Where to Cool Off Before Summer Ends + a Giveaway

If you’re looking for a way to cool off before the temps finally drop, here are a few of our favorite spots from our recent family trip.

Wet Beaver Creek

Tucked away and not too crowded, Wet Beaver Creek is a little slice of desert paradise. The water is clear and refreshing, perfect for swimming or just dipping your toes while lounging on the rocks. It’s a great spot to pack a picnic and spend the afternoon. (Once temps drop to the 80’s or below, try the 4 mile hike to the crack for cliff jumping.)

Fossil Creek

Fossil Creek is always a showstopper with its turquoise waters and waterfalls. The short hike in makes the reward at the end feel even sweeter. We loved swimming under the falls and letting the current carry us downstream. It’s truly one of Arizona’s gems, and you need a permit to access it. Make sure you have a recreation account before you book the spot. The permits sold out in less than two minutes. Dixon Lewis is the closest to the Creek Falls Trail (1 Mile) Permits Here

Slide Rock State Park

A classic for a reason! Slide Rock never gets old, especially for the kids. Natural rock water slides and shallow pools keep everyone entertained for hours. The red rock backdrop makes it just as beautiful as it is fun. If you are daring, there is also a 50+’ cliff jump under the bridge.

Kayaking & Tubing the Verde River

One of the highlights of our trip was spending a day on the Verde River. It’s always fun to go down the Verde and see all the wildlife, and it is never the same river twice.

Staying in Cottonwood

During our trip, we stayed at my Airbnb in Cottonwood, AZ. It’s the perfect home base for multiple trips back to back like this. It is close to Sedona, Jerome, and all of these great water adventures. If you’re planning your own getaway, you can check it out here.

Birthday Fun + Giveaway 🎉

To top off our summer adventures, we celebrated my oldest son’s 18th birthday with a trip to Andretti Go Kart Racing and wow, was it a blast! The adrenaline rush of racing around the track made for the perfect birthday memory. (If you do the adult (fastest) race with a bunch of teenagers, bring some Ibuprofen for afterwards ;) )

In honor of his milestone birthday, I’m giving away two tickets for a ride on the Mario Andretti track so you can experience the fun, too!

How to Enter:

Giveaway ends this Friday- August 22nd. I’ll announce the winner on Instagram and reach out directly.

And the Market?…

The market continues to move at a gentle, steady pace, leaning in favor of Buyers. Prices are easing only modestly, and supply is thinning as some sellers step back. No major shifts are on the horizon, just a calm, predictable trend, as we wait to see gain potentially later in the Fall depending on the Fed rates.

I hope your summer was full of memories, and that you’re settling into new routines while looking forward to your next adventure.

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.

Strong Foundations: Good Bones Guide, Market Update, & 5 Must-Do May Home Tips

In Arizona, “good bones” means more than just structure — it means thoughtful design, smart materials, and systems that won’t need replacing right after you move in.

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February Finds: Fires, Forecasts, and Finally, Fresh Fun in Phoenix

February Market Update

February 2025: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

The Phoenix housing market is sending mixed signals as we move into February. Active listings have surged by 44% compared to last year, reaching 22,432 homes. This increase gives buyers significantly more choices, but it also presents challenges for sellers competing for attention in a crowded market.

The luxury market is thriving, with homes over $3 million driving much of the price growth:

  • 142 homes sold for over $3 million in the last two months, compared to 92 a year ago.

  • 35 homes sold for over $6 million, nearly 4x last year’s volume.

This activity at the top end has pushed the average price per square foot up 8.8% year-over-year. However, the median price—a better measure for most buyers—has held steady at $450,000, reflecting stability in the broader market.

What This Means for Buyers

More inventory doesn't necessarily mean less competition—homes are still moving quickly, and some are even receiving multiple offers. While interest rates remain close to 7%, prices have stayed stable, and new listings give buyers more options to consider. It's a market where patience and strategy matter, but you still have to act decisively when the right opportunity arises.

What This Means for Sellers

Pricing strategically is critical. With more competition and a slower contract ratio (currently at 33, down from 47.7 last year), buyers have options. Well-prepared homes priced to match the market will still move. Pay attention to what’s under contract in your neighborhood—not just what’s active.

The high-end market remains a world of its own, driven by cash buyers and unaffected by mortgage rates. Sellers in this segment can expect strong demand to continue, as long as the stock market holds steady. As always, real estate is hyper-local. Whether you’re buying or selling, having the right strategy is key.

Why Updating Home Insurance is Critical—Especially if Your Home is in a Trust

Recent wildfires, such as the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County, have been devastating—destroying thousands of homes and tragically taking lives. For those affected, the loss is not only emotional but often compounded by gaps in insurance coverage.

This hits close to home. I’ve had friends who’s family and friends have lost houses they lived in for decades. These experiences are a sobering reminder of how important it is to regularly review your homeowners insurance for accuracy, especially when your home is owned by a trust.

If your property is held in a trust, your insurance policy should reflect that ownership. Adding the trust as an "additional insured" ensures both you and the trust are protected from property damage and liability claims. Overlooking this simple update can leave significant gaps, putting your home and future at risk.

It’s never easy to think about worst-case scenarios, but a few proactive steps now can offer peace of mind later. If you’re unsure whether your policy is up to date, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to make sure you’re fully protected.

If you are looking for ways to help, send us a message and we will connect you to personal sites of people we know who need help.

FOOD & FUN IN FEBRUARY

February in Phoenix offers a vibrant array of activities and new dining experiences to explore. Here are some highlights for the remainder of the month:

Upcoming Events:

  • WM Phoenix Open (February 6-9): Experience the excitement at TPC Scottsdale, where top golfers, and celebreties compete in this lively tournament.

  • Arizona Renaissance Festival (Weekends through March 29): Step back in time with medieval entertainment, artisan crafts, and hearty fare in Gold Canyon.

  • Arizona Strong Beer Festival (February 17): Savor a diverse selection of craft brews at the annual event, a favorite among beer enthusiasts. (phoenixmag.com)

New Restaurant Openings:

  • Best New Restaurants: Explore a curated list of the hottest new dining spots in Phoenix, offering a range of cuisines and atmospheres. (phoenix.eater.com)

  • Beginner's Luck
    All-day restaurant offers straightforward, affordable food with a touch of sophistication, including sweet versions of focaccia made daily in a variety of flavors.

  • Tesota
    Tesota is a standout restaurant in Phoenix's culinary scene, offering exceptional dishes that have garnered significant attention.

  • Uchi Scottsdale
    Uchi brings a unique dining experience to Scottsdale, featuring innovative Japanese cuisine that has quickly become a favorite among locals.

  • Huarachis
    Huarachis offers authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts in Phoenix.

  • Élephante
    Opened in late 2024 at Scottsdale Fashion Square, this coastal Italian restaurant features wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastas in a stylish setting.

Take advantage of the amazing weather and treat yourself to something new—whether it’s a festival, a fun event, or a fresh dining experience!

What’s on Your 2025 Bucket List?

The big question for the first quarter is how much new inventory will hit the market. If listings remain low, we could see a soft seller’s market strengthen. However, a flood of new homes could push us back into buyer’s market territory, especially in outlying areas.

One thing is clear: the next few months will be pivotal for both buyers and sellers. Watch for changes in supply and buyer activity to understand where the market is heading.

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The Long-Term Impact of Population Growth on Real Estate Pricing in Maricopa County

In the dynamic landscape of Maricopa County's real estate market, 21 years of population growth have left a lasting impact. With over a million new residents calling this area home, the demand for housing has surged, leading to a decrease in available properties and an increase in competition among buyers. This trend has not only reshaped supply and demand dynamics but has also significantly influenced pricing trends, making it crucial for both buyers and sellers to stay informed about the evolving market conditions.

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