Weekend Warrior | October 18-19, 2025
10th Annual Amy Jones Group Holiday Pie Event at Discovery Park
It's that time of year again and we can't wait to celebrate with you as we head into another holiday season together. With food from Miracle Mile Deli, tons of activities for the kids, and of course our signature professional family photos for your holiday cards - don't miss the chance to celebrate the season with friends, family and community! RSVP so we know how much food to bring!
Brand New Listing in the Resort Community of Encanterra in Queen Creek
Experience refined resort-style living in one of Queen Creek’s most prestigious guard-gated communities. Designed with single-level convenience inside a spacious two-story layout, this semi-custom Shea residence offers the perfect blend of luxury, livability, and privacy. Set on one of the largest lots in Encanterra, the home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a downstairs primary and guest suite, an upper-level loft, fully paid leased solar, a heated pool and spa, and a 3-car garage with EV charging thoughtfully appointed for modern comfort and timeless enjoyment.
Fulton Ranch Re-imagined: Step Through This Recent GLOW UP
You won't believe the transformation on this stunning single level home in the heart of Fulton Ranch in Chandler, Arizona. With new interior paint, carpet, and custom staging by Collective48 - this home is back on the market with a fresh, new look!
Weekend Warriors: Sunshine, Sold Signs & Serious Fall Vibes ☀️🏡🎃
Arizona finally remembered who she is - and she showed up in full glory this week. Blue skies. Cooler mornings. Coffee on the patio weather. And honestly? It’s the perfect weekend to wander through a few open houses and “accidentally” fall in love with your next home.
Because while the temps dropped… the market heated up.
✅ Buyer activity is officially ticking upward after weeks of rate stability (more on that below 👇).
✅ Sellers are making moves with concessions & strategy.
✅ And yes - the Encanterra listing you’ve been waiting for? It’s LIVE. Fully staged, sparkling, and arguably the nicest home available in the community right now.
Meanwhile, our community calendar is in full fall bloom:
🎬 Movie night at Verde wrapped last night - total blast.
🌳 Playdates on the Green were PACKED with tiny humans and cheerios.
🎉 Events are popping up across the East Valley faster than we can RSVP.
🎃 And tonight we’re collecting Halloween costumes for kids in foster care - reply if you’ve got one to donate and we’ll swing by this weekend to grab it.
There’s holiday excitement brewing…real estate energy building…and Arizona’s doing that magical thing where life feels kind of electric.
Scroll on for:
✅ Market Breakdown: Why Q4 might be the best time to be a buyer in Phoenix
✅ The surprising shift happening for sellers - and which cities are suddenly HOT
🏡 Fresh listings + open house lineup
🎭 How to jump into one of our fall community drives & events
Or just text us - we’ll send you the house links, the costume drop-off address, and maybe even a PSL. 😉 Let’s do this, Fall.
East Valley Moms Bloom Magazine: School Choice Edition
Choosing a school shouldn’t feel like a full-time job—but for many of us, it does. Between touring campuses, comparing programs, and figuring out what’s best for your unique kiddo, the school search process can be overwhelming. That’s exactly why we created this issue of the East Valley Moms Bloom Magazine: School Choice Edition — a resource designed to simplify, not stress out, your school journey. As a mom who just navigated the big decision of choosing a kindergarten for my own son, I know how heavy the decision can feel.
Negotiating from the Seller Side - What Can You Control?
The moment offers start coming in, the whole selling experience shifts—from the clear to-do list of cleaning, staging, photographing, and listing to a whirlwind that can feel fast, chaotic, and out of your hands. Buyers want answers, agents are calling, deadlines stack up, and it’s easy to slip into reactive mode—saying yes too quickly, giving in to pressure, or second-guessing yourself before you’ve had time to think.
📊 Rates Down, Prices Down & Incentives Up - Q4 Is Quietly a Power Play
There’s a lot of noise in the headlines right now, but here’s the real talk:
This is not a crashing market. It’s a correcting market - and corrections create opportunity for people who act while others hesitate.
🧠 What’s Really Happening
Mortgage rates dropped over 2% in just two months (from 6.85% ➝ 6.1%) before stabilizing around 6.3%.
Buyer activity paused at first - not because people didn’t want to buy, but because everyone was waiting to see how low rates would go.
Now that rates have stayed steady, applications are rising again - higher this month than the past three Octobers.
Meanwhile…
Listing prices under $1M fell an average of 2.5% from May–August and have just now stabilized.
Entry-level price ranges have seen the biggest drop - some 15% off peak levels from 2022.
➡️ Translation?
Rates down. Prices down. Incentives up.
This combination rarely aligns - and it won’t last long.
🍕 For First-Time & Move-Up Buyers
Condos between $250–300K? Down 15% from peak.
Single-family homes between $300–400K? Down 13–15% from peak.
56% of sellers are offering concessions - averaging $10,000.
Plus, this time of year is historically the best quarter to be a buyer in the Valley. Why?
📉 More listings hit before the holidays
😴 But most buyers wait until January
= Negotiation leverage for anyone willing to move before the turkey hits the table.
🪜 For Sellers
We won’t sugarcoat it - 2025 has been work. But momentum is shifting in unexpected places.
Homes between $500K–$1.5M are up 19% in sales year-over-year.
Luxury buyers are back, thanks to jumbo rates dropping below conventional ones and ARMs averaging 5.8%.
And market strength varies wildly by city:
🔥 Seller’s Markets: Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Anthem, Avondale, El Mirage, Apache Junction
⚖️ Balanced: Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, Sun City West, Tolleson
❄️ Buyer’s Markets: Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Buckeye, Maricopa & more new-build-heavy zones
➡️ Strategy matters more than timing. In some ZIP codes, waiting hurts you — in others, waiting helps you.
🧭 Bottom Line
This is not a “wait and see” market. It’s a “position yourself smartly” market.
Whether you’re:
✅ Trying to catch the dip without overthinking it
✅ Wondering if that $10K concession headline applies to you
✅ Or curious where your ZIP code falls on the map…
📲 Let’s talk strategy, not headlines. We’ll run your exact price range, city, and timing - and show you where your leverage actually is.
🔥HOT New Listings & Weekend Open Houses 🔥
🏡 Ready to Tour? Or Just Love a Peek Inside? 👀
Whether you’re actively searching, casually exploring, or simply love imagining your next chapter, this weekend’s open house lineup is for you. We’ve got a collection of stunning homes - each one thoughtfully priced, beautifully presented, and waiting for the right story to unfold.
✨ These aren’t just homes - they’re opportunities. Even if you’re not ready to buy today, visiting gives you a chance to:
✔ See what’s possible in today’s market
✔ Meet our team and experience how we showcase homes (online + in person)
✔ Start gathering ideas for when the timing is right for you
So grab your calendar, mark your must-sees, and swing by - we’d love to welcome you, show you around, and hear what’s on your mind about making a move: Weekend Open House Schedule
See how much your home would sell for, TODAY! It's totally FREE!
Curious about what your home is worth in today’s market? 🏡 Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want to stay informed, knowing your home's value is the first step. Click below to get a free, no-obligation home valuation!
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, resort-style community with pools, a gym, garages, and walkable vibes, all at a price point that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an empty nester, or just ready for something easier (and cooler), these two- and three-bedroom units - some with pool views and ground-floor access - check all the boxes.
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.
What Buyers Want in Fall 2025: Think Cozy, Smart & Climate-Ready
If you’re shopping for a home in the Valley this fall, you’re likely weighing more than just price and square footage, today’s buyers are drawn to homes that feel right both visually and functionally. It’s not just about aesthetics, but about how the layout supports daily life, how efficient the systems are, and whether the home is built for...
You're Not Just Buying A Home, You're Buying a Lifestyle
If you’re house hunting in the Valley and feeling stuck, you’re not alone—many buyers hit a point where every option feels like a compromise, whether it’s the perfect kitchen that’s too far from your favorite trails...
East Valley Moms: Perfect Pumpkin Patch Picks
October is officially pumpkin season, and you better believe we’re headed to at least one patch this year — because nothing kicks off fall like wagon rides, corn pits, and way too many photos in front of giant hay bales. 🌾🎃 As we started mapping out our own pumpkin plans, we couldn’t help but look back at all the patches we’ve explored over the years — from the ones perfect for wiggly toddlers to the ones that are basically made for Instagram. So we rounded up our top picks and exactly what makes each one special, whether you’re chasing cute photos, kid-friendly chaos, or something in between. Save this list and happy patch-hopping, mama...
📰🧠 Community Connections: Monthly Expert Series 📰
At the Amy Jones Group, we know that real estate is just one part of the bigger picture - and that building a thriving community starts with sharing knowledge, resources, and support. That’s why we created Community Connections - a free, virtual Zoom series where trusted local experts break down the topics that impact your home, your finances, and your future. 💬 From landlord laws and legal pitfalls to simplifying home repairs and upgrades, each session delivers clear, actionable advice in a casual, come-as-you-are format. Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or just looking to learn - there’s something here for you.
Landlord Legal Pitfalls: Stay Compliant & Protected
Prepping Your Home For Sale? Here are the Projects with the Most ROI!
Mastering Home Efficiency and HVAC Savings
The Ins and Outs of 1031 Exchange
🏡 Mortgage & Money Check-In: What’s Going On and What It Means
The “experts” spent last week making lots of complicated statements about interest rates, job markets, inflation, oil prices…and while Wall Street loves the drama, here’s what it actually means if you’re a real person trying to decide whether to buy or sell a home.
🔍 So… Where Are Rates Headed?
Mortgage rates dipped slightly this week - the 30-year fixed is averaging around 6.27%, down a bit from last week.
The 10-year Treasury (which mortgage rates follow) is flirting with dropping below 4% - if it does, rates could improve even more.
Oil prices have dropped under $60/barrel, which sounds unrelated, but cheaper oil often leads to lower mortgage rates too.
✅ Translation: We’re trending in the right direction. Not a massive plunge, but steady improvement instead of spike - and that creates opportunity.
🧠 What’s the Fed Thinking?
The Federal Reserve is basically saying:
“The job market is cooling off, inflation isn’t fully tamed, and we might need to cut rates more - but we’re trying not to mess this up.”
Some Fed members are pushing for rate cuts sooner to protect jobs.
Others are saying “hold up, don’t cut too fast.”
✅ Translation: They don’t fully agree - but the general direction is toward looser policy, not tighter. Meaning: we’re more likely to see rates come down than go back up.
🎁 Holiday Drive Sneak Peek!
We’re getting ready for our big holiday drive, and we’d love for you to be part of it. This year, we’re partnering with Branching Out & The Good Works Project again to adopt three homes filled with foster siblings — making sure they feel the magic of the season together. There will be so many ways to get involved: financial donations, gift shopping, wrapping, delivering, and more. If you (or your company) want to join us in making a difference, let’s get you on our mailing list now so you don’t miss the details.
📅 Upcoming Events Calendar 📅
Halloween Costume Drive for Hands on Greater Phoenix
Date: Now through October 25th
VIRTUAL: Support Children in Foster Care with Halloween Costumes
Overview: 🎃 We’re so honored to be partnering with Hands on Greater Phoenix to bring a little extra magic to kiddos in foster care this Halloween. 🧡 Now through October 20th, we’re collecting new and gently used costumes that will help kids celebrate the season with joy and confidence. Costumes can be dropped off at our office - every single donation makes a difference in giving these children a chance to feel included and special. Together, we can make sure no child misses out on the fun of dressing up. 👻✨
Date: October 23, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Hartford Elementary, Chandler AZ
Celebrate the season at ICAN’s Harvest Festival at Hartford Elementary! 🍂 This special event brings ICAN kids and their families together for an evening filled with crafts, games, and food - all at no cost to them. We’ll get to be part of the fun by helping with activities, serving up treats, and sharing in the joy of community connection. It’s a chance to give back, make memories, and experience the impact of coming together to support kids and families. Come ready to lend a hand, enjoy the festivities, and be part of something meaningful. 💛
Playdate on The Green: Mini Monster Mash
Date: October 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Verde at Cooley Station, 3939 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert
Overview: Wear your costume! This special Halloween playdate will feature kid-friendly spooky crafts, fun music, and a special BOO-tastic bounce house. Bring the whole family and your littles - this is going to be one playdate on the green at Verde that you do NOT want to miss.
Playdate on The Green: Tiny Turkeys
Date: October 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Verde at Cooley Station, 3939 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert
Overview: Get ready to have some fun with your tiny turkeys at this Thanksgiving playdate for the whole family! There will be thankful list crafts to give your kids something fun to talk about at the Thanksgiving table, turkey sticker sheets for making colorful take home memory makers and wooden crafts that you can keep for years!
Date: November 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: ICAN Main Campus, Chandler AZ
Overview: Spend an evening making a difference at Me and My Family Night at ICAN’s main campus! 💛 This special event brings ICAN kids and their families together for free crafts, hands-on activities, and a warm, shared dinner - and we get to be part of making it all happen. From helping little ones with their projects to serving up a meal with a smile, it’s a chance to connect, give back, and create memories alongside an incredible community. Come ready to roll up your sleeves, have some fun, and see firsthand the impact your time can make.
10th Annual Amy Jones Group Pie Event at Discovery Park
Date: November 23, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Bedrock Ramada at Discovery Park in Gilbert, Arizona
Overview: Every year we get together to celebrate our families, clients and community for all the wonderful stories we get to be a part of - YOUR STORIES! We bring together good food, this year from our friends at Miracle Mile Deli, good fun, and of course the professional family photos for you to use for your holiday cards again this year! It's going to be a blast, so please RSVP so we know how much food (and how many pies!) to get!
Community on Purpose: Making Giving Back a Way of Life
People often say that community just happens ‘organically,’ but the truth is, it takes action, consistency, and a whole lot of heart. Community isn’t just something we’re part of - it’s something we create. My passion for service began early and this is the story of how we ended up running Community on Purpose alongside the Amy Jones Group.
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!
Family Fun on a Budget: A Free Day of Play in Gilbert
One of my family’s favorite places to spend time in Gilbert is near the corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe, where the beautiful Riparian Preserve sits right next to the Southeast Regional Library. If you’re up for a longer walk, there’s even a third hidden gem nearby that makes the outing even more special. The best part is you can park your car once and have access to all of these spots, making it an easy, one-stop day of play with something for everyone in the family.
Best Family Mountain Bike Trails in Mesa & the East Valley
Cooler weather is finally on the horizon (hallelujah!), which means it’s the perfect time to get outside, stretch those legs, and soak up all the reasons we love living in Arizona. For our family, one of the best ways to enjoy the fresh air is by hopping on our bikes and exploring the local trails together—a simple adventure that always reminds us how lucky we are to call this place home.
📅 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...
💬 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. 💙




|
😲 In Case You Missed It!
5 Pre-Winter Fixes You’ll Be Glad You Tackled in September & October
Home maintenance tends to follow a seasonal rhythm—spring is for refreshing and repairing, summer focuses on upkeep and upgrades, and early fall is all about prevention. Waiting until the temperatures drop to prep for winter can lead to higher costs and added stress, but by tackling a few small projects in September, you can avoid the rush, take advantage of the still-warm weather, and head into the colder months with fewer unknowns. Whether you’re staying put through winter or considering selling in the future, these fixes help keep everything running smoothly.
You're Not Just Buying A Home...You are Buying a Lifestyle
If you’re in the middle of house hunting in the Valley and feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Many buyers hit a point where every option feels like a compromise—maybe the kitchen is perfect but the home is too far from your favorite trails, or the neighborhood is ideal but the layout feels cramped. That kind of analysis paralysis is more common than you might think, especially when the search drags on and the focus shifts
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?”
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.
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?
Timing the Market Versus Preparing for It: Which One Actually Pays Off?
If you’ve been thinking about selling your home in the Valley, you might be stuck in that all-too-familiar mental tug-of-war - “Should I list now, or wait for the perfect moment?” With mortgage rates shifting, prices adjusting, and headlines changing by the day, it’s no wonder so many homeowners find themselves hesitating. One week it feels like a seller’s market, the next buyers are backing off, and just like that, the landscape shifts again. The truth is, many people wait - hoping for lower rates, higher prices, or some magic sign that it’s the “right time.” But seasoned sellers and smart agents know that trying to perfectly time the market rarely works out the way you expect. What does work? Being prepared.
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!

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.
Thinking about buying or selling a home?
Start your home buying journey today.
See our 8-step home buying process
Find out what your home is worth.
Now is the perfect time to see how much your home has appreciated