices have eased, but closed prices remain steady. For my buyers, that’s meant more space to negotiate—credits, buydowns, thorough inspections, and sometimes a better value per square foot. Builders are offering incentives, so when you’re weighing new builds versus resales, it’s smart to look beyond the sticker price and compare the net monthly cost instead.

    For my sellers, I’ve found that pricing is everything: look at comps from the past 45 days, plan for concessions upfront, and don’t be afraid to reset your strategy if your home lingers past 60 or 70 days. As we head toward early Q1 2027, the outlook is for a stable-to-soft market, continued room for negotiation, and close attention to those near-7% mortgage rates, builder buydowns, insurance, and—let’s not forget—cooling costs in our desert climate. With over 17 years in Arizona real estate, I’ve learned that the best results come from preparation, strategy, and always putting your needs at the center of the process.

  • Peoria Joins the 50 Best Real-Estate Markets

    It’s always great to see our local markets get well-deserved recognition, and this time, Peoria has been named one of the nation’s 50 best real estate markets—coming in at No. 42 out of 300 US cities in a recent analysis. What stands out most for Peoria is its strong performance in affordability and economic environment, where it ranked No. 21 nationwide—a reminder that there’s more to a market’s health than just the current home prices. The study looked at 17 different factors, like affordability, job growth, home-price appreciation, and the availability of newer homes, to truly capture what makes a market appealing. For buyers and investors considering Peoria, this top-50 spot highlights a solid economic backdrop and livability that goes beyond the headlines. Having worked with clients all over the valley for more than 17 years, I’ve seen firsthand how factors like cost of living and local job opportunities play a big role in making a community stand out. Peoria’s recognition is just another sign of the dynamic opportunities across our Arizona neighborhoods.

  • The first-time homebuyer’s guide to navigating the Arizona real estate market

    The first-time homebuyer’s guide to navigating the Arizona real estate market

    Buying your first home in Arizona can feel overwhelming, but a few key steps can make all the difference. With over 17 years in the Valley’s real estate market—stretching from Gilbert to Buckeye and up to Anthem—I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for first-time buyers to be prepared. Start by checking your credit score; you’ll want a 620 or higher. Keep your debt-to-income ratio below 43%, and avoid opening any new credit accounts as you approach your purchase. Many of my clients are surprised to learn that down payments can be as low as 0–3.5% thanks to Arizona’s assistance programs. Pre-approval is a must, and never skip a thorough inspection. My background in both loans and residential sales helps me guide clients through these steps with confidence, ensuring you’re set up for success as you take this exciting leap into homeownership.

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  • New-Construction Buyers Prioritize Space, Financial Confidence and Function, Homes.com Survey Finds

    New-Construction Buyers Prioritize Space, Financial Confidence and Function, Homes.com Survey Finds

    After working with buyers across the Valley for over 17 years, I see firsthand what matters most when searching for a new home. The latest Homes.com survey backs up what I hear from my clients: practical features like private yards, reliable security, and versatile rooms—think home offices or flexible spaces—are high on the wish list. Financial confidence is just as important, with many of you wanting reassurance about builder quality and the flexibility to customize your space. It’s also great to see how technology is streamlining the process, from AI tools to video walk-throughs that help you visualize your future home before stepping inside. Having started my career on the loan side and spent years in commercial real estate, I understand the importance of trust and guidance at every stage. Helping families find not just a house, but a place where life happens, is why I love what I do.

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  • Home Warranties: Smart Ways to Protect Your Appliances

    Home Warranties: Smart Ways to Protect Your Appliances

    With smart appliances becoming a staple in homes across the Valley, I've seen firsthand how they can make life easier—until something goes wrong. Here’s what many homeowners don't realize: while home warranties are designed to offer peace of mind, they often don’t cover the smart features we rely on, like Wi-Fi connectivity or the software running those high-tech fridges and ovens. And when repairs are needed, the costs can climb quickly. Over my 17 years in real estate, I’ve helped many clients navigate these details. If you’re investing in a home filled with smart tech, be sure to dig into your home warranty plan’s fine print. Sometimes, it’s worth considering add-ons that specifically cover those smart features—saving you from unexpected surprises down the road.

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  • Protect Arizona Homes From Deed Fraud

    Deed fraud has become a growing concern for many Arizona homeowners, especially those who purchased their homes years ago. Over my 17 years in Arizona real estate, I've seen how important it is to understand exactly what protections your title insurance policy offers. If you already have coverage, some policies do protect you from ownership losses due to forged deeds. However, if your coverage is basic, you might consider an added title insurance endorsement—it can extend protection to future deed or mortgage forgery, giving you another layer of peace of mind. Whether you’re in Gilbert, Buckeye, or up in Anthem, I always encourage my clients to review their title insurance details, so their investment—and their home—remains secure.

  • The Best Time to Buy a Home in 2026

    Timing can make all the difference in your home search, and looking ahead to 2026, there’s a window that stands out. From September 27 to October 3, buyers nationwide are expected to have the best mix of inventory, softer pricing, and less competition. During this stretch, active listings could jump by 31.9% from the start of the year and 13.3% above the average week—meaning more choices for buyers. Listing prices are projected to sit 3.5% below their seasonal peak, offering a potential savings of about $14,000 on a median-priced home near $416,000. Competition is expected to be down by 30.1% from its annual peak, and homes may spend around 64 days on the market, giving buyers a little more breathing room to make decisions. As someone who’s helped families navigate markets across Arizona for over 17 years, I’ve seen how the right timing can turn a good opportunity into a great one. Early fall may give you the widest selection, while later fall could mean even more flexibility on price. If you’re planning your next move, keeping an eye on these trends could make all the difference.

  • U.S. Housing Supply Reaches a Six-Year High

    We’re seeing the most robust housing supply in over six years. By mid-Q3, new U.S. listings climbed about 3% month-over-month to their highest point in more than four years, and total homes for sale rose 4%, reaching a level we haven’t seen since 2020. Even with more homes available, buyer demand remained steady—pending sales didn’t budge, closed sales dipped 1%, and prices still set a period record with mortgages edging close to 7%.

    This shift in supply is driven by more homeowners listing as the grip of rate lock-in relaxes and life changes prompt new moves. Sellers are adapting to a slower pace, giving buyers more breathing room to compare options. I’ve noticed nearly 60% of U.S. homes sold below their original asking price by mid-Q3—creating genuine opportunities for buyers to negotiate price, repairs, or even closing costs.

    For those who can afford to be in the market, it’s a friendlier landscape than recent years—there’s more space to weigh choices and negotiate, even as costs remain high. With 17 years in Arizona real estate and a background spanning lending and commercial deals, I thrive on guiding buyers and sellers through these shifting dynamics. Helping you find not just a house, but a place you truly love, is what drives my passion for residential resale.

  • More Homes Available: Opportunities Grow for Buyers

    More Homes Available: Opportunities Grow for Buyers

    Keeping a close eye on the local market is part of how I help my clients make smart decisions. This week, we’ve seen new home listings edge up by 0.4%, reaching the highest levels since April. Overall, the number of homes available for sale also climbed 0.5%, the most we've seen since May. At the same time, pending home sales dipped by 1.1%—now at a six-month low, which isn’t too surprising with mortgage rates hovering near 6.65% and affordability challenges weighing on buyers.

    Having started my career on the lending side and spent years in commercial real estate before finding my passion in residential, I know how shifts like these can affect each step of your journey—whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the market. My goal is always to help families and couples across the Valley feel confident, even when the market feels uncertain. If you’re curious about what these numbers might mean for your next move, I’m always here to share insight from experience.

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