Weekend Warrior | February 7-8, 2026
Why Your Appraisal Matters More Than Ever
Learn how refinancing, HELOCs, and mortgage recasts work and why your home’s appraisal can make or break your financial strategy. Discover how proper prep can protect your options and help you save and the best kept secret of all? None of these ideas require packing up a single box!
Weekend Warrior: Super Bowl Edition
We’re back with this week’s edition, and somehow it feels like we went straight from holiday mode into Valentine’s prep with only a quick stop at the Super Bowl in between. If you’re feeling like the calendar is moving faster than your laundry pile, you’re not alone. The Valley has been buzzing - from Barrett-Jackson and the Phoenix Open to Super Bowl parties, platters, and prep - and in the middle of all of that, life and real estate haven’t slowed down one bit.
This past week, we launched three new listings, helped three more families get under contract, and continued preparing several more homes that are coming to market soon - because when you know it’s time to make a move, you just know. We’re seeing strong activity across the Valley, from Tempe condos to Chandler and Gilbert homes to luxury properties, and it’s a great reminder that this market is still very local and very personal.
Right now, buyers are seeing more choices, sellers are navigating a little more competition, and well-prepared homes are still standing out in a big way. It’s a steady, thoughtful market - one where strategy, timing, and guidance really matter.
Brand New Listing in Gilbert's Popular 85295 Zip Code
Lovingly maintained by its original owner since day one, this 3-bedroom plus den, 2.5-bath home is filled with warmth, pride of ownership, and thoughtful care. From the inviting front porch to the peaceful backyard garden, every space reflects years of intentional living and attention to detail. Now, it’s ready for its next chapter - and for new memories to be made.
And of course, outside of real estate, our calendars are just as full. Next week we’re hosting our first quarterly business mixer of the year where we’ll be making Valentines for Seniors, we’ve got Playdate Tuesday and Friday Night Movie Night at Verde (featuring Elemental, which we are officially obsessed with), open houses all weekend, a little football in between, and lots of time catching up with our crews. Sound familiar? Yep - you’re our people. Oh, and let's not forget about the Gilbert Feeding Families Food Drive - we are once again a drop off spot for the drive that runs through February 22nd this year, but you can also message us and we'll come pick up the goods directly from you!
We’re also excited to share that we grew this week - meet Chloe and Katrina and check out their launch video. These two are incredible, and we’re so proud to have them on our team - in fact, come out to one of our Open Houses this weekend and you just might get to meet them in person!
Let’s dive in. 💛
On a Budget to Prep a Home? Here's What We'd Do.
In the Valley, where homes range from mid-century ranches in Arcadia to newer builds in Gilbert and Peoria, preparing a home for sale doesn’t have to mean a full remodel. After walking through hundreds of homes before they hit the market, one thing is clear: buyers don’t fall in love with expensive upgrades — they fall in love with homes that feel clean, bright, and easy to imagine themselves living in. When you’re working with a fixed budget, the goal isn’t to renovate, but to remove the small reasons a buyer might hesitate or adjust their offer, and this ,500 breakdown shows exactly how we’d allocate a realistic budget to help a Valley home photograph better, show better, and ultimately sell faster.
🔥 BRAND NEW LISTINGS - VALLEYWIDE 🔥
How Long Will My House Take to Sell in the Valley?
If your home has a few obvious strengths and very little that looks like a near-term expense, the buyer pool is usually larger and decisions happen faster. If the home has friction points that narrow the buyer pool, the sale can take longer - which one are you?
New Year Means New Routines
The first months of the New Year have a way of making you notice the little things that have been quietly bothering you since before the holidays - maybe it’s the kitchen counter that’s turned into a paper collection zone, or the entryway that’s always cluttered with shoes after a hike at San Tan. The slower winter pace gives you space to see what’s really working (and what isn’t) in your home, and to realize that these aren’t personal failings at all—just signs that your space could use a little more structure to match your daily rhythm. The good news? Most of it can be fixed in a single weekend with simple setups and small daily habits that help everything run more smoothly for the next twelve months.
A Stunning $4.5 Million Dollar Estate in the Gated Island at 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.
Should You Rent or Buy in 2026: Our Hot Take on Valley Real Estate
If you’re weighing whether to rent or buy in 2026, you’ve probably noticed that everyone has an opinion — and many of them sound like financial advice from someone who bought their house in 1987. Here in the Valley, that choice can feel even more complicated, with options ranging from long-established neighborhoods like Arcadia to newer master-planned communities in places like Gilbert or Peoria. The rent-versus-buy decision lives at the intersection of money, lifestyle, and what you want your future to look like. Yes, mortgage rates...
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 as the year gets underway. Early January is often quieter on the surface, but listings like these are a reminder that momentum is very real - and that well-priced, well-located homes are still drawing strong interest right out of the gate.
New Year Seller Checklist: List Now or Wait?
Most timing advice about selling a house sounds like it was written for someone with unlimited time, a spotless home, and a market that behaves on command - but real life in the Valley rarely fits that script. Between work schedules, school calendars, and the occasional dust storm, timing a sale means balancing what’s practical with what’s possible. This post is a timing checklist for homeowners planning to sell in 2026, designed to help you choose between three realistic windows: listing in winter, prepping for a spring launch, or holding and reassessing later. It works locally because the best time to list depends on what’s happening in your neighborhood, not what a national headline suggests.
📊Market Watch: What Busy Families Need to Know Now
If you’ve been wondering what’s really happening in the housing market right now, the short answer is this: the market is stable, active, and very dependent on where and how you’re buying or selling. Across Greater Phoenix, there are about 10% more homes for sale than this time last year. Many sellers who paused during the holidays returned to the market in January, giving buyers more choices and a little more breathing room. That’s good news for families who don’t want to feel rushed into big decisions.
Even with interest rates lower than last year, buyers are being thoughtful. They’re doing their homework. They’re comparing neighborhoods, schools, commutes, and budgets. As a result, demand is up slightly from last year, but it’s not frantic. Well-priced, well-presented homes are moving. Others are taking longer. When we look at prices, we’re seeing a split market. Higher-end homes are performing well, and luxury continues to be strong. Meanwhile, the middle and lower price ranges - where most families buy and sell - are feeling more pressure. Median prices are down slightly from last year, which tells us that sellers in these ranges need to be especially strategic.
Chandler's Best Super Bowl Party at the Trophy Bar
Doors open at 11am with the 2025 AZ Desert Country Music Entertainers of the Year, the Western Fusion Band. We follow them with a special guest, Bone, from Nashville performing on the side stage at 130pm. At 2pm we have a special treat with the former Las Vegas Toby Keiths Bar & Grill house band in town with Frank Garrett and Left of Centre hitting the stage.
Another important trend is how much of the market’s “energy” is happening at the top end. Three years ago, homes over $1 million made up about 25% of total sales dollars. Today, that number is close to 40%. That’s a huge shift and explains why some areas, especially in the Northeast Valley, are seeing stronger activity than others. At the same time, many cities are now shifting toward more buyer-friendly conditions. More areas are balanced or leaning toward buyers, which means negotiations, inspections, and thoughtful offers are becoming more common again. For families, this creates opportunities — but only if you know how to navigate them.
We’re also seeing differences between new homes and resale homes. Resale homes are holding up relatively well, while new construction had a slow start to the year. Many builders are offering incentives that don’t always show up in the headline prices, which makes side-by-side comparisons more important than ever. So what does all of this mean in real life?
For buyers, this is one of the healthiest environments we’ve seen in a while. You have more options, more leverage in many areas, and more time to make smart decisions. For sellers, preparation matters. Pricing right, presenting well, and marketing strategically are what separate the homes that sell quickly from the ones that linger. For families who are just thinking ahead, this is a great time to get informed and build a plan before life gets even busier.
Our goal is never to rush anyone into a move. It’s to help families move well - with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. If you’d like to know how these trends apply to your street, your neighborhood, or your goals for this year, we’re always here to walk through it with you. Stop by one of our Open Houses this weekend, and let's chat!
Seven Low Stress Things to Do Now if You Want to Buy this Year
If buying in 2026 is on your radar, winter in the Valley is a great time to get organized. The pace slows just enough, the weather is mild, and you can often carve out a few quiet moments between holiday gatherings and kids’ activities. This season isn’t about rushing to open houses or trying to time the market - it’s about making real progress by getting clear on your numbers, your priorities, and your timeline.
Waitlist Open & Special Financing Available: Santana Ridge Condos in Chandler
Looking for a sign to stop renting, simplify your lifestyle, or snag an investment in one of Chandler’s hottest hidden gems? This is it. The newest condo release at Santana Ridge isn’t just another listing drop - it’s a rare chance to get into a gated...
🔥 UPCOMING EVENTS 🔥
6 Steps to Planning a Successful Business Mixer
We LOVE connecting with our community and sharing each others stories. Every Quarter, The ...
Our event calendar is officially back in full swing, and we’re easing into the year with all the things that make this community special. We just wrapped up our first Playdate on the Green of the New Year last month, and it was exactly the kind of fun, relaxed connection we love seeing - kids playing, parents catching up, and neighbors becoming friends.
Next week is our Tuesday Play Date full of Valentine's crafts and fun and of course our Friday night Moonlit Movies on the Green at Verde at Cooley Station, featuring Elemental, which is perfect as our kids are navigating ALL the feels of being back into the swing of things! We’re also still taking RSVPs for our February Business Mixer next week - a favorite way to bring local professionals together with intention, where we’ll be collecting and creating Valentine’s Day cards for seniors as part of our give-back focus.
Behind the scenes, we’re preparing to announce upcoming volunteer events with ICAN and Branching Out through Community on Purpose, and yes - we promise the summer pool party will be back too… just not quite yet. It’s still a little cold for that 😉
The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Thinking about selling your home? Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or just ready for a change, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at the start. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out at once. With the right plan, selling your home can feel a lot less stressful - and a lot more strategic. This guide walks you through the key steps to get your home ready for market with confidence, clarity, and a clear sense of purpose.

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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!
Smart Money Moves to Make Now if You Are Thinking of Buying This Year
If selling your home in 2026 is even a maybe, this is a smart moment to get organized — not because you need to decide anything right now, but because a few small financial and planning moves early in the year can bring real clarity. And clarity changes everything. It makes each next step easier and more confident, whether that’s having an informed conversation with an agent, pricing out potential repairs, exploring timing options, or ultimately deciding that staying put is the right choice for now.
💬 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. 💙
📅 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...
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😲 In Case You Missed It!
The Secret Life of a Listing: What Happens Before You Ever Go Live
From the outside, it looks quick - one day your home is just your home, and the next it’s online with glossy photos, a polished write-up, and a “For Sale” sign in the yard. But the truth is, getting a home ready to sell is more like producing a reality show: there’s casting (lining up the right photographer, stager, or handyman), set design (making every room shine), and storyline (building the perfect description and marketing plan). By the time your home goes live, it’s the grand finale of a whole production happening behind the scenes - and we’re here to make sure every detail gets its moment in the spotlight.
What's Your Exit Plan: Selling with a Bigger Goal in Mind
Most homeowners in the Valley begin by asking, “Is now a good time to sell?”—but that’s not always the best starting point. Selling a home isn’t about timing the market perfectly, it’s about what comes next and whether the move gets you closer to the life you’re building. Maybe it’s a new job in downtown Phoenix, a home that’s become too much to manage, or a desire to swap suburban square footage for the convenience of being closer to the action. Whatever the reason, selling is just one part of a bigger plan—which is why the smartest question isn’t “Should I sell now?” but rather “What am I moving toward, and how do I get there?”
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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The Amy Jones Group prides itself on our commitment and service to our clients. Voted Best of Our Valley for nine years running, we appreciate the support from our past clients, vendor and community partners!
Weekend Events
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.
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