As rents rise and expenses normalize, refinancing into a better product can unlock a lot of breathing room. • Cash-out refinances are helping investors reposition portfolios.Some landlords are using equity to pay off higher-interest debt, consolidate multiple mortgages, or finance renovations that boost rent potential.

So I’m really interested in hearing what areas near Phoenix you think:– are on the rise,– have adjusted in price with the cooling market,– or are good long-term holds where I could also live comfortably.Which areas/cities/zip codes in and around Phoenix/Maricopa county would you target with a ~$400K budget for a house hack with appreciation potential?

The National Association of Realtors is forecasting a major rebound in 2026, with double-digit growth in home sales and home prices projected to rise another 4%.They’re also predicting the economy will add 1.3 million new jobs, keeping demand strong despite the ongoing housing supply shortage.After three years of the lowest sales volume since 1995, this would be a huge shift.

We have 11 properties, 14 doors (8 SFR 3 Duplexes). 

Bottom line is that rents are rising steadily—2–3% annually—while still offering strong affordability when some markets have been declining.Population GrowthThe metro area population has climbed from about 2.195 million in 2020 to 2.254 million in 2024—roughly a 2.7% increase over four years, adding nearly 62,000 people (+2.8%) between 2020 and 2024.

There are so many people stuck right now—stuck in houses they don’t want, stuck with payments they didn’t realize would be unsustainable alongside the rising cost of everything else.

They’re thriving.Here’s why:-Corporate relocations are rising again.

The West Coast in general is an appreciation market, where home values are likely to rise over time, as opposed to a cash-flow market, where homes are cheaper but don't appreciate as much.

There is even the rise of 'YouTube golf?' 

.📝 Pending Home Sales Rise in OctoberHere’s the headline move: pending sales jumped 1.9%, hitting their best pace of the entire year.That's not noise, that’s buyers stepping into the game.Bottom line for agents: This data leads closings.