Arizona Buyers Quietly Sneaking Back In — And Why National Policy Matters More Than Ever
📈 The Phoenix metro is experiencing a familiar December rhythm: lower inventory, stronger builder incentives, and a noticeable rise in serious buyers returning to the market. After months of hesitation, more buyers are asking for updated numbers as rates soften from their recent highs. Agents are feeling the shift too — more calls, more showings, and more qualified buyers stepping off the sidelines.
🌵 But the local uptick is happening against a much bigger national backdrop. This week, NAR Immediate Past President Kevin Sears testified before Congress, warning that America is short 4.7 million homes. Families with stable jobs and good credit — including teachers, nurses, and police officers — are being priced out because supply simply cannot keep up. Sears pointed to restrictive zoning, drawn-out permitting, high fees, and outdated federal financing rules as major obstacles slowing construction and limiting affordability. He urged Congress to pursue bipartisan reforms, including modernizing FHA rules, updating the HOME program, and incentivizing sellers to release inventory through the More Homes on the Market Act. For Arizona buyers, this is a reminder: the supply shortage isn’t going away quickly — and waiting often means paying more later.
📌 Quick Summary
Arizona buyer demand is rising heading into December.
Builders are still offering meaningful incentives to close out Q4 inventory.
Nationwide housing supply is short 4.7 million homes, driving affordability pressure.
Policy barriers — not lack of demand — are holding back new inventory.
Buyers who act now avoid January competition and long-term price creep.
📌 Why It Matters for Arizona
Phoenix inventory was already tight — national shortages amplify the pressure.
Even modest appreciation + any rate bump increases monthly payment.
Policy reforms will take time to impact supply — local buyers shouldn’t wait for federal fixes.
December buyers capture better leverage, cleaner negotiations, and less competition.
The challenges in today’s market aren’t imagined — they’re structural and national. But Arizona buyers who take advantage of this December window can get ahead of a problem the country is still trying to solve.
