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

Sun City Grand Real Estate Leolinda Bowers | Ken Meade Realty| More Description | 623-937-5701 Sun City Grand Model Perfect Home    JUST LISTED!       offered at $259,900 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage 1552 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1.75 Floors 1 Parking 2   ADDITIONAL LINKS Map of property Mortgage calculator Virtual Tour More Details   View Additional Photos (38)   Sun City Grand Granite Falls North Golf Course 18th green & practice facility is nearby this home. DESCRIPTION Sun City Grand Real Estate opulence and sophistication! This Sun City Grand home for sale has the Azalea floor plan which has a spacious great room that provides the right amount of flexibility and living space to suit your needs. It is model perfect and has gorgeous tile & plantation shutters throughout. The kitchen featu... 10/11/2008

It's a party and children on the 50's, 60's and 70's know how to party heartily!  Food, Shopping, Dancing and Entertainment!  This annual Sun City Grand event draws about 6,000 people each year.   Shop till you drop!      Eat to your content!    Get your dancing shoes on!     Admission is FREE!   Our Sun City Grand residents are extremely talented and the vendors demonstrate their talent.  Don't try to find parking nearby ...just park your car at the Spirits of Grace Baptist Church on Clearview and take the shuttle bus to the event. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Sonoran Plaza Chaparral CenterPalm CenterPalm CourtVillage Center area   It's all about people, being honest, having integrity and product knowledge.   Sun City Grand Real Estate .....I live here, I work here, I know this community!   10/09/2008

Surprise Arizona residents can dispose of paint, pool chemicals and pesticides at the Hazardous Waste Disposal this upcoming weekend. Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be collected at the Public Works Maintenance Yard13433 W. Foxfire DriveOctober 11, 20088am to noon  You will need to show your proof of residency in the City of Surprise (Drivers License or Electric Bill).       For additional information about the Clean-up Event or the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event contact the Surprise Public Works at 623.222.6000, or on the web at www.surpriseaz.com.               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! 10/05/2008

  Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales September 2008 Golf Course Properties         Marketing Name Sq Ft OriginalList Price SoldPrice Total Days on Market Address Stonecrest 2,282 $449,900 $400,000 58 19802 N Shadow Mt Dr             Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales September 2008Non Golf Course Properties         Marketing Name Sq Ft  Original List Price Sold Price Total Days on Market Address Acacia 1,414 $198,000 $198,000 4 15843 Cisa Rio Lane Borgata 2,014 $299,900 $290,000 47 19723 N Tolby Creek Ct Grande 1,021 $169,000 $165,000 159 14950 W Mt View #1212 Kiva 1,264 $189,900 $182,000 23 15272 Pinehurst Lane Kiva 1,278 $233,000 $205,000 97 15625 W Azalea Lane Lantana 1,546 $249,000 $220,000 298 16232 W Sandia Park Dr Manzanita w/Casita & Pool 1,979 $299,900 $290,000 107 16285 W Manzanit... 09/30/2008

Poised on the northwestern edge of the thriving Valley of the Sun, Surprise is one of Arizona's fastest growing cities, Surprise Arizona - and for good reason. Against the backdrop of pristine desert and stately Saguaros, Surprise is building a City beyond expectations - a well-rounded community where residents love to live, work and play. Homes For Sale in Surprise, Arizona Arts: The well-respected West Valley Art Museum delivers a wide variety of art to Surprise's doorstep, while a satellite location of the world-renowned Heard Museum celebrates the culture of Arizona's Native people. Activities: From a par-three chip and putt to championship courses designed by golf legends, test your skills on one or all eight of Surprise's public/private courses. Cool your heels in the Surprise Aqu... 09/29/2008

Sun City Grand Community Yard Sale November 1, 2008The date has been set!  The annual Sun City Grand community yard sale will be held on November 1st from 7 to 3 in the parking lot next to Dillons Grand.  You won't find an estate sale or yard sale in Sun City Grand.  The annual community yard sale is the ideal place to pick up "treasures" or to dispose of "stuff".  Golf clubs, golf carts, household items, antiques and lots of little "stuff" will be up for sale.  Mark your calendars and come early. View Larger Map 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! 09/16/2008

Sun City Grand real estate is different from most other areas in Arizona.  I live here in Sun City Grand, I work here, I know this community!  The retirement community tends to be more cautious with their investments and although prices have decreased, the price reduction rate is not as severe as other areas in the valley.  Most buyers would like to see all that is available until they find that "perfect retirement home".  Whether it is a fulltime residence or a secondary residence, the time involved in searching for the ideal property can be extremely time consuming. This year Phoenix has seen major turmoil with its fluctuating market.  It's been an interesting time watching the markets around the valley and concentrating on my market specialization.  Sun City Grand homes are selling. ... 09/16/2008