Allison Mikes

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Allison Mikes Allison Mikes is a trusted real estate professional who delivers exceptional service to home buyers and sellers across the Valley.

She listens to her client’s needs and takes the time to build a relationship.

10/16/2026

Most luxury homeowners wait until after the holidays to call an agent. By then, they’ve already missed the launch window for prime spring inventory.

Getting top dollar in Greater Phoenix isn't about slapping a sign in the yard, it’s about ex*****on. High-value pre-listing prep takes 6 to 8 weeks to do right:

🔹 Architectural & Aesthetic Audits: Identifying high-ROI cosmetic updates (swapping outdated light fixtures, refreshing cabinetry, or elevating desert staging).
🔹 Asset Capture: Shooting exterior video and sunset photography before winter light shifts or holiday decor goes up.
🔹 Strategic Positioning: Building targeted pre-market exposure with high-net-worth buyers and relocation networks.

If a 2027 move is on your radar, the preparation starts now. DM me or tap the link in my bio to book a private pre-listing strategy session before November hits.

You’ve probably seen plenty of headlines about the Phoenix housing market shifting, prices coming down and buyers gainin...
10/14/2026

You’ve probably seen plenty of headlines about the Phoenix housing market shifting, prices coming down and buyers gaining more negotiating room. Those numbers are worth paying attention to, but they don’t tell you whether a particular home is a good opportunity.

What I’m paying more attention to right now is what buyers can actually negotiate on a property that makes sense for the long term.

If you’re looking for a forever home, a custom property or a legacy investment in Central Phoenix or Scottsdale, I wouldn’t be making the decision based on whether the market is “up” or “down.” I’d be looking at the location, the construction, the land, what has already been done to the home, what needs to be done, and what you’re likely to be competing against.

The broader Phoenix market may give buyers more room to negotiate, but that doesn’t mean every good property is going to be a bargain. The homes worth paying attention to are the ones where the numbers, location and long-term value actually line up.

If you’re thinking about making a move this fall, this is the part I’d want to talk through with you: not whether the market is good or bad, but whether the specific property in front of you makes sense.

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Paradise Valley’s ultra luxury market is showing us that, at the highest end, time has become part of the value equation...
10/12/2026

Paradise Valley’s ultra luxury market is showing us that, at the highest end, time has become part of the value equation.

There have been 36 sales above $10 million year to date, compared with 13 during the same period last year. At the same time, I’m seeing more buyers in the $14M to $20M range looking for homes that are already finished and ready to live in.

That tells me something important. These buyers aren’t necessarily looking for more. They’re looking for the right things, already done.

The right location. Privacy. Architecture and design that don’t need to be reworked. Outdoor spaces that function the way they should. And, perhaps most importantly, a home they can enjoy now instead of spending the next several years managing plans, permits, construction and decisions.

At this level, the premium isn’t always about having the most expensive finishes. For some buyers, it’s about eliminating the time and uncertainty between buying the property and actually living in it.

That’s an important distinction when evaluating luxury real estate in Paradise Valley. Value at this level isn’t determined by price per square foot alone. The question becomes: what are you actually paying to avoid?

If you’re considering a luxury purchase in Paradise Valley, I’d be asking that question before I looked at the finishes: What time, work and uncertainty am I buying my way out of?

If you’ve been looking for something fun to do in Scottsdale this weekend, this one caught my eye.The Pool Club is bring...
10/08/2026

If you’ve been looking for something fun to do in Scottsdale this weekend, this one caught my eye.

The Pool Club is bringing Scottsdale Fashion Week to Hotel Adeline on Friday, October 9, with a poolside runway show featuring swimwear and resortwear, live entertainment, brand activations, cocktails, and more.

Hotel Adeline
Friday, October 9
7–10 PM
Tickets are available through Scottsdale Fashion Week.

This is just one of several runway events happening around Scottsdale throughout the week, with the lineup continuing through Sunday at some of the city’s most recognizable venues.

If fashion, resortwear, and a good Scottsdale night out are your thing, this is one to add to the calendar.

📸 Voss Visuals LLC
👗 And So She Styled

Phoenix real estate isn’t slowing down. It’s getting more specific.I’m paying less attention to broad headlines about wh...
10/07/2026

Phoenix real estate isn’t slowing down. It’s getting more specific.

I’m paying less attention to broad headlines about whether the market is “up” or “down” and more attention to the changes happening at the neighborhood and property level.

A few things I’m watching closely right now:
The growth around the North Valley and TSMC. New employment and infrastructure can influence where people want to live, but the impact isn’t the same across every neighborhood.

A shift in what buyers want from the homes themselves. I’m seeing continued interest in warmer materials, natural finishes and indoor-outdoor spaces that actually make sense for living in the desert.

Earlier seasonal activity. Buyers coming from colder markets don’t necessarily wait until January to start looking, which means sellers who are considering a move should be thinking about positioning before the traditional winter season is fully underway.

The value of a home that’s already done. Construction costs, timelines and the amount of work involved in renovating a property all factor into what buyers are willing to take on. A home that has already addressed the major updates can be a very different proposition from one that looks inexpensive until you start adding up the work.

None of these trends tells you what your home is worth or whether it’s the right time for you to make a move. That’s where the neighborhood, the property and your specific goals come into the conversation.

That’s the part of the market I’m watching most closely going this Q4. Which of these shifts are you noticing around Phoenix?

A quick look at what’s happening around Arizona this October.From art and live music to evenings at the Desert Botanical...
10/05/2026

A quick look at what’s happening around Arizona this October.

From art and live music to evenings at the Desert Botanical Garden, the State Fair, and a night at the theater, there’s plenty of reason to get out and enjoy the season.

These are the kinds of experiences that make this time of year so special in Phoenix. A little culture, a little fun, and plenty of opportunities to make a night or weekend out of it.

What are you adding to your October calendar? 👇

JUST LISTED | $900,000 | Cave CreekSome homes stand out because of what’s inside. This one gets you with what happens wh...
09/29/2026

JUST LISTED | $900,000 | Cave Creek

Some homes stand out because of what’s inside. This one gets you with what happens when you step outside.

At 5308 E Forest Pleasant Place, you get 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2,623 square feet with an open layout, an updated kitchen with quartz countertops and an oversized island, plus a split-bedroom floor plan that gives the primary suite its own space.

Then there’s the backyard.

The 10,765-square-foot lot backs to a natural wash with no direct neighbors behind, so you get a level of privacy that’s hard to find. There’s a covered paver patio, lush landscaping, view fencing and sunset views that make the backyard feel like an extension of the home.

The practical details are here, too: a new 2026 AC, 3-car garage, epoxy flooring and built-in storage.

Plus, you’re close to the dining, shopping and trailheads that make Cave Creek and North Scottsdale such an easy place to live.

5308 E Forest Pleasant Place, Cave Creek
$900,000
4 beds | 3 baths | 2,623 SF

Come see what makes this one feel different in person.

09/29/2026

The part of buying or selling a home you see is usually the showing, the offer, the inspections and the closing.

There’s a lot happening in between that you don't see.

While my clients are waiting for the next update, I’m usually checking in with the lender, reviewing the timeline, following up with the other side, watching for potential issues and making sure nothing is getting missed.

A lot of those conversations happen without my clients ever needing to be involved. That's the point. They shouldn't have to spend their time tracking down every detail or wondering who is handling what.

My job is to keep things moving, communicate what's important and address problems before they become bigger problems. And things do come up. An appraisal doesn't go as expected. An inspection turns up an issue. A deadline needs to be adjusted. Another party isn't responding. The plan changes.

That's when being involved and paying attention really matters.

Getting to the closing table is only one part of the job. Knowing what needs to happen along the way, staying on top of the details and knowing when to make a change is just as important.

You may not see all of that happening behind the scenes.

But you should know it's happening.

📸 Voss Visuals LLC
👗 And So She Styled

A home can look incredible and still be the wrong investment.When I’m walking through a property, I’m looking beyond the...
09/28/2026

A home can look incredible and still be the wrong investment.

When I’m walking through a property, I’m looking beyond the kitchen and finishes to understand what you’re actually buying. I want to know how the home was built, whether the layout will work for you long term, how the desert climate may affect the property, and whether there’s potential to renovate or expand.

I’m thinking about whether the cost of that work makes sense for the neighborhood. A renovation might look great on paper, but if you’re putting far more into the home than the surrounding market supports, that’s something worth considering before you move forward.

My experience with custom home building has taught me that some of the most important details aren’t necessarily the ones you notice first. The finishes can tell you a lot about how a home looks, but the underlying details tell you much more about what you’re actually getting.

If you’re buying, remodeling, or building in Phoenix or Scottsdale, I’m happy to help you look at the opportunity from all sides.

09/25/2026

One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make with luxury real estate? Assuming a higher price automatically means a more luxurious home.

When I’m walking through a luxury property with a buyer, I’m not just looking at the finishes or the things that are going to catch your eye right away. I’m thinking about the location, the lot, the privacy, the views, how the home flows, and how well the indoor and outdoor spaces work together.

I’m also paying attention to the things you might not notice immediately, like the quality of the construction and whether the home actually makes sense for the way you want to live.

A large home with beautiful finishes can still feel underwhelming if the details don’t work together. On the other hand, a home can feel incredibly special without needing to be over the top because it was designed with intention.

That’s something I think is really important when you’re looking at luxury homes. You’re not just paying for more square footage, more finishes, or a higher price tag. You’re paying for the experience of living there.

So instead of only asking, “What am I getting?”, I’d also ask, “What am I actually going to experience every day?”

That can change the way you look at a luxury home.

Address

7878 N. 16th Street, Suite 130/14
Phoenix, AZ
85020

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