Your home’s value, the Tucson market, and what it all actually means

by Jennifer Winchester

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January 2026 email header featuring a snowy mountain landscape under a blue sky, branded with Mystery House Real Estate and Realty Executives Arizona Territory, with the text “January 2026” and “Mystery House Real Estate.”

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve had that moment of curiosity: “Okay but… what is my home actually worth right now?” That’s where a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) comes in. It’s a practical, data-driven snapshot that helps homeowners understand their value and helps buyers make sense of pricing when they’re eyeing a specific property.

In this newsletter, I’m breaking down what goes into a CMA and why it’s such a useful tool—whether you’re actively planning a move or just like having solid information in your back pocket. You’ll also find my latest Market Update, a look at current listings, and a local vendor spotlight I’m excited to share.

And as always, if you want a CMA for your own home, I’m happy to put one together—no pressure, just real numbers and real context.



Panoramic view of downtown Tucson at sunset with city buildings illuminated and “A” Mountain in the background. A translucent banner in the center reads “Market Update,” with Mystery House Real Estate and Realty Executives Arizona Territory branding in the upper corner.

Illustration of a neighborhood with text highlighting a new low average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 6.06% as of January 15, 2026, compared to 7.04% one year ago and a previous peak of 7.79%. Source: Freddie Mac.

National Real Estate News

3-year low for rates

According to Freddie Mac's weekly PMMS Survey, the average 30-year mortgage rate dropped to 6.06% last week, the lowest level seen in more than 3 years. Affordability is improving, boosting transaction volumes. [Source: Freddie Mac]

 

 

Bar chart showing monthly existing home sales from October 2024 through December 2025. Sales dip mid-year and rise toward the end of 2025. Source: National Association of Realtors.

Existing home sales jump

Existing home sales rose 5.1% month-over-month to 4,350,000 units, the fastest pace of sales since March 2023. It appears that we've finally broken free from the 4 million unit sales pace that we've been stuck at for 2.5 years! 

The total inventory of homes for sale plunged (as it always does this time of year) to 1,180,000, and the median sales price was roughly flat YoY at $405,400. [Source: NAR]

 

 

Line graph showing Consumer Price Index year-over-year changes from mid-2022 through mid-2025. Both headline CPI and core CPI trend downward over time, indicating slowing inflation. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

Tame inflation reading

The market was worried that the Consumer Price Index (CPI = inflation for you and me) might come in hotter than expected, but instead it was roughly flat with "core" CPI growing +2.6% year-over-ye

ar in December 2025. [Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]

 

Local Market Trends

 

Real estate market dashboard showing Tucson-area housing statistics for December and year-to-date comparisons between 2024, 2025, and 2026. Metrics include new listings, sold listings, median sales price, average price per square foot, percentage above or below asking price, and median days on market, alongside a map highlighting the local market area.
The Tucson market is settling into a slower, more balanced rhythm as we move into early 2026. Year-to-date sales are down about 9% compared to last year, while the median sale price is essentially flat at $363,500—down just a fraction of a percent. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, with median days on market now around 41, and buyers are gaining leverage: the average home is closing just over 2% below asking price. Inventory remains active, but many sellers are adjusting expectations, with a significant number of listings seeing price reductions before going under contract. Translation? This is a more thoughtful market. Pricing, condition, and strategy matter more than ever—and whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of what all this means for your situation, let’s talk through it together.



Panoramic view of Tucson homes with red tile roofs in the foreground and the Catalina Mountains under a colorful sunset sky. A banner reads “Current Listings” with Mystery House Real Estate and Realty Executives Arizona Territory logos.

Front walkway for 5426 E 18th ST

 

5426 E 18th St, 85711 (Pending Sale)

This mid-century Tucson classic home with fresh interior paint, an updated kitchen, owned solar, a newer A/C (2023), and that easy, central-Tucson location, is under contract and due to close by the end of the month.

 

 

 

Front of condo building in Stone Curves CoHousing, 166 E Limberlost Dr

 

This rare 2BD/1BA upstairs condo in Stone Curves CoHousing is full of natural light, cork flooring, a stylish kitchen, and a private balcony — all nestled in one of Tucson’s most vibrant, intentional communities.

This listing took a break over the holiday and is now back on the market. The Seller has moved out and its open for easy showings. If you’ve been curious about cohousing or know someone who might be, this is your chance to take a closer look!

 

 

 


Vendor Spotlight graphic featuring KW Design & Construction. Includes a portrait of Kendra Weatherly, owner, on the left and a Tucson desert sunset with saguaros in the background, branded with Mystery House Real Estate.

Vendor Spotlight: Kendra Weatherly – KW Design & Construction
520-256-2222 |  kendra@kwdesignconstruction.com
kwdesignconstruction.com

When you need a general contractor who actually shows up and delivers, Kendra Weatherly is the one to call.

Kendra recently took on a full commercial building renovation for one of our local investors—transforming a tired property into a polished, lease-ready space with sparkling floors, bright clean walls, a freshly striped parking lot, and updated hardware. Every unexpected hiccup? She was already on it. Calm, capable, and fast.

But that’s not all—Kendra also just handled buyer-requested and appraiser-required repairs on a residential purchase that’s closing this week. Her responsiveness, professionalism, and clear communication (complete with photos and video updates) made the entire process seamless and reassuring—for everyone involved.

Whether you’re prepping a listing, managing a full renovation, or need fast, high-quality repairs, Kendra brings the skill and the follow-through to get it done right.


 

Thanks for spending a few minutes here with me. Whether you’re actively thinking about a move, casually watching the market, or just like knowing where you stand as a homeowner, my goal is always the same: give you clear, useful information so you can make decisions on your timeline.

If you want to dig deeper into any of this—your home’s value, a specific listing, or what these market shifts might mean for you—reach out. No pressure, no “are you ready yet?” energy. Just real answers when you want them.

Here’s to a steady start to 2026, smart choices, and homes that continue to support the lives happening inside them.

Jennifer Winchester
Jennifer Winchester

Broker Associate | License ID: BR677408000

+1(520) 971-2832 | jennifer@mysteryhouserealestate.com

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