Take a look at our latest newsletter!
602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com September/October 2025 North Valley Pride
ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD, CUSHION UNDER YOUR BUDGET A Real Estate Financial Strategy Guide
Mark your calendars — Oct. 12 is National Savings Day! In honor of this day, we took the opportunity to write about something that affects every client of ours: financial preparation for the three major real estate expenses you will encounter. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding and planning for these costs can make the difference between financial stress and financial confidence. Over the years, we have watched many clients scramble when unexpected expenses arise, and we also have seen the peace of mind that comes with proper preparation. Today, we want to share strategies to help you build the financial foundation necessary for successful homeownership. The Down Payment: Your Foundation Investment The down payment remains the first major hurdle for most homebuyers, and for good reason. While various loan programs allow for down payments as low as 5% of the purchase price, and qualified Veterans can access zero-down financing, the gold standard has always been 20% down. When you put down 20%, you eliminate the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which can add $150–$400 to your monthly payment depending on your loan amount and credit score. Over the life of a loan, PMI can cost tens of thousands of dollars. For a $300,000 home, that 20% down payment of $60,000 might seem substantial, but you
save money every month you live in the house by lowering the monthly payments that smaller down payments create. The key to accumulating a 20% down payment is consistent, purposeful saving. Many of our clients have shared that they started saving years before they started looking to purchase a home, which is why we believe the time to start saving is NOW! Ongoing Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment Home maintenance is where we see the biggest shock for many homeowners. When you rent, and something breaks, you just call the landlord. But when you own, YOU are the landlord, and every repair and maintenance need is your responsibility. More importantly, neglecting maintenance can quickly turn small problems into major expenses. Financial experts recommend setting aside 1%–3% of your home’s value annually for maintenance and repairs. For a $300,000 home, you should save $3,000–$9,000 per year, or $250–$750 monthly. Saving this amount might seem significant, but consider the alternative: facing a $12,000 HVAC or a $20,000 roof replacement without any financial cushion. The beauty of a dedicated maintenance fund is that you can address problems when they are small and manageable, rather than waiting until they become emergencies.
Upgrades and Improvements: Enhancing Your Home’s Value
After living in your home for a few years, you will likely want to make improvements. Whether updating the kitchen, replacing the flooring, or adding a swimming pool, these projects can significantly enhance your quality of life and add to your home’s value. The key is planning for these improvements rather than treating them as unexpected expenses. Do not feel pressured to keep up with the Joneses — unless the Joneses are contributing to your mortgage payments! Your friend’s renovation choices should not drive your financial decisions. Focus on improvements that matter to your family and add value to your home. Here is a tip from Lisa: Kitchen and bathroom updates typically offer the best return on investment. (See more of her tips in her “Home Remodeling” article on Page 7.) Smart homeowners budget for improvements over time, allowing them to pay cash rather than financing these projects.
Continued on Page 2 ...
1
Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Dennis & Lisa Jones
WHEN REAL ESTATE GETS REAL, YOU WILL WANT A REAL PERSON WHY PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE MATTERS MORE THAN EVER IN TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET
Amazon can deliver just about anything to your doorstep within 24 hours, and popular real estate websites make swiping through homes, favoriting, and deleting properties incredibly easy. In this world of instant gratification and simplified interfaces, people naturally assume that buying or selling a home should be equally straightforward. The reality is that real estate transactions remain one of the most complex financial decisions most people will ever make. Behind those beautifully curated property photos and heart buttons lies a maze of legal documents, market nuances that change daily, and financial implications that can affect your family for decades. As convenient as apps and emerging AI tools may seem, they cannot offer the nuanced guidance needed to protect that investment. Yes, you can now click a button to “schedule an inspection,” “get a mortgage preapproval,”
and one day maybe even “submit an offer,” but what happens when that inspection reveals a cracked foundation, or the loan terms suddenly shift mid-deal? Who is there to help you evaluate options, negotiate repairs, or coordinate vendors when the timeline is tight? Consider the home inspection process. While real estate apps might prompt you to “schedule inspection,” they cannot prepare you for the moment when an inspector discovers potential foundation issues, outdated HVAC systems, or electrical problems that could cost thousands to repair. Without wise counsel, how do you determine which issues are legitimate concerns versus normal wear and tear? How do you negotiate repairs or credits without jeopardizing your entire transaction? The financing landscape presents another challenge that no algorithm can fully navigate for you. Interest rates fluctuate daily, loan programs vary dramatically in their
requirements and benefits, and timing can make the difference between securing your dream home and watching that home slip away to another buyer. Understanding which loan product best serves your long-term financial goals requires expertise that extends far beyond any online mortgage calculator. Market conditions add complexity that even the most sophisticated apps struggle to address effectively. Pricing strategies that worked six months ago might be completely inappropriate for today’s conditions. Knowing when to offer above asking price, how much earnest money demonstrates serious intent, or which contingencies to include requires real-time market knowledge and negotiation experience gained through years of practice. Beyond the transaction, professional representation includes access to valuable referral networks that can save you thousands of dollars during and after your purchase.
... continued from Cover
4. Round-up savings programs automatically round your purchases to the nearest dollar and save the difference. While individual amounts are small, they add up significantly over time. Many of our clients are surprised to discover they have saved over $1,000 annually through these programs without noticing the impact on their daily spending. Building Sustainable Saving Habits Successful saving is not about dramatic lifestyle changes that are impossible to maintain. The key is developing consistent habits that fit naturally into your routine. Start by tracking your spending for one month to understand where your money goes. Many people are surprised to discover how much they spend on subscriptions, dining out, fancy coffee drinks, or other categories they had not considered. Automate as much of your savings as possible. When savings transfers happen automatically, you are less likely to skip them or redirect the money elsewhere. Many banks allow you to set up automatic transfers to different savings goals, making building your down payment fund, maintenance reserve, and home improvement budget simultaneously easier.
4 Proven Strategies for Building Your Real Estate Fund Building substantial savings requires a strategic approach, and we have identified four methods that consistently work for our clients. 1. Certificates of Deposit currently offer some of the most attractive guaranteed returns we have seen in years, with many financial institutions offering rates from 4% to 4.5%. If you know you will not need access to your money for six months to a year, CDs provide guaranteed growth while you save. Consider laddering multiple CDs with different maturity dates to balance growth with accessibility. 2. Money market accounts offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts while maintaining liquidity for emergencies. These accounts are ideal for your home maintenance fund since you can earn competitive returns while keeping funds accessible for unexpected repairs. 3. The “pay yourself first” principle involves automatically transferring money to savings as soon as you receive your paycheck, before you are tempted to spend it elsewhere.
2
DLJonesHomes.com
Dennis & Lisa Jones
LISA’S KITCHEN
INGREDIENTS • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (whatever quantity you need to feed your crowd!) • Bottle of BBQ sauce (pick your favorite flavor!) • Buns (for serving) • Salad greens (for serving) Perfect for tailgating before your favorite fall game, a make- ahead weekday dinner, or picnicking, this super-easy pulled BBQ chicken takes seconds to prepare, hours to cook (in a slow cooker), and is packed with protein and easy on the waistline! So easy and so delicious! —Lisa Pulled BBQ Chicken
Need a reliable contractor, insurance agent, or attorney? Professional agents have cultivated relationships with trusted service providers over years of working together. These referrals often come with preferred pricing, priority scheduling, and the peace of mind from working with vetted professionals who understand the urgency of real estate timelines. The emotional aspect of buying or selling often catches people off guard. This transaction is not just financial; your family will build memories and establish roots here. And now, with AI entering the real estate space, we are hearing more about tech that promises to be your “virtual agent.” But would you want AI standing next to you in a courtroom? Of course not. The same goes for your home. These are meaningful, high-stakes transactions that affect your finances, your family, and your future. They deserve more than an algorithm; they require a human connection.
DIRECTIONS 1. Place a layer of chicken in bottom of a slow cooker. Cover in BBQ sauce. Add a second layer of chicken and cover in BBQ sauce until all chicken is in the slow cooker and covered in BBQ sauce. 2. Cook on low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 4 hours. 3. Flip chicken occasionally to keep coated and prevent drying out. 4. Once chicken cuts easily with a fork, remove each chicken breast (leaving sauce in slow cooker) and shred on cutting board. Put shredded chicken back in cooker with sauce. Coat chicken in sauce and add more BBQ sauce if dry. Reheat for another 30–40 minutes on low heat. 5. Serve on buns or over salad greens with additional BBQ sauce on the side for those who want more sauce!
For Those Who Struggle With Saving If saving has been challenging for you, start small and build momentum. Trying to save $500 per month when you have never saved consistently is like trying to run a marathon without training. Begin with an amount that feels manageable — even $75 or $150 per month — and increase gradually as the new habit becomes established. Moving Forward With Confidence The difference between financial stress and financial confidence comes down to preparation. Preparing for National Savings Day is about preparing for your financial future as a homeowner. Whether saving for your first home purchase, building an emergency fund for maintenance costs, or planning your next home improvement project, the strategies we have shared here can help you build the financial foundation necessary for confident and responsible homeownership. Working with a professional real estate team (like us!) means protecting what is likely your largest financial investment while gaining access to knowledge, networks, and negotiation skills that can save you significant time, money, and stress throughout the process. –Dennis and Lisa Jones
–Dennis and Lisa Jones
3
Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
BRING ON THE MOOD LIGHTING Easy Tips for Installing a Dimmer Switch
Ready to Make a Move This Fall? Don’t Make a Move Without Your Realtor®
Nothing kills a vibe faster than an overhead light that is too bright. Swapping in a dimmer switch can change that. Whether you are watching a movie, having friends over, or trying to relax after work, adjusting the brightness makes spaces more comfortable. The good news? Installing one is surprisingly doable; it is an affordable, useful project that will not eat up your entire weekend.
Before you get started, make sure you have the tools you need: flathead and Phillips
screwdrivers, wire strippers, a voltage tester, and a compatible dimmer switch. Take a second to check that the dimmer matches your bulb type, especially if you are using LEDs. Some models do not get along with certain bulbs, and it is better to know now than when the job is half done. Cut the power at the breaker, and flip the light switch to ensure it is off. Then, test the wires with a voltage tester. Once everything is safe, remove the switch cover and unscrew the old switch. You will see a few wires inside — black, white, and ground. If it looks confusing, just snap a quick photo before disconnecting anything. That way, you will not have to guess where everything goes later. Attach the wires to the new dimmer switch using the provided nuts. Tug gently on each one to ensure it is secure. Note that some dimmer switches are bulkier than regular ones. You will need to fold the wires back into the box without cramming everything tight against the back. This will make installing the switch cleaner and help avoid stress on the wires. Screw the dimmer into place, snap on the faceplate, and turn the breaker back on. Now test it. Slide or turn the dimmer and see how the light responds. If it fades smoothly, you are all set. If the light flickers or buzzes, chances are the bulb and dimmer are not playing well together. Just double-check the dimmer’s compatibility list.
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, Den, 3.5 Baths — Custom Finishes Throughout, Spa, Million Dollar Views!
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, Den/Office, 2.5 Baths — Beautifully Remodeled Kitchen with Amazing Desert & Mountain Views! Just Reduced to $775,000
Anthem Country Club — View Lot with Heated P
Dimmer switches improve lighting and reduce energy use. Depending on your setup, this might also help your bulbs last longer. Once you try it in one room, don’t be surprised if you start eyeing the rest of the house.
Anthem Country Club — 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — Great Vacation Home with Synthetic Turf & Putting Green! New Exterior Paint & All New Flooring! $425,000
4
DLJonesHomes.com
Dennis & Lisa Jones
®!
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! Just Listed at $1,530,000
Anthem Country Club — 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — Huge Cul-de-Sac Lot, Heated Pool & Spa, Granite & Stainless Kitchen! Just Listed at $500,000
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, Den, Bonus Room, 3.5 Baths — Golf & Mountain Views, Granite & Stainless Kitchen, Entertaining Backyard! Just Reduced to $1,100,000
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, Den/Office, 2.5 Baths — Private Pool & Spa! Just Reduced to $925,000
2 Bedrooms, Den, 2 Baths — Desert Pool & Spa! Just Listed at $560,000
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms, Den, 2 Baths — Wood Flooring, Corner Lot of Cul-de-Sac! $535,000
Anthem Country Club — 3 Bedrooms (incl. Casita), Den, 2 Baths — Pool, Golf Course Views!
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!
5
Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
‘Yes Day’ Magic Imagine a day when your kids get to call the shots. Ice cream for breakfast? Sure. Pajamas all day? Why not. That is the magic of a “Yes Day” — a full 24 hours where the answer to (almost) every request is a “YES!” It is a chance to say goodbye to the daily “No, no, no!” and “Maybe later” and embrace spontaneity, laughter, and connection. But let us be real: Without a few guidelines, a Yes Day would spiral into pure chaos. That is why setting a few ground rules ahead of time can turn this fun tradition into a memory-making success for everyone. Start with clear guidelines. Before the big day, sit down as a family and lay out the ground rules. Think of them as your Yes Day boundaries — they keep things fun and manageable. Common ones include:
•
The requests must be safe.
•
Everything must stay within budget.
• All activities need to happen locally (or within a certain radius). • Everyone has to participate (no solo fun unless it is reasonable).
This sets the tone for creative, collaborative planning while avoiding unreasonable asks like “We should fly to Paris!”
The Remodeling Mistakes We See Every Day Do Not Let Pinterest Ruin Your Home Sale — Ask a Pro First
You would not believe what we see people do when we show homes. As professionals, we can tell instantly if a remodeled home was a DIY job the moment we set foot in the door. Our friendly reminder: Just because you can do it yourself does not always mean you should. When remodeling your home, especially if resale value is on your radar, leaning on a real estate professional can make all the difference. We have seen everything from painted cabinets that devalue a gorgeous kitchen to homes with so many mismatched floors you could spin in a circle and see five different types from one spot. Avoid the DIY headache, and let us help you make wise decisions when budgeting the money you carefully saved for your renovations. Here are a few areas where we shake our heads when we see remodeled homes: Flooring Consistent flooring is key to maintaining the flow of the house. Industry experts say you should not be able to stand anywhere in the house and see more than two kinds of flooring. Consistent flooring choices will make your home feel bigger.
Unless you have experience installing flooring, hire a professional. There is a time and place for DIY jobs, but with the money you spend on the flooring material, you owe it to yourself to hire a professional. Cabinets If you want to save money on a kitchen remodel and choose to have a painter paint your cabinets to freshen the look of your kitchen, be sure to see samples of other cabinet jobs before hiring a painter. Additionally, we have seen have seen some very poor DIY painted cabinet jobs that actually devalue the home when the project should bring value to it. Baseboards When you replace flooring, be sure to update baseboards, too. If you cannot afford to complete the entire project, save just a little longer until you have enough for a complete job. Drywall Repairs Trust us, drywall texturing is an art. We have seen countless patch jobs where the texture does not match, and the DIY patch job ends up raising more questions than confidence during a sale. A professional can fix drywall properly in a few hours for less than a few hundred bucks, which is a small price to avoid potential buyers walking away.
6
DLJonesHomes.com
Dennis & Lisa Jones
Let Your Kids Run the Show (With a Few Rules!)
Take a Break
Let the kids take the lead. One of the best parts of a Yes Day is watching your kids light up as they brainstorm what they want to do. Encourage them to write down a list of ideas in advance. You might be surprised — many kids do not ask for wild, expensive things. They just want uninterrupted time with their parents, whether building a fort, going to the park, or baking cookies together. Keep it simple and satisfying. A successful Yes Day does not have to break the bank or wear everyone out. The joy comes from the freedom to choose and the feeling of being heard. You can cap the day with a movie marathon, a backyard campout, or letting your kids pick dinner (yes, even if it is cereal and snacks). Make it a tradition. Yes Days are more than a treat; they are a relationship builder. When kids feel seen and empowered, it deepens trust and creates moments you will all remember.
APPLES ASTER COFFEE CONSTITUTION
FOLIAGE GRANDPARENTS LABOR LUNCHBOX
PIRATE SAPPHIRE VIRGO WAFFLES
So, go ahead! Pick a day, set some ground rules, and get ready to say “yes” to the joy that only comes when you let go.
Our advice is: •
Do not go halfway. Cutting corners will cost you more in the long run and devalue your home. If you do not have the money, look at less expensive options or keep saving until you have the funds to do the project the way you want. Check out our cover article with tips on how to save wisely for your remodel. Ultimately, doing a project the right way always costs less than doing it twice. Take advantage of our FREE advice and run your ideas, selections, and options by us.
•
•
• Hire an interior designer. If design is not your passion, a professional can actually save you money in the long run with advice, recommendations, and selections. We are not saying you need our permission to paint your living room or replace your tile. But if you want to make smart, informed choices that will benefit you in the long run, we are here to help. Our guidance is free. We will give honest feedback, share cost-saving ideas, and help you determine what makes sense for your goals. Remember our motto when thinking about remodeling your home: “Don’t Make a Move Without Your Realtor®!” –Dennis and Lisa Jones
7
Extraordinary Realtors
602-677-4130
Inside
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1 A Real Estate Financial Strategy Guide 2 Swipe Right on a House? Why Real Estate Still Needs a Human Touch 3 Pulled BBQ Chicken 4 Flip the Switch on Harsh Light 5 Ready to Make a Move This Fall? 6 Let the Kids Take Over (Sort Of)
Lisa & Dennis Jones
3668 W. Anthem Way, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com
Before You Paint That Cabinet … Call Your Realtor® First
7 Take a Break 8 The French City That Has It All (and Then Some)
Move Over, Paris: Bordeaux Is France’s Best-Kept Secret
When you hear about people taking trips to France, your mind likely conjures images of the Eiffel Tower, delicious high-end French cuisine, and a view of the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum. However, there is much more to France than the scenic beauty and decadent flavors found along the streets of Paris. If you want to experience the best of France, you must spend time in Bordeaux. While we often refer to Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California as wine country, Bordeaux is the original wine region. Its history with wine dates back over 2,000 years, and you can still experience the area’s love of wine today. Le Bar à Vin and Le Bistro du Fromager are beautifully decorated wine bars that will leave you stunned, unlike
anything you can experience stateside. And if you want to take it up a notch, you can visit La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s interactive wine museum, and enjoy a glass under a chandelier made from a thousand bottles. Even if you are not a wine drinker, there is plenty to enjoy in Bordeaux. Those interested in fashion or shopping will love walking down Rue Sainte Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrianized shopping street. If that is too crowded for your liking, you can enjoy shopping in the historic Chartrons district. As you walk through the city, you will surely see towers that look straight out of a fairytale or Disney movie. If you are visiting during the first Sunday of any month, you will get to hear the Grosse
Cloche belfry ring its 250-year-old bell! For adventurers, just 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux is Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, also famous for paragliding. Now, it would not be a visit to France without taking in some art, and Bordeaux will not leave you disappointed. The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the contemporary art museum CAPC are both worth a visit, and your trip would not be complete until you stop by the awe-inspiring Monument aux Girondins, a free-flowing fountain over a beautiful bronze sculpture. If a European vacation is on your bucket list, consider visiting Bordeaux when you go. It might just be the highlight of your entire trip!
8
DLJonesHomes.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator