A method for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device and the magnetic junction are described. The method includes providing a free layer, a pinned layer and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the pinned layer. The free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. At least one of the steps of providing the free layer and providing the pinned layer includes providing magnetic and sacrificial layers and performing two anneals of the sacrificial and magnetic layers. The magnetic layer includes a glass-promoting component and is amorphous as-deposited. The first anneal is at a first temperature exceeding 300 degrees Celsius and not exceeding 450 degrees Celsius. The second anneal is at a second temperature greater than the first temperature and performed after the first anneal. The sacrificial layer is removed.