Only 17% of Voters Say It’s a Good Time to Buy a Home | What That Means for Phoenix Real Estate

If you’ve been feeling hesitant about buying or selling a home, you’re not alone.

A new national poll released by the National Association of Realtors® shows that only 17% of voters believe now is a good time to buy a home. At the same time, more than half of Americans say housing affordability is one of the most important issues influencing how they vote.

On the surface, that sounds discouraging. But when you zoom in on Phoenix, and understand what’s really driving these numbers, the story becomes far more nuanced.

Americans Still Believe in Homeownership

Despite the pessimism, one belief remains rock-solid: homeownership is still viewed as essential to the American Dream.

The issue isn’t desire, it’s accessibility.

High mortgage rates, rising costs, limited housing supply, and economic uncertainty have created a perception that buyers are better off waiting. Unfortunately, waiting often carries its own hidden costs.

The Real Problem: Housing Supply, Not Demand

Economists estimate the U.S. is short approximately 4 million homes, a gap that could take close to a decade to fix.

Phoenix mirrors this national issue:

• Strong population growth continues to fuel demand
• New construction hasn’t fully caught up
• Many homeowners are “rate-locked” into low mortgages and hesitant to sell

This creates a market where inventory stays tight, even when buyer confidence dips.

Why Phoenix Buyers Feel Stuck (But Aren’t)

Nationally:

• 76% of renters believe they may never afford a home
• First-time buyers now average 40 years old
• Delaying a purchase from age 30 to 40 can mean missing out on ~$150,000 in equity

In Phoenix, appreciation hasn’t disappeared, it’s normalized.

That’s actually healthy.

Instead of explosive spikes, we’re seeing:

• More predictable pricing
• Strong long-term equity growth
• Negotiation opportunities that didn’t exist during the frenzy

Exactly what smart buyers need.

What Sellers Need to Understand Right Now

Many homeowners want to move, but feel boxed in:

• 35% don’t want to give up a low mortgage rate
• 30% can’t find affordable options nearby
• 16% are concerned about capital gains taxes

In Phoenix, this has created pent-up seller demand.

Homes that are priced correctly, presented well, and marketed strategically are still selling, often faster than sellers expect.

The difference in 2026?

Strategy matters more than ever.

Politics, Policy, and the Housing Market

Both major political parties are now openly addressing housing affordability:

• Tax-free savings for down payments
• Capital gains tax adjustments
• Incentives for first-time buyers
• Deregulation to increase housing supply

While federal policy moves slowly, the takeaway is clear:

Housing affordability isn’t going away and solutions are coming.

Markets like Phoenix, with strong fundamentals, tend to benefit first when confidence returns.

The Phoenix Reality Check

Here’s the truth most headlines miss:

• You don’t need perfect conditions to build wealth
• You need the right plan for today’s market

Waiting for rates to drop, prices to fall, or policies to change often means competing with more buyers later—at higher prices.

In Phoenix, buyers who focus on location, long-term value, and smart financing are still winning.

And sellers who understand today’s buyer psychology are positioning themselves ahead of the curve.

Final Thought from Scott Bryant

Every market cycle feels uncertain while you’re in it.

But clarity comes from understanding what’s actually happening, not just what the headlines say.

If you’re wondering whether it makes sense to buy, sell, or simply get a clearer picture of the Phoenix market, the conversation costs nothing and the insight can be invaluable.

The American Dream of homeownership isn’t broken.

It just requires better strategy than ever before.

Scott Bryant
Bryant Real Estate
Phoenix, Arizona