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New Listing! Hidden at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac inside the gated Ocotillo Lakes community, this beautifully updated residence immediately feels different. Mature trees surround the property, creating a sense of privacy that's increasingly difficult to find, while thoughtful updates and professional staging highlight the home's timeless architecture and nearly 3,000 square feet of beautifully designed living space.
Exceptional privacy, quality and views come together in this beautiful Yavapai Hills home, ideally situated on a private .83-acre wooded lot with no neighbors directly behind. Designed for comfortable main-level living, the open floor plan features hardwood floors, abundant natural light, a spacious great room with stone fireplace and a gourmet island kitchen with granite countertops, gas cooktop, double ovens and built-in refrigerator. The main level includes the spacious primary suite with a spa-like bath featuring a jetted tub...
Weekend Warrior: So Many Ways to Move Forward
We’re heading into the final weekend of September with a lot happening — in real estate, in the community, and all across the Valley.
The market is still giving buyers and sellers plenty to think about. Rates have been volatile, but prices remain relatively steady, and we continue to see opportunities show up in the details — especially for buyers who are willing to look beyond the headline rate and think strategically about incentives, concessions, and long-term affordability. In August, 59% of MLS sales included some form of seller-paid incentive, and historically the fourth quarter has been one of the strongest seasons for buyers to negotiate.
And new construction is gearing up for year-end sales in a big way. We’re seeing communities across the Valley offer options that can help buyers who need down payment assistance, are working within a fixed income, or need rate reductions to increase buying power. There are brand-new communities from the East Valley to the West Valley, and we have agents all across town who can help you compare what’s available, what the incentives really mean, and which option makes the most sense for your family.
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With a 2D and 3D Walk Through, Virtual Staging, Custom Video and Photography, Feature Placements and LIVE Transfer to agents, you can't lose with this extra marketing support of your listing.
We’ve also got a few financial tools worth knowing about. One of our lending partners is currently offering a free appraisal for qualifying mortgage applications submitted through the end of the year, which is one more way to reduce the upfront cost of buying.
And while dozens of families continue to move with us every month, our community calendar is moving just as quickly. We’ve got a Halloween costume drive coming up, the Sound Bath event, more opportunities to gather and give back, and then somehow we are already heading straight into the holidays.
This week’s edition is full of ways to move forward — whether that means buying, selling, preparing, volunteering, connecting, or simply figuring out what your next step could look like.
Scroll on for the full market update, upcoming events, real estate resources, and all the things happening around the Amy Jones Group and Community on Purpose. 💛
New Listing! Built in 2023 and lightly lived in, this 2,567-square-foot home offers the look and feel of new construction without the wait. Positioned on a desirable corner lot in Union Park at Norterra, the modern two-story floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a spacious upstairs loft, and flexible living spaces designed for everyday life.
Inside this week’s edition:
🏡 New listings + recent closings⚽ A fresh market breakdown in plain English☀️ Summer opportunities for buyers (AND Sellers!)⚽ Upcoming events and ways to get involved🎉 Open houses happening this weekend across the Valley
And wherever your weekend takes you, be sure to tag us - we love seeing what you're up to. 💛
New Listing! An incredible opportunity under $400,000, this move-in ready, single-level home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,881 square feet in Wayne Ranch, right in the heart of growing San Tan Valley. Freshly updated with new flooring, interior paint, modern baseboards, and a new water heater, the home is ready for its next owners without a long list of projects to tackle. The spacious floor plan offers plenty of room to gather, relax, work, and grow, while the covered back patio and generously sized backyard...
One Less Upfront Cost: Desert Financial’s Free Appraisal Offer
Buying a home comes with plenty of expenses, so anytime there’s an opportunity to remove one of those upfront costs, it’s worth paying attention.
For a limited time, Desert Financial is covering the appraisal fee for qualifying mortgage borrowers. The offer applies to completed loan applications received between September 1 and December 31, 2026, as long as the loan closes by February 15, 2027.
That matters because an appraisal is one of the standard costs buyers typically encounter during the mortgage process. Having that fee covered can help reduce the amount of cash needed along the way and make the process feel a little more manageable.
Desert Financial is also highlighting local mortgage support, competitive rates, and flexible terms as part of the program. For buyers who participate in its Home Plus program, there may also be an opportunity for up to $7,500 in closing-cost credit, subject to the program’s terms and participating broker requirements.
As always, the important thing is not just asking, “What’s the rate?” but looking at the full picture: interest rate, monthly payment, cash needed at closing, available credits, appraisal costs, and which loan structure best fits your goals.
If you’re thinking about buying before the end of the year, this is one more program worth comparing as part of your overall strategy.
At the Amy Jones Group, we’re happy to help you look at the options side by side so you can understand what actually saves you money - not just what sounds good on the flyer.
Welcome to Harmony Place - an extraordinary luxury residence tucked within the gated Island at Fulton Ranch, one of Chandler’s most coveted lake communities. Thoughtfully designed for elevated living and effortless entertaining, this 6,492-square-foot estate blends architectural presence with warm, livable spaces and a rare level of flexibility. With six bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, dual guest houses, and resort-style outdoor living on approximately 0.65 acres, this is a home that meets the moment for multigenerational living, hosting at scale, and everyday life done beautifully.
📊Market Watch: Q4 Is About Buying Power, Not Just Price
As we head into the fourth quarter, the market is giving buyers something they haven’t had in every season: options.
Mortgage rates have been volatile, and that has slowed some buyer activity, but home prices themselves have remained relatively stable. The bigger story right now is how buyers are using incentives, credits, and financing strategy to improve affordability — and how sellers need to understand those same tools if they want to compete.
🏡 Buyers: The Monthly Payment Is the Conversation
For many buyers, especially those on fixed incomes or working within a tight monthly budget, the question isn’t simply, “Can I afford this house?”
It’s, “How do we structure this purchase so the payment works?”
That’s where seller-paid closing costs, rate buydowns, down payment assistance, and builder incentives can make a meaningful difference.
In August, 59% of MLS sales included some form of seller-paid incentive, with a median cost to the seller of just over $10,000. In the $350,000–$400,000 price range, that number jumped to 71% of sales.
That is a lot of negotiating happening behind the scenes — and it’s exactly why buyers should not assume the list price tells the whole story.
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Six cities in the Phoenix Valley are in a seller’s market. A short drive south, in Maricopa, inventory has accumulated to a degree that could take years to absorb. The difference has less to do with demand, which remains relatively healthy across both areas, and more to do with where new homes can physically be built.
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🏗️ New Construction Is Getting Aggressive for Year-End
Builders are also gearing up for their year-end sales push, and this is one of the most interesting opportunities we’re watching.
We’re seeing communities from the East Valley to the West Valley offer combinations of rate reductions, closing-cost help, down payment assistance opportunities, and other incentives designed to increase buying power and move standing inventory before year-end.
For some buyers, that can make a brand-new home more affordable on a monthly basis than a comparable resale.
For others, the better move may still be negotiating a resale seller credit or purchase-price reduction.
The important part is comparing the full package — price, interest rate, monthly payment, cash needed at closing, incentives, HOA costs, and long-term equity — instead of choosing based on the biggest advertised promotion.
And because we have agents working across the Valley, we can help buyers compare communities and incentives without treating one builder’s offer as the only option.
💵 There Are More Cost-Saving Tools Than People Realize
We’re also seeing lenders introduce programs that can reduce some of the upfront costs of buying.
For example, one of our lending partners is currently offering a free appraisal for completed applications received between September 1 and December 31, 2026, as long as the loan closes by February 15, 2027.
That alone doesn’t determine whether a loan or lender is the right fit, of course. But it’s another example of why buyers should be asking what programs, credits, and assistance may be available instead of assuming they need to bring every dollar to the table themselves.
📉 A Slower Buyer Pool Can Create Negotiating Room
The rate volatility has caused some buyers to pause, and that can create a window for the people who remain active.
The current market commentary notes that buyers often hesitate while rates are moving sharply in either direction. That doesn’t necessarily mean the home itself became less valuable — it simply means demand can temporarily soften while buyers wait for stability.
For someone who can comfortably handle today’s payment, that softer demand may create opportunities to negotiate better terms now and potentially refinance later if rates improve.
That strategy isn’t right for everyone, but it’s one reason we keep saying the best time to buy isn’t determined by one number.
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Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Mesa's established neighborhoods, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect balance of everyday comfort and unforgettable outdoor living. With no HOA, a desirable corner lot, and a proven history as a successful Airbnb, you'll enjoy the flexibility to make this property exactly what you want it to be—your forever home, vacation retreat, or investment opportunity.
One of the first things a lender will look at is how long you’ve been self-employed. They want to know that your income is stable and that your business is likely to keep generating revenue. In many cases, lenders prefer to see at least two years of consistent self-employment history. If you haven’t been in business that long, you may still qualify if you have significant experience in the same industry or line of work. Every situation is different, but a solid two-year track record can make the process much more straightforward.
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🏠 Sellers: Your Competition Is More Than the House Next Door
If you’re selling this fall, it’s important to understand what your buyer is comparing you against.
It may be another resale home.
It may also be a brand-new home with a builder-paid rate buydown, closing-cost credit, and move-in package.
That means pricing and presentation still matter, but so does knowing when to use a concession strategically.
The market data continues to show that homes that go under contract quickly tend to retain more of their original asking price. Properties under contract within 15 days average about 99% of original list price, while homes sitting one to two months average closer to 95%, and those sitting three to four months average around 90%.
Getting the strategy right early matters.
💛 The Big Picture
Q4 may end up being less about who can predict rates and more about who knows how to use the tools available.
For buyers, that means comparing builders, lenders, assistance programs, incentives, and resale opportunities.
For sellers, it means understanding the competition and creating a package buyers can say yes to.
There are still dozens of families moving every month.
The opportunity is not gone — it just takes more strategy to find it.
Relocating buyers face a specific set of challenges that a standard purchase doesn't involve: limited ability to tour, no firsthand feel for neighborhoods, compressed decision windows, and no local network to draw on. Working through each of those deliberately is what separates a smooth relocation purchase from a stressful one. If you're planning a move to the Valley, the key is approaching each stage with structure and clear expectations.
Elevating the Luxury Real Estate Experience
Luxury real estate is about much more than a home with a higher price tag. It's about thoughtful representation, strategic marketing, trusted relationships, and understanding that every client's definition of luxury is different. That's why we've expanded the luxury resources on the Amy Jones Group website—to give buyers and sellers a place to explore not only Arizona's exceptional properties, but also the expertise, global connections, and personalized service that make a difference when navigating the luxury market.
As members of the Luxury Real Estate network, our clients benefit from far more than a designation behind our name. Sellers gain access to one of the world's largest luxury real estate platforms, connecting their home to qualified buyers both locally and around the globe. Buyers gain access to an extensive network of luxury professionals, exclusive opportunities, and experienced guidance throughout every step of their search. Combined with more than two decades of experience serving the Phoenix metro area, these relationships allow us to deliver local expertise backed by international reach.
Whether you're considering the sale of a luxury property, searching for your next home, relocating to Arizona, or simply exploring what's available in our market, we invite you to browse our Luxury Real Estate resources. Our goal has never been to impress clients with credentials alone. It's to show how those relationships, designations, and partnerships translate into better marketing, stronger representation, broader exposure, and an elevated experience from beginning to end. 💛
We’re heading intoSpring with brand-new listings that perfectly reflect the range of homes we’re seeing come to market right now - from San Tan Valley,Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek and everything in between. From walkable, centrally located living to classic Arizona neighborhoods that balance convenience and comfort, these homes represent the kind of opportunities buyers are already acting on.
🔥 UPCOMING EVENTS & OPEN HOUSES 🔥
One of our favorite things about this time of year is seeing how many different ways this community continues to show up for one another. 💛 We’re officially wrapping up our Rhinestone Ranch project with Branching Out, and what started as a big idea turned into more than $5,000 in donations, incredible partners helping with the work inside the home, and so many people contributing time, resources, furniture, supplies, and heart. We are so excited to know the girls will be moving in soon and that these spaces were created with so much care behind them.
And we are definitely not slowing down from here. Fall is packed with opportunities to connect, serve, celebrate, and spend time together. We’ve got the Women Empowered Fall Social on September 29, our Breast Cancer Awareness Month and chemo-pack fundraising projects underway, First Sips on October 6, Girls’ Night Out at Verde with Mummies Day Out on October 14, Hocus Pocus on the Green and EcoRoofing’s annual Trunk or Treat on October 16, Tiny Pumpkins Play Date on October 20, The Village Athletic Club in Chandler on October 24, and an ICAN Harvest Party on October 27. Then we roll right into another First Sips on November 3. Whew!
There’s a little bit of everything ahead - volunteer opportunities, family events, women’s events, community gatherings, and plenty of chances to simply get together. Around here, community is never a side project. It’s woven into how we do business, how we build relationships, and how we make sure the people and organizations doing important work around us feel supported.
So save a few dates, bring a friend, bring the kids, volunteer where you can, and keep telling us about the causes that matter to you. We’ll keep doing our best to connect the people who want to help with the places that need them most and if you see something you want to come to, email us at [email protected] and we'll get you signed up!
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This beautifully upgraded 2,304-square-foot home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and sits on a spacious lot just under a quarter acre in the highly sought-after Paradise Valley School District, blending modern comfort with resort-style living and exceptional versatility. With a private backyard oasis complete with a heated pool, outdoor entertaining areas, and recent major improvements, the property offers the rare combination of move-in-ready comfort, lifestyle appeal, and proven income potential - equally suited for full-time living, a vacation retreat, or a high-performing investment.
If there's a mantra every seller should memorize before listing, it's this: expect the unexpected. While we're going to educate you about the process of selling your home and share our thoughts about how the sale could go based on what's happening in your market right now, no two sales are exactly alike. There are buyers, inspectors, lenders, appraisers, showing schedules, repair requests, and a surprising number of small details that can affect your plans, your budget, or both.
We’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes, event updates, and ways to get involved over the next few weeks - so if you’re not already following along on Instagram, that’s the best place to stay connected and see it all unfold in real time. 💛
Around here, events aren’t just things to attend - they’re how we build relationships, strengthen families, and create lasting memories together. If you’re looking for a way to plug in, serve, or simply spend time with great people, there truly is something for everyone this season. 💛
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.
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!
At East Valley Moms, we’ve spent more than a decade helping local families discover things to do close to home—and over the years, some of my favorite stories to share have been the ones that take us beyond the East Valley and exploring our state.
💬 Your Story Is Our Impact
We’re still feeling incredibly grateful after being recognized with the Gilbert Chamber Impact Award - but the real impact we care about is the one we make in your lives, every single day. If we’ve helped you navigate a move, connected you to the community, or simply made you feel seen and supported, we’d love for you to share your experience in a Google review. Your stories help others find us - and remind us why we do what we do. 💙
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😲 In Case You Missed It! Check Out our Blog!
A renovated kitchen, finished basement, new roof, or upgraded heating system can add a lot to your home’s story. When it’s time to sell, however, buyers may want to know more than what they can see. They may also ask when the work was completed, who completed it, and whether permits, warranties, or service records are available. Here in the Valley, having those documents ready can make conversations with buyers smoother and help us describe the work with confidence.
If you’ve ever been the first person awake in someone else’s house, you’ve probably wondered whether to start the coffee or wait for your host. You can feel completely welcome and still be unsure about opening a cupboard or choosing a towel. When you’re the one hosting, especially in the Valley, a little planning can make things feel easier for everyone.
The big day is almost here. You’ve already toured the home, worked through the inspection, and signed enough paperwork to write your name in your sleep. The keys are close, and your mind is probably on moving boxes, furniture, and your first night in the new place. Before you get swept up in those plans, there’s one more focused visit to make so you can close with confidence.
Maybe the property has been a good investment, but you’re ready to cash out. Maybe being a landlord has become more work than you expected. Or perhaps the lease is coming up for renewal and you’re wondering whether this is the right time to sell.
An inherited home comes with its own set of legal, financial, and logistical decisions, and most of them need to be sorted out before a listing conversation even begins. If you're handling an inherited property here in the Valley, you may also be coordinating from a distance or balancing input from other family members. The property may be in another city. The condition may be unknown. Other family members may have a stake in what happens next. This post covers what needs to happen before an inherited home is ready to sell, and where to turn for the right guidance at each step.
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Small homes often get overlooked, but they can offer some of the most comfortable and functional living spaces around. While they may not have room for every hobby, guest, or storage bin, they’re typically easier to clean, furnish, maintain, and enjoy. The best small homes aren’t defined by their square footage — they’re defined by how thoughtfully the space is used. Whether it’s a cozy condo, a charming cottage, or a compact apartment, smart design choices can make a home feel spacious, efficient, and welcoming. Here in the Valley, where many buyers are prioritizing affordability and lifestyle, knowing how to maximize a smaller space can make all the difference between a home that feels cramped and one that feels just right. 💛
After touring a dozen homes and scrolling through hundreds more, you’ve finally found the one - but in today’s Valley market, that’s only half the battle. The real challenge is getting your offer accepted. With multiple offers often in play, success comes down to strategy, speed, and clarity. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the most important factors to consider when it’s time to make a move, so you can submit an offer with confidence and the best chance of winning your dream home.
Picture this: a buyer is scrolling through listings on their phone while waiting for coffee at a local café in the Valley, and you’ve got maybe 10 seconds - tops - to grab their attention before they swipe past. In today’s market, first impressions happen fast and almost always on a screen. So if you’re thinking about selling, the question is: does your listing make someone stop, look twice, and want to know more?
Thinking about relocating to Arizona? Whether you’re moving across the country or just looking for a fresh start in a new state, the process can feel overwhelming - but it’s also full of opportunity. From navigating school districts and commute times to finding a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, there’s a lot to consider. That’s why working with a real estate team that specializes in relocation isn’t just helpful - it’s essential. Because relocating isn’t just about finding a house - it’s about building a life, and the right agent can make all the difference.
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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!
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...
Weekend Events
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...
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.
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!
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.
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