Weekend Warrior | December 13-14, 2025

Weekend Warriors: The Work You Don’t Always See (But Feel When It’s Done Right)

This week we closed on two more homes for families in our community, and neither one followed a simple, cookie-cutter path.

One seller needed to access their equity before the holidays but didn’t want the stress of moving twice, so we structured a seller leaseback that allowed them to close, cash in, and stay in their home through the season - at no cost. Another client needed speed and certainty, so we coordinated a cash sale that delivered the net they needed, required no repairs, and closed quickly in a way that worked for both the seller and the investor.

Both of these deals took a lot of work behind the scenes. They’re also the kinds of transactions that often fall apart when communication breaks down or strategy isn’t aligned. This is where experience, coordination, and calm problem-solving matter most - and it’s where our team does its best work. If you are interviewing agents and they aren't talking about the potential ups and downs of the process, it won't keep it from happening - it will just keep you from being prepared. 

Because the truth is simple:
No two transactions are the same.
No two families need the same thing.

Our systems are scalable, but our approach is always custom - for you.

The Holiday Home Fit Check List

December in the Valley has its own rhythm - cooler weather, visiting friends and family, and suddenly busier homes in Arcadia, Gilbert, North Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee. It’s the perfect time to see how your home truly functions when life shifts into holiday mode. The open floor plan that feels spacious during a quiet week may feel tight when everyone’s home and the kitchen is working overtime. That’s why many homeowners start thinking about a possible move in the new year, especially if 2026 is on the horizon. Before making any big decisions, it helps to observe how your home performs during the holidays.

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As we move deeper into the holiday season, it’s a great time to pause and think ahead - whether you’re considering a move in one month or five years, are curious about other ways to leverage your biggest investment, exploring long-term family wealth through real estate, or just trying to figure out how to turn the dang water heater up - we're here. Our partners are here. 

And with just a few events left on the calendar this year, our focus stays the same: supporting you through a busy, joyful season with clarity, care, and good guidance - in real estate and in community. So read on Weekend Warriors, come find us this weekend at our Open Houses or holiday events, stop in our office for a cup of warm coffee and a chat, or message us and we'll schedule some time to pop by and plan your next move together.

📊 Market Watch: Quiet Momentum Heading Into the New Year

If the market has felt a little steadier lately, that’s not your imagination. Early December numbers are showing a subtle but important shift - one that feels familiar for this time of year, but a bit stronger than expected. Supply has pulled back from its fall peak, demand is trending upward, and pricing is holding more firmly than it did over the summer.

Here’s what that looks like in plain English.

We still have more homes available than this time last year - about 14% more - which means buyers continue to have choices. But over the last month, active listings actually dropped about 5%, largely because more sellers either let listings expire or decided to pause until January. When that happens, the sellers who do stay on the market suddenly have less competition.

At the same time, buyer activity is picking up. Homes under contract are up roughly 12% compared to last December, and closings are up nearly 5% year over year. November always looks slower than October on paper (fewer working days will do that), but when you compare apples to apples, demand is clearly moving in the right direction.

Pricing has also stabilized. We’re not seeing the softness that showed up in parts of the Valley over the summer. Average price per square foot is up modestly from last year, and the median sales price has held steady month over month. When you factor in lower mortgage rates and continued wage growth, affordability is actually a bit better than it was this time last year — not something many people expect to hear in December.

So what does all of this mean?

For sellers, this is a quieter, more focused market - fewer listings, more serious buyers, and less noise. For buyers, there’s still room to negotiate, more inventory than last year, and a little breathing room before activity ramps up again in January. This isn’t a market that rewards rushing or waiting blindly. It rewards preparation, realistic expectations, and good guidance.

And as we head toward the end of the year, the direction feels encouraging. After a slower spring and summer, the market is finishing stronger than many predicted - and setting the stage for a more active start to the new year. If you’re thinking about a move,this is a really good moment to get clear on your options and your timing.

Market Watch: Mortgage Rate Check-In 

If you’ve been watching mortgage rates and wondering “Should I wait… or should I be paying closer attention?” - you’re not alone.

Here’s what we’re seeing right now:

Mortgage rates are relatively stable and hovering near recent lows. Not dramatically falling. Not spiking. Think steady, with small day-to-day movement. Experts are calling this a “range-bound” rate environment, meaning rates are moving within a narrow band rather than making big swings - and that matters.

What does that mean in real life?

• We’re not waiting for 5%

• We are seeing windows in the low-6% range

• Small shifts can create real opportunity when paired with the right strategy

Buyer activity has shown up when rates cooperate, which tells us something important: people aren’t waiting for perfect - they’re moving when the math works.

This season isn’t about predicting the exact right week to lock. It’s about understanding your payment comfort, negotiation leverage, and available options — price, concessions, buydowns, and timing.

Looking ahead to year-end and early January, most forecasts point to:
✔️ modest movement
✔️ occasional dips
✔️ no dramatic drops — but meaningful opportunity for prepared buyers

Our advice stays simple: Be informed. Be ready. And don’t confuse “waiting” with “having a plan.”

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