04 Aug Phoenix Just Hit #1 on the Buyer-Friendly Markets List
Here’s What That Means for You
Phoenix just landed at the top of Realtor.com’s list of buyer-friendly markets for 2025, and honestly? I’m not surprised at all.
I’ve seen every kind of market you can imagine, and let me tell you – this shift we’re seeing right now is a big one.
What’s Actually Happening in Phoenix Right Now
Here’s the deal: we’re seeing way more homes hitting the market, price reductions across many neighborhoods, and homes are just taking longer to sell. It’s like someone flipped a switch from the crazy seller’s market we’ve been living in.
If you’re a buyer, this is your sweet spot. You’ve got options, you’ve got time to actually think about your decision, and in many cases, you’ve got negotiating power that just wasn’t there a year or two ago.
Now, if you’re thinking about selling, don’t panic. This doesn’t mean the market is bad – it just means you have to be way more strategic than you used to be.
What “Buyer-Friendly” Actually Means
When Realtor.com says a market is “buyer-friendly,” they’re basically saying all the stars have aligned in your favor if you’re looking to purchase a home.
Here’s what we’re seeing:
- More houses to choose from
- Homes sitting on the market longer (which is good for you!)
- Sellers actually having to reduce their prices
- You can negotiate again (remember when that was a thing?)
- No more bidding wars over every decent house
And, after the last few years of buyers getting beat up in this market, it’s about time.
The Reality Check for Buyers
You Actually Have Time Now
Remember when you had to see a house at 9 AM and make an offer by noon or it was gone? Yeah, those days are over and have been for quite some time.
Now you can:
- Actually visit a house more than once
- Think about whether you really want to live there
- Get a proper inspection without waiving everything
- Compare multiple houses
- Sleep on it before making a huge financial decision
Your Negotiating Power is Back
For the first time in years, you can actually negotiate on price . I know, it sounds crazy after years of paying over asking price for everything.
What this means:
- You can ask for seller concessions
- Request repair credits
- Negotiate closing costs
- Include contingencies without losing the house
- Actually get a fair deal
More Houses, More Choices
With inventory way up, you’re not stuck settling for “good enough” anymore. You can be picky about location, features, price – all the stuff you should be able to choose when making the biggest purchase of your life.
The Real Talk for Sellers
The Overpricing Game is Over
Look, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the days of slapping any price on your house and getting 10 offers are way behind us. I’m seeing sellers who haven’t gotten this memo, and their houses are just sitting there.
Here’s what’s not working anymore:
- Pricing based on what you want/need to get
- Thinking buyers will overlook obvious problems
- Minimal effort on staging and photos
- Expecting multiple offers
But Good Houses Are Still Selling
Don’t get me wrong – homes that are priced right and marketed well are absolutely still selling. The key word here is “right.”
What’s working:
- Pricing based on what similar houses actually sold for (not what they were listed for)
- Professional photos and staging
- Being realistic about your timeline
- Listening to feedback from showings
What I’m Seeing in the Northwest Valley
Glendale and Peoria
These areas are seeing some of the biggest shifts. Houses that would have sold in a weekend two years ago are now taking 30-45 days. But that’s not bad news – it’s just normal!
The Reality Check
Different neighborhoods are experiencing this shift differently, but the overall trend is clear: buyers have way more power than they’ve had in years.
Why This is Actually Good News for Everyone
It’s Not a Crash, It’s Normal
This isn’t some scary market crash. This is what a normal real estate market looks like. We just got so used to the craziness that normal feels weird.
Normal markets have:
- Reasonable negotiation between buyers and sellers
- Time to make informed decisions
- Pricing based on actual value
- Sustainable growth instead of crazy spikes
Long-Term Benefits
This shift is actually setting us up for healthier, more sustainable growth in home values. That benefits everyone in the long run.
How to Win in This Market
If You’re Buying
Take advantage of this opportunity:
- Get pre-approved so you can negotiate from a position of strength
- Work with someone who knows the current market (not someone stuck in 2022)
- Be thorough with inspections – you can afford to be picky now
If You’re Selling
Adapt your strategy:
- Price it right from day one (seriously, this is crucial)
- Make sure your house shows well
- Be prepared to negotiate
Why You Need Someone Who Gets It
Here’s the thing – markets like this require experience. You need someone who’s been through different market cycles and knows how to adjust their strategy accordingly.
I’ve helped clients through the 2008 crash, the recovery, the crazy seller’s market, and now this shift back to normal. Each market requires a different approach, and honestly, a lot of agents who only worked during the seller’s market are struggling to adapt.
What’s Coming Next
Market Stability
Phoenix’s strong job market, population growth, and infrastructure development mean we’re not heading for a crash. We’re heading for stability , which is actually great news.
The Bottom Line
Phoenix being named the top buyer-friendly market isn’t an accident. We’re seeing a real shift that creates genuine opportunities for people who understand how to work with current conditions.
Ready to Make Your Move?
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Northwest Valley, let’s talk about how to play this market to your advantage. I’ve been helping people navigate changing markets for over 20 years, and I know exactly how to position you for success.
Call or text me at (602) 329-7782 and let’s figure out your best strategy for this buyer-friendly market.
Whether you’re finally ready to buy your first home, upgrade to something bigger, or make a strategic sale, I’m here to help you understand exactly what this market shift means for your specific situation.
Helping buyers and sellers throughout Glendale, Peoria, and the entire Northwest Valley navigate real estate with honest advice and proven strategies.