Author: Denise McGuire

  • Homebuyers Find Bargains in Four States’ Housing Markets

    Homebuyers Find Bargains in Four States’ Housing Markets

    Having called Arizona home for decades, I've seen our real estate market go through many changes—but this latest trend stands out. More than 10% of home listings in Arizona (as well as Colorado, Hawaii, and Florida) are now being priced below their original purchase price. Nationally, about 7% of listings are following this pattern. Factors like softer demand, higher borrowing costs, and more homes on the market are playing a role. As someone who’s weathered market ups and downs over the years, I know how important it is to have someone in your corner who understands our unique landscape and puts your experience first.

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  • Arizona Housing Market: Trends and Forecast 2026

    Arizona Housing Market: Trends and Forecast 2026

    As someone who’s called Arizona home for decades and helped clients navigate every kind of market, I’m keeping a close eye on what’s happening in Greater Phoenix. Right now, the market feels balanced: the median price sits around $445,000 with about 4.3 months of housing supply. Buyers are seeing more room to negotiate—whether it’s on price, getting credits, or working out rate buydowns. For sellers, competitive pricing is the key to catching today’s buyers. And if you’re an investor, it’s important to weigh your costs carefully and keep an eye on demand. Having lived and worked throughout our state, I know how every shift in the market can impact your next move—something I’m always here to help you make sense of, just like I would for a friend.

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  • Understand Key Factors Driving the Real Estate Market

    Understand Key Factors Driving the Real Estate Market

    Having called both the Valley and Northern Arizona home for decades, I’ve seen firsthand how our local real estate market shifts with changing demographics, interest rates, economic cycles, and government policies. These factors play a big role in everything from property values and mortgage costs to where and when to invest. With my background in business and years serving our Arizona communities, I’m committed to guiding clients through these trends so they can make confident, informed decisions about their next step. Your experience matters to me—let’s navigate these changes together, like friends who have your best interests at heart.

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  • US Buyers Navigate 14-Month Cost High

    The landscape for homebuyers has been shifting lately. By the end of Q3, the average monthly payment for buyers climbed to $2,600—a peak not seen in the last 14 months. With mortgage costs on the rise and the national median home-sale price edging up about 2% year-over-year to roughly $399,000, it’s no wonder affordability is on everyone’s mind. Pending sales stayed mostly flat month-over-month and fell compared to last year, and I’ve noticed that mortgage-purchase applications have dipped a bit, too.

    New listings took a slight hit around the holidays, but they’re still modestly ahead of where we were last year. For sellers, strategy matters more than ever: about 21% of active listings made price cuts, and sharper pricing is definitely turning heads, while homes priced too high are seeing buyers hesitate. The good news? Inventory is improving—active supply is up about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes, with nearly four months of supply, though we’re not quite at a balanced market yet.

    As someone who’s spent decades helping clients navigate the ups and downs of real estate in Arizona, I know how important it is to have a steady guide in times like these.

  • Could U.S. Rates Stay Higher in 2027?

    Lately, there’s been a lot of conversation around whether U.S. interest rates could remain higher through 2027. With inflation sticking around and long-term Treasury yields holding steady, it’s uncertain if we’ll see those lower rates many are hoping for anytime soon. The Federal Reserve is weighing its next moves, trying to keep inflation in check while also watching for signs that the economy might be slowing down. For anyone considering buying or refinancing a home—or making decisions about real estate investments—higher long-term yields can mean borrowing costs stay elevated for a while. As someone who’s spent decades running a business here in Northern Arizona and now helps clients navigate the real estate landscape, I know how much these shifts matter for planning ahead. Investors and families alike may need to take a balanced approach as interest-rate uncertainty, fiscal pressures, and inflation continue to influence our financial decisions.