Twix, Nasturtium Arches & a 🏡Market That’s Finally Blooming 🌱DeDe Forwood REALTOR’s Newsletter April 10, 2026

DeDe Forwood REALTOR Newsletter- Volume 8, Issue 15

Hey friends!  Spring is hitting different this year, isn’t it? The yard is exploding, the dogs are happy, and the Valley is buzzing with new listings and fresh opportunities. I’ve got all the good stuff for you this week — from my latest garden adventures to the latest market numbers, a few homes I’m loving, the best things to do this weekend and a heads-up on weekend traffic. Grab a cup of coffee (or a Dr Pepper if you’re feeling wild) and let’s dive in!

Something Personal-Spring Touches, a Tiny Cheat Day, and Getting My Creative Groove Back 🌱

This week I’ve been all about that spring energy in the yard — planting my April stuff, transplanting nasturtiums so I can make a fun arch with them, and doing some tree-trimming. I also finally got my travel posters framed and laid out on the gallery wall I’ve been dreaming about.  2 more to go!

In the kitchen I made my own raw butter (so good!), then had a little cheat day from my Carnivore/Ketovore life with a Twix bar and a Dr Pepper. It was really good… even if it cost me three days of Keto Flu. Totally worth it! 😄  Did I mention, I inherited a red-light mask?  I think I love it!

I’m all caught up on my Hallmark Westerns and Outlander, doing twice-a-day dog walks, and my pups were thrilled to see Grandpa (PawPaw) today after he did the weed-and-feed and spray — they hadn’t been allowed over all week!

Oh, and I got an old sewing machine working again, plus I’m adding my own creative touch to an ugly thrift-store painting so it’s finally in my favorite colors. Little things like this just make me happy.

A Client Story Out-of-State Seller Visit, Vendor Army in Action & a Fresh Offer on the Horizon

It was so great seeing my out-of-state sellers in person this week! They were only in town for two days to pick up some personal items while we move through the BINSR. I’ve got an army of vendors coordinated to make sure all the agreed-upon repairs get finished so we stay right on track for a smooth closing.

My buyers also found a house they love even better than the one from last week, so we’re writing up a new offer and keeping our fingers crossed tight!

I touched base with another seller who’s working through my seller-prep checklist — we’re getting a wonderful home ready to list soon and I can’t wait!

Community Shoutout Heartfelt Community Update: A Tough Week for Stealing Hearts Rescue & a Rare Fruit Plant Sale You’ll Love This Weekend

I got some sad news today about Stealing Hearts Rescue’s Puppy Palooza that I told you about last week — it’s been postponed/cancelled for now because of a parvo outbreak. Even with all their strict cleaning and precautions, parvo is just so tough, especially with rescued puppies. They’ve only got a few sick ones out of 40+, but they’re doing everything they can to keep the rest safe and hoping to reschedule in a couple of weeks. Puppy adoptions are on hold too. If you bought a spot, they’ll reach out soon with your options.  If you’re able, now’s a wonderful time to send them a donation — they really need the help right now.

On a brighter note, one of my favorite groups is having an awesome event this weekend! If you love growing rare fruit in Arizona, you’ve got to check out the AZRFG Spring Plant Sale & Lehi Montessori Bake Sale.

It’s this Saturday, April 11th, from 9am to Noon at Lehi Montessori Elementary – 2415 N Terrace Cir, Mesa AZ 85203 (they’ve got parking instructions on their Facebook event page).

Last fall they moved over 800 plants — this one is packed into just three fast-moving hours, so get there early! You’ll find figs (tons of varieties like Black Mission, Chicago Hardy, Tiger Panache), citrus, guavas, passionfruit, pomegranates, mangoes, mulberries, exotic tropicals, desert plants, and so much more. There’s an “Ask the Fruit Guy” table with Doug Jones, fresh fruit to taste, garden supplies, handmade soaps, and the Lehi Montessori PTA bake sale with homemade goodies. Plus organic pasture-raised eggs!

It’s the perfect spot to grab something new for your yard and chat with fellow fruit-growing folks who love this stuff as much as I do.

Real Estate Market Update Spring Momentum is Here – March ARMLS Numbers Show Buyers Stepping Up & the Market Shifting

I just pulled the latest March 2026 ARMLS STAT Report (the freshest full-month data we have this week) and it lines up exactly with what I’m seeing every day out in the Valley. Sales volume hit its highest level for any March since May 2023, with total closed listings up about 9% year-over-year compared to March 2025. Active inventory stayed almost flat year-over-year, so we’re not seeing a big flood of new homes yet.

Under-contract activity jumped 8% and reached its highest level for the month of March in the past three years — that’s a clear sign buyer demand is strengthening. Most of the increase is in resale homes; new construction sales in Maricopa County actually dropped 17% year-over-year.

Here are the key Valley of the Sun metrics: • Median Sales Price: $455,000 (slight dip month-over-month; April forecast around $445,000) • Months of Inventory: 3.34 (down 24% from February — tighter than it looks) • Average Days on Market: ~50–60 days (improving from winter) • New Listings: 10,915 (up 11% month-over-month but flat-to-slightly down year-over-year) • Active Listings: Roughly flat to +5% year-over-year • Pending/Under Contract: 9,237 (+8–10% year-over-year) • Closed Sales: 7,560 (big 32% jump from February and +9% year-over-year)

What this means for buyers, sellers, and small investors right now: Buyers — you’re finally getting a little breathing room thanks to 30-year fixed rates hovering around 6.1–6.46%. More homes to choose from and slightly softer prices mean you’ve got negotiating power, but if inventory stays this flat, that window could close fast. Sellers — spring demand is real and resale is leading the way. Small investors — resale is where the action is.

Friday Mortgage Talk Rates Holding Steady – A Little Breathing Room in a Noisy Week

It’s Friday Mortgage Talk time! Rates are holding pretty steady — 30-year fixed sitting right around 6.39% in the Valley. No big spikes, no big drops… just calm, even with everything going on.

My trusted mortgage partner nailed it: renewed tension in the Middle East pushing oil prices higher, mixed economic signals on inflation, jobless claims, and GDP. The bond market is basically treading water, so rates are choppy but stable overall.

Talking points for your buyer clients: “Rates haven’t spiked — they’re actually holding steady despite the global headlines.” “We’re seeing signs the economy is slowing, which can help rates over time.” “Volatility is still here, but buyers who wait for the ‘perfect rate’ may miss the opportunity in front of them.” “This is a strategy market, not a timing market.”

If you’re thinking about buying or refinancing, now’s a great time to lock in a conversation with a lender — rates like these won’t last forever if things shift.

DeDe’s Featured Listings Three Valley Homes That Feel Like Pure Arizona Magic Right Now

Here’s our active Listings — each one has that perfect mix of move-in ready and “I can already see myself living here” vibes. Here they are with all the details (and those gorgeous sunset photos that made me smile when I made them):

• Sunset Pool Paradise in Buckeye 217 N 236th Ave, Buckeye, AZ 85396 $495,000 | 4 bed | 3 bath | 2,836 sqft

This backyard is straight-up vacation mode! Watch the Arizona sunset glow across your private pool and huge covered pergola strung with lights — perfect for morning coffee or evening hangs with friends. Spacious, flexible floor plan inside, and ready for you to make it yours.

•  Stunning Modern Beauty on a Huge Lot in Litchfield Park 5684 N 178th Dr, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 $780,000 | 4 bed | 3 bath | 3,014 sqft | 0.40-acre lot

Curb appeal for days! This gorgeous two-story sits on almost half an acre with those mountain sunset views you dream about. Open-concept living, gourmet kitchen, and tons of space to spread out and entertain — exactly what folks are looking for right now.  Backyard ready to personalize and did you SEE that RV Garage????

• Charming Single-Story Gem in Goodyear 15234 W Polk St, Goodyear, AZ 85338 $400,000 | 4 bed | 2 bath | 1,505 sqft

Adorable, low-maintenance, and in the desirable Rancho Mirage neighborhood! Updated kitchen, bright and welcoming living spaces, and easy desert landscaping — perfect for first-time buyers or anyone who wants one-level living without the hassle.

(If you want the full details, virtual tours, or to schedule a showing on any of these, just reply or shoot me a text — I’d love to get you inside!)

Upcoming Valley of the Sun Events Lots of Spring Fun Happening Right Now – Here’s What I’m Excited About This Weekend!

I just checked my events page at dedeforwood.com/events and there is so much good stuff going on around the Valley right now! Spring has officially sprung and there’s something for pretty much everyone. Here are the highlights I’m seeing:

• Arizona Bike Week is wrapping up this weekend (through Sunday, April 12) at WestWorld of Scottsdale — if you love bikes, music, and that classic Arizona vibe, you don’t want to miss it!
• Panda Fest is happening Friday through Sunday (April 10–12) at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale — super family-friendly and adorable.
• Spring Celebrate Mesa is Saturday from 10am–2pm at Pioneer Park — great for the kids and the whole family.
• Scottsdale Official Jazz Festival is Saturday from 3pm–10pm at Talking Stick Resort — live music under the stars, yes please!
• Plus a bunch of great theater shows playing around town, including “A Moon for the Misbegotten,” “The Cocoanuts,” and “Daddy Long Legs.”

And don’t forget the AZRFG Spring Plant Sale I mentioned earlier — it’s tomorrow morning (Saturday 9am–noon) in Mesa and it’s going to be a good one!  There really is something for everyone this weekend. Hope you get out and enjoy this beautiful weather we’ve got!

Featured New-Build Homes New Construction Just Dropped – Quick Move-Ins & Fresh New Build Communities You’ll Want to Check Out!

I got my New Homes update yesterday and there are some really nice options popping up right now! Whether you’re ready to move soon or you love the idea of brand-new everything, these quick-move-in homes and new communities are worth a look. I always tell my clients that new builds can be a smart play in this market — low maintenance, modern finishes, and warranties that give you peace of mind.  Just don’t forget to TAKE ME to visit a community so I can represent you, fight for all the incentives and extras, ensure builder timeline and fight for you.  Same for if you register on a builder site, do it from my site below!

Head straight to my ShowingNew page at https://www.showingnew.com/dedeforwood to see full photos, floor plans, virtual tours, and pricing details (and yes, I’m happy to set up a private tour for you anytime).

Quick Move-In Inventory Homes (ready or almost ready now):

$449,990 – Ontario at the Foothills Connection at Rancho Vista by Century Communities | 3 bed | 3 bath

$605,995 – Pomona at Estates at Asante by Richmond American Homes | 3 bed | 3 bath        

$479,990 – Crescent  at Montana Vista Summit by Beazer Homes | 4 bed | 2 bath

$447,990 – Vervain at Hayden Estates by Pulte Homes | 5 bed | 3 bath

Community Grand Openings (brand new in your area):

• Retreat at Highlands at Northpointe by Richmond American Homes – Peoria, AZ 85383
• Sundance by Century Complete – Coolidge, AZ 85128
• Sheffield Place by K. Hovnanian Homes – Gilbert, AZ 85296
• Ironwood Station by Bela Flor Communities – Apache Junction, AZ 85120 (from $349,900–$399,900)

Featured Communities (lots of great choices):

• Toll Brothers at HighPoint – Summit Collection, Scottsdale (from $1,914,995–$2,081,995)
• Bentridge – Peak Series by Risewell Homes, Buckeye (from $409,990–$499,990)
• Solstice at Terraza by Tri Pointe Homes, San Tan Valley (from $522,000–$743,987)
• Willows at Bella Vista Farms by Beazer Homes, San Tan Valley (from $384,990–$561,523)

ADOT Weekend Closures Heads Up, Valley of the Sun Road Warriors – Please Drive Carefully Out There!

Hey friends, just a quick word from me to all my Valley of the Sun road warriors: please drive carefully this weekend! ADOT has a few big closures lined up that are going to slow things down in spots — especially southbound SR 51 shutting down from Indian School to the I-10 Mini-Stack starting Friday night through Monday morning, plus some I-17 ramps to Loop 101, eastbound I-10 work out at Perryville Road on Saturday, and Lindsay Road at Loop 202.

Give yourself a little extra time, stay alert, and maybe hop on surface streets when you can. We’ve got gorgeous spring weather and fun events all over — let’s all get where we’re going safely so we can enjoy every bit of it!

Drive safe out there, road warriors 💛

Signing-Off From My Garden to Your Front Door – Thanks for Being Part of the Ride

Alright friends, that’s a wrap on another Friday newsletter. From my messy garden hands and happy dogs to your beautiful Valley homes — thank you for letting me into your inbox every week. I hope something here made you smile, whether it’s a new plant for your yard, a house that feels like home, or just knowing someone’s out here genuinely rooting for you.

Life’s too short not to enjoy the little things… like a Twix bar once in a while (even if it comes with three days of Keto Flu 😂). Have a wonderful weekend, drive safe, hug your people, and remember — I’m always just a text or call away.

With a full heart and dirt under my nails, DeDe Forwood REALTOR® – HomeSmart 480.818.9391 | Hello@DeDeForwood.com https://dedeforwood.com | https://heartofphx.com