As fall approaches, the Recreation Association of Sun City has announced the entertainment offered free for the Sun City members, through November 2007.For those who don't know, the Sun bowl isn't a football game, or a football stadiom, it is an outdoor amphitheatre at 10220 N. 107th Avenue in Sun City.The first two shows are:The Swing Sisters, Sunday September 23, 7PM. This act was inspired by the Andrews Sisters, performing 1940's songs in harmony.Masanga Marimba Ensemble, Sunday, September 30 at 7PM. This Southern California group plays African style music based upon Zimbabwean instruments. This should be a good act for folk and international music fans.For the complete Fall Schedule, click here:Jim Little, Your Sun City Realtorhttp://jclittle.com/Ken Meade Realty17001 N Del Webb Blv... 09/13/2007

Is this a good time to buy a new home?To know the answer to that question, it is important to ask yourself the following questions first:Do you plan on living in the home for 3 to 5 years? Do you have a stable job or retirement income? Are rents and rental occupancy rates increasing in the area you wish to live?If you answered yes to these three questions, now is the time to buy a home. When considering buying a home for you and your family, a few very important things must be considered.Pick a home with a good LOCATION! Homes with good locations sell when nothing else will. Pick a home with good fundamentals. Don't buy one with an odd floor plan, a lot too big or too small for your needs, too few or too many bedrooms or baths, etc. Get a loan approval FIRST! Interest rates are still ne... 09/12/2007

Today's outlook for the Phoenix area, which includes homes for sale in Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Peoria and Glendale Arizona is far better than in much of the nation. Job growth continues at a healthy rate, unemployment is less than the national average, and real income is increasing. Inventory of homes for sale is excellent, giving those who wish to buy a home a great selection to choose from.Today's tip for buyers. Don't get an adjustable mortgage. Most ARM's have a start rate near that of the conventional 30 year fixed mortgage. This means there is little advantage to the average buyer to use an ARM.Jim 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 interes... 09/12/2007

After a summer that brought us the hottest mean temperatures on record, and a record 32 days with temperatures over 110 degrees, the heat is decreasing.To commemorate the end of summer, the Arizona Republic published this Jason Minich cartoon today.If you are a zonie, you know the cartoon isn't that far off! Weather guessers are saying the monsoon season is over, not that it was much of one with .67" of rain. I suppose it is time to break out the sweaters and look for the return of the winter visitors. As you can see from the cartoon, one snowbird is already here.Jim 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 buying or selling real estate in the Sun C... 09/07/2007

Today, CNN reported that George Bush is proposing significant changes in home mortgage policy.The intent of the changes anounced today is to help those who have high risk mortgages resetting now.These are people who have been trapped by changes in the mortgage market and a failure of their homes to appreciate as anticipated.The President has not proposed direct aid to the homeowners, and has no plans to aid all who are in trouble. He also has no apparent plans to aid investors who were gambling on double digit appreciation. So far all the plans seem to be for owner occupied dwellings.For more information on this subject from an expert, read Aaron Gordon's articles here. Aaron is a knowlegeble mortgage broker in Las Vegas NV.Jim Little, Your Sun City Realtorhttp://jclittle.com/Ken Meade ... 08/31/2007

Open House in Phase II on Saturday INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE ON PALMBROOK GOLF COURSE WITH THIS SPECTACULAR DUPLEX ON PALMBROOK GOLF COURSE WIDE OPEN FLOOR PLAN TILED IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES BRIGHT UPDATED KITCHEN, HUGE LIVING ROOM, FORMAL DINNING ROOM WITH BAY WINDOW, SCREENED BACK PATIO OVER LOOKING DOUBLE FAIRWAY REMODELED AND UP TO DATE, READY FOR YOU TO MOVE INTO TODAY. CALL SO YOU CAN SEE SUN CITY LIVING AT IT S BEST FOR YOUR SELF Phase II, Sun City  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 9538 W. Oak Ridge Dr on August 25 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Directions:99TH AVE TO GREENWAY RD; EAST TO CAMEO DR; LEFT TO OAK RIDGE DR; LEFT TO PROPERTY 08/22/2007

 Dominic'sSun City's Newest hot Night Spot... A charming family run restaurant that makes you feel welcome every time you walk in. The owners stop by to say hi to everyone at least once during your visit to make sure it will be a pleasant one.The food is some of the best Italian cuisine in the area. Open for lunch as well as diner and even supper or till it runs out in the evening. It is made fresh daily including the warm sesame seed bread. The owner's treat its visitors to live music on Friday and Saturday nights that is a delightful mix of rat pack tunes, Motown and a sprinkling of salsa just to spice things up.Come and experience a great evening of good food, good company and good music before the winter crowds get back.... 08/18/2007

11128 W CAMEO DR Virtual tourBeautifully remodeled duplex on Lakes West Golf Course. Bright & open floor plan all new flooring and appliances in remodeled gourmet kitchen with gas stove w/stainless steel hood, center island, Corian counter tops opens to great room replaced windows and doors Updated Baths. Enjoy great golf course views on your own north facing covered patio close to shopping and recreation center. 08/17/2007

10647 W CAMPANA DR Sun City, Dir:Bell Rd to Del Webb; South to Loma Blanca; left on Campana to property.Virtual TourLooking for a house or a home?? Light Bright eat-in kitchen with replaced appliances, formal dinning room comfortable living room and large master bedroom have sliding glass doors that open to a tranquil south facing covered patio, huge 2 car garage has plenty of room for storage, All this on a corner lot close to shopping and Bell Rec center. Just move in and enjoy all that Sun City has to offer.SUN CITY FEES APPLY 08/17/2007

It is a great time to buy!If you are a typical new Arizona resident, you will find that inventories of existing homes are at an all-time high, while prices are 15-20% below recent historical peaks."Conforming" loans are still available. Conforming loans includ VA and FHA loans and conventional loans with as little as 5% down payment. These loans do have maximum loan limits. At this time, the VA loan limit is $359,650. The FHA limit is $263,160 The conventional loan limit is $417,000.New home builders are offering great incentive at this time. DO NOT GO WITHOUT A REALTOR®! If you go the first time to a builder site, you CANNOT be represented. It costs you NOTHING to be represented by your own agent. The BUILDER PAYS US!Rental occupancy rates exceed 98%. That is a very high occupancy rate... 08/17/2007

NAR has reported that in recent years the rate  of increase in the number of agents was greater than the increase in homes sold. We now have in excess of one million agents nationwide.Conventional wisdom would imply that more agents = more competition, which is supposedly good for the final consumers. In this case, buyers and sellers of homes.Facts:The average number of transactional sides handled per agent is down from 2000. This means the average new agent just hasn't had the experience to adequately represent today's clients.The decreased number of transactions result in the newer agents not having the resources or experience to market properties.With the decrease in business due to the market leveling and prices declining, many inexperienced agents cannot make a living. If the newer... 08/13/2007

This 2 bedroom, 2 bath Wilmington model home will be listed by tomorrow afternoon. It features an oversized yard on a 1 block cul-de-sac street in one of Sun Cities finest neighborhoods. It is located at 19826 N. 101 Ave. Sun City AZ 85373, in phase III.The home was built in 1977. It features a formal dining room, living room, 2 bedrooms and baths and an eat-in kitchen. The utility room is spacious and could be modified as an office or hobby room. The home also has a 2 car garage and a covered and screened patio.Offered for sale at $185,000.00.Jim 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 buying or selling real estate in the Sun City Neighborhood, Pe... 08/12/2007

Annual Mid-August Meteor ShowerDon't miss the annual Perseid meteor shower every year during mid -August, when Earth passes close to the orbit of Swift-Tuttle. This year the most active time for meteors is predicted to be around 2 am ET on Monday. (About 11pm in the west) So the late-night hours of Sunday through dawns early light will be the best time to see the bright streaks of light in the sky. Unlike last year with its bright moon shining, this year it's a new moon which makes it perfect for viewing a meteor shower so stay up late or get up early and enjoy the greatest show off Earth... 08/12/2007

Here are pictures I took today of two private memorials in Sun City. They honor those how have and continue to serve us. Two individuals felt strongly about the subjects and created these for all of us.Never Forget!Jim 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 buying or selling real estate in the Sun City Neighborhood, Peoria, Glendale or Surprise, please call me with their name and phone number. Thank you! 08/10/2007

Yesterday, Freddie Mac (the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) reported that mortgage rates were at a 2 month low.30 Year fixed rates averaged 6.59%, down from last month's rate of 6.68% and the year's high of 6.74%.Freddie Mac also reported 15 year fixed rates at 6.26% from last month's rate of 6.32%.In spite of news articles to the contrary, mortgage loans continue to be available to qualified buyers at reasonable interest rates. There does not seem to be a factual basis for people to hold off buying any more.Jim 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 buying or selling real estate in the Sun City Neighborhood, Peoria, Glendale or Surprise, ... 08/10/2007

The pot of gold is in a house in Sun City. It is at the end of my street, So I thought I would share this picture taken last night. (8/1/07)That is one good reason to live in Arizona during the summer. As I turned around and looked behind me, I found another one.These pictures were take with my Treo 700p Phone after a monsoon storm yesterday. Obviously right at sunset.The rainbow was particularly spectacular, as it occupied about 240 degrees of the sky. We get used to beautiful sunsets here in Sun City, but the rainbow was a special treat.Jim 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 buying or selling real estate in the Sun City Neighborhood, please ... 08/02/2007

In Arizona, the typical listing agreement will include specific permission to do 2 things. First, permission to put up a for sale sign. For most people with homes for sale this is a given, of course they want a sign. In Sun City and Sun City West, these signs are the best advertisment you will have. Many people like to drive the streets and see what is available. We get more calls from signs than newspaper ads.The second permission is for the use of a lockbox. This can cause some concern for people. They often believe that the home will be less secure. In the greater Phoenix area we use the Supra box. This is an electronic box that requires a sophisticated electronic key to open. The key itself records the agent id, time and date of entry. This information is kept on Supra servers and m... 07/25/2007

Sun Citian Buys Sun City Country Club!Sun City Golf Resorts, owned by a Sun CIty resident recently won the bidding to buy Sun City Country Club, the oldest country club in Sun City AZ.The manager of  Sun City Golf Resorts bought the club to improve it, and also because he lives on the course and wanted to keep it green. Other potential buyers wanted to make the course into condosSun City Golf Resorts will be investing in improvements over the next 2 years to revitalize  the course. Jim 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 buying or selling real estate, please call me with their name and phone number. Thank you! 07/23/2007

In today's Arizona Republic, Cathrine Reagor reports a few things of interest to home buyers and home sellers.New home building continues to slow.Condo sales are bucking the trend. Sales of existing condos are up about 8%.Short sales continue to rise.Regarding number 1, good news for sellers of existing homes, they do not have to compete with builder inventories to sell their homes. This fortells a very clear signal to buyers that this is the time to buy a resale home in a convenient neighborhood with established schools, roads and shops. Wait too long and you will either have to pay higher prices or move to new subdivisions miles from work and amenities.Rising condo sales predict the long awaited market turnaround. It will be slow, but is definitely coming now.Actual short sales, unhea... 07/15/2007

As if triple digit heat isn't enough, in Arizona, July is the start of the monsoon season. The monsoon season is a change in weather caused by a seasonal change in the wind direction. Here that means the wind direction no longer typically comes from the west, but now from the south. These monsoon winds bring very humid air from the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean causing sometimes phenomenal thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Often dust storms (the red cloud) accompanies the monsoon storms.It is important to prepare your home for these storms to prevent unnecessary damage to your home or property. Here are a few tips.Seal roof joints.Seal around windows with caulking.Check weatherstripping around doors and windows.Trim palm trees (flying fronds can damage property and ... 07/14/2007