If you're wondering whether it's a good time to buy or sell in Scottsdale, one of the best indicators to watch is the Cromford® Market Index (CMI).
As of August 6, 2026, Scottsdale's Market Index is 148.0, indicating that our market remains a seller's market, although it's becoming more balanced than we've seen over the past few years.
Scottsdale Real Estate Market Update for August 2026
Metric | August 6, 2026 |
|---|---|
Market Index | 148.0 |
Supply Index | 56.4 |
Demand Index | 83.4 |
Market Type | Seller's Market |
What Does This Mean?
The Cromford Market Index measures the balance between supply and demand.
100 = Balanced Market
Above 100 = Seller's Market
Below 100 = Buyer's Market
At 148, Scottsdale continues to favor sellers, but today's market is much healthier than the highly competitive conditions we experienced in 2021 and early 2022.
The Supply Index of 56.4 tells us inventory has increased, giving buyers more choices than they've had in several years. While inventory remains below what we'd typically consider a buyer's market, shoppers now have more options and a little more time to make decisions.
The Demand Index of 83.4 shows that buyer activity has softened compared to previous years, largely due to higher mortgage interest rates and affordability concerns. However, demand remains strong for well-priced, move-in-ready homes, especially in Scottsdale's most desirable neighborhoods and luxury communities.
My Analysis
As I look at this week's Cromford numbers, what stands out to me isn't simply that Scottsdale remains a seller's market—it's that we're continuing to move toward a healthier, more balanced market.
A Market Index of 148 still favors sellers, but it's a very different market than we experienced just a few years ago when buyers were competing against dozens of offers with virtually no negotiating power.
Today, buyers have more inventory to choose from, they're taking a little more time before making decisions, and negotiations have become a normal part of the process again. I actually see this as a positive. A balanced market creates confidence for both buyers and sellers.
For sellers, the biggest takeaway is this: pricing matters more than ever.
Gone are the days when almost any home would sell simply because inventory was so limited. Today's buyers are educated, they're comparing every listing online, and they're willing to wait for the right home if a property feels overpriced.
The good news is that homes priced correctly, professionally marketed, and beautifully presented are still selling—and many continue to sell quickly.
For buyers, I believe this is one of the best opportunities we've seen in several years. You have more inventory to choose from, less competition than during the pandemic frenzy, and greater opportunities to negotiate favorable terms.
While mortgage rates remain higher than many of us would like, they're only one piece of the equation. The right home purchased at the right price can often be a better long-term decision than waiting for the "perfect" interest rate, especially since rates can change over time.
After helping more than 726 families buy and sell homes throughout the Valley and closing over $412 million in career sales, I've learned that every market presents opportunities.
The buyers and sellers who are most successful aren't trying to perfectly time the market—they're making informed decisions based on their personal goals and today's market conditions.
My advice this month is simple: Don't rely on national headlines. Real estate is local, and Scottsdale continues to perform differently than many other markets across the country. Understanding what's happening in your specific neighborhood—not just nationally—is what leads to the best decisions.
What I'm Watching
As we move through the remainder of the summer, these are the trends I'll be watching closely:
- Will inventory continue to increase heading into the fall market?
- Will buyers become more active as mortgage rates stabilize?
- Will Scottsdale's luxury market continue to outperform the overall market?
- Will properly priced homes continue to sell quickly while overpriced listings sit on the market longer?
- Will we see additional price adjustments in certain Scottsdale neighborhoods?
I'll continue to monitor these trends each week and share my thoughts as the market evolves.
If you're thinking about buying or selling and would like to discuss what today's market means for your specific situation, I'd be happy to help.
Colleen Olson, CLHMS | CRS
Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Advisor
726+ Families Served | $412M+ Career Sales
Creator of Say Yes to This Address®
