Weekend Warrior | April 26-27, 2025

Weekend Warriors: Shifting Markets, Steady Community

As we close out April, the signs of a market shift are becoming clearer and with them, big opportunities, especially for buyers ready to act.

🏡 While the stock market has felt a sharper hit recently, real estate remains steady - even with some expected cooling. We’re seeing homes take a little longer to sell, new listings hitting the market daily, and real shifts in how people are thinking about buying and selling. If you're a buyer waiting for "a better time," know this: there is no better time to be a buyer than in a buyer's market.

📉 Median home prices are starting to soften, inventory is climbing faster than demand, and sellers with strong equity are taking advantage of today's market while they still hold a pricing edge. Well-prepared sellers are still winning - but strategy, pricing, and presentation matter more than ever.

🎉 On our side, the momentum keeps building:

• Last week’s Community Connections Monthly Expert Series with Chad from Key Renter Property Management of Gilbert was packed with tips for homeowners considering renting or investing. Want the link? Reply and we'll shoot it over!

• We’re gearing up for Family Dinner Night this week, where we'll be packing hygiene kits for students at Carson Junior High and we're still collecting donations! Want to join us or have something to donate? Let us know!

• A fresh new listing just launched in Cooley Station next to Verde Gilbert - and we’ve got more coming soon in South Chandler, Sun Lakes, and Gilbert! There's open houses ALL weekend long, check out a few spots you can come meet up with our crew. 

✨ School will be out before we know it, but for now we’re savoring this busy season - helping families move, building connections, and leaning into the community we love.

Big moves start with small conversations. Whenever you're ready, we're here for you - and we can't wait to see where your next chapter leads.

Let’s get you moving forward, one step at a time.

📉 Market Update: A Market in Motion - and Opportunity in Every Move

The market is still shifting - and if you’re watching closely, it’s opening doors for buyers and strategic sellers who are willing to adapt early. Prices have officially started a downward trend, and while that can cause some hesitation, it also creates real opportunities - especially for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. The stock market's recent volatility has made some people nervous, but real estate is playing a steadier game - with slower price adjustments, not the wild swings we’ve seen elsewhere.

📊 By the Numbers:

• Median sales price has dropped from $465K to $445K over the past 5 weeks

• Average $/SF sits around $305.88 and trending downward

• Price cuts are up 68% compared to last year

• Inventory continues to climb, especially in higher-end areas

• Luxury market contracts are down 15% compared to last year, shifting overall averages

The clearest signs?
Homes are sitting longer. Prices are adjusting, especially under $1M. Sellers still have equity, but buyers now have leverage - and in many cases, time to be more selective.

🏡 For Buyers:

If you’re waiting for “the right time,” this is it. Affordability is actually improving - not dramatically through interest rates (they’re still moving slowly), but through price adjustments happening right now. Buyers have more room to negotiate, more choices, and more ability to secure concessions like closing costs or repairs.

➡️ Strategy Tip:
Get serious about your pre-approval, know your numbers, and be ready to move when you find the right fit. The best homes (priced correctly and in good condition) are still moving fast but overpriced homes are lingering and negotiable. Leverage that.

🔥 For Sellers:

Strategy matters more than ever. The market isn’t crashing - it’s cooling. And cooling markets favor sellers who price realistically, prep their homes beautifully, and move early before the summer flood of listings makes it harder to stand out. In the luxury space, demand has softened as stock market and crypto wealth has pulled back but for homes under $1M, steady buyer demand is still there, especially when condition and price align.

➡️ Strategy Tip:
List ahead of the summer rush. Price sharply based on current comps (not January optimism). Present your home with care — fresh paint, small repairs, thoughtful staging. In this market, good homes still sell quickly - but the margin for error is smaller.

📬 The Bottom Line: This isn’t 2020, and it isn’t 2022. It’s a different kind of shift - one where smart buyers and sellers are making moves every single day, while others get stuck in fear or headlines. Big moves start with small conversations. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just getting your footing - we’re here to help you navigate it with confidence and care.

🔥HOT New Listing & Weekend Open Houses 🔥   

📰🧠 Community Connections: Monthly Expert Series 📰    

📅  Upcoming Events Calendar 📅  

📰 In the News 📰    

🚨 Important FHA Financing Update for Non-Permanent Residents

Big changes are coming for FHA loan eligibility. Starting May 25, 2025, FHA loans will only be available to:
✔️ U.S. citizens
✔️ Lawful permanent residents
✔️ Residents from a few specific U.S. territories

This means non-permanent residents - including DACA recipients - must be under contract and have their FHA case number assigned by May 24, 2025 to stay eligible under the current guidelines. ⚠️ After that date, simply having a Social Security card will no longer be enough. Lenders will be required to verify immigration status through official USCIS documentation.

If you or someone you know could be affected, please reach out right away. We’re here to help explore all available options — including conventional loan alternatives - and make sure no doors close unexpectedly. Deadlines matter - don’t wait! 🏡

♥️ East Valley Moms April Family Tips ♥️   

For Deals, Discounts, Don't Miss Events and HOT local picks for your whole crew, visit East Valley Moms! and subscribe to the EVM Weekender.

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