Weekend Warrior | September 4-7, 2026

☀️🏡SOLD! Under Contract the First Weekend on Market!☀️🏡

It's Not a Mirage...It's El Mirage!

New Listing! Some homes stand out because of one great feature. This one stands out because it brings together several things buyers don't often find in the same home: 1,890 square feet of single-level living, two true primary suites, a private pool and heated spa, and solar helping keep monthly electric costs low. Whether you're making room for multiple generations, welcoming extended-stay guests, creating separation for an adult child or family member, or simply looking for a floor plan that gives everyone a little more privacy, this home was designed with flexibility in mind.

Make the Car Stop...on Mead: Chandler's Gated Golf Course Community

New Listing! Hidden at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac inside the gated Ocotillo Lakes community, this beautifully updated residence immediately feels different. Mature trees surround the property, creating a sense of privacy that's increasingly difficult to find, while thoughtful updates and professional staging highlight the home's timeless architecture and nearly 3,000 square feet of beautifully designed living space.

Weekend Warrior: Labor Day Weekend, Arizona Style ☀️🏡

Labor Day weekend is here, the forecast is hovering around a downright refreshing 100 degrees instead of 115, and we’re calling that progress. 😂 It should stay a little cooler all weekend, which means pool days, backyard hangs, staycations, and maybe even a few adventures outside before we retreat back into the air conditioning.

The real estate market has definitely picked back up, too. Buyers are re-engaging, sellers are calling, and our team has been busy with movers and shakers of every kind—including two closings today. If your home is already on the market, though, don’t panic if this holiday weekend feels either completely slammed or eerily quiet. Arizona holiday weekends can go either way, and one weekend rarely tells us the whole story.

Our newest market numbers are starting to show that same shift. August closings were softer, but the more forward-looking indicators—pending homes, properties under contract, and the contract ratio—have begun improving compared with last year. Inventory is also easing, and fewer sellers abandoned their listings in August than they did in July. In plain English? Buyers appear to be stirring a little earlier than usual, even though we haven’t seen all of that activity turn into closed sales yet. We’ll dig into what that means for buyers and sellers in this week’s full Market Watch.

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Curious What a Zillow Showcase Listing Looks Like? Check This One Out...

A Zillow Showcase listing gives a home a more premium presentation on Zillow, with enhanced visuals like high-quality photography, video, interactive floor plans, and a more immersive listing experience designed to help the property stand out. At the Amy Jones Group, that premium placement matters because buyers are often deciding which homes to click on before they ever schedule a showing. The more attention, engagement, and time we can earn online, the better chance we have to turn that interest into showings, offers, and ultimately the strongest possible outcome for our sellers.

September also brings a lot happening outside of real estate. It’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and on Wednesday Mindy will be speaking at Expansive about the importance of community, the people and places we build around ourselves, and why those connections matter when we need them most. You’ll also find her teaching at the Nonprofit Academy next week and heading to Oro Valley for the ACE Conference sponsored by the Phoenix and Chandler Chambers of Commerce. It’s a full month of conversations about leadership, community, connection, and impact—and we’re excited for all of it.

And for those of you looking for something fun to do this weekend, the newest East Valley Moms Adventure Guide is here with plenty of ideas for Labor Day weekend and beyond. Take the kids somewhere new, find a pool, eat something delicious, and please tag us in your family adventures—we love seeing where everyone ends up.

Scroll on for open houses, new listings, this week’s market preview, events, community resources, and everything else happening around the Valley. Happy Labor Day weekend, friends. Stay cool-ish. 💛

Wayne Ranch New Listing: Open Houses This Weekend

New Listing! An incredible opportunity under $400,000, this move-in ready, single-level home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,881 square feet in Wayne Ranch, right in the heart of growing San Tan Valley. Freshly updated with new flooring, interior paint, modern baseboards, and a new water heater, the home is ready for its next owners without a long list of projects to tackle. The spacious floor plan offers plenty of room to gather, relax, work, and grow, while the covered back patio and generously sized backyard...

Our Homeownership Education Portal Is Live

One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a home is that you have to have everything figured out before you reach out to a real estate agent. The truth is, most people don't know where to start - and that's exactly why we created this resource. We're excited to announce our new partnership with FirstHomeIQ, bringing a complete Homeownership Education Portal to the Amy Jones Group website. Whether you're dreaming about buying your very first home, wondering how much you should save, trying to understand credit and financing, or simply curious about how the process works, you'll now have access to trusted, easy-to-understand education all in one place.

We believe buying a home shouldn't feel intimidating. It should feel empowering. The more you understand the process, the more confident you'll be when it's time to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. The portal is designed to let you learn at your own pace with articles, videos, calculators, and educational tools that answer the questions most buyers have long before they're ready to tour homes. Even if buying is still a year - or a few years - away, it's never too early to start building your knowledge. Of course, education is only one piece of the puzzle. Every family's goals, finances, and timeline are different, which is why we're always happy to sit down, answer questions, and help you create a plan that's personalized to you. Think of the portal as your foundation—and our team as your guide whenever you're ready for the next step.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, planning your next move, helping an adult child prepare for homeownership, or simply curious about what's possible, we invite you to explore the new Homeownership Education Portal. Because informed buyers make confident homeowners - and that's exactly what we want for every client we serve. 💛

Union Park in Norterra: NEW PRICE on the MOVE-IN Ready Home!

New Listing! Built in 2023 and lightly lived in, this 2,567-square-foot home offers the look and feel of new construction without the wait. Positioned on a desirable corner lot in Union Park at Norterra, the modern two-story floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a spacious upstairs loft, and flexible living spaces designed for everyday life.

Inside this week’s edition:

🏡 New listings + recent closings
⚽ A fresh market breakdown in plain English
☀️ Summer opportunities for buyers (AND Sellers!)
⚽ Upcoming events and ways to get involved
🎉 Open houses happening this weekend across the Valley

And wherever your weekend takes you, be sure to tag us - we love seeing what you're up to. 💛

Buying a Home as a Self Employed Buyer

One of the first things a lender will look at is how long you’ve been self-employed. They want to know that your income is stable and that your business is likely to keep generating revenue. In many cases, lenders prefer to see at least two years of consistent self-employment history. If you haven’t been in business that long, you may still qualify if you have significant experience in the same industry or line of work. Every situation is different, but a solid two-year track record can make the process much more straightforward.

New Price on this Chandler Luxury Property in Gated Fulton Ranch

Welcome to Harmony Place - an extraordinary luxury residence tucked within the gated Island at Fulton Ranch, one of Chandler’s most coveted lake communities. Thoughtfully designed for elevated living and effortless entertaining, this 6,492-square-foot estate blends architectural presence with warm, livable spaces and a rare level of flexibility. With six bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, dual guest houses, and resort-style outdoor living on approximately 0.65 acres, this is a home that meets the moment for multigenerational living, hosting at scale, and everyday life done beautifully.

📊Market Watch: The Market is Waking Up

September is starting with a market that looks very different depending on which numbers you watch.

If you only look at August closings, things appear slower. Closed sales were down from July and also below last August, while monthly dollar volume softened. But the numbers that tell us what may happen next are beginning to improve. Pending listings, homes under contract, and the contract ratio have all moved back above where they were a year ago.

In plain English? Buyers appear to be coming back before that activity has had time to show up at the closing table.

That lines up with what we're seeing ourselves. After a couple of quieter weeks while families wrapped up summer and got kids back to school, our phones picked up, buyers started shopping again, and sellers began calling about fall plans. That doesn't mean every home is suddenly busy. On a holiday weekend especially, one listing might feel slammed while another gets almost no traffic. The market is still very local, very price-point specific, and very dependent on preparation.

🏡 Supply Is Still Pretty Normal

Active inventory continued to ease in August, with about 23,700 homes available without a contract. That's down from July and essentially flat compared with last year once we account for a small change in the areas included in ARMLS.

Days of inventory also improved slightly, and fewer sellers pulled their homes from the market in August than they did in July. That matters because it tells us sellers aren't giving up at the same rate, even during the slowest part of the summer.

But this is also exactly why sellers thinking about fall should be paying attention now. More inventory traditionally begins showing up as temperatures cool. If you're planning to sell in the fourth quarter, the goal is to be ready before everyone else decides the same thing.

Affordability continues to dominate the conversation, especially for first-time buyers, but looking only at the Valley-wide median price can give you the wrong impression about what is actually available. The median single-family home sold so far this year is about 2,001 square feet at $450,000, which is larger than many first-time buyers actually need. Once you start shopping below that median—or looking in areas where sellers have more competition—the opportunities can look very different.

New construction is still one of the clearest examples. Builders continue to offer significant incentives, including closing-cost assistance, rate buydowns and financing packages designed to move standing inventory. But an incentive isn’t automatically the same thing as a good deal.

One of our agents worked through exactly this with a buyer recently. Instead of automatically taking the builder’s advertised incentive package, they asked what the cash price would look like without those incentives baked into the deal, brought in the buyer’s own lender, compared the options side by side and ultimately closed at a price that gave the buyer equity on day one.

That’s why we don’t want buyers shopping from the flyer. The better question isn’t simply, “What incentive are they offering?” It’s, “What combination of purchase price, financing, concessions and long-term monthly payment gives me the best overall outcome?”

And resale sellers are negotiating too. In the $300,000–$400,000 range, 70% of sellers over the last three months contributed toward buyers’ closing costs, with a median contribution of $10,485—often including some form of mortgage-rate buydown. Add in the fact that six Valley cities are currently classified as buyer’s markets and several West Valley and Pinal communities are still moving further in that direction, and buyers who understand where their leverage is may have considerably more options than the headlines suggest.

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Is It Too Late to Sell Your Home This Summer?

By late July, it’s easy to assume the main selling season has come and gone. Spring listings have closed, school calendars are back on the refrigerator, and fall no longer feels far away. If selling has been on your mind, waiting until next year can start to sound like the sensible choice for your household and plans, but the calendar alone shouldn’t make that decision for you, especially here in the Valley.

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🇺🇸 Buyers Have More Reasons to Pay Attention

For buyers, the next several weeks may offer an interesting combination: more homes beginning to come to market, softer summer pricing, and a little more negotiating room before fall activity fully returns.

The median sales price slipped to about $445,500 in August, while the average price per square foot also moved lower for the month. Sellers are still receiving roughly 97% of list price, so this isn't a market where every seller is desperate to make a deal. But it does mean buyers should be looking carefully at homes that have been sitting, price adjustments, builder inventory, and sellers whose timing may create opportunity.

And as we've been saying all year, the "best deal" isn't always the biggest advertised incentive. Sometimes it's negotiating a lower purchase price. Sometimes it's using a seller credit to buy down the rate. Sometimes it's taking the builder's cash price and bringing your own financing. Strategy matters.

This one is important enough that we want people sharing it.

Arizona has expanded property-tax relief for disabled veterans. For 2026, qualifying honorably discharged veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating may receive a full property-tax exemption on their primary residence, although current 2026 eligibility rules still include an income requirement. Veterans with disability ratings below 100% may qualify for a prorated exemption based on their VA disability percentage.

And there's another major change coming: beginning with tax year 2027, Arizona is eliminating the income limitation for the disabled-veteran exemption, and veterans receiving Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) may also qualify for the full primary-residence exemption.

If you—or someone you love—served and has a VA disability rating, please don't assume you don't qualify. This could meaningfully change the cost of homeownership, and it's absolutely worth a conversation with your County Assessor and your real estate and lending team.

☀️ Sellers: September Is Your Preparation Window

If you're considering selling this fall, don't wait until you want the home on the market to start making decisions.

This is the time to look at what buyers are actually choosing in your neighborhood, what homes are going under contract, where they're priced when they get there, and what competition may be coming behind you. It's also the time to tackle repairs, staging, landscaping, photography, financing questions, and all the logistics that become stressful when you're trying to do them at once.

We talk a lot about beating the rush, and this is exactly what we mean. A seller who spends September preparing can enter the fourth-quarter market with a plan instead of reacting to it.

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💛 The Big Takeaway

August looked sleepy at the closing table.

September is starting to look more awake.

We're not calling it a boom, and we're not pretending every neighborhood is behaving the same way. But the forward-looking numbers are improving, inventory remains manageable, and we're seeing more buyers and sellers beginning to make plans.

For buyers, that means don't assume you missed your window.

For sellers, don't assume you have months before you need to start preparing.

And for everyone, remember that broad market headlines are only the beginning of the conversation. The real opportunity is figuring out what is happening in your neighborhood, your price point, and your timeline—and building the strategy from there. 💛

A Practical Guide for Relocating to the Valley

Relocating buyers face a specific set of challenges that a standard purchase doesn't involve: limited ability to tour, no firsthand feel for neighborhoods, compressed decision windows, and no local network to draw on. Working through each of those deliberately is what separates a smooth relocation purchase from a stressful one. If you're planning a move to the Valley, the key is approaching each stage with structure and clear expectations.

Elevating the Luxury Real Estate Experience

Luxury real estate is about much more than a home with a higher price tag. It's about thoughtful representation, strategic marketing, trusted relationships, and understanding that every client's definition of luxury is different. That's why we've expanded the luxury resources on the Amy Jones Group website—to give buyers and sellers a place to explore not only Arizona's exceptional properties, but also the expertise, global connections, and personalized service that make a difference when navigating the luxury market.

As members of the Luxury Real Estate network, our clients benefit from far more than a designation behind our name. Sellers gain access to one of the world's largest luxury real estate platforms, connecting their home to qualified buyers both locally and around the globe. Buyers gain access to an extensive network of luxury professionals, exclusive opportunities, and experienced guidance throughout every step of their search. Combined with more than two decades of experience serving the Phoenix metro area, these relationships allow us to deliver local expertise backed by international reach.

Whether you're considering the sale of a luxury property, searching for your next home, relocating to Arizona, or simply exploring what's available in our market, we invite you to browse our Luxury Real Estate resources. Our goal has never been to impress clients with credentials alone. It's to show how those relationships, designations, and partnerships translate into better marketing, stronger representation, broader exposure, and an elevated experience from beginning to end. 💛

Check Out Our Newest Listings All Across the Valley

We’re heading intoSpring with brand-new listings that perfectly reflect the range of homes we’re seeing come to market right now - from San Tan Valley,Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek and everything in between. From walkable, centrally located living to classic Arizona neighborhoods that balance convenience and comfort, these homes represent the kind of opportunities buyers are already acting on.

CHECK IT OUT!

🔥 UPCOMING EVENTS & OPEN HOUSES 🔥

One of our favorite parts of pictures like these is getting to look back at all the ways this community continues to show up for one another. 💛 Just last week, more than 50 local business owners joined us for our quarterly Business Mixer, where we packed 50 Confidence Kits for distribution to local schools, nonprofits, and group homes—and together raised more than $700 for our Rhinestone Ranch project with Branching Out. That project is where so much of our heart is focused right now as we help transform four bedrooms inside an East Valley home for girls who have experienced exploitation into spaces that feel safe, comfortable, beautiful, and truly theirs. There are opportunities to purchase specific items for the home or make a donation toward everything from bedding to an entire room, and every single contribution gets us closer to welcoming these girls home. 💛

And there are plenty of ways to simply get together, too! Our Verde events are back with Movie Nights, Tuesday Play Dates, and the Girls’ Night Out series—including Pilates & Prosecco coming up in September. We’ve got fliers and details for all of the upcoming events below, so save a few dates, grab a friend, bring the kiddos, or find the project that speaks to you. Around here, community isn’t a side project—it’s woven into everything we do, whether we’re serving together, doing business together, or just creating an excuse to spend time with the people we love. And as always, we’d love to know what local charities and causes matter most to you. Tag us when you share their needs so we can continue finding ways to connect this incredible community with opportunities to show up. 💛

New Price on this Scottsdale, Arizona Home Under $2M

This beautifully upgraded 2,304-square-foot home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and sits on a spacious lot just under a quarter acre in the highly sought-after Paradise Valley School District, blending modern comfort with resort-style living and exceptional versatility. With a private backyard oasis complete with a heated pool, outdoor entertaining areas, and recent major improvements, the property offers the rare combination of move-in-ready comfort, lifestyle appeal, and proven income potential - equally suited for full-time living, a vacation retreat, or a high-performing investment.

Home Selling Surprises to Expect in the Valley

If there's a mantra every seller should memorize before listing, it's this: expect the unexpected. While we're going to educate you about the process of selling your home and share our thoughts about how the sale could go based on what's happening in your market right now, no two sales are exactly alike. There are buyers, inspectors, lenders, appraisers, showing schedules, repair requests, and a surprising number of small details that can affect your plans, your budget, or both.

We’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes, event updates, and ways to get involved over the next few weeks - so if you’re not already following along on Instagram, that’s the best place to stay connected and see it all unfold in real time. 💛

Around here, events aren’t just things to attend - they’re how we build relationships, strengthen families, and create lasting memories together. If you’re looking for a way to plug in, serve, or simply spend time with great people, there truly is something for everyone this season. 💛

For Deals, Discounts, Don't Miss Events and HOT local picks for your whole crew, visit East Valley Moms! and subscribe to the EVM Weekender.

Moving to the East Valley soon?

In partnership with East Valley Moms, we've released the East Valley Relocation Guide just for you! With tips for new moms, where to take your kiddos for swim lessons and more - you are not going to want to miss this guide! Download your copy below or message us for details on how to get a hard copy!

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Arizona Adventure Guide for Families

At East Valley Moms, we’ve spent more than a decade helping local families discover things to do close to home—and over the years, some of my favorite stories to share have been the ones that take us beyond the East Valley and exploring our state.

💬 Your Story Is Our Impact

We’re still feeling incredibly grateful after being recognized with the Gilbert Chamber Impact Award - but the real impact we care about is the one we make in your lives, every single day. If we’ve helped you navigate a move, connected you to the community, or simply made you feel seen and supported, we’d love for you to share your experience in a Google review. Your stories help others find us - and remind us why we do what we do. 💙

Who do you know with real estate needs?

The greatest compliment you could give, is the referral of your friends or family. Trusting us with their real estate needs is an honor and a compliment we take very seriously! Click the link below to refer them and be assured that they will be well taken care of!

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😲 In Case You Missed It! Check Out our Blog!

The Renovations Paperwork You'll Want To Gather Up!

A renovated kitchen, finished basement, new roof, or upgraded heating system can add a lot to your home’s story. When it’s time to sell, however, buyers may want to know more than what they can see. They may also ask when the work was completed, who completed it, and whether permits, warranties, or service records are available. Here in the Valley, having those documents ready can make conversations with buyers smoother and help us describe the work with confidence.

Thinking About Selling Your Rental Property?

Maybe the property has been a good investment, but you’re ready to cash out. Maybe being a landlord has become more work than you expected. Or perhaps the lease is coming up for renewal and you’re wondering whether this is the right time to sell.

Selling an Inherited Home - What To Do First

An inherited home comes with its own set of legal, financial, and logistical decisions, and most of them need to be sorted out before a listing conversation even begins. If you're handling an inherited property here in the Valley, you may also be coordinating from a distance or balancing input from other family members. The property may be in another city. The condition may be unknown. Other family members may have a stake in what happens next. This post covers what needs to happen before an inherited home is ready to sell, and where to turn for the right guidance at each step.

Make a Small Home Easier to Live in With These Tips

Small homes often get overlooked, but they can offer some of the most comfortable and functional living spaces around. While they may not have room for every hobby, guest, or storage bin, they’re typically easier to clean, furnish, maintain, and enjoy. The best small homes aren’t defined by their square footage — they’re defined by how thoughtfully the space is used. Whether it’s a cozy condo, a charming cottage, or a compact apartment, smart design choices can make a home feel spacious, efficient, and welcoming. Here in the Valley, where many buyers are prioritizing affordability and lifestyle, knowing how to maximize a smaller space can make all the difference between a home that feels cramped and one that feels just right. 💛

You Found the One...Here's How To Win It!

After touring a dozen homes and scrolling through hundreds more, you’ve finally found the one - but in today’s Valley market, that’s only half the battle. The real challenge is getting your offer accepted. With multiple offers often in play, success comes down to strategy, speed, and clarity. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the most important factors to consider when it’s time to make a move, so you can submit an offer with confidence and the best chance of winning your dream home.

The 10 Second Scroll Test: Will Your Listing Pass It?

Picture this: a buyer is scrolling through listings on their phone while waiting for coffee at a local café in the Valley, and you’ve got maybe 10 seconds - tops - to grab their attention before they swipe past. In today’s market, first impressions happen fast and almost always on a screen. So if you’re thinking about selling, the question is: does your listing make someone stop, look twice, and want to know more?

Relocating to the Valley? Why the Right Agent Matters

Thinking about relocating to Arizona? Whether you’re moving across the country or just looking for a fresh start in a new state, the process can feel overwhelming - but it’s also full of opportunity. From navigating school districts and commute times to finding a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, there’s a lot to consider. That’s why working with a real estate team that specializes in relocation isn’t just helpful - it’s essential. Because relocating isn’t just about finding a house - it’s about building a life, and the right agent can make all the difference.

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📅 Ready to Start Planning Your Move? Let's Sit Down And Chat!

Our team of full time real estate agents (and mommas!) are here to answer your questions and chances are, if you have them - we've had them to! The local Arizona real estate market can be tricky if all you've got to go off of is click bait and old news - we've got the most current stats and can share with you exactly what our clients are seeing...

Gilbert Events This Weekend

Gilbert is central to many of Arizona’s scenic attractions. Northeast lies the Superstition Mountains, the location of the legendary Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, as well as the Tonto National Forest which contains scenery ranging from rugged desert to cool pines. South lies Saguaro National Park...

Chandler Events This Weekend

Whether you’re into live music, outdoor recreation, family-friendly entertainment, performing arts and cultural events, or sporting events, there's plenty of things to do in Chandler this weekend. Stay another day and disconnect with a visit to top attractions and weekend events in and around the Chandler area. There's plenty to do here in Chandler. Find more ideas on our Things to Do page.

Queen Creek Events This Weekend

There is always something happening in Queen Creek from Founder's Day to Garlic Week at the Olive Mill to the Holiday Festival and Parade to the Ice Cream Social - there are fun activities for everyone ALL year long!

Mesa Events This Weekend

During the day, browse artisan vendors and local purveyors at pop-up farmers’ markets — such as the Downtown Mesa Farmers’ Market held every Saturday — or savor the global flavors of Mesa’s dynamic culinary scene at a street fair or food festival. In the evening, laugh it up with friends and family during an improv act at the Neighborhood Comedy Theatre, settle in for a stage production at the Hale Centre Theatre, or listen to live music at a local bar, craft brewery or concert hall.