When I first sat down with Jaki Underwood in early 2024, I pitched an idea that felt ambitious—maybe even a little crazy. I wanted to launch a magazine that would bridge real estate, business, and community. Without hesitation, Jaki saw the vision and said, “Let’s do it.” That unwavering belief in possibility defines her approach—both in real estate and in life. I have known Jaki and her family for over eight years, and throughout that time, I’ve witnessed her dedication to her community and her ability to bring people together. Now, as Arizona Ascent Magazine celebrates its first anniversary and Jaki marks two years with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, it’s the perfect time to reflect on her incredible journey.

Six months ago, buying a home in Arizona felt like trying to win the lottery. You’d find a house you loved, rush to put in an offer, and—just like that—it was gone. Homes were selling in days, sometimes hours, and buyers were left scrambling. Sellers barely had to lift a finger, with bidding wars driving prices sky-high.

The Arizona real estate market continues to shift, with some cities holding strong for sellers while others show signs of cooling down. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, understanding these trends can help you make the right move.

With 2025 just around the corner, it's the perfect time to explore a question that often arises in Arizona's real estate circles: "Where's the money flowing?" Recent data from Cromford Public, an add-on to the widely respected Cromford Report, reveals fascinating insights about the residential real estate dollar volumes across Maricopa and Pinal Counties from November 2023 to November 2024.

Tonopah, a hidden historical gem nestled in the West Valley of Arizona, just 20 miles outside of fast-growing Buckeye, is poised to redefine recreational tourism with a five-phased plan already in motion to create an Old West Frontier experience for all ages. Major attractions will include off-roading trails, a museum, a bison ranch, gold-mining activities, and a ghost town adventure park.

As mortgage rates climb and market demand ebbs and flows, Arizona's real estate landscape is undergoing subtle shifts. With the 30-year fixed rate back up to 6.91% this week from last week's 6.68%, buyers and sellers are feeling the impact.

As the housing market continues to fluctuate, August has proven to be a big month for the Phoenix area. According to the latest data from the August RE/MAX National Housing Report, Phoenix is topping a few key benchmarks including new home listings growth, declining closed home sales, increased inventory, and an overall balancing of market conditions. To help navigate and understand these shifts, here’s a breakdown of key trends to watch.  

Since the pandemic, rent in the Valley has skyrocketed, making affordable housing seem like an elusive dream. Even as rents begin to level off from their peak, the struggle to find affordable living spaces remains a significant challenge for many Arizonans.

On September 9, 2024, Chandler’s City Council held an insightful work session focused on the city’s ongoing efforts to boost residential housing development and adapt to new state housing laws.