Cindy Smith, Realtor, SFR, GREEN

05/21/2026

Newly Built Home Prices Hit a 5-Year Low

Builder incentives and lower new home prices are working to your advantage in a way they haven't in years. Want to see what's available in your area and what kind of deal a builder may be willing to make? Let's connect.



Cindy Smith | Associate Broker GREEN | SFR
TrustPoint Partners powered by REAL BROKER
(602) 214-9247| [email protected]

If you’ve always assumed a newly built home is just not in your budget, you should know the math just got a little friendlier.

05/20/2026

Record High Mortgage Debt Sounds Scary. Here’s What the Headlines Leave Out.

Record mortgage debt makes for a scary headline. But context matters.

Equity is near an all-time high, home values have surged, and the vast majority of homeowners are in a position of real financial strength. The conditions that made 2008 a crisis simply don't exist right now.

If you're wondering what all of this means for your situation, whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of the market, reach out anytime. No pressure, just answers.



Cindy Smith | Associate Broker GREEN | SFR
TrustPoint Partners powered by REAL BROKER
(602) 214-9247| [email protected]

You may have seen the headlines lately about mortgage debt in America hitting a record high.

05/20/2026

You've probably heard that mortgage debt in America just hit an all-time high. And that's true.
But here's what the headline leaves out.

Equity is also near an all-time high. And at $34.1 trillion, it's more than double the $14.4 trillion in debt.

That's a good thing. It means most homeowners own far more than they owe. So, they have a real financial cushion right now.

That’s something homeowners didn’t have during the crash of 2008. Back then, people owed more than their homes were worth. Today, it’s just the opposite.

Homeowners are in a much better position, and the housing market is on stronger footing than the headlines suggest.



Cindy Smith | Associate Broker GREEN | SFR
TrustPoint Partners powered by REAL BROKER
(602) 214-9247| [email protected]

05/19/2026

Nearly 40% of potential sellers say they're planning to offer concessions this year – up from 30% in 2025.

That increase means you could see more flexibility on things like sellers covering your closing costs, adjusting the price, or making repairs.

But what’s worth asking for and what’s a long shot will vary depending on where you’re looking. That’s where I can help.

DM me and let's talk about what concessions make sense in our market. Because, for buyers, the right ask could save you thousands.



Cindy Smith | Associate Broker GREEN | SFR
TrustPoint Partners powered by REAL BROKER
(602) 214-9247| [email protected]

05/19/2026

More Sellers Are Open to Negotiating Right Now

Wondering if buyers ever catch a break in this market? Look at this. 39% of sellers say they expect to make concessions this year. That’s up from 30% in 2025. So, you may have more room to negotiate than you think. Want to know what you can ask for as a buyer? Let’s chat.



Cindy Smith | Associate Broker GREEN | SFR
TrustPoint Partners powered by REAL BROKER
(602) 214-9247| [email protected]

05/18/2026

“What if I buy… and home prices go down?” It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now.

And honestly, with everything in the news lately, it's easy to see where that's coming from.

No one wants to make a big financial decision at the wrong time.

But here’s the part buyers need to see.

When you look at home prices over the last several decades, data proves prices usually go up, not down.

Yes, there are a few dips in there. But they’re typically small and short-lived. So, while a few markets are seeing slight declines right now, the bigger trend is clear.

Over time, home prices almost always rise.

That’s why buying a home is generally considered a safe long-term investment (especially if you plan to live there for 5+ years).

So, try not to get too caught up in what might happen with home...



Cindy Smith | Associate Broker GREEN | SFR
TrustPoint Partners powered by REAL BROKER
(602) 214-9247| [email protected]

05/18/2026

Are Home Prices Going To Fall?

Home prices have a long track record of going up over time. And that’s why buying a home is generally considered a safe long-term investment.

That certainly doesn’t mean you have to buy now. You should only move when it makes sense, and you plan to live there for a while.

But if you’re interested, let this reassure you. If you want to talk through what home prices are doing in our market, your goals, or your timelines, let’s have a quick conversation.



Cindy Smith | Associate Broker GREEN | SFR
TrustPoint Partners powered by REAL BROKER
(602) 214-9247| [email protected]

It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “What if I buy, and home prices go down?”

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

The Pricing Mistake That Could Cost You Your Sale

Most sellers come into the market with one number in mind. And it’s often the one that costs them the most.