October in Scottsdale: Halloween, Local Events & Scary Mortgage Rates

We're already into October, and you know what that means... it will hopefully cool off, and Halloween is just around the corner! This month’s newsletter has a little bit of everything, from my favorite holiday and some fun October outings to a look at whether an ARM might help take some of the sting out of today’s scary mortgage rates. Plus, I’ve rounded up the latest local news in The Scottsdale Scoop and, because it’s October, we’re taking a spooky detour through Haunted Arizona.

Here's the October lineup:

My Favorite Holiday
October Outings
You Might Want to Consider an ARM With Today's Scary Mortgage Rates
The Scottsdale Scoop
Haunted Arizona

My Favorite Holiday

Halloween is, without question, my favorite holiday. I’ve always loved the…

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Mortgage Rates Topped 7.5%. What Does That Mean for Buying a Home in Scottsdale?

Should You Still Buy a Home in Scottsdale With Rates Over 7%?

Quick Answer

Mortgage rates jumped past 7.5% at the end of September 2026, the highest level since April 2024. That raises monthly payments and shrinks buying power. But more homes are for sale and fewer buyers are shopping, so prepared Scottsdale home buyers may find better deals. The key is building a budget that works even if rates move.

If you've been watching mortgage rates lately, you might feel a little like you're checking the temperature in Phoenix in July. You already know it's going to be high. You just don't know how high.

I get a lot of texts that start with "Judy, did you see rates today?" Yes, I did. And I want to walk you through what's going on in plain English,…

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Closing Costs, Buydowns, and Repairs: What's Negotiable?

What Can You Negotiate When Buying a Scottsdale Home?

Quick Answer: In 2025, 62.2% of buyers nationwide paid below the list price, and the typical buyer who did saved $31,592.  Price is only part of a Scottsdale home negotiation. You can also ask for a seller concession (money the seller credits you at closing to help cover your closing costs, the fees you pay to finalize your loan), a mortgage rate buydown, repair credits after inspection, and a flexible closing date. Buyers who look at the whole deal, not just the sale price, usually end up with more value.

If you're getting ready to buy a home in Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, or North Phoenix, this is worth understanding before you write an offer. Here's what's actually on the table.

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When is the Best Time to Buy a Home in Scottsdale in 2026?

Quick Answer: The best time to buy a home in Scottsdale in 2026 falls between November 1 and November 7, according to Realtor.com. That week, the Phoenix metro area, which includes Scottsdale, sees about 16.4% more active listings than a typical week. Listing views per property drop nearly 39.1% from their yearly peak, so fewer people are competing for each home. Right now, the median listing price in Scottsdale sits around $916,000, and homes take about 80 days to sell.

When Is the Best Week to Buy a Home in Scottsdale in 2026?

Scottsdale buyers get their best shot the first week of November, not late September like most of the country. Realtor.com studied eight years of housing data across the 50 largest U.S. metro areas and picked a "best…

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September in Scottsdale: Home, Life Local News, ChatGPT Fun, & Market Updates

September is here, and this month’s newsletter has a little bit of everything - from the never-ending surprises (and expenses!) of homeownership to fun things to see and do around town. I’ll share what Americans continue to see as one of the best long-term investments, catch you up on what’s happening in Scottsdale, and wrap things up with a rather unusual question: Who’s the smelliest? Trust me, you’ll want to see what ChatGPT has to say about that one!

Here's the September lineup:
One Thing After Another
September Sights
Americans Say This is the Best Long-Term Investment
The Scottsdale Scoop
Who's the Smelliest?

One Thing After Another

About two months ago, we discovered that one of our split HVAC units wasn't working in the basement. It…

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New Fannie Mae Condo Rules: What Scottsdale Owners Need to Know

Quick Answer: Fannie Mae rolled out big changes to condo financing rules in 2026. The biggest one raises the required HOA reserve fund from 10% to 15% of the annual budget, starting with loans dated January 4, 2027. Lenders also dropped the "Limited Review" shortcut starting August 3, 2026, so most Scottsdale condo buildings now go through a full review. If you own or want to buy a condo here, these changes could affect your HOA dues, your closing timeline, or both.

What Changed in Fannie Mae's Condo Lending Rules for 2026?

Fannie Mae buys or guarantees a huge share of home loans in this country. When it changes its condo rules, lenders everywhere have to follow along. On March 18, 2026, Fannie Mae published Lender Letter LL-2026-03 (see below…

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Buying or Selling in Scottsdale? Watch These 5 Numbers

WHAT ARE THE 5 IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO WATCH FOR THE CURRENT SCOTTSDALE REAL ESTATE MARKET?

Quick Answer: Scottsdale's housing market runs on five numbers: inventory, days on market, price reductions, months of supply, and mortgage rates. Right now, Scottsdale has about 2,208 single-family homes for sale, and homes take a median of 73 days to sell. Nearly 52% of active listings have had a price cut. Together, these numbers tell you whether it's a buyer's market or a seller's market, and what to expect if you list or buy this year.

These five number valuations are for any market, anywhere in the United States. The actual numbers in this post reflect Scottsdale real estate. 

What's the Current Inventory in the Scottsdale Housing Market?

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How to Buy a Home in Scottsdale: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is The Real Homebuying Process?

Quick Answer: Buying a home in Scottsdale comes down to four stages: building a plan, getting preapproved, touring and making offers, then closing. Scottsdale's median sale price sits at $954,429, and homes are averaging about 43 days to go under contract, according to Redfin and Zillow data from mid-2026. Most first-time buyer mistakes happen before anyone steps foot in a house, not after. With roughly 4.1 months of housing supply on hand, Scottsdale is running close to a balanced market right now, not tilted hard toward buyers or sellers.

Buying your first home in Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, or North Phoenix feels like a lot at once. It doesn't have to be. Once you know the four stages and what…

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August in Scottsdale: What's One More, Free Museums, and a $1M Surprise

Your August Scottsdale Guide: Free Days, Market Updates, and Local Fun

August is here, bringing plenty of reasons to get out, explore, and stay informed. In this month's roundup, I'm sharing a fun personal update (yes, our family grew by one more furry friend!), highlighting some of the best activities happening around the Valley, and rounding up seven days when you can visit local museums for free. You'll also find the latest local headlines in The Scottsdale Scoop and a look at an interesting housing trend as more cities see starter homes top the $1 million mark.

Whether you're looking for things to do, curious about what's happening around Scottsdale, or keeping an eye on the real estate market, I hope you find something that catches your…

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Selling in Scottsdale? Here's What Buyers Want in 2026

What Makes a Scottsdale Home Listing Stand Out in 2026?

Quick Answer: Scottsdale's median home price sits near $960,000, and homes are averaging 63 days on the market, so today's buyers have room to be picky. In 2026, listings stand out by being move-in ready, showing beautifully online with professional photos and a 3D tour, and priced right from day one. Homes that skip any of these steps tend to sit and then need a price cut to catch up.

Why Is It Harder to Sell a Home in Scottsdale Right Now?

Buyers simply have more options than they did a couple of years ago. Scottsdale's median home price is up 6.67% year over year to $960,000, but homes are also taking longer to sell, averaging 63 days on the market compared to a much tighter…

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