A Note From Me from June 2026

A Note From Me

Summer has always felt like the perfect season to dream about what life might look like in the second half of the year—and beyond.

I recently returned from Maryland, where we celebrated our daughter Georgie's high school graduation. She was just nine years old when I met Ben, and it's hard to believe she'll be heading off to Towson University this fall. At the same time, our oldest daughter, Lily, is preparing to graduate from the University of Maryland in December.

Watching these milestones unfold has me thinking about how many of my friends, clients, and business partners are approaching a new chapter of life: the empty nest.

It's an emotional season for both parents and children. Rather than reaching for another box of tissues, let's focus on the opportunities that often come with this transition.

The Empty Nest Opportunity

Many families are beginning to ask questions such as:

• Should we downsize now that the kids are leaving home?

• Would purchasing a condo for a college student make financial sense?

• Is it time to relocate closer to family, work, or a lifestyle we've been dreaming about?

• Could an investment property help create wealth while providing housing for our children and their roommates?

I would love to connect with families who are exploring investment opportunities in college markets such as Phoenix, Tempe, Flagstaff, or Tucson. For some, purchasing a property can provide housing during the college years while building equity instead of paying rent.

And for parents who have discovered they enjoy having the house to themselves, perhaps it's time to consider a condo for your recent graduate to move into, or a smaller home, or a lifestyle-focused move that better fits this next stage.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by an oversized home, let's talk about the possibility of downsizing your space while upsizing your life.

What I'm Seeing in the Arizona Market

Who doesn't love a sale?

The current market is creating opportunities for buyers across Arizona. Last month, the median list price in Maricopa County was approximately $499,999, while the median sales price settled closer to $476,000.

What does that tell us?

Across many price points and property types, buyers are successfully negotiating meaningful discounts. In many cases, homes are selling 5–10% below asking price, creating opportunities we haven't seen in several years.

While that may sound challenging for sellers, it's important to keep perspective: today's market is actually healthier for sellers than it was a year ago. Well-priced homes are still selling, but buyers have more choices and more negotiating power.

I'm seeing price reductions every day, including $50,000 to $100,000 adjustments—and sometimes significantly more in the luxury market.

Areas such as Arcadia currently have elevated inventory levels, creating opportunities for buyers looking to move into one of Phoenix's most desirable neighborhoods. Many recently remodeled and newer homes are available at prices that would have been difficult to imagine just a few years ago.

Looking Ahead

Affordability remains one of the biggest concerns I hear from clients, regardless of price point or experience level. Yet when I look around the Valley, I continue to see reasons for optimism.

New infrastructure. New commercial development. Improved roads. New restaurants and retail. Continued population growth.

People are still choosing Arizona, and housing will continue to be an important part of that story.

There are opportunities in every market—you simply need a strategy that aligns with your goals.

Summer is the perfect time to start those conversations.

As for me, Margot is heading into first grade and Hunter is starting Pre-K this fall, so retirement is definitely not on the horizon!

If you know someone who is considering a move, exploring an investment opportunity, planning for an empty nest, or simply wondering what their options are, I would be honored to help.

Referrals are always appreciated, and introductions are one of the greatest compliments I can receive.

Warmly,

Kendra Harrison
Real Estate Advisor
GetRealAZ.com