Weekend Warrior | October 16-18, 2026

NEW LISTING: Across From Neighborhood Amenities in Ovation 55+

Discover the ease of beautifully appointed living in one of Queen Creek's premier gated active adult communities. Perfectly positioned across from the neighborhood recreation center and overlooking lush, maintained green space, this thoughtfully upgraded home offers effortless access to the amenities you love, a private retreat to call your own, and the freedom to spend more time enjoying both.

NEW LISTING: West Chandler Location + Cul-de-sac Lot + Oversize Lot

Discover a home that brings together the space you've been looking for, the updates you'll appreciate, and the location that makes everyday life easier. Positioned on an oversized cul-de-sac lot in an established West Chandler neighborhood near the Tempe border, this beautifully refreshed home offers an inviting balance of comfort, flexibility, and Arizona indoor-outdoor living. Within walking distance to neighborhood Kyrene Elementary & Tempe High Schools, the Price Corridor, and convenient freeway access to Phoenix, Scottsdale, and both the East and West Valley - you'll always want to be on Alder.

NEW PRICE: Chandler's Gated Golf Course Community

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: This Is the Season We’ve Been Waiting For 🍂🏡

This week felt like the start of that stretch of the year where everything starts moving at once — in real estate, in the community, and on our calendars.

We sent half a dozen buyers to meet with our lending partners this week as they started figuring out what it would take to become homeowners by the holidays. We also worked through two sticky appraisal issues, brought two new listings to market, and made a handful of strategic price adjustments that have us positioned for what we hope will be a strong weekend of activity. This is the part of the market where preparation really matters, and we are seeing firsthand how much difference it makes when buyers and sellers have a clear plan before the pressure shows up.

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Curious what YOUR HOME would look like as a Zillow Showcase Listing by the Amy Jones Group?

Zillow Showcase is a premium listing experience designed to help a home stand out where so many buyers begin their search. Showcase listings receive enhanced placement and a more immersive presentation with features like high-quality photography, interactive floor plans, and richer visual content that helps buyers spend more time engaging with the property. For our sellers, that matters because the goal is not simply to be listed — it’s to be noticed. At the Amy Jones Group, Zillow Showcase is one more way we help create stronger online visibility, attract more serious buyer attention, and give each listing the best possible opportunity to convert clicks into showings and showings into offers.

Our community calendar is moving just as fast. We unfortunately had to cancel tonight’s movie night at Verde because of the wind, but in very on-brand fashion, we were already double booked with the Power Ranch Trick or Treat event with Eco Roofing. That tends to happen when you have a team of 12 heading into fall — and truthfully, we don’t hate it. This is the season for showing up everywhere we can.

With this weather finally cooperating, we’re expecting a busy open house weekend, and we’re heading straight into the heart of fall with even more listings, events, volunteer opportunities, and family fun ahead.

Scroll on for this week’s market update, new listings, open houses, community happenings, and all the ways we’re helping people move forward — whether that means buying, selling, planning, or just figuring out what comes next. 💛

RSVP: Annual Pie & Photos Event with The Amy Jones Group (FREE!)

One of our favorite traditions of the year is almost here! Join us on November 22 from 1–4 PM at the Granite Ramada at Discovery Park in Gilbert for our 11th Annual Fall Pie Event. We’ll have free family photos, yummy food from Miracle Mile Delicatessen, games, crafts, and pies for everyone - plus a chance to gather with friends, clients, neighbors, and our community before the holiday season gets into full swing. We’re also collecting canned food for AZCEND Food Bank, so bring a donation if you’re able. This event is completely free, but we’d love for you to RSVP so we can plan accordingly. Bring the family, invite a friend, and come spend the afternoon with us. 💛

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. 💛

Summer Getaway in Prescott

Exceptional privacy, quality and views come together in this beautiful Yavapai Hills home, ideally situated on a private .83-acre wooded lot with no neighbors directly behind. Designed for comfortable main-level living, the open floor plan features hardwood floors, abundant natural light, a spacious great room with stone fireplace and a gourmet island kitchen with granite countertops, gas cooktop, double ovens and built-in refrigerator. The main level includes the spacious primary suite with a spa-like bath featuring a jetted tub...

New Tempe Listing: Single Level Corner Lot with a Pool & Basketball Court

New Listing! Welcome to a home that makes it easy to love where you live. Set on a spacious corner lot in an established Tempe neighborhood, this refreshed single-story home pairs comfortable, open living spaces with a backyard built for sunshine, celebrations, and everyday fun. Add four bedrooms, a private pool, your own basketball court, and an exceptional central location, and you've found the kind of home that offers a little more of everything that matters.

One Less Upfront Cost: Desert Financial’s Free Appraisal Offer

Buying a home comes with plenty of expenses, so anytime there’s an opportunity to remove one of those upfront costs, it’s worth paying attention.

For a limited time, Desert Financial is covering the appraisal fee for qualifying mortgage borrowers. The offer applies to completed loan applications received between September 1 and December 31, 2026, as long as the loan closes by February 15, 2027.

That matters because an appraisal is one of the standard costs buyers typically encounter during the mortgage process. Having that fee covered can help reduce the amount of cash needed along the way and make the process feel a little more manageable.

Desert Financial is also highlighting local mortgage support, competitive rates, and flexible terms as part of the program. For buyers who participate in its Home Plus program, there may also be an opportunity for up to $7,500 in closing-cost credit, subject to the program’s terms and participating broker requirements.

As always, the important thing is not just asking, “What’s the rate?” but looking at the full picture: interest rate, monthly payment, cash needed at closing, available credits, appraisal costs, and which loan structure best fits your goals.

If you’re thinking about buying before the end of the year, this is one more program worth comparing as part of your overall strategy.

At the Amy Jones Group, we’re happy to help you look at the options side by side so you can understand what actually saves you money - not just what sounds good on the flyer.

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: Prices May Be Finding Their Floor - Even as Buyers Gain Leverage

If you caught our market update on Instagram this week, you already know the headline: the Greater Phoenix market has continued shifting in buyers’ favor.

But the pricing data released this week adds an important layer to that story. The market is softer. Demand is weaker. Inventory is higher. And yet… prices are not falling nearly as quickly as you might assume from those headlines.

💰 The Summer Price Slide May Be Bottoming Out

For the month ending October 15, the median sales price across the ARMLS market was $450,000. That’s exactly where it was a month ago. And exactly where it was a year ago. Median price per square foot came in at $250.34, down only 0.1% from September. That makes three monthly declines in a row, but this one was dramatically smaller than the previous two. The current forecast calls for approximately $251 per square foot and a $450,000 median sales price by November 15, which suggests prices may be flat to slightly firmer over the next month.

Translation?

The summer decline appears to be finding its floor. That does not mean demand has suddenly returned or sellers have regained the upper hand. It means price and market balance are not the same thing.

🏡 Buyers Have More Choice — Even Without a Price Crash

This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear. A buyer’s market does not require home values to collapse. Right now, buyers are gaining leverage because there are more homes competing for fewer contracts. As of mid-October, there were just 6,423 listings under contract, down about 12% from September and 14% from this time last year. Earlier October data also showed active inventory rising sharply while pending and under-contract activity fell. And the city-level numbers continue moving in the same direction. Every one of the 18 major cities we track has moved in a buyer-favorable direction over the last month. The average Cromford Market Index is now down 14.5% month over month, with supply higher across all 18 cities and demand weaker in 17 of them. We still have five seller’s markets, five balanced markets, and eight buyer’s markets — so, as always, your city and price point matter enormously. Chandler, for example, remains technically seller-favorable, while Gilbert is balanced and Queen Creek is firmly buyer-favorable. That is why “How’s the Phoenix market?” will never tell us enough.

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Land Scarcity Near Phoenix Is Driving Up Competition in Chandler and Gilbert

Six cities in the Phoenix Valley are in a seller’s market. A short drive south, in Maricopa, inventory has accumulated to a degree that could take years to absorb. The difference has less to do with demand, which remains relatively healthy across both areas, and more to do with where new homes can physically be built.

...Continued from above

📈 And Then There’s Luxury…

This is where averages can get especially misleading. Average price per square foot jumped 4.2% this month, even while the median barely moved, and the reason is largely the return of the luxury market. Homes priced at $1 million or more represented 10% of closings but 33.2% of all dollars spent during the period. That heavier luxury mix pulls the average upward even when the typical home is not appreciating at the same pace. It is exactly why we tend to rely more heavily on the median when we are trying to understand what is happening in the middle of the market, and it is another reminder that there really is not one single Greater Phoenix market.

📉 Rates Still Matter — But They Aren’t the Whole Story

Rates have been one of the biggest reasons buyer demand slowed so sharply over the last six weeks, but there was at least a little relief this week. After the 30-year fixed rate peaked around 7.61% on October 5, it had eased back to about 7.33% by October 15. That does not mean buyers are suddenly going to flood back into the market, but when people have been staring at rates above 7.5%, even a modest move downward can make a difference in both affordability and confidence. This is also where strategy becomes especially important. Seller concessions, closing-cost credits, temporary or permanent rate buydowns, builder incentives, purchase-price negotiations, and different loan products can all change the actual cost of the deal. The headline rate is only one number; the financing strategy around it can look very different.

🚨 What About Foreclosures?

We are also watching distress levels because this is another area where scary headlines can get ahead of reality. Among listings currently under contract, 94.6% are normal sales, while 1.5% are REOs and 3.9% are pre-foreclosures. That distressed share has been creeping higher since 2022, so it is absolutely worth monitoring, but it remains low by historical standards. Our read on it right now is amber, not red. It deserves attention and context, not panic.

💛 The Big Picture

This week’s numbers are a good example of why market data needs context. Buyers have more choices and more negotiating leverage, while sellers are facing more competition and need to be sharper about pricing, preparation, staging, and marketing. Demand is still weak, but at the same time, the median sales price is exactly where it was a year ago and the summer price decline appears to be leveling off. So this is not the market of 2021, but it is also not 2008. It is a market where good strategy matters more because the easy momentum is gone.

For buyers, that means looking beyond the headline rate and figuring out what combination of price, credits, incentives, and financing makes the numbers work. For sellers, it means understanding what buyers are actually choosing and positioning the home accordingly from day one. For both sides, the market data becomes useful only once we know what you are actually trying to accomplish.

Active AirBnB Could Be YOUR Next Permanent Getaway in Mesa!

Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Mesa's established neighborhoods, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect balance of everyday comfort and unforgettable outdoor living. With no HOA, a desirable corner lot, and a proven history as a successful Airbnb, you'll enjoy the flexibility to make this property exactly what you want it to be—your forever home, vacation retreat, or investment opportunity.

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. 💛

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.

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.

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!

One of our favorite things about this time of year is seeing how many different ways this community continues to show up for one another. 💛 We’re officially wrapped up our Rhinestone Ranch project with Branching Out, and what started as a big idea turned into more than $5,000 in donations, incredible partners helping with the work inside the home, and so many people contributing time, resources, furniture, supplies, and heart. We are so excited to know the girls will be moving in soon and that these spaces were created with so much care behind them.

And we are definitely not slowing down from here. Fall is packed with opportunities to connect, serve, celebrate, and spend time together. We’ve got EcoRoofing’s annual Trunk or Treat on October 16, Tiny Pumpkins Play Date on October 20, a healing Sound Bath at The Village Athletic Club in Chandler on October 24, and an ICAN Harvest Party on October 27. Then we roll right into another First Sips on November 3 and start preparing for our holiday drives and the return of Bunko Night on November 12th which I know everyone is excited about!

There’s a little bit of everything ahead - volunteer opportunities, family events, women’s events, community gatherings, and plenty of chances to simply get together. Around here, community is never a side project. It’s woven into how we do business, how we build relationships, and how we make sure the people and organizations doing important work around us feel supported.

So save a few dates, bring a friend, bring the kids, volunteer where you can, and keep telling us about the causes that matter to you. We’ll keep doing our best to connect the people who want to help with the places that need them most and if you see something you want to come to, email us at [email protected] and we'll get you signed up!

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. 💛

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.

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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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.

💬 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!

Buying Before the Holidays: Is Your Timeline Realistic

If you're a Valley buyer, there's real appeal to spending the holidays in a new home. The first dinner at a new table, decorations going up in rooms you chose. It's a reasonable thing to hope for, and October is a good time to find out what it would take.

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.

Getting Your Home Guest Ready

If you’ve ever been the first person awake in someone else’s house, you’ve probably wondered whether to start the coffee or wait for your host. You can feel completely welcome and still be unsure about opening a cupboard or choosing a towel. When you’re the one hosting, especially in the Valley, a little planning can make things feel easier for everyone.

How to Handle Your Final Walk Through in The Valley

The big day is almost here. You’ve already toured the home, worked through the inspection, and signed enough paperwork to write your name in your sleep. The keys are close, and your mind is probably on moving boxes, furniture, and your first night in the new place. Before you get swept up in those plans, there’s one more focused visit to make so you can close 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.