Weekend Warrior | October 23-25, 2026
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. 💛
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 Queen Creek Listing with a Secret Garden
Welcome to a home where everyday comfort meets the beauty of outdoor living. Located in the established Emperor Estates neighborhood of Queen Creek, this inviting three-bedroom, two-bath residence sits on an oversized corner lot of more than 9,000 square feet, offering room to relax, gather, and enjoy the Arizona lifestyle.
From its bright, welcoming interiors to its beautifully landscaped backyard, this home offers something special. Mature greenery, inviting living spaces, and a thoughtful layout create a setting that feels comfortable from the moment you arrive. It's the kind of place where you can settle in, make memories, and truly feel at home.
Weekend Warrior: Was that hail?! What in the actual!
This week gave us a pretty good snapshot of what we keep saying about the market: people are still moving, and the right strategy still matters.
We had a brand-new Queen Creek listing go live, while our Chandler listing on an oversized cul-de-sac lot went under contract its very first weekend on the market. We also kicked off this weekend’s open house schedule today at Ocotillo Lakes, with the weather finally showing off again after that wild hailstorm had Phoenix looking more like somewhere much farther north for a minute.
That contrast feels pretty fitting for this season. The market can feel unpredictable, the weather can apparently do whatever it wants, and yet people are still making decisions, taking action, and moving forward. Our job is to help make sure the plan around those moves is thoughtful, well-prepared, and grounded in what is actually happening right now.
Continued below...
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.
This weekend is also a meaningful one for our community. We’re gathering for our Sound Bath event in honor of two women in our community who are currently fighting breast cancer, and next week we’ll be volunteering together at ICAN for their Harvest Festival. If you’ve been looking for an easy way to plug in, we would truly love to have you join us.
And before we know it, November will be here, which means our 11th Annual Fall Pie Event is right around the corner. Free pies, free family photos, food, games, and plenty of community fun — so make sure you RSVP and save the date.
Scroll on for this week’s listings, open houses, market updates, events, and all the ways to get connected. There is a lot happening, and we’re grateful to be in the middle of it with all of you. 💛
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.
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.
🏡 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. 💛
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.
📊Market Watch: Buyers Have More Leverage — But Context Still Matters
This week’s market data gave us one of those headlines that sounds dramatic on its own: the Cromford Market Index for Greater Phoenix fell below 70 for the first time since 2009.
That absolutely tells us something important. A reading below 90 favors buyers, and at 69.9, buyers have more leverage today than they’ve had in quite a while. But it is also a perfect example of why context matters so much.
The last time the index was this low, supply was dramatically higher and the market was climbing out of the housing crisis. Today, supply is only modestly above normal. The much bigger issue is weak demand, driven in large part by mortgage rates that are keeping many buyers on the sidelines.
So yes, the balance has shifted toward buyers. No, that does not mean we are replaying 2008.
🏡 The Buyer’s Advantage Is Growing
Across the 18 major cities we track, the average Cromford Market Index is now down 15.1% from a month ago, and all 18 continue moving in a buyer-favorable direction. Supply is higher in every city, while demand is weaker in 17 of the 18.
We are now down to just three seller’s markets: Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Chandler. Seven cities are balanced, and eight favor buyers. Even Fountain Hills and Cave Creek, which had been hanging onto seller-market status, moved into balanced territory this week.
For buyers, that means more choice and more room to negotiate in many parts of the Valley. That can show up as a better purchase price, seller-paid closing costs, repairs, rate buydowns, or simply more time to make a thoughtful decision without feeling like every home will disappear overnight.
Continued below....
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
💰 Rates Are Still Driving the Conversation
Mortgage rates remain the biggest drag on demand, but there was a small bit of relief this week when the 30-year fixed moved from about 7.4% to 7.3%. That may not sound like a huge change, but when affordability is already tight, even small improvements matter.
More importantly, we continue to see why the headline rate is not the whole conversation.
There are still buyers getting rates below 4%, but those deals are not coming from a broad market-rate drop. In 2025, 82% of purchase mortgages below 4% came through builder-affiliated mortgage companies, usually because builders were paying heavily to buy the rate down.
There is another route too: assumable VA and FHA loans. A qualified buyer can sometimes take over a seller’s existing loan at its original rate, although these transactions remain relatively rare.
That’s why our conversation with buyers is not simply, “What is today’s rate?” It’s, “What options exist for this specific property, this specific loan, and this specific buyer?”
🏗️ New Construction Still Has a Competitive Edge
Builders continue to have one major advantage in this environment: they can use their financing arms to create monthly payments that resale sellers often cannot match on their own.
That does not automatically mean new construction is the better deal. A builder may be using part of the purchase price to fund that attractive rate, so buyers still need to compare the full picture: price, incentives, closing costs, HOA, taxes, upgrades, and long-term equity.
But for buyers who are payment-sensitive, builder financing remains one of the most important opportunities in the market right now.
📍 Your ZIP Code Matters More Than Ever
The broader Phoenix number is useful, but it can hide huge differences.
Scottsdale remains a seller’s market. Chandler is still seller-favorable, though closer to balanced. Gilbert is balanced. Queen Creek and Maricopa remain firmly buyer-favorable. And within the City of Phoenix itself, the Cromford Report is now tracking individual urban villages because conditions vary so much from one part of the city to another.
That means a buyer shopping Ahwatukee may be having a very different experience from someone shopping Central Phoenix, just as a seller in Chandler may have a different strategy from a seller in Queen Creek.
This is exactly why we keep coming back to the same point: there is no single Greater Phoenix market.
💛 The Big Picture
Buyers have more leverage right now. Inventory is building because homes are taking longer to go under contract, and weaker demand is giving buyers more options and more negotiating room.
For sellers, that means preparation matters even more. Homes that are priced thoughtfully, staged well, easy to show, and marketed aggressively can still move — our own listings are proving that. But the market is less forgiving of overpricing or waiting too long to adjust.
For buyers, this may be one of the better windows we’ve had in a while to negotiate, especially if you can pair today’s softer conditions with seller concessions, builder incentives, or an assumable loan opportunity.
The market is shifting, but that does not mean everyone should make the same move.
It means the people who understand the options have more ways to create a good one.
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.
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.
🔥 UPCOMING EVENTS & OPEN HOUSES 🔥
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.
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 had the best time at EcoRoofing’s annual Trunk or Treat on October 16, the Tiny Pumpkins Play Date on October 20 at Verde, and this weekend is a healing Sound Bath at The Village Athletic Club in Chandler on October 24 - there are still spots left, so come join us! Can't make it this weekend? Join us next wee to volunteer together and an ICAN Harvest Party on October 27 or join us next month at our annual pie event with free photos, pies, and community activities!
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!
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. 💙
|
😲 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.
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!
📅 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...
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



.jpg)


.png)





.jpg)








.jpg)







