I've bragged about my dad, Richard "Mac" McGarrigle before and I'll probably brag about my dad until I draw my last breath. Dad was a US Navy Veteran (20 years, Retired, Chief Boiler Technician, WWII) who lived with my husband, TJ, and I until he passed away last month after a long brave fight with Cancer.
Dad taught me everything I know about patriotism... He taught me that you could have 3 ships sunk right out from under you and never hold a grudge against anyone. He taught me to salute our flag by putting my hand over my heart whenever it passes by in a parade or whenever the National Anthem is played. He taught me you don't talk or chew gum when you're saluting our flag. He taught me that you should never wear your hat when you're saluting our flag, either.
Sometimes I wonder if the general population knows anything about flag etiquette? It sure doesn't seem like it when I'm watching a crowd anytime the flag is presented or the National Anthem is played. So many seem oblivious to our flag as it passes by and aren't even hearing the words of our National Anthem. I know many feel it's not "cool" to salute our flag. But really, it's not "cool" when you don't.
Maybe we should do a better job as parents teaching our children about patriotism. Veteran's day is more than a day off work or school. It's more than just a day when the mail doesn't come. It's a day to remember those who have served our country. It's a day to fly the American Flag. 
For the first time, Dad wasn't here to put the flag out today. So with tears in my eyes I gently unrolled dad's flag. The flag he had so carefully put away the last time he took it down. Today I put the flag out for Dad and the tears fell. Tears because I miss dad terribly and because I'm proud of him for giving 20 years of his life fighting for our country. So, for dad and for Veterans everywhere.... I say "thank you" from the bottom of my patriotic heart.
Home prices in Gilbert, Arizona continue to fall however, the decline seems to be tapering off. Good news for Sellers and a sign for buyers that it may be time to get off the fence!
Military families and the issues they face is something that's near and dear to my heart. Not only are these brave men and women fighting to keep our country safe, my dad was a 20-year retired US Navy Veteran, so I know the sacrifices these families make.
The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund was established to assist Arizona military families with any financial crisis that may occur.
By donating to this worthy effort, not only will you benefit from feeling the "warm fuzzies" knowing you have helped, this year you can donate up to $400 and receive a dollar for dollar state tax credit for your donation.
It's simple to do. Just download the contribution form. Fill out the form and mail it in with your check attached and they will send you a receipt you can use to receive your state tax credit.
Don't wait too long if you want the tax credit. According to their website, the total donation tax credits cannot exceed 1 Million Dollars.
You have to pay your Arizona State Taxes anyway, so why not tell them where to use the money? Oh...and don't keep this a secret. Please spread the word!
I grew up in a house in the midwest that was built in the early 1800's. I guess that's why I laugh when a buyer tells me a house built in 1988 is too old.
The house I grew up in on Lincoln Street in Waukegan, Illinois had a cellar, complete with dirt floor. It had a coal bin with a shoot that led from the outside into the cellar so that the coal burning furnace could be stoked in the winter, until that was changed over to an oil furnace. I still remember the oil truck coming to fill up the tank. The cellar was shallow so that you had to bend over ever so slightly when you went down there to do the laundry. It was creepy. I miss it.
I thought it would be a nice day out for my daughter and I to browse the San Tan Village shops in Gilbert. I should have taken into consideration this is not your typical refrigerated mall. It was hot the day we started our trek. Something like 112 degrees...in the shade.
I was excited at the prospect of a "downtown" shopping experience. When I was growing up in Waukegan, Illinois, downtown was the only place to shop. But, I don't think it was ever 112 degrees (in the shade) in Waukegan.
San Tan Village disappointed me. Just a bunch of stores strung together. Not much in the way of ambiance at the street either. Read More
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Voted Chandler's BEST REALTOR 2011 & 2012. Specializing in Chandler, Sun Lakes, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Tempe & Mesa real estate. www.AmySellsAZ.com
Amy Jones is a top producing REALTOR® specializing in the East Valley communities of
Chandler, Sun Lakes, Gilbert, Ahwatukee, Tempe & Mesa Arizona
Representing buyers and sellers.
I'm not from Arizona, but I got here as soon as I could!
When my story is told to future generations...and it will be told in song, interpretive dance and puppet show, people will weep with joy and through sobs say "Today we have witnessed a life filled with happiness. How can our lives not be bettered by this?" OK, the puppet show response may not be so strong. People may not be ready for puppets.WARNING...Gratuitous Self-Promotion Follows
I relocated from Kenosha, Wisconsin to Chandler, Arizona in 2001 and have been a full time REALTOR® ever since. I'm happily married and the proud mom of 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren.
I was recently voted "CHANDLER'S BEST REALTOR" by Phoenix Foothills Magazine Reader Poll and I have been recognized as one of the Top 50 Real Estate Agents in the Phoenix Metro area by the Phoenix Business Journal which also recognized my Team ~ The Amy Jones Group as one of the Top 25 Real Estate Teams in the Phoenix Metro area as well.
Ok...awards might show you that I'm competent. But really...that's not what it's all about for me. What really matters is the people who put their trust in me. How would I take care of my daughter's real estate transaction? How about my best friend's? Well, that's exactly how I take care of my clients.
"It's like working with your best friend!" It's more than just a tagline.
I think my past clients probably say it best:
"Amy did in 6 weeks what another agent couldn’t do in 6 months. She sold our home! On top of it all, she made it an enjoyable experience, something I can’t say about the other agent. We will definitely be referring her to anyone who is thinking about selling their home!” Kelvin & Wendy Shasteen
"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?" Derek & Denise Gorder
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
Achievements & Awards
Voted "Chandler's BEST REALTOR" by Arizona Foothills Magazine Reader Poll
Named one of the Top 50 Real Estate Agents by the Phoenix Business Journal.
Several Multi-Million Dollar Producer Awards presented by the Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors.
After 22 years in the Air Force, and 26 moves, Ann and I have had a lot of dealings with real estate personnel; some good and some not so good. We both agree that Amy is the most professional, responsi
ve, knowledgeable and definitely the most caring Realtor we have come in contact with. She came highly recommended from long time Air Force friends. She did an outstanding job helping and guiding us through the challenge of finding, buying and closing on our home in Sun Lakes, Az. Her expert computer skills combined with her photography skills, helped us find our new home, get an expert inspection and close with minimum involvement on our part. Her assistance did not end with closing. Her knowledge of the community has helped us find gardeners, electricians, etc. We consider her a very professional Realtor and a very close FRIEND. ~Ann and Ernie Coleman, Sun Lakes
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
"Amy Jones is simply the Best. We had a house hunting blast with her, so much so that we didn't want the house hunting process to end. Amy is extremely knowledgeable and truly listened to our needs and wants. Amy found us an awesome house in a high demand area in Ocotillo. Amy took control and handled everything for us; from paperwork, to appointments, to what to expect and even getting handy man quotes for us. Amy's work made the entire process so easy and simple; she handled it with such care and great communication. We would not have found our house or had such a wonderful experience without Amy's help and assistance. Amy was terrific to work with and represented us extremely well, with her character, integrity, communication and sense of humor. If you want the Best go with Amy." ~ Derek and Denise Gorder, Ocotillo in 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
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