New Year Kickoff: Kitchen Remodel, Market Update & VA Loan Insights | Franco Dinh Show

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the first episode of 2025! After a relaxing holiday break, I’m thrilled to be back, and ready to dive into what’s ahead for the year. In this episode, we’ve got a lot to cover – from personal updates to a real estate market update, along with some interesting insights into VA loans that you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in!

Franco Update

First off, we’ve made some exciting changes at home! We’re redoing our kitchen, and it all happened pretty quickly. I took advantage of a sale at a slabs store, and before I knew it, we were buying slabs and planning the remodel. We’ve opted for off-white cabinets, off white quartz with a little light grey veining countertops It’s going to be fun and I can't wait to see how it comes together. 

Lincoln's birthday just passed and we celebrated with some cake and I ended up getting a water painting of him done!

Real Estate Market Update (Cromford Report)

Now let’s talk real estate. We’re back in a balanced market with the Cromford Market Index hitting 91. After several weeks in a buyer’s market, this shift is a welcome change. Active listings have decreased by about 2,000 from last month, but expect those numbers to rise as we enter the spring market (mid-January to May). This is traditionally the busiest season in Arizona, and we’re looking forward to a healthy influx of new listings and returning homes.

Several cities, including Chandler, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, remain in a seller’s market, while areas like Goodyear and Queen Creek are seeing buyer’s market conditions. If you’re buying, expect an uptick in supply as we move through the spring. 

VA Loan Insights

In today’s episode, I also highlight a current client transaction where I’m representing a buyer using a VA loan. One key takeaway: VA loans come with unique requirements. From stricter inspections to making sure all repairs related to water damage or termite infestations are addressed, it’s essential to understand these regulations for loan approval. We’ve encountered some interesting inspection surprises, and I share how these can affect the buying process, especially when dealing with government-backed loans.

As we head into the new year, I’m excited to see what the market holds. With the Greater Phoenix area returning to a balanced market and the spring season just around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Stay tuned for more insights, updates, and helpful tips in the coming weeks!

Thank you so much for joining me for Episode 17! I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store, and I hope you’re as excited as I am.