A bad week to be a roof...⛈️⚾️

October is almost in the rearview mirror, and the Phoenix real estate market continues to give us plenty to talk about. We finally got a little good news on mortgage rates last week, thanks to some movement in the bond market. It's not exactly time to break out the champagne, but after the recent run-up in rates, buyers will take whatever relief they can get!

We're also talking about the recent hailstorms and what homeowners should know about filing insurance claims. And for this week's "Should We Move Here?" adventure, we're heading to Emporia, Kansas. I'll admit, that's probably not a place most of us have seriously considered calling home, but that's half the fun of exploring the various parts of our great county.

Have a great weekend, thanks for reading!

After several weeks of rising mortgage rates, homebuyers finally got a little good news last week, thanks in large part to a significant drop in the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury.

The 10-year Treasury yield, which heavily influences mortgage interest rates, climbed above 5.30% earlier this month before falling to approximately 5.00% by Friday. Much of the improvement came Thursday when technology stocks sold off, prompting investors to move money into the relative safety of U.S. Treasury bonds. As demand for those bonds increases, their yields fall, and mortgage rates generally follow.

The result was some welcome relief for borrowers. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined from 7.40% to 7.32%, its first weekly decrease since late August. The sharpest Treasury movement actually happened after Freddie Mac's weekly survey period ended, meaning some of the improvement wasn't reflected in those published numbers.

So, what does this mean for buyers? It's certainly encouraging, but the changes are still very minor. Mortgage rates remain volatile, and one good week doesn't necessarily signal a longer-term downward trend. Still, with more homes available and sellers increasingly willing to negotiate, even modest improvements in financing costs can create opportunities worth exploring.

Last week's powerful hailstorm left plenty of Phoenix-area homeowners wondering whether their roofs suffered damage. Even if everything looks fine from the street, hail can damage roof tiles, flashing, and other components that aren't easily visible. If your home was in the storm's path, consider having a licensed roofer perform an inspection and document any damage. Arizona doesn't have a universal deadline for filing a hail claim, but insurance policies typically require prompt notification, so don't wait too long.

If you were affected, be sure to reach out to your insurance company as soon as you can. If you don’t have hail damage, but need help with roof issues, I have a great roofer who has done work for me and many of my clients.

The recent storms and flooding across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada have caused plenty of problems, but there's a silver lining. All that water is helping refill one of the Southwest's most important reservoirs.

Lake Powell has risen nearly 11 feet since mid-September, including a significant jump over the past week. Heavy rainfall and flooding along the San Juan River and its tributaries have sent a substantial amount of water into the reservoir. By some estimates, the recent storms have added roughly 600,000 acre-feet of water, equivalent to nearly 200 billion gallons!

Lake Mead, however, hasn't experienced the same boost. That's because much of the rainfall occurred upstream of Lake Powell, and water releases through Glen Canyon Dam are carefully controlled.

Before we celebrate too much, both reservoirs remain only about one-quarter full. While the recent storms have provided some much-needed relief, a healthy winter snowpack and strong spring runoff will be far more important to their long-term recovery.

Still, after years of drought and declining water levels, it's nice to see some encouraging news for the Colorado River system.

Curious what your rate would be in today’s market? Reach out to my lending partner, Aaron Alvarez with West American Mortgage, at (602) 705-9835.

FOR SALE: 18851 N 71st Ln Glendale, AZ 85308. Golf course living on the 17th hole of The Clubs at Arrowhead! This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home features upgraded flooring, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and a fantastic location overlooking the golf course. Stay tuned for more details and your first look at this beautiful home.

Listed at $695,000. See all the details at 18851n71stLane.com

1320 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Unit 77 at the Bethany Villas is a brand new listing in Central Phoenix. This 2 bed, 2 bath condo has new flooring, fresh interior paint and is move in ready. The beauty of this condo complex is all utilities are included, even electric!

RATE BUYDOWN INCENTIVE: My seller is now offering $8,000 for buyer’s to use to buydown their interest rate. Reach out to learn more about how you can use this incentive

Easy, low-maintenance living in the heart of Central Phoenix! This single-level, 2 bedroom, 2 bath townhome is located in a gated community and features fresh interior paint and new laminate plank flooring. Enjoy great community amenities including a sparkling pool, clubhouse and fitness facility. Best of all, the HOA dues include ALL utilities, electric, water, sewer and garbage, making monthly expenses simple and predictable. Conveniently located near the 51 freeway with easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment and major freeways. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence or a lock-and-leave second home, this move-in-ready townhome offers a great combination of location, convenience and value.

See all of the pictures & walk-through video at 1320unit77.com

Referrals are the backbone of any realtors business, and mine is no different. Many of you have sent your friends & family my way over the years, and it is always fun to get that call ‘they said you’re the best, so I’m calling to get your help!’

If you know anyone thinking of buying or selling in 2026, I’d love the opportunity to connect with them and see how I can help.

As I write this, there are 595 single family homes for sale in the Phoenix metro area that have a list price under $500, and have been on the marker for MORE THAN SIX MONTHS.

If I was looking for a house right now, this is where I would start. The key to getting a deal on anything is finding a motivated seller. The people on this list are likely to be desperate for a deal, or they are not truly serious about selling.

There is a wide variety of homes & locations, you can see the entire list here if you feel like digging for a deal.

Vintage everything is very hot right now, and of course trends are cyclical, even baggy jeans are making a comeback. The step down living room was a staple of most homes Phoenix homes built in the 70’s & 80’s, but I can’t say I come across too many ‘conversation pits’ any more, like the one in this North Phoenix home.

The extensive remodel honors the home's distinctive character while elevating it for today's lifestyle. The iconic conversation pit has been reimagined as a posh gathering space. Expansive sliding doors have replaced conventional windows, inviting in natural light and connecting to the surrounding landscape. The primary suite is a sanctuary. A sizable shower with privacy glazed sliders, a translucent soaking tub overlooking the desert garden and a jaw dropping walk in closet are dreamlike details. The multi-zoned backyard considers privacy as well as entertaining.

Listed at $1.025 million, see all the photos here.

Property listed by Jennifer Schaefer with Realty ONE Group

Am I the only one that sits in rush hour traffic, daydreaming of what it would be like to live in a small midwest town? This home in Emporia, Kansas is listed for $179, and there are many options under $100k if you don’t mind a bit of a project.

Located in the heart of the Flint Hills, about halfway between Topeka and Wichita, Emporia is a small city of roughly 24,000 residents with plenty of Midwestern charm. Home to Emporia State University, it's known for its historic downtown, affordable housing, and the internationally recognized Unbound Gravel cycling race. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to the rolling prairie landscapes of eastern Kansas. The downside? Hot, humid summers, cold winters, and the occasional severe thunderstorm.

See all the pics & info here.

Seems tempting…

Because if we didn’t laugh…we’d cry

Sadly, I’m the meme this week!! 🤣

I’m a Realtor, not a handyman, but during my open house this past weekend my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to have a look at the blind over the patio door and why it was sagging & dragging on the floor.

Unfortunately the answer came quickly, and off of my head!! The blind was really only connected on the center support, and I was once again reminded to stay in my lane, and let other experts handle the thing they’re best at, just like I tell my real estate clients!! Thankfully the contractor will be returning today to correct the blind. 🤦‍♂️