Phoenix Area Sellers Gain Momentum as CMI Jumps to +8.6%

The housing market continues to lean in favor of sellers this week. Demand is climbing, while supply is trending lower, pushing the market balance further toward sellers. Green indicators dominate again, with 15 cities showing improvement for sellers versus only 3 favoring buyers. The average month-over-month CMI change jumped to +8.6%, up from +6.4% last week, showing increasing momentum. Cities leading this shift include Peoria, Queen Creek, Fountain Hills, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Maricopa.

Paradise Valley remains the primary city offering buyer leverage, though its decline slowed to just 4%, signaling stabilization. Avondale and Surprise also showed minor dips of less than 2%. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa, the three largest markets, are now firmly in seller territory. In total, 9 of the 18 largest cities are seller’s markets, with 3 balanced and 6 still favoring buyers.

Secondary cities are showing a softer picture. These areas currently include 3 seller’s markets, 1 balanced market, and 8 buyer’s markets. This split highlights that while the broader market favors sellers, opportunities for buyers remain in more price-sensitive and slower-moving areas.

If demand continues to improve and inventory keeps falling, seller leverage is likely to hold in the near term, particularly in the core markets. Buyers who want negotiating power should stay focused on the remaining buyer-friendly cities, where conditions could change quickly as momentum builds.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
-Marcus Aurelius

Have a great week, everyone!