Weekend Warrior | December 21, 2024 - December 22, 2024

Happy Holidays, Weekend Warriors!

The holiday season is in full swing and our hearts and calendars are fuller than ever with all the fun activities of the year! This past week, we wrapped up our final holiday giving event of the season, supporting Branching Out Family Services and their incredible mission. Through their Holiday Family Trees program, our team had the honor of shopping for dozens of children, ensuring they have a little extra joy this holiday season - check out the fun little video we put together with our partners at BReal Media...it was an absolute blast! In fact, it’s moments like these that solidify why we do what we do—and it’s all thanks to YOU that we can continue to make an impact in the communities we call home.

As the year comes to a close, we are still putting a bow on all of the incredible opportunities for our buyers - the last two weeks of the year are prime time for negotiating concessions and closing costs, and it’s the perfect season to connect with our team - we'll bring the hot cocoa or peppermint mocha, its so much fun to catch up this time of year and plan for the new year together. In fact, you can schedule a January appointment to review how much equity you’ve gained in your home this year, brainstorm ideas on how to maximize it, and explore all the ways we can support you—whether it’s resources for upgrades, remodeling ideas, or even school recommendations - we've been doing this a LONG time and have kids of our own right here in your same neighborhoods! Snag a spot here, this is going to be good!

We’re gearing up for an exciting 2025 filled with MORE community events, business growth opportunities for our local business friends, market insights for ALL of our clients, and opportunities to help you thrive in every way. As always, our commitment to serving through real estate and community remains steadfast. If you or someone you know is considering a move, we’d be honored to help. Your referrals mean the world to us, and we promise to pay it forward in ways that make a meaningful difference. In fact, if you've had the chance to work with our team this year and would reccomend us to your bestest friend or even your MOM, please please consider leaving us a review - it would mean the absolute world to us: https://g.co/kgs/67mfp8h

Here’s to wrapping up this year with purpose and intention, and to welcoming the next with open hearts and endless possibilities! Read on for some of our favorite ways to end the year and kick start a new one!

Branching Out and the Good Works Project

This year, you helped us bring joy to local youth experiencing foster care this holiday season! Together, we made a difference in more than a dozen kid's lives and ensured that every child receives a thoughtful gift as part of more than 150 families served this holiday season. We can't thank you enough for your support - and after shopping until we almost dropped, Ada and Mindy stopped by the Branching Out office (they are tenants at Expansive with us!) with the goods. An extra thank you to Jenn Baer from our media partner at BReal Productions who donated more than 40 Squishmallows that her daughter had been collecting for these kiddos - you'll put a big ol' smile on many kid's faces this holiday. If you'd like to give to similar programs throughout the year, visit www.communityonpurpose.com to make a donation to our 501c3 nonprofit organization for distribution throughout the year. In fact, before you know it - Valentine's Day will be here and we'll be back at ICAN Positive Programs for Youth hosting their Valentine's Day Dance. Interested in volunteering with us, message us for details and we'll get you and your group on our invite list!

Still Not Sure if Now is a Good Time?

We’re officially in a buyer’s market, but don’t mistake that for a price drop! With supply stabilizing and demand picking up slightly, December sales prices are trending slightly higher than November's. Over 53% of November closings included seller concessions (a median of $10,000), offering buyers perks like rate buy-downs, loan assumptions, and property improvements.

If you’ve been waiting to buy, now might be your moment—before these opportunities pass. For sellers, the Spring market is just around the corner, bringing faster sales and upward price trends. Curious how you might do in a market like that one? Check out our latest market video for more details, and from all of us, happiest of holidays to you and your families! 🎁✨

Riparian After Dark - Nightly Until December 22, 2024 

The Riparian Preserve comes alive with a holiday glow during Gilbert's annual Riparian After Dark event presented by Sundt/PCL, A Joint Venture and BMW. Stroll around the 1.5 miles of trails and walkways that weave through the park and enjoy thousands of holiday lights and displays.

Vertuccio Farms Christmas - Daily Until December 23, 2024

Come on out and unwrap new traditions and make memories with your family and friends as you make your way through the Holiday Fest at the Farm. Our all new Christmas event is designed for family and friends as you enjoy classic holiday music playing throughout the farm as you stroll.  Take pictures in our Giant Ornament and visit our 25 ft Corn Stalk Tree.

Tempe's Menorah Lighting Ceremony - Sunday, December 30, 2024

Join the community for the third annual Menorah Lighting ceremony at Ragsdale - MLK Park, hosted by Downtown Tempe and in partnership with ASU Chabad. This special event includes traditional blessings, music, kid's craft and activities, kosher treats and a chance to celebrate Chanukah with friends and neighbors!

For a complete holiday calendar of events for kiddos, visit East Valley Moms EPIC Calendar collection here!

This year we announced the launch of our Community Heroes Appreciation Program with a special gift of gratitude for military members, veterans, educators, medical professionals, first responders, and government/civil servants when buying or selling a home with us. 

In recognition of these invaluable contributions, we offer a $1,000 credit towards closing costs as a thank you for the service to our country and community. This program was originally founded to honor our military heroes, inspired by Amy Jones’ late father, Richard (Mac) McGarrigle, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and we’ve since expanded it to include all community heroes who make a difference every day.

Additionally, we partner with title companies, lenders and even moving companies who offer special programs designed to assist community heroes with their moving and community connection needs. These programs can help make homeownership more affordable by offering lower down payment requirements, reduced interest rates, and other financial assistance to ease the burden of a big move.

If you or someone you know would qualify for this program, please reach out so we can share details with you and share our gratitude for your role in our community. 

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