By Mike Bodeen · 19 January 2026
*and Foreclosures Increasing*
We’ve shared in the past about the trillions of dollars that are in process of being passed down from the Baby Boomer and Silent generations to the millennials, Gen Xers, etc., known as *The Great Wealth Transfer*. A recent report from Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury 2026 Trend report estimated that 38 Trillion dollars of wealth during the next ten years, is set to be transferred to younger generations with 4.6 Trillion of that being real estate.
“For many, real estate has become a strategic piece of their wealth planning and a sanctuary for their well-being.”
According to CB’S Luxury divisions’ vice president, Michael Altneu:
“They (wealth beneficiaries) are choosing homes that reflect their identity, support their day-to-day lifestyles, and protect long-term financial value. For many, real estate has become a strategic piece of their wealth planning and a sanctuary for their well-being.”
How will this wealth transfer affect non-wealthy (typical) home buyers? In my opinion, it will increase competition, and prices will rise by increased demand. Many, if not most of these wealthy transferees will have the ability to pay cash – further giving them a buying advantage.
What can be done to help those of us who are not among the fortunate ones that will be inheriting this wealth? Buy now. Get in the game as soon as possible. With rates nearing 6%, this may just be your time.
*Foreclosure Activity in Maricopa County is Rising*
On the flip side of our Wealth-Transfer article, we find a rise in foreclosure activity in Maricopa County. It should first be noted that even though these foreclosure numbers are increasing, our current rate of activity is HUGELY lower than the County has experienced in the past. Nonetheless, it’s a trend we’re watching. Here are current numbers:
| Maricopa County | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Foreclosure Notices | 5162 | 4128 | 3844 | 3590 |
| Trustee Sales | 1128 | 527 | 423 | 355 |
| Trustee Sales to Beneficiary | 657 | 259 | 156 | 73 |
| Trustee Sales to Third Party | 471 | 268 | 267 | 282 |
We expect these numbers to continue to increase. The ability to refinance a mortgage is far more challenging today than just a few years ago. Also, if prices drop, this will decrease equity making it more difficult to sell with enough proceeds to pay the lender.
If you find yourself in an unsettling situation, Jonathan and I are available to help counsel you in your specific real estate need. As one of the world’s wisest kings (King Soloman) wrote eloquently in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “There’s nothing new under the sun.”