Weekend Warrior | November 15-16, 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!
Weekend Warriors: Fall Feels, Big Wins & Community in Full Swing 🍂🏡💛
We are fully in the swing of fall here in Arizona - did you see we’re dipping into the 60s this week? Only in Phoenix can we go from “it’s too hot” to “wow, I should’ve brought a jacket” overnight. And with rain rolling in tonight, we’re looking at the kind of cozy weekend we wait all year for.
Meanwhile, our team is buzzing. We’ve got three closings on deck this week in San Tan, Chandler, and Glendale, offers out across Tempe and Mesa, and more good news headed your way soon. It’s a busy season of making moves - and we are LOVING how real estate and community collide this time of year.
Selling Before the Year End - What Do You Need to Know?
While spring often takes the spotlight for home sales - lush lawns, longer days, and plenty of “For Sale” signs - late fall quietly offers a strategic edge for sellers who are ready to move. This time of year creates a different kind of real estate market: smaller, more focused, and often more productive for homeowners who know how to lean into it.
Speaking of community:
💛 We’re back at ICAN for volunteer events and hosting our second I.C.E BOX Event at Gilbert Memorial with All About You Placement & Senior Resources
🌟 Community on Purpose is being recognized at The Dames Event in Phoenix, and Mindy is emceeing the Positive Paths WIN Luncheon (tickets still available!)
🦃 There's just a few more days to RSVP for our FREE Pie Event - FREE Family Photos, FREE Food, FREE Pie - and we promise, no rain 🤞
If you’re prepping to list in the new year, wanting to plug into a volunteer opportunity, or just looking to get more connected before 2025 arrives, we’re here. Our team is quite literally everywhere this weekend - Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Mesa, you name it - hosting open houses, meeting neighbors, and helping families move forward.
Come say hi, ask questions, or let us help you plan your next step. We’d love to meet you IRL!
Ahwatukee Home with Instant Equity
Situated in the heart of Ahwatukee’s desirable 85048 zip code, this charming two-story residence offers the ideal blend of value, location, and potential. Featuring 3 bedrooms plus an open den, 2.5 bathrooms, and vaulted ceilings that invite in abundant natural light, the home feels open, airy, and full of opportunity from the moment you step inside.
📊 Market Watch: Supply Stabilizes, Demand Picks Up - Right on Schedule
If it feels like the market is moving again, that’s because it is. We’re now in the second half of October - the time every year when demand usually starts to accelerate - and this season is following the pattern almost perfectly.
After months of climbing, supply is no longer rising, and we’re seeing demand pick up speed across the Valley. Between a few rate bumps, renewed buyer curiosity, and even headlines about the controversial 50-year mortgage, more consumers are asking what all of this actually means for them.
🧠 What We Know for Sure
Global uncertainty isn’t slowing down real estate questions and honestly, it never really does. What matters most is the hyper-local data here in Arizona, and that picture is becoming clearer:
✅ Demand is rising in late October, right on schedule
✅ Supply has stopped increasing — a critical shift
✅ Newer listings are spending less time on market
✅ Three of our listings saw multiple offers in the last month
This tells us something important: buyers are out there, and they’re moving on well-priced, well-presented homes especially in the cities where we’re most active.
🍕 For Buyers
You’re stepping into a moment where demand is building but hasn’t reached full stride yet. That creates a window - short but meaningful - where you can move before competition fully ramps up. Patience + proactive strategy = your best advantage.
💰 For Sellers
Homes are selling faster than they were earlier this fall, but this is still a measured market. That means two things:
Preparation matters: photos, staging, pricing
Patience pays off: demand is increasing, but not overnight
The homes catching attention today are the ones that hit the market with intention and lean on strong strategy, not guesswork.
🔥 Still-Hot Spots: Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes
⚖️ Balanced: Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale
❄️ Softer: Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Buckeye
🧭 Bottom Line
We’re entering the part of the year where smart strategy makes all the difference. To navigate the twists from rate bumps to shifting supply - our clients need both the data and the instinct that only comes from local expertise. This market is moving, and we’re here to help you move with it, confidently and ON PURPOSE.
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.
Perks that Pay Off: Smart Seller Incentives that Nudge Buyers
In the Valley, where borrowing costs are still relatively high, many buyers are approaching the market with caution. Even motivated purchasers are taking their time, comparing options carefully, and paying close attention to upfront costs.
🔥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
ICE Box Event: Gilbert Memorial Park
Get organized for life’s unexpected moments with our I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Box Event! You’ll learn exactly which essential documents to include, how to keep them easily accessible, and practical tips for strengthening your emergency preparedness. From medical records to legal paperwork, our experts will walk you through creating a personalized box that gives you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
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...
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.
Buying in 2026: Use November to Test Drive the Neighborhood
As many buyers in the Valley begin planning their moves for 2026, it’s smart to think ahead. Even if purchasing a home feels like a distant goal, the groundwork often starts long before you fill out a mortgage application or set up listing alerts. One of the most effective early steps is immersing yourself in the neighborhoods you’re considering - think of it as a test drive. Instead of relying solely on maps, online listings, or market reports, spend time in those areas and observe what daily life actually feels like.
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: Free and Fun Holiday Bucket List for Families
If you’re searching for the best East Valley holiday events for families, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the can’t-miss holiday happenings across Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, and Queen Creek - complete with our favorite signature traditions and the best free festive fun. This year’s Arizona holiday bucket list includes everything from twinkling light displays and moonlit movies to daytime Santa meet-ups perfect for toddlers, plus ideas to help you make the most of winter break in the East Valley.
🏡 💡 Monthly Mortgage Tip: What the 50-Year Mortgage Really Means (And What Actually Helps Buyers TODAY)
If you’ve seen the headlines this week about a proposed 50-year mortgage, you’re not alone - it definitely grabbed attention. But here’s the truth: while it sounds like an affordability solution, it’s nowhere near becoming a real product, and experts have serious concerns about who it would actually help.
🧠 Why the 50-Year Mortgage Isn’t Happening Anytime Soon
As of today, this is only a proposal not a program lenders can offer - because:
Regulations don’t allow it.
Under the Dodd-Frank Act, government-backed entities (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) cannot insure mortgages longer than 30 years. Changing that requires Congressional approval.Industry standards don’t support it.
The 30-year fixed mortgage has been the gold standard for 50+ years. Lenders, including Fairway, stick to it because it’s trackable, stable, and consumer-protective.Experts are sounding alarms.
Yes, payments would be lower but borrowers would pay massive amounts of extra interest and build equity extremely slowly. Total interest could nearly double compared to a 30-year loan.
Bottom line: It’s not a viable or beneficial solution right now, and it’s not something consumers can use even if they wanted to.
📉 So What Is Helping Buyers With Affordability Right Now?
While 50-year loans make headlines, what’s actually moving the needle for our clients is far more practical, available, and effective:
🎯 1. Seller Concessions for Rate Buydowns
This is where we’re seeing big wins.
We’ve structured multiple deals this month where sellers helped buy down the buyer’s rate → lowering monthly payments and improving affordability today, not someday.
🎯 2. Closing Cost Credits to Help Buyers Get In the Door
We’re securing concessions that reduce upfront costs making “cash to close” more manageable for first-time and move-up buyers.
🎯 3. Fairway’s Cash Guarantee Program
A game changer for buyers who need to compete in strong markets:
If financing fails, Fairway buys the home for cash.
Sellers get certainty.
Buyers get stronger leverage and peace of mind.
And there’s no extra fee for using it.
This has been huge for buyers transitioning from one home to the next.
🎯 4. Special Programs for Community Heroes & First-Time Buyers
Including:
Community Heroes Program: 100% financing + no PMI for qualifying teachers, medical workers, military members, first responders, and government employees.
Desert Financial DPA Programs: Offering grants up to $50,000 for eligible buyers.
Home Plus Program: Up to $7,500 toward closing costs when partnered with select agents (like us!).
These are real-world solutions that meet buyers where they are.
Branching Out & Community on Purpose Giving Trees
Grateful to share that our team secured 27 holiday gift tags for children in foster care through the AZ Giving Trees registry and our community is already stepping up in a big way. We still have many more tags available, and we would love your help making sure every child on the list is supported.
You can: 🎁 Pick up a physical tag from our office 💻 Shop directly from the online registry OR 🗓 Drop gifts off by December 8th to our office at Ray & Cooper in Chandler. Our nonprofit, Community on Purpose, will also be organizing a large group shopping trip - so if you’d like to join in or sponsor a tag, just reply to this newsletter!
📅 Upcoming Events Calendar 📅
I.C.E (In case of emergency) BOX Event - FREE
Date: November 19, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Gilbert Memorial Park, Gilbert
Overview: Get organized for life’s what-ifs with our I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Box Event - a FREE hands-on workshop designed to help you prepare for unexpected moments by gathering the vital documents and information your loved ones may someday need. You’ll learn exactly what belongs in an emergency box, how to keep everything accessible, and practical tips for organizing medical records, legal paperwork, and more.
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. Donations are needed to supply Thanksgiving dinner to the family, make yours today on our website.
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 FREE 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!
Chandler Tree Lighting & Reindeer Games
Date: November 29, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Dr. AJ Chandler Park West in Downtown Chandler
Overview: Join us for the annual holiday kickoff and tree lighting! Local businesses can host a “Reindeer Game” at their 6ft table.
Game/Activity Sponsors Needed - Contact [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering, joining us for the fun, or sponsoring a game or activity with us!
Bunco for Community on Purpose
Date: December 3, 2025
Time: 3:45 PM - 7:45 PM
Location: Amy Jones Group Office at Expansive Chandler, Arizona
Overview: Join us for a fun night of Bunco benefiting Community on Purpose programs. It's going to be a fantastic night raising funds for our holiday drives and having a ton of fun doing it! Thanks to our hosts at Expansive in Chandler - Click the link above to join us, volunteer, or to start a drive in your own community this holiday season!
Playdates on the Green: Santa's Little Helpers
Date: December 9, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Verde at Cooley Station, 3939 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert
Overview: Get your kiddos ready for the holidays with letters to Santa, building a gingerbread craft, and coloring stockings. This is the perfect event for littles who want to get out and have some fun in the sun at Verde on the Green!
Moonlit Movies on The Green: Beauty & The Beast | Double Feature
Date: December 5 & 19, 2025
Time: Approx 5:45PM
Location: Verde at Cooley Station, 3939 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert
Overview: Check out the amazing lineup of events closing out the year at Verde including TWO movie nights in December to bring your family to for FREE. The Amy Jones Group will be serving up FREE popcorn,candy and water and nearby restaurants will be sending their servers out to the lawn to take orders for pizza, ice cream, and SO MUCH more! It's a total blast and the lawn is filling up faster and faster each month - come early to snag your seat!
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!
The Polar Express in Williams Review for the Whole Family
Today, I’m sharing all about our trip and our honest review of The Polar Express train ride in Williams, Arizona — a truly magical holiday experience with a toddler in tow. Northern Arizona offers several North Pole and Santa-themed adventures, but after hearing feedback from friends and family who had tried both The Polar Express and the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff, we decided to hop aboard the train to Williams. The consensus was clear: The Polar Express tends to be the better fit for younger kiddos, offering all the magic and wonder without overwhelming them. Keep reading for our favorite tips and tricks to make your ride unforgettable — plus our recommendations on where to stay while you’re in Williams!
Top East Valley Parks for the Perfect Birthday Party
Today we’re sharing everything you need to know for the ultimate park birthday party! If you’re lucky enough to have a kiddo with a birthday that doesn’t fall between June and September, you’re in for a treat - the East Valley is the perfect place to host a celebration at your local park.
📅 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. 💙
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😲 In Case You Missed It!
Fall Color Palettes That You Are Going to Love
When most people think of fall, they picture cozy sweaters, cooler weather, and plenty of orange — but fall 2025 design trends are taking a fresh direction, especially here in the Valley. According to the latest color reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue, the traditional autumn décor staples are giving...
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.
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