Late August Market Update: Prices Moderate, Inventory Grows, and a Full Fall Events Calendar Ahead

Happy Wednesday, everyone. We are past the middle of August, and the Arizona summer is still going strong. The sunsets have been nothing short of spectacular, the community calendar is packed with great events, and the housing market is giving buyers more reasons than ever to take the leap into homeownership. Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or just want to know what is happening around the Valley, I have got you covered. I want to be your Realtor for Life.

Where the Phoenix Metro Market Stands Now: July 2026 Data

The latest closed data from July 2026 gives us a clear picture of where the market is heading, and the trend is encouraging for buyers. Here is what the numbers are telling us:

• The metro-wide median home price dropped to $450,000 in July, down from $459,000 in June. This is a modest 2 percent month-over-month decline and reflects a market that is normalizing, not crashing. Year over year, prices remain fairly steady, which is a good sign of sustainable growth.
• The months supply of inventory sits at 3.4 months, down slightly from July 2025 but still well above the ultra-tight conditions we saw in 2021 and 2022. A balanced market is generally considered to be around 5 to 6 months of supply, so we are getting closer to that sweet spot.
• Homes are averaging 53 to 64 days on market depending on the neighborhood. That is a comfortable pace that gives buyers real time to explore options, compare homes, and make informed decisions without the pressure of multiple-offer situations.
• Sellers are receiving about 98.1 percent of their asking price, which tells me that homes priced correctly and presented well are still getting strong offers. The key is pricing from the start rather than chasing the market down with reductions.
• Metro Phoenix home sales jumped 5.1 percent compared to the same period last year. More people are buying and selling, and that is a vote of confidence in the market.

So what does this all mean for you? If you are a buyer, you are looking at the most balanced market we have had in years. Prices are moderating, inventory is solid, and you have room to negotiate. If you are selling, your home needs to be priced competitively and show beautifully from the first day it hits the market. With 24 years of experience through all kinds of markets, I can guide you on both sides of the transaction. I am here for you.

Events This Weekend: August 21-23

There is so much to do in the Valley, and this weekend is no exception. Here is what I am excited about:

CaveScape at Arizona Science Center. Running from August 15 through September 15, this is a unique immersive exhibition that transforms the Science Center into an underground cave adventure. It is perfect for families with kids or anyone who loves hands-on science exhibits. Located at 600 E. Washington Street in downtown Phoenix, it is a great way to beat the heat and have fun indoors. Visit azscience.org for tickets and hours.

The Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market continues every Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 AM at 720 N. Fifth Street, year round. And the Uptown Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM at 5757 N. Central Avenue. I love starting my weekends at the farmers market, and I encourage you to check them out for fresh local produce, artisan goods, and that wonderful sense of community.

In the West Valley, the Desert West Night Market continues every Saturday at the Peoria Sports Complex through September. This is a fantastic family-friendly event with food vendors, local artisans, and live entertainment. It runs from early evening into the night, so the heat is not an issue.

The Scottsdale ArtWalk continues every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in Old Town Scottsdale. It is a beautiful way to spend a summer evening exploring local galleries, meeting artists, and enjoying the creative energy of one of Arizona's most vibrant arts districts.

Next Weekend: August 28-30

The final weekend of August is absolutely packed with events. Mark your calendars:

CornFest & Art & Craft Fair is happening Thursday, August 27 at the El Zaribah Shrine Center in Phoenix. This is a unique community celebration with food, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. It is a wonderful way to close out the summer.

Saturday, August 29 is one of the biggest days of the summer for events. You will have choices to make:

• Street League Skateboarding at Mullett Arena in Tempe brings world-class skateboarders to compete live. This is an electric event for sports fans and families.
• Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Too $hort are performing together at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. If you love hip-hop, this is an unforgettable night of legends on one stage.
• The Hex Festival 2026 takes place at the Rawhide Event Center in Chandler with music, food, and entertainment in a unique western-style setting.
• The Night Trip Festival returns to Westworld of Scottsdale with deep house, tech house, and techno music from top DJs.

Fall Events You Will Not Want to Miss: September 2026

I am so excited for the fall event season, and the September calendar is shaping up to be one of the best we have seen. Here are highlights across the Valley:

September 4-5: Arizona Chile Festival. This is a must for food lovers. Held in Phoenix, the festival celebrates Arizona's rich chile-growing tradition with tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music, and plenty of spice. If you love New Mexican and Sonoran cuisine, this is your weekend.

September 4-6: Arizona Invitational Black Rodeo. Taking place at WestWorld of Scottsdale, this three-day event showcases Black cowboy and cowgirl culture with rodeo competitions, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. It is a powerful celebration of Western heritage and diversity.

September 5: Mesa Feastival XVII. Mesa's premier community festival returns to downtown Mesa with food vendors, live music, local artisans, and activities for the whole family. Mesa continues to grow and thrive, and events like this show off the heart of the East Valley.

September 5: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Held at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, this meaningful annual event honors the first responders who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. Participants climb the equivalent of 110 stories in full gear. It is a powerful way to remember and give back to our community.

September 11-12: Goldrush Fest 2026. Taking place in Chandler, this festival features live music, food vendors, and entertainment. It is a great weekend event for families and friends looking to enjoy the first cool weather of the season.

September 12: Chandler Contigo: Dia De Fiesta. Dr. AJ Chandler Park hosts this free celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring live music, dance performances, traditional food, and cultural activities. This is a wonderful event for the whole family, and it kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month in style.

September 18-20: Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. Back at WestWorld of Scottsdale, this is one of the Valley's most beloved shopping events. With hundreds of vendors selling vintage furniture, home decor, clothing, and antiques, it is a treasure hunter's paradise.

September 20: 4th Annual Intruders Picnic. Held at Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear, this community picnic features food, games, and outdoor activities in one of the most beautiful park settings in the West Valley. It is free and family friendly.

September 25: Celebration of Hispanic Heritage. The town of Gilbert hosts this cultural celebration in downtown Gilbert, with live performances, traditional food, and community activities. It is a beautiful way to honor the rich Hispanic heritage that shapes our Valley.

September 26: The Spooktacular Fall Festival. Held at the ASU West Valley Campus in Glendale, this early fall festival features costume contests, games, food, and family-friendly Halloween fun. It is never too early to start celebrating the fall season.

September 26: Free 7th Annual Action & Adventure Festival. At Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale, this festival features extreme sports demonstrations, interactive activities, and live entertainment. It is free and perfect for adventure-loving families.

Why This Market Matters for Buyers Right Now

I have been a full-time Realtor in Arizona since 2002, and I have seen this market go through every phase you can imagine. I have helped families through foreclosures, short sales, bidding wars, and balanced markets like the one we are in right now. What I can tell you is this: moments like this, where buyers have real choices and real negotiating power, do not last forever.

If you have been thinking about buying a home but were unsure about timing, this is a great moment to start the conversation. You do not need 20 percent down. You do not need a perfect credit score. There are programs available that can help you buy a home with as little as $1,500 out of pocket. Business owners can buy a home without filing tax returns. Buyers with lower credit scores can still qualify. And if you are looking at new construction, please reach out to me before visiting a builder on your own. I have resources that can help you get the best deal possible.

I want you to have a smooth process and experience. I am always available to answer your questions and share my knowledge with you. That is what it means to be Your Realtor for Life.

Call or text me at (623) 640-8840 or reach out online. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful rest of your week, and enjoy everything the Valley has to offer in these beautiful late summer days!