Amy Jones Summer Newsletter

Summer Summer 2021 2021

ALL THINGS COMMUNITY & REAL ESTATE

ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE AND COMMUNITY

*Each office is independently owned and operated

WWW.AMYJONESGROUP.COM

So, I was thinking…

Hey guys, it’s Mindy! And if you’ve seen any of our videos online, you know that’s always how I start them! So much so that my two year old, Nico, says “Hey, guys!” anytime someone passes by. It’s so funny!

Owning the Amy Jones Group has truly been a labor of love for me all of these years and it has been so fun to see how its growth has intertwined with the growth of my family, the connects our team have made with each other, and all of the awesome events that we’ve had the opportunity to be a part of in YOUR lives!

We’ve seen marriages, babies, new businesses, lots and lots of graduations, moves, and a ton of generational wealth created through investment purchases. Just like marriage vows though, we’re here in good times and in bad and we’ve also been around for the sadder times of life from the death of our client’s parents and spouses and of course over the last year, all that COVID has brought us. Honestly, we have learned so much over the last 18 months from YOU, from our community, and from within ourselves about what’s important to us and really, that’s family.

We are here to serve through real estate and community and hope that you will allow us to do that for your family for many years to come - we love what we do and couldn’t be prouder of where we live and the relationships we’ve built here. We get so much joy out of helping you with your real estate needs, but want to be so much more than that for you! We really want you to know that we are here for you, we want to enjoy this life with you, and we want to give back each day more than we did the day before because this is our home and YOU are our community.

We thought it would be fun to put this magazine together to share with you a little more about us, give you some of our most favorite tips for buying and selling real estate in Arizona because we have seen first hand the impact it has had on all of you, and remind you of all of the amazing vendors we work with that can help you out in a pinch.

We hope you have fun with this summer read - post a picture and tag #SummerWithAJG when you get it for us?! We’d LOVE that.

We can’t wait to see you and hope YOU love what we’ve put together!

Mindy Jones Mindy Jones, little Nico Nevarez & the whole Amy Jones Group Crew

Inside 4.

Meet the Team

5.

Calendar of Events

6.

Client Love

8.

Buying Tips

10.

Selling Tips

12.

Community Connection

14.

The Mortgage Rate Impact

16.

Featured Listings

Meet the Team Mindy Jones

Destany Poulette

Serving others while providing for her family has always been Mindy’s dream, and she loves building the team’s commitment to client care daily in the ways they serve their families and communities by being hard workers, advocates, creative problem solvers, visionaries, and friends.

Destany joined the Amy Jones Group because of the familial feel between the team members and between the team and their clients. Her own goal echoes that of the entire team: to build strong and lasting relationships with clients and ensure they understand she is there for them every step of the way.

Sarah Parker

Isa Revelle

Sarah chose to join the Amy Jones Group because, much like her fellow team members, she truly cares about her clients as people. She not only believes but lives the team’s values, including treating clients as family members and being there to support them beyond the transaction for more than just real estate needs.

Isa chose the Amy Jones Group because of their focus on relationship building and treating clients as family. In addition to providing clients with the best possible experience, her motivation to build her career is to create the best possible life for her own family.

Tanya Lewellen

Kim Bloomquist-Ehlbeck

Tanya joined the Amy Jones Group because of their emphasis on community connection, empathy, and family. She appreciates being part of a true team model where every client has access to the team’s extensive knowledge. She’s motivated by her desire to work hard for those clients and give back to the local community through the organizations the team supports.

Kim chose to root her career in real estate with the Amy Jones Group because of their vision and leadership from the top, powerful online marketing tools, and stellar communication among the team, their partners, and their clients.

Jules Jones

Katie Whalen

Jules chose the Amy Jones Group because of their strong female presence, leadership and advocacy for the community. Being new to Arizona, she felt an instant connection with the team and knew that she would be in the right environment. Helping clients is her passion and the Amy Jones Group paves the way to help her do so.

Katie chose to join the team because of her own positive experience working with them as a listing agent under another brokerage, and shares their love of helping the community and maintaining strong values in every transaction.

Melanie Hamilton

Kendra Dursteler

Melanie enjoys knowing she has done her best and seeing her clients happy in their new homes. She loves being part of the Amy Jones Group because it is made up of strong women who truly support one another and want everyone to succeed. For Melanie, it is a dream come true to be surrounded by others who drive her to be her best every day.

Kendra chose the Amy Jones Group because of their focus on relationship building and treating clients as family. In addition to providing clients with the best possible experience, her background in interior design and her love for talking with people about real estate shines through her in every transaction.

REALTOR®, Owner & Team Leader

REALTOR®, Operations Director

REALTOR®, Marketing Director

REALTOR®, Transaction Coordinator

REALTOR®

The Greatest Compliment Who do you know with real estate needs?

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

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! Give us a call at 480-250-3857 or send us an email at info@amyjonesgroup.com any time you know someone that could use our help!

Calendar of Events AUGUST

NOVEMBER

Friday, 13th

Friday, 12th

9:00am - LIVE : facebook.com/AmyJonesGroup

9:00am - LIVE : facebook.com/AmyJonesGroup

What’s Up Southeast Valley Tuesday, 24th

BE Local Networking Event Volunteer Event - House of Refuge www.amyjonesgroup.com/events

SEPTEMBER Friday, 3rd

Women in Leadership Event

What’s Up Southeast Valley Friday, 19th

ICAN DreamBIG Gala

Omni Resort & Spa in Scottsdale Sunday, 21st

Client Appreciation - Pie Event Movies in the Park

www.amyjonesgroup.com/events

9:00am - Parlay Kitchen & Cocktails Friday, 10th

What’s Up Southeast Valley

9:00am - LIVE : facebook.com/AmyJonesGroup

OCTOBER Thursday. 1st

DECEMBER Friday, 10th

What’s Up Southeast Valley

9:00am - LIVE : facebook.com/AmyJonesGroup Tuesday, 14th

Local Business Mixer

BE Local Networking Event

Friday, 8th

Volunteer Event - United Food Bank

4:30pm - Parlay Kitchen & Cocktails

What’s Up Southeast Valley

9:00am - LIVE : facebook.com/AmyJonesGroup Tuesday, 16th

Fall Festival hosted by Locavore 3:00pm - Keller Williams Integrity First Tuesday, 24th

BE Local Networking Event Movies in the Park

www.amyjonesgroup.com/events

www.amyjonesgroup.com/events

Client love

The Amy Jones Group takes pride in our commitment and service to our clients. Voted Best of Our Valley for eight years running, we appreciate the support from our past clients.

But don’t listen to us, hear from them yourself!

True professionals operating at the top of their game...

We recently closed a transaction where The Amy Jones Group represented the seller. The Amy Jones Group is very professional, prompt and got us everything we needed in a timely fashion so our borrower could close early. They do an amazing job and it’s great when we get to work with true professionals operating at the top of their game. The Amy Jones Group is a team of great agents and they would be a fantastic choice if you are buying or selling in the South East Valley or surrounding areas.

Kept our selling worry-free!

The level of care and professionalism that the Amy Jones Group provided exceeded our expectations on every level. From before we had even listed our house with them they were a valuable resource on the types of things we would have to do to get our house ready to sell. They were in constant communication with us as to any developments or questions from buyers and kept our selling worry-free. They helped us get the most from our house during negotiations and helped us sift thru the offers we rejected! We recommend The Amy Jones Group to all our friends and to you without hesitation.

They sold our home in three days!

Let me start by saying I do not have the appropriate words to describe how Mindy Jones and her team at the Amy Jones Group supported and helped us, not only with the marketing and sale of our home, which was fantastic and the best we’ve ever had (we moved and sold houses six other times) but by helping us during a very difficult period due to the illness and death of a parent.

Mindy and her team performed numerous activities well outside the responsibility of a realtor because they knew we needed the help and they cared.

I just don’t know what more you could ask for, oh yes, they sold our home in three days!

The Amy Jones Group cares about their clients. This group of amazing women put their clients’ needs and wants first. They demonstrate this every day in their efforts to help their clients while building a better community.

Don Czajkowski

Don Czajkowski

Jennifer Eaves

AVP/Director of Channel Sales

AVP/Branch Manager

702.683.9087

480.481.6305

Don.Czajkowski@fnf.com

JEaves@fnf.com

Contact us today for your exceptional home ownership closing experience.

Ranked 288 on FORTUNE 500® in 2021 $1.6+ Billion in Claims Reserves

With a proud history of more than 160+ years and unsurpassed financial strength, Fidelity National Title Agency is the Nation's leader in title insurance and real estate services. Let Fidelity offer you the price, service and reliability you expect from a leader in the title insurance industry.

Copperpoint Branch 3570 S Val Vista Drive Gilbert, AZ 85297

FNTArizona.com Locations Valleywide

Tips:

What to expect when

buying a home

1 2 3

STEP ONE

Get to know each other During our initial call or meeting, we’ll get to know you and your goals and determine which strategies will work best for your situation. We’ll also take this time to explain how we plan to represent and guide you at every step of the process.

4

STEP TWO

Create a wishlist Next, we’ll uncover what you’re truly looking for and create your ultimate wishlist. This wishlist should include things like your likes, dislikes, and must-haves so we can begin narrowing down the homes on the market that fit your criteria. We’ll also talk about off market opportunities and how we can provide you with access to properties before they hit the market.

5

STEP THREE

Pre-qualification Getting pre-qualified for a loan will prepare you financially for the costs of purchasing and deep dive into your monthly payments so that you can focus on looking at homes that not only meet your criteria but more importantly, fit within your monthly budget. Our lenders understand the market and will help find the best loan programs for you.

6

STEP FOUR

Find the one you LOVE This market moves fast, so we’ll ensure that you are ready to make great decisions quickly! Not only will we send you listings that meet your criteria, we’ll also set you up on MLS alerts so new listings are sent straight to your inbox. After browsing homes online and visiting the ones you really love in person, we’ll get together and decide which home is the one!

STEP FIVE

Write an offer & negotiate We’ll offer our professional opinion of value and help you write a strategic offer, which is important in such a competitive market. This is our specialty.

It’s moments like this, you’ll be thankful you have a trusted, experienced Realtor on your side. Once you have an accepted offer, we’ll arrange for inspections, appraisal and help with completing your mortgage approval. Not only are we negotiating throughout the process, we are also ensuring you understand each step along the way.

STEP SIX

Close on your dream home!

In preparation for closing day, we’ll be with you to sign the final paperwork and set up an appointment to hand the keys over to you. You will officially be a homeowner - but that doesn’t mean we stop being your go-to. We want to help you with moving questions, landscape planning, remodeling and more! Want to know our favorite pizza joint in the area? Just call us!

Tips:

What to expect when

selling a home

1.

A visit to your home We will start off with our “two step visit” where we look at the features and upgrades of your home and get a deeper understanding of your time line. We want to get to know your home and YOU and will help put together a strategy that meets your needs. Some people are looking for the highest price and others the best terms - we’ve got a plan for each of those goals and will create a custom solution to help you get there!

2.

3.

Setting the Price We do our due diligence prior to the appointment by thoroughly researching the market as well as the asking price for homes that are comparable to yours. We analyze offers and present you with a customized strategy as we help you select a price that is competitive and ultimately will drive you closer to your goal.

Prepare your home After over a dozen years in the business, we know what sells in our local market. We’ll select from house cleaners, window cleaners, home stagers, and even remodelers when necessary to ensure your home shines on the market - and for many, it’s just a little decluttering and organization that is needed. When ready, we’ll have media day where professional photographers & videographers will come take high definition media images to differentiate your home on the local MLS and across the Realtor.com, Zillow.com and other popular syndicate sites.

4.

5.

Tell everyone you know We have invested heavily in innovative technology and advanced advertising strategies to ensure your home gains the massive exposure it deserves. Through Facebook, Instagram, E-mail, our website and more, your home will be generating demand faster than you even thought possible. We understand the local consumer, the relocation client, and even the international buyer and we ensure that our inbound and outbound marketing efforts locate them, putting the most eyes possible on your home.

Review offers We are committed to negotiating the best price and terms for you based on YOUR situation. Whether you have multiple offers or we’re negotiating a single offer, we will explain every step of the process in an easy to understand way and ensure that you feel 100% confident in the process and the decision you are making. We’ve got some great strategies up our sleeves and we’re excited to negotiate our way to YOUR goals!

6.

Close & celebrate!

Congratulations! You made it and we couldn’t be happier for you. It’s time to begin your next, new adventure and we want you to know we will be here with you every step of the way. Closing day is the end of the process of selling your home but the beginning of your new journey and our continued relationship!

Community Connection ICAN TEEN CENTER RENOVATION PROJECT

Photo Above - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Completed Teen Center at ICAN Youth Center in Chandler, AZ.

We were at ICAN to film Live.Love.Local, our series on local businesses and non-profits where we help to provide a behind the scenes look at our own community. We filmed in the teen center and when we asked the director if they had ever thought of sprucing it up, she said that another corporation was scheduled to do it but had decided not to move forward after COVID. We believe our home is our safe place and for these kids, this is their home away from home. We wanted it to feel warm, inviting, safe, energizing, and uplifting and knew that we could assemble the team of people who could make it happen.

We think that helping these kids with the aesthetic of a room that provides them with so much value will help them feel a greater connection to the space, be able to focus on the programming that they receive and feel a sense of pride in their community and their space.

The final product exceeded our expectations. The space is beautiful and will complement the tools the center is providing to the teens to help them grow and continue to be MORE than productive members of society. We are grateful to all of our partners who joined us in this effort - we truly can do more together! #bethechangeyouwanttosee

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND GIVING BACK The Amy Jones Group was founded more than a decade ago on the principals of hard work and endless client care. Fast-forward to today, where the all-female powerhouse is owned and operated by Valley native Mindy Jones and her team of a dozen full-time real estate agents and staff helping 159 families with nearly $61M in real estate 2020 alone.

Embedded in the Southeast Valley, the Amy Jones Group strives to educate and empower our clients with the information you need about the local area, local businesses, and local non profit organizations.

Through our Live Love Local Series, our recently launched Through Her Eyes Series and our ongoing efforts to volunteer and donate to local non-profit organizations, we hope to leave the world better than we found it and inspire others to change the community around them.

CONNECT WITHUS US CONNECT WITH FEATURES

Business Relationship Building through Business Mixers & Live WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY Love Local Video Series -

Highlighting Local Businesses with our Live Love Local Video Series www.amyjonesgroup.com/live-love-local Showcasing the history of the East Valley through influencial https://www.amyjonesgroup.com/live-love-local

women in ourwith society in our Businesses Through Her Eyes the Video Networking East Valley to Bring BestSeries Resources

to our Clients

https://www.amyjonesgroup.com/Through-Her-Eyes

Sponsorship & Board Opportunities www.amyjonesgroup.com/Local-Business-Mixer Women Empowered Events, A-Z Biz Link, and ICAN

Serving Others Through Sponsorships, Committee Involvement & Volunteer Events https://www.facebook.com/GilbertChamber A-Z Biz Link ASA Now S OClothes C I A Cabin L MEDIA Refuge NonHouse ProfitofRelationship Building through Media Features including ICAN What’s Up Southeast Valley Series Monthly Jacob’s Mission Community Center https://www.amyjonesgroup.com/wusev United Food Bank through regular content contribution as the Credibility Building Coronado Elementary Diversity & Inclusion monthly market update School Gilbert Chamber Members

LIVE on Facebook - w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / a m y j o n e s g r o u p Follow us on Instagram - @ a mIN yjon esgroup SUPPORTING WOMEN BUSINESS Frequent content marketing updating our followers on the market, our

Showcasing Influential East Valley Women with our Through Her Eyes Video Series estate agent and much more! www.amyjonesgroup.com/Through-Her-Eyes

listings, open houses, events, community connections, life of a real

Follow us on Twitter

- @amyjonesgroup

Quarterly Women in Leadership Breakfast Series with Dynamic Speakers P www.amyjonesgroup.com/Women-in-Leadership RESS

Media Outlet Choices focused on Community Print & Online

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Women Empowered Committee

Publications:

BeLocal Magazine -

FINDING US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

https://belocalpub.com/location/gilbert/

Gilbert Sun News Newspaper

- https://www.gilbertsunnews.com/

Follow our Monthly What’s Up Southeast Valley Series www.amyjonesgroup.com/wusev

Queen Creek New Homes Directory -

https://www.newhomesdirectory.com/Arizona/Queen_Creek

Don’t Miss Our Weekly Market Updates & Local Events Chandler Lifestyle Magazine - https://citylifestyle.com/chandler - www.facebook.com/amyjonesgroup LIVE on Facebook Gilbert Lifestyle Magazine - h t t p s : / / c i t y l i f e s t y l e . c o m / g i l b e r t AZCheck Foothills Magazine - h t t p s :& // w w w . a rReal izona f o o t h iNews llsmagazine.com/ Out Our Newest Listings Exciting Estate Watch us on Instagram - www.instagram.com/amyjonesgroup

(BEST real estate team for 8 years)

OUT AND ABOUT

EVENTS

Loving on Our Newest Gilbert Neighbors BeLocal Magazine - www.amyjonesgroup.com/press

Supporting Women in Business through our Women in Leadership Series

Women in Leadership Events

Providing Monthly Market Updates Gilbertin Sun News Newspaper Women Leadership Video- -www.amyjonesgroup.com/press https://www.youtube.com/watch?

https://www.facebook.com/events/376970263668806

Living Local with Lifestyle

v=5bXnQgciGFo

Local Business Mixers Chandler Lifestyle Magazine - www.amyjonesgroup.com/press

Gilbert Lifestyle Magazine - www.amyjonesgroup.com/press

https://www.facebook.com/events/884038992327602

Volunteer Events

-

ICAN, ASA Now, Jacob's Mission Community Center, United Food Bank, Clothes Cabin, House of Refuge & More!

480-250-3857 | info@amyjonesgroup.com www.amyjonesgroup.com

The more you know

How Do Mortgage Rates Impact the Real Estate Market?

When you’re getting ready to enter the market as a buyer or seller, the first thing on your mind is usually about price. Equally important, though, is the topic that’s usually secondary to the price talk: What will happen if mortgage rates increase — or decrease?

Mortgage rates affect more than the financial prospects of potential buyers because any movement has a ripple effect on the local market. Before we get into that, though, let’s take a quick look at what has been going on with mortgage rates to understand what’s going on right now.

Mortgage Rates Have Been a (Mini) Rollercoaster

Speaking broadly, mortgage rates have been on a downward trend for the past 30 years. (For example, in 1979, mortgage rates were an eyebrow-raising 11.20%.) At the beginning of 2020, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 3.7%. The pandemic led to interest rate decreases that pushed the number down to 3.31% (April 2020), then 2.65% (Dec 2020).

Once 2021 came around, rates started to creep up again. By April 1, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 3.18% — but then things get interesting. By mid-month, that average dropped to 3.04%. The bottom line: With all this change, it’s worth keeping an eye on interest rates if you’re a buyer or seller.

What happens when mortgage rates decrease?

The easiest answer is that a decrease in mortgage rates helps buyers with their budgets. That alone contributes to one of the ripple effects: Competition. Buyers may take that buying power to pricier neighborhoods (creating sudden spikes of activity) or to neighborhoods that have potential (read: cool houses that may be undervalued). In pricier neighborhoods, it means a bidding war. It may mean that

average buyers can get pushed out by those with deeper pockets in undervalued neighborhoods. On top of that, the news also could give potential buyers who were on the fence about entering the market that push to jump in.

These are all good things for sellers — if you want your home to sell fast, that is. If you’re not quite prepared for a fast transaction or are simultaneously trying to buy while you sell, you need to have a plan if the right offer comes in faster than you’ve expected.

The conversation may include short-term rentals, storage units, and other ways to help buy you a little more time in a heated market. The other consideration for sellers is whether this flurry of buyer activity will tempt other homeowners to list. While inventory is still low in many markets, it’s hard to predict the tipping point where the pool of available properties outpace buyers.

However, two effects are often overlooked: Would-be sellers who decide to refinance instead and buyers who decide to wait out the decrease in the hopes of further cuts. The former ends up decreasing potential inventory, creating even more competition and pushing prices up. The impact of buyers who wait it out isn’t as significant unless everyone decides to wait it out.

Call today!

480-420-4911

Happy Summer!

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a move-up buyer, or you're looking to refinance, we are here to help with all of your home financing needs.

Amber Kovarik

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS #184992 3075 W Ray Rd., Suite 110 Chandler, AZ 85226 480.420.4911 Kovarikteam@guildmortgage.net Equal Housing Lender, NMLS ID #3274, AZ BK#0018883; AZ LO Lic. # 912411; Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions apply.

Summer 2021 Featured Listings

ALL THINGS COMMUNITY & REAL ESTATE

SOLD IN ONE DAY!

Sold for $63K over listing price!

SOLD IN ONE DAY!

1032 E Daniella Drive | San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

4071 W Harrison Street | Chandler, AZ 85226

2227 W Highland Street | Chandler, AZ 85224

Sold for $75K over list price!

SOLD IN ONE DAY!

Sold for $46K over list price!

1897 E Coconino Drive | Chandler, AZ 85248

2138 E Chesapeake Drive | Gilbert, AZ 85243

1470 E Cullumber Street | Gilbert, AZ 85234

Best Real Estate Team - Our 8th Win.

40 Under 40 Best Real Estate Team

Awards Community Advocacy Award

*Each office is independently owned and operated

WWW.AMYJONESGROUP.COM