Weekend Warrior | January 25-26, 2025

Rounding Out the Month, Weekend Warriors!

We're rolling straight into the end of the month and trying to avoid that stomach bug that's been creeping around - extra hand washing and lots of gummy vitamins for the kiddos. We're hoping you've been able to keep the germs away because we know that it's a SUPER busy time of year for everyone! With the home selling season in full swing, the market is moving quickly - and we're using strategy to keep our clients in front of the zig zags and the wiggles of of the market!

For those of you who are on the hunt for your next home, motivated sellers are watching the market closely, which could mean more flexibility for you - and for those of you thinking of selling the home you are in and using some of that money you've earned just by sitting tight - we've got a strategy for you, too. The right home, priced right, can go under contract quickly - read on for the who, how, and WHERE it's working in this week’s edition, plus open houses and a sneak peek at our brand-new listing in Mesa’s Dobson Ranch! 

On the community front, we’re wrapping up our AZ to LA Fire Relief efforts with a truck full of donated goods driven directly to families in need last week - thank you to everyone who helped make it possible!  We’re so grateful to the folks at Expansive who let us store all the incredible donations you brought to our office - the pick up was emotional for all of us! We’re keeping the giving going with a teddy bear drive in partnership with Gilbert Public Schools and of course we’ve still got spots left at our Valentine’s Day events in February supporting ICAN and Senior Helpers plus a ton of family friendly things to do around town from our friends at East Valley Moms. 

Every week we put this WEEKEND WARRIOR together, and get a huge dose of gratitude that we get to do what we do - serving through real estate and community is such a gift to us and our families and plan to do it for many years to come! Your stories, your friendship, your moves that matter - all make it mean the absolute most - so thank you for being part of our community!

Market Trends: What You Need to Know in 2025

The Arizona real estate market is picking up pace as we close out January. While rising inventory and steady buyer interest are setting the stage for an active season, mortgage rates and price trends are shaping unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Let’s break it down:

For Buyers: More Options, More Opportunity

Buyer’s season is here, and January is off to its strongest start since 2020 for new listings. With over 21,000 active listings on the market, this is the highest January inventory since 2016-2017. Sellers are more motivated than ever, offering incentives like rate buy-downs and closing cost assistance to attract buyers in a competitive market.

However, luxury sales are making waves. December saw a +37% surge in sales over $1M compared to last year, skewing price appreciation measures higher. When those luxury transactions are removed, annual appreciation drops to just +2.5%, aligning with inflation rates. What does this mean for buyers? Affordable price points remain stable, and incentives abound. Now is a great time to get qualified and explore your options—whether it’s a first home, an investment property, or your next big move.

For Sellers: The High Season Is Here

The gap between supply and demand might feel wide, but the market is heating up in specific areas and price points. First-time home-buyer ranges between $250K-$400K are seeing strong activity in the West Valley, including Surprise, Waddell, and Avondale, while $400K-$500K homes are hot in the Southeast Valley. For luxury sellers, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley condos over $1.5M are in high demand.

That said, condo markets under $400K are facing unique challenges, including rising HOA fees and insurance costs, leading to stagnant appreciation and increased competition. Sellers in these segments need to prioritize condition, offer incentives, and price strategically to stand out.

What’s Next?

As we head into the busiest home selling season of the year, the key to success lies in strategy. Sellers must stay competitive by revisiting their pricing and leveraging high-quality marketing, while buyers have an incredible opportunity to lock in deals with motivated sellers before demand accelerates.

With open houses scheduled across the Valley and new listings like our sneak peek in Dobson Ranch, there’s plenty to explore this weekend. Whether you’re buying or selling, this season is filled with opportunities. Let us help you navigate the market and make the most of 2025!

📅  Coming Soon in Dobson Ranch 📅  

📅  Upcoming Events Calendar 📅  

Scottsdale Pick

Family Fun Valentine's Festival on Saturday, February 8th inside The Arizona Boardwalk!! DJ FLO will be playing music on center stage while the kids enjoy Valentine's crafts, coloring contests, bounce houses, slides, face painting and more!! The parents can enjoy shopping from dozens of local Vendors and eating yummy food from a variety of restaurants on property too! WIN prizes like restaurant gift cards, family attraction tickets and more in the Family Fun AZ Giveaway! LOVE IS IN THE AIR! Let's have some fun!

Mesa Pick

In February, the Mesa Public Library will collect and deliver Valentine's Day cards for residents in nursing homes and group homes around Mesa. 

Come make cards at one of these workshops to make your cards (all supplies provided by the library during the workshops):

• Main Library (64 E. 1st St, Mesa): Thursday, February 6, from 4PM-6PM
• Red Mountain Branch (635 N. Power Rd, Mesa):  Tuesday, February 4, from 4PM-6PM
• Dobson Branch (2425 S. Dobson Rd, Mesa):  Wednesday, February 5, from 4PM-6PM

If you make valentines at home, you can drop off them off during the workshops or any time the library is open during the week of Feb 3-8.  Drop off bins will be located in each of the library branches.

Gilbert Pick

Moonlit Movie on the Green Join us on February 14th as we watch WISH under the stars!  Bring your blankets, your family, and your warmest hugs!

Date: February 14th
Time: Dusk (6 pm)
Location: Verde at Cooley Station

February Pop Up Play Date

✨Pop up Playdate with East Valley Moms✨ See you Wednesday, February 12, at Epicenter for our last Midweek Mommy Mingle of winter!

We're celebrating 💖💖 Valentines Day 💖💖 and we're bringing in all sorts of local love

From 9:30 to 11 a.m., play games with your littles while enjoying a FREE morning of fun:

🫧Bubble party by East Valley Bubble Truck🫧

🕷️Spiderman character visit and photo ops🕷️

📚Valentines themed story time📚

👟Stroller walk led by Let's Stroll (scooters, bikes, strollers, etc. all welcome!)👟

🍼👶🏼A lot of moms with babies have asked if there's fun for the littlest: 💖YES💖! Join us! Bring your stroller, get some sunshine during our stroller walk, grab a coffee, play bubbles with your baby and meet other moms.

For More Deals, Discounts, Don't Miss Events and HOT local picks for your whole crew, visit East Valley Moms! and subscribe to the EVM Weekender.

Last 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. 

😲 In Case You Missed It!