The “Dog Days of August” are upon us. With that delightful news, let’s take a look at the Phoenix Metro “Dog Days of Data,” which, if you’re in the Buyer’s camp, the trending good news continues. If you’re in the Seller’s camp, well, compared with one year ago, your home’s value has risen over 10%. This is over twice the annual average appreciation of the last 25 years!

The not-so-great news is that the top of the market has peaked. It’s in the rear-view-mirror. Put that out of your mind. Adios!

When did it peak? Back in May. (The Cromford Report) On May 22nd, the average sales price per square foot (See Chart below) topped out at $306 per square foot (PSF). Last week according the to the chart, we were at $290 PSF – a 5% drop in two months. Actually, the market peaked 30 days before that (mid-April), due to typical 30 day closing lag time.

Now there’s a caveat to what I just expressed. You’ve heard us say for years, that ‘all real estate is local.’ The data we generally use is the ‘Phoenix Metro’ single family residential real estate market. Every zip code is different. Every community within a zip code is different. And finally, every residence within a community is different.

Interestingly, some higher end markets are currently the slowest to be dropping, including Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills and Cave Creek. Along with those cities, Scottsdale, Avondale, Goodyear, and Mesa are still technically in a Seller’s Market, but are heading towards balance shortly. Currently in balance are Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Chandler, Surprise, Tempe, and Gilbert. Most of these in balance will be in a buyer’s market next week at the current rate of price drops. This is how quickly the market is adjusting.

Communities that are now in a firm Buyer’s Market are Buckeye, Queen Creek and the town of Maricopa.

So, to end with a positive spin, buyers, your time to get back into the market is soon, if not now. Let’s get you set up with a daily automated list of homes to view online – available supply of homes are increasing daily. Mortgage rates have actually dropped as well. We’ve also seen a large drop for the price of gas at the pump, which may mean lower inflation, which could mean even lower rates ahead.