The Karas Group + TJH team up in Arizona
Chris Karas isn’t your typical realtor. Then again, neither is former NFL long snapper, Jon Condo. But that just might be what makes them and The Karas Group a leading real estate team that focuses on luxury homes in the Greater Phoenix area, specifically, Scottsdale, Arcadia, and Paradise Valley. When we launched a new Thomas James Homes division in Arizona, The Karas Group was one of the first calls we made and they were an instrumental partner throughout the process. Not only are they tuned into what Arizona homebuyers want, Chris and Jon are also extremely personable. It’s easy to see how much they love what they do and where they do it.
Chris Karas is the co-founder of Launch Real Estate and president of The Karas Group, but that wasn’t always part of the plan. Chris was slated for med school when he realized that his heart was elsewhere and his passion for helping people could reach beyond practicing medicine. Instead, he could make an impact while pursuing an industry he loved—real estate. That career pivot led to the launch of his own brokerage and holding a four-year record for the highest sales volume for an individual realtor.
Similarly, a career in luxury real estate—or Arizona for that matter—wasn’t on Jon Condo’s radar. For 15 seasons, he was a long snapper in the NFL and spent most of his Pro Bowl career in California with the Oakland Raiders. In 2019, he hung up his jersey and began to pursue his interest in real estate. A year later, the pandemic hit.
Stuck at home with three young kids, Jon and his wife considered a move outside of California. Like many, they wanted to live somewhere that offered more space. Also on the list: a place with great weather, access to nature and outdoor activities, top-rated schools, and the amenities of a great city—culture, entertainment, dining, and shopping. Arizona checked all the boxes and a move made immediate sense.
“The opportunity to be outside and take our kids to explore the area is incredible and there’s so much to do within 20-30 minutes of Phoenix. Desert life is really unique and beautiful in nature. It doesn’t get enough credit.”
— Jon Condo
It didn’t take long for Jon and The Karas Group to connect. “Chris and his team have an outstanding reputation in the area,” Jon explains. “I knew I wanted to work with them and learn from the best.” The Karas Group drafted Jon onto the team, and geared up for the incredible homebuyer demand that hasn’t let up in Arizona.
The Great Migration to the Grand Canyon State
“Once we saw what Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding area had to offer, we fell in love with it right away.”
— Jon Condo
Jon and his family weren’t the only ones with their sights set on Arizona. Maricopa County, encompassing the greater Phoenix area, gained more residents between July 2020 and July 2021 than anywhere else. It became the fastest-growing county in the U.S., and Arizona the third most popular state for new residents. The pandemic brought remote work flexibility to many who took advantage of the opportunity. People were leaving behind harsh winters and the high cost of living in places like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, for sun-drenched skies, more space, and a great quality of life in the Valley of the Sun.
“We are experiencing a lot of great growth in Arizona,” said Chris Karas. “Companies are also getting relocated here and they know now that they can find quality employees. The growth is serious and that is why Arizona is on the news and is on the radar everywhere.”
Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Arcadia, and Phoenix have become some of the most sought-after neighborhoods to live in. As a result, the home supply has struggled to keep up. “There has been a lack of inventory, but the demand is just incredible. Right before the pandemic, Tommy [Beadel] reached out to [The Karas Group] about their plans to expand operations in Arizona and acquire older homes that were in need of a rebuild. We have now worked with their team on a few recent land acquisition deals in the Arcadia area, and it’s been awesome. They’ve hit everything on the head as far as what homebuyers are looking for with floorplans and style.”
Breaking ground in Arizona
Expanding to Arizona and bringing TJH’s brand of new home solutions is something we’ve wanted to do for a while. The neighborhoods in which we’re building provide access to a variety of the best recreational and leisure destinations around. Phoenix’s vibrant downtown combines the best of dining, shopping, culture, sporting events, and an event calendar with something for everyone. Similarly, Scottsdale creates a crossroads of urban and outdoor adventures, from hiking Camelback Mountain or McDowell Sonoran Preserve to catching a Spring Training game, shopping the boutiques along the waterfront, or teeing off at some of the world’s finest golf courses.
“We are excited to have an amazing TJH team in Arizona and partner with The Karas Group who are leaders in their craft and well-respected in the greater Phoenix market,” said Tommy Beadel. “[Our Company] strategically planned to enter the Southwest region in response to the migration of Californians over the last few years. When dozens of past clients began relocating, they asked when TJH would be able to service the Arizona market. We are thrilled to build here, where families want to live, in close proximity to job centers and the bustle of an active community.”
Leading the TJH Arizona division and local partnerships is Ryan Huffman, who grew up in Arizona and brings more than 20 years of real estate industry experience . “Phoenix was a natural step for our company,” said Ryan. “Arizona continues to see a surge of new residents each year and those migration patterns are fueled by lower costs of living, great weather, no natural disasters to worry about, a flourishing economy, and consistent job growth.”
With both business and leisure in mind for potential residents, our new TJH homes are ideally situated in Arizona’s most in-demand neighborhoods to offer homebuyers convenience and proximity to major business centers, access to rugged trails and natural wonders, a vibrant city scene, plus top-rated schools.
Bring the best of the Sonoran Desert to your backyard.
Our newest expansion to Arizona brings new homes to many of the top places to live, including neighborhoods throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arcadia, Paradise Valley, Biltmore, and beyond. Learn more about our home solutions and explore our new listings and architectural plans, inspired by the Southwest’s desert landscape.
The Karas Group
5203 E Lincoln Dr, Suite A,
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
(602) 919-6511
thekarasgroup.com
 |
Chris knows the premier addresses of the American Southwest—Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Phoenix neighborhoods Arcadia and Biltmore. Homeowners entrusted him to represent more than a billion dollars in luxury property transactions. Their confidence in his responsible manner makes him the top-selling residential real estate agents in the Valley of the Sun. As founder and President of The Karas Group, he directs a professional team motivated by integrity, accountability, and responsibility. |
 |
Jon is a loving husband and father to three wonderful kids. He recently retired from the National Football League after spending fifteen years in the professional sport. During his time in the NFL, Jon made two pro bowls and was awarded several honors by his teammates. He is currently a board member for The Emily Whitehead Foundation, a nonprofit benefiting pediatric cancer research. In his free time, Jon loves coaching his children, drinking a glass of wine with his wife, catching up with his friends, golfing, fishing and working out. |
