Leah Rickel Burr - Realtor

Putting off buying a home? Maybe you're waiting for a crash to get a better deal – or afraid you'll buy now and watch your home's value fall later.

Either way, the widespread drop you're bracing for may not be coming.

Yes, a few markets are seeing mild declines. But more than 100 economists and housing experts expect home prices will actually rise nationally over the next five years – not fall.

And waiting for a deal that never comes could mean passing up the chance to gain thousands in equity or paying more in a few years for the same home.

So before you decide to wait, let's talk about your options and what prices are really doing in our area.

A few years ago, sellers could say "no" to just about everything a buyer asked for.

No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiation.

Today? The market looks a little different.

Zillow says 67% of sellers pay some or all of their buyer's closing costs.

That doesn't mean every seller should do it. But it does mean the most successful sellers today understand something important:

The market has shifted. And that's means negotiation is back on the table.

Sometimes helping with closing costs makes sense. Sometimes another concession is the better move. But it’s normal for today’s market to require some give and take.

The key is knowing what buyers are asking for in your area, and which compromises are actually worth making.

Want to know what sellers in our area are negotiating right now? Send a message or drop a comment below.

Not everyone has the luxury of buying a new home BEFORE selling their current home. But how do you handle that last minute showing request when the house is a disaster?!

Getting your home show-ready while you're still living there doesn’t have to be a total overhaul, just a smarter plan. ✨

We're all juggling busy routines, homework zones, and the occasional trail of kid or pet toys. Instead of trying for spotless perfection, pick one or two “kid zones” for play and creativity, then focus on keeping the main living spaces clean and inviting. Stash everyday items in neutral baskets, use under-bed bins, and set up a mudroom drop zone at the entry for shoes, backpacks, and pet gear. This way, main areas stay photo-ready with minimal daily effort, and last-minute showings feel less stressful.

A few simple habits make a big difference: stay on top of dirty dishes, quick daily floor and countertop sweeps, lighter bedding and neutral throws in bedrooms, and a ready-to-go bag with snacks, pet leashes, and essentials for smooth exits. In the summer, crank down that AC and open window treatments to let in soft, natural light before buyers visit.

Bonus - get a Pura plugin with the Capri Blue scent and schedule it to turn on 30 minutes before each showing.

Clean, clutter-free rooms and a calm routine help buyers picture themselves at home, even if there’s still a little evidence of family life tucked away. ;)

💡 Save this if you want a kid-friendly decluttering routine that works for real life and real showings.

Click to read the full blog:
https://leah.viewallphoenixhomelistings.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-home-show-ready-while-living-in-it/

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."

But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.

For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.

For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).

The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.

DM me if you want to talk through your options. No pressure, just perspective based on years of experience.

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there’s a little bit of good news.

Asking prices have started to ease – the typical asking price this May came in under where it was a year ago.

And these lower prices are good news for your move – not a sign the market’s in trouble. It points to a market that’s rebalancing with more realistic seller expectations and a little more breathing room for buyers again.

So, if you’ve been waiting for an opening, let’s connect. I’ll help you see what that looks like in our area.

A lot of buyers think affordability is impossible right now.

But sometimes it’s not about giving up on homeownership. It’s about expanding where you’re looking.

Yes, some states are significantly more affordable than others. This list breaks down the top 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a cross-country move to find better options.
Even in expensive markets, there are usually neighborhoods, towns, and communities nearby where home prices, property taxes, or overall costs are a lot more manageable.

The key is knowing where to look – and a local agent can help you find those opportunities.

Curious what's out there? Broadening your search, even just a little outside of town, might open up more options than you'd expect.

Drop a comment below or send a message if you want some advice on where to look based on your price point.

The real estate market is more competitive than ever, but there's so much you can do to better your odds. Reach out to find out how!

How to Craft a Winning Offer in a Competitive Market Today’s low inventory markets are making it difficult for buyers to compete. Find out how to put together an offer that stands up to the competition.

Still deciding whether to buy your first home now or wait? Here’s something you’ll want to consider.

Buyers who get into their first home around age 30 build about $119,000 more in net worth by age 50 compared to those who wait until their 40s.

So, every year you spend saving for the "right" moment could quietly chip away at your future wealth.

That doesn’t mean buy before you’re ready. But it does mean, if you’re ready and able to buy now, it may be a better strategy than waiting.

DM me and let's map out what timeline fits your situation and our market. You might find that a head start matters more than waiting to save the "perfect" down payment.

Selling? Check out these staging tips to help no matter your circumstances.

Sell Your Home Faster with These Staging Tips Learn how to stage your home-- despite some common obstacles you may face.

Try these ideas to make your home sparkle in no time.

Time-Saving Cleaning Tips for Summer Multitasking and working efficiently can help you do your chores more quickly.