Weekend Warrior

April 5-6, 2025

Weekend Warrior | April 5-6, 2025

Weekend Warriors: Weekend Feels, Fresh Listings & Four Can't-Miss Events!

Happy April, friends! We’re soaking up this cool spring weekend before temps soar into the 90s next week — and what better way to enjoy it than with open houses, new listings, and a packed community calendar?

This weekend, we’ve got homes for every kind of buyer — including a brand-new $300K listing in Tempe (yes, Tempe) and a luxury stunner in Ahwatukee that’s already getting buzz. Plus, we’re opening doors across the Valley with properties that are priced, prepped, and primed for today’s shifting market.

And if you’re craving connection, April is overflowing with opportunities to plug in:

April 10 – Our Quarterly Business Mixer at Expansive
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.

📊 MARKET TEASER:
Our April market update is out this week, and there’s a lot to unpack. Active listings are up 47% from this time last year, and while pending contracts and sales are gaining ground, supply is rising faster than demand. That means good news and challenges for both buyers and sellers — with a few surprises in the luxury market and early signs of price softening. We’ll break it all down for you, but here’s the headline: strategy matters more than ever.

As always, we’re here to help you navigate it all — whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just curious about what’s next for you and your family. Thanks for being part of our community. Let’s make this April one to remember!

📰 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...

📊 Market Update: Rising Inventory, Shifting Confidence & Strategy Over Hype

The first week of April is bringing big movement in the market — and we’re not just talking about spring cleaning. From growing inventory to tightening margins in the luxury space, the landscape is shifting quickly. If you’ve been waiting to buy or sell, here’s what you need to know now:

📊 By the Numbers (April 1 vs. Last Year):

Active Listings (excluding UCB & CCBS): 24,990 — up 47%
Pending Sales: 5,278 — up 1.8%
Monthly Sales: 6,939 — up 2.6%
Median Sales Price: $459,500 — up 3.3%
Average $/SqFt: $311.19 — up 5.8% year-over-year, but down slightly month-over-month

So what’s happening?

✔️ More homes for sale than expected — even for spring.
✔️ Demand is improving, but not fast enough to keep up.
✔️ Luxury market is softening as stock market confidence dips.
✔️ Builders are starting to cut base prices, not just offer incentives.

🏡 For Buyers:

You’ve got options — and leverage.

More inventory = less competition.
Sellers are motivated, especially in outer and more affordable areas.
Interest rates are easing (now ~6.63%), and we're still seeing rate buydowns into the 5s.
In some areas, buyers are walking away from unrealistic sellers — and finding better deals days later.

Strategy Tip: Be patient, be picky, and be pre-approved. Homes are sitting longer, and smart negotiating can land you upgrades, concessions, or closing cost coverage.

🔥 For Sellers:

Yes, there are still buyers — but they’re savvier than ever.

New listings are up nearly 20% from last year.
High-end buyers are slowing down, so presentation and price matter more than ever.
You might still get strong numbers, but only if you come out of the gate ready to impress.

Strategy Tip: List now while momentum is still here. Staging, pricing, and marketing can make or break your timeline. Summer slowdown is real — don’t let your home become stale inventory.

We’re tracking the shifts daily, and our strategy changes with the market. Whether you're prepping to list or ready to find your next home, let’s make a plan that works right now — not six months ago.

☎️ Schedule Your 2025 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!

OPEN HOUSE: 405 W Riviera Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 (SATURDAY & SUNDAY)

This immaculate single owner 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home on an oversized lot with no HOA and no neighbors behind is located just minutes from ASU, Tempe Town Lake, and all the best dining, shopping, and entertainment the area has to offer. With a single carport, extended driveway and RV gate, there's plenty of space to store your camper, boat, or other outdoor toys right on your own property.

OPEN HOUSE: 2420 E Goldenrod St, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Step into luxury and modern elegance with this fully remodeled 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, where every detail has been thoughtfully upgraded from top to bottom. Nestled in the breathtaking Ahwatukee Foothills, this home offers stunning interior finishes, spacious living areas, and an entertainer's dream backyard.

OPEN HOUSE: 44395 W BAILEY Drive, Maricopa, AZ

Welcome to the amenity rich Villages at Rancho El Dorado in Maricopa. This single level 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Richmond American home with attached 2 car garage features a spacious floorplan with just under 2,000sf of expertly designed living space including an open kitchen with granite counters and a large center island for entertaining, recently updated living spaces with new paint throughout the home, and a modern master retreat...

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.

📅 Upcoming Events Calendar 📅

Quarterly Business Mixer

Date: April 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Expansive Office Complex
1820 E Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225
Overview: After the success of our first Business Mixer of 2025, we’re excited to bring this event back! Partnering with Expansive Chandler, this event is perfect for networking, collaboration, and kicking off a successful year. You can expect a fun night of networking, collaboration and referrals, drinks and appetizers, and a big dose of community impact!

Women Empowered Spring Social

Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Garage East
3000 E Ray Rd #7 Gilbert, AZ 85296
Overview: 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 85234
Overview: 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 85225
Overview: Join us for a cozy family dinner night hosted by The Amy Jones Group & Fairway Mortgage – good food, good company, and good vibes guaranteed! This free event is open to clients, friends, family and our community as a thank you for being in community with us and eachother!

🤔 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.

🔥HOT New Listing🔥

🏡 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!

Minecraft Morning at Fat Cats

The Morning Movie Event at FatCats is a special screening of "A Minecraft Movie", set to take place on Saturday, April 5th, with doors opening at 8:30 AM. This event offers an exciting Minecraft-themed experience, perfect for fans of the popular game. For just...

The Paper Escaper at Tempe Center for the Arts

Welcome to Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s The Paper Escaper – a whimsical adventure where you are transported into a unique world of wonder. This delightful experience invites you to dive into a vibrant tale of determination and friendship, following Benny, a plucky pop-up book character, on a journey beyond the pages. With movement, music, and exceptional puppetry, Benny's non-verbal performance captures hearts and imaginations and inspires audiences of all ages.

Potato Days Arizona 2025

The largest public celebration of the potato is coming to Arizona! Potato Days is a free public festival featuring brisket loaded baked potatoes, ice cream potatoes, the Big Idaho Potato Truck, the Great Potato Race, bouncy houses, potato sack slide, the Spud Slinger, soda, and beer. Bring the whole fam, grab a baked potato, go down the potato sack slide, shoot the spud slinger, snag a pic in front of the famous Big Idaho Potato Truck . . . all while listening to some good old fashioned music. We look forward to eating potatoes with you on April 12th and 13th at Gilbert Regional.

Celebrate Mesa

Free

Celebrate Mesa and all it has to offer at this FREE family festival!

Some of the fun family activities include: Guitarras Latinas on the main stage, Mesa on Wheels, Carnival Rides ($5 Wristbands), Inflatables, Live Characters, Archery Tag, Living Green Village, Food Vendors and so much more!

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!

Download Here

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.”

CHECK IT OUT!

📅 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...

Who do you know with real estate needs?

The greatest compliment you could give, is the referral of your friends or family. Trusting us with their real estate needs is an honor and a compliment we take very seriously! Click the link below to refer them and be assured that they will be well taken care of!

Refer a Friend

😲 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.

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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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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!