Zack Heene, a Scottsdale REALTOR® with Realty ONE Group who lives in the Cactus Corridor, has been interviewed on Arizona’s Family CBS 5 and quoted in Phoenix New Times about home prices, property taxes, rental scams and where the Phoenix-area housing market is headed. Every interview is listed below, grouped by TV and print, newest first, with a link to the original story.
When a reporter needs a local agent to explain what a new housing study actually means for people who live here, these are the conversations I have had. I keep the answers plain: what is happening, why, and what it means if you own a home here or want to buy one.
On TV: Arizona’s Family (CBS 5 and 3TV)
Phoenix home prices outpace inflation by 177%, second-highest in U.S.
Arizona’s Family CBS 5 · Reported by Austin Walker · October 4, 2026
A Clever Real Estate study found Phoenix home prices have outpaced inflation by 177% over the last 15 years, second only to Miami. I talked about what that looks like on the ground right now: buyers have a little more negotiating power, and sellers are waiting longer and working harder to sell.
“Sellers are sitting a little bit long, having to work a little harder to sell their properties.”
Watch the story on AZFamily.com →
Scottsdale woman nearly pays $1,000 deposit in alleged rental scam
Arizona’s Family · Reported by Austin Walker · January 9, 2026
A Scottsdale renter nearly sent more than $1,000 to a fake “agent” for a home that was actually for sale, not for rent. I explained how these scams are getting more convincing, and the simplest defense: meet the person before you send any money.
“If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.”
Watch the story on AZFamily.com →
In print: Phoenix New Times
Arizona among states with steepest home price drops in U.S.
Phoenix New Times · Reported by Morgan Fischer · April 27, 2026
A national study put Arizona near the top for falling list prices. I explained why that is not a red flag: prices overshot during the COVID-era run-up, sellers were asking too much, and list prices are coming back in line.
“Values went up so much. It was kind of out of whack.”
Read the story on Phoenix New Times →
Phoenix among best cities for homebuyers amid market shift
Phoenix New Times · Reported by Morgan Fischer · January 22, 2026
Why the market can feel stuck: many owners are holding low mortgage rates they do not want to give up, so instead of cutting the price, they pull the house off the market and wait.
“They usually say buyers kick tires. For this last couple of years, it’s been sellers doing that.”
Read the story on Phoenix New Times →
Valley suburbs among U.S. cities with lowest property tax burdens
Phoenix New Times · Reported by Morgan Fischer · January 12, 2026
Several Valley suburbs ranked among the lowest property tax burdens in the country. I talked about how big a selling point that is for out-of-state buyers, especially Californians, many of whom do not believe how low the taxes are until they see the numbers.
“Sometimes (clients) don’t believe me when I tell them how low the property taxes are.”
Read the story on Phoenix New Times →
Realtors say this is Phoenix’s ‘magic’ ZIP code. What does that mean?
Phoenix New Times · Reported by Cheyla Daverman · October 29, 2025
Agents have marketed 85254 as Phoenix’s “magic ZIP code” for years. I explained where the label came from (the area was a bargain during the pandemic, with new shopping and entertainment on the way) and why it is mostly a marketing line now that prices have caught up.
“It was magic because of what you were getting for the price, and how fast they were selling.”
Read the story on Phoenix New Times →
For reporters
Covering the Scottsdale or Phoenix-area housing market? I am glad to help with local context, a phone or on-camera interview, or a quick read on what a new study means for homeowners here. I respond fast, and I can pull current numbers from the Arizona Regional MLS for the Cactus Corridor and nearby neighborhoods.
Call or text 480-229-0210 or email Zack@ZackSellsScottsdale.com.
Looking for the numbers behind the headlines?
If you are a homeowner rather than a reporter, start with How Much Do Homes Cost in the Cactus Corridor? or What Is the Cactus Corridor in Scottsdale?
Written by Zack Heene, REALTOR®, Realty ONE Group · Arizona license SA68582000 · Updated October 2026