Phoenix real estate is NOT one market — and that misunderstanding is costing buyers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In this episode of Ask Ella, I sit down with Halston Hood, a Phoenix real estate expert born and raised in Paradise Valley, to break down what’s actually happening in the Phoenix housing market as we head into 2026.

No hype. No national headlines.
Just real, boots-on-the-ground insight from someone who works this market every single day.

I’m Ella Gurfinkel, Senior Loan Officer with nearly 30 years of experience, and together we unpack why Phoenix is a city of micro-markets — and how buyers, investors, and relocators can make smart decisions instead of expensive mistakes.

🏡 This episode is a must-listen for buyers, investors, and out-of-state relocators considering Arizona in 2025–2026.

🔑 You’ll learn:

📍 Why Phoenix is dozens of micro-markets — not one housing market
💰 Where buyers can still find real value — and where prices are inflated
🏙 Scottsdale vs Paradise Valley vs East & West Valley — what each area is actually good for
🏠 Why resale homes often outperform new construction
🚧 The hidden truth about builder upgrades (and why many don’t add resale value)
💸 Why Arizona property taxes shock buyers from California, Texas & the PNW
✈️ What out-of-state buyers must understand before buying sight unseen
🧠 Why lifestyle — not just price — should drive your location decision
📈 Where the Phoenix market is heading in 2025–2026

⚠️ National headlines don’t buy houses — local insight does.
We also unpack why buyers relying on online averages and builder marketing often overpay, misjudge neighborhoods, or end up with homes that don’t hold long-term value.

🎯 If you’re buying, investing, or relocating to Phoenix or Arizona, this episode can save you time, money, and costly mistakes.

👉 Have home loan questions or planning a move to Arizona?
Connect with me here:
https://www.fairwayindependentmc.com/lo/ella-gurfinkel-188161?nmls=188161

📲 Follow & stay connected:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TeamElla_Fairway
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEllaPortland
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-gurfinkel/

FHA, VA, or Conventional — one wrong choice can cost you for decades.
One right choice can save you tens — even hundreds — of thousands of dollars.

I’m Ella Gurfinkel, senior loan officer with nearly 30 years of experience and 2,000+ closed loans, and in this episode I break down the real truth behind the three most common mortgage programs in 2025–2026.

Too many buyers are pushed into the wrong loan — not because it’s best for them, but because someone didn’t know better… or didn’t bother to explain the difference.

🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How FHA, VA, and Conventional loans actually work in 2025–2026
• Why FHA is NOT a “first-time buyer loan” (huge myth)
• Why many veterans are overpaying and underusing their VA benefits
• When Conventional beats FHA — and when it absolutely doesn’t
• The hidden mortgage insurance traps most buyers miss
• New credit score rules that change approval strategy completely

I also share real client cases — including how I helped one couple buy with $0 down, then refinance into major savings within just a few years.

📩 Not sure which loan is right for YOU?
Book a no-pressure consultation and let’s run the numbers together:
👉 https://calendly.com/teamella/a-conversation-with-ella-gurfinkel

Stop guessing. Start saving.

Real estate fraud is no longer rare — it’s sophisticated, fast, and devastating.
From AI-powered deepfake scams to wire fraud, fake escrow companies, and title theft — criminals are using technology to steal homes, life savings, and identities.

In this episode, I’m joined by Tiffany Hobgood, an escrow and title expert with 30+ years of experience, to expose how modern real estate fraud actually works — and how buyers, sellers, and homeowners can protect themselves before it’s too late.

This is not theory. These are real cases, real money lost, and real people who thought, “This would never happen to me.”

🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How wire fraud scams really happen — and why email is the weakest link
• How fake escrow companies and cloned websites fool even smart buyers
• What payoff fraud and title fraud actually look like in real transactions
• How AI voice cloning and deepfakes are changing crime forever
• Whether title lock services truly protect you — or just sell fear
• Why one 5-minute verification call can save your entire transaction

💬 This episode is essential listening for homeowners, buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate professionals who want to protect what matters most.

🔒 Pause. Verify. Protect.
Because once the money is gone — it’s usually gone forever.

📅 Book a free consultation:
https://calendly.com/teamella/a-conversation-with-ella-gurfinkel