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

Good Bones, Great Buy: What Makes a Home Worth Investing In

When house hunting in Arizona, it’s easy to get distracted by trendy finishes or outdated style choices. But smart buyers know that the real value lies beneath the surface.

What to Look For in a Home with Good Bones in Arizona:

  • Solid Foundation
    Check for minimal cracking on slab foundations — hairline is normal; wide gaps are not. Post & Beam foundation needs to be solid- no sagging over the beams and check that it’s level.

  • Functional Space Under Existing Roof
    Look for a layout that flows — not chopped up or oddly expanded. Bad floor plans can include poorly converted carport/garage or patio that add square feet but are not functional.

  • Timeless Materials You Can Keep
    Tile, hardwood, original cabinets in good condition — these can be updated, not ripped out, which lowers your renovation costs and keeps the home’s character intact. Look for timeless features not trends.

  • Major Systems with Life Left
    Roof, HVAC system, electrical panel, and plumbing should all be in good condition with 10+ years of life left. If some of those big-ticket items are solid, everything else becomes a planned upgrade — not a surprise expense.

  • Energy-Efficient Windows & Insulation
    Dual-pane windows and proper attic insulation help protect your home (and wallet) from Arizona’s extreme temperatures.

  • Dry Landscaping and Proper Drainage
    With monsoons, drainage matters. Grading should move water away from the home. Avoid signs of erosion or pooling.

  • Not on a Major Road
    Busy streets may affect resale and quality of life. Quiet interior lots tend to hold value better, regardless of market shifts.

  • Zoning & Permits Near Vacant Land
    Always check what’s planned for nearby empty lots. Commercial zoning or large developments can impact property value over time.

  • Unique or “Unicorn” Features
    A rare lot, architectural detail, or neighborhood perk — these things hold value no matter what the market does. Think long-term: what makes this home special?

A home with good bones is a smart buy in any market. Everything else? That’s just design — and you can make it your own on your own timeline.


5 quick seasonal home maintenance tips to keep your home in great shape:

  1. Service Your AC – Beat the summer rush and make sure your HVAC is ready before triple digits hit.

  2. Check Roof & Gutters – Prep for monsoon season by clearing debris and looking for cracked tiles or leaks.

  3. Inspect Irrigation & Sprinklers – Avoid water waste by checking for leaks, clogs, or misaligned heads.

  4. Clean Windows & Screens – A simple refresh that improves curb appeal and lets in more natural light.

  5. Pest Control Check – Ants, termites, and scorpions love warm weather—now’s a good time for prevention.

Need a trusted pro for any of these? We’re happy to share our go-to referrals—just reach out!


May Market Snapshot

  • Closings rose 3.7% over April, showing more activity.

  • Dollar volume fell, driven by a noticeable drop in prices. That 3% price dip wasn’t a sudden shift though—it was the result of softening over the past two months finally taking hold.

Key reasons for the drop:

  1. More activity at the lower price points

  2. Luxury market slowing down

  3. Buyers gaining leverage, pressuring prices

    Supply is up, though growth is slowing. Demand remains lower, which continues to put downward pressure on pricing The market is still hovering in the 3–5% price movement range, depending on what interest rates do. A rate drop could stabilize or reverse the current trend, but if rates hold or rise, the downward drift may continue until the Fall market. Pending contracts are down slightly, suggesting buyer hesitation. Seasonal slowdown likely, as hotter temps make shopping less appealing

Overall, prices are dipping, but not crashing. The market remains in a standard market zone for most cities.


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