Blog

Author: Nicole Fetter

  • New Listings Rise as Summer Comes to a Close

    New Listings Rise as Summer Comes to a Close

    As summer winds down in Arizona, I’m seeing a 1.2% increase in new U.S. home listings—reaching a three-month high. Yet, interestingly, pending sales have dipped by 1.3%, now sitting at their lowest since March. While the median asking price edged down by 0.1%, the median sale price is still 1.8% higher than this time last year, even as buyers face higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty. With over 17 years in real estate and experience from the lending side to commercial and now residential resale, I’ve learned how subtle shifts like these can create unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers across the valley. Navigating these changes and helping clients turn houses into homes is what makes this market so rewarding for me.

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  • New listings hit a four-year high

    New listings hit a four-year high

    It’s not every day we see the US housing market reach a four-year high in new listings—an 8% jump, marking the most active market since August 2022. As someone who’s spent over 17 years guiding families and individuals all over the Valley, I know just how much these shifts can impact your next move. Active listings are approaching balanced territory, which means buyers are seeing more options, while sellers still benefit from steady demand. Pending sales, however, have dipped to a low, and with mortgage rates holding at 6.66%, affordability remains a real challenge, even as median prices have ticked up by 2.2%. Having started my career on the lending side and spent time in commercial real estate, I understand how these numbers translate to the experience you’ll have on the ground—whether you’re searching for your first home in Gilbert or preparing to sell in Anthem. My passion has always been helping people navigate these market changes, turning uncertainty into opportunity, and making sure you feel confident every step of the way.

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  • The Next Building Boom Could Reset Housing

    For years, we’ve heard that real estate runs in cycles—but as someone who’s watched the Arizona market up close for almost two decades, I can say there’s a bigger story. The real driver behind rising home values has been a persistent shortage of supply, not just the ups and downs we expect. If a new building boom truly takes off, it could change the housing landscape in ways we haven’t seen for a long time. Having started out in loans, spent time in commercial, and now focusing on helping families across the valley find the right home, I’ve seen firsthand how limited inventory shapes every buyer’s and seller’s experience. A shift in supply could reset what’s possible for those looking to make their next move.

  • U.S. Housing Market Rebalances Slowly

    Watching the U.S. housing market gradually rebalance has been an interesting ride—especially for those of us helping Arizona families navigate these shifts every day. Active inventory is up about 4% year-over-year nationwide, but for the first time in five weeks, that growth slowed a bit. This signals a gentle, buyer-friendly adjustment rather than any dramatic surge in supply. Homes are sitting on the market for an average of 61 days—steady compared to last year, and right in line with what we typically see as late Q3 arrives.

    New listings have dipped just 1% from last year, bringing us back to 2025 levels. Affordability is still front and center: some buyers are pausing, and some sellers are holding back, not quite ready to test the waters on pricing. The national median listing price is at $419,000, down about 1% from a year ago, and the median price per square foot has slipped to $222—its lowest since early Q1 2026.

    Inventory gains and higher mortgage rates are slowly shifting the balance toward buyers, but the market overall is moving at a measured pace. I’ve always believed that every client deserves a tailored approach, especially when things are shifting quietly rather than dramatically. My background in both lending and commercial real estate helps me see the full picture—making sure the families I work with are confident, well-prepared, and supported whether they’re buying or selling across the Valley.

  • What Smaller U.S. Homes Could Mean for Buyers

    Over the past decade, I’ve watched the average size of new single-family homes sold in the U.S. shrink from 2,700 square feet to 2,400 square feet—even as the price per square foot has jumped nearly 72%. By 2025, 1 in 4 new homes sold will be under 1,800 square feet, compared to just 1 in 6 a decade ago, while the share of 3,000+ square foot homes has slipped from roughly 1 in 3 to 1 in 5. Builders are turning to smaller designs to navigate rising land, labor, and material costs, which helps keep homeownership within reach—especially with mortgage rates hovering around 6% to 7%. For buyers focused on budget, especially first-timers, these modestly sized homes can make down payments and monthly costs more manageable. But it’s important to note that the higher price per square foot means affordability remains a challenge. My years in both lending and residential real estate have shown me how important it is to balance space, comfort, and value—something I always keep in mind when helping families and couples find the right fit across the Valley.

  • The Best—And Worst—U.S. Cities for First-Time Home Buyers, Ranked

    The Best—And Worst—U.S. Cities for First-Time Home Buyers, Ranked

    For those stepping into homeownership for the first time, the search is all about finding the right mix of affordability, opportunity, and a sense of community. Some cities are really shining right now—Palm Bay, FL, Surprise, AZ, Boise, ID, and Murfreesboro, TN are offering a standout combination of reasonable home prices, plenty of new housing options, and lower taxes. It's no surprise to me that Arizona continues to stand out, with Surprise making the list for affordability and growth—something I see firsthand every day working with clients across the valley. On the flip side, many West Coast cities, along with Anchorage, AK, remain much less accessible for first-time buyers. Having started on the lending side and then transitioned through both commercial and residential real estate, I’ve seen how the right city choice can make all the difference for new buyers. Helping families discover the perfect place to call home is what drives me, and it’s rewarding to see cities in our region leading the way.

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  • Here’s how Metro Phoenix ranks among buyer-friendly housing markets

    Here’s how Metro Phoenix ranks among buyer-friendly housing markets

    It’s interesting to see how the Metro Phoenix market stacks up among the most buyer-friendly housing markets in the country right now. Out of the top 100 U.S. metros, 70% are either leaning toward buyers or already favoring them—the highest we’ve seen since 2019. Seller’s markets have dropped to just 25%, and listing prices have come down in 60 metros nationwide. The South is showing signs of becoming more buyer-driven, while the Midwest still holds strong for sellers. Here in Phoenix, I’ve seen the shifts firsthand across neighborhoods from Gilbert to Buckeye and up to Anthem. With 17 years in Arizona real estate, I always aim to help clients navigate these changing trends so they can make informed choices and feel confident in their next step—whether that’s finding a place to call home or making a smart move as a seller.

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  • 22 Cities with Unique Opportunities for Homebuyers

    22 Cities with Unique Opportunities for Homebuyers

    It’s becoming more challenging for middle-class families to find homes they can truly afford—especially in many of the country’s biggest cities. Recent data shows that, in 22 major U.S. cities, typical households can afford less than a third of the homes currently on the market. In places where average values top $1 million, the options narrow even further. Having started my career on the lending side and now bringing over 17 years of real estate experience across the Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how rising prices, mortgage rates, and tight inventory can shape the home search. My commitment has always been to help families navigate these hurdles, ensuring they find a place that feels like home—even when the landscape is tough. If you’re feeling the squeeze in today’s market, know that you’re not alone, and the right strategy can make all the difference.

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  • Peoria – Most Expensive Homes of August 2026

    Every month, I love digging into what’s happening at the very top of the Peoria market. For August 2026, these are the most expensive homes currently listed—each one unique in its own way, and each representing a slice of what makes our Valley luxury market so dynamic.

    Here’s the rundown:
    1. ARZ7021178 — $1,744,000
    2. ARZ7051955 — $1,699,900
    3. ARZ7053273 — $1,649,900
    4. ARZ7016966 — $1,399,000
    5. ARZ7035630 — $1,350,000
    6. ARZ7043445 — $1,150,000
    7. ARZ7048626 — $1,099,900
    8. ARZ6980534 — $1,090,999
    9. ARZ7072201 — $1,050,000
    10. ARZ7050422 — $999,000
    11. ARZ7063647 — $995,000
    12. ARZ6938963 — $950,000
    13. ARZ7021305 — $869,000
    14. ARZ7052218 — $849,900
    15. ARZ6981670 — $774,000

    Having been in real estate for 17 years and working with buyers and sellers from Anthem to Buckeye, I’ve watched how these upper-tier homes shape the landscape for the rest of our market. If you’re curious what sets these properties apart, or how they impact your own home’s value, I’m always happy to offer insight from both a lender and agent perspective. There’s always something interesting at the top!

  • Peoria – Most Affordable Homes of August 2026

    Curious about Peoria’s most budget-friendly homes for August 2026? I’ve gathered the top 15 listings, ranked by price, to help you get a clear picture of what’s currently available—starting as low as $109,000 (Listing ARZ7046623) and topping out at $269,900 (Listing ARZ7071937). As someone who’s spent over 17 years guiding Arizona families toward homes they truly love, I know how important it is to have up-to-date options at your fingertips, whether you’re searching for your first place or looking for a smart investment. My own journey from mortgage lending to residential resale has shown me just how much the right listing—and a bit of guidance—can make all the difference. If you’re exploring Peoria or the wider Valley, these opportunities might just be the starting point for your next chapter.