Finding the Perfect Home for Your NAU Student: A Parent’s Guide to Flagstaff Real Estate

by Bob Baronas

If your son or daughter is heading to Northern Arizona University (NAU), you’re likely thinking about more than just their class schedule. Finding safe and affordable housing is a top priority, and the housing market in Flagstaff, Arizona, can be a challenge. While on-campus living is an option, it’s not always a guarantee. Many students are now looking to the community for a place to call home, and for parents, this opens up a unique opportunity: buying a home for your student.

The NAU Student Housing Situation

NAU has a large student body, but the number of available dorm rooms and on-campus apartments can’t keep up with demand. This has created a competitive and often expensive rental market in Flagstaff, leaving many students to search for housing off-campus. The high cost of rent and the limited number of available units can be a stressful process.

For parents, this situation is not just a problem—it’s a chance to make a smart financial decision. Instead of paying rent for four years with no return, you can invest in a property that your student can live in.

Buying a Home as a Student Housing Solution

Investing in a Flagstaff home for your NAU student offers several major benefits:

Financial Investment: As a homeowner, you build equity over time. This means that a portion of every mortgage payment goes toward owning the property, not just paying a landlord. When your student graduates, you can sell the home, and you might see a significant return on your investment, especially in a market like Flagstaff where property values tend to rise.
Rental Income: If the property has extra bedrooms, your student can have roommates. This is a common and excellent way to generate rental income that can help cover the mortgage payments and other expenses. It can make owning a home more affordable than you think.
A “Home Away From Home”: Owning a home provides a stable and comfortable place for your student. They won’t have to worry about finding new housing every year or dealing with rising rent. It’s a secure base where they can focus on their studies.

Making a Strategic Real Estate Investment in Flagstaff

The Flagstaff real estate market has a lot to offer. From single-family homes near campus to townhomes and condos, there are many types of properties that can work as a student residence and an investment. When you start your search, consider factors like:

Location: Is it close to NAU? Is it on a Mountain Line bus route? A great location can make the property highly desirable for future tenants or buyers.
Property Type: A multi-family home (like a duplex) can be a fantastic investment because it allows you to rent out multiple units, providing a steady stream of income.
Resale Value: Look for a property with features that will appeal to a wide range of buyers, not just students. A home with a good layout, a yard, or a garage can be a great long-term investment.

A Trusted Partner for Your Real Estate Journey

Navigating the Flagstaff housing market requires an expert. When you are visiting Flagstaff and considering this important investment, you need a local realtor who understands the community and the unique aspects of student housing.

We highly recommend connecting with Bob Baronas, Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Northland. Bob is a dedicated professional with deep knowledge of the Flagstaff real estate landscape. His expertise goes beyond just finding a house; he can help you understand the potential for rental income, property management, and the overall investment potential of a home in the area. His experience ensures that you will have a partner who is looking out for your family’s best interests.

If you’re a parent of an NAU student, don’t just rent a place for four years—invest in their future and your own. Contact Bob Baronas to start exploring the opportunities in the Flagstaff housing market today.

Flagstaff Gated Golf Communities • Home Buying • Interest Rates • Luxury Homes Flagstaff • Northern Arizona Home Market • Relocating to Flagstaff • July 16, 2025

Flagstaff is Different

by Bob Baronas

Flagstaff is a beautiful place to live, but buying a home here can be tricky. It’s a special place, and that means the home market works a little differently than in other cities. If you’re thinking about buying a house in Flagstaff, it’s super important to know about the home loans and what they mean for you.

Why Are Flagstaff Home Loans a Little Different?

When you want to buy a house, most people get a home loan, also called a mortgage. This is a special kind of loan from a bank that helps you pay for your home. You pay the money back a little at a time over many years.

In Flagstaff, a few things make getting a home loan a bit more of a puzzle:

Homes can be expensive. The price of a house in Flagstaff is higher than in many other places. This means you need a bigger loan, and that can be harder to get.
Not many homes are for sale. Flagstaff is a popular city, but there isn’t a lot of land to build new homes on because of all the beautiful forests around us. When there are not many homes to buy, their prices can go up even more.
Cash offers can be very important. Sometimes, a person will offer to pay for a house with all cash, and they don’t need a loan at all. Sellers often like these offers best because they are simple and fast. If you need a loan, it can be a little harder to compete with these cash buyers. On the bright side, cash offers are know to be a bit unreliable. Recently up to 25% of cash offers backed out of the transaction during the inspection period.

How to Get Ready for Your Home Loan

Getting a home loan in Flagstaff is still possible! It just takes some smart planning. Here’s what you should do:

Save up for a down payment. The down payment is the money you pay for the home with your own savings. The more you can save, the better your chances are of getting a good loan.
Check your credit. Your credit score is like a report card for how you handle money. A good score shows banks you are a good person to lend money to. You can check your score for free to see where you stand.
Get a pre-approval letter. This is a letter from a bank that says you are ready to get a home loan. It’s like having a special ticket that tells sellers you are a serious buyer. This can help you a lot in the Flagstaff housing market. Using a local lender can also make the home seller more comfortable with the loan terms.

A Local Expert Who Can Help

Because the Flagstaff real estate market is so special, it’s a great idea to have a helper who knows all about it. A good Flagstaff Realtor can guide you and help you find the right home.

That’s where Bob Baronas comes in. He is a local real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Northland. Bob is an expert in the Flagstaff housing market and has helped many people buy homes here. He knows how to help you find a home you love and how to make a strong offer, even if you need a loan.

Bob Baronas understands the challenges of buying a home in Flagstaff and can work with you to make the process easier. He can connect you with good lenders and help you understand all the tricky parts of getting a home loan.

Buying a home in Flagstaff is a big and exciting step. With the right help and some good planning, you can make your dream of living in this beautiful mountain town come true. If you’re looking for a Flagstaff home for sale, reach out to Bob Baronas at Coldwell Banker Northland to get started!

Home Buying • Home Selling • Northern Arizona Home Market • Relocating to Flagstaff • July 13, 2025

Back Half of Summer Events

by Bob Baronas

Hello, Flagstaff Lovers!

The days are long, the air is cool, and our mountain town is buzzing with the energy of summer. From hiking the scenic trails of the San Francisco Peaks to enjoying a concert in Heritage Square, this is the time of year that truly defines the Flagstaff lifestyle. For many of us, this season also brings about a new perspective on our future, prompting questions about our next move.

As an Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Northland, I’m often asked what’s happening in our local real estate market this time of year. While the summer months historically see a lot of activity, the market in July 2025 has settled into a rhythm that offers unique advantages for both buyers and sellers. Here’s a closer look at what we’re seeing.

A Balanced Market Emerges

After years of intense competition and low inventory, the Flagstaff real estate market is now in a more balanced state. According to recent data, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in homes for sale, giving buyers more options than they’ve had in a long time. The median time a home spends on the market has also increased, which is a healthy sign of a stabilizing market. This shift creates a welcome environment where transactions are less frantic and more deliberate.

For Buyers: Your Opportunity Has Arrived. The “balanced” market is your chance to step back, take a deep breath, and find the right home for you without the pressure of a multiple-offer frenzy. With more inventory available, you have the time to explore different neighborhoods, from the serene Ponderosa Trails to the vibrant urban core. The key now is strategic patience. Work with a knowledgeable local agent to identify homes that align with your lifestyle, and be prepared to negotiate. My background in negotiation allows me to help you secure a home at the best possible terms.

For Sellers: A Realistic Approach is Key. While the days of guaranteed bidding wars may have cooled, this is still an excellent time to sell. The demand for Flagstaff’s unique quality of life remains strong. The crucial factor now is realistic pricing. Gone are the days when you could overprice a home and expect it to sell in a weekend. My advice? Price your home intelligently, based on current market data, and focus on highlighting what makes your property special. Features like energy efficiency, a private backyard, or stunning mountain views are more important than ever.

Current Market Snapshot (July 2025)

The data from late spring and early summer shows a healthy, active market:

Median Home Prices remain strong, showcasing the enduring value of Flagstaff real estate.
Inventory has steadily increased, providing buyers with much-needed choice.
Days on Market have leveled out, giving both parties more time to complete due diligence.
The stabilization of mortgage interest rates has also given buyers more confidence, bringing many back into the market who may have been waiting on the sidelines.

My Commitment to You

Navigating a changing market requires more than just searching listings; it requires a deep understanding of local nuances and a strong focus on relationships. My career is built on a foundation of trust and client advocacy. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer looking for your mountain retreat or a seller ready for your next chapter, I’m here to guide you through the process with clarity, expertise, and a commitment to your best interests.

Let’s connect and talk about your real estate goals. The summer is a perfect time to make your move in Flagstaff, and I’m ready to help you every step of the way.

Uncategorized • June 16, 2025

🏡 Flagstaff, AZ Real Estate Market Update – June 2025

by Bob Baronas

Looking for the latest Flagstaff real estate market trends? In June 2025, Flagstaff continues to be a vibrant and evolving housing market—perfect for realtors, buyers, and sellers alike. Let’s explore the data, understand the trends, and highlight what makes Flagstaff unique.

📈 Key Market Statistics

Average home value: $664,657—up 1.9% year-over-year, with homes going pending in around 13 days azfamily.com+3zillow.com+3zillow.com+3.
Median listing price: Approximately $785,600 in May 2025, a slight decrease of 1.7% from last year fred.stlouisfed.org+4realtor.com+4rocket.com+4.
Median sold price: $727,171 in May 2025—a strong +6.9% increase YoY, at about $1,696/sq ft rocket.com.
Redfin’s median sale price: $767,240 in May 2025—showing an impressive +24.8% YoY increase, though days on market have lengthened to 33 days flagstaffrealestate.site+3redfin.com+3rocket.com+3.
Homes sold/sold volume: 89 homes in May 2025—a 9% decrease from last year, with red-hot competition tempered compared to 2024 .
Median days on market: 52 days in May (up from 45 in April), suggesting a cooling trend fred.stlouisfed.org.
Current supply: Approximately 415–750 active listings, with inventory growing slightly, including a 10.4% month-over-month rise in May fred.stlouisfed.org+6zillow.com+6rocket.com+6.

🏘️ Market Analysis: Buyers vs. Sellers

Sellers’ Market — Cooling Slightly

With home values steady and even appreciating (+1.9% to +24.8% YoY), sellers still hold the edge. However, the small YoY dip in listing prices (–1.7%) paired with longer days on market and increased inventory indicates a softening trend, more balanced than the overheated market of 2023–2024.

What This Means for Buyers

More negotiating power: Increased inventory and longer listing times give buyers room to negotiate.
Avoiding bidding wars: Expect fewer frenzied bidding situations—now is a better time to make a calm, educated offer.

What This Means for Sellers

Strategic pricing is key: Aim for realistic offers aligned with comps.
Professional staging matters: Homes in the $600K–$800K range are still moving quickly if they’re well-presented northernarizonafinehomes.com.

🌟 Why Flagstaff Stands Out

Scenic, high-altitude appeal: At ~7,000 ft elevation, Flagstaff offers a mountain-town lifestyle—great for outdoor lovers and a draw for buyers .
Strong local economy: Supported by Northern Arizona University, health, education, tourism, and government sectors en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
Balanced market indicators: A months-supply of ~4.2 months suggests neither buyer nor seller dominance—balanced market conditions .

🌐 SEO Boost: What Buyers & Sellers Are Asking

Keywords included: “Flagstaff AZ real estate market,” “Flagstaff home values 2025,” “Flagstaff housing trends,” “Flagstaff homes for sale,” “Flagstaff real estate statistics,” “buying home in Flagstaff.”

Meta Title: Flagstaff AZ Real Estate Market Update June 2025
Meta Description: Explore the latest Flagstaff housing market stats—home values, median prices, inventory trends, and real estate insights for buyers & sellers in June 2025.

✅ Final Take

Flagstaff’s 2025 real estate market remains dynamic, with stable to rising home values. Inventory is growing modestly, creating a more balanced marketplace. Whether you’re a motivated buyer or a savvy seller, understanding these trends—longer days on market, slight listing price dip, but still solid demand—allows you to make informed, strategic moves.

For Buyers:

Shop smarter without bidding wars
Secure home inspections and rate negotiations
Work with an experienced realtor for competitive edge

For Sellers:

Price according to market comps
Stage & present with care
Partner closely with a local market professional

Let’s make your Flagstaff real estate journey a success.
I’m Robert Baronas, Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Northland in Flagstaff. Reach me at (928) 985‑0140 to get started!

Sources: Zillow, Realtor.com, Rocket Homes, Redfin, Movoto, FRED, Northern Arizona MLS reports.

Robert Baronas
Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Northland
Flagstaff, Arizona
📞 (928) 985‑0140

Home Selling • Interest Rates • Luxury Homes Flagstaff • Northern Arizona Home Market • Relocating to Flagstaff • Rental Properties • Short Term Rentals • Uncategorized • April 2, 2025

Selling Your Home in Flagstaff: What You Need to Know

by Bob Baronas

Selling a home in Flagstaff, AZ can be an exciting but complex process. Whether you’re moving, upgrading, or downsizing, understanding the local real estate market and following the right steps will help you get the best price for your property. Here’s a comprehensive guide to successfully selling your home in Flagstaff.

1. Understand the Flagstaff Real Estate Market

Flagstaff’s housing market is unique due to its high demand for homes, limited inventory, and seasonal trends. Here are key insights:

High Demand: Flagstaff is a desirable location due to its mountain lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and university presence (NAU).
Seasonal Selling Trends: Spring and summer are peak seasons for home sales, but Flagstaff’s year-round tourism keeps the market active.
Home Values: The median home price in Flagstaff is consistently higher than Arizona’s average due to its sought-after location.

📌 Check current Flagstaff housing market stats: Flagstaff MLS

2. Prepare Your Home for Sale

Maximize your home’s value by ensuring it looks its best before listing. Key steps include:

✅ Boost Curb Appeal: First impressions matter! Fresh paint, landscaping, and a clean exterior make a difference. ✅ Declutter & Stage: Make rooms appear spacious and inviting by removing excess items and staging furniture. ✅ Make Necessary Repairs: Fix leaky faucets, patch holes, and update outdated fixtures. ✅ Get a Pre-Listing Inspection: Addressing issues upfront can speed up the selling process.

📌 Need professional staging? Coldwell Banker Home Staging Services

3. Price Your Home Competitively

Setting the right price is crucial to attracting buyers. Overpricing can lead to longer time on the market, while underpricing may mean losing potential profit.

💡 Steps to Pricing Smartly:

Compare Recent Sales: Look at homes similar to yours that have sold recently in Flagstaff.
Work with a Local Real Estate Agent: A professional can conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
Consider Market Trends: Are prices rising or stabilizing? This will impact your pricing strategy.

📌 Curious about your home’s value? Get a free home valuation here.

4. Market Your Home Effectively

To sell your home quickly and for top dollar, a strong marketing strategy is essential.

📢 Marketing Strategies That Work:

Professional Photography & Virtual Tours: Homes with high-quality photos sell faster.
Online Listings: Your home will be listed on major platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and MLS.
Social Media & Email Marketing: Targeted campaigns attract serious buyers.
Open Houses & Private Showings: These events generate buzz and encourage offers.

📌 Learn how I market homes in Flagstaff: My Marketing Plan

5. Negotiate Offers & Close the Deal

Once offers start coming in, it’s time to negotiate terms that work for you.

🔹 Common Negotiation Points:

Purchase price
Closing costs
Repair requests
Move-out timeline

After accepting an offer, the closing process begins, including inspections, appraisals, and final paperwork.

📌 Want expert negotiation help? Contact me today

Final Thoughts: Get Expert Help to Sell Your Home

Selling your home in Flagstaff doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation, pricing, and marketing strategy, you can sell quickly and for the best price.

📞 Ready to sell? Let’s talk! Schedule a consultation here

📌 Related Articles:

Best Neighborhoods in Flagstaff for Homebuyers
How to Buy a Second Home in Arizona

🚀 Let’s make your home-selling journey a success!