Weekend Warrior | July 27 - July 28, 2024
Greetings, Weekend Warriors!
And just like that, a new school year is upon us! We know lots of you have got kiddos finishing up their first week back at school and some are gearing up for their first day - so keep on posting those pics because it has been an absolute blast being on the ride with you! In fact, it's because of YOU that so many of our students were ready to go back to school this year - your donations in our Community on Purpose Back to School drive were incredible - check out the pictures below showing what a HUGE impact you made!
Ever wish time would just stop for a few minutes so you could focus on those extra busy family times? Us, too - but this week between the political arena and MAJOR updates to the real estate industry, we've been GO GO GO and know you have too. Our calendars are open to sit down and chat about how these events will impact your home search and we've set up some additional open house dates so that we can talk about something else on our mind, legacy planning. It's never too early to start and we know it's been on your list, too.
With Summer winding down and the kids getting back to school, we've got you covered on all things real estate and community right here in one spot. And if you don't find what you are looking for or if you have questions and aren't sure who to ask, just click the little button that says "Let's Chat!" and you can swing on over to our new Chandler office or we can pop over to you. For now, scroll on through and get caught up on this week's happenings!
🗓️ Market Update July 2024 🗓️
Summer is HOT but Fall Might be Hotter...
We’re getting the first glimmer of hope that we might see an interest rate reduction here soon and even talk of that has created a bit of a buzz in the local real estate market. With sellers settling into the balanced market we’re seeing continued negotiations around compensation and seller concessions which buyers are getting used to navigating. With new requirements for buyers to have employment agreements with their agents going into effect next week before they are shown any houses, sellers are going to find it imperative to work with buyers agents to increase ease of access to their homes while on the market. While these industry changes are intended to increase transparency and consumer choice, it has also been a reminder to the consumer that who you work with truly matters when it comes to such a major investment.
Meanwhile, as the market has shifted out of a seller’s market and into balance, it has also become a friendlier space for not-so-perfect buyers, especially first-time home-buyers. Buyers looking to assume FHA or VA loans with rates under 5%, or purchase with a low down payment, or down payment assistance, will find more opportunities with sellers today. Sales prices are still holding pretty steady, another benefit of a market in balance - something we haven’t really since since 2014/2015.
The median sales price has only increased 2% from last year and the average sales price per square foot is up a modest 3% annually for the Summer months. Sellers need to prepare their home for sale, adjust their expectations, market and price their listing, and negotiate buyer concessions. It’s markets like this that demonstrate the need for representation and guidance from a professional real estate agent, something our team is here to provide and answer any questions about.
With big news in the political arena this week, it might be hard to focus on more local pressures like the rising cost of home ownership or feeling stuck in your home due to a killer rate - but ultimately, we’ve got to focus on what we can control. If your housing situation is less than ideal or you are planning for big life changes in the next 3-5 years, understanding how a fleeting balanced market can help despite the noise - might just be your ticket.
Our client consultations have always been intended to help you work through your options and really get to know your family's needs but now more than ever it's important that we sit down and review where you've come from, where you are at, and where you are headed - let us know if sitting down and strategizing how these updates impact you makes sense ❤️ .
We'd love to meet you! Find a time that works for you and your family!
In a digital world, it's nice to connect in person. 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...
🏡 REALTORS MOVE TOO! 🏡
We're All Settled In!
We just wrapped up our move from Stearman Drive in Chandler to the Expansive complex just down the road and have loved seeing some of you stop by this past week! We were able to meet with a family relocating to the area at our office and help one of our buyers get some boxes for their big move - a gift from one of our clients who just closed - a perfect match! Our new office address is 1820 E Ray Road Suite C4 in Chandler's 85225 zip code! We love our new set up and will be having a few open houses once the weather cools down a bit but in the meantime, just let us know if you'll be in the are and we'll make you a cup of coffee!
🔥 GONE, GONE, GONE🔥
These homes went quickly and we've got the stories to tell! From downsizing and moving closer to family to relocating out of state for a new job, you never know when life is going to pop up with a plan of its own! The good news is that we've helped thousands of families just like yours through all kinds of moves BIG and small and we've got the resource list to back up your next move. From movers to painters to remote signers and everything in between prep day and closing day - we've got you covered. Our team excels at the communication and negotiation needed to navigate a balanced market - want to know the three biggest things we see getting in the way of closing day? Message us and we'll give you the details as well as a custom property evaluation report to give you an idea of where you stand with equity.
FREE MOVIE
Have you seen the previews for The Wild Robot coming out in September? We can't wait! In fact, we've booked AN ENTIRE movie theater just for the clients of the Amy Jones Group (YOU!!!!!) on September 29th at 1pm at the Majestic Theater in Chandler and can't wait for an afternoon of fun, popcorn and raffle prizes! Theater seating is limited so please click the link below so that we can get you on our interest list before we send out the official invites next week!
🔥 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 🔥
Welcome to the highly sought after amenity rich Alamar community of Avondale, Arizona. This single level 2335sf David Weekley Home is show ready with 3 bedrooms, a double door office, spacious kitchen and greatroom, and a professionally landscaped backyard with growing trees & a covered patio to enjoy Arizona sunsets year round with no neighbors behind. No need to wait 10-12 months to build the popular Cedarcrest floorplan new when this extremely lightly lived in home is ready for you today! This Avondale neighborhood is spread over 1,150 acres, including dozens of parks, miles of trails, and expanses of recreation space including a neighborhood pool, dog parks, sport fields & courts, outdoor gathering venues, events & more right in your backyard, Alamar is more than a place to live - It's a lifestyle!
SAVE THE DATE
It is never too early to start planning for your future which is why we've partnered with Gilbert Memorial Park and the Parker Law Office to bring you three incredible sessions this summer on the importance of pre-planning, legacy planning with wills and trusts, and the three most avoidable property challenges we see due to a lack of planning with families.
If you are interested in getting on the interest list for these events offered morning, mid-day and evening this summer, click the link below and let us know to sign you up!
East Valley Moms + 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!
EAST VALLEY MOMS & THE AMY JONES GROUP TRANSPLANT GUIDE
Motherhood is challenging enough in your hometown where you’re comfortable and have a great support system. Add in moving across the country, and it’s a whole new daunting challenge. First, welcome to the East Valley—we hope you fall in love with the lifestyle here that’s family-focused. Whether you’re from the Pacific Northwest, the East coast, or the Bible belt, welcome to your new home, our home state, Arizona. We hope this serves as a starting point to help you navigate the East Valley whether you’re still considering a move here, or if you’ve just unloaded the moving van and are already tired of being told about our “dry heat.”
Rocky Point with Kids Travel Guide
Today we’re talking about first time travel tips for Rocky Point, Mexico, with young kids. If you have lived in AZ for more than 5 minutes, you will have heard of this fun vacation spot just across the US/Mexico border.
How to Have a Friendly "Not Party" Birthday Party
Every mom has things they are amazing at and things that are just not their forte. For me, elaborate birthday parties with punny themes, cute decor, and Pinterest-perfect food represents the latter.
More East Valley Moms!
East Valley Moms is a hyperlocal, digital media platform to connect local parents with local resources and storytelling to inspire a more connected, joyful parenting journey across Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Apache Junction and Queen Creek.
FREE: Water Safety Coloring Book
We just printed these super fun summer water safety coloring books for our client's kiddos and they are such a hit! If you are looking for something fun to share with your kids this summer, message us for your free copy - we'd love to get one to you!
Weekend Events
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.
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.
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...
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!
🏡 Know Your Home Value 🏡
Know how much your home is worth (it's free!)
Looking to make a move but not sure where to start? Let's take a look at your equity and figure out...
😲 In Case You Missed It!
Avoid These First Time Home Seller Mistakes
Be it a job relocation, downsizing, or just craving a scenery change, walking through the home-selling maze in the Valley requires strategy and attention to nuances. This blog will dissect common traps that ensnare first-time home sellers, helping you steer towards a successful and frictionless sale in our unique market.
Is Buying a Fixer-Upper in the Valley Worth It?
For many homebuyers in the Valley, the thought of snapping up a fixer-upper is like finding a hidden gem. The idea of molding an overlooked space into a dream home or a smart investment captures the imagination. Yet, it's vital to understand what you're getting into. Is turning a fixer-upper into treasure a savvy move, or are you digging yourself into a financial hole?
Which Mortgage is Right for You?
Conventional mortgages are the most common type of mortgage. You can get this type of loan at almost any mortgage lender, and the requirements are fairly standard. To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you must have...
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🙏 New Review 🙏
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