I've been making it a point to have a positive impact on our environment, not only in educating my spouse on how we can change our waste habits, but in everything we do.  Mind you it has taken a bit of conditioning to get there, just last Saturday night we rode our bicycles out to dinner.  Let's take shopping for example.  Recently, I went to WalMart to stock up on a few things.  When I got to the check out, I asked if they had paper bags.  The clerk looked at me, with disappointment and what I detected a bit of shame at not having paper to offer me.  So I took my purchase without bags.  The largest retail giant in the world doesn't even offer the choice of paper vs plastic...anyhow, I think the clerk thought I was a bit weird, but I know for a fact it made him think about a few things.... 07/10/2008

It was July 5th and just a few cars were on the road in Sun City West.  Sun City West is an Arizona West Valley adult community in which one resident must be 55 years old.  I was on my way from my home in Sun City Grand to pick up a client at the Windmill Inn on Bell Road. While driving in the middle lane, I stopped at the light located on the corner of Meeker and RH Johnson.  From my rear view mirror I saw a Maricopa County Sheriff's Posse Deputy stop in back of me.  The Maricopa County Sheriff's Posse patrols in Sun City West.  A little red car pulled up in the far right lane and stopped for the light also.  It was an itty bitty red car - looked as though only two people could snugly fit in.  The driver looked at me then rolled down her window.  My immediate thought was that perhaps s... 07/06/2008

A groundskeeper at the Pebblebrook Golf Course found three baby.....chicks that is, special chicks....they were Red-Tailed Hawk Chicks. Evidently their nest had been blown down during a recent windstorm and was found on the 14th hole on Pebblebrook Golf Course.  The groundskeeper tried to get the nest back into the tree.  When all efforts failed, the Fallen Feathers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was contacted. The chicks, nicknamed Uno, Dos and Tres will be cared for at Fallen Feathers until they are old enough to be released into the wild. This was not the first wildlife rescue at Pebblebrook Golf Course.  Last year another employee rescued a hawk that was nicknamed Gus.  Gus was taken to Fallen Feathers also.  He has since recuperated and grown into a big raptor.   Red-Tailed Hawks a... 07/06/2008

Here's another fabulous idea for a way to stay active indoors while the mercury rises in Sun City West, Arizona. A new dance class called Dance for the Health of It began in Sun City West in mid-June and incorporates individual dance steps into the routines. The classes have become a big success and the instructor, Kort Kurdi, says he plans on continuing them. Classes are also being held at the Paradise RV Resort and are open to the general public there. For information about the Sun City West or Paradise RV Resort programs, or Dance for the Health of It, contact Pam Spears 623-556-5359.       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To see homes in the Phoenix Arizona area retirement communities of Sun City Grand, Sun City festival, Sun City West, Corte Bella & more, click on my name b... 07/06/2008

The newest home construction (soon to be sold out) in the Sun City West retirement community is located in Fitzpatrick Ranch.  Granite Crest Homes, a premiere home-builder in Arizona, is the developer. There will be 45 home sites in Fitzpatrick Ranch, each having full Sun City West membership.  Fitzpatrick Ranch residents enjoy using the four Sun City West Recreation Centers, clubs (and there are lots to choose from), Bowling Alley, Theater and the Beautiful eight Sun City West Golf Courses.  The community is being marketed as "Distinctively Different".  Homes are single-story with four floor plans to choose from, each having two elevations with sizes that range from 2600 to 3085 sq ft and each having a 3 car garage.  There is a casita option with all of the floor plans.  All of my clie... 07/05/2008

While there are many restaurant options outside of Sun City West in the Surprise area, if you just want to grab a quick bite to eat and be able to get there in your golf cart there are a number of options "inside the walls". Just click on the blue balloons to see what the restaurant is. You can then get directions on how to get there if you are not familiar with the location. View Larger Map ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in one of the Phoenix west valley active retirement golf communities, please call me or visit my website http://KathyAndersonRealtor.com. Here you will find information on homes for sale in Sun City Grand Surprise Arizona, resales in Corte Bella, Sun City Festival real estate, Arizona Traditions MLS listings, Tri... 07/05/2008

Sometimes clients refer friends, relatives and acquaintances over and over and over.  Customer loyalty was developed almost immediately after I began my Arizona real estate career.  I have core values that are adhered to in each and every real estate transaction and each communication.  Making a sale has never been my purpose - my objective is to always have a satisfied client who is informed and can trust me with their real estate wants and needs. As a result, over the past three years I have developed a strong real estate referral business.  I received a call from a client, Mr. Cleary in late April.  His brother-in-law had friends of a friend from Chicago looking for retirement homes to purchase.  Two prospective buyers!  Mr.  & Mrs. Cleary have referred at least 15 prospective buyers... 07/03/2008

  RECENT HOME SALES IN SUN CITY WEST - SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING   JUNE 1, 2008 TO JUNE 30, 2008         GOLF COURSE PROPERTIES               Address Bedroom Bath Model Sq Ft List Price Sale Price Days on Market                 14428 W ROBERTSON DR   2 2 PRESCOTT 1854  $329,900 $317,500 8 14216 W SABLE CT   2 1.75 SAN CARLOS 2103  $370,000 $315,000 227 22018 N GOLF CLUB DR   2 2.5 SCOTTSDALE 2933  $375,000 $365,000 44 13709 W ALEPPO DR   3 1.75 SAN SIMEON 2528  $379,000 $330,000 227 13521 W SPRINGDALE DR   3 2.25 MONTECITO 2710  $435,900 $405,000 97 15524 W SKY HAWK DR   2 1.75 ROYALE 1966  $279,900 $270,000 15 18607 N 132nd AVE   3 1.75 CASTILLO 2191  $249,900 $200,000 203 GOLF COURSE PROPERTY AVERAGES       $345,657 $314,643 117                                 NON-GOLF COURSE PROPERTIES... 06/30/2008

Sun City West is in the news again!  Results from a study that was conducted by Arizona State University (West Campus) was released earlier today. Residents indicated that amenities in retirement communities is extremely important  Sun City West has four (4) recreation centers with over a combined 20,000 sq ft.  Relax at any one of the seven pools and enjoy your retirement living at its best.           Residents indicated that social interaction is important  There are over 150 clubs in Sun City West.  You name it, there is a club for it - practically every club known to mankind! Sewing, stained glass, woodworking, metal-works, shuffle board, card games, golf, tennis, boccie ball, baseball....... The list is endless.  Did I mention that there also is a bowling alley and a Library?      ... 06/30/2008

Avid golfers love challenging courses.  Trail Ridge Golf Course in Sun City West is considered the most challenging of any other Sun City West golf course.  It is an 18-hole regulation course that is located at 21021 N 151st Avenue.   Each year one Sun City West golf course is selected for closure during the summer for refurbishment.  This year Trail Ridge was selected for complete summer maintenance.  Trail Ridge will be closed from July 28 through October 13.  All of the other Sun City West golf courses will be open for the summer.  I polled my golfer clients and found that they will probably golf at either Deer Valley, Grandview or Pebblebrook courses while Trail Ridge is closed.   During the time that the golf course is closed the resident swans will still be cared for.  Homeowners ... 06/28/2008

I have business cards for personal attendants and personal shoppers.  Today I got a new and different business card to include in my business card book that is shared with my clients.  Clients frequently rummage through the book looking for prospective people to do business with - such as plumbers, electricians, handymen and the like. I was at the Sun City West Veterinary Clinic with my Pekingese Shareik.  After seeing the vet, I waited at the front counter for medication and to make Shareik's next appointment.  The clinic had numerous business cards in their holders displayed on the counter.  Naturally, I looked through the card holders to see if I knew anyone or perhaps if there was a specific service that I would consider adding into my business card book.   I fingered through the bu... 06/28/2008

The sunshine isn't the only reason to choose Sun City West as your retirement destination. Although it can brag about more than 300 sunny days a year, Sun City also offers a fabulous golf community with affordable homes, low property taxes, amazing recreational opportunities, many houses of worship of all denominations, a highly respected hospital (Del E Webb Memorial) and all the conveniences of a big city you would ever need...right in your own backyard. Since Sun City West real estate is geared towards the senior community, many homes don't require you to even pay a school tax. The Maricopa County Events Center houses the West Valley Symphony and plays host to several different musical acts and artists throughout the year. Local performers stage shows at the Stardust Theatre, includi... 06/11/2008

As a real estate agent working the communities of Sun City Grand, Sun City West & Corte Bella (part of Sun City West), I am required to disclose to potential buyers within a certain distance of the Loop 303, the existance of and proximity to the highway.  I just came across two articles that may be of interest to some.  Both meetings took place within the last 15 months but are still relevant. I would like to mention that the number of homes affected is relatively small compared to the total number of residences in these communities.  The residents of the homes it does affect though want to be heard.  Click on the links to read more. AZDOT Community Meeting Summary 303 Noise to Increase ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in one of the... 06/08/2008

Andrew Monaghan | The Monaghan Group | 602-308-4660 20826 N 125th Ave, Sun City West, AZ 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $279,000 Year Built 1981 Sq Footage 2,132 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This is your opportunity to purchase your dream home! This beauty backs onto the open expanses of one of Sun City West�s finest golf courses. This home is wonderfully laid out with 3 oversized bedrooms and large inviting living areas. Relax in the morning with your coffee and favorite reading material, or watch the great Arizona sunsets from your private patio! Close to all the wonderful community of Sun City West has to offer, this home is a can't miss! Very easy to view. The evaporati... 06/05/2008

SOLD in SUN CITY WEST May 2008 Golf Course Properties ADDRESS BEDROOMS BATHS MODEL LIST PRICE SALE PRICE PRICE PER SQ FT DAYS ON MARKET 13907 W JAGUAR DR   3 2.75 BARCELONA $334,500  $334,500  $166  6  14504 W ROBERTSON DR   2 1.75 CATALINA $339,000  $322,000  $158  209  20802 N 142ND AVE   2 1.75 CROMWELL $349,000  $320,000  $160  341  13921 W VIA TERCERO 2 1.75 FLAGSTAFF $390,000  $380,000  $188  37  21215 N 134TH WAY   3 1.75 SAN SIMEON $325,000  $325,000  $129  2  13451 W GABLE HILL DR   3 2 SANTA ROSA $299,500  $296,500  $109  121  13708 W ROBERTSON DR   2 2.5 VENTANA $338,000  $327,000  $174  126         AVERAGE $339,285 $329,285   120                 NON Golf Course Properties ADDRESS BEDROOMS BATHS MODEL LIST PRICE SALE PRICE PRICE PER SQ FT DAYS ON MARKET                 14228 ... 06/03/2008

It's just in the proposal stage but if APS moves the high tension power lines the way it appears they are proposing, than some of the homes in Sun City Grand, Sun City West, Sun City Festival & Corte Bella could benefit greatly in increased home equity.  It should come as no surprise that homes overlooking or that back up to these high tension power lines tend to languish on the market, not to mention sell for less than a similar home elsewhere.  It just isn't aesthetically pleasing for most people.  This could be great news for some current homeowners.  It's also something investors might want to make note of and monitor. Click on the following link to see an article on the subjecthttp://www.kathyandersonrealtor.com/x-article-miles_of_new_power_lines/page_2064085.html Click on this lin... 05/20/2008

Recent Home Sales in Sun City West April 1, 2008 to April 30, 2008 Golf Course Properties Address Bedrooms Baths Model Sq Ft List Price Sale Price Days on Market 12502 W SKYLARK DR   2 1.75 ANNAPOLIS 1827  $270,000 $270,000 0 17810 N CONQUISTADOR DR   2 1.75 AUGUSTA 1989  $269,900 $250,000 59 13343 W BALLAD DR   2 1.75 CACTUS 1835  $279,900 $268,000 174 21216 N VERDE RIDGE DR   2 1.75 CAMERON 1336  $249,000 $225,000 373 19231 N 132ND AVE   3 1.75 CASTILLO 2220  $230,000 $210,000 149 21007 N 124TH DR   3 1.75 CASTILLO 2166  $249,000 $230,000 125 13750 W SUMMERSTAR DR   2 1.75 CUSTOM 2103  $270,000 $260,000 346 14219 W WHITE ROCK DR   2 2 CUSTOM 2103  $335,000 $290,000 45 13923 W SUMMERSTAR DR   2 1.75 GRANADA 1735  $269,900 $260,000 184 20814 N 142 AVE   2 2.5 MONTERRA 2799  $479,000 $4... 05/07/2008

This market update reflects what is occurring in sales and listings in the Arizona northwest valley adult community of Sun City West.  Sold date includes all listings that closed in escrow March 1 to 31, 2008.  Active and pending date used was April 1, 2008.57 homes pending financing & close of escrow: average sq ft 1,695, average list price $223,380, average days on the market 117  87 homes sold & closed in March: average list price $207,105, average sale price $193,900, average days on the market 130414 single family properties are presently listed on MLS: average sq ft 1,848, average list price $249,302, average days on the market 171112 condos are presently listed on MLS: average sq ft 1,271, average list price $129,450 average days on the market 54  DID YOU KNOW THAT ALL GOLF COURS... 04/04/2008

Debbie Helgeson's Sun City West, Sun City Grand & Sun City Blog  http://www.valleyofthesunre.com/blog 09/11/2007

Domestic violence touches all of us. Young, old or in-between, male or female alike.  One of my associates at Ken Meade Realty, Barbara Levy is active in helping Eve's Place, a sanctuary for women and children victimized by domestic violence in the Northwest Valley. In writing this post, I hope to provide a little more awareness of the activities of this fine organization. If you can help, they have many fundraising activities throughout the year, the next one will be a golf tournament at the Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West on September 24th. To read more, click hereEve's Place Web site, click hereJim Little, Your Sun City Realtorhttp://jclittle.com/Ken Meade Realty17001 N Del Webb BlvdSun City AZ 85373800-877-1776623-977-1776By the way...if you know someone who is interested in... 09/05/2007