Weekend Warrior | November 16, 2024 - November 17, 2024

Welcome to Winter(ish), Weekend Warriors

Oh my goodness, what an absolutely amazing weekend for our annual community appreciation event - We've done these events for TEN years now (and many of you have been to ALL OF THEM!) and some years its HOT as an oven outside and other years is blustery but I think this year its going to be absolutely a TEN out of TEN - get it? Please tell me you are coming - free family photos, games for the kids, a chance to see our team and meet some of the partners we worked with throughout our time together - and if you haven't yet bought or sold a house with the Amy Jones Group, you'll get a feel for what we're about - community, connection and collaboration. Be sure to RSVP if you haven't already - we can't wait to see you!

A Unique Opportunity for Buyers and Sellers in Greater Phoenix

The Greater Phoenix housing market is experiencing a rare shift into a buyer's market, creating a unique opportunity for both buyers and sellers to make strategic moves. Buyer’s markets in this region are infrequent, with the last one lasting just four weeks in 2022 and the one before that in 2010. While the current conditions may not last long, they offer advantages for those who are prepared to act.

For Buyers:

Did you know you might qualify as a first-time homebuyer without realizing it? HUD defines a first-time homebuyer broadly, including individuals who haven’t owned a primary residence in the last three years, single parents who only owned with a former spouse, and those who’ve owned non-traditional properties. This definition opens doors to grant programs that provide closing cost assistance, down payment aid, and interest rate relief.

In past years, fierce competition made it difficult for buyers using these programs to have their offers accepted. But today, with fewer multiple-offer situations, sellers are more willing to work with buyers utilizing these opportunities. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, this could be it. However, the window may close quickly if mortgage rates stabilize or drop again, shifting the market back to favor sellers.

For Sellers:

Rising mortgage rates, now hovering around 6.9%, have softened buyer demand and pushed the market into a seasonal buyer’s market. While this creates challenges, sellers who prioritize property condition, competitive pricing, and are willing to offer incentives like rate buy-downs and closing cost assistance can still secure successful contracts.

If you’re not in a rush to sell, consider preparing for a stronger market in the first quarter of 2025, when buyer activity typically picks up. For those navigating the current market, patience and strategic planning are essential as longer marketing times are expected during the holiday season.

Whether buying or selling, the current market presents unique opportunities—but timing is everything. Let’s discuss how you can make the most of these conditions!

This year, we have two BIG opportunities to give back in support of organizations we know and love. The first is Shannon's Giving, named after our friend Amber Kovarik's sister who passed away from Cancer. Thanksgiving was their favorite family tradition so each year we support this organization with a donation, volunteer to pick up pre-made Whole Foods meals, and deliver them to families. This year, we're partnering with Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels to give meals to 25 pediatric cancer patients and their families. You can contribute by scanning the QR code below and donating to our 501c3 nonprofit organization, Community on Purpose. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, please reach out to us and we can connect you as well!

We're also super excited to add a new partnership for Community on Purpose and the Amy Jones Group this year with Branching Out Family Services and the Good Works Project supporting families in foster care. This year, we'll be partnering with them to bring a little more love to kiddos and their family through a holiday present drive and will be raising funds to purchase items on the wish lists, assembling volunteers to wrap and so much more. If you'd like to donate, scan the QR code below or reply to this email and ask to be added to the volunteer invite list for the event! We so appreciate you allowing us to be on this journey of home ownership with you - the more we serve through real estate, the more we can serve through community!

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. 

6th Annual Family Fun Harvest Festival- Saturday, November 16th, 2024 

oiJoin Family Fun Arizona for our Annual Family Fun HARVEST FESTIVAL on Saturday, November 16th inside The Arizona Boardwalk! Pick and decorate a mini pumpkin ! DJ FLO will be playing music on center stage while the kids enjoy the Bounce Houses, Slides, Face Painting and more!! The parents can enjoy shopping from our various Local Vendors and eating yummy food from a variety of restaurants on property too! Let's celebrate the cooler weather and have some fun This is a FREE family event. BUT, if you REGISTER below for your free ticket, bring it with you to the festival and you'll be entered into the Family Fun Arizona Giveaway Drawings! This event is from November 16 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Canal Convergence | Reflections - Sunday November 17th, 2024

Canal Convergence is an internationally recognized, free, ten-night public art event that takes over the Scottsdale Waterfront each November. This entirely outdoor, immersive event features large-scale, light-based artworks, as well as educational workshops, family-friendly activities, art and history tours, live music and dance performances, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, and more! Large-scale public artworks will illuminate the Scottsdale Waterfront each evening from Friday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024

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

😲 In Case You Missed It!