According to Business Week California leads the nation with our own Surprise Arizona coming in at number 8!! That should be welcomed news to the homeowners there who have taken quite a dip in home values.  But, this doesnt mean that the values have gone up, just that the properties are being snatched up more quickly.  One would hope that this increase would follow with some stability.   Surprise offers a great buy for the prospective buyer, with many homes of all types and sizes well under 200,000. To View a property in Surprise or any other Phoenix Metropolitan Area call me today. Karen Turney/Realty Executives/602-999-2742/"It's A Good Move" 03/13/2009

Tennis Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King will be hosting a national diabetes awareness photo exhibit entitled Be the Face of ChangeTM in Sun City Grand on March 13th.  The purpose of the event is to reveal one Sun City Grand resident who was chosen for a national campaign to raise Diabetes awareness.  Novo Nordisk, a health care company specializing in diabetes care, has selected a Sun City Grand resident to join their national diabetes awareness campaign.  The identity of the specially chosen Sun City Grand resident will be revealed on Friday, March 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sonoran Plaza in Sun City Grand, in Surprise, Arizona.  The photo exhibit documents the lives of Americans living with diabetes and the changes they have had to make in their lives. From 11 am to 5pm on Saturday,... 03/09/2009

Sun City Grand Resales and Decrease Age Restriction Impact According to the most recent Sun City Grand statistics, resales for 2008 have decreased 13 ½ percent from 2007. Prices have decreased on average approximately 9.8 % in the past 12 months.  Unlike other areas in Surprise, Arizona, this is a definite indication that the Sun City Grand market is strong.  Sun City Grand is an upscale adult community in which there is a definite sustainable demand. Sun City Grand is an age restricted community in Surprise Arizona that allows and encourages younger residents of 45 years of age with no children under the age of 19 years old.  15% of the 9,802 homesites can have residents 45 to 54 years of age.  Renters must be at least 55 years of age.  It is apparent that the lowering of the age requ... 03/09/2009

Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales February 2009Golf Course Properties Model SQ FT Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address Kensington 3188 $699,500 $670,000 3 18762 N Saltillo Dr Mesquite 2779 $639,000 $505,000 562 17682 N Pyrite Ct Borgata 1950 $449,500 $402,000 263 15582 W Big Sky Dr Jasmine 2404 $394,000 $395,000 10 16261 W Scarlet Canyon Dr AVERAGES 2580 $545,500 $493,000 210   Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales February 2009Non Golf Course Properties Model SQ FT Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address Acacia 1414 $199,900 $194,000 38 16223 W Desert Canyon Dr Acacia 1414 $227,000 $219,000 0 15543 W Encantada Dr Acacia +Spool 1414 $249,723 $225,000 37 19400 N Hidden Canyon Dr Azalea 1570 $269,000 $195,000 565 16279 W Kearney Ln Borgata 1894 $315,000 $295,000 2... 03/02/2009

Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales January 2009 Model SQ FT Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address Borgata 1,894 $299,000 $250,000 217 16632 W Rincon Peak Dr Borgata 1,952 $299,900 $287,000 32 17002 W Artesia Dr Borgata 1,894 $310,000 $295,000 9 18302 N Summerbreeze Way Borgata 1,992 $325,000 $300,000 28 14944 W Woodbury Ln Borgata 1,950 $339,000 $339,000 24 19432 N Wasson Peak Dr Cedar 1,099 $219,000 $192,000 128 16211 W Mountain Pass Dr Cholla 1,978 $225,000 $225,000 53 17940 N Estrella Vista Dr Desert Rose 1,834 $299,000 $239,500 167 17073 W Peregrine Ln Hacienda 2,334 $375,000 $363,000 1 18754 W Palacio Ln Kensington 3,082 $642,000 $525,000 466 20251 N Denizen Dr Palo Verde 1,889 $225,000 $225,000 346 17194 N Casita Springs Ct Sage 1,322 $210,000 $185,000 149 16129 W Mo... 02/01/2009

Arizona winters are sometimes extreme for plants.  This homeowner has followed many other homeowners by placing a Styrofoam cup on the tips of the cactus. This serves to protect the tips from freezing. A fozen cactus tip will result in the entire plant dying.       If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Sun City Grand, please call me or visit my website to search all Sun City Grand homes for sale,  homes just listed in Sun City Grand homes for sale, Sun City Grand Homes floor plans, Sun City Grand Homes for Sale with 3 Car Garage, homes in Sun City Grand with 3 Bedrooms, Sun City Grand Homes for Sale with a Casita or a Guest House, homes sold in Sun City Grand Homes Sold.  01/21/2009

Maricopa County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.  The City of Surprise is one of the fastest growing cities in Maricopa County.  The first Catholic Church built in the City of Surprise Arizona has finally opened.  St. Clare of Assisi parish was established on July 1, 2000.  Until a few days ago, Mass was held in the temporary hall which is located on the west end of the property.  Sometimes the temporary sanctuary would be totally filled inside plus there would be as much as 400 people outside on folding chairs, sitting on the ground and standing.    After almost 8 years of hard work, fund raising and planning, the new St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church has opened its doors for its first Mass.  The church has the seating capacity of 2,000.  According to Fat... 01/05/2009

Surprise, AZ Spring Training Tickets are now on sale. For those of you planning on a March visit, or for those of you lcuky enough to already live here, spring training is right around the corner. Every year I have big plans to see at least one game. Unfortunately, or fortunately, this is my busiest time of year for real estate in Sun City Grand and the other area retirement communities. The "snowbirds" are here enmasse & I just haven't had the time in the last two years. Either that or I have just been too pooped. Thankfully there are a few evening games and I have my eyes on the game against my OLD hometown team, the Seattle Mariners. There is something about this great american past-time that I love and it has rubbed off on my husband and son too. So look for me on March 18th at the ... 01/04/2009

Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales December 2008Golf Course Properties Model Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address Hampton $785,000 $710,000 114 17034 W Links Dr Mesquite w/LV $718,000 $600,000 129 20409 N Palm Canyon Dr Mesquite $595,000 $485,000 183 16040 W Desert Winds Dr Cholla $499,000 $465,000 151 20453 N Royal Palms Ct Sierra $449,000 $425,000 23 20421 N Canyon Whisper Dr  Averages $609,200 $537,000 120    Sun City Grand Non-Golf Course Property Real Estate Sales December 2008 Model Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address Azalea $260,000 $230,000 233 16827 W Eureka Springs Dr Cambridge $579,900 $370,598 481 16633 W Loma Rojo Ct Grande $179,000 $149,000 145 14950 W Mt View #2111 Heritage $252,500 $237,500 26 18742 Summerbreeze Way Madera $245,000 $232,0... 01/02/2009

I had the opportunity today to observe the Arizona Maricopa County Valley Metro Light Rail system as they practiced the routes.  The Metro ROCKS! I can't wait to board it and ride it to Mesa.  I'll just park my car, get a good book out and hold on enjoying the ride! The grand opening is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, December 27th and Sunday, December 28th. Check out the grand opening festivities, Valley Metro Light Rail route, hours of operations and road closures by clicking here. After years of negotiations, special bonds & additional taxes the Valley Metro Light Rail is ready to celebrate its grand opening festivities.  The Valley Metro Light Rail begins in downtown Phoenix, meanders through Tempe and ends in Mesa. According to Valley Metro, the travel time for the entire 20 mile... 12/26/2008

Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or Festivus, the smell of the winter holiday is in the air - everywhere! I showed seven homes to prospective Sun City Grand buyers yesterday, three homes were occupied.  When I made the appointments, all three sellers asked me if they needed to leave while I showed their homes.  It was not necessary, it's too cold.  Yes, it was in the 60's today - certainly different from Chicago, Minnesota or Washington State but still cold for most people who live here year round. When I got to all three houses the aroma overtook my clients and me.  Potato Pancakes, cookies, breads and pastry smells aroused our taste buds.  One seller even had a plate of oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies out for my buyers.  Yummy! Our weather has been in the 60's this w... 12/23/2008

Sorry to all of you who like to monitor these reports.  I have been extremely busy (surprise, surprise!) and this was the first week I had to get caught up.  As soon as the economy started tanking, my phone started ringing off the hook.  I had several new listings that sold in a matter of days as well as buyer clients of my own in town. No one was more surprised than I was over the flurry of activity.  I thought for sure the day the stock market started sliding, sales would come to a screeching halt.  Could it be people are looking for a place to move their money to?  If you are planning on owning a retirement getaway and expect to use it for several years, this is probably a pretty good investment.  I just read again in AARP that one of the more than 76 million boomers turns 50 every 7... 12/21/2008

If these are not affordable then I just don't know what is.  A newer 1,400sf home built after 2000 for less then $100,000 in a popular area of the valley with very good prospects.  Sales of homes under $100,000 went up 4,395% over last year.  Yes, that is four thousand three hundred ninety five percent.  Sales of homes from $100,000 to $125,000 went up 1,690% over last year.  Continue reading the article at our blogsite. 12/18/2008

  I live and work in the West Valley adult (45+) community of Sun City Grand.  There are just a few homes in Sun City Grand with walled backyards that do not require a monthly maintenance fee.  I live in such an area.  I built my home in this location instead of on the golf course because I like the privacy.  I guess it‘s also a cultural thing, being that I am from Hawaii and most of the homes in Hawaii have walls or fences. My husband started raising koi prior to moving to Sun City Grand.  Unfortunately all of the koi died during the transfer to the new pond.  He has since obtained new hatchlings and in four years they have all grown to over 20 inches in length. Each morning I take my cup of coffee outside and feed Lucy, Charo, Prada (named because of his price) and Brad.  Lucy is just... 12/02/2008

Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales November 2008     Golf Course Properties       Model Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address ASHBURY $595,000 $550,000 30 19233 N Moondance Ln BORGATA $349,900 $319,000 241 20078 N Horse Trail Dr MESQUITE $599,900 $482,600 340 16362 W Monteverde Ln Averages $514,933 $450,533 204                       Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales November 2008     Non Golf Course Properties       Model Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address AVISTAR $120,000 $115,000 300 14950 W Mt View #4209 AZALEA $249,000 $238,750 11 16822 W Desert Blossom Wy BORGATA $297,000 $281,000 47 16617 W Pueblo Lane CACTUS FLOWER $229,500 $195,000 334 15074 W Cactus Ridge Wy CYPRESS $224,900 $185,000 160 19929 N Jennings Wy DESERT ROSE $269,500 $227,500 122 1672... 11/30/2008

Hello everyone and I really want to thank you for the responses I received from my first Blog. I was really impressed and gathered some very useful  suggestions. Today as I looked out upon the incredible resort community I live in, Sun City Grand, I  can't help but think about folks around the  country getting ready for  winter. Even though I do not sell residential real estate, I thought I might comment about the  retirement environment in sunny Arizona. Typically, our commercial market is  boosted each year by the return  of the snowbirds. They start coming in mid October and leave around late May. Many have second  homes here and  some  just rent. Rentals start at around $1700 per month and hit their peak in Jan, Feb and March where rates hit around  $2500 per month. Besides the weat... 11/10/2008

Hello, This is  my first attempt at Blogging so please bear with me. First and foremost I want to say that leasing in Surprise is  better than most parts of  the valley. Retail is alive and well and landlords are now beginning to recognize the impact of the economy on lease rates.  The retail picture here is large and growing each day. Look for new exciting developments to  come on line over the next year or so. The largest is  Prasada. The auto mall there is  going vertical with Sands Chevrolet nearing completion. Five or six other auto dealers are close to  beginning construction but the auto industry is  in a world of hurt so that might delay starts. The Catholic Hospital should be following shortly. The Westcor mall is said to  be  about 2 years after the Goodyear Mall. That would i... 11/09/2008

Sun City Grand October 2008 Real Estate Sales     Golf Course Properties         Model SQ FT Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address WINDSOR 3,411 $879,000 $822,000 22 20457 N CANYON WHISPER DR HACIENDA 2,334 $524,900 $505,000 5 19358N N ECHO RIM DR STONECREST 2,282 $485,000 $475,000 52 17515 N EAGLE CREST DR AVERAGES 2,676  $629,633  $600,667 26                           Non Golf Course Properties           Model SQ FT Original List Price Sold Price Days on Market Address ACACIA 1,414 $229,900 $226,000 20 16025 W COPPER CREST LN AZALEA 1,482 $269,500 $235,000 205 19201 N TALLOWOOD WAY AZALEA 1,552 $259,900 $252,000 7 15247 W PANTANO DR BORGATA 1,894 $280,000 $274,000 3 15460 W SKYVIEW WAY HERITAGE 1,435 $219,900 $212,000 26 19116 N TAMARISK FLOWER WAY IRONWOOD 2,732 $489... 10/31/2008

I have a growing number of REO properties and I am in need of a Transaction coordinator.  Please call Shayne at 623-853-6644 for more information.   Please live in or near Surprise, be highly motivated, answer your phone and be VERY prompt.   Thanks,  Shayne   10/14/2008

The Arizona Community Farmers Marketing Group will open the Surprise Arizona Farmers' Market - October 19, 2008.  Shoppers can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, observe chef demonstrations or just relax and listen to the live musicians perform.   Location:  Surprise Recreation Campus on the Center Field Plaza of the Surprise Stadium Dates: Every Sunday starting October 19, 2008 For Further Information Call: 623.848.1234   It's all about people, being honest, having integrity and product knowledge.   Sun City Grand .....I live here, I work here, I know this community! About The Author Leolinda Bowers specializes in Arizona West Valley Retirement (55+) Communities. She is a leading sales person who has proven experience and can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate p... 10/11/2008