Weekend Warrior | November 22-23, 2025

THIS WEEKEND: 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!

RSVP TO JOIN!

Weekend Warriors: Pie, People & Pure Gratitude 🥧💛✨

We can’t believe it… tomorrow is our annual Pie Event! Rain or shine, we’ll be at Discovery Park in Gilbert with free pie, free professional family photos, and the chance to hug so many of you in person. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet - do it and then just COME. We genuinely can’t wait to see you!

It has been a whirlwind week over here. We closed three homes - including two early-morning Friday closings and one that came right down to the wire for a client who spends her days caring for others as an oncology nurse. These are the moments we live for, and being able to call her with the final “you’re closed!” was everything.

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.

On the community side, we are rolling into Thanksgiving with very full hearts. We delivered 31 full meals to ICAN families this week, volunteered at their Me & My Family Night, and next week we’re honored to help deliver meals through ShannonsGiving - one of our favorite grassroots traditions. If you want to contribute to any of these, you can make a donation to Community on Purpose or message us to come along and help!

And while everyone gears up for holiday prep next week, we’re gearing up too - with four closings the week after Thanksgiving and two more the week after that. It’s an incredible season of momentum for buyers and sellers, and we’ve shared more market data this week to help you understand why opportunities are popping up right now.

We tell you all of this each week because we want you to know:
👉 If moving is on your mind, there are real deals to be had.
👉 And sellers? There’s opportunity for you too.
With the right strategy, prep, and guidance, this market works and we’d love to help you map out your plan, whether that’s before year-end or in early 2026.

Keep scrolling for all the good stuff happening across the Valley - turkey trots, open houses, movie nights, playdates… so much joy and community in one place. ❤️

Ahwatukee Home with Instant Equity & A NEW PRICE!

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.

CHECK IT OUT!

📊 Market Watch: The Best Q4 in Years - and Why Affordability Is Quietly Improving

If the market has felt busier, more optimistic, and just a little more “in motion” lately… the data agrees. This November is shaping up to be the strongest fourth quarter for contract activity in Greater Phoenix in three years and both buyers and sellers are starting to feel that shift.

What’s even more encouraging?
Affordability is actually improving in the price ranges where it matters most.

🧠 What’s Changing Right Now

The Cromford numbers show several big trends that are worth paying attention to:

1. Buyers are mobilizing - fast.

Contracts are up 15% over last year, especially under $300K and in the luxury market over $1M

2. Prices in the entry-level market have softened in a meaningful way.

Homes under $400K have seen prices fall 10–14% from the 2022 peak, and 3–5% just in the last year

3. Payments for first-time buyers are down 13–15%.

A combination of lower prices, interest rates dropping from 7.25% → 6.25%, and temporary buydowns (offered by 60–70% of sellers)
has significantly reduced monthly payments compared to last year

4. More supply under $300K = more opportunities.

Supply in this range is up 39%, prices are down, and new contracts have surged 32% so far in November

5. Wage growth is finally helping.

Phoenix hourly earnings have grown 12% in two years, far outpacing inflation at 3.3% giving buyers more room to breathe

🏡 About the 50-Year Mortgage Headlines

Yes, the 50-year mortgage idea made national news this week. Yes, it got attention. But here's what the data shows:

The payment difference on a $400,000 loan is only about $283/mo
Equity builds painfully slowly → only $3,800 in 3 years vs. $15,000 on a 30-year mortgage
It would take 9–10 years just to pay down what a 30-year mortgage pays in 3 years

In other words:
This isn’t the solution. And it isn’t even available.
Affordability is improving through actual, accessible tools already in place - not hypothetical products tied up in regulation.

🍕 For Buyers: This Window Matters

This is one of the few moments in the past several years where buyers have:

lower monthly payments
more choices
more seller incentives
AND less competition (for now)

Before the January surge hits, this is the time to be strategic, prepared, and proactive.

💰 For Sellers: Buyers Are Back - But They’re Value-Driven

Even as demand rises, this is still a thoughtful, price-sensitive market.
The homes winning are:

dialed-in
prepped
priced with data
and marketed intentionally

We’re seeing luxury activity pick up dramatically too - contracts between $1M–$2M up 25%, and contracts over $2M up 25% in the last 9 weeks. Expect price adjustments heading into Thanksgiving and early January for listings that don’t attract offers. Strategy matters more than ever, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.

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.

🔥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

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.

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.

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 📅

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!

Turkey Trot for Tiny Warriors

Date: November 27, 2025
Time: 8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Bottle & Bean, Chandler Arizona
Overview: Bring your family and friends and join us in supporting three local children bravely battling cancer. Donations are recommended but not required. Every step helps make a difference.

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.

Moving to the East Valley soon?

In partnership with East Valley Moms, we've released the East Valley Relocation Guide just for you! With tips for new moms, where to take your kiddos for swim lessons and more - you are not going to want to miss this guide! Download your copy below or message us for details on how to get a hard copy!

Download Here

2025 Holiday Events for East Valley 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 Christmas 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 little ones, plus ideas to help you make the most of winter break.

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. 💙

Who do you know with real estate needs?

The greatest compliment you could give, is the referral of your friends or family. Trusting us with their real estate needs is an honor and a compliment we take very seriously! Click the link below to refer them and be assured that they will be well taken care of!

Refer a Friend

😲 In Case You Missed It!

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.

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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!

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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.