Market Updates, Practical Buying Tips, and Where to See the Best Holiday Lights

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore new corners of the Valley this season, here are two great holiday-light events to check out. Saturday, November 22, Ahwatukee hosts the annual Light Up Ahwatukee Holiday Festival at Desert Foothills Park; an outdoor, family-friendly event with live music, over 75 vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, Santa’s Village, and even a motorcycle parade. You can explore the full schedule here: https://lightupahwatukee.org/light-up-ahwatukee-holiday-festival.

Over in Fountain Hills, Saturday Dec 6, Stroll in the Glow lights up the Avenue of the Fountains with holiday displays, Santa arriving on a fire truck, and the Balloon Glow from 6–8pm. It’s free, walkable, and a perfect way to get a feel for the community. Details here: https://cm.fhchamber.com/events/details/stroll-in-the-glow-2025-47129.

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And for a little seasonal fun, I’m including a link to one of my favorite cookie recipes from a blogger I love. It’s worth the extra step to brown the butter I promise!

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Market Update:

Mid-November data shows steady upward movement: average list prices per square foot are up 2.3% since October, and demand is rising as interest rates ease. Supply has peaked for the season and is expected to fall through December. Compared to last year, we’re seeing 11% more homes under contract and 4% more closings, even with 18% more active listings overall.

For first-time buyers, this means more options and a calmer holiday market. For investors, strengthening demand and tightening supply point to improving ROI potential. And for luxury buyers, this is a window where high-quality inventory is available before competition increases.

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Real Estate in the News:

One encouraging trend on the policy side: more conversations are happening around modernizing mortgage options. Ideas like portable mortgages, where homeowners can take their rate with them when they move, could help ease the “rate-lock” effect, increase mobility, and support a healthier, more fluid housing market. Buyers benefit from stability, sellers regain flexibility, and the overall economy sees more movement and opportunity. I hope this gains momentum, as Canada has had this ability in their market for over 30 years, and has had no negative affect.

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We are still raising money for St Vincent de Paul with this Harmony Heals Bracelet.

We are still giving away a necklace as well! Just comment on the post highlighted here.

Grateful for this season, this community, and the chance to help people find their place here.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Arizona Homeowners: Is It Time to Sell or Hold?

Can I Keep It? Or Should I Sell It?

In today’s market, we’re getting two questions over and over:
👉 “Can I keep my current home as a rental and still buy again?”
👉 “Should I sell, or would it be smarter to rent it out?”

We built two tools to help you answer both—quickly, clearly, and with real math, not guesswork:

💡 Can I Keep It? See if you qualify for your next mortgage using rental income from your current home.
📊 Seller Property Analysis – Sell or Rent? Compare the potential equity from a sale vs. cash flow if you keep it as a rental.

And right now, the timing couldn’t be better:
🏛️ Corporate investors are facing more scrutiny, and tighter regulations are opening doors for everyday buyers and small landlords again.
That means more opportunity for you to hold, to rent, or to cash out smart.

If you’ve been on the fence, these tools are your starting point.
🔗Sell or Rent? 🔗Can I keep it?

Let’s figure out what move gives you the most leverage in this market.

Tariffs, Home in 5 is back, Your VIP Giveaway + Workshop Invite!

Home in 5 Program is back!

The Home in Five program is back, but with limited funds—once they’re gone, they’re gone. This down payment and closing cost assistance program has helped many Maricopa County homebuyers, but it isn’t always available. Before last year, funding was unavailable for several years. If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to buy, now is the time to see if you qualify before the funds run out. Click here for more info

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Market Update, Rates and Tariffs

More listings hitting the market and mortgage demand is surging after interest rates dropped to their lowest level since last October. Home prices remain stable, and demand is showing signs of life as buyers take advantage of improved borrowing conditions.

A major factor shaping the coming months is the recent drop in mortgage rates, which led to a 20% jump in weekly mortgage demand. Refinance applications surged 37% in just one week, showing that buyers from the last two years are finally seeing an opportunity to improve their rates. Purchase applications also rose 9% for the week and are now 2% higher than the same week one year ago. While this is a slow and steady increase, it’s a positive sign that demand is ahead of last year’s pace.

With mortgage rates trending down, the market could gain even more momentum heading into the peak spring and summer season. Additionally, new tariffs on materials from China, Canada, and Mexico are expected to put upward pressure on construction costs, which could push new home prices even higher. As a result, resale homes may become a more attractive option for buyers, strengthening their position in the market.

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🏡 Exclusive Open House: New Build Duplex & Investment Workshop! 📈

This isn’t just a walk-through—it’s a chance to learn how to build wealth through real estate. Over 20 years ago, I started with my first fix-and-flips. Now, I’m developing new builds from the ground up. I want to share the lessons, the wins, and the strategies that got me here!

✨ What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to get started in real estate investing
✅ The process of buying land & building new construction
✅ Investment lending options – land & build financing included!

A lender will be on-site to answer all your financing questions, so you can see how this strategy might work for you. Whether you're an experienced investor or just curious, this is your chance to take the next step!

🔗 RSVP now – space is limited! Click picture for more info.

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ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!! ☕️

We love to support local business and we love coffee! We are giving away 5 gift cards to our friends at THE STAND parked daily - 2601 E Baseline Rd. GIlbert, AZ 85234

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN ONE OF THESE GIFT CARDS, email us back at ocotillorealtyteam@gmail.com and we will give the first 5 people to email us a gift card to try them out! Trust us, you want to try them out!