Round houses & donkeys on the move

Interesting times in the real estate market so far in 2026. It has been pretty mundane the past few years, but we’re seeing some shifts that may lead to big impacts on certain markets. War & increased fuel prices are helping either.

And 100* days in March, the world has lost its mind…

In this newsletter:

Thanks for being here, have a great weekend!

Officials have approved a plan to remove dozens of wild burros from the Lake Pleasant area as their growing population begins to strain the desert ecosystem and compete with native wildlife for food and water. The animals will be humanely captured and relocated or made available for adoption through the Bureau of Land Management. The effort aims to better balance wildlife and protect the surrounding desert habitat. (link)

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Sun City communities, the current market conditions are working in your favor. The beginning of the year is a busy time in these areas, and we have seen more homes come up for sale than usual. The area is now sitting at around six months of housing supply, which is generally considered the threshold of a true buyer’s market in real estate. After several years where sellers had most of the leverage, the balance is beginning to shift.

With more homes on the market, buyers now have more choices and more negotiating power than they’ve had in quite some time. In a seller’s market, buyers often had to move quickly and compete with multiple offers. Today, many listings are staying on the market longer, which opens the door for stronger negotiations on price, repairs, closing costs, or other concessions. Sellers are also becoming more realistic about pricing as the market adjusts to higher inventory levels.

This shift creates a great opportunity for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence, a winter getaway, or even a potential rental property, the increased selection means you can take the time to find the right home and potentially secure a better deal than would have been possible just a year or two ago.

As always, preparation matters. If you’re considering buying, being pre-qualified and ready to act can make a big difference when the right opportunity appears. Markets can shift quickly, but right now the Sun City housing markets are offering buyers a window of opportunity that hasn’t been available in quite a while.

Curious about the real estate market in Sun City, Sun City West & The Grand? I’ve done a lot of business there lately and I started a newsletter to share what I’m seeing in these markets. Check out the Sun City Real Estate News.

After dipping below 6% on February 27th, rates have gone up a bit due to economic uncertainty caused by the US involvement in conflicts in the middle east.

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.

The deal of the week isn’t just one house this week, it is an entire segment of the market. Right now in Sun City, the condo market has been flooded with listings of units for sale. There are currently 200 condo units for sale, which is over 8 months of inventory. Add that to lackluster sales so far in 2026, and this presents a tremendous buying opportunity.

Many of these units can be rented out, so even if you don’t want to live in Sun City, this could be a great chance to pick up a rental property. Over 80% of the homes in Sun City are owner-occupied, which means there is strong demand for the units that come up for rent.

Hit me up if you’re curious about Sun City, here is the list of those 200 condo units.

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.

Ever wanted to live in a round house? You can live in a one-of-a-kind house on 16 acres and get out of the summer heat in this house near Prescott.

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE 5, 873 SqFt Ranch Oasis on 16 acres in Prestigious Crossroads Ranch in Prescott, AZ! PRICED TO SELL this rare home offers opportunity & invites you to explore miles of hiking, biking & horseback riding trails both on the property & Adjoining State Land. This exceptional private secluded ranch offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, expansive space, and versatile living. This multi-level, multi-generational custom home & guest home create a 5, 874 square foot compound that has 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, 3 kitchens, 3 laundry rooms and 4 fireplaces and 2.5 oversized garage on 16 acres. (adjoining 30 acre property for sale also) makes this a must for anyone wanting to get away from it all and have the comforts of paved entrance roads and a short well-groomed gravel road to property. This exceptional and private secluded ranch property offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, expansive space, and versatile living. The land boasts of numerous native wildlife including deer, elk, antelope and more. This luxury estate boasts awe-inspiring panoramic views including unobstructed sights of Granite Mtn & unforgettable western sunsets that paint the sky each evening. This home design is a Deltec Homes unique 360 Degree Design creating a covered breezeway attaching the home & guest home with lots of wrap around decks, to soak in the serenity of the land along with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with breathtaking sunsets over Granite Mountain as your daily backdrop. Ideal for multi-generational living that feels like a retreat, the property comfortably accommodates a large family or plenty of room for guests to come visit. The sprawling grounds provide ample space for your dream equestrian ranch, with farm animal enclosures, a workshop, or additional garages - endless possibilities await at an incredibly low per sq ft rate. MAIN HOME features 4 bed, 4 bath, 3 fireplaces, 2 kitchens offering flexibility and comfort for large family and friend gatherings. GUEST HOUSE designed with lodge-style comfort, and includes 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 walk-in closets, a full kitchen, laundry room, and a cozy family room with fireplace and its own private deck to soak in the serenity of the land. Whether you're looking for a peaceful sanctuary, a family compound, or a unique investment opportunity, this one-of-a-kind ranch estate delivers timeless beauty, functional design, and unmatched tranquility.

See all of the details & photos here.

Property is listed by Georgia Myers with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International

If you have ever noticed how easy it is to navigate Phoenix, you can thank a city design that dates back long before modern development. The Valley’s famously clean street grid has roots in ancient irrigation systems built by the Hohokam more than a thousand years ago.

The Hohokam constructed hundreds of miles of canals to carry water from the Salt River across the desert, creating one of the most sophisticated irrigation systems in North America at the time. When American settlers arrived in the late 1800s, they reused many of these same canal corridors to establish farms and communities. As Phoenix grew, roads were often built alongside these canals or along the same surveyed lines.

That practical approach eventually evolved into the orderly mile by mile grid we know today, where major roads typically run north south or east west and are spaced about a mile apart. Many of the canals themselves still operate today as part of the modern water system run by the Salt River Project.

So the next time you are cruising along a straight Phoenix roadway, there is a good chance you are following a path shaped by ancient engineering, early farmers, and more than a century of city planning.

I saw this graphic online this week. I knew Idaho has been a very popular destination since the pandemic, but I didn’t realize it was this popular. After doing some research, turns out Nampa, Idaho is the most sought after location for new residents.

This two year old home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and over 2,000 square feet and is listed at $530k.

New Price on This Beautiful Home in Carriage Hill West! This two-year-old home has a split bedroom floorplan and includes 3 bedrooms, an office, and two bathrooms. The heart of the home is the spacious, thoughtfully designed kitchen that includes full cabinetry with pull out drawers, large walk-in pantry, farm sink, stainless steel appliances, gas stove, large island, and sunny dining area. The home features luxury flooring, a covered rear patio, & private laundry room with additional cabinetry. The 15'x14' master suite includes a private bathroom with dual vanities, walk-in shower, soaker tub, and walk-in closet. The equally impressive second bedroom is spacious and includes a walk-in closet. Home includes owned water softener, storage shed, and is fully landscaped with curbing, grass, and rock. The location is hard to beat. It's walking distance to the community pool and playground, with Lake Lowell and Red Hawk Golf Course just minutes away. This home is ready to welcome its new owner!

See all the pics & info here.