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Associate Broker | Phoenix Real Estate Expert | Buyer Advocate | AZ MLS Insider | Over 20 Years of Experience Helping Valley Buyers Win
  • 🏡🔥 Finding Bargains in Real Estate: A Buyer’s Power Playbook for the Chandler Real Estate Market ☀️✨

    🏡🔥 Finding Bargains in Real Estate: A Buyer’s Power Playbook for the Chandler Real Estate Market ☀️✨

    The Chandler real estate market is competitive right now. 🤯 But what does that mean for you as a buyer? It means OPPORTUNITY! 🔑 A competitive market is a healthy market 💪, and the homes you’re looking for are worth the effort. With the right strategy, and the right Agent (that’s me! 😉), you can get a home you love. ❤️ Here is your game plan for buying in Chandler. 👇

    The Chandler Advantage: Beyond the Price Tag! 🤑💯

    The recent data from a price drop report of almost 50% 📉 of homes in Chandler reveals key opportunities for you as a buyer. This isn’t a market where every home is being sold for over its asking price. In fact, we’re seeing an average price drop of 4.09%, or an average of $19,776.47, on homes that have adjusted their prices. 💰 And, that’s not including negotiating Seller contributions to Buyer’s Closing Costs. Here’s what all that means for you:

    • You Have Room to Negotiate 🤝: A significant number of homes are already making price adjustments and providing buyer closing costs assistance. This tells us that sellers are motivated, giving you an opportunity to come in with a strong, aggressive, well-supported offer. 💼
    • The Market is Responding to You (the buyers) 🎉: The days of a frenzy of multiple offers on every single home are behind us. The market is adjusting, and sellers are recognizing the need to meet buyers where they are. 🤝 This is a clear signal that with the right approach, you can get a great home at a fair price. ✅

    YOUR GAME PLAN FOR WINNING! 🏆🎯

    A smart buyer doesn’t just watch the market; they prepare for it. With my guidance, we can build a strong strategy to give you a competitive edge. 📈

    • Get Your Finances in Order 📝: Don’t just get pre-qualified; get pre-approved. 🏦 A pre-approval letter is a verified commitment from a lender, showing sellers you are a serious buyer. This can make your offer stand out from the competition. Here’s a link to my fav local Loan Officer Matt Ballantyne (Matt the Mortgage Guy) ➡️ Apply HERE
    • Make a Strategic Offer 💲: A great offer is about more than just the price. In a market where homes are on the market for an average of almost 60 days, sellers value a smooth transaction. 🗓️ This is your chance to stand out by being flexible with closing dates or other contingencies.
    • Know the Neighborhood 🧐: Don’t just look at the houses; look at the community. The data on education levels, population demographics, and top occupations in a community can give you a clear picture of what a neighborhood is really like. I know Chandler. Raised two kids in Chandler. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 I can help. 👍

    THE FINAL WORD 🌟🏁

    A competitive market is a sign of a healthy, growing community. It means homes are desirable and a sound long-term investment. 💰 This is a market that requires a smart, proactive, aggressive strategy.

    💥 With the right preparation, you can confidently make an offer that wins you the home of your dreams. 🤩

    Let’s connect and put a strategic plan in place to help you find your new home in Chandler. 📞

    Stop Waiting. Start Winning.

    Are you ready to find the perfect home in Chandler? Click the link below to search every active listing on the local MLS and stop missing out on the best deals.

    Are you curious about what your home in Arizona would sell for right now in this market? Want to find out immediately what your home is worth? Click the link below to satisfy your curiosity!

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR® HomeSmart Real Estate Phone: 602-717-3219 Email: azbrokerbrent@gmail.com Website: phoenixMLShomes.com Blog: azbrokerbrent.blog Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X Instant Home Value: What’s My AZ Home Worth

  • 🏡 A New Era for Home Buyers: Leverage Has Shifted

    🏡 A New Era for Home Buyers: Leverage Has Shifted

    If you’ve been watching the real estate market closely, you’ve likely noticed a major shift: buyers are finally calling the shots. For years, sellers ruled the game—homes sold in days, bidding wars broke out, and buyers bent over backward.

    Those days? Over.
    Welcome to the stagnant market—a buyer’s playground.

    💡 What a “Stagnant Market” Means for You

    A stagnant market = more listings, fewer buyers, longer days on market.
    Here’s what that translates to for you:

    ✔️ More negotiating power
    ✔️ Lower prices
    ✔️ Bigger seller concessions
    ✔️ Time to actually think before writing an offer

    📽️ Why Buyers Now Hold the Power

    🏨 High Inventory, Low Competition
    Too many homes, too few offers. Advantage: buyer.

    📉 Motivated Sellers
    Vacant homes, back-to-back mortgages, and 30+ DOM = sellers willing to talk terms.

    🛠️ What You Can Negotiate Right Now

    💵 Price Reductions
    It’s not unusual to negotiate 5–10% below list price, especially when the home’s been sitting.

    🎯 Seller Concessions
    Buyers are stacking deals with:

    • Full or partial closing cost coverage
    • Rate buydowns (paid by seller)
    • Prepaids (insurance, taxes)
    • Repairs, appliance credits, even furniture

    😮 Creative Perks
    Some buyers are scoring:

    • Window washing for a year
    • Free landscaping or pool service
    • Patio furniture included
    • Professional deep cleaning
    • Rent-backs at discounted rates

    🏆 Recent Wins & Buyer Leverage

    In the last 90 days, we’ve seen:

    • Buyers negotiating $15K+ below asking
    • Sellers covering all closing costs
    • Sellers offering appliance packages, carpet credits, or HOA dues

    In this climate, buyers who ask the right questions and make strategic offers are winning—big.

    🔍 How to Maximize Your Leverage

    Ask your agent:

    • ⏱️ How long has the home been listed?
    • 📉 Have there been price drops?
    • 📦 What’s driving the seller’s move?
    • ⚔️ Any competing offers?

    Make strong, smart offers:

    ✔️ Be pre-approved
    ✔️ Offer flexibility on close date
    ✔️ Ask for credits strategically
    ❌ Don’t overplay your hand or skip inspections

    🗓️ How Long Will This Last?

    Analysts predict: buyer leverage could last through late 2025, unless rates drop or inventory shrinks.
    But local markets vary—some could shift sooner.

    🔑 Bottom Line

    This is the rare moment where buyers can:

    • Negotiate harder
    • Ask for more
    • Move with confidence
    • Actually win the deal, not just survive it

    📍 Start browsing now — full access to every active listing in the Valley:
    👉 phoenixMLShomes.com

    ❓ Buyer FAQs

    Can I really offer under list?
    Well, sure, under most markets this is possible — the difference now is how much we can negotiate off their list price.

    What can I ask for?
    Closing costs, appliances, warranties, credits—don’t be shy.

    Are sellers desperate?
    Some are. Especially vacant or slow-moving homes.

    Can sellers help lower my rate?
    Absolutely. Rate buydowns are common.

    Craziest perk you’ve seen granted?
    One year of HOA dues paid by the seller for the buyer — negotiated and in writing.

    How long will this last?
    No one knows for sure—but don’t assume it’s forever.

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
    HomeSmart Real Estate
    📞 602-717-3219
    📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
    🌐 phoenixmlshomes.com
    📝 azbrokerbrent.blog
    🔗 Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X
    🏡 What’s My AZ Home Worth

  • Spec Homes with Sub‑5% Rates? Yeah, That’s Real.

    Spec Homes with Sub‑5% Rates? Yeah, That’s Real.

    If you’re home shopping in this market, you’ve probably noticed one thing: monthly payments are brutal.

    The average 30-year fixed rate just hit 6.88%—and that rate alone can tack hundreds (if not thousands) onto your payment every month. But here’s what you won’t hear from your bank or a resale-focused agent:

    Some builders are offering fixed rates as low as 4.75%—and you don’t have to pay extra to get it.

    Let’s break that down.

    💸 Payment Comparison (Same Loan, Two Very Different Outcomes)

    $450,000 loan at 6.88% (market rate):
    📆 30-Year Fixed
    💵 Monthly Payment: $2,957.68

    $450,000 loan at 4.75% (average builder-backed rate):
    📆 30-Year Fixed
    💵 Monthly Payment: $2,347.86

    💥 Monthly Savings: $609.82
    📈 Year 1 Savings: $7,317.84

    That’s a serious dent in your cost of living—without the usual hoops and fees it takes to buy down a rate on your own.

    🚪 “Spec Homes” Are Ready Now

    These aren’t pre-construction wish-list projects with 9–12 month build times.

    We’re talking about completed, move-in ready homes that builders need off their books this quarter. And they’re sweetening the deal with:

    ✔️ Below-market fixed rates
    ✔️ Builder-paid closing costs
    ✔️ Professional representation covered by builder-offered compensation
    ✔️ All-new appliances, fixtures, roof, HVAC—everything

    🛠️ Non-Financial Perks of Buying New

    1. Everything is… new.
    New roof. New AC. New appliances. New plumbing. No surprises hiding behind a seller’s “fresh paint job.”

    2. Instant equity (if you time it right).
    Get in early—before the builder starts bumping prices every 4–6 weeks—and you might build equity just by sticking around.
    A lot of these communities take 2–3 years to fully build out. During that time, pricing often increases phase by phase.
    If you’re one of the first buyers in the door, you can sit back, live your life, and let the builder drag your value up by tens—sometimes hundreds—of thousands.

    3. Warranties across the board.
    Most builders offer 1–2 year full coverage and 10-year structural warranties. You won’t get that buying a 1998 stucco flip.

    4. Lower insurance premiums.
    Newer homes often cost less to insure thanks to updated building codes, fire-resistant materials, and modern wiring.

    5. Peace of mind + predictability.
    No emergency plumber calls. No blown HVAC units. No roof leaks during monsoon season.

    6. Smart home features.
    Think: video doorbells, smart thermostats, prewired security, and energy-efficient everything.

    7. You’re not inheriting someone else’s problems.
    Used homes can come with “emotional baggage”—from bad DIY repairs to worn-out systems. A new build is a clean slate.

    🔗 Want to See What’s Out There?

    👉 Search All New Builds Here
    This link takes you directly to move-in ready builder homes across Greater Phoenix.
    No fluff, no weird filters—just real inventory, updated daily and tied to me so I can guide you through it.

    —

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
    HomeSmart Real Estate
    📞 602-717-3219
    📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
    🌐 phoenixmlshomes.com
    📝 azbrokerbrent.blog
    🔗 Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X
    🏡 Instant Home Value: What’s My AZ Home Worth

  • 🏡 Purchasing a Condo or Townhome Under $600K: A Fall Move-In Guide for ASU Parents

    🏡 Purchasing a Condo or Townhome Under $600K: A Fall Move-In Guide for ASU Parents

    📍 Proximity to Campus Matters

    For many parents, proximity to campus equals peace of mind. Tempe is a compact, walkable city, and most condos and townhomes under $600K are located within 2 miles of ASU. Being close to class and amenities means fewer transportation worries, more oversight, and a greater sense of safety for students living independently for the first time.

    📊 What You Can Buy in 2025

    According to the latest data from the MLS:

    • Approximately 127 active listings
      • ~35 condos
      • ~92 townhomes
    • Properties with 1–3 bedrooms, ideal for students or families
    • HOA fees exist but range widely—some include utilities and amenities

    🛏️ Value by Bedroom Count

    Let’s break down what buyers typically get by bedroom count:

    • 1-bed/1-bath
      ~600–800 ft² | $300K–$450K – great for a student who might host friends or want privacy
    • 2-bed/2-bath
      ~900–1,200 ft² | $400K–$550K – ideal for roommates or dual-use (student + rental)
    • 3-bed/2–3 bath
      ~1,200–1,600 ft² | $550K–$600K – close to campus with extra space for family

    💡 Why Buying Beats Renting

    BenefitDetails
    Equity GrowthInvest in property rather than paying escalating rent
    Security of TenureNo surprise rent hikes or lease non-renewals
    Rental FlexibilityPost-graduation, rent extra rooms to offset mortgage
    Campus BonusIn-unit study space, parking, and comfort

    🏘️ Top-Location Highlights

    • Near Mill Ave & Apache Blvd – vibrant, near class, perfect walk score
    • Tempe Town Lake area – scenic, family-friendly, recreation proximity
    • Hayden Butte zone – peaceful hillside living with campus access

    📋 Sidebar: Student Rental Costs by Bedroom

    Here’s what college students typically pay near ASU in non-University-owned rentals:

    • Per room (shared 2–4 bedroom units): $850–$1,350/month per room
    • 1-bedroom unit: ~$1,320–1,473/month
    • 2-bedroom unit: ~$1,545–1,754/month

    Average rates (per uhomes.com):

    • 1 BR: $1,464/mo
    • 2 BR: $1,749/mo

    🎓 What That Means for Parents

    • A $500K–$600K condo (say 2 bedrooms) might cost ~$2,300/month on a 30-year mortgage with HOA + insurance.
    • As a rental, each bedroom can bring in ~$800–900/month, offsetting mortgage and holding value.
    • Students gain stability, community security, and improved living quality vs. rentals.

    ✅ Ready to Help

    • I can pull specific listings — bedrooms, square footage, HOA fees, walk scores
    • I’ll generate image + copy options for your BoldTrail squeeze page
    • Need a TinyURL link or top 5 curated picks? Happy to deliver.

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
    HomeSmart Real Estate
    📞 602-717-3219
    📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
    🌐 phoenixMLShomes.com
    📝 azbrokerbrent.blog
    🔗 Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X
    🏡 Instant Home Value: What’s My AZ Home Worth

  • 🏚️ What Are Distressed Homes (Foreclosures & Short Sales) — and Why They Still Offer Big Opportunity in Phoenix

    🏚️ What Are Distressed Homes (Foreclosures & Short Sales) — and Why They Still Offer Big Opportunity in Phoenix

    Everyone wants a deal — but in this market, the real deals aren’t always obvious.

    Foreclosed (bank-owned) and short sale properties used to dominate the Phoenix market after the 2008 crash. Today? They’re rare — but not gone. And when they do hit the market, they often come in under market value because most buyers either:

    • Don’t understand how to buy them
    • Don’t want to deal with the extra paperwork
    • Assume they’re all falling apart

    That’s your edge.

    🔍 What Counts as a “Distressed” Property?

    • Foreclosures / Bank-Owned: The lender has repossessed the home. These are usually vacant and priced to move.
    • Short Sales: The homeowner is still in the property but owes more than the home is worth. The bank agrees to sell it short to avoid foreclosure.

    Both require patience, an experienced agent (hi 👋), and sometimes a little elbow grease — but they can save you serious money up front.

    💰 Why Now?

    📉 Summer 2025 is giving buyers more room to negotiate, especially on distressed listings.
    💸 Some sellers (and banks) are even offering concessions to offset closing costs or needed repairs.
    🏠 Inventory is up, competition is down — and distressed homes are slipping through the cracks of most buyers’ saved searches.

    🔗 Browse Active Foreclosure + Short Sale Listings in Phoenix:

    👉 Phoenix Distressed Homes — Updated Daily

    If you’re tired of paying retail — and willing to play a slightly longer game — distressed homes can still deliver value in 2025. Want help navigating them? I’m happy to walk you through it.

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
    HomeSmart Real Estate
    📞 602-717-3219
    📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
    🌐 phoenixmlshomes.com
    📝 azbrokerbrent.blog
    🔗 Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X
    🏡 Instant Home Value

  • 💰 Phoenix Real Estate Deals Under $400K — These Won’t Last Long

    💰 Phoenix Real Estate Deals Under $400K — These Won’t Last Long

    Let’s cut through the noise: the Phoenix housing market is shifting — and if you’re a buyer with a budget under $400,000, this is your moment.

    We’re seeing more homes hit the market every day, seller concessions are back, and buyers finally have room to breathe. That means there are real bargain deals out there… and you can still find a solid property without overpaying.

    👉 Everything Under $400K → Click Here

    ✅ Single-family homes
    ✅ Townhomes
    ✅ Condos
    ✅ All under $400,000

    🏡 What’s Available Under $400K?

    • Condos and townhomes with updated interiors, great locations, and community pools
    • Single-family homes with potential — ideal for first-time buyers or investors
    • Fixers and light cosmetic projects for sweat equity seekers
    • Cash-flowing rentals with stable tenant demand

    📉 Why You Should Look Now

    • Over 10,000 active listings across Maricopa County
    • Many homes are now selling below list price
    • Sellers are offering rate buydowns and closing cost help
    • Inventory is at its highest since 2019 — it’s officially a buyer’s market

    🤔 Been Waiting for the “Right Time”?

    This is it.

    If you’ve been priced out or sitting on the sidelines, you might be surprised what $400K can still get you in today’s market.
    But this window won’t stay open forever. Once rates drop again, buyer competition will surge back — and these deals will disappear.

    📞 Let’s find you something worth moving on. I’ve been tracking this market for over 20 years, and I know where the hidden gems live.

    —

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
    HomeSmart Real Estate
    📞 602-717-3219
    📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
    🌐 phoenixmlshomes.com
    📝 azbrokerbrent.blog
    🔗 Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X
    🏡 Instant Home Value: What’s My AZ Home Worth

  • Smart Buyers Start Here — Price Drops in Scottsdale You Shouldn’t Miss

    Smart Buyers Start Here — Price Drops in Scottsdale You Shouldn’t Miss

    If you’re house-hunting in Scottsdale, Arizona, June might be your lucky month. Sellers are adjusting expectations and we’re seeing a noticeable uptick in reduced-price homes across the city. Whether you’re searching for a luxury estate or a starter condo, a price drop could mean the difference between stretching your budget or scoring a deal.

    Why It Matters: Scottsdale has long been known for its competitive market, but this summer feels different. Inventory is climbing, buyer activity is lighter, and motivated sellers are starting to blink first. Price reductions are often a signal that:

    • Sellers overestimated demand when they listed
    • Properties have lingered longer than expected
    • Market conditions are shifting toward buyer-friendly territory

    What You’ll Find: We’ve curated a live list of homes in Scottsdale that have had recent price drops. These include:

    • Gated golf course homes with fresh price cuts
    • Single-level homes in North Scottsdale now under $1M
    • Condos with updated interiors and motivated sellers
    • Hidden gems in zip codes like 85258, 85260, and 85251

    Want to Skip the Hard Part? You can browse all Scottsdale homes with recent price reductions in one place here: 👉 Scottsdale Price-Reduced Homes

    Final Thought: This is the kind of window that savvy buyers wait for. If you’re hoping to find a home in Scottsdale without overpaying, now’s your chance to make your move. Want help navigating the market or booking a showing? I’m just a message away.

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
    HomeSmart Real Estate
    📞 602-717-3219
    📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
    📌 phoenixmlshomes.com
    📓 azbrokerbrent.blog
    🔗 Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X
    🏡 Instant Home Value: What’s My AZ Home Worth

  • Why Maricopa County Foreclosures Are Back on the Radar (June 2025)

    Why Maricopa County Foreclosures Are Back on the Radar (June 2025)

    If you’ve been waiting for better deals to return to the Phoenix housing market — your moment may finally be here.

    Foreclosures (a.k.a. REOs or bank-owned homes) are back in measurable supply across Maricopa County, offering potential opportunities for investors, bargain hunters, and even owner-occupants willing to do a little work.

    📊 What’s Happening Now?

    • Foreclosure inventory is up — the highest we’ve seen in years.
    • Many are discounted below market, especially those needing cosmetic or structural repair.
    • Not all are fixers — a surprising number are move-in ready.

    🔍 Why the Spike?

    While this isn’t 2008 all over again, a few factors are fueling the increase:

    • Rising mortgage rates pressuring adjustable-rate borrowers
    • Inflation fatigue and household debt
    • Investors unloading poorly performing rentals, especially short-term or Airbnb-style properties

    💡 Who Should Be Paying Attention?

    • Cash buyers looking to stretch capital
    • Buy-and-hold investors chasing equity
    • Owner-occupants willing to put in elbow grease for below-market pricing

    🔗 See All Maricopa County Foreclosure Properties Here

    These don’t always show up first on Zillow — and some require an agent to access. If you want help reviewing comps, making offers, or figuring out what’s worth pursuing, I’m happy to help.

    Need help spotting the best deals?
    Reply or call/text anytime — I’ll send a custom list filtered by zip code, city, or school district.

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
    HomeSmart Real Estate
    📞 602-717-3219
    📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
    🌐 phoenixmlshomes.com
    📝 azbrokerbrent.blog
    🔗 Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X

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  • Phoenix Fixer-Uppers: Your Next Equity Play Starts Here

    Phoenix Fixer-Uppers: Your Next Equity Play Starts Here

    In a market where turnkey homes dominate the spotlight, Phoenix fixer-uppers are quietly offering something even more powerful—equity-building potential. Whether you’re an investor, contractor, or first-time buyer with vision, buying a home that needs work can be your smartest real estate play.

    1. Why Buy a Fixer-Upper in Phoenix? Prices on these homes are typically lower per square foot. That means more house for your dollar—and more opportunity to increase value through sweat equity, strategic renovations, or a complete flip.

    2. Who’s Buying Them?

    • Investors hunting their next flip or BRRRR project
    • Contractors looking to live in and improve their own homes
    • Owner-occupants seeking a deal they can customize over time

    3. The Tradeoffs Buying a fixer-upper isn’t for everyone. You’ll likely face:

    • Deferred maintenance
    • Outdated systems
    • Permit headaches (if you’re doing major work) But the upside? You control the end product—and possibly your resale timeline.

    4. What’s Available in Phoenix Now? I’ve set up a custom MLS link that shows all currently active fixer-uppers in Phoenix. No logins. No gimmicks. Just raw potential.

    🔗 Browse Phoenix Fixer-Uppers Here

    Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
    HomeSmart Real Estate
    📞 602-717-3219
    📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
    🌐 https://phoenixMLShomes.com
    📝 azbrokerbrent.blog
    Let’s connect: 🔗 Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X