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602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com November/December 2025 North Valley Pride
A Story of Growth, Change, and Unwavering Commitment to Our Clients That New Logo on Page 8 Tells a 20-Year Story
We know our readers well. Some of you skim through our newsletter, catching the headlines that spark your interest. Others pore over every single word like the morning paper with their coffee. And then there are those of you, our favorite detectives, who notice absolutely everything. You are like FBI investigators, catching details that would escape most people entirely. In our last newsletter issue, we quietly changed our brokerage logo at the top of page 8. Most of you noticed the change without commenting or did not even take note. But a handful of you eagle-eyed readers reached out and asked, “Hey, what is up with the new logo?”
Well, since you asked, we figured we would take this opportunity to tell you the whole story, our story, from the very beginning to where we stand today. Picture this: The year is 2001, and Dennis has just obtained his real estate license. No grand office, no fancy business plan, just determination and a job with Del Webb Corporation, the master-planned community developer famous for age-qualified communities across the country. Dennis rapidly found his stride, receiving the “Rookie of the Year” award and quickly becoming the top salesperson for one of Del Webb’s first multigenerational communities right here in Anthem, Arizona, where he specialized in new home sales. Meanwhile, Lisa was making her mark in a completely different corner of the same community. She was the original Membership Director for Anthem Golf & Country Club, serving the Del Webb golf club division for eight and a half years. She was there from day one on the startup team and was helping build something special from the ground up. And yes, for those wondering, Dennis and Lisa first met at this time, both working in the same community we now call home. The details of that story? Well, we will save those romantic particulars for another newsletter! By 2004, Lisa caught the real estate bug and obtained her license. But here is the uniqueness of Lisa: She has never been one to do anything half way. She worked full-time, went to real estate school in the evenings and weekends, and obtained her real estate license in a month. She then worked part-time in real estate while maintaining her full-time role as Membership Director. Multitasking is a mild understatement for what she was doing. She never has a down moment, and anyone who knows her can attest!
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Every year, we make our personal holiday wish lists, but this year, we realized that our wishes are no longer about the latest tech gadget (Dennis) or a new pair of shoes (Lisa), but are instead for our family, clients, community, and country. For Our Family: • We wish Lisa’s Dad many more days filled with relaxation and contentment as he enjoys his retirement years here with us in sunny Arizona! (Plus, a dozen Sudoku books to help pass the time!) • We wish Ashley joy and fulfillment as she cares for the underserved, completes her scholarship commitment for the National Health Service Corps, and bountiful adventures as she works towards reaching her goal of travelling to 30 countries by the age of 30! (Plus, enough frequent flyer miles to help make that goal happen!) • We wish Dan and Lixu endless pleasure as they experience their daughter Victoria’s second Christmas and holiday season as a family! (Wrapped boxes are the best and most affordable present at this age! Contents have no meaning; exploration is everything at age 1!) For Our Clients: • We wish our sellers patience as we navigate this ever-changing real estate market and the economic uncertainty created for buyers.
Our “Happy Holidays” Wish List WISHING JOY,
PEACE, AND A LITTLE BIT OF FUN FOR EVERYONE
• We wish our first-time home-buyers nerves of steel, lower mortgage rates, and the wisdom to know the “perfect” house does not exist, but the perfect home for YOU absolutely does. • We wish those “moving up” success in selling their homes and reassurance that their ideal home is waiting for them. • We wish those who are downsizing the ability to purge and let go of treasures they have been storing for that “just in case I need it” day that never comes … and the clarity that comes with right-sized living. • We wish those who have settled into their forever home delight in having found the perfect place to spend their remaining days entertaining their family and friends, and to make new, lasting memories around the dining room table.
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located right here in our beloved Anthem community. The partnership was natural and allowed us to continue growing our network and, most importantly, our client base, which never stopped supporting us with referrals and repeat business. You know who you are, and we love you!
In 2006, we decided to take the biggest leap of our professional lives when Lisa left her secure position at the country club, and together, we formed our own real estate company: DL Jones and Associates. We started in a spare bedroom of our home. No joke! Just two desks, a couple of cell phones, and a whole lot of ambition. From that humble beginning, we grew our company into a full commercial office building right in the heart of Anthem. Our agent count grew year after year, and at our peak, Dennis was managing 84 agents. Out of 4,000 brokerages in the entire Valley, we ranked in the top 15. During those years, Lisa built what can only be described as a massive, client-focused real estate business, becoming one of the top agents in the entire state of Arizona. Dennis managed the entire office operation, trained all our real estate agents, supervised and reviewed their contracts, and helped them negotiate their deals. In 2018, opportunity knocked when a senior executive from a national brand approached us to merge our company and join forces with Realty Executives, becoming their branch office for North Phoenix,
Which brings us to July 2025 and that logo change some of you so astutely noticed.
The legal entity surrounding the Phoenix Realty Executives franchise expired, and our core management team, including us and our entire office, realigned with Fathom Realty Elite. Fathom Holdings is a public company (NASDAQ: FTH) and a technology-driven real estate services platform. They have offices in 43 states and support 2,200 full-time agents. The rebranding was finalized in August, hence the new logo that caught your detective eyes and a “hold the presses” change we had to make at the last minute. Here is what we want you to know above all else: Dennis and Lisa Jones have not changed. Not one bit. We continue to provide the same personal level of service we have provided all these years. We are still going above and beyond, still available when you need us, and still bringing the same professional knowledge and local expertise to
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LISA’S KITCHEN Sausage Pinwheels
For Our Community: •
We wish the neighbors on our street success and satisfaction in completing their remodel projects, good riddance to the dumpsters lining the roads and driveways, and happy
holiday hosting in your newly renovated homes. Please send us an invitation! We cannot wait to see what you have done! We wish the members of our Anthem Community a jubilant holiday season while avoiding collisions with young citizens riding their new e-bikes! We wish the population of Phoenix time to reflect on the true meaning of the holidays.
•
For every Christmas brunch, my family requests this favorite that my Aunt Phyllis taught me to make when I was a little girl. My family’s Christmas morning would not be complete without these tasty (and easy) breakfast bites!
•
For Our Country: •
We wish America a season in which we remember that our differences make us stronger, not weaker, and that every person we meet is somebody’s beloved child. • We wish everyone joy and true Peace on Earth, regardless of race, religion, political belief, or ethnicity. We are all loved. Remember to be kind and generous to others. A smile is free and can change the course of someone else’s day. • Finally, we wish that more people would discover what we have found in our faith: That each of us is loved exactly as we are, and that experiencing that love is the greatest gift anyone can receive in their lifetime.
INGREDIENTS • 2 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick) • 2/3 cup milk • 1 roll (14–16 oz) bulk sausage
DIRECTIONS 1. Combine baking mix and milk in bowl. On floured surface, roll out into a rectangle. 2. Press sausage evenly across the biscuit mix. With longest side facing you, roll into a log. 3. Cut into even slices/pinwheels and place on ungreased baking sheet with sides. 4. Bake at 450 F for 10–12 minutes until biscuit part is browned and sausage is cooked. 5. Serve warm! Merry Christmas!
We wish you all a joyous and serene holiday season!
–Dennis and Lisa Jones
every transaction. We start early in the mornings and work well into most evenings. We are still serving our clients with the same passion that started us in that spare bedroom nearly two decades ago. The real estate business is not like a traditional career where you work toward a retirement day, receive a plaque and a gold watch, and ride off into the sunset. We intend to serve our clients for many years to come with the same dedication we have always had, supercharged by the technology engine that Fathom Realty Elite now provides. To our eagle-eyed readers who caught the logo change at the top of page 8, thank you for keeping us honest and giving us the perfect excuse to share our real estate journey. And to everyone else, thank you for being part of our story. Cheers to many more chapters together! –Dennis and Lisa Jones
P.S. Be sure to check page 4 of this issue for information about our upcoming 2026 Client Appreciation event!
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Lighting does not just help you see in the dark. It also affects how a room feels. Often, the right fixture can make everything else around it click. A geometric pendant could be a great option if your space needs a focal point. The clean lines work exceptionally well in open foyers and dining areas. For something warmer and more rustic, try an Edison bulb. They add a unique charm to any space, especially with exposed fixtures. Sometimes, even furnished rooms feel unfinished. A sculptural floor lamp can fill in the gap while making a statement. Look for one that feels more like an accent piece than a utility. Want to add sparkle and elegance? A small crystal fixture will catch the light and your eye. You do not have to follow any single rule. What matters is that the fixture fits the space and makes it feel more like yours. Form, Function, and Flair Fixtures That Define a Room
Homes for the Holidays! With market conditions shifting, we do not want you to miss the opportunity to buy or sell! Here is our current inventory!
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, Den, Bonus Room, 3.5 Baths — Almost 1/2‑Acre Lot! New Interior & Exterior Paint, New Carpet! Pool, Amazing Desert & Golf Views! Just Listed at $950,000!
2026 Annual Client Appreciation Event Sunday Afternoon Feb. 1, 2026 Details to follow in our next newsletter! v e
Anthem Country Club — 5 Bedrooms, Den, 4.5 Baths — Stunning Remodel with $425K in Premium Renovations! Heated Pool & Spa, Z-Line 10 Burner Gas Range & More! $1,530,000
Anthem Country Club Custom Finishes Throu
Anthem Country Club — 2 Bedrooms, Den, 2 Baths — Desert View Lot with Heated Pool and Spa!
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Aventura Condominiums in Scottsdale — 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — Gorgeous Remodel. Updated Floors, Great Room, Kitchen & Baths! Community Pools, Spa & Tennis! Just Listed at $390,000!
Anthem Parkside Paseo — 3 Bedrooms, Den, 2.5 Baths — Cluster Home with New Pergola on Patio! Granite Kitchen & White Cabinets, Newer Refrigerator, Washer & Dryer! Super Convenient Location!
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, Den/Office, 2.5 Baths — Beautifully Remodeled Kitchen with Gourmet Appliances! Amazing Desert and Mountain Views! Just Listed at $775,000!
Anthem Country Club — 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — Brand New Exterior Paint & All New Vinyl Plank & Carpet! Great Vacation Home with Synthetic Turf & Putting Green! Just Listed at $425,000!
Serenity Villas in Anthem Condo — 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — Remodeled with Quartz Counters Throughout, Stainless Appliances, Laminate Flooring! Trane HVAC & 1-Car Garage! Just Listed at $345,000!
b — 3 Bedrooms, Den, 3.5 Baths — ughout, Spa, Million Dollar Views!
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, Den/Office, 2.5 Baths — Private Pool and Spa! Just Reduced to $899,000
Tortosa in Maricopa — 5 Bedrooms, Loft, 4 Baths — Granite Kitchen, Remodeled Backyard with Synthetic Turf! $399,000
Corte Bella Country Club — 3 Bedrooms (incl. Casita), 3 Bathrooms — Gated Golf Course Community!
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The Market Shift We Have Been Awaiting WHY WE ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT REAL ESTATE'S FUTURE
If you have been watching the real estate market over the past couple of years, you have probably noticed it has been ... well, let us just say it has not exactly been red hot. We have called the market soft, slow, challenging ... pick your adjective. Whatever you want to call it, the real estate market certainly has not been the frenzied seller's market we experienced during the pandemic years. During this slower market period, we have worked harder than ever to help our clients achieve their real estate goals. For our sellers, that meant going the extra mile with creative marketing strategies, professional staging advice, strategic pricing, and thinking outside the box to sell homes in a competitive landscape. We have held more open houses, created more compelling listing presentations, and spent extra time educating sellers about realistic market expectations. For our buyers, we have become master negotiators and creative contract writers. We have helped structure offers that allowed our clients to save money wherever possible, negotiated seller concessions for closing costs, requested repairs that mattered, and worked with our network of preferred lenders to secure the most competitive mortgage rates available in what has admittedly been a high-interest rate environment. Speaking of lenders, we have been working overtime with our mortgage partners to explore every avenue for our buyers. From buying down rates to finding loan programs with better terms, we have left no stone unturned when helping our clients navigate the financing landscape. But we believe everything changed on Aug. 22 when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled that current economic conditions warranted an adjustment to fiscal policy. That comment was music to our ears, and frankly, music to the ears of anyone involved in real estate. Now, we want to be clear about something important: the federal funds rate is not the same as mortgage rates. The FED rate controls overnight lending between banks, while mortgage rates are typically tied to longer-term instruments like 10-year Treasury bonds and reflect 15, 20, or 30-year mortgages. However, when the Fed signals a more accommodative stance, often a ripple affects the entire lending market. We expect interest rates to have started to come down noticeably by the time you read this newsletter. We are already seeing the early signs of what this means for our market. The enthusiasm is tangible. We are fielding more calls from potential buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for rates to improve. Sellers who had been hesitant to list their homes are starting conversations about going on the market. The energy feels different and is more optimistic and forward-looking.
We are seeing increased activity at our open houses. Buyers are asking more detailed questions about neighborhoods, schools, and long-term value propositions. These people are not just tire-kickers; they are serious buyers who are ready to make moves when the conditions are right. We are genuinely excited about what lies ahead. This market correction has created incredible opportunities for buyers and sellers ready to act strategically. For buyers, inventory is still available without the frenzied bidding wars of a few years ago. Combined with improving interest rates, a sweet spot exists for making smart purchases. You can take your time, make thoughtful decisions, and negotiate terms that work in your favor. For sellers, the market is poised for renewed activity from buyers who have been waiting for better financing conditions. As rates improve, that pent-up demand is going to translate into more showings, more offers, and ultimately … more home sales.
Throughout this market cycle, whether it is slow, soft, or whatever else you want to call it, our commitment to our clients has never wavered. We have adapted our strategies, enhanced our services, and continued to deliver results even when the market was not cooperating. As we enter what we believe will be a much more active and optimistic phase, we are ready to help you capitalize on the opportunities ahead. Whether you have been thinking about selling, buying, or both, the timing is starting to align in ways we have not seen in a while. The market is shifting, enthusiasm is building, and we could not be more excited about what is coming next. Let’s make moves together!
–Dennis and Lisa Jones
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Take a Break
A SIMPLE DIY UPGRADE THAT DELIVERS GIVE OLD CABINETS NEW LIFE
When thinking about home improvement tasks, we do not always realize how much something as simple as cabinet hardware affects the feel of our space. Old knobs and pulls tend to blend into the background, but when you swap them out, the difference is often bigger than expected. This small change can make areas like kitchens and bathrooms feel cleaner and more current. Best of all, you can tackle this project in an afternoon.
APPLES BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY ELECTION
KINDNESS LEAVES NAP PARADE
PIE SCORPIO TOPAZ VETERAN
Start by looking at what is already there. If you are swapping out knobs for similar knobs or replacing pulls with ones that are the same size, you might not need to do much more than unscrew the old ones and pop in the new hardware. But you need to double-check the spacing. Pulls typically measure 3–4 inches between the mounting screw holes, but there are plenty of exceptions. It only takes a minute to measure before you start. If the new hardware you are after is a different size or shape, you will need to drill new holes. That also means patching the old ones with wood filler. It requires a few extra steps, but it’s not complicated. Simply remove the old knobs or pulls, fill in the existing holes with filler, and wait for it to dry. Then sand and paint it, and you are ready to drill the new holes. You’ll need the basic tools: a screwdriver or a drill, a pencil, and something to measure with. A hardware template can help keep everything even, though careful measuring works fine, too. If you have to drill new holes and are worried about splintering, especially on soft wood, using painter’s tape over the drill spot is a good precaution. Try one drawer or cabinet first. Mark your placement, drill slowly and cleanly with the right-size bit, and test the fit. Once you have done a couple and know the process, the rest tends to go quickly. After the update, you might notice other changes that can make a big difference around your house. Simple upgrades have a way of making the whole space feel more finished, and that’s sometimes all the motivation you need to keep going.
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Inside 1 A Story of Growth, Change, and Unwavering Commitment to Our Clients 2 Our “Happy Holidays” Wish List 3 Sausage Pinwheels 4 Make Fixtures the Focal Point 5 Homes for the Holidays 6 The Market Shift We Have Been Awaiting
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Lisa & Dennis Jones
3668 W. Anthem Way, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com
7 An Easy Cabinet Hardware Refresh
Take a Break
8 Paradise Found
Bungalows and Bliss: Tropical Escapes to Savor
Whether you’re looking to book a tropical trip this winter or want to live vicariously through descriptions of dream destinations, this article is for you! From overwater bungalows to swim-up bars, these resorts redefine relaxation in some of the world’s most glamorous getaways. A Spectacular South Asian Sojourn If you want to add flavor to your wintertime festivities with an international jaunt, the Maldives, just southwest of India, is home to some of the world’s most renowned resorts. Celebrated for its spacious rooms, private pools, and “floating breakfasts,” The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, boasts seven restaurants offering a vast array of global delicacies. Another Maldives mainstay, Soneva Fushi, offers some of the largest overwater villas in the world: perfect for viewing the area’s breathtakingly clear waters. And if you’re a fan of exploring tropical travel via social media, you’ve likely caught an eyeful of Instagram favorite Soneva Jani. This Maldives destination provides guests plenty of playful options, ranging from a waterslide to a trip on one of the resort’s seaplanes.
Of course, an extraordinary vacation doesn’t necessarily mean spending time in an expansive environment. Those looking to balance luxury with a low-key vibe should check out Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, a boutique resort that invites guests to lounge on a private water hammock as their worries wash away. Fresh Perks in French Polynesia Outdoor bungalows are also a big hit in Bora Bora. In addition to in-room pools, the Four Seasons Bora Bora resort offers guests a view of Mount Otemanu that all intrepid travelers should experience at least once. Over at the Westin Bora Bora, vacationers can take in the locale’s modern aesthetics while sipping cocktails at its swim-up bar. If you plan to travel with a large group, the two-story Presidential Suites and overwater villas at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui are outstanding options. Not surprisingly, Bora Bora isn't the only place to visit in French Polynesia. Although the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa tends to book up quickly due to its smaller size, it’s worth trying to get a room for this vacation spot’s famous snorkeling sites alone.
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