Weekend Warrior | December 7, 2024 - December 8, 2024

Welcome to December, Weekend Warriors!

I'm not sure about you, but sometimes I just 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. This year we've helped 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're not done yet. 

A Unique Opportunity for Buyers and Sellers in Greater Phoenix

How is the Arizona Real Estate Market Doing?

As 2024 winds down, the Arizona real estate market offers unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers to consider before the year ends. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or planning to sell your property, here’s what you need to know:

For Buyers: You May Be a First-Time Homebuyer and Not Even Know It

Did you know that the average age of a first-time homebuyer is now 38 years old? That’s the highest it’s ever been! What’s more, you might qualify as a first-time homebuyer even if you’ve owned a home before. According to HUD, you could still qualify if:

• You haven’t owned a home in the past three years.
• You’re a single parent who only owned a home with a former spouse.
• You’re a displaced homemaker or someone who has only owned a property not permanently affixed to a foundation.

Why does this matter? As a first-time homebuyer, you may be eligible for programs that offer down payment assistance, closing cost help, or lower interest rates. These opportunities are more accessible now, as we’ve shifted into a buyer’s market.

In Greater Phoenix, sellers are increasingly open to offers involving these programs since multiple-offer scenarios have decreased. Historically, buyer’s markets in this region are rare and short-lived. The last one lasted just four weeks in 2022, and before that, it had been over a decade since the region saw similar conditions. With mortgage rates hovering near 6.9% and potentially stabilizing, this buyer’s market may not last long. Acting now could help you take advantage of current conditions while they last.

For Sellers: Plan Now for a Strong Start in 2025

Mortgage rates have remained volatile, recently jumping back over 7% before settling around 6.9%. This has reduced demand, pushing Greater Phoenix into a buyer’s market—a shift that can be challenging for sellers, especially during the slower holiday season.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home successfully. If you need to list now, ensure your property is in excellent condition and competitively priced from the start. Offering incentives like rate buy-downs, closing cost assistance, and repair credits can make your listing more attractive.

If you’re not in a rush to sell, this is the perfect time to strategize. The first quarter of 2025 historically sees an increase in buyer activity as people move into the new year ready to make big decisions. Preparing your home now can set you up for success when the market picks up in January.

Let’s Create a Plan That Works for You

Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s essential to act strategically in today’s market. For buyers, this may mean exploring first-time homebuyer programs to maximize your purchasing power. For sellers, it’s about positioning your home to stand out in a more competitive environment.

Need help? Let’s discuss your options and create a game plan that aligns with your goals. Reach out today!

Thank you so much for coming out to our annual community appreciation event, it was an absolute blast in our new home at Gilbert's Discovery Park. We loved having all of you out for holiday treats, yummy food from our friends at Someburros, crafts and games for the kids and of course our family photographer who took the most beautiful holiday photos set against the changing colors of the trees. If you weren't able to make it out to the event, we'd love to see you before the end of the year! We're on a mission to make the holidays very special for the kiddos at Branching Out Family Services and are booking our 2025 Equity Reviews for our clients to get a sneak peek into your home investment and share our predictions for the market for the coming year. Click the link below to chat with us about both opportunities - we're so excited to see you and hear about YOUR holiday plans, too! 

We just wrapped up 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 partnered with Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels to give meals to 25 pediatric cancer patients and their families. Many of you contributed by scanning our QR code in last month's Weekend Warrior and donating to our 501c3 nonprofit organization, Community on Purpose, to make it all possible. Thank you so much for helping us give these families the gift of a warm holiday meal!

We also made a stop at Gilbert Public Schools and stocked the Family Resource Center at Pioneer Elementary School with Confidence Kits for an ENTIRE YEAR. If you haven't heard of Confidence Kits, yet - this incredible local organization provides hygiene products to nonprofit shelters, food banks, foster support programs, school programs and transitional housing organizations to support general overall well being for our valley families. Co-Founder Leanne Lacey partnered with Allee Klingensmith, District Homeless Education Liaison & Foster Care Liaison at Gilbert Public Schools in their ask to supply Gilbert Public Schools’ Clothing Closets at Sonoma Ranch, Mesquite Jr, Mesquite High and Desert Ridge High with Confidence Kits for ONE YEAR and this week, thanks to YOUR generous support and partnership, Community on Purpose and the Amy Jones Group became the proud sponsors of that program! The need in our communities is so great and this partnership reiterates our commitment to serving the communities we live, work and play in through real estate and community, connection and giving back!

🎁 Adopt-A-Family NOW Thru December 16th 🎁

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!

Jingle Mingle at the Mall - Saturday, December 7th, 2024 

Join East Valley Moms to celebrate the holiday season at Superstition Springs Center for fun activations for families with kids 0-8 years old on Saturday, December 7 from 11am-1pm. Don't miss this FREE holiday playdate that's sure to get spirits high with fun for the entire family!

Hanukkah Holiday Bazaar and Community Celebration - Sunday, December 8th, 2024

Join the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus for the annual Hanukkah Holiday Bazaar, a festive celebration of community, culture, and creativity!
This year, they're bringing together the best of local artisans, small business, and joyful activities to make your holiday season truly special.

A Very Merry Play Date at Epicenter - Wednesday, December 11th, 2024

A Very Merry Playdate at Epicenter, hosted by East Valley Moms. Wednesday, December 11, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Join us for a FREE playdate with story time, live sing-a-longs, holiday character visits and more festive fun!

Parade of Lights - Mark Your Calendar!

Every December, brings local businesses, community organizations, families and floats together for one glowing evening in celebration of the holidays. Glowing pageantry of lights, the Parade of Lights features hundreds of thousands of lights that bring joy and cheer to spectators of all ages.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade - Saturday, December 14th, 2024

The fantasy of lights boat parade is the Valley's most unique holiday event and celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, and a spectacular fireworks show. This event is free and family-friendly. Parade starts at 7PM from the marina. Fireworks start at approximately 8:15PM.

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. 

💼 Looking to Grow Your Business in 2025? 💼 

😲 In Case You Missed It!