Interest rates are taking a beating

The calendar says fall. The pumpkin spice is flowing. And somewhere in the back of the closet, a sweater is patiently waiting for its moment. Unfortunately, Phoenix is still Phoenix.

The real estate market isn’t exactly cooling off quietly either. Mortgage rates have jumped again, buyers have more homes to choose from, and some interesting data suggests the best buying window of the year in Phoenix may still be ahead. So grab something pumpkin-flavored, stay near the AC, and let’s get into what’s happening this week.

In this newsletter:

Have a great week!

Just when buyers were starting to get a little more comfortable with mortgage rates, they headed in the wrong direction again. Freddie Mac's weekly average reached 6.76% last week, its highest level since June 2025, and other daily rate trackers have shown even higher rates since.

Mortgage rates don't move randomly. Inflation, Treasury yields, economic expectations and global events all influence what lenders charge. Unfortunately, that means rates can move quickly, and predicting exactly where they will be a month or six months from now remains nearly impossible.

What it means for buyers: Higher rates reduce purchasing power, but don't assume that means you should automatically stop looking. A slower market may give you opportunities to negotiate on price, closing costs or financing concessions that weren't available when rates were lower and competition was stronger.

What it means for sellers: Affordability matters more than ever. Today's buyer may love your house but simply can't stretch another $30,000. Pricing correctly and being open to concessions can make a significant difference in getting a deal together.

Realtor.com recently analyzed seasonal housing trends and identified the week of November 1st through the 7th as the potentially best week to buy in the Phoenix metro area in 2026.

Historically, that period offers Phoenix buyers an appealing combination: more inventory, fewer competing shoppers and lower asking prices compared with peak periods. Realtor.com's analysis projects Phoenix inventory during its best week at about 16.4% above a typical week, while buyer views per property are nearly 39% below the annual peak.

Of course, there's no magical week when every house suddenly goes on sale. But fall can create an interesting window for buyers willing to shop when fewer people are paying attention.

What it means for buyers: Don't automatically assume spring is the best time to buy. Fall may give you fewer competing buyers and more negotiating room, especially with sellers who want to get moved before the holidays.

What it means for sellers: If you're selling this fall, understand that buyers know they have options. Pricing aggressively from the beginning may work better than starting high and chasing the market downward later.

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.

Sometimes things have a way of working out. As my seller was preparing this property for market, we took advantage of the ‘Coming Soon’ status in the MLS, and we had one showing and they made us an offer we couldn’t refuse!!

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! The best part is the list price is only $237k.

There are many different financing options available as well, let’s take a look at what this unit would cost.

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

Need room for the RV and the cars? For just $518,000 in Surprise, this North Copper Canyon home delivers an attached RV garage with a 12x12 door and 50-amp outlet, plus a separate 2-car garage. Built in 2019 with 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, a gourmet kitchen and a low-maintenance backyard with pergola, there’s a lot of home, and garage, for the money.

See all the info & pics here.

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.

Everyone has an RV garage these days. Step your game up and get a house with a HANGER!!! It comes with a pretty sweet house too.

Experience an extraordinary blend of luxury, craftsmanship, and aviation at one of Pegasus Airpark's most exceptional custom estates. Perfectly positioned on more than 1.16 acres with direct taxiway access and on-site fuel availability, this remarkable Rainey Homes custom build residence, completed in 2021, offers an unparalleled fly-in lifestyle within one of Arizona's most prestigious gated aviation communities.

A true centerpiece of the property is the impressive 50' x 60' fully insulated, climate-controlled aircraft hangar. Designed with versatility in mind, it features a 60-foot one-piece hydraulic aircraft door, an additional front RV door, durable epoxy flooring, spray foam insulation, direct rear taxiway access, and convenient on-site fuel access. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, aircraft owner, automobile collector, RV owner, or passionate hobbyist, this extraordinary space offers endless possibilities rarely found in residential real estate.

Located within the exclusive gated Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek--one of Arizona's premier residential aviation communities--this exceptional estate offers far more than a luxury home. It presents a rare opportunity to embrace a lifestyle defined by freedom, sophistication, adventure, and the convenience of direct fly-in, fly-out access.

See all the photos here.

Property listed by Stephanie Sandoval with HomeSmart Lifestyles

I bought a new car recently, and I had to go to Utah to pick it up. It was between Salt Lake City & Provo, and I had forgotten how beautiful it is there. I had visited a few times in college for golf tournaments, but I was pretty focused on golf and didn’t pay too much attention when we visited new places.

I came across this house and it reminded me of a tri-level home I lived at in Colorado.

Tucked into an established cul-de-sac in Northeast Orem, this home is a rare find. Inside, you will find beautiful updates including upgraded lighting, windows, hardwood flooring and carpet. With a new roof installed in 2022 and a new furnace and A/C unit installed in 2025, this home has been well maintained. Enjoy the spacious family room and cozy fireplace upstairs as well as the updated kitchen, 2-bedrooms and primary suite. Downstairs is an additional living space, bedroom, bathroom, and a freshly painted two-car garage. Step outside and enjoy the stunning view of Mt. Timpanogos from the large backyard patio. The house is just a block from pickleball courts, tennis courts, a playground, and the Murdock Canal Trail. With Provo Canyon and I-15 just minutes away, and an elementary school, junior high, and high school all within walking distance, this location is truly ideal.

See all the pics & info here.

Because if we didn’t laugh…we’d cry

Speaking of new cars…I bought a Subaru. I know it isn’t a rock crawler but so far it is very capable. Yes, I’m already getting looks from people questioning my sanity of taking a ‘car’ off-road, but this thing is way more capable than most people know.

Are you into off-road stuff here in Arizona? If you are, I’d love to get your recommendations on where I need to go exploring.