Well, it looks like we can finally put those 100-degree days in the rearview mirror! After months enduring the heat, we can open the windows, enjoy the patio, and remember why we put up with Phoenix summers in the first place. Hopefully, the triple digits are done with us until next year!

Meanwhile, the real estate market is giving buyers a few reasons to get off the sidelines. With mortgage rates heading in the wrong direction and the usual fourth-quarter slowdown kicking in, some sellers might be getting a little more motivated. Maybe it's time to dust off those lowball offers and see just how badly someone wants to sell!

Thanks for being here, have a great week.

REAL ESTATE

A Little Relief on Your November APS Bill

APS customers will receive a one-time credit of approximately $14.70 on their November electric bills following an October 8 vote by the Arizona Corporation Commission. The usual Environmental Benefits Surcharge, about $2.49 for residential customers, will also be skipped that month. The credit comes from surplus funds in APS’s renewable-energy program, offering NW Valley residents a little relief after summer cooling costs. APS’s proposed rate increase remains a separate, pending decision. (link)

Maybe It's Time to Make Some Dumb Offers

Here's a thought for buyers: Maybe it's time to make some offers that would have seemed downright ridiculous a few years ago.

With mortgage rates climbing again and the traditionally slower fourth quarter underway, some sellers are finding themselves staring at empty showing schedules and wondering where all the buyers went. Homes that have been sitting for weeks, or even months, may have owners who are getting increasingly motivated to make a deal.

Does that mean every seller is desperate? Of course not. But you won't know how badly someone wants to sell until you make an offer. That house listed at $525,000? Maybe the seller would seriously consider $475,000. Maybe they'd laugh it off. Either way, you've started a conversation.

What it means for buyers: Don't be afraid to make an aggressive offer, especially on a home that's been sitting on the market. You might get rejected, you might get a counteroffer, or you might be pleasantly surprised. Just make sure your offer is one you're prepared to follow through on.

What it means for sellers: Today's buyers know they have options, and some are testing just how motivated sellers really are. Don't take a low offer personally. Even an offer well below asking price can be the beginning of a successful negotiation.

The bottom line? The worst they can usually say is no. And in today's market, you might be surprised how often the answer is something else.

RATE TRACKER

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.

MY LISTINGS

COMING SOON: 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!

PRICE DROP: This condo is now just $229k.

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.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Looking for a Little Sweat Equity in Central Phoenix? Conveniently located near Downtown Phoenix with easy access to I-17 and Grand Avenue, this home has already had many of the major updates completed over the past decade. One of the least expensive homes in the area, it's a great opportunity for a first-time buyer willing to tackle the finishing touches or an investor looking for their next project!

See all the info & pics here.

Property listed with Bradley Dickinson with LPT Realty, LLC

COOL HOUSE OF THE WEEK

What Can You Do With 5+ Acres in North Surprise? How about a private hillside retreat with breathtaking mountain views, a private well, and a beautifully updated home featuring a new roof, HVAC, kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring? Add in outdoor entertaining areas, a bocce ball court, gazebo, and playground, plus four additional buildable parcels available for purchase, and you've got a rare opportunity for privacy, recreation, and future development!

Listed at $1.1 million, see all the photos here.

Property listed by Vincent Rana with West USA Realty

SHOULD WE MOVE HERE?

After a couple leaf peeping trips to Flagstaff week with my kids, I of course started wondering what it would be like to live there.

If I was going to move to a new city & climate, this is just the style of house I’d want to live in.

Never before on the market, this lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a rare opportunity in the desirable Continental Country Club community. Situated on an exceptional .3-acre corner lot, this single level home enjoys nice views, and gorgeous professionally landscaped grounds. The focal point of the home is the spacious living room, featuring dramatic vaulted, beamed ceilings, a stunning wood-burning fireplace, and huge windows that bring in abundant natural light while showcasing the surrounding views. The primary bedroom has his and hers closets and a door out to the deck to enjoy morning coffee or provide a relaxing retreat. There are two spacious guest bedrooms and a large guest bath with dual vanities. The deck extends the living space outdoors and provides the perfect setting for entertaining or simply relaxing and enjoying Flagstaff's beautiful scenery. Well cared for and priced to allow for your personal updates and vision, this is an exceptional opportunity to create your dream home in one of Flagstaff's most sought-after locations.

See all the pics & info here.

REAL ESTATE HUMOR

Because if we didn’t laugh…we’d cry