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602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com September/October 2024 North Valley Pride
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time when everyone should double-check the locks on their digital doors, especially in the real estate sector. Scam calls, emails, and text messages bombard our phones every day, and with the use of AI, some of these scams are less obvious. Unfortunately, real estate transactions are significantly more expensive and can lead to a substantial financial loss. As Realtors, we encounter numerous cybersecurity threats that could potentially derail our clients’ transactions and we want to discuss the most prevalent real estate scams and provide tips on how to protect yourself. One of the most damaging scams we encounter is wire fraud. Last year alone, over $446 million was lost to this type of fraud. The scam typically involves a hacker who intercepts emails and then sends fraudulent wire transfer instructions under the guise of a legitimate party involved in the transaction. Verifying all payment and transaction details independently by phone or through secure, verified channels before transferring any funds is crucial. Another common trick is the disaster contractor scam. After a natural disaster, fraudulent contractors often appear, promising quick repairs and requesting large upfront payments. Last year, losses attributed to these scams amounted to approximately $9.3 billion. You must thoroughly vet contractors, check for licenses, and never pay full fees upfront. Rental scams are also rampant, especially with the rise of short- term vacation rentals. In 2023, these scams accounted for losses of around $400 million. Fraudsters often advertise properties they STAY SAFE IN THE MARKET How to Protect Yourself From Common Real Estate Scams
do not own or that do not exist, taking deposits and rental fees from unsuspecting victims. Always verify the legitimacy of a property through trusted platforms and insist on secure payment methods. Land scams involving impersonation and fake property sales resulted in $396 million in losses last year. These scams often occur when fraudsters pose as property owners and sell land they do not own. To avoid this scam, always confirm property ownership through official records before proceeding with any transaction. Social media scams are particularly insidious because they blend into our daily interactions online. Last year, individuals lost approximately $2.7 billion through various scams initiated via social media platforms. Enhancing your cybersecurity practices, avoiding clicking on suspicious links, and using strong, unique passwords can help mitigate these risks. We have observed the devastating impact of these scams firsthand. Just a few months ago, we sent out a cautionary email to our clients, alerting them to the rising tide of scams targeting all age groups, from seniors to young adults who are active online. These scams have become increasingly sophisticated, often employing technologies like deepfake to create more convincing lies. In our brokerage, we have seen clients nearly lose their money to offshore accounts through fraudulent wiring instructions. Staying ahead of these scammers is a constant battle. Whether you are browsing for properties online, managing transactions, engaging on dating apps, or considering timeshare opportunities, the threat is omnipresent. Here are a few tips to safeguard yourself: Always verify information through direct, secure channels; be wary of unsolicited communications asking for personal information or money; and educate yourself and your family about the signs of a scam. We take these threats seriously, particularly in real estate transactions, and are committed to guiding our clients through safe, secure real estate transactions. Remember, in the world of cybersecurity, being informed and cautious is your best defense. Stay safe out there and know that we are here to help!
–Dennis and Lisa Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Dennis & Lisa Jones
Score Big With Kid- Friendly Tailgates Football season is underway, and many Americans will start spending their Saturdays and Sundays tailgating in stadium parking lots. It does not matter if you are going to an NFL or college game; tailgating is a great way to spend time with your friends and family before the big game. While many tailgates consist of adult activities like drinking alcohol and blasting loud music, many prefer to make it a family affair. If you plan to have kids at your tailgate, you need to ensure they have everything they need to have fun. Here are a few ways you can help your kids make the most of their day at the tailgate! Bring kid-friendly snacks and drinks. The average tailgate lasts a few hours, and most people enjoy at least one meal during that time frame. While most tailgate foods are simple appetizers and easy-to-make dishes, ask your kids or any kids attending if they want anything specific. Fill one of your coolers with sliced fruit and juice boxes to ensure your kids have a healthy food option and child-friendly drinks. Plan a few different activities. Your kids will get bored if there is nothing to do at the tailgate besides listening to pregame coverage and talking to others. Invest in
cornhole boards or other games, or see if someone in your group is comfortable with face painting. It does not have to be extensive, but having a few kid-friendly activities prepared will keep boredom at bay. Encourage your kids to show support for their team. Whether you are a fan of the home or away team, you and your kids should wear the right colors to show your support. Let your kids pick out a shirt, jersey, hat, or other team-affiliated apparel to help them get involved. Finally, do not forget about your child’s need for a nap. Be sure to bring pillows and a blanket for them, and set up a comfortable spot for them to rest when needed. Doing so will allow everyone to enjoy the upcoming game to the fullest.
How Our Daughter Combines Passion and Compassion in Fresno, California CATCHING UP WITH ASHLEY
As parents and Realtors, we are often sharing glimpses of our family life with our wonderful clients. Since Sept. 25 is National Daughter’s Day, we thought now is the perfect time to update you all on our daughter, Ashley, whose journey many of you have kindly followed over the years. It seems like only yesterday when Ashley was just toddling around our community here in Anthem. Many of you might recall seeing her dribbling down the local basketball courts, from the Anthem Community Center to Boulder Creek High School, where her passion for the game grew alongside her. After high school, Ashley took her talents to Pacific University, where she continued her basketball career and excelled academically. Her hard work and determination led her to
graduate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions as a Physician Assistant last August. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and decision to choose a career in caring for others. Now, Ashley lives in Fresno, California, where she serves an underserved community at a family practice clinic and prompt care facility, which is part of her two-year commitment with the National Health Service Corps. As she made the leap to purchase her first home, Ashley made sure to listen to her parents’ real estate advice! She absolutely adores her new home and community, with its farmers markets and biking trails. Most weekends, she explores California with friends from her PA program and high school. In a new twist, she has also become a cat
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
LISA’S KITCHEN
In honor of National Chocolate Day on Oct. 28, I wanted to share this Pillsbury Bake-Off recipe that my family has made for years. We always use the jelly roll pan to serve a crowd! Chocolate Cherry Bars
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
• 1 package Pillsbury Plus Devil’s Food Cake Mix • 1 21-oz can cherry pie filling • 1 teaspoon almond extract • 2 eggs, beaten Frosting: • 1 cup sugar • 5 tablespoons butter • 1/3 cup milk • 1 6-oz pkg (1 cup) semi- sweet chocolate chips
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease (not oil) and flour 15x10-inch jelly roll or 13x9-inch pan. 2. In large bowl, combine first 4 ingredients. 3. Stir by hand until well mixed. 4. Pour into prepared pan. 5. Bake at 350 F for 20–30 min (jelly roll pan) or 25–30 min (13x9-inch pan), or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 6. In small saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. 7. Boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. 8. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate chips until smooth. 9. Pour over warm bars. Makes about 3 dozen bars.
After being subjected to the severely idiotic and overwhelmingly disappointing series finale of “Game of Thrones,” I hurkle-durkled. No, I did not just have a hairball. The word “hurkle-durkle” comes to us from the “Dictionaries of the Scots Language,” meaning “to lie in bed or lounge about when one should be up and about.” Despite being around for centuries, “hurkle-durkle” was propelled into the modern lexicon after a video pointing out its existence went viral on TikTok. That video has garnered millions of views, and the term quickly spread to countless other videos. But it is not just a funny word that has captured the public’s imagination; it is the movement — or lack thereof — it represents. Emulating the Sloth The Catharsis of Lounging About Let’s Hurkle-Durkle
High Altitude: Above 3500 feet, bake at 375 F for 20–30 min (jelly roll pan) or 25–35 min (13x9-inch pan).
mom to a playful kitten named Poppy, who keeps her on her toes just as much as any basketball game could! Ashley still holds onto her love for basketball, playing pickup games with “the dads” at our local Community Center whenever she is back in town and in Fresno. We cannot wait to visit her this fall to see her new home and perhaps catch one of those legendary games. We are thrilled to see her thriving and making such a positive impact in her community. Moments like these make us so grateful for the support and interest our clients have
Everyone is guilty of “lazing” in bed without any intention of actually sleeping. Beds are comfortable, and the warm embrace of silky sheets helps whisk away the day’s worries. When people on TikTok heard “hurkle-durkle,” they immediately saw the opportunity to co-opt the word and incorporate it into their vocabulary and routines. People have begun hurkle-durkling in the morning or on the weekend to de-stress and recuperate. But is lounging about in bed good for your health, or should hurkle-durkle have remained in the pages of a distant and dusty dictionary? Test Your Hurkle-Durkle The only way to find out if hurkle-durkling is for you is to hurkle-durkle yourself. If you set aside time in your schedule to hurkle-durkle and find that languishing in bed is cathartic, then yes, you should hurkle-durkle more often. But you should be wary that spending too much time hurkle-durkling may cause you to feel depressed. Usually, the more inactive we are, the more depressed we feel. If you are lounging in bed more often and feel worse than usual, that’s a sign you should be more physically active. Hurkle-durkle responsibly, everyone.
shown in our family’s stories. We hope this update brings a smile to your face, and for those of you with daughters, we hope you find special ways to celebrate National Daughter’s Day, too! –Dennis and Lisa Jones
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HOW TO FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH STEPCHILDREN Creating a Happy Family
Our Autumn Array of Arizona Properties! The arrival of fall in Arizona signifies an exciting season for the Real Estate market! Our autumn listings include homes in a variety of sizes and locations, each with a unique charm befitting the season.
According to the Journal of Demography, 37% of married couples have at least one stepchild. Despite the prevalence of the stepparent/stepchildren relationship, it is often not as harmonic as it could be. Stepparents can play a vital role in the development of young children and be positive role models to teens as well. As your relationship with your stepchildren grows, so will your relationship with your partner. Here are three tips to help you form a more positive relationship with your stepchildren.
Grow Comfortable When first introduced into a stepchild’s life, you often have to circumvent some initial animosity and awkwardness. This is normal. It may take a little while for your stepchild to warm up to you and build a rapport between you. Find things you have in common. Try to get to know them and be attentive to their hobbies and interests. However, it is important not to come on too strong. You do not want your stepchild to feel pressured to get along with you, so let them decide the pace and follow their lead. Plan Ahead You and your partner must be on the same page when parenting stepchildren. Taking a hard stance in the opposite direction can confuse and undermine your partner’s authority. You should cooperate when deciding how to discipline and care for the children and what boundaries to set. If you go in without a clear plan, you are planning for disaster. The last thing you want is for your parenting to drive a rift between you, your partner, and your stepchildren. Listen and Reinforce Be an active listener, and try repeating some of what you see and hear. Make it clear you are listening and understand where your stepchild is coming from. If they can rely on you to listen, they will be more open to talking to you and building a rapport. Moreover, take strides not to badmouth their other biological parent — you want to be a positive influence. You won’t better your relationship with your stepchildren by worsening their relationships with others.
Anthem Country Club — 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Private Pool — Re
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms (incl. Casita), Den, 3 Baths, All New Flooring! — $575,000
With these tips, you can improve your standing with your stepkids and foster a more powerful and positive relationship as you move forward.
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
No one wants to be known as someone with a stinky house. While we may become nose blind to the smell of our homes, anyone visiting will notice whether your house smells fresh or rotten from the moment they step through the door. While sprayable air fresheners and candles can improve the smell, these scents fade quickly. Plus, having to replenish your supply can get expensive. Thankfully, three quick tricks will easily refresh the scent of your home. The Smell of Fresh-Baked Cookies Have you ever gone house hunting and noticed that many homes you tour smell like freshly baked cookies? Realtors often use this strategy to make the home feel more welcoming to potential buyers, and you can use the same trick to improve the smell of your house. Take a tablespoon or two of vanilla extract and place it in an oven-safe bowl or container. Bake it in the oven at 300 degrees for 10–20 minutes or until you notice the smell wafting through your house. DIY HOME SCENT SOLUTIONS THAT WORK Home Sweet- Smelling Home
Sun City West — 2 Bedrooms, Den, 2 Baths, Remodeled Kitchen, Golf Course Lot — Just Listed at $485,000
Reduced to $959,000
Trash Can Freshener The trash cans in our kitchens are often the source of the biggest stink in our house. It’s a great habit to replace your trash bag whenever you add something that will rot or smell bad, but if the can holder retains odors, you do not need to buy a new trashcan. Instead, dab cotton balls with your favorite essential oil and place them in the bottom of your can. Changing out the cotton balls every time you replace a trash bag will help offset any bad trashcan scents. Shaving Cream’s Unique Use The bathroom floor is often one of the dirtiest areas in our homes, especially around the toilet. While you can get on your hands and knees to scrub away grime, there’s an easier way to clean the area and provide a refreshing new scent. All you have to do is mop the floor using shaving cream. It is less messy than traditional mopping and will leave your bathroom smelling clean!
Cave Creek — 3 Bedrooms, Den, 3 Baths, 1.93 Acre Lot — Reduced to $1,075,000
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DIETARY TIPS TO COMBAT ANXIETY Nourishment for the Mind
Cut Back on Caffeine Millions of people rely on coffee to start their day. However, caffeine — a core component of coffee — can make you feel nervous and fidgety if ingested in large quantities. If you suffer from jitters in the morning, it might be time to taper your caffeine intake. More of These, Please Enough about things to cut out of your diet; how about things we can eat to make ourselves feel better? Berries contain antioxidants, which can aid in combating stress and depression. Complex carbohydrates in oatmeal, breads, and quinoa can help increase the serotonin in your brain, resulting in a calming effect over time. If you like fish, try out salmon. It contains vitamin D, which helps produce dopamine and serotonin, easing anxiety symptoms. Now you have the right ingredients for a successful, calming diet!
Our diets can affect our mood and health, but no one food or drink provides instant, long-lasting relief for anxiety symptoms. As awesome as it would be to say, “I think I am feeling anxious. Pass me that popcorn chicken, stat,” the truth is that removing certain foods and drinks from your diet can help calm your anxiety. So, if you are after a more peaceful mood, here are some ingredients to avoid and include to achieve the best result! Avoid Alcohol We have all heard it, but alcohol is not the solution to your problems. Although ingesting alcoholic beverages can result in short-term relief, the long-term effects are anything but helpful. Alcohol can make getting to sleep more difficult and lead to an overall worsened mood as it leaves your system. In fact, alcohol is a depressant and can make your anxiety much worse.
SPA DAY ON A DIME Easy Hacks to Turn Your Bathroom Into a Serene Escape
Decorate Your Tub If you have a bath, turn it into a luxury experience by adding a chic wooden bath tray or caddy. Load the
Everyone deserves a little pampering, but you do not have to make an expensive trip to the spa to treat yourself! With a bit of creativity, you can transform even the smallest bathroom into a personal oasis without straining your budget. Get ready to relax with an at-home spa day using these cheap bathroom decorating hacks. Add Plants Bring life to the space by adding fresh plants or flowers. Plants add natural elements and a serene feel while also cleaning the air in your bathroom. To maximize limited space in a small bathroom, hang plants from the ceiling or use ledges. This is an easy and inexpensive addition that instantly elevates the room. Use Matching Bottles Keeping things clean and cohesive is the key to creating a soothing salon feel in your bathroom. Find attractive, matching bottles to hold your shampoo, body wash, and other beauty care products, then create beautiful labels for them. You can go further and store your mouthwash in a glass decanter.
tray with your favorite beauty products, soaps, candles, and a favorite book. These are small and compact, so you can leave them displayed while not in use or stow them away until you are ready for a soak. You can also add a bath mat to the tub for a splash of color, texture, and comfort. Spruce Up Shower Curtains The shower can dominate the space in a small bathroom, so make your shower curtains an eye-catching focal point. Use curtains that feature soft colors, a cool design, or interesting textures. You can also use two curtain panels instead of one to highlight the shower fixtures and frames. With these budget-friendly tips, your bathroom will look so good that you will enjoy pampering yourself under your own roof. Creativity and design can go a long way in creating an at-home spa without spending a fortune. Go ahead, treat yourself!
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
HOW A ROUTINE HOME SALE LED TO A LIFELONG BOND WITH NINA Adopting a Cat When You Least Expect It
Take a Break
Hello to all my fellow pet lovers! With National Cat Day on Oct. 29 just around the corner, I thought what a perfect time to share the heartwarming story of how our furry friend, Nina, became a part of our family. Back in March 2013, I was handling the sale of a beautiful home in Anthem, which was tenant occupied at the time. At this home, I first met Nina, a stunning gray Nebelung cat, who took an instant
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liking to me. Every time I visited the property, Nina was there to greet me at the door and would loyally follow me around as I went about my work. The tenants often remarked on how much Nina seemed to favor me, which was surprising and touching. The tenants ended up relocating to an apartment that did not allow pets, and they initially thought they had found a new home for Nina. Unfortunately, their plans fell through. In a moment of desperation, the tenant reached out to me, not once but twice, asking if I could take Nina. I was hesitant at first because we already had another cat, Stewart, who had been the unrivaled king of our castle since he was a kitten. I was not sure he would welcome another cat into his kingdom. The situation grew more dire when the tenant called a third time, this time in tears. She had temporarily placed Nina in a home where she was unhappy with the conditions. She pleaded with me to take Nina, just temporarily, until she could find her a more suitable home. Moved by her plight and Nina’s sweet nature, we agreed. That temporary arrangement turned into a permanent family bond. Nina seamlessly integrated into our lives and filled a special place in our hearts, especially after we lost Stewart a couple of years ago at the grand old age
of 20 and a half. Nina’s gentle purrs and affectionate snuggles are a constant source of joy in our lives. I would love to hear about your furry family members this National Cat Day! Feel free to share your stories and photos with us on social media. Whether you are a cat person, a dog lover, or an admirer of all pets, let’s celebrate their wonderful impact on our lives.
–Lisa Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
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Inside Top 5 Real Estate Scams to Watch Out For This Year Family Fun at the Tailgate Celebrating Our Daughter’s Journey on National Daughter’s Day Chocolate Cherry Bars Old Scots Word Goes Viral on TikTok Tips for Getting Along With Stepchildren Our Autumn Array of Arizona Properties! Clever Ways to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh Foods to Embrace and Avoid to Calm Your Anxiety Budget-Friendly Bathroom Bliss Our Cat’s Journey From Tenant to Cherished Family Member Take a Break
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Lisa & Dennis Jones
3668 W. Anthem Way, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com
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Simplify Your Supplement Routine
Vitamins Made Easy The Essential Trio for Any Lifestyle
busy schedules, diminished appetites, or other obstacles, that is not always possible. A multivitamin is a great starter supplement, as it can help fill various nutritional gaps. Omega 3 Fatty Acids These specific types of fat are found most abundantly in fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. They facilitate cellular functions and are essential for the heart, brain, and eyes. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot produce enough fatty acids independently, so we must add more through our diets or supplements. Benefits include a lowered risk of developing heart disease, blood clots, certain types of cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, age-related macular degeneration, and more. Vitamin D Everyone knows you need calcium for strong and healthy bones — but without
vitamin D, you are missing out on critical benefits. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the body, so many milk brands fortify their products with vitamin D. It is essential to prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, vitamin D is critical for cell growth and reducing inflammation, and it is easy to obtain from sunlight. Unfortunately, many people are deficient in this one. Why? Our modern lives keep many of us indoors. If you are looking to start a vitamin regimen but all the different health advice on the web overwhelms you, take a step back and start simply. Remember, you can always add more later. Keeping it simple initially will increase your likelihood of sticking to your plan! Try starting with these three supplements, see how they make you feel, and then take it from there.
It’s daunting to determine which vitamins and supplements to take when every doctor, dietitian, and online health guru has a different list of must-haves — and they are usually pretty long. Looking for somewhere to get started? Here are three supplements almost everyone can benefit from! A Multivitamin Stress, health changes, and even prescription medications in our everyday lives can sap our energy and deplete crucial vitamins. Generally, the best way to replenish what we have lost is through various fruits and vegetables. Still, with
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