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- December 2025 West Valley Guide
December 2025 West Valley Guide
Upcoming Christmas Lights Events
Cosmic Sleighride
Tues - Sunday, Nov 14 - Jan 04, from 6:00 - 10:00 PM
DESERT DIAMOND CASINO
9431 W NORTHERN AVE, GLENDALE, AZ 85305
$39.95
![]() | Climb aboard your cosmic sleigh with your host Shiny the Star on a mystical holiday adventure that is out of this world at Cosmic Sleighride produced by World of Illumination. Shoot past the sun, race among the stars and pass through Kris Kringle’s celestial portal where toys prepare for launch. Orbit around a team of astro elves hoverboarding through the cosmos as you enter the stratosphere of Santa City, where all the holiday magic happens. Hold on to your seat — you’re in for one stellar ride. |
Glendale Glitters
Nov 28 - Jan 01, from 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Downtown Glendale
FREE
![]() | The Kickoff Event will take place November 28th & 29th from 5PM-10PM each night. The Holiday Light display will remain up until January 1st, from 5PM-10PM each night. Enjoy some local holiday shopping and treats as you stroll through Downtown Glendale, taking in the magical lights and features! |
Sparkling Surprise
Dec 05 - Dec 28, from 5:30 - 10:00 PM
Surprise Community Park - 16089 N. Bullard Ave.
FREE
![]() | Step into a world of wonder at our Sparkling Surprise holiday light display, where the magic of the season comes alive! This year, the sparkle is bigger and brighter than ever, with dazzling lights that now almost completely surround the lake at Surprise Community Park, creating the ultimate holiday stroll. |
Local Market Update

The Big Picture
We have more homes for sale and fewer going under contract than last month. Prices dipped a bit. Homes are taking longer to sell than a year ago. The $300k–$499k range still sees the most action.
Key Numbers at a Glance
Active listings: 5,200
Under contract: 916
New listings this month: 1,973
Homes sold this month: 1,157
Average days on market: 86
Months of Supply estimate: 4.33
Pending-to-active ratio: 0.18
Sale-to-List price, common price range : Slightly below asking in the $300k–$499k range, with credits common
What these mean, simply:
More choices for buyers and a bit more competition for sellers.
Fewer homes are going under contract right now, so well-priced homes still move, but it takes longer.
Prices are steady to slightly lower compared with last month and last year.
Expect more negotiations, including closing cost help or rate buydowns.
Price Ranges and Activity
Most listings and sales are between $300k and $499k.
Lower price points gained share, giving budget-focused buyers more options.
Above $550k, activity slows and time on market is longer.
For Sellers
Price with today’s comps, not last quarter’s. Aim to be the best value on day one.
Make the home easy to choose: clean, repaired, and staged where helpful.
Plan for negotiations. Decide in advance what credits or rate buydowns you can offer.
Watch early interest. If showings are slow in the first 7–14 days, adjust quickly.
For Buyers
You have more selection to compare and better room to negotiate.
Homes on the market 30+ days may accept credits or price adjustments.
In the $300k–$499k range, good homes still move—be ready when the fit is right.
Consider rate buydowns or credits to lower your monthly payment.
If you want a quick read on your specific neighborhood or price range, call or text me at 623-288-0977, and I’ll send a custom update.
Real Estate Tip
Paint Picks That Help Your Home Sell

A fresh coat of paint is one of the fastest and highest ROI steps before listing. Here is a clear plan you can use room by room.
Start with a warm, inviting neutral
Cooler whites and grays are less popular now. Aim for soft, warm or neutral undertones that feel clean without reading cold.
Lighting changes color. Test 8oz samples on two walls and check morning, midday, and evening.
Use expert‑approved neutrals
Grays and greiges
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
Heritage Gray (Valspar 7007‑24)
Gray Owl (BM OC‑52)
Stonington Gray (BM HC‑170)
White Heron (SW 7627)
Wind’s Breathe (BM OC‑24)
Whites
Atrium White (BM OC‑145)
Chantilly Lace (BM OC‑65)
Snowbound (SW 7004)
Simply White (BM OC‑117)
Decorators White (BM CC‑20)
White Dove (BM OC‑17)
Seapearl (BM OC‑19)
Silver Satin (BM OC‑26)
Beiges and light greiges
Natural Cream (BM OC‑14)
Cream in My Coffee (Valspar 3003‑10C)
Pale Oak (BM OC‑20)
Revere Pewter (BM HC‑172)
Match finish to function
Walls: eggshell or satin for a low sheen that hides flaws and cleans well.
Trim and doors: semi‑gloss for definition and durability.
Ceilings: flat white to mask imperfections.
Tip: higher LRV (Light Reflectance Value) ****reads brighter. Lower LRV reads moodier.
Fix what photos magnify
Patch nail holes. Caulk trim gaps. Recoat scuffed baseboards. Replace yellowed switch plates. Clean door hardware.
Crisp edges and clean trim signal a well kept home.
Dial in the light
Bulbs change color. Swap to 3500K for balanced, natural light before you pick paint.
North light can look cool. Choose a slightly warmer neutral there.
South and west light can run warm. Balance with neutrals that have a hint of cool.
When to add color
Keep most walls neutral. Add small pops of color on a front door, a vanity, a small bath, or a kitchen island. Soft sage or muted blue can add a memorable touch without scaring buyers.
Respect the architecture
Clean neutrals flatter contemporary lines.
Historic details often look best with gentle contrast so the trim reads as a feature, not lost in all white.
Budget and coverage
One gallon typically covers 350–400 sq ft. Quality paints run from value to luxury pricing. Pro labor varies by room size.
Holiday Recipe
Prickly Pear Cranberry Sauce

This vibrant sauce brings Arizona flavor to your holiday table. The prickly pear adds a subtle sweetness and stunning magenta color that makes traditional cranberry sauce look plain.
Ingredients
12 oz fresh cranberries
½ cup prickly pear syrup (find it at Sprouts, Fry's, or local farmers markets)
¾ cup water
⅓ cup sugar
Zest of 1 orange
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Combine cranberries, prickly pear syrup, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil. You'll hear the cranberries start to pop after 5–7 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
For a smoother sauce, press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove skins. For chunky sauce, leave as is.
Remove from heat and stir in orange zest and salt.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it chills.
Tips
Make this up to 3 days ahead—flavor improves overnight
Can't find prickly pear syrup? Substitute pomegranate juice and add ¼ cup more sugar
Doubles easily for larger gatherings
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. The bright color and desert twist make this a conversation starter at any holiday meal.


