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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Fall Happenings & Voting November 4th

October is here and already the weather has changed!

Some of my favorite places to visit in the Fall, especially for the changing leaves:

Voting Guide:

This November, there’s a lot on the ballot that will shape how our communities grow. In Arizona, we don’t have long-term state funding for schools, parks, and local services, so bonds are how we invest in our future. When voters approve a bond, it allows the district or city to borrow money for things like safer schools, updated classrooms, or improved roads—projects that keep our neighborhoods thriving. It’s one of the few ways we can directly decide how and where our tax dollars make a difference close to home. Here are a few I personally recommend, and more Voter info from clean elections.

Yes on Prop 403 & 406 Chandler Bond Info Glendale Bond Info Avondale Bond Info

A Season of Giving 🤍

This fall, my friend Keri created the #HarmonyHeals bracelet in memory of her daughter, Harmony—a symbol of hope and compassion. 50% of proceeds benefit St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix, helping provide food, shelter, and care for families in need. The fundraiser runs until the end of November. It makes a great present for coaches, teachers and friends.

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.