Weekend Warrior | January 3-5, 2025
Happy New Year, Weekend Warriors!
I'm not sure about you, but sometimes I take a peek back at the photos I've taken throughout the year and I just can't believe how many memories were made and even a few that I'd completely forgotten about. I'm reminded of the ups and downs of the year, the hardest points and the highest ones, and I'm filled with gratitude that not only have we made it this far but that we were able to help so many other people along the way.
In 2024, we were able to help more than 100 families make really big moves, and so many of you reading this were a part of those stories - first time home owners, families who had to move when life took an unexpected turn, big job moves to the valley, new babies, loss of partners, and so many twisty turns that we got to walk alongside you for.
We also worked with you to support so many of the organizations that are important to you - sorting clothes at the Clothes Cabin and bringing them to their pop up shop in Mesa for homeless families, filling backpacks for school children, donating supplies to Hands on Greater Phoenix, raising funds and awareness for the incredible work that Positive Paths does, bringing a family carnival to ASA NOW, filling the clothes closet at House of Refuge, donating beautiful outfits to the moms in our community, Water Day at ICAN, Thanksgiving with Shannon's Giving - and we’ve got big plans for 2025!
As we head into the new year, we're committed now more than ever to serving through real estate and community and with some amazing programs offering down payment assistance, closing cost help, and reduced interest rates making home ownership more accessible, we're helping you navigate a rare, and likely fleeting buyer’s market in the Greater Phoenix area. Many of our East Valley cities remain in strong sellers markets which means that working with a team that knows their stuff is IMPORTANT...and this, is where we shine.
If you've had the opportunity to work with us before, we'd love for you to share your story by leaving us a review - and if this is your first time getting to know our team, please reach out so we can sit down and get to know YOU a little better. This week's Weekend Warrior is packed with ways to do both as well as events, market updates, and so much more. So grab your favorite hot beverage, scroll on through and let's catch up soon!
Starting Off 2025 On the Right Foot
Even though the ball has already dropped, we’re not done making our predictions for a strong 2025! As we step into the new year, the real estate market is stepping up with opportunities for both buyers and sellers. In our latest video, we reflected on how 2024 wrapped up and what the trends suggest for the year ahead. Let’s dive into the numbers and what they mean for you.
A Market in Motion
As of January 1, 2025, active listings are up 37% compared to this time last year, signaling more options for buyers. However, inventory has dipped 7.3% from last month, offering a moment of relief for sellers. Monthly sales have climbed an impressive 13.4% year-over-year, and the average price per square foot is up 6.8%, highlighting a resilient market with steady demand.
December closed with a big bang, as a significant number of listings expired at the year’s end. While this temporarily reduced competition for sellers, the key question remains: will these homes come back to the market in January? The balance between new supply and growing demand will shape the trajectory of the first quarter.
Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers
For sellers, reduced competition and strong pricing trends present a prime opportunity to enter the market while conditions remain balanced. Buyers, on the other hand, can still find leverage in outlying areas that lean towards a buyer’s market. Homebuilders may also offer more flexibility on pricing and incentives, especially for move-in-ready homes, as inventory levels grow.
What to Watch for Next
With the market moving towards balance, the next four weeks will be critical in determining the year’s tone. New supply levels will dictate whether we continue shifting toward equilibrium or tip back into a buyer’s market. Meanwhile, upscale luxury homes remain a hot spot, buoyed by strong investment performance and high-end demand. The good news for sellers is that after two years of fairly flat appreciation - we expect to see some good price movement in 2025!
☎️ Schedule Your 2025 Equity Review ☎️
The first place to start if you own a home, is to figure out how much equity you've gained since you purchased it. It's yours but without a plan of how you'll use it, it's hard to know how it will work for you. Sitting down and talking about where you are coming from and where you might be headed is the BEST way to kick off the new year - there's no time better than now to set up a plan for those big goals you are planning on achieving this year!
🏡 Open Houses 🏡
Open House: Saturday, January 4th Starting at 9AM
Charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1,430sf Breckenridge Townhome in the heart of Gilbert! Just minutes from Downtown Gilbert's dining, shopping, and entertainment, this two-story townhouse is located in a peaceful neighborhood with a community pool, spa, and a lush greenbelt just steps from your private courtyard. The spacious great room flows into the dining area and open kitchen, offering natural light and a chance to create your dream culinary space. A half bath and a cozy patio are perfect for guests and outdoor relaxation. Upstairs, the primary suite offers an ensuite bath and ample closet space, while two additional bedrooms and a second full bath provide flexible floorplan for guests, hobbies or additional space to work from home. With its welcoming community, exceptional, schools.. and easy freeway access, this competitively priced home with a few remaining projects to add your personal touch to - won't last long.
📅 Upcoming Events Calendar 📅
Exactly What to Say® Certification Workshop
Dates: January 8-9, 2025
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Overview:
Join us for this two-day, high-impact workshop led by Mindy Jones, designed to take your communication skills to the next level.What’s Included in Your Registration:
- An exclusive seat at the boardroom table for this 2-day mastermind.
- Expert-guided program for a deep understanding of the science and application of "Magic Words" to influence with integrity.
- Collaboration with elite professionals and top sales experts in your industry.
- Role-playing and masterminding sessions to gain an edge over your competition.
- A detailed workbook, additional resources, and a certificate of completion to proudly display.
- All meals and refreshments throughout the event.
This workshop is perfect for those who want to elevate their influence, refine their communication techniques, and gain actionable tools for success.
Building a Personal Brand to Become a Locally Known Expert
Date: January 16, 2025
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Overview:
This workshop is perfect for those looking to establish a consistent client base and elevate their personal brand. Hosted by Exactly What to Say® Certified Guide Mindy Jones and Business Coach Colleen Biggs, you’ll learn:- The exact steps Mindy followed to become a locally known expert in real estate while building a brand rooted in community and giving back.
- How Colleen became an icon in the coaching world by creating an engaged community focused on visibility.
- Why building a foundation rooted in community works in every market and five actionable ways to establish yourself as a trusted expert in your field.
If you want a hungry client base, reduced client attrition, and happier clients, this session is for you!
Date: January 16, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Expansive Office Complex
1820 E Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225Overview:
After the success of our first Business Mixer, we’re thrilled to host the first mixer of 2025! Partnering with Expansive Chandler, this event is perfect for networking, collaboration, and kicking off a successful year.What to Expect:
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
- Collaboration & Referrals: Build partnerships and exchange ideas to grow your business.
- Drinks & Appetizers: Enjoy light refreshments in a fun, relaxed setting.
- Community Impact: Learn more about Community on Purpose, our nonprofit focused on empowering women, supporting youth and families, and giving back to our community.
February Volunteer Opportunity – Family Valentine’s Day Disco
Date: Sunday, February 11, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: ICAN Hartford
700 N Hartford St, Chandler, AZ 85225Overview:
The Amy Jones Group is thrilled to sponsor ICAN Hartford’s "Me and My Family" Valentine’s Day Night. This family-friendly event will include a disco dance and lots of fun, and we need 15 volunteers to help make it special!Let’s Boogie and Bring Smiles to the Community!
Free (or Cheap) Fun Things
to do with Kids in the East Valley
A FREE absolute gem of a tiny little zoo/animal sanctuary/backyard barn nestled right in the heart of Gilbert where kids can feed cows, pigs, ducks, turkeys and more.
A seasonal offering by Tempe Arts & Culture, this three-hour art party is incredible for kids 0-5 years old. Each event’s arts and music activities, sensory play, and decorations are based on a theme which changes each month.There will be a bounce house, backdrop with photo opportunities, snacks & drinks, and a goodie bag for each registered child!
This takes some planning, but Gilbert Fire Department offers FREE fire station tours for small groups. Here’s everything you need to know to book a private tour for your kids and their friends.
Library card holders can get 2 FREE tickets to more than 15 attractions through the Act One Culture Pass, including: Desert Botanical Garden, Gilbert Historical Museum, Superstition Mountain Museum, Boyce Thompson Arboretum and more.
Check out "Making a Magical Childhood on a Budget" with this handy guide to memberships, free fun and more from East Valley Moms!
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.”
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. Check out all the fun events, informational articles and insider giveaways here!
🏡 Know Your Home Value 🏡
See how much your home would sell for, TODAY! It's totally FREE!
Curious about what your home is worth in today’s market? 🏡 Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want to stay informed, knowing your home's value is the first step. Click below to get a free, no-obligation home valuation!
🤔 DID YOU KNOW? 🤔
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.
📅 Ready to Start Planning Your Move? Let's Grab a Cup of Something Warm 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...
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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!
😲 In Case You Missed It!
We Listed It - We Sold it! Check Out Some of our recent Amy Jones Group Home Sales!
After selling thousands of homes in the Valley, we know how to prep, price, and get your home sold on YOUR timeline. Take a peek at some of our recent home sales and get a feel for the kind of marketing YOU can expect from the Amy Jones Group - Professional, Eye-Catching, Well Staged - all with the guidance from our expert team!
Five Seller Tips for Winter Showings
Selling your home in the Valley during the winter months can be a bit different compared to other seasons. But fewer homes on the market means less competition, which could work to your advantage. Plus, with fewer distractions, buyers are often more serious. However, winter does bring certain challenges, so it's important to make your home as appealing as possible. Here's how you can spruce up your home for those winter showings:
Ideal Housewarming Gifts for New Home Owners
Got friends or family in the Valley settling into a new home? A thoughtful housewarming gift can make a big difference—not just in celebrating this milestone, but in adding a touch of comfort and functionality to their new space. Here are 10 top picks that resonate well with homeowners in our unique desert climate and lifestyle.
Why the Holiday Season Could Be Your Secret to Buying Success in the Valley
Thinking about buying a home in the Valley during the holiday season might raise a few eyebrows. After all, with all the festivities, family gatherings, and the general end-of-year rush, adding house hunting to your to-do list could seem a bit unconventional. Yet, what if I told you that this very season could present unique opportunities for prospective homeowners? Let’s talk about why looking for your next home in the Valley during the holidays might just be a stroke of genius.
Building Equity in Your Valley Home: A Guide
Home equity isn't just a buzzword in the realm of homeownership—it's a cornerstone of financial stability and growth. Whether you're setting foot into your first home in the Valley or you're a seasoned homeowner here, getting a grip on how home equity works can significantly influence your financial planning. So, let's slice through the basics of home equity, its importance, and actionable tips for enhancing it in our dynamic real estate market...
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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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