🏡 Market Updates & Local Events
SKAZ Home Group – Kevin & Sabrina
Welcome to our latest edition of Market Updates & Local Events! We’ve had a busy and exciting first half of 2026 and are grateful for the clients who have trusted us to help them buy and sell homes throughout the Valley. While we’re still celebrating 7 successful closings this year, we’re looking ahead to several exciting opportunities as we continue helping buyers navigate the market and prepare new listings to launch in North Phoenix and beyond.
Business Market Update & Local Events from Kevin and Sabrina
✨ What’s New with Kevin & Sabrina
We’ve had a busy first half of 2026 and are grateful for the clients who have trusted us to help them buy and sell homes this year! While we’re still celebrating 7 successful closings so far this year, we’re excited about what’s ahead as we continue working with buyers and preparing new listings to hit the market.
Right now, we have an active land listing available:
➡️ Rio Verde Land Parcel
https://skazhomegroup.myrealtyonegroup.com/land/arm/6922218/0-n-176th-street-rio-verde-az-85263
📈 We also have several exciting opportunities coming soon! We have a new listing in Tramonto scheduled to hit the market in early July, another home in Anthem that is currently being renovated and prepared for sale, and we’re working with multiple buyers searching for both resale homes and new construction throughout the Valley.
While inventory levels have improved compared to last year, well-priced homes continue to attract attention, and many buyers are taking advantage of builder incentives and increased options in the resale market.
On the personal front, summer has been keeping us busy with family time, pool days, and enjoying everything Arizona has to offer. We’re looking forward to helping even more families achieve their real estate goals during the second half of 2026!
As always, thank you for your referrals, support, and trust in SKAZ Home Group. We truly appreciate being part of your real estate journey.
Market Update by Realty One Group
Real Estate News in the Greater Phoenix Area
Buying in peak heat: What 115-degree weather reveals about Phoenix homes
Many Phoenix buyers understandably avoid house hunting during the hottest part of summer. Showings can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but they can also provide some of the most useful information a buyer will get.
Peak heat is one of the clearest tests of how a home actually performs. A property may show well in March, but the summer months reveal something different. Heat exposes whether the home’s systems, layout, orientation, and outdoor spaces are working with the desert climate or constantly fighting against it.
That matters because the purchase price is only one part of the financial picture. In the Valley, the electric bill is essentially part of the mortgage. A home that is inefficient, poorly shaded, or difficult to cool can create long-term costs that are easy to miss during a mild-weather showing.
HVAC performance should be the first test
Air conditioning is not a luxury feature in Arizona. It is part of the core infrastructure.
During a summer showing, buyers should compare the thermostat setting to the actual indoor temperature. If the thermostat is set to 74 degrees but the home is sitting closer to 80, that is worth a closer look. The system may be undersized for the square footage, poorly maintained, aging, or struggling because of the way the home is designed.
That does not automatically mean the home is a bad purchase, but it should prompt more questions. Buyers should ask about the age of the unit, maintenance history, recent repairs, and whether the system was properly sized. If additions or renovations have changed the square footage, the cooling system may not have been updated accordingly.
An inspection can help clarify the issue, but buyers should also pay attention to what they feel during the showing. If the home cannot stay comfortable under normal summer conditions, that information should factor into the decision.
Home improvements that make life easier and increase your home’s worth
Your home should work for you, not the other way around. If you’re constantly dealing with high utility bills, limited storage, outdated features, or outdoor spaces that require endless upkeep, everyday tasks become more frustrating than they need to be. That’s why smart home improvements are worth considering. The right upgrades can simplify daily routines, reduce maintenance demands, and make your property more attractive if you decide to sell in the future.
So, let’s explore some home improvements that can make life easier while adding value to your property.
Create More Usable Outdoor Living Space
Your yard should not feel like wasted space. A simple patio, shaded seating area, or clean walkway can turn it into a place you actually use instead of just maintain. You do not need a full outdoor kitchen to make the space work better. Start with comfortable seating, steady lighting, and a surface that stays clean after rain.
Outdoor living areas are appealing because they give you more room without adding walls. You can host friends, enjoy dinner outside, or just sit somewhere quiet after a long day. Buyers also notice that kind of setup because it makes the property feel larger and more enjoyable.
Add a Well for Irrigation and Lawn Care
Keeping a lawn healthy can get expensive when you’re relying entirely on municipal water. A professionally drilled well gives you access to groundwater that can be used for irrigation, landscaping, gardens, and other outdoor needs. Water is pumped from underground through a dedicated system, providing a reliable source for regular lawn care.
This setup can significantly reduce monthly water expenses, especially during warmer months when outdoor watering increases. It also gives you greater flexibility to maintain landscaping without worrying about rising utility costs.
Professional residential well drilling & installation services are essential for this type of project. Experienced contractors determine the best drilling location, assess groundwater conditions, install the proper equipment, and ensure the system meets local requirements. A properly installed well can serve your property efficiently for many years.
Improve Kitchen Efficiency with Modern Features
The kitchen sees constant use, which means even small improvements can have a noticeable impact. Deep drawers, pull-out pantry shelves, and better cabinet organizers make it easier to find what you need without digging through crowded spaces.
Upgrading older appliances can also help. Newer models often use less energy and provide features that simplify cooking and cleanup. Even replacing worn countertops or outdated fixtures can freshen the space without requiring a complete remodel.
Top 10 best resorts in Arizona, voted by readers
Here are the 10 best resorts in Arizona, based on public voting at azbigmedia.com, which was conducted in the spring of 2026.
1. Caesars Republic Scottsdale, a Hilton Hotel
Background: Caesars Republic Scottsdale has quickly become one of Arizona’s standout luxury resorts thanks to its modern design, energetic atmosphere and prime Old Town location. Guests enjoy stylish accommodations, chef-driven dining concepts such as Luna by Giada, and vibrant social spaces including a rooftop pool and lounge with sweeping Camelback Mountain views. The resort blends upscale amenities with walkable access to Scottsdale Fashion Square’s shopping, nightlife and entertainment, making it easy to craft a full weekend escape. With two pools, rooftop bars and curated experiences that run from morning wellness to late-night cocktails, Caesars Republic offers a fresh, lifestyle-driven take on the Arizona resort experience. Caesars Republic Scottsdale also features acclaimed dining by Giada De Laurentiis with the upscale Italian spot Luna by Giada, the casual Pronto by Giada and the rooftop lounge SEVEN. Additionally, the hotel hosts Lisa Vanderpump’s Wolf by Vanderpump, a luxurious, desert-inspired spot offering cocktails and global cuisine with Camelback Mountain views.
2. Talking Stick Resort
3. Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale
4. Royal Palms Resort and Spa
5. Sonesta Suites Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch
6. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
7. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
8. Hermosa Inn
9. Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa
10. Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
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