DeDe Forwood Phoenix – area REALTOR® Weekly Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 16 – Click here to get in your email inbox
Hey friends, It’s DeDe Forwood with HomeSmart, coming to you from the Heart of PHX. Hope this finds you having a great week and getting outside to enjoy this beautiful (but warming up) Arizona weather!
1 – Something Personal-Getting My Hands Dirty & Keeping the Yard Happy
Lately I’ve been all about turning “trash” into treasure around my yard. I rescued some stone building material headed for the dump and turned it into beautiful stepping stones around my garden beds plus a nice stone border for the tree enclosures. To say the car was riding low for the trip home would be an understatement (cue lowrider song)!
We just installed the dog pool for the summer, and Darci is absolutely in heaven splashing around (big pool at PaPa’s house, but this is nice too!).
I’m also tackling a fun (and slightly overwhelming) project—changing the theme on my website and learning as I go (thaks Grok for the step-by-steps). I’ll let you know when it’s time for the grand unveil (if I don’t grow into this chair first!)
We put up a brand-new flag on my giant flagpole out front (that’s how friends find the house), and my Dad is going to take the old one to the American Legion for proper retirement.
Thanks to him and them for that! In the kitchen I’m trying my hand at canning extra beets from the harvest (vegetable fairy has tired out the neighbors of beets and radishes) and am brewing my very first batch of worm compost tea to give all my green stuff a fighting chance through this brutal Arizona summer ahead Thanks to the Arizona Worm Farm for the freshest of castings!
Also, the palo verde trees seem to be almost finished sending the “yellow snow” we Arizonans endure this time of year, but in the meantime:
Feels good to be creating, learning, and taking care of my little corner of the desert🏜️🏡!
On a VERY personal note, tomorrow my friends and chosen Family say goodbye in Ohio to a VERY special Lady. Wilma, thank you for the impact you’ve had on my life. I will miss you forever and wish I could be there to honor you. My family and I are there in spirit.
2 – Client’s Stories-Big Wins and Last-Minute Magic
This week has been full of exciting movement for my clients! Our buyers just had their contract accepted on a home they absolutely love in Surprise—the inspection is happening today, and I’m so thrilled for them as we guide them through the rest of this purchase.
On the seller side, we had a last-minute pivot to get the BINSR repairs done, and my trusted landscaper came through in the clutch. Everything was finished just in time for the buyers’ final walkthrough yesterday😮💨. That important (personal to me and my family) listing is now one giant step closer to closing, and I was honored to help my out-of-state sellers navigate all the signing details and utility transfers. The Escrow and lending team on this transaction is pretty spectacular. I LOVE working with consumate professionals!
We also just brought a beautiful new listing to the market in Surprise. This home is so interesting, warm, and charming—not your typical cookie-cutter “stucco-burger” (Shout out to Cheryl for coining that phrase I use…a lot!)—and I can’t wait to show it off during open houses this weekend! It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.
3 – Community Shoutout-Last Outdoor Melrose Vintage Market + Valley Farmers Markets This Weekend!
I’m so excited to shine a light on the Melrose Vintage Market this Sunday, April 19th—it’s their last outdoor market of the season, and they’ve put together the most special lineup yet!
This one is all about the longtime favorites, new faces, and the vintage curators, artists, and small businesses who’ve helped make the market feel like something truly special. You’ll find upcycled & vintage fashion, handmade & artisan goods, coffee, tasty eats, tattoos, a photo booth, and fresh florals to take home. Come shop, hang out, and help them close out the outdoor season together. It’s free, dog-friendly (just watch those toe beans as it warms up), and full of good finds and community vibes.
When: Sunday, April 19 | 10AM – 3PM Where: 700 W. Campbell Ave. (Melrose District) Details: Free entry, free street parking nearby
And while you’re out enjoying the beautiful weather, here are more great farmers markets happening across the Valley this weekend—perfect for grabbing fresh produce and supporting local:
- Uptown Farmers Market – Sat 8AM–12PM | 5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix
- Gilbert Farmers Market – Sat 8AM–12PM | Chandler-Gilbert Community College
- Scottsdale Old Town Farmers Market – Sat 8AM–1PM | 3806 N Brown Ave
- Arrowhead Farmers Market – Sat 9AM–1PM | Glendale
- Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market – Sat 8AM–1PM | Arizona Center area
- Eastmark Farmers Market – Sat 8AM–12PM | Mesa
- Waddell Farmers Market – Sun 9AM–1PM | Waddell
- The Farm at South Mountain Spring Fling – Sun 8AM–1PM | Phoenix
Swing by and support these amazing local makers, farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs!
4 – Real Estate Market Update-Not Over Yet – A Balanced Spring Market in the Valley of the Sun
Friends, the spring market is active but definitely more strategic than last year. Here in the Phoenix metro / Valley of the Sun, the latest March 2026 numbers show a buyer-friendly shift continuing. The median sales price in Phoenix came in around $460,000, down about 5.2% year-over-year. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell—averaging 51–52 days on market, up slightly from last year. Active inventory remains elevated (over 25,000–31,600 homes across the broader ARMLS area), giving buyers real choices and some negotiating power. We’re seeing more price adjustments, with nearly 30% of listings carrying a price cut in some reports.
Well-priced, move-in-ready homes (especially the ones with real charm) are still attracting solid interest.
Nationally, existing home sales dipped 3.6% month-over-month in March to 3.98 million. The median sales price hit $408,800, up 1.4% year-over-year, with 4.1 months of inventory.
A recent expert insight that really resonates: “Builder sentiment has fallen back in spring as buyers face ongoing elevated interest rates and growing economic uncertainty…” — Bill Owens, NAHB Chairman
What this means for you right now:
- Buyers — You have more breathing room to shop, compare, and negotiate than we’ve seen in recent years.
- Sellers — Pricing realistically from day one and making your home shine are more important than ever.
- Small investors — This normalizing environment can create opportunities in well-located properties.
The market isn’t “over” — it’s just more balanced, and that creates real opportunities for people who are ready.
5 – Friday Mortgage Talk-Rates Holding Steady Amid the Headlines
This week mortgage rates have stayed remarkably calm despite all the noise. As of Today, the national 30-year fixed average sat right around 6.32–6.34%. Here in Arizona/Phoenix, local averages are running about 6.43–6.47%.
My trusted lender shared this week’s update: Friday morning news headlines from Iran reported that the Strait of Hormuz is open, which markets took positively. Overall, this is still a very volatile situation, so we will see if it sticks. Rates have slowly improved this week compared to last week, and hopefully, this geopolitical event will end soon.
If you’re thinking about buying refinancing, or making an investment property purchase, reach out — I’m happy to connect you with a great local lender who has the same mindset as me: helpful, competent, communicative, good listeners and who make sure you’re educated, informed and happy with your decisions.
6 – DeDe’s Featured Listings-Fresh Finds & A Must-See Open House This Weekend!
I’m excited to spotlight these great homes hitting the market or making moves right now:
17340 W Bridger St, Surprise, AZ 85388 – $475,000 | 4 bed | 2 bath | 1,895 sq ft This beautifully updated, character-filled one-story home in Surprise Farms bursts with warmth and charm. Rich wood beams and custom accents make it feel anything but cookie-cutter. Virtual tour here. Open House this Saturday, April 18 from 11AM–1PM!
5684 N 178th Dr, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 – $775,000 (recent price drop!) | 4 bed | 3 bath | 3,014 sq ft Brand-new construction on a huge 0.40-acre lot with gourmet kitchen, flexible spaces, spa-like primary suite, RV garage, and Tesla charger.
217 N 236th Ave, Buckeye, AZ 85396 – $495,000 | 4 bed | 3 bath | 2,836 sq ft Practical, flexible, and ready for real life — great space for families or anyone wanting room to roam.
15234 W Polk St, Goodyear, AZ 85338 – $400,000 | 4 bed | 2 bath | 1,505 sq ft Adorable updated single-story in Rancho Mirage — perfect size and low-maintenance charm.
These won’t last long — especially the ones that stand out from the usual stucco-burgers! Want a private showing? Just say the word.
7 – Upcoming Valley of the Sun Events-Plenty to Do Around the Valley This Weekend
- Melrose Vintage Market (last outdoor one!) – Sun Apr 19, 10AM–3PM, 700 W Campbell Ave
- Farmers Markets all over (see shoutout section)
- Viva PHX – Downtown Phoenix, through Mon Apr 20
- Reggae Rise Up Arizona – Tempe Beach Park, Fri–Sun
- Olive Blossom Festival – Queen Creek Olive Mill, Sat & Sun
- Polish Festival – Sat & Sun
- Phoenix Reptile Show – Mesa Convention Center, Sat & Sun
- Scottsdale Fair & Festival – WestWorld, through Apr 26
- She Loves Me at Hale Centre Theatre – Gilbert (through Apr 18 & later dates)
- Arizona Tiki Oasis – Apr 16-19 at Hotel Valley Ho (I have SO MANY Friends into Tiki, I might HAVE to make an appearance!)
Get out and enjoy! Get the full list (updated every Thursday) here: https://dedeforwood.com/events
8 – Featured New-Build Homes-Quick-Move-In Homes & Fresh Community Openings – Let Me Help You Get the Best Deal!
If you’re thinking about a brand-new home, here are some standout options from this week’s update:
Quick-Move-In Inventory Homes
$1,250,784 – Pineapple w/Loft at Fields at Barney Farms by Fulton Homes | 7 bed | 4.5 bath
$748,876 – Bergson at Alston At Soleo by David Weekley Homes | 4 bed | 3.5 bath
$404,990 – CC-RM4 at Avila at Rancho Mercado by Taylor Morrison | 3 bed | 2.5 bath
$542,999 – Burgandy at Tiero Vistoso17467 W SAGUARO VISTA DR by Mattamy Homes | 3 bed | 2.5 bath
Community Grand Openings & Featured Communities include Saddleback Encore (Goodyear), The Foothills Collection at Palomino Ranch (Maricopa), Estates at Alamar (Avondale), Saguaro Hills at Vistancia (Peoria), and more.
Important reminder from me: Always search on my site first at www.showingnew.com/dedeforwood. Before you visit any model or inventory home, please let me register you or bring me with you so I can represent you fully, fight for every incentive, and keep everything on track.
9 – ADOT Weekend Closures-Please Drive Safe Out There This Weekend
Heads up — there are some big closures happening around the Valley:
Northbound SR 51 is fully closed between I-10 and Colter St from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Eastbound Loop 202 (Santan) is closed between Price Rd and Arizona Ave in Chandler during the same window. Northbound I-17 narrows to two lanes near Loop 303 Friday night into Saturday, plus some overnight ramp closures.
Plan extra time and check AZ511.gov.
Most of all, drive safe. Take extra care getting where you’re going — whether you’re hitting open houses, the Melrose Vintage Market, a farmers market, or just running errands. I want everyone to arrive home safe… and that includes all the highway and construction workers out there. Slow down, stay alert, and be kind on the road.
10 – Signing off for this week- I’m here if you need me!
Thanks for letting me into your inbox this week! If you’re thinking about buying, selling, need a vendor or contractor recommendation, want to see what your home is worth on the open market or just have questions about the market, I’m here — no pressure, just honest help.
Reach out anytime at 480.818.9391 or Hello@DeDeForwood.com.
Stay safe, have fun this weekend, and I’ll talk to you soon!
Warmly, DeDe Forwood REALTOR® | HomeSmart 480.818.9391 | Hello@DeDeForwood.com www.dedeforwood.com | www.showingnew.com/dedeforwood Heart of PHX
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