Local real estate experts came together virtually for a webinar May 29 to discuss the state of the industry in Arizona with two topics emerging — activity from first time home buyers and a continuing shift to single family rentals.

Home prices went up across the nation during the first quarter of 2020 including in the Valley and Peoria, according to a recent report by the National Association of Realtors®. However, this statistic isn’t necessarily a good measure of the climate created by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which came to the forefront halfway through the quarter, experts say.

Over the years, consumers have warmed up to buying certain products online, when before they would choose to buy them at a brick and mortar shop. Shoes, clothes, home furnishings and even groceries — especially now that COVID-19 has led to social distancing restrictions — these are items that many consumers now unflinchingly buy online.

Another apartment community is slated for the Olive Avenue corridor in south Peoria.