One of the things I noticed most about Arizona neighborhoods 
when I moved here from Wisconsin, was the lack of community. People here drive into their garages, put the door down and you never see them again. Want to say hello to your neighbor from your backyard? Grab a chair or a ladder to stand on to peek over your block wall. I proclaim ARIZONA BLOCK WALLS as the "bane of community relationships".
Granted. I speak from the Midwest mindset. Oh, sometimes there were fences between our properties back home in Wisconsin, but they were usually the short picket type, or chain link...or maybe just some shrubbery divided our backyards. You could barbecue and enjoy a conversation with your neighbors. Yep...you actually spoke with your neighbors! You knew what they did for a living and what their kids names were. Sometimes, you even shared a meal with them <gasp>. I remember feeling highly insulted when one of the neighbors installed a "privacy fence" which was made out of 6 foot tall wood slats. Made me wonder what I'd done to illicit such a fence.
I admit, there were times I really didn't want to talk with my neighbors but....
Then I moved to Arizona and found Arizonans experience no separation anxiety. In fact, they like separation so much they build a serious fence. A big concrete block wall fence to separate them from their neighbors. This means you never have to speak to anyone who lives around you. If you're feeling especially friendly, you can casually wave at your neighbor as you pull into your garage and quickly close the door behind you before you exit your vehicle.
As I show property and look out the back windows of any 2 story home, it looks like a series of State Penitentiary exercise yards. It made we wonder, who started the block wall phenomenon in Arizona? Was it started to keep people out or to keep people in? Do we really need a fortress wall around our backyard and if we do, why not a moat too?
Just wonderin.
No question that sales are up in the Phoenix metro area.
May was the 8th largest closing month in Arizona Regional MLS history (number of homes sold) and June is expected to be the largest ever.
Of the 9290 closed home sales in May, 63% were lender owned (REO), 11% were short sales & 26% were marked "other". Wow, a whopping 74% were non-traditional sales (how long before REO and short sales ARE considered traditional? Never, I hope.)
76% of these sales were under $200,000.
Interesting to note that 55% of all May home sales in the greater Phoenix area were sold to either investors or second home buyers.
And now...for your viewing pleasure ~
Chandler's Inventory, Sold and Price per square foot graphs~
There's plenty of things to do within driving distance of the Phoenix area to make this Father's Day special for your dad.
Thought you might like a few ideas!
Does dad like the stage? Get tickets today for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Gammage Auditorium. There are 2 performances on Father's Day. One at 2:00 and one at 7:00. Or Showstoppers Live for a bit of Las Vegas style performance
Does dad like to laugh? How 'bout Tempe Improv? Flip Orley the Comic Hypnotist is scheduled to perform on Father's Day at 8:00.
Then there's the Big Boys and Their Toys Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center all weekend including from 9 to 6 on Father's Day.
Salt River Tubing is a big hit with many. I have to say I tried tubing the Salt River once and noticed a LOT of beer drinking going on by my fellow tubers and NO ONE exiting the raft to get rid of that beer (if you know what I mean). Suffice it to say that this germaphobe felt like she was floating along in a giant toilet and has politely backed out of every invitation to tube ever since.
Here are a few more random Phoenix area locations that are on the top of many "gotta do" lists:
University of Phoenix Stadium Tour
Hiking or horseback riding at South Mountain Park
Bob Bondurant Racing School ...Does dad get a lot of speeding tickets because he's really Mario Andretti at heart? He's sure to love this!
Desert Sweet Shrimp Farm. Shrimp in the desert? Don't knock it till you've tried it!
Children's Museum of Phoenix. I know, Father's Day is about dad, but what dad doesn't like to see his child smile?
Jim McLean Golf School. Or...maybe dad's a Tiger Woods in his own mind?
Want to go more laid back and lounge by a fancy pool? How about a day at one of the Phoenix area resorts.
Arizona Biltmore Resort
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs
Hotel Valley Ho
Each of these offer poolside cabanas to rent by the day. Each cabana comes complete with towels, reserved lounge chairs and access to poolside menus. Now that's what I call celebrating!
Last year I wrote a little post called "How do you celebrate the last father's day." My dad passed away last October and I would give anything to have just one more day. How would I spend father's day if he were still here? Sitting with him next to his chair and watching golf (which I hate) just because I love him.
So, whatever you do...spend some quality time with dad, doing something that HE wants to do just because you love him.
As the outlying areas' home bargains begin to dry up many buyers are focusing on some of the even bigger deals. Where are they? Luxury homes. It's absolutely amazing the deals you can get on some of these high-end homes. Owners of some of these homes need a quick sale because they've lost their stock market financial cushion along with their jobs. These sellers are becoming more and more common and banks are now selling many of these homes.
There are hundreds of listings of luxury homes that have been heavily discounted, some as much as half of what they're worth.
If you're looking for one of these bargains, it's important to find an agent who will research the property for you to determine what the owner's paid for the home, what the mortgage on the property is or was and when they bought it. Another indicator is a stale listing. One that has been on the market for close to "forever". These sellers are typically the ones who overpriced their homes at the onset and are now ready for an offer. Any offer. If you see a home price that is drastically reduced...that's your sign that it's time to make your offer, so you better be watching!
There is nothing better than living in the community you sells homes in. Here's a brief tour of Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes, Arizona. The place I call home!
Multi-Million Dollar Producer Specializing in the East Valley communities of Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, & Tempe. www.AmySellsAZ.com
I moved to the Chandler area from Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2001. My husband, TJ & are the proud parents of 4 beautiful daughters, grandparents to 2 amazing grandsons.
My real estate career began in 1985 in Illinois. Moving to Arizona in 2001, I was recently ranked #3 in production for the RE/Max Southwest Region (Arizona, New Mexico & Nevada).
I specialize in residential, vacation home/cabin, Active Adult communities and relocation, representing buyers and sellers in the Phoenix East Valley as well as the White Mountain communities of Show Low & Pinetop/Lakeside.
A quote from a client: "Working with Amy is like working with your best friend. She always watches out for your best interests and loves to laugh, which makes the whole transaction a fun experience. We were actually a little sad when we closed on our dream home and knew we wouldn't be spending those times together anymore. Why would anyone want to work with any other Realtor?"
What is my secret to success? God & family and a favorite quote by Ralph Walder Emerson to live by:
"Success is to laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
Live simply. Love generously.
Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.
There are aspects of real estate sales that seem pretty simple.There are many elements of a smooth transaction, however, that are complicated and daunting.
My mission is to consistently provide the highest quality, most innovative, and exceptional real estate service available anywhere in the Phoenix area while specializing in the Maricopa East Valley Communities of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Tempe, and Ahwatukee; and the Northern Pinal communities in Queen Creek and Maricopa. If you're looking for a moutain retreat, now also serving the White Mountain area including Show Low & Pinetop!
My clients' needs always come first. I will strive to always provide value far in excess of my clients' expectations. My constant goal is mutual respect, and long term relationships that are beneficial to all parties.
I will be positive, helpful, and enthusiastic at all times - always focusing on solutions, not challenges. I will take care of business first and foremost, but we will have fun as a "team" and enjoy ourselves in the process.
I will run a clean, organized, and efficient operation, and always adhere to the highest standards of integrity and ethical business practices.
I will never rest on my accomplishments. I will constantly strive to create, develop, and implement new ideas, strategies, and services that will benefit my clients. I will continue to seek continuing education in all aspects of my business to increase the level of service I offer my clients. I will maintain an up-to-date knowledge base on current trends and real estate activities in and the entire Maricopa East Valley as well as Northern Pinal County and the White Mountain areas of Show Low & Pinetop.
Core Values
I can help you with every aspect of buying or selling your home because I'm an experienced REALTOR®, because I'm professional . . .and because I care.
A is for awesome. A is for amazing, and A is for Amy Jones, the best Realtor in Arizona! I was so lucky to have found Amy 2 years ago to help with the purchase of my condo. She made the transaction seamless. When I decided to buy a different house a few months ago, it was only natural to call on Amy. Within a few days my condo was listed, and within a couple of weeks we had a sale - a full price offer! Amy knew exactly how to price my property in keeping with today's competitive market. Amy also assisted me with the purchase of my new house, for which I will forever be grateful. In all of the buying and selling negotiations, Amy acted as my spokesperson, my advocate and my advisor. She took the time to know what I was looking for, and truly represented me during the entire process. I would recommend Amy to anyone who is looking for a friendly, honest and professional real estate agent. Trust me - she will be your real estate agent for life! ~ Mira Radovich, Tempe
"What can I say about Amy that hasn't already been said? She made my first home-buying experience an absolute pleasure! I was moving to the Arizona area from out of state, and by holding my hand through every step of the progression, Amy eliminated any of the normal stress and concern over such a life-changing purpose. She even succeeded in making it enjoyable! Amy cheerfully and patiently answered every question I had as a first-time buyer, explaining in a simple and understandable way the paperwork and the process. As a teacher myself, I really appreciated that. Furthermore, she went "above and beyond" by helping me look at neighborhoods that were normally outside of her typical areas of familiarity. That extra effort paid off, as we found a beautiful home in Queen Creek that I show off with pride. Thanks Amy!" ~Joe Fortunato, Queen Creek
"Amy was extremely helpful and understood that we were "just looking" with little interest in actually buying. She spent time with us over the phone, in email, at her office and was helpful and gracious at every moment. She was especially helpful when we found the home of our dreams and she helped streamline the occasionally excruciating process of the home purchase. As I was referred to her, I would refer her to everyone in need of an excellent Realtor!" ~ Aaron, Carrie and Jordan Schmidt, Chandler
"We decided to relocate to Arizona as our daughter was an ASU graduate and decided this is where she and her husband would live, work and raise their family. We would visit them and always comment "what are we doing living in the snow and cold?". So, after many years we narrowed down to the Chandler area to be near family. A very good friend highly recommended Amy Jones, as she had helped her with her homes. We started the process of elimination through e-mail, after months of looking at properties we decided to build. Amy represented us and knew so many of the building codes and legalities for this area. Amy tirelessly spent many hours trying to help us make decisions and was kind enough to drive us all over to pick out tiles, granites, window treatments, etc., so very helpful, especially when you are not familiar with the area. We love our home and Amy's professional but very warm and caring personality is a true testimonial as to her love of her profession. We are also so proud to call Amy our "Friend". ~ Doug & Joy Roetzel, Chandler
"Amy was very eager to help us find our home, she listened and found us our perfect home! We would have never found it, but she suggested that we look at a home that was so new on the MLS, that it did not even show a photo. Usually we did not even look at a home if you couldn't see a picture first, but she thought it would be one we would like. It was and one month later it was ours! When it was time to move on a couple years later, she sold our home before it was even on the market and for $8,000 more than we were asking, this was 1 year before the big real estate boom. I would highly recommend Amy to everybody I now, she is the best!" ~ Chad Ruffin, Chandler
"Amy did a great job. Best agent I've ever worked with! I've referred her to several friends and family members who have been just as happy with her services!" ~ Eric Katz, Chandler
"From the beginning, Amy Jones made our experience a pleasant one. Her in-depth knowledge of real estate in the South Tempe area helped to speed up the process of finding the house to meet our needs. Amy was always available to answer our questions in a timely manner throughout the time we worked with her. We have referred her to several of our friends and will continue to refer her to anyone who's looking for a Realtor!" ~ Eric & Kim Henes, Tempe
"We had the pleasure of working with Amy Jones on the purchase of our home in Warner Ranch. During our initial meeting, Amy listened very carefully to our needs. Her integrity and willingness to follow through with all the details far exceeded our expectations. We would feel very comfortable referring anyone to Amy!" ~ Gene & Laurie Johnson, Tempe
"It was a very pleasant experience working with Amy primarily because we worked together as a team. She listened to what I wanted in a home and wasted no time tracking them down and showing them to me. Not to mention this was the first time I had bought a house by myself! Amy helped take the fear out of that just by listening, researching, and explaining the home buying process to me. I have got to admit, it was one of the smoothest purchases I have ever made...and we're talking about a house here! Wow! Amy has what it takes to work in this market and environment. She LISTENS, and values CUSTOMER SERVICE! These are two very critical areas that will make or break a person or business. It is definite I will come back to Amy and will definitely refer her to my friends who are in need of a real estate agent who makes you feel important and like you're working with a friend!" ~ Donna Ploudre, Chandler
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