I hope you had a fantastic holiday season and your new year is off to a great start.

We’re only two weeks into the new year, and things are already interesting in the real estate market. Interest rates have gone down, the market is seeing more homes for sale, I’m excited for what is in store for 2026.

In this month’s newsletter:

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.

I visited Tacos Los Vales on 51st Ave and McDowell, the place was packed! 😋

I had some amazing food, if you’re in the area it is definitely worth stopping in!! I’m giving it an 8.4 on my Taco Aaron's Completely Official Scale (TACOS)™️😎

Mortgage rates recently hit a three-year low, creating an opportunity for many homeowners to potentially lower their interest rate and monthly payment.

I’m also seeing a growing number of clients take advantage of their home equity to:

 Every situation is different, and it’s worth taking a quick look to see what options may be available to you. If you’d like, feel free to reach out and I can review your numbers and walk you through what makes sense, no obligation.

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!

How’s the market? The holidays are a notoriously slow time in real estate, so a snap shot of the month of December isn’t an ideal way to gauge what is happening in the market.

Here is a more broad set of data comparing the past three years, and also comparing Q4.

Let’s have a look at the data

What does it mean?

The greater Phoenix market continues to move along, not really doing too much. The number of sales has gone up, which can likely be attributed to more buyers entering the market due to lower interest rates. That said, the 4th Quarter of 2025 did show signs of weakening prices, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues into 2026.

From an RV garage home to a single-level lifestyle, this couple is officially stepping into their retirement plan. Shout out and big thanks to their agents Karen Salas & Bryan Jarman, for getting their home sold so fast. We truly appreciate the trust you placed in us and are honored to assist in the process. Trust the plan.

I am seriously so happy for this awesome young man and his mom and dad! They just closed on their beautiful, remodeled house here in Phoenix, and they totally fell in love with this place.

Shout out to Brianda Iniguez for finding this family, their dream home! I appreciate the referral, we were able to lock them in at a great interest rate and help them close in 2 weeks.

I saw this house in an Instagram post and I had to pull up the listing to see more about it. What’s not to love about an estate on 57 acres in Sedona with Oak Creek frontage, that has its own winery setup & a really cool house??

Vivi la vita al megliore! Live your life to the fullest! Imagine if Old World Tuscan charm met the magical energy of Sedona, Arizona—welcome to Eagle Mountain Ranch, your private sanctuary within a gated haven where you can rejuvenate, celebrate, and embrace La Vita Bella. Spanning ten contiguous parcels across 57+ pristine acres, this extraordinary estate offers 1,700 feet of Oak Creek frontage, a producing vineyard yielding hundreds of gallons of red Zinfandel grapes each year, plus a peach grove and apple orchard—all nurtured by a fully automated irrigation system. Some acreage carries agricultural zoning, equating to substantial property tax savings, while an owned 23KW solar power system brings modern efficiency to this timeless estate.

Lounge on the sandy beach by day, gather around the firepit under starry skies by night, or wander into acres of lush meadow backed by National Forest, where the only audience for your song is nature itself.

Outdoor living is elevated with enchanting water features, glowing braziers, a pond, two fireplaces, a 700+ gallon in-ground jacuzzi tub, and even a cigar room, all set against Sedona's iconic red rock backdrop.

The majestic main residence, one of only five Tuscan-inspired masterpieces, was reimagined with over a million dollars in renovations (2016). Driving through the gates, you enter another world....the circular entry greets you with Venetian plaster finishes and transports you straight to the Italian Riviera. At its heart, the great room features a fireplace and expansive pocket sliding doors remote-controlled to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. The chef's kitchen dazzles with Subzero, Wolfe, and Viking appliances, dual dishwashers, warming drawer, convection ovens, prep sink, and a nearby butler's pantry. A full bar, complete with double kegerator, and Scotsman ice maker, is perfect for toasting milestones or enjoying an intimate nightcap.

Beyond the residence, an enormous climate-controlled four-car garage provides ample room for your tools and toys. Two charming guest homes, a rustic barn, and two historic red rock storage buildings expand the estate's versatility.

330 Eagle Mountain Ranch Road is more than a property it's an experience. Awe-inspiring to see, indescribable to feel, and waiting for the next chapter of its remarkable story.

Check out all the details here.

This is the Arizona Trail near the Nogales border. It’s about 800 miles long, running from Mexico to Utah. The idea started back in the late ’80s by folks who wanted one non-motorized trail that showed off the best of Arizona and connected communities across the state.

After years of volunteer work, it was officially completed in 2011. Now it takes you through everything from high desert like this, to pine forests, mountains, and even the Grand Canyon.

Living in Phoenix makes it easy to get out and explore — drive a couple hours and you’re in a totally different landscape. I just think it's so cool to live here in Az.

So many spots I still haven’t been to. What are some other trails I should check out?

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