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602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com July/August 2025 North Valley Pride
PASSION BEYOND PROFESSION Why Real Estate Never Feels Like Work to Us
When July 5th rolls around this year, I will celebrate my 68th birthday. This date is also known as “National Workaholics Day” — a coincidence that has prompted good-natured ribbing from friends and family over the years. But the truth is, Lisa and I have never considered ourselves workaholics, despite the long hours and constant availability that define our real estate practice. Why? Because to us, real estate is not work — it is our passion . There is a profound difference between being consumed by work and being fulfilled by what you do. For us, helping clients find their perfect home or investment property does not drain our energy — it multiplies it. Every transaction represents a business deal and a meaningful chapter in someone’s life story that we are privileged to help write. Relationships First, Transactions Second Our approach to real estate has always been relationship-centered. We have discovered that when you genuinely care about your client’s well-being and success, the boundaries between professional and personal connections naturally blur in the best possible way. Over the years, we have attended clients’ family celebrations (even when we were the only non-family members present!), attended church services together, participated in neighborhood gatherings, and shared meals at restaurants and each other’s homes. Last year, when Lisa invited
over 300 clients to our home for our Client Appreciation event, we were overwhelmed when more than 130 people attended! The sense of community in that moment was something no paycheck could ever provide. This is not just about business development; it is about connecting deeper with individuals who have become essential to us. Technology has revolutionized how we serve our clients, allowing us to provide our expertise and dedication from virtually anywhere. We often joke about packing our laptops and iPads on every vacation, but we do! We have created a real estate system enabling us to conduct about 90% of our business tasks from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. For example, recently, we traveled to Iceland to see the spectacular Northern Lights — a bucket-list experience for sure. But even while marveling at one of nature’s most extraordinary wonders, we successfully closed two real estate transactions! Our team in Phoenix handled the physical showings while we managed negotiations, paperwork, and client communications remotely. One of our favorite travel photos is the one you see above, where Lisa and I were captured answering client emails on our iPads at the base of the twinkling Eiffel Tower. The photo was taken by some of our dearest friends, who are also some of our best clients.
This is not about being unable to disconnect — it is about having created a lifestyle where our work
Photo: Liz Turner
integrates so seamlessly with our passions that we have no need to escape from it. Finding Your Purpose As we reflect on our journey in real estate, our greatest wish for everyone reading this newsletter is that you discover (or have already found) work that resonates with your authentic self. Work that does not deplete you but energizes you. Work that does not require endless motivation because it naturally aligns with who you are. When people ask me if I mind working on my birthday, the answer is simple: Taking care of our clients’ needs, even on July 5th, is not a sacrifice — it is a privilege. Our prayer for each of you is that you find that sweet spot where your talents, interests, and opportunities converge to create not just a career but a calling. A place where, like us, you can honestly say that what you do professionally never feels like “work” — it just feels like living authentically, purposefully, and joyfully. Because when you find that, you will never work another day in your life — you will just be doing what you love.
–Dennis Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Dennis & Lisa Jones
I understand how tempting dreaming of far-off, cooler getaways can be when summer rolls around. But with travel costs rising and airfare skyrocketing, many are choosing to vacation a little smarter — and much closer to home. Right now, the Valley is brimming with luxury resorts offering jaw-dropping discounts, and now is a great time to take advantage of a staycation. Resort living, just a short drive away. Let us start with Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes , a mountainside retreat carved into the Twin Buttes that blends desert beauty with full resort indulgence. Lounge by the cascading pools, unwind in the steam room, or just soak in the views from the summit- level lobby. Rooms that typically cost $364 a night are now priced around $220. Enjoy this getaway minus the TSA stress. Just a few miles away, Royal Palms Resort and Spa offers a lush, romantic escape. With Spanish Colonial charm and secluded ambiance, this hidden oasis sits in the middle of the city. You will find elegant dining at T. Cook’s, where new dishes like Ibérico pork fried rice and the viral Dubai chocolate bar take the menu to gourmet heights. Summer rates? Just $239 per night — less than half of peak-season pricing. Why Staying In Is the New Jet-Setting RELAX LIKE A TOURIST — WITHOUT LEAVING TOWN OR SPENDING A FORTUNE
Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it is essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. Be Weather-Wary Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down. Know Your Level Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for And if wellness is your goal, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain has you covered. With a sprawling 12,000-square-foot spa, private meditation gardens, and the only dedicated Watsu therapy pool in the state, this resort is the ultimate retreat. Summer pricing starts at $309 — an incredible deal compared to the usual $899 rate. Make this summer yours. Your staycation does not have to end at the resort gates. Phoenix has so much to explore. Take the family to the Arizona Science Center or Heard Museum, or wander through the natural beauty of Papago Park. Dine at local favorites, discover new coffee shops, or treat yourself to a luxurious spa afternoon without ever leaving the metro area. We encourage you to skip the airport lines and embrace the best of Arizona. Whether you crave rest, adventure, or both, your perfect summer escape is already here. –Lisa Jones
Savoring Nature Safely on a Biking Adventure TRAIL- READY
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My dear, late friend, Ruth, gave Dennis this recipe when he told her the salad reminded him of a salad his mom used to make. This fluffy, fruity salad is a quick, easy “dump” in a bowl and stir salad to accompany something from the grill and a green salad in the heat of summer! We miss you, Ruth! Cherry Dump Salad
Step into a home where calm meets class; open spaces, quiet elegance, and thoughtful design turn everyday living into a curated experience. Luxury minimalism matches the sleek restraint of minimalism with the richness of high-end materials, creating a calming and refined home. Quality Over Quantity In luxury minimalism, you choose every piece with care. Rather than filling a space with decorations or duplicate furniture, the goal is to curate, not accumulate. This means selecting fewer items but ensuring each is well-crafted, functional, and built to last. When designed with intention, a single, perfectly upholstered armchair can say more than an entire matching set. Timeless Materials Luxury minimalists gravitate WHY WE SHOULD CURATE, NOT ACCUMULATE Luxury Minimalism for the Modern Home
INGREDIENTS
• 1 can extra-cherry cherry pie filling • 1 20-oz. can crushed pineapple • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup flaked coconut • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans • 1 cup mini marshmallows • 1 8-oz. container Cool Whip
toward natural, enduring elements like warm wood,
cool stone, and tranquil bamboo. These elements age beautifully and add character over time, grounding your space in authenticity and durability. The blend of raw and refined textures creates depth without being overwhelming. A Neutral Palette
DIRECTIONS
1. Add (or should we say dump ) all ingredients into a large bowl and stir. 2. Refrigerate for 6–8 hours before serving.
performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. Gear Up Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And do not neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. Don’t Go Alone Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
Color plays a subtle but essential role in this aesthetic. Soft neutrals like cream, taupe, charcoal, and muted grays form the foundation of most luxury minimalist spaces. These hues soothe the mind and allow your eyes to rest, setting a peaceful tone throughout your home. Accents in metallic finishes or rich earth tones can add contrast and sophistication. Purposeful Design and Layout Every object has a role, and every room serves a purpose. Clean lines, open floor plans, and thoughtfully placed furniture help create visual clarity and functional flow. Instead of crowding a space with décor, luxury minimalism encourages breathing room in a space dedicated to your lifestyle. Sustainability With Style This lifestyle also embraces conscious living. By investing in a few high- quality pieces, you create less waste. Luxury minimalism is rooted in sustainability for the environment and for your peace of mind. Overall, luxury minimalism invites you to slow down, declutter with purpose, and surround yourself with beauty that endures. It is about living intentionally with less noise, more clarity, and a quiet kind of sophistication that never goes out of style.
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
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Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Stick With It! Your No-Stress Guide to Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
The Phoenix Sum Market Update! Inventory continues to increase and buyers h more choices. Here is what we are bringing to
Thanks to peel-and-stick wallpaper, adding a splash of personality to your walls has never been easier. But while the promise of a mess- free application sounds perfect, missteps can quickly turn your DIY into a “Why-Did-I-Try?” moment. Whether accenting one wall or transforming an entire room, these expert tips will help you decorate with professional skill without the stress. Measure With Care Before impulse buying, carefully measure your wall space and determine how many panels you will need. Be sure to order slightly more than you think you will use — running out of material mid- project is one of the most common (and frustrating) DIY missteps. Prep Your Wall Start with a clean surface. Use a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, or oils from the wall and allow it to dry completely. A clean surface helps the wallpaper adhere properly and prevents premature lifting. Gather the Right Tools Gather your gear: a measuring tape, a level, a smoothing tool, a utility knife with a fresh blade, a pencil, and a step ladder. These trusty tools will help you line things up, cut like a pro, and avoid mid-project meltdowns. Create a Guide Line Measure the width of your wallpaper panel and mark it on the wall with a pencil. Use a level to draw a vertical line from the ceiling to the baseboard. This guide will keep your first panel perfectly straight, critical for seamlessly applying the rest of your wallpaper! Match Patterns Carefully For a cohesive look, match the pattern of each new panel with the one before it. Slightly overlap the edges and use the smoothing tool to eliminate bubbles and create a seamless appearance. Ask for Help Although peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed for DIY use, having an extra set of hands can make a major difference. A second person can hold the panel in place while you smooth and trim, ensuring a faster and more accurate application.
Sono Bath
Anthem Country Club — 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Great Vacation Home! — $425,000
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms (incl. Casita), 3 Baths, Den, Pool, Golf Course and Mountain Views!
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedroo Lot with Mountain Views, Pri
With the right tools and patience, peel-and-stick wallpaper can be a simple way to transform your space. Take your time, follow these steps, and admire the fresh new look you have created!
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Den/Office, Beautifully Remodeled Kitchen with Amazing Desert and Mountain Views! Just Reduced to $799,000
Black Canyon Incredible Mou
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mmer
have o market!
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Den, Bonus Room, Golf and Mountain Views, Granite and Stainless Kitchen, Entertaining Backyard! Just Listed at $1,100,000
Tortosa in Maricopa — 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, Loft, Granite Kitchen, Remodeled Backyard with Synthetic Turf! Just Listed at $399,000
oran Mountain Ranch — 4 Bedrooms, 3 hs, Den, Granite and Stainless Kitchen, Pool, Wood Tile Floors
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Wood Flooring, Corner Cul-de-Sac Lot! $535,000
Corte Bella Country Club — 3 Bedrooms (incl. Casita), 3 Baths in Gated Golf Course Community! Just Reduced to $459,900
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Den, Custom Finishes Throughout, Spa, Million Dollar Views! $1,297,797
oms, 2.5 Baths, Den/Office, Desert ivate Pool and Spa! $999,900
Anthem Country Club — Amazing Executive Residence with 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Den/Office, Private Pool! $799,000
Anthem Country Club — 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Den, Granite and Stainless Kitchen, Oversized Lot! Just Listed for $625,000
City — 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, untain Views, Spa, 1.76 Acres!
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Den, Distant Mountain and City Light Views! Under Contract In 1 Day!
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602-677-4130
Nature vs. Nature How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects
There is nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks do not need an invite, and before you know it, you are scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you do not have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. Choose Loose Clothing Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It is specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. Use Natural Aromas Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your
skin or clothes. Just make sure you are cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. Smoke Them Out Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it is an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table. Watch Your Scents Surprisingly, it is not just about what repels bugs — it is also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it is smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. Keep Your Space Clean If you have standing water on your property, it is a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you are entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast.
Vertical gardening is all about going up, not out — a space- saving, eye-catching way to grow your favorite fruits and veggies. It looks great, makes harvesting easier, and keeps your produce clean and happy. Lucky for you, vertical gardening can produce a variety of tasty harvests! Tomatoes With a bit of support from a trellis, these juicy
beauties will grow tall and proud. Pick the indeterminate varieties and enjoy a tomato parade all season long. Cucumbers
Grow them up a trellis, and you will get straight, crisp, dirt-free cukes — perfect for salads or pickles and easy to pluck without scavenging in the dirt.
Squash Lighter varieties like zucchini or acorn squash climb exceptionally well! Just give these squash a little extra support and watch them rise. Melons
Vine and Dandy Help Your Vertical Garden Soar
Believe it or not, melons can go vertical! All they need is a strong trellis and a fruit hammock (yes, that is a thing).
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
If you have been putting off buying a home because of mortgage rates, we hear you. This hot topic is part of nearly every conversation we have these days, and for good reason. People grew accustomed to historically low rates during the pandemic, and now they are holding tight, afraid to let go of their 2%–3% mortgages. But here is something very important to remember: Those rates were a once-in-a-lifetime exception, not the rule. Welcome back to normal. You Do Not Need a 3% Rate, You Just Need the Right Game Plan Rates May Be Up, But Opportunities Are Everywhere
Take a Break
Mortgage rates in the 6%–7% range may feel shocking compared to recent years, but if you zoom out and look at the big picture, they are perfectly normal. In fact, they are right in line with what we have seen for decades. Boomers remember paying 15%–18% in the 1980s, which puts today’s numbers in perspective!
AMERICAN BICYCLE CHERRY FIREWORKS
FLAG INDEPENDENCE PADDLEBOARD PICNIC
RUBY STARS SHERBET TRAMPOLINE
And while headlines love to shout about changes to the Fed’s interest rate, those short-term adjustments do not directly dictate mortgage rates. The mortgage market responds to the broader bond market, not every Fed announcement. Consequently, if you are waiting for a 3% mortgage rate to return, you probably need to shift your focus, because we are not likely to see those numbers again in our lifetime. Getting creative. Just because rates are higher than you hoped does not mean your dream of homeownership or moving up or downsizing is out of reach. As full-time agents, we work with smart lenders who know how to structure deals creatively. One of our buyers recently used a seller concession to reduce her mortgage rate. Instead of knocking $5,000 off the home price, the seller applied that amount toward her interest rate, dropping it to an incredible 5.375% on a 15-year loan. Real strategies (rate buydowns, seller-paid closing costs, and more) can make a huge difference. You just need someone who knows how to navigate today’s real estate market. If you are thinking about buying but feel stuck, let us help. With the right team, lender, and guidance, we can turn “wait and see” into “welcome home.”
Call us — we would love to explore what is possible for you.
–Dennis and Lisa Jones
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Extraordinary Realtors
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Inside Passion Beyond Profession: Why Real Estate Never Feels Like Work to Us Why Go Far? The Best Summer Getaways (and Deals) Are Here in Arizona Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking Cherry Dump Salad With Luxury Minimalism, Live Well With Less Secrets to a Wallpaper Transformation The Phoenix Real Estate Market Is Heating Up! The Natural Way to Fight Off Summer Bugs (No Harsh Sprays Needed!) Fruits and Veggies That Reach New Heights Do Not Let Rates Scare You — Let Us Show You the Workaround Take a Break
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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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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Nantucket’s Timeless Allure
Whales, Wine, and Whimsy WHY NANTUCKET SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT GETAWAY
When many Americans think of vacation destinations, they envision beautiful state parks, sunny beaches in Florida or California, and the mountains of Appalachia and the Rockies. However, many states across the country offer exciting events and beautiful scenery. If Massachusetts is not already on your radar, consider giving it a closer look the next time you plan a vacation. Cape Cod has beautiful beaches and a rich history that many do not know about, and something exciting is always happening in Boston. But if you want to experience the true essence of Massachusetts, take a trip to Nantucket. Nantucket is a small island, only 14 miles long and about 3.5 miles wide. Its history with European settlers goes back over 500 years. First sighted by an Englishman named Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602, the island was settled by colonists 50 years later in 1659. Not long after, they spotted whales offshore, which put Nantucket on
the map. Whaling became the ultimate trade for people living in the area, and the island even became the world’s whaling capital until the 1850s. You can still view whales from the island today, and if you want to get the full story, check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum. If whale watching and museum touring are not your thing, you can pursue other exciting activities around Nantucket. The island is bike-friendly, and many trails will take you by all the best sights. Many one-of-a-kind boutiques occupy beautiful historic buildings, and there is even a public golf course that will leave all your golfing buddies jealous. If you go in May, you may even experience the renowned Wine & Food Festival. Nantucket is full of historic architecture, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. You might even see a famous face during your visit! This is a vacation you will be talking about for years to come!
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