When Is the Best Time to Buy a House in Phoenix? (2026 Guide)
The best time to buy a house in Phoenix in 2026 is the week of November 1 through 7. That's according to Realtor.com's 2026 Best Time to Buy report. During that week, Phoenix buyers get more homes to choose from, far less competition, and asking prices about 5.6% below the summer peak.
Think of it as the Black Friday of homes in Phoenix… except the sale starts before Thanksgiving.
Why is early November the best time to buy in Phoenix?
Realtor.com looked at six things buyers care about: how many homes are for sale, how many new ones are hitting the market, listing prices, how long homes sit, buyer demand, and price reductions. For the Phoenix metro, early November wins on the ones that matter most:
More homes to choose from. About 16% more active listings than an average week of the year, and about 16% more fresh listings too.
Way less competition. Buyer views per home run about 39% below the busiest point of the year. Fewer people touring means fewer bidding wars.
More time to decide. Homes sit about 10 days longer than at peak season, so you're not making a $500,000 decision after one 15 minute showing.
Lower asking prices. Listing prices are about 5.6% below their seasonal high. On a $500,000 home, that's roughly $28,000 off what the same house might have been listed for this summer.
Why are Phoenix sellers more motivated in November?
Here's what the data doesn't show you, and what I see every single fall after 11 years of selling homes in Phoenix…
People are focused on the holidays. Fewer buyers are out shopping.
And the sellers who are still on the market? They know it. The closer we get to Thanksgiving, the fewer buyers there are, so the ones who stay listed are usually serious about getting it sold.
Plus… nobody wants to show their home when family is in town.
Nobody wants strangers walking past a spare room full of wrapped gifts.
Nobody wants to leave for a showing when their calendar is already packed with school parties and holiday dinners.
That's leverage for you as a buyer. A motivated seller is a seller who's willing to talk about price, repairs and closing costs.
Why does Phoenix's best week come later than the rest of the country?
Nationally, Realtor.com says the best week to buy is September 27 through October 3. Phoenix runs about a month behind, and it makes sense. Our summers slow everything down, and our busy season is shaped by snowbirds and gorgeous winter weather, not school calendars alone. By early November, the summer inventory has built up, prices have eased, and the winter rush hasn't started yet.
How do I get ready to buy in November?
The buyers who win in early November are the ones who did their homework in October. Here's what I'd do right now:
Get preapproved. Know your real monthly payment before you fall in love with a house.
Pick your neighborhoods. If you love the Arcadia lifestyle but not the Arcadia price tag, take a look at 85008. Same feel, better price point.
Start touring now. Walk a few homes in October so you know what "a good one" looks like when the best week hits.
So… should you wait until November?
If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right time to buy a home in Phoenix, this is it. It's about five weeks away.
Want to be ready when it hits? Reply or send me a message with the neighborhoods you're eyeing, and I'll send you what's coming up there.
Molly Rodham and Jared Rodham are the husband-and-wife team behind Jared and Molly Real Estate in Scottsdale, working in Arcadia, South Scottsdale and central Phoenix for 11+ years. Thinking about a move here? Call or text 602-748-7289.