Blog — Real Estate Tips & Insights | Susan Nevel
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Tips, Insights & Advice

I want to share my knowledge in buying or selling a home with you. Here are my latest articles and insights.

Phoenix Market Update: November 2026 Prices, Rates, and Weekend Events

Phoenix Market Update: November 2026 Prices, Rates, and Weekend Events

Verified November 2026 Phoenix market data: a $450,000 median sales price, balanced inventory, and 7.24% mortgage rates, plus the best events this weekend across the East and West Valley: Canal Convergence, the Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts, Foodie Fest West, and more. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid in Arizona

First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid in Arizona

The mistakes that trip up first-time buyers in Arizona: the 20% down myth, low credit score worries, visiting builders without an agent, seller concessions, and down payment assistance. Call Susan at (623) 640-8840.

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VA Loans for Military Families: How to Buy a Home Near Luke AFB With Zero Down

VA Loans for Military Families: How to Buy a Home Near Luke AFB With Zero Down

PCS orders to Luke AFB? Here is how VA loans work in 2026: zero down payment, no PMI, funding fee rates, eligibility, credit requirements, and BAH for the Phoenix area. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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2026 Trunk-or-Treat and Trick-or-Treat Guide for Maricopa County

2026 Trunk-or-Treat and Trick-or-Treat Guide for Maricopa County

Verified 2026 trunk-or-treat and trick-or-treat events across Maricopa County, from Phoenix and Chandler to Glendale, Avondale, Goodyear, Mesa and Scottsdale, plus neighborhood hours and Arizona-smart safety tips. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Phoenix Market Update: What the Fed's October 2026 Decision Means for Buyers and Sellers

Phoenix Market Update: What the Fed's October 2026 Decision Means for Buyers and Sellers

The Fed held rates on October 28, 2026. Here is what that means for Phoenix buyers and sellers, the latest verified metro data, and weekly farmers markets across the East and West Valley. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Phoenix Events Calendar: What's On Now in November 2026

Phoenix Events Calendar: What's On Now in November 2026

A fresh, verified calendar of what is on across the Phoenix metro right now: Veterans Day parades, the Hondo Rodeo Fest, the Arizona Fall League championship in Peoria, holiday light displays, and family festivals through December. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Is Buying a Home Together Right for Your Family? Here's How to Think It Through

Is Buying a Home Together Right for Your Family? Here's How to Think It Through

Buying a home together with your family? Here is how joint mortgages count two incomes, FHA and VA low-down options, down payment assistance, and why to call Susan before visiting a builder. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Moving to Arizona From New York: Cost of Living, Taxes, and Home Prices

Moving to Arizona From New York: Cost of Living, Taxes, and Home Prices

Moving from New York to Arizona? Compare home prices, cost of living, and taxes in 2026, plus how to buy a Phoenix-area home remotely with virtual tours. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Phoenix Metro Market Check-In: New Home Communities and Family Events This Weekend

Phoenix Metro Market Check-In: New Home Communities and Family Events This Weekend

Verified September 2026 Phoenix market data, new home communities opening across the West Valley, and family events across the Valley for October 23-25. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Phoenix Events Calendar: Late October Through the 2026 Holidays

Phoenix Events Calendar: Late October Through the 2026 Holidays

A verified calendar of upcoming events across the Phoenix metro from late October through the holidays: the State Fair finale, Dia de los Muertos, the Hondo Rodeo Fest, Suns and Cardinals home games, ZooLights, Glendale Glitters, and the Nutcracker. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Closing Costs for First-Time Buyers in Arizona: How Seller Concessions Save You Thousands

Closing Costs for First-Time Buyers in Arizona: How Seller Concessions Save You Thousands

First-time buyer closing costs in Arizona: what they really cost, how much sellers can pay through concessions on FHA, VA, and conventional loans, and why you should call Susan before visiting a builder. Reach out anytime.

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Winter PCS to Luke AFB: Moving Your Family to Arizona in December, January, or February

Winter PCS to Luke AFB: Moving Your Family to Arizona in December, January, or February

PCS orders to Luke Air Force Base this winter? Here is what military families need to know about moving to Arizona in December through February: 2026 BAH rates, midyear school enrollment, and buying a home. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Phoenix Metro Market Update: Fall 2026 Prices and Events Across the East and West Valley

Phoenix Metro Market Update: Fall 2026 Prices and Events Across the East and West Valley

Verified September 2026 Phoenix market data plus fall events across the East and West Valley: Mesa Music Festival, Taco Fest, Somos Peoria, Billy Moore Days, and more. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Phoenix Events Calendar: What's On Now Through December 2026

Phoenix Events Calendar: What's On Now Through December 2026

A verified events calendar for what is happening across the Phoenix metro right now and through December 2026: the State Fair, the Greek Festival, Dia de los Muertos, the Hondo Rodeo Fest, ZooLights, Glendale Glitters, and more. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Moving to Arizona From California: Cost of Living, Home Prices, and Buying Remotely

Moving to Arizona From California: Cost of Living, Home Prices, and Buying Remotely

Moving from California to Arizona? Compare cost of living, home prices, and taxes, plus how to buy remotely with virtual tours. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Phoenix Housing Market: October 2026 Prices, Inventory and Mortgage Rates

Phoenix Housing Market: October 2026 Prices, Inventory and Mortgage Rates

Verified October 2026 Phoenix housing data: a $445,000 median sales price, about 4.3 months of supply, 64 median days on market, current mortgage rates, and fall farmers markets across the Valley. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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PCS to Luke AFB: Using Your VA Loan to Buy New Construction in the West Valley

PCS to Luke AFB: Using Your VA Loan to Buy New Construction in the West Valley

PCS orders to Luke Air Force Base? Here is how to use your VA loan to buy new construction in the West Valley, what the 2026 BAH rates look like, and why you should always call Susan before visiting a builder. Reach out anytime.

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Halloween 2026 in the Phoenix Valley: Family Events Across the East and West Valley

Halloween 2026 in the Phoenix Valley: Family Events Across the East and West Valley

A verified guide to Halloween 2026 family events across the Valley: the Peoria Monster Bash, Chandler Spooktacular, Mesa's Haunting on Main, the OdySea Family Fun Halloween Bash, and more, plus a quick market check-in. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Phoenix Holiday Events Calendar: November and December 2026

Phoenix Holiday Events Calendar: November and December 2026

A verified calendar of the best November and December 2026 events across the Valley: ZooLights, Glendale Glitters, Las Noches de las Luminarias, the APS Electric Light Parade, ASU and Cardinals home games, and more. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Buying an Arizona Home From Out of State: How Remote Buying Works in 2026

Buying an Arizona Home From Out of State: How Remote Buying Works in 2026

Moving to Arizona from California, New York, Illinois, or anywhere else? Here is how out-of-state buyers buy a Phoenix home remotely with virtual tours, remote inspections, and digital closing, plus what the 2026 market looks like. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Arizona Veteran Property Tax Exemption 2026: What PCS Families Need to Know

Arizona Veteran Property Tax Exemption 2026: What PCS Families Need to Know

Got PCS orders to Luke AFB? Learn about Arizona's new 2026 property tax exemption for disabled veterans, BAH rates, and a step-by-step military move checklist. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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Moving to Arizona From Connecticut: What Buyers Should Know

Moving to Arizona From Connecticut: What Buyers Should Know

Moving from Connecticut to Arizona? Here is how the Phoenix market compares on taxes, home prices, cost of living, and how you can buy remotely with virtual tours. Reach out to Susan anytime.

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First-Time Buyer Eligibility in Arizona: Do You Qualify?

First-Time Buyer Eligibility in Arizona: Do You Qualify?

Wondering if you qualify to buy your first home in Arizona? Here is who qualifies, the credit and down payment requirements, down payment assistance, and why you do not need 20% down.

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PCS to Luke AFB: BAH Rates, Timeline, and Renting vs. Buying in Phoenix

PCS to Luke AFB: BAH Rates, Timeline, and Renting vs. Buying in Phoenix

Got PCS orders to Luke Air Force Base? Here is what military families need to know about 2026 BAH rates, the PCS timeline, and how to decide between renting and buying in the Phoenix West Valley.

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Moving to Arizona from Illinois: What Chicago Buyers Need to Know

Moving to Arizona from Illinois: What Chicago Buyers Need to Know

Thinking of moving from Illinois to Arizona? Here is what Chicago-area buyers need to know about Phoenix taxes, cost of living, the housing market, and buying remotely with virtual tours.

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FHA, VA, USDA and More: Low-Down-Payment Loan Options for First-Time Buyers in Arizona

FHA, VA, USDA and More: Low-Down-Payment Loan Options for First-Time Buyers in Arizona

You do not need 20% down to buy a home in Arizona. FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, and conventional low-down-payment programs can help you buy with as little as zero down. Learn which option fits your situation.

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8 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask Before Buying in Arizona

8 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask Before Buying in Arizona

Buying your first home in Arizona? Here are the eight most important questions to ask before you start. Learn about down payments, loan options, new builds, and why you should call Susan first.

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Buying a Home During PCS Orders: A Military Family's Guide to Remote Home Buying in Arizona

Buying a Home During PCS Orders: A Military Family's Guide to Remote Home Buying in Arizona

Buying a home during PCS orders does not have to wait until you arrive. Learn how military families can buy a home in Arizona remotely using VA loans, virtual tours, and a knowledgeable local Realtor.

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New Construction Homes for First-Time Buyers in Arizona: Why You Need a Realtor First

New Construction Homes for First-Time Buyers in Arizona: Why You Need a Realtor First

Thinking about buying a new construction home in Arizona? Here is why you should always contact Susan before visiting a builder. Learn about builder incentives, upgrades, and how to save thousands.

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Moving to Arizona from the Coasts: East Coast & West Coast Relocation Guide 2026

Moving to Arizona from the Coasts: East Coast & West Coast Relocation Guide 2026

Relocating to Arizona from California, New York, New Jersey, or Washington? Discover how the tax savings, balanced housing market, and remote buying options make 2026 a great time to move to Phoenix.

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5 Essential First-Time Home Buyer Tips: Prepare for Success in Arizona

5 Essential First-Time Home Buyer Tips: Prepare for Success in Arizona

Preparing to buy your first home in Arizona? Here are five essential tips to help you get started, including how to get pre-approved, understand your budget, and why you should call Susan before visiting a builder.

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Peak PCS Season: Military Relocation Guide for Luke AFB & Arizona Home Buying

Peak PCS Season: Military Relocation Guide for Luke AFB & Arizona Home Buying

August is peak PCS season. If you have orders to Luke Air Force Base, here is what military families need to know about VA loans, BAH, buying a home in the West Valley, and making a smooth summer move to Arizona.

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Down Payment Assistance Programs in Arizona: Your Guide to Buying With Less

Down Payment Assistance Programs in Arizona: Your Guide to Buying With Less

Arizona offers down payment assistance programs that can help you buy a home with very little money out of pocket. Learn about Home Plus, Pathway to Purchase, and other options available now.

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Relocating to Arizona from Out of State: A Complete Guide

Relocating to Arizona from Out of State: A Complete Guide

Moving to Arizona from California, Illinois, New York, or another state? Here is what out-of-state buyers need to know about the Phoenix housing market, cost of living, and how to buy a home remotely.

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First-Time Home Buyer Myths in Arizona — What You Need to Know

First-Time Home Buyer Myths in Arizona — What You Need to Know

Thinking about buying your first home in Arizona? Do not let these common myths hold you back. From how much you really need for a down payment to why you should call Susan before visiting a builder, here is the truth.

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PCS to Arizona: Military Relocation Guide for Luke AFB & Phoenix

PCS to Arizona: Military Relocation Guide for Luke AFB & Phoenix

Moving to Arizona on PCS orders? Here is what military families need to know about Luke AFB, BAH rates, housing near base, and buying a home in the Phoenix West Valley.

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First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Step by Step in Arizona

First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Step by Step in Arizona

Buying your first home in Arizona? Here is everything you need to know, including how to get started with little money down and why you should call Susan before visiting a builder.

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2026 Home Design Trends: What's In, What's Out

2026 Home Design Trends: What's In, What's Out

The latest home design trends influencing buyers in the Phoenix metro area in 2026. From warm tones to smart home features, here is what buyers want.

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Can You Buy a Home Without Filing Tax Returns?

Can You Buy a Home Without Filing Tax Returns?

Business owners and self-employed buyers: you may be able to buy a home without filing your income tax returns. Learn about bank statement loans and alternative documentation.

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Can You Buy a Home With a Low Credit Score?

Can You Buy a Home With a Low Credit Score?

Your credit score does not have to be perfect to become a homeowner. Learn about FHA loans, credit repair, and options for buyers with lower credit scores.

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Buy a Home With Less Than $1,500 Down

Buy a Home With Less Than $1,500 Down

You can buy a home with as little as $1,500 or less out of pocket. Learn about down payment assistance programs, FHA loans, and VA loans that make homeownership affordable.

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Have a real estate question?

I am always available to answer your questions. Call or text me anytime.

(623) 640-8840