If you’ve owned in Scottsdale North a few years, you’ve likely built serious equity. Since early 2020, Arizona home prices are up 64% on average — and many homes here have done even better than that.

Take a look at what Arizona homeowners have gained since 2020:


It’s been a heck of a run. But as we head into the second half of 2025, the numbers are clear: the market has shifted. We’re no longer in the anything-goes, everything-sells days of the pandemic boom. If you want top dollar this fall — or if you’ve been waiting to buy — now’s the time to revisit your strategy.

From Frenzy to Friction
Remember just a couple years ago? Homes were flying off the market the day they were listed in bidding wars. Buyers waived inspections, skipped appraisals, and even offered to cover sellers’ moving costs. We had a buyer offer a year’s worth of dinners to Uncle Louie’s! That frenzy was fueled by out-of-state demand, record-low rates, and tight inventory.

Today? Buyers aren’t rushing — they’re reading inspection reports with highlighters and asking for everything!

Prices remain strong, but some have dipped. On the back page of this paper, I’ve laid out the current stats for several of our top lifestyle communities. I think you’ll find them eye-opening.

The takeaway? The balance of power has shifted.

The Cromford Market Index (CMI): Scottsdale’s Real Estate Mood Ring
Want to know who has the upper hand in the housing market—buyers or sellers? The Cromford Market Index (CMI) is our go-to tool. Think of it like a real estate mood ring:
• Above 100 = Seller’s Market (Sellers smile)
• 100 = Balanced Market (Even playing field)
• Below 100 = Buyer’s Market (Buyers get the upper hand)

During the frenzy of 2021–22, Scottsdale’s CMI was off the charts — over 500. That’s not a typo. Homes were selling faster than open pickleball courts in October.

As of mid-July 2025, the CMI sits at 94 – just under balanced. That means, for the first time in years, buyers have the edge.

It’s a subtle but important shift. Not a crash — just a new reality.


What This Market Means for Sellers
The shift began in late winter and took hold this spring. We used every tool in the box to get spring sellers moved before the season ended — and just barely made it. Our last spring seller accepted an offer just two days before the season ended. Whew!

If you’re planning to sell this fall, here’s what you need to know:
1. Prep matters more than ever
Today’s buyers are picky — your home needs to be more ‘Pinterest-perfect’ than ‘project-in-progress.’ Decluttering, fresh paint, and light staging can make a big difference. Buyers have more choices now, and move-in-ready homes stand out.
2. Price it right from the start
Trying to set a new neighborhood record usually backfires. Price it like it’s still 2022, and you’ll be watching tumbleweeds roll through your open house while the neighbor with shag carpet gets three offers.
3. Work with someone who’s been through market shifts before
RealTrends tells us roughly 30%-40% of Arizona agents have only worked in a hot seller’s market. A shifting market calls for experience.

What This Market Means for Buyers
For the first time in years, buyers in Scottsdale North have room to breathe — and real choices.

Inventory is up significantly. A year or two ago, you had to race to see a listing and pray. Today, you can take your time comparing homes and buy one that truly fits your lifestyle.

You no longer have to pretend ‘vintage’ is charming when it really means avocado green appliances.
The days of settling for bad layouts or power lines just to ‘get in’ are fading. This buyer’s market window won’t stay open long. When it slams shut, you’ll wish you had walked through it.

Even the most conservative housing experts agree — we’re still short at least 150,000 homes in the Valley. Builders can’t catch up, and many have slowed due to rising costs.

Meanwhile, Arizona’s booming economy — led by tech, health care, and manufacturing — is fueling demand.

This may be a rare window to buy moment:
• More inventory = Better selection
• More negotiating leverage
• Still-reasonable prices
• Before the next sales surge hits

Final Thought
This market isn’t impossible — but it is different. Whether you’re thinking about selling, buying, or just trying to understand how these changes might affect you, it helps to have someone who knows this area inside and out. I’ve been through shifts like this before, and I’m always happy to share what I see—no spin, no pressure. Just straight answers to help you make the best call for your next chapter.

Scott Gaertner is an Associate Broker with Keller Williams Arizona Realty who, for over 35 years, has helped more people find their ideal lifestyle in Scottsdale North than anyone else. With more than 800 five-star reviews, Scott is known for his unparalleled expertise and commitment to excellence. He also shares insights on the real estate market and lifestyle interests in the area and is the creator of ConnectingScottsdaleNorth.com. For more information, visit scottggroup.com or call 480-634-5000.