Sun City Grand real estate Surprise Arizona Market Updatefor the Week Ending December 13, 2009 Total Listings:  233 Total Golf Course Property Listings: 44 Total Non-Golf Course Property Listings: 189 Total La Solana Condominium Listings: 15  Under Contract this Week:  10 Closed Transactions this Week: 5 New Listings This Week: 10 Sun City Grand Absorption Rate (Weeks of Inventory): 43 weeks Arizona Traditions Absorption Rate (Weeks of Inventory): 54 weeks   There are 4 active short sale property listings in Sun City Grand.  6 properties are awaiting bank approval.  10 short sale properties have sold and closed since December 13, 2008. There are a total of 10 active foreclosure (lender owned) properties presently listed on MLS in Sun City Grand.  2 foreclosed properties are pending in e... 12/13/2009

  Asante, Surprise Arizona is a Lennar Community that stakes its claim as being "the gateway to the Northwest desert". Located just off of Grand and 163rd Ave, this community boasts beautiful desert views while not being removed from the up-and-coming city of Surprise. Old World style architecture is the symbol of this community, including gorgeous bridges and aqueducts, all surrounded by beautiful mountain views.     Eventually, Asante, Surprise will feature approximately 27 miles of interconnected trails that will extend the community. Further area ammenities include a 55-acre recreational park with sports facilities, as well as a release fishing lake, various playgrounds, and on-site schools.  The first of the schools, Desert Moon, is current open.     In the future, Surprise Spectru... 12/13/2009

Five years ago today I got my real estate license.  On New Years day, January 1, 2005, I held my first open house in Sun City West AZ.  I arrived at 11 and left at 5.  I had over a hundred people come to my open house, and I wrote 2 offers.  It seems that I had the only open house on New Years day. As I was picking up my open house signs, a couple stopped me and asked me to come by their home because they were thinking of selling it.  Recognize that I didn't know how to write a listing contract, or how to do a CMA and I really didn't know the area so this was going to be a challenge for all.  The couple escorted me and I was just flabbergasted when I saw their home.  It was a two story, one of 12 in Sun City West, with over 3,000 sq ft.  They told me everything about their home and I ju... 12/13/2009

As you celebrate the tonight as the first night of Chanukah, enjoy your latkes and sufganyot.  To all of my Jewish clients, friends, family and fellow Realtors, Chag Sameach!      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 LEOLINDA.com.  I am a 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 live here, I work here, I know this community!   © 2009 Leolinda Bowers (Arizona Retirement Communities, Sun City West & Sun City Grand Real Estate). Unless otherwise noted, the content, both pictures and written, is the property of Leolinda Bowers.  Reproduction in part or whole without writt... 12/11/2009

 Friday's Fotos ~ a GRAND Day in Surprise AZ!      I took this picture on my way home in Sun City Grand. The palm trees are on Cimarron Golf Course.  The White Tank mountains are in the backdrop. Most people who live in Arizona on a full-time basis prefers an east or north backyard.  Winter visitors prefer the west backyards to experience the phenomenal Arizona sunsets. 12/11/2009

I'm sure you've heard about the awesome sunsets in Arizona.  Some people probably think it's because of the dust or pollution.  I've ready many different versions of why we have sunsets that are so colorful.  Some of these accounts have mentioned that dust and water particles etc... do have something to do with it.  I've read that the best sunsets occur when there are at least some high clouds.  What happens is that the higher clouds are hit by the sun and the sun penetrates through to the lower atmosphere.  More particles are found in the lower atmosphere and the orange and bright reds are filtered through. Sunlight takes a much longer path through the atmosphere at sunrise and sunset vs midday.  Therefore more blue and violet light is in the beam.  So by the time it gets to our eyes i... 12/09/2009

If you are driving to Sun City West Sun City Grand or Surprise AZ from the airport or East Valley, the newest and best route is NOW OPEN!  Yes..... I-17 now goes from Happy Valley Road directly to Sun City West and Surprise Arizona.  OK - so there IS CONSTRUCTION to contend with, but after 5 years plus of waiting for a route to get to the West Valley in a fashion that is expeditious, I'm happy to see this work in progress. I've taken some photos along the way to let you see through the eyes of my camera what you will be passing.         THE ROUNDABOUTSUpon exiting I-17 you will have to negotiate those new wonders of ADOT called a "roundabout" and once you're beyond that, you continue West on Happy Valley Road.              COOL BRIDGE AT NEW RIVER CROSSING HAPPY VALLEY RD at 7300 WestTh... 12/09/2009

Seen in Surprise AZ yesterday!  It's good ole St Nicholas and his helper! These Arizona RAIN DEER are dressed for the upcoming special occasion....coming really soon. This is an excellent way to keep warm and prevent freezing. Red hats with are everywhere in Sun City Grand! 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 LEOLINDA.com.  I am a 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 live here, I work here, I know this community!   © 2009 Leolinda Bowers (Arizona Retirement Communities, Sun City West & Sun City Grand Real Estate). Unless otherwise noted, the content, both picture... 12/09/2009

   The Royal Ranch community in Surprise, Arizona is a hot market for today's first-time and veteran home buyers. Situated just south of the Surprise Stadium, Spring Training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, Royal Ranchis quietly nestled north of Waddell, and between Litchfield and Bullard.    So, just what's going on in today's real estate market within Royal Ranch, Surprise?  Let's take a look:    Currently Active Listings: 47                                             Currently Pending Listings: 18         Lowest List Price: $107,000                                                  Lowest Price: $105,000         Highest List Price: $259,000                                                 Highest Price: $239,900       Current Available Rentals:  5                    ... 12/08/2009

OPEN HOUSE19882 N Crimson Ridge WaySurprise, AZ 85374GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY of SUN CITY GRANDDecember 12 & 13 1pm to 4pm This premier Windrose model is located near Desert Springs golf course, Adobe Spa Recreation Center & Sonoran Plaza and has a backyard sanctuary. Meticulously maintained, this home boasts a complete package from its split bedroom floor plan, fireplace, built-in media wall, bay window in master bedroom, two sinks in master bath, butlers pantry, extensive use of tile, raised panel doors, plantation shutters throughout, utility sink, inside laundry, extended covered patio and extended outdoor seating area with knee-high wall. Your guests will feel totally enchanted in the large private guest suite that is located on the opposite side of the home.   The spacious kitchen ov... 12/07/2009

OPEN HOUSE19830 North Hidden Ridge DriveSurprise, AZ 85374GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY of SUN CITY GRANDDecember 12 & 13 1pm to 4pm This stunning Sun City Grand estate model "Cambridge" is warm and comforting with a welcoming feeling.  Come see for yourself and meet me at the open house on Saturday and Sunday (December 12 and 13).   Home is a statement of elegance and beauty with numerous upgrades and features.  Welcome your guests at the gracious vestibule, with dual coiffured ceiling into the 2,699 sq ft of pure luxury. " E komo mai Nou ka hale" is Hawaiian for "Welcome and come inside, the house is yours."   offered at $439,000  View Larger Map   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 LEOLINDA.com.  I am a Sun C... 12/07/2009

The big question that was on most people's minds WAS, are we really going to get a good dose of rain? We’ve had a nice drizzly rain during the morning hours and I’m here to tell you that it hasn’t stopped yet. At times it really slowed and at other times it really came down. Okay, Oso is not so fond of the weather.  I took him out this morning and he just looked at me like, do I have to get my paws wet?  He's been enjoying the rest of his day on his down comforter.  Wait, that's not much different than every other day of his pampered life. WARNING!!! Pathetically cute picture to follow...   I’m located in the City of Surprise, Arizona which is the northwest valley of Phoenix in Maricopa County. View Surprise, Arizona in a larger map Well, the people that live up in the high country are ... 12/07/2009

   Surprise, Arizona is where I choose to call home. It is where I live, work, play, and often jokingly "vacation" all in the same place. Work doesn't feel quite like work here, and the residents here make the community feel like a small town, rather than the growing city it is. So what is Surprise, Arizona all about? Here are a few fun facts about the city that claims to "redefine Southwest living". History:Founded in 1931 by Homer Ludden and named after his home town in Nebraska. Surprise,       Arizona was incorporated on December 12, 1960. Population: Current estimate as of December of this year: 105,000 Weather: 211 clear days and 85 partly cloudy days on average each year Land area: 93 square miles incorporated; planning area totals 300 square miles Golf courses: 8, all open to th... 12/06/2009

We'll  be getting 4 days of rain in the Valley of the Sun.  It's been very cold with my outdoor thermometer registering 29 degrees yesterday morning and 35 degrees this morning.  Even my dogs didn't want to leave the comfort of their warm bed to do their business outside. The Valley of the Sun consists of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Ft Hills, Paradise Valley, Anthem, Sunnyslope, Peoria, Glendale, Peoria, Cashion, Tolleson, Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Surprise, El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West and Waddell.  The big news around the Valley of the Sun is that we are supposed to get rain and lots of it!  You know, the stuff that falls from the clouds, that stuff that gives us water.  Local news-stations are reporting a great propensity for rain on Monday,... 12/06/2009

       I was curious as to the minimum amount of landscaping a home must have and in general what I’m allowed to do to the exterior of my home as a resident here in Sun City Grand. I’ve seen some homes with an abundance of foliage and others that are somewhat scarce. I went to Grandinfo.com and looked under Governing Documents and selected the Residential Design Guidelines. The Sun City Grand RDG are detailed in a 72 page document. You can download it to your computer or print it for your review. First of all there are various lot classifications, so it’s not a one stop shop when it comes to the landscape and other requirements of a home’s exterior. Lot Classifications: Interior-front and backyard planting requirements Corner-Front, street side and backyard planting requirements Cul-de-... 12/06/2009

I recently worked with a client that I must say was a jewel to deal with. Here’s how it started. This past winter 2009 I spent a lot of time sitting open houses for other realtors in our brokerage. It’s a great way to meet potential buyers and sellers and yes of course it helps the listing agent. While sitting an open house in Sun City West, this couple came into the house. I could tell that they were really down to earth, super easy to talk with and both had a great sense of humor. They ended up staying quite awhile and I was able to educate them on the market and find out more about them. They did not share their contact information because at the time they had been dealing with another agent. In my mind, you should treat people one way, with respect and equal whether or not they are... 12/05/2009

Holiday Mail for Heros The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are working together in getting our men and women a touch of home during the holiday season.  When doing your Christmas Cards this weekend, take the time to send one to a fellow American service member across the country and abroad.  Cards will get into the hands of family members and men and women in uniform.   Cards must be postmarked no later than this coming Monday, December 7th,. Send your card to:Holiday Mail for HeroesP O Box 5456Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 Be sure your sign your card and entitle your cards to "Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran".   Leolinda BowersAssociate BrokerKen Meade RealtyCell (602) 403-6865Business (623) 937-5701       12/05/2009

Open House Saturday December 5th-12pm-3pm MLS#4149353- $285,900-Sun City Grand is a Del Webb age restricted golf community in Arizona This is a special 3 bedroom Palo Verde model on a cul-de-sac lot.  No back to back neighbors allows for privacy. This great room split floor plan is open with a bay window in the kitchen and master bedroom. The typical Palo Verde home is 2 bedroom plus a den.  This home was built as a 3 bedroom home.  The 3rd bedroom was extended by 4 foot and has a closet. If outdoor entertaining is appealing to you, this home has a front courtyard and an extended patio allowing additional dining opportunities depending on the time of day or year. The master bathroom has dual sinks, walk in closet, linen closet, shower and a separate water room. There are ceiling fans in... 12/04/2009

Clients of mine recently returned to their home here in Sun City Grand after spending the summer at their home base in Missouri. They purchased their winter home from me in the spring of 2009. During the inspection period they had a termite inspection. At that time no termites were detected. The previous owner had a transferrable termite warranty on the home that was good for 1 year from the time it was purchased. Since their return to Sun City Grand, they have gutted the home for a total remodel. Base boards have been pulled and the whole nine yards. I received a call from them last week. After removing the base boards they discovered termites. Now these could be inactive termites, but what a surprise that was waiting for them. I looked through my paperwork from their transaction and c... 12/04/2009

  Sun City Grand Market Analysis-Through November 2009 There are 231 active “single family” homes for sale in Sun City Grand as of this writing. 44 of these homes are located on the golf course.. The average list price for a home in Sun City Grand that is NOT on the golf course is currently $278,389. These homes range from $164,900-$599,900. The average list price for a golf course home is currently $581,703. Golf course homes listed for sale range from $349,900-$924,000. There are currently 7 lender owned homes for sale (listed in MLS) in Sun City Grand ranging in price from $189,900-$269,900. The lender owned floor plans are Borgata, Cactus Flower, Willow, Verbena, Heritage and 2 Haciendas. There are currently 3 short sale properties for sale (listed in MLS) in Sun City Grand priced ... 12/03/2009