Worlds Greatest Pizza Coming to Tempe, Arizona??

Arizona Daily Update: Pizza, Pickleball, Fry’s Auction & Real Estate Market Insights

Welcome back to the Arizona Daily Update! Today’s roundup (August 20th) is packed with local news, fun openings, and real estate insights that impact buyers and sellers across the Valley. From pizza cravings on Mill Avenue to a changing housing market, here’s everything you need to know.

A Quick Look at Real Estate Credentials

Before diving into community updates, let’s talk about results. Between myself and my business partner, we’ve closed over 600 sales in just the last five years. That number doesn’t even include the many fix and flips and off market deals we’ve done for investors.

Recent highlights include:

• Luxury listings in Gilbert that showcase the high-end rental market.

• A Circle G Ranch flip purchased for $1.5M and sold at $2.6M.

• A North Scottsdale property near TPC Waste Management Open, beautifully renovated and sold with proof right on the settlement statement.

In short: we know real estate in Arizona. And that’s why staying on top of both community events and housing market trends matters.

Prince Street Pizza Coming to Mill Avenue

This might be the most exciting news of the week: Prince Street Pizza is opening on Mill Avenue in Tempe.

• Opening Date: August 28th

• Location: 680 S. Mill Avenue, near Snakes & Lattes and Varsity Tavern

• Menu Highlights:

  • Classic New York style slices ($5 per slice / $27 whole pie)

  • The crowd-favorite “Naughty Pie” ($7 slice / $41 full pizza)

  • The Spicy Vodka Pizza (a personal recommendation worth the hype!)

If you’ve been to their San Diego or NYC locations, you know this is a big deal. Mill Ave just got a serious pizza upgrade.

Pickleball Expands in Chandler: Tumbleweed Park

Pickleball isn’t just a fad in Arizona, it’s a full-on movement. And now, Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park is joining the lineup with brand new courts.

• Grand Opening: September 6th

• Facilities Include:

  • 18 outdoor courts with LED lighting

  • Restrooms, practice areas, and water fountains

  • Ample parking nearby

With daily hours from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, you can play before work, after dinner, or under the desert stars. For East Valley players, this is a game-changer.

Fry’s Electronics Auction: A Nostalgic Farewell

Remember Fry’s Electronics? Once the go-to spot for tech lovers, its Phoenix location (the pyramid shaped one) is now auctioning off everything inside.

Here’s a sample of what’s up for grabs:

• Heavy duty pallet racking (25 ft high!)

• 25-ft faux palm trees

• Chandeliers and custom lighting fixtures

• Shopping carts (yes, really)

• Even a 10-ft custom-designed snake statue

If you love quirky auctions or want a piece of Arizona tech retail history, you can browse the items online. Just note: buyers are responsible for moving their purchases.

The Cromford Report: Market Still Steady

Now let’s shift gears into real estate. As of today, the Cromford Market Index sits at 77, holding steady. But the real story isn’t in the index, it’s in the rise of seller concessions.

Seller Concessions Are at a Peak

• 57% of transactions are closing with concessions.

• Average concessions: $10,000.

• In Gilbert, that number rises to 59% of transactions.

• Even in Chandler still considered a seller’s market concessions appear in 55% of deals, averaging $10,250.

For buyers, this is great news. For sellers, it means negotiating smartly to avoid giving away more than necessary.

Mortgage Rates: The Real Impact

Yes, mortgage rates are shifting but not as dramatically as headlines suggest.

Here’s an example using a $450,000 home with a 30-year mortgage:

• At 7.25% → $3,051/month (excluding taxes & insurance)

• At 7.2% → $3,031/month

• At 6.8% → $2,961/month

That’s only a difference of about $90 per month. While every dollar counts, don’t let the hype around tiny rate movements keep you from making a smart long term decision.

Key Takeaway

Expect rates to hover between the high 5s and low 7s for the next 2–3 years. If you’re planning to stay in a home for 5+ years, now is still a good time to buy. If you’re moving yearly, renting may be the smarter choice.

Final Thoughts

From pizza to pickleball, auctions to Arizona housing trends, there’s always something happening here in the Valley. For buyers, the combination of steady prices, high concessions, and relatively stable rates makes this a unique window of opportunity.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Arizona, let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through current market conditions, negotiate strong terms, and help you make the most of this moment.

Until tomorrow’s update, stay cool, stay curious, and maybe grab a slice of spicy vodka pizza when it opens on Mill!

For a full video guide, make sure to check out my YouTube Video Here

And if you are looking to buy or sell in Arizona, we would love to earn your business! 

Cole@whitelabelaz.com or text us directly at 602-350-5624

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