The number of cities trending in favor of buyers has slipped slightly from sixteen to fifteen over the past week, while three cities are now moving in favor of sellers. Although that shift suggests mild stabilization, the broader trend still favors buyers. The average change in the Cromford Market Index stands at negative 6.2 percent, only slightly worse than last week’s negative 6.0 percent. This indicates that buyer momentum remains strong, though it is no longer accelerating at the same pace.

Avondale and Paradise Valley posted the strongest seller-friendly moves, each improving by 5 percent, while Cave Creek rose 2 percent. At the same time, Fountain Hills, Goodyear, Buckeye, Scottsdale, and Maricopa all saw double-digit percentage shifts in favor of buyers. Gilbert has joined Chandler at the top of the table despite posting a decline, largely because these centrally located cities face far less competition from new construction compared with outer areas such as Maricopa, Buckeye, Surprise, Queen Creek, Goodyear, and San Tan Valley, where supply pressures are heavier.

At present, ten cities remain in seller’s markets, which technically represents a majority. Two cities are balanced, and six qualify as buyer’s markets. While that breakdown may appear supportive of sellers overall, the momentum beneath the surface continues to lean toward buyers, particularly in the more peripheral parts of the Valley.

A quick review of the geography reveals a consistent pattern. Centrally located cities tend to offer stronger conditions for sellers and tougher negotiations for buyers, while fringe areas struggle with excess inventory and new build competition. This imbalance presents challenges for developers, whose available land is typically concentrated on the outskirts. In those outer markets, the issue is clear: too many sellers and not enough buyers to absorb the supply.

"Either you run the day or the day runs you."
-Jim Rohn

Have a great week, everyone!