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Jody Jones, 8388 E Hartford Drive Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

09/25/2026

Greater Phoenix home sales rise in 2026 despite slower summer market
If you’re watching the Phoenix real estate market—especially from the Northwest—here’s a quick pulse check on what’s happening as we move through 2026. Single-family home sales in Greater Phoenix are up 5.1% year-to-date, even though summer brought a bit of a slowdown. Pending sales dipped slightly (down 0.6%), and new listings also edged down by 2.8%. Median prices continued their steady climb, now at $485,000—a 1% increase—while inventory nudged up by 1.3%. Activity is far from uniform across the Valley, so neighborhood trends can vary quite a bit.

Having helped many clients relocate from Washington and Oregon, I always keep an eye on these shifts to help you time your move and understand what to expect. My background in flipping and renovations lets me spot the opportunities (and the pitfalls) whether you’re looking for a primary home or a winter getaway. The Phoenix market keeps evolving, and I’m here to help you navigate it with confidence—rain or shine.

https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/jody-jones/1938744-Greater-Phoenix-home-sales-rise-in-2026-despite-slower-summe

09/24/2026

Arizona Guide for First-Time Homebuyers
If you’re gearing up to buy your first home in Arizona—especially if you’re relocating from the Northwest—here’s what I always walk my clients through to make the process smooth and stress-free. Start strong: check your credit, trim down any revolving debt, and hold off on taking out new loans or credit cards before you begin touring homes. There’s a common myth that you need a massive down payment, but here in Arizona, conventional loans can be as low as 3% down and FHA is around 3.5%. Plus, there are state and county programs that can help with assistance.

Pre-qualification is a helpful first step for getting a ballpark budget, but a formal pre-approval is where your offer really stands out—your documents are verified, your credit is pulled, and sellers know your financing is solid. When you’re touring homes, pay close attention to big-ticket items that matter in the Arizona climate: the age and condition of the HVAC system, insulation, roof underlayment or coatings, and how much sun exposure the property gets. These factors can really affect your utility bills and future maintenance.

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll head into escrow, bring in an independent inspector, and have the chance to negotiate repairs—or if something major comes up, you can cancel and get your earnest money back. My background in hands-on renovations gives me a sharp eye for the details that matter, so you can feel confident at every step. If you’re ready to swap rain for sunshine, I’m here to help make your Arizona home search organized, transparent, and surprisingly simple.

09/23/2026

U.S. Housing Market Rebalances Slowly
The U.S. housing market is still finding its balance—at a slow and steady pace. Nationwide, active inventory is up about 4% compared to last year, though that growth has cooled for the first time in over a month. That’s a sign the market is rebalancing in favor of buyers, but without a dramatic surge in available homes. Right now, homes are typically spending 61 days on the market—matching this time last year and reflecting the usual late-Q3 slowdown after a busier spring and summer.

New listings are down about 1% year-over-year, with numbers returning close to 2025 levels. Affordability challenges are still weighing on both buyers and sellers: some buyers are cautious about stretching budgets, while some sellers are hesitant to test the market. The median listing price currently sits at $419,000 (down about 1% from last year), and price per square foot has slipped to $222—the lowest since early 2026.

Inventory gains and higher mortgage rates are shifting the balance gradually toward buyers, but overall things are moving at a measured pace, not a sprint. For those making a move between the Northwest and Arizona, tracking these trends is key—especially if you’re trying to time a sale or purchase across states. My hands-on experience in both markets helps clients weigh these numbers, spot the right opportunities, and navigate the process smoothly—whether you’re searching for sunshine or selling your home up north.

09/22/2026

Metro Phoenix home sales jump 5.1% over last year
As someone who’s made the move from the Pacific Northwest to the Valley—and helped dozens of others do the same—I’ve been tracking the latest shifts in Metro Phoenix’s housing market. In 2026, single-family home sales climbed 5.1% over last year. While pending sales held steady and new listings dipped by 2.8%, prices nudged up and overall affordability remained stable. We’re still sitting at about a four-month supply of homes, though sales speed has slowed a bit and growth isn’t uniform across neighborhoods. For buyers moving from places like Washington or Oregon, understanding these trends can make a real difference. My hands-on experience with renovations and relocations means I look beyond the headlines to help you make the right move—whether you’re searching for a primary home or a sunny escape.

09/21/2026

What Smaller U.S. Homes Could Mean for Buyers
Over the last decade, the average size of new single-family homes in the U.S. has quietly shifted—from 2,700 square feet down to 2,400 square feet. At the same time, price per square foot shot up by about 72%. In 2025, a quarter of new homes sold measured under 1,800 square feet, compared to just one in six a decade earlier. Larger homes (3,000+ sq-ft) became less common, dropping from about one in three to one in five sales nationwide. Builders are leaning into smaller floor plans as a way to balance out rising land, labor, and material costs, especially as mortgage rates hover between 6% and 7%.

For anyone looking to buy on a budget or hoping to snag their first place—especially those relocating to Arizona from the Northwest—these trends could make down payments and monthly costs a bit more manageable, even if the price per square foot still feels steep. Having started my own real estate journey flipping homes and handling renovations, I always pay close attention to how layout and size impact both comfort and value. If you’re weighing what kind of home makes sense for your move, or how these national trends play out in the Phoenix metro, I’m here to offer a local, practical perspective—so you can focus on finding the space that fits your next chapter.

09/20/2026

Greater Phoenix home sales rise as inventory, prices remain steady
It’s been an interesting start to the year in Greater Phoenix real estate: single-family home sales are up 5.1% year-to-date, and the median price now sits at $485,000—a modest 1% increase. Inventory has crept up just a bit, holding steady at four months. Meanwhile, homes are averaging 78 days on the market, though activity varies a lot depending on the neighborhood.

If you’re watching Phoenix from Washington or Oregon, this balanced market means you have options (and less pressure to rush). I’ve seen how these subtle shifts can impact your buying or selling strategy, especially if you’re relocating or looking for that perfect winter escape. Having helped dozens of clients navigate both Northwest and Arizona markets, I keep a close eye on these trends so you always feel one step ahead—whether you’re ready to make a move or just curious about what’s next.

https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/jody-jones/1953540-Greater-Phoenix-home-sales-rise-as-inventory%2C-prices-remain-

09/19/2026

The best U.S. cities to buy a home in before prices soar, ranked
Every year, I keep an eye on the U.S. cities that offer the best value before home prices start to climb out of reach. Right now, Midwest and Southeast spots like Raleigh, Grand Rapids, and Houston are standing out for their affordability, strong job growth, and diverse local economies—not to mention great amenities. With home values between $265,000 and $500,000, these areas are drawing attention from buyers looking to get in before prices rise further. As someone who helps clients make big moves—often from the Northwest to sunny Arizona—I know how important it is to catch that window of opportunity. Whether you're relocating, searching for a second home, or planning a fresh start, staying ahead of the market makes all the difference.

https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/jody-jones/1936367-The-best-U.S.-cities-to-buy-a-home-in-before-prices-soar%2C-ra

09/18/2026

Renovate or Move? How the 2026 Housing Market Is Shaping the Decision for Homeowners
With 2026 shaping up to be a challenging year for homeowners—think high mortgage rates, tight inventory, and those ever-increasing moving expenses—I'm seeing more folks weighing the big question: renovate or relocate? Many are tapping into home equity to remodel, but construction labor shortages are stretching timelines and budgets. From my own background flipping and renovating homes, I know that remodeling works best if your house is structurally sound and fits your lifestyle long-term. But if you’re up against serious property defects or tricky zoning issues, a move might make more sense—even with today’s market hurdles. As someone who’s helped many clients transition from the Northwest to Arizona, I always look for practical solutions that fit both your goals and the realities of the market. If you’re deciding between refreshing your current space or making a move to sunnier skies, let’s talk through what will serve you best.

https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/jody-jones/1967131-Renovate-or-Move%3F-How-the-2026-Housing-Market-Is-Shaping-the

09/17/2026

Scottsdale - Most Affordable Homes of August 2026
Curious about affordable options in Scottsdale as you consider a move—or maybe a winter getaway? Here’s a look at the most budget-friendly homes available this August 2026, with listings starting at just $118,000 and ranging up to $275,000. Whether you’re relocating from the Northwest or searching for a low-maintenance second home, these price points are a great place to start your Arizona journey. My background in both Washington and Arizona real estate means I’ve seen how these entry-level properties can be a smart first step, especially for buyers navigating a big transition. If you’d like honest insights or a virtual walk-through, I’m here to help you feel at home in the desert—no matter where you’re coming from.

09/16/2026

Scottsdale - Most Expensive Homes of August 2026
Curious about the pinnacle of Scottsdale living? Here’s a look at the most expensive homes on the market for August 2026—with prices ranging from $1.8M all the way up to $6.65M. These listings, like ARZ6960153 at $6,650,000 and ARZ7060852 at $5,998,000, showcase just how stunning the luxury scene is here. As someone who’s made the move from the Northwest myself—and helped many others do the same—I know how unique the Scottsdale market can be. Whether you’re eyeing these top-tier properties for a relocation, a winter escape, or just some inspiration, my background in hands-on renovations and cross-state transactions means I spot the details that matter. If you’re ready to trade gray skies for sunshine, it’s always exciting to see what’s possible in the Valley.

Jody Jones

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