Weekend Warrior | March 14-15, 2026

Should I Buy a New Construction Home or Something in My Neighborhood?

When you’re house hunting in the Valley, it’s easy to find yourself torn between the excitement of a brand-new build and the charm of an existing home. Maybe you’ve fallen for the shiny finishes of a model home - or maybe you’re waiting on a new construction timeline that keeps shifting. Both paths are common for buyers here, and each comes with its own pros, trade-offs, and surprises. This guide helps break down what to expect so you can make a decision based on clarity, not just first impressions.

How Do You Know When You've Got a Good Offer?

When you receive multiple offers on your home here in the Valley, it’s tempting to focus on the highest number and call it a win but experienced sellers know the price is only part of the story. The strongest offer is the one that actually makes it to closing, and that depends on far more than the dollar amount at the top of the page. The real difference between an offer that looks impressive and one that truly performs comes down to the terms and conditions that determine whether the deal will move forward smoothly or fall apart.

Weekend Warrior: ☘️Spring is In the Air and We're Feeling Lucky

Spring is starting to feel very real around here - and this week has been full of the kind of momentum we love to see.

We launched a beautiful new listing in Legacy at Freeman Farms, a single-level home with an incredible backyard and an RV garage - a combination that’s surprisingly hard to find in Gilbert under $2M. We celebrated the debut with a broker open on Thursday (with our friends from Del Chuterie bringing the delicious snacks, of course), and today we’ve got an open house there along with several others across the Valley. One to keep an eye on? A newly price-reduced condo with a two-car garage that accepts VA financing - yes, that can mean no money down - and we expect it to move quickly at the new price.

Meanwhile, our community calendar is just as busy. Our last Tuesday Playdate had a St. Patrick’s Day theme that the kids absolutely loved, and we’re gearing up for Movie on the Green at Verde featuring K-Pop Demon Hunters - the excitement from the kids has been very real. We’re also counting down to our Eggstravaganza with Branching Out, which still needs volunteers, so if you’ve been looking for a way to jump in and help, this is a great one.

New Gilbert Listing with an 8 Car Garage

Welcome to a home designed for both luxury living and everyday comfort in one of Gilbert’s most desirable gated communities. Located in Legacy at Freeman Farms by Fulton Homes, this beautifully upgraded single-level residence sits on nearly half an acre, offering rare space, privacy, and thoughtfully curated upgrades throughout. With 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and a 6 car oversized RV garage and an additional climate controlled 2 car garage - the home blends elegant design, modern convenience, and resort-style outdoor living in a gated community with landscaped walking paths and modern amenities.

Behind the scenes, our team is working with a growing number of buyers taking advantage of new programs and opportunities in the market, while our sellers continue to benefit from the kind of marketing that helps their homes truly stand out. So here’s the question we’re asking this week: who do you know that should talk with us before summer arrives? And while you’re thinking about that, we’re also taking applications and nominations for our Love Local event in May, where we’ll support women returning to the workforce or stepping into new careers - and we’re always grateful for volunteers who want to be part of that impact.

Keep reading for this week’s market update, upcoming events, and a few opportunities you won’t want to miss.

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!

📊Market Watch: Feeling Lucky? Don't Miss Your Shot.

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, a lot of people are asking whether buyers or sellers are the ones getting lucky in this market — and the answer right now is… it depends where you look.

Over the past few weeks, the strong buyer trend we’ve been watching is starting to slow down. The number of cities moving in a direction favorable to buyers has dropped from 15 last week to 10 this week, while 8 cities are now trending toward sellers, including Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Maricopa. Paradise Valley made the most significant move on the seller side. The overall Cromford® Market Index only slipped 1.4% this week, compared with a larger decline the week before, which suggests the buyer advantage may be stabilizing - and could even start turning back toward sellers as we move further into spring.

Buyer activity is quietly improving too. For the second week in a row, more homes are under contract than at the same time in any of the past three years, a sign that the market is gaining momentum as rates hover around the 6% range and the traditional spring buying season gets underway.

Wild Summer Play Club: Answer to Your East Valley Summer Questions

If summer in the Valley feels long, hot, and hard to plan around, Wild Summer Play Club was created with you in mind. This six-week outdoor play membership brings East Valley families together for simple, heat-smart morning adventures — think shaded lake time, splash days, creek walks, easy water outings, and even an optional family camp finale — all thoughtfully planned so you can just show up and enjoy time with your kids. Designed for families with little ones (ages 0–7), it offers connection, rhythm, and meaningful summer memories without the pressure of attending every meetup or coordinating it all yourself.

One place where the market is definitely feeling lucky is at the very top end. So far this year we’ve already seen 21 homes sell for more than $10 million, which is more than the entire year of 2022 and on pace to surpass even last year’s record activity. Those ultra-luxury sales are pushing the average home price to record levels around $650,000, but it’s important to understand that this doesn’t reflect the typical home. When you remove those $10M+ properties, the average price is much closer to $627,000 — almost unchanged from last year.

In other words, the luxury market is having a moment, while the broader market remains relatively steady.

There are also some potential policy changes on the horizon in Washington with the proposed 21st Road to Housing Act, which aims to limit how large institutional investors purchase single-family homes. While the details are still evolving, early indications suggest the legislation would have very little impact on the resale market here in the Valley, though it could slow the growth of large build-to-rent communities in the future.

Brand New Price on this Mesa Condo Under $350 - With VA Financing Available

28314 S Extension Rd Unit 1026 Mesa, AZ 85210 | MARLBOROUGH MESA VILLAS | Listed by the Am...

For now, the takeaway is simple: the market is beginning to find its footing as we move into spring. Inventory growth has slowed, buyer activity is improving, and if this trend continues for another couple of weeks, we could see the Cromford® Market Index start moving back toward sellers again.

So whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, the real question this month isn’t just “Are you feeling lucky?” — it’s are you positioned well if the momentum shifts this spring?

What Happens During the Inspection Period?

You’ve accepted an offer and started planning your move - and then the inspection report arrives. Suddenly the deal that felt simple is filled with questions about repairs, requests, and what you’re actually obligated to address. This guide breaks down how inspection negotiations typically work here in the Valley so you can respond confidently, protect your interests, and keep your sale moving forward.

Fifteen Housewarming Party Tips for Valley Homeowners (and Party Go-ers!)

Moving into a new home here in the Valley is exciting, but between unpacking boxes, coordinating repairs, and figuring out your new routines, the idea of hosting a housewarming party can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need...

Should You Buy a House in the Valley if the Kitchen Isn't Your Style?

You know that feeling when a home checks all the big boxes… and then one room stops you in your tracks? The dark kitchen. The awkward bathroom. The “finished” space that doesn’t actually feel usable. Before you walk away, this article walks you through how to think about buying a home with imperfections — what’s fixable, what’s worth it, and how to evaluate updates with clarity instead of emotion.

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.

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.

CHECK IT OUT!

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?

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.

CHECK IT OUT!

🔥 UPCOMING EVENTS 🔥

Spring is shaping up to be one of our most meaningful seasons yet - and this community continues to show up in the most incredible ways.

We just wrapped our Gilbert Feeding Families food drive, and wow… you showed up. Donation boxes filled, events turned into drop-off hubs, and generosity flowed from every corner of the East Valley. We’ll be sharing photos soon - and if you don’t already follow us on Instagram, that’s where the newest moments always land first.

Now we’re turning our energy toward what’s ahead, starting with the Eggstravaganza with Branching Out on March 28th, where volunteers help create a joyful spring experience for families in our community. In April, we’re proud to partner with ICAN for a special volunteer opportunity as we sponsor Me and My Family Night at Hartford Elementary, supporting students and families with connection, resources, and fun. And applications are officially OPEN for our beloved Love Local event with cabi in May, where we’ll gift 40 women new clothing, confidence, and a day designed entirely around encouragement and community.

Meanwhile, our monthly rhythms continue - we still have a couple of months left of Tuesday Playdates and Moonlit Movies on the Green at Verde at Cooley Station, giving families easy, joyful ways to gather before the summer heat fully arrives. And don’t forget our next Business Mixer in May, where local professionals connect with intention and impact.

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 spring. 💛

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.

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!

Download Here

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...

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!

Refer a Friend

😲 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.

If you LOVED working with us, please share the LOVE!

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!

Leave A Review

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.