Weekend Warrior | April 12-13, 2025
Weekend Warriors: 4 Accepted Offers, 5 Open Houses
& A Season of Movement!
Spring is in full bloom, and so is the market 🌸 This week, we helped FOUR of our clients get under contract - proof that we are deeply in the season of buying and selling. Whether you're thinking about your first home, your next move, or just love staying informed - now is the time.
🏡 For buyers, conditions are ideal. With rates still hovering and inventory in many neighborhoods double what it was last year, you’ve got more choices, more leverage, and less competition in many areas.
🔥 For sellers in the East Valley - cities like Chandler and Gilbert are still holding strong in seller's market territory. But with more homes hitting the market daily, a solid strategy is key.
This weekend, we’ve got FIVE open houses across the Valley — come check them out, meet the team, and see what’s possible!
We also wrapped up our Quarterly Business Mixer at Expansive this week and it was one for the books — packed room, great conversations, and so much fun. If you haven’t already, be sure to RSVP for our upcoming Family Dinner Night at the end of the month — and don't forget we’re collecting hygiene products all month long for our Kindness Kits project benefiting Carson Junior High.
🌀 On the national front, it’s been a whirlwind — tariffs on, tariffs off — and interest rates are feeling it. If it’s been more than 30 days since you reviewed your numbers, or you’ve been meaning to reach out, now’s the time.
With Passover kicking off today, Easter next weekend, and Mother’s Day around the corner, we hope you’re finding ways to celebrate with the people you love most. As always, we're here for whatever this season holds for you — in real estate and beyond.
And if you’re craving connection, April is overflowing with opportunities to plug in:
April 15 – The Women Empowered Mixer at GarageEast in Gilbert
April 29 – Mastering Networking at The Catalyst, Downtown Gilbert
April 30 – Family Dinner Night with Fairway Mortgage on our office patio
Each one is a chance to build relationships, grow your business, and be part of something bigger — and we’d love to see you there.
With Passover kicking off today, Easter next weekend, and Mother’s Day around the corner, we hope you’re finding ways to celebrate with the people you love most. As always, we're here for whatever this season holds for you — in real estate and beyond.
📊 Market Update: Opportunity in Motion, Caution in the Air -
What You Need to Know Now
As we move deeper into April, the market is giving us a mix of signals - and opportunity is everywhere, even if the headlines feel a little noisy.
Interest rates are hovering in the 6.6–6.75% range, with temporary dips thanks to creative lender programs and seller concessions. But global uncertainty - including recent tariff talks - is adding new pressure to the economic outlook, which means buyers and sellers alike are keeping a close eye on what’s next.
Here’s what we’re seeing this week:
📊 By the Numbers:
Inventory is up 47% from last year — yes, 47%
Sales are up 2.6% year-over-year — showing that demand is moving
Pending contracts are up nearly 6% month-over-month
Median sales price is holding at $459,500 — slight gain from March
Luxury market is showing signs of softening as investor confidence wavers
Builder pricing is shifting — KB Home and others are adjusting base prices, not just incentives
🏡 For Buyers:
You may be hearing mixed messages — and that’s fair. Interest rates aren’t back in the 5s universally, but the right strategy can get you there. We’re seeing wins every week with rate buydowns, seller-paid closing costs, and upgrades thrown in on both resale and new builds.
With double the inventory of last year, especially in neighborhoods under $750K, there’s more room to negotiate — and less pressure to rush.
Strategy Tip: Get pre-approved and pre-negotiated. Know your numbers, shop smart, and don’t be afraid to walk away from overpriced listings. In many cases, there’s a better deal right around the corner.
🔥 For Sellers:
Yes, buyers are still active — we had four contracts accepted this week alone. But they’re strategic and price-aware, and they have choices.
If your home doesn’t stand out, it will sit. And when homes sit, the first move is often a price drop — which we’ve seen a lot of in recent weeks. This market rewards preparation, precision, and presentation.
Strategy Tip: Don’t wait for summer. List now, price it right, stage it well, and market it hard. That’s how you win in a high-inventory season.
The bottom line? There’s real momentum in the market — but success right now depends on smart moves and local expertise. Whether you’re navigating rates, weighing your options, or trying to decide what’s next, let’s talk about a strategy that makes sense for your timeline.
☎️ Schedule Your Summer Equity Review & Strategy Session ☎️
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!
🔥HOT New Listing & Weekend Open Houses 🔥
OPEN HOUSE: 4901 E Kelton Ln #1261, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Welcome to this move-in ready, remodeled corner unit 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Discovery at Tatum Place townhome in the magic zip code of 85254 - known for its blend of a Scottsdale address, lower Phoenix utilities & taxes, and access to Paradise Valley's top-rated schools! This tri-level unit features a wood-burning fireplace, new roof, AC, water heater & modern flooring throughout.
OPEN HOUSE: 16013 S Desert Foothills Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85048
Experience the best of desert living in the highly sought-after San Simeon community in the Ahwatukee Foothills. This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers breathtaking lake and mountain views, plus access to over 57 miles of scenic trails, a top rated golf course and resort-style amenities.
OPEN HOUSE: 610 W Tonto Dr, Chandler, AZ 85248
Welcome to this stunning 3,458sf single-level estate in the highly sought-after Fulton Ranch community. Situated on an oversized south-facing corner lot with private courtyard, this immaculately maintained, original-owner home is hitting the market for the first time. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a formal living & dining room, and a rare 4-car garage, this home embodies elegance...
Make the Most of Spring 2025 Open Houses with These Pro Buyer Tips
Open house season is finally upon us in the Valley. If you’re like many people, spring is the perfect time to explore new listings. The weather is pleasant, homes look inviting, and it’s easier to picture yourself moving when the desert blooms with color. But let’s be honest: open houses aren’t just casual weekend outings—they’re a crucial step in gathering information before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
📰🧠 Community Connections: Monthly Expert Series 📰
At the Amy Jones Group, we believe that real estate is about more than buying and selling homes - it’s about staying informed, empowered, and connected. That’s why we host a free monthly Zoom series featuring trusted local experts covering topics that matter to YOU - from rental property advice and estate planning to school choice, taxes, and beyond.
Each session is designed to give you practical tips, local insights, and peace of mind - all from the comfort of your own home (and often over your lunch break!).
Mark your calendars - here’s what’s coming up:
📅 April 25th - Landlord Legal Pitfalls: Stay Compliant & Protected
🎙 Presented by Chad Hutchins, Keyrenter Gilbert
💻 Lunchtime Zoom | Free to attend
📅 May 9th - Prepping Your Home For Sale? Here are the Projects with the Most ROI!
🎙 Presented by Jim Glaab, Co-Owner of Home Stretch
💻 Lunchtime Zoom | Free to attend
📅 May 16th - The Ins and Outs of 1031 Exchange
🎙 Presented by Rick Wittstock, Vice President IPX 1031
💻 Lunchtime Zoom | Free to attend
📅 May 30th - Understanding School Choice
🎙 Presented by Brittany Master, Owner of School Search Consulting
💻 Lunchtime Zoom | Free to attend
🏡 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!
📅 Upcoming Events Calendar 📅
Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Garage East
3000 E Ray Rd #7 Gilbert, AZ 85296Overview: The Gilbert Chamber and the Women Empowered Committee invite you to pop in for our Spring Social, coming this April! Our socials provide an atmosphere where professionals both foster new connections and continue to build on existing ones in a fun and casual atmosphere, and build relationships. Spring is the perfect time to nurture growth both professionally and personally, so come join us! This event is open to everyone...All are welcome.
Mastering Networking: Exactly What to Say to Build Connections & Open Doors
Date: April 29, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location:The Catalyst
119 N. Gilbert Road, Ste. 102, Gilbert, AZ 85234Overview: In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to approach networking with purpose and precision, turning conversations into opportunities and relationships into action. Using proven techniques from Exactly What to Say, we’ll show you how to communicate with confidence in every networking situation!
Family Dinner Night Hosted by The Amy Jones Group & Fairway Mortgage
Date: April 30, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Expansive Office Complex
1820 E Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225Overview: Join us for a cozy family dinner night hosted by The Amy Jones Group & Fairway Mortgage – good food, good company, and good vibes guaranteed! We've added a FUN project for the evening and partnered with Kids Kindness to pack hygiene kits - see the list above for items that you can donate in the meantime! This FREE event is open to clients, friends, family and our community as a thank you for being in community with us and eachother!
📰 In the News 📰
Community on Purpose: Making Giving Back a Way of Life
“People often say that community just happens ‘organically,’ but the truth is, it takes action, consistency, and a whole lot of heart,” Jones says. “Community isn’t just something we’re part of—it’s something we create.” Jones’ passion for service began early. As a second grader, she launched a peer mediation group...
🤔 DID YOU KNOW? 🤔

‼️ FHA Financing Update for Non-Permanent Residents ‼️
A recent update from HUD will impact FHA loan eligibility for non-permanent residents, including DACA recipients. Starting May 25, 2025, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals from a few select territories will qualify for FHA-insured loans.
This means that buyers who are non-permanent residents must be under contract and have an FHA case number assigned by May 24, 2025 to remain eligible. Social Security cards alone will no longer be accepted as proof of residency — lenders must now verify immigration status with official USCIS documentation.
If you or someone you know may be affected by this change, please reach out — we’re here to help all families explore available options, including conventional loan alternatives.
📅 Ready to Start Planning Your Move? Let's Sit Down 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...
♥️ East Valley Moms April Family Tips ♥️
Best Shaded Parks in the East Valley
The temps are warming up but there is still time to enjoy the outdoors before the heat of the summer hits! We’ve got a round-up of the best shaded parks in the East Valley to take your kiddos this spring. For more beat the heat inspiration as temps rise, be sure to check out the summer issue of our magazine here – 2025 edition launched this month!
East Valley Resources for Autism
The East Valley is home to a supportive and resource-rich community for individuals with Autism and their families, providing you with the village necessary to support your child. From specialized therapy centers and schools to nonprofit organizations and community programs, there are plenty of options to meet the diverse needs of the autism community. If you or someone you know is on the Autism spectrum and needs support, do not hesitate to reach out to these organizations, which are dedicated to making a positive impact and providing the necessary resources for individuals with Autism to thrive.
Bloom: Summer Survival Guide for Moms
Don’t miss our Beat the Heat summer play dates, too! At Superstition Springs Center, the third Thursday of each month May – September, we’ll be hosting FREE play dates for kids to stay social this summer out of the heat. For more information visit our current event listings here and mark your calendars! Or, if you’re dreading turning on your oven all summer, and you’re looking for a little budget-friendly summer meal help, check out Citrus Pear.
For Deals, Discounts, Don't Miss Events and HOT local picks for your whole crew, visit East Valley Moms! and subscribe to the EVM Weekender.
Fresh Starts: Your Guide to Home Buying in 2025
Conquer the Valley's 2025 real estate market with expert advice for first-time buyers. Not sure where to start? Here is your guide to your next right step.
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.”
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😲 In Case You Missed It!
Selling Your Home in the Valley This Spring? Tech-Savvy Agents Can Make a Difference
Spring has arrived, and the real estate market in the Valley is stirring. If you're planning to sell your home, you’re likely already considering curb appeal, staging, and pricing. However, there's another crucial element that’s often overlooked: your real estate agent's tech skills. Today, working with an agent who’s proficient with technology isn't just a bonus—it's essential. Here’s why a tech-savvy approach can significantly benefit you this spring.
Understanding Closing Costs for Home Sellers in the Valley
Selling your home in Arizona is a big milestone — but if you’re not prepared for the closing costs, it can come with some unexpected sticker shock. At the Amy Jones Group, we’re committed to full transparency and education, so there are no surprises when you get to the closing table. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, knowing what fees to expect can help you plan ahead and protect your hard-earned equity.
Worried about Getting a Lowball Offer on Your House? Read This Before You Sell!
Selling your home can be both an emotional and financial journey, and encountering a lowball offer can certainly test your patience. You’ve invested time, effort, and potentially significant resources into your home, so an offer well below your asking price might feel like a slap in the face. However, before you dismiss the offer outright or react in anger, it's important to handle such offers with professionalism (this is where we come in!) and strategic thinking.
Five Ways to Win in A Competitive Housing Market
The traditional home-buying advice—getting pre-approved, moving fast, and making a competitive offer—is solid, but it’s often not enough in today’s competitive market. With inventory tight and bidding wars common, you need an edge that other buyers aren’t using. These five unexpected strategies can help you outsmart the competition and win your dream home in the Valley.
Debunking Common Myths About Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance is one of those things people don’t think about until they need it. Unfortunately, by the time you’re dealing with a crisis—a tree crashing through the roof, a burst pipe flooding your basement, or worse—it’s too late to address anything you assumed about your policy that might not be true. There are plenty of myths floating around about homeowners insurance, so let's set the record straight so you can make informed decisions about your home’s protection.
If you LOVED working with us, please share the LOVE!
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!

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!
Thinking about buying or selling a home?
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