Weekend Warrior | December 14, 2024 - December 15, 2024

Now this is a Winter Wonderland, Weekend Warriors!

We're finally getting some good Arizona Winter weather - a little overcast, a little cooler, and a lot more holiday activities to attend to! From busy school calendars with holiday plays and afternoon potlucks, to extra time saved for shopping for donations and volunteering for some of our favorite organizations, and wrapping up our 2024 year with more families getting into their homes before the holidays - we couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to serve you through real estate and community into 2025 and beyond. These next couple of weeks are going to speed past all of us, so let's do everything we can to be intentional about how we spend them and who we spend them with. Just this week, we helped Branching Out Family Services with their Adopt-A-Family program, shopping for more than a dozen kids as part of our annual December team event. Its because of YOU, that we're able to make such a difference in the communities we live, work and play in AND for families just like yours...and ours. But, I'm curious - could I ask you a favor? If you are thinking of making a move next year or have heard the rumblings of anyone, maybe, possibly, potentially even mulling over almost anything to do with where they lay their head at night - could you pretty please send them our way? It would mean the absolute most to us - and we promise to give it back ten-fold to the organizations and communities that mean the most to you. 

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.

Still Not Sure if Now is a Good Time?

What if most of your fears about buying or selling a home right now were simply myths? Let’s cut through the noise and focus on the facts.

In November, closed sales were up 10% compared to last year, and resale median prices increased by 2.6%. These numbers show resilience in the market, even as conditions feel cooler overall. Key areas like Tempe and employment hubs such as Chandler are seeing activity heat up, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

For buyers, markets like Buckeye and Maricopa provide room for negotiation, making it a great time to explore your options. Sellers, on the other hand, can still attract motivated buyers—especially during the holiday season—with the right strategy.

Programs like upfront equity access or cash-backed offers can simplify your next move. We’ve done the legwork to identify options with the lowest cost and fastest access to help you make the transition seamless.

The real estate market is changing quickly, and what you think you know about it might already be outdated. Don’t let myths hold you back—stay informed and take action with confidence.

One of the programs we offer at our nonprofit organization, Community on Purpose, is direct giving through a grant program. Our good friend La'Vista Jones applied for a sweet kiddo in her son's school and it was approved - with the check given to Miss Em at the front desk of ASU's Preparatory Academy in Mesa this week. The more homes we help families move into and out of and the more community support we received - the more work we can do like that so in short, this is ALL because of you! We appreciate you so much!

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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