Northeast Valley Real Estate Insights – June 2025

Last month I addressed tariffs and how they could impact home sales here. This month the operative word is “ceasefire.”

The suspension of aggressive actions between countries in both trade wars and real wars would ease tensions, calm fears and add a measure of stability. That is generally good news for people considering a large transaction such as buying or selling a home.

Let’s look at the big picture first before we focus on our own neighborhoods in the Phoenix area. Markets are showing signs of recovery, driven by progress in trade discussions, strong U.S. economic fundamentals, and healthy corporate earnings. Firms are increasing capital investment. The White House is in trade talks with multiple nations including China. The economy added 177,000 jobs in April, with consumer spending and business investment remaining strong. Inflation is expected to continue its decline toward the Fed’s 2% target as we near the second half of 2025.

So there is reason for optimism!

If you’re looking to buy a home, this could be a good time for you. With more than 25,000 homes for sale valley-wide, we haven’t seen this much inventory since 2016. The summer months typically see fewer buyers when the snowbirds and vacationers exit the valley. More homes to choose from with fewer buyers to compete against sounds like an opportunity to me.

Does this spell bad news for sellers? Not necessarily. The turmoil and uncertainty over the last few months has moved many buyers to the sidelines, creating lower than normal demand. The buyers I’m working with have expressed these sentiments:

• “I’m nervous about engaging…”
• “Maybe if the stock market roars back…”
• – “Yes and no; kind of waiting to see what the market does…”
• “We’re going to sit tight for the moment…”

If the ceasefires hold and the stock market rebounds, we could see a spark of buying activity this summer. Higher demand would also hold prices higher. A REALTOR® can help you keep tabs on what’s going on in your own town or neighborhood.

In the luxury market, improving economic confidence can encourage affluent buyers to invest in real estate. High net worth buyers from high-tax states or countries often view upscale homes in scenic towns including Scottsdale, Carefree, and Cave Creek as attractive long-term assets.

Consumer confidence drives our economy, and that includes real estate. Is now the time for you to make a move? Are you feeling confident with your own situation? Only you can decide that. If the answer is yes, consult with a REALTOR® who can act as your trusted advisor and guide you through the process.

Darrell Doepke is a full-time, RealTrends Verified Top 1% Realtor® in Arizona (2024), specializing in Carefree, Cave Creek, and North Scottsdale luxury homes. With a background in marketing and journalism, Darrell tells each home’s story to grab buyers emotionally. His narrated property videos showcase this strategy, and he invests more in marketing than most agents. He lives by his motto: “I don’t wait for buyers — I pursue them.” Darrell is VP of Community Partners and founder of Community Fest, an October event supporting local nonprofits. He is known for his SRES® designation assisting seniors; his Midwest values, and community leadership. Clients often say he’s the best Realtor® they’ve worked with.