Well, it looks like we're going to have another sunny day here in Surprise, Arizona. It's only going to get up to 59 degrees, but hey, I'll take that over snow any day. I won't be laying by the pool but I will go for a run this morning and practice golf later this afternoon. I know everyone has their own opinion of what the weather should be like on Christmas Day. Some people say it just isn't Christmas without snow. Well, I believe that a lot of people across the country got their wish this year. View Skiing in Arizona in a larger map Here in Arizona, I guess some people got their wish too. Flagstaff, AZ is having a white Christmas and therefore Arizona Snowbowl (located in the San Francisco Peaks mountain range) is open for skiing and snowboarding. Greer, Arizona is also enjoying s... 12/25/2009

Merry Christmas from Sun City Grand Arizona!  Animal lovers in particular won't want to miss this Merry Christmas message.  Click on the image below to see it.  Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 12/24/2009

The flight from Phoenix to Hawaii is a little over 6 hours but  the anticipation makes it feel like 20.  There are certain landmarks that quite identifiable from the airplane.  I know I'm home or close to home whenever I see Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea from the air. If measured from the ocean floor, Mauna Kea, would be the tallest mountain in the world.   It's a quick 50 minute trip from Oahu to the Big Island.  When leaving Oahu, Diamond Head with its majestic splendor, dominates every-ones attention. I have a sister, 9 nieces and nephews, over 30 first cousins, 3 aunts and an uncle (all on my mother's side), who call Hawaii home.  Upon arriving into Hilo, I was greeted by several family members with lots of hugs, leis and tears of happiness and sadness (one in no longer with us). Our fir... 12/24/2009

At Thanksgiving time I cooked the whole big meal. We had a smoked ham, a stuffed turkey, homemade stuffing, homemade sweet potato casserole, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade green bean casserole, homemade biscuits, homemade gravy, homemade pumpkin pie, you get the point. Did I mention cocktails and wine?!?! So several weeks ago I asked my husband to think (carefully I might add) about what he would like to have for Christmas dinner. I was quite surprised to hear that he wanted Mexican cuisine for Christmas Dinner. I love Mexican food as well, no problem. But wait, I wonder what he wants, oh my, am I going to have to make it? He said that he wanted a traditional type of Mexican Christmas dinner. I not having a clue what a "traditional" Mexican Christmas dinner would include, called my ... 12/24/2009

 La Grande Hotel Surprise AZ Where Canines are King! The La Grande Hotel is considered one of the best hotel for dogs in the Arizona West Valley.  The first thing that you are aware of when entering the La Grande Hotel, is the large influence of St. Bernard show dogs.  Owner Connie Tedford is known for her numerous St. Bernard rescues.  The La Grande's isolated setting in the outskirts of Surprise is conducive to the large canines.  It occupies five acres of running space, a large wading pool and several general socialization areas. After I received recommendations from two clients, I decided to take my pets to the La Grande Hotel for their vacation.  My 16 year old Cocker spaniel loves to steal food, then sleep.  My Pekingese was abused and is quite anti-social.  Both dogs entered the ... 12/23/2009

  I was sitting watching TV this evening (a hockey game to be exact) and I looked at my pointsettia and wondered "what's the deal with the pointsettia?" I remember this plant from when I was a kid. We always had one or two around the house. So, after the game (Penguins 8/Ottawa 2) I decided to look it up. Here is what I found: National Pointsettia Day is December 12 set aside by Congress to honor Joel Roberts Pointsett. Pointsettias were introduced in to the U.S. by Joel Pointsett in 1825. Pointsettias are native to Mexico. Pointsettias are the best selling flowering potted plant in the U.S.. Pointsettias are not poisonous. The milky sap may cause skin irritation in some people. 90% of all pointsettias are exported from the U.S.. The top pointsettia producting state is California (ther... 12/23/2009

Oh, the holidays!  Don't we just love them? The phone calls from loved ones we wouldn't otherwise hear from, the Christmas music in the stores (and being hummed out of my mother's lips), gift wrapping with wine and white elephant exchanges with plenty of nog. What's NOT to love?              Then again, I'm not my poor Pazita. I am sure deep down in her little puppy soul she really is singing, "Feliz Navidad". (I can only imagine the stupid stuff I will one day do to my kids . . . )  Happy Holidays to you and yours, from Jessica (and Paz).   For more information about real estate in Surprise, Arizona, check out my most recent post. 12/23/2009

While out doing some last minute grocery shopping I decided to stop into a couple other  stores. How convenient that they too are located within 2-3 miles from our home in Sun City Grand. I suppose if I wanted to fight the crowds and have more selection I could go to the big box stores for what I need. But, let's face it, I'll be lucky if anyone asks me if I need some help. Most times I wander through the store looking for what I need. Most times I wander through the store looking for someone to help me. So, I stopped by Ace Hardware. From the moment I walked through the door someone was there to welcome me. As I made my way down the center isle there is someone there who asks me if they can help me. I of course say yes, and we're off to what I need. They didn't just tell me what isle i... 12/23/2009

NEW LISTING!Sun City Grand real estate - Beautifully upgraded Borgata! Address: 20117 N Painted Cove Ln, Surprise, AZ 85387Arizona Retirement Community: Sun City GrandSq.Ft.: 1950List Price: $325,000MLS # 4308673 Description: Sun City Grand Borgata for sale. Everywhere you look you see pride of ownership in this home with surprise upgrades throughout. Located across from the Cimarron rec center at the end of a cul-de-sac, the home sits on a ¼ acre lot w/ plenty of privacy. This Borgata floor plan has a full 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms PLUS a work station/office in the converted utility room. A front courtyard offers mountain views. The extended back patio features a built-in BBQ & gas firepit. Both the front and the back have been beautifully landscaped with palm trees, bougainvillea and m... 12/21/2009

  Oso taking a break from the game It's probably no surprise that Sun City Grand has many different fitness facilities and amenities for the active adult. There are also numerous chartered clubs and interest groups to take advantage of. There is golf (4 courses, driving ranges & putting greens), pickleball (12 courts), bocce ball (8 courts), a softball field, 2 fitness centers, leisure pools, indoor and outdoor lap pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, saunas, aerobic studios, indoor walking track, outdoor walking paths, a day spa, whew, are you tired yet?  Well tennis sounds like a lot of fun.  There are 14 courts in Sun City Grand.  11 are located at the main village area by the Adobe Fitness Center and 3 are located at the Cimarron Center.  There is even a tennis club.  Heck you can ev... 12/21/2009

Sun City Grand Surprise AZ Real Estate Market update Dec 1 - 20, 2009 A typical home listed for sale in Sun City Grand under $200,0002 Bedrooms, 1.75 Baths,  1183 sq ft, $174,000         A typical home listed for sale in Sun City Grand under $400,0002 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Den, 2273 sq ft $319,000                 A typical home that has sold in Sun City Grand over $400,000Golf Course, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Den, 2309 sq ft, Pool, Spa SOLD $460,000             If you looking to buy a home or sell a home in Sun City Grand in Surprise AZ, please contact me or visit my website at www.LEOLINDA.com.  I am a year-round Sun City Grand resident and a full-time Associate Broker Realtor®.   Leolinda BowersAssociate BrokerKen Meade RealtyCell (602) 403-6865Business (623) 937-5701   Sun City Grand ~ I li... 12/21/2009

  Sun City Grand Market Statistics Week Ending December 20th, 2009   Total Single Family homes for sale:  235 Total La Solana condominums for sale:  15 Price range:  $95,000-$162,000 - Average List Price:  $127,867 Total Golf Course homes for sale:  44 Price range: $349,900-$924,00 -  Average List Price:  $583,976 Total Non-Golf Course homes for sale:  191 Price range:  $164,900-$599,900 -  Average List Price:  $278,373 Total Pending Close of Escrow:  29 1 La Solana condominium - 25 Non-Golf Course - 3 Golf Course Total Under Contract this week: 2 Kiva & Hacienda (lender owned) Total Closed Escrow:  18 3 Golf Course Homes - 15 Non-Golf Course homes Total Lender Owned homes for sale:  9 1 La Solana condominium - 8 Non-Golf Course homes Total Short Sale homes for sale:  3 3 Non-Golf Cours... 12/21/2009

It is no surprise that home values have declined substantially in recent years.  In the City of Surprise, AZ, home values have dropped as much as 35 percent, with prices as low as they were in 1999.  With so many homeowners under water, owing more on their mortgage than they could sell it for, we are seeing a rise in the amount of foreclosures and short sales on the market.  In Surprise, roughly 62 percent of the homes currently on the market are distressed, either short sales or Real Estate Owned (REO properties, commonly referred to as "foreclosures"). So, what does this mean?  For a seller needing to move, or having trouble making their mortgage payments, it means there are options. Don't walk away from your home before you truly know what your options are.  You may be able to modify... 12/20/2009

A Window in the Life of Sun City Grand Residents in Surprise Arizona This evening I attended a party in Sun City Grand for residents who will be playing in a golf tournament tomorrow morning.  As I walked up the walkway I couldn't help but notice the large poster located on the driveway near the entry to the home.  It was a disclosure and permission to be photographed while on the property.  A film crew from Golden Days Inc was filming the 40 golfers, friends and significant others for a telecast that is to air on national television in the spring.  Golden Days Inc will feature Sun City Grand residents in several human interest stories relating to the challenges retired people experience, how life goes on and how life is great.  My friend Sandy is being filmed through her experiences wi... 12/20/2009

To my clients up North... Happy holidays from sunny Sun City Grand Arizona! This is the time of year my phone starts ringing off the hook and it usually coincides with the first "big one" where the temperatures hover around zero. Many of you have probably already seen this but for those that haven't, I hope you enjoy the following... Diary of a snow shoveler, probable location - North East December 8 - 6:00 PMIt started to snow.The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven.It looked like a Grandma Moses Print.So romantic we felt like newlyweds again.I love snow! December 9We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape.What a fantastic sigh... 12/19/2009

Lately I have been noticing the swans around the golf courses.  I thought to myself, wow some of them are making Sun City Grand their home.  I've seen them in Sun City West and know that they are really well taken care of there too.  My biggest challenge has been being able to get a good picture of one.  It always seemed like the course was too busy or the swan was at the edge of the lake.  Basically not in a good place to get a good picture. Yesterday I golfed at Cimarron, which by the way was awesome (not my game, but the course). The weather the views, the company, it was all good. There is a lake on hole 14 as you approach the green.  I was pretty excited because I could see from the fairway that there was a swan on the lake.  Right smack dab in the middle, there wasn't going to be... 12/18/2009

Sun City Grand real estate Leolinda Bowers | Ken Meade Realty| Contact Me | (602) 403-6865 Furnished Home for Sale in Sun City Grand           offered at $174,000 Year Built 1998 Sq Footage 1183 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1.75 2009 Taxes $1150       ADDITIONAL LINKS Map of property Mortgage calculator More Details   Click here to View Additional Photos of 17994 N VERDE ROCA Drive   DESCRIPTION Unique Sun City Grand lot, super sized for a pool .21A with no back-to-back neighbor and expansive backyard views! Home features extended breakfast nook with a bay window, bay window in master bedroom, warm neutral carpeting, Flat top range, Side-By-Side refrigerator, ceiling fans and inside laundry. Furnished and ready to move-in or ready for the investor (some personal items will not convey). Take in... 12/18/2009

NEW LISTING!3 Bedroom Sun City Grand Home for Sale - Lots of Privacy! Address: 19828 N London Bridge Dr, Surprise, AZ 85387Arizona Retirement Community: Sun City GrandSq.Ft.: 1427List Price: $219,900MLS # 4295119 Description: Sun City Grand home for sale. This 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath Cactus Flower backs to McMikken Dam for privacy on just under a ¼ acre lot. It is also located a quick 5 minute walk from Cimarron Rec Center. A front courtyard provides additional outdoor living space with views to the same open space. The home was built on a post tension slab and features neutral carpet & tile throughout. The kitchen features oak cabinets, a smooth-top range and a side-by-side Amana refrigerator. The master bedroom is split from the two guest bedrooms and features a bay window. A skylight i... 12/18/2009

Okay, so today has been a beautiful day.  It's been cold around here so I have to admit that I haven't been out tooling around the community as much. So, I decided to go check things out in the community and take Oso with me.  He loves a good adventure, atleast I think he does. Fishing wasn't exactly what Oso had in mind.  So we walked around and checked out the Pet Park, tennis, swimming pool, train park, etc....Well, we ended up watching the ducks.  Yes, the ducks and geese were pretty active today.  Looks like they enjoy living in Sun City Grand too. So after a bunch of walking around and enjoying the ducks, Oso was ready to call it quits.  What a rough life he has.  Kind of like the rest of us that live here in Sun City Grand, someone's got to do it!   View Josée-Marie Plant, Ken Me... 12/16/2009

   I should probably make a New Years Resolution to watch what I eat.I should probably join on a gym, or, at the very least, commit to walking my basset around the block. I might need to consider consuming water on a regular basis, or donating a little less money to my Starbucks fund.    But I'm not even going to try to kid myself. None of that sounds like much fun. So yes,it was quite guiltlessly that I called Ray's Pizza, just off of Grand Ave, West of Reems, and ordered two of the hugest pizzas ever known to man (although I certainly didn't realize it at the time).  And they lived up to their legend. Most definitely the best pizza in town.    Our picks of the night: Veggie Monster and Pepperoni  YUM!                                                                 I won't show you the... 12/15/2009