Another holiday is upon us, I hope you have something fun planned for Valentine’s Day this weekend!

February has been busy already, I’ve had the chance to visit some really cool restaurants and the first Arizona location of Vallarta Supermarkets

In this month’s newsletter:

I have a special opportunity for those of you thinking of buying your first home. United Wholesale Mortgage, the #1 mortgage lender in the nation, and my partner, is hosting a First-Time Homebuyer Seminar on Sunday, March 8th at 3pm. The seminar is only 30 minutes long and once we’re finished we’ll be heading to watch the Phoenix Suns play the Charlotte Hornets at Mortgage Matchup Center in Downtown Phoenix.

Spots are very limited, so if you’re interested in going, reach out to me direct at (602) 705-9835 or reply to this email.

Rosas Taqueria

I tried Rosas Taqueria in El Mirage and it was solid. Food was fresh, portions were good, and the flavors were on point. Staff was cool and it came out quick. I had their special which was three tacos, rice and beans for $8.99. Also they have a complementary chips, veggies, and salsa bar.

If you’re in the area and craving tacos, this is a good one to stop by and check out. They’re located at 125th Ave & Thunderbird Road.

Has you checked out Vallarta's yet?

Vallarta Supermarkets just opened in Glendale, and this is their first location in the Valley. Vallarta's started in 1985, as a Carneceria and now they have 55 supermarket locations in California. I had to stop by and check it out. I really enjoyed my trip!

This place is basically like a Ranch Market, but better. They’ve got way more selections, more hot food options, and it’s just nice and clean. It was a little busy since it’s so new, but that didn’t take away from the experience at all.



My three favorite things so far:

1. La Cocina, I had their pork ribs with chili verde sauce and it was

2. Tamale station, so many flavors to choose from. I tried the pork tamale and it was really good!

3. Panadería, the pan dulce was fresh and delicious.

last week we stopped at this spot called The Pottery Place Warehouse off the 303 on Grand in Surprise and this place is way bigger than it looks from the road.

They’ve got all the Arizona stuff, kokopellis, chimineas, tons of pottery, and those metal flower and cactus art pieces everyone likes. Inside and outside is packed with stuff… like you can walk around forever and still see something new.

They even had random sculptures like an alien and Predator, plus all kinds of animals.
And yeah… I actually bought the coyote in this pic 😆 It’s not fancy or staged, it’s just one of those places where you wander around and see what catches your eye.
If you’re ever driving down Grand near the 303, it’s worth a quick stop. (link & map)

Yeah, that’s me 😎

When you see me pop up on your feed, just know I’m here to help make your home goals easier. Whether you’re trying to:

🏡 Refinance to lower your monthly payment Remove mortgage insurance
💰 Take cash out for home improvements or debt payoff
Get funds for the down payment on your next home
Access a HELOC (home equity line of credit)
Or explore reverse mortgage options for retirement planning

I’ve got you covered.

If you have been in your house for a few years, or even longer, it may be time for a mortgage check up. It is easy to get in the routine of making the payment each month, and the years pass by.

Things change, rates go up and down as do home values. Like changing the batteries in your smoke detectors, knowing where you stand with your mortgage, rate & equity is a regular home maintenance item.

Mortgage Checkup Benefits

Reply to this email, and we can get to work on your check up!

January can be an interesting month. There is usually lots of activity in the market, except for closings. Many buyers begin their search after the holidays, and many sellers put their homes up for sale as well. This trend has continued so far in 2026, with an uptick in the number of homes for sale, and the number under contract.

The sales data from January is a bit anemic, which is normal because not a lot of home shopping happens during the holiday season.

Let’s have a look at the data

What does it mean?

It means the holiday market was a bit slow, like it is each year. The number of homes appears to be closer to a buyer’s market, but not quite yet. The price changes are modest and nothing to be concerned about, or the ‘crash’ I have heard is coming for the past 5 years.

The one area of concern in my opinion is the fact interest rates are at least 1% lower than they were a year ago, thus affordability has gotten better. In theory, this could ultimately lead to upward pressure on prices, which is something to keep an eye on the further we get into 2026.

Thrilled for Lori on her new home! 🏡 It was a real treat to help her achieve her dream.

Congrats to the Peralez Family!!

"I want to thank the team at West American Mortgage with one of the best and professional experiences from start to finish. Aaron Alvarez and the team were dedicated to top notch service and care towards their clients. The communication and understanding and rapid responses made it possible to make our Dream a reality in under 3 weeks! This experience made for a smooth and enjoyable transition into our new home. Thank you again for your hard work and dedication."

- Frank Peralez

A very unique home at the Arizona Biltmore came on the market last month. The Benjamin Adelman House was built in 1951 by Frank Lloyd Wright and is truly a work of art.

Perched at the 18th hole of the AZ Biltmore LINKS Golf Course on 1.67 acres, The Benjamin Adelman House (original build 1951 by Frank Lloyd Wright himself) is a rare livable work of art - a captivating example of Frank Lloyd Wright's desert-modern genius—a home where architecture, landscape of natural desert/artificial turf & multiple fruit trees, converge in breathtaking harmony. This iconic 4 bed/4,5 bath/(2) guest houses/6-car garage residence commands sweeping fairway views framed by rugged desert mountains and an endless Arizona sky. Constructed using Wright's revolutionary cast concrete Usonian Automatic block system, the home showcases his vision of modular, sculptural design—each patterned block forming a rhythmic tapestry of light, shadows and texture-both monumental and intimate - offering the extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of architectural historythoughtfully enhanced with modern updates in 2018. Enhancing estate's rarity and livability are (2) guest houses, ideal for hosting visitors, extended family, or creative retreats, along with a (6)-car garage and large motor courta remarkable amenity that complements the scale and prestige of the property. Natural materials, 438 windows, intimate ceiling heights, and purposeful sightlines create a sense of calm sophisticationevery detail intentional, every angle a conversation with the desert. To own the Benjamin Adelman House is to become a steward of a true Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Automatic treasure, set within the legendary Arizona Biltmore, long celebrated as the "Jewel of the Desert," where historic significance, modern refinement, and an unparalleled setting come together in perfect balance.

See all of the pictures here.

Thinking about your next home? Reach out, I’d love to chat with you about what may be possible to help get you in your dream home. There are some good options for refinancing your current mortgage too.

You can call or text me on my personal cell at (602) 705-9835 or reply to this email.

Here’s all the boring stuff I'm legally required to share: West American Mortgage NMLS #304208