Homes in Sun City Grand & other AZ Adult Communities

Looking for Foreclosures in Sun City Grand or the other retirement communities?

Kathy Anderson — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:31:00 GMT

In case you haven't already seen them, I have been creating new search catagories for buyers looking for the foreclosures in our Arizona retirement communities. We don't have many that come up at any given time (and they aren't all great deals) but for those who want to keep track, just click on the links below.

One word of caution though... if it is truly a GREAT deal, you have to move quickly as they are likely to have multiple offers in the first 24 hours of hitting the MLS. The homes that linger on the market are the ones that aren't the best deals for one reason or another.

Sun City Grand foreclosures

Corte Bella foreclosures

Sun City Festival foreclosures (none as of this writing... but stay tuned)

What is a Short Sale?

Kathy Anderson — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:23:00 GMT

I just posted an article on my Active Rain blog regarding Corte Bella short sales, not to mention short sales in general. I have also created some new search catagories for several of the Arizona retirement communities. If you have any questions about short sales, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

Summertime... To list? Or not to list? That is the question

Kathy Anderson — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:34:00 GMT

If you've been told homes won't sell in the active retirement communities during the summer, you were horribly mislead. Homes DO sell in the summer and because the inventories are down during those warm months, the homes that ARE on the market get quite a bit of traffic.

We have serious buyers that roll into town with the sole intention of purchasing their home for the next season. Some of them come to town with the belief they will get a better deal during the summer because "houses don't sell then in Arizona and the sellers must be desperate".

Guess what? Many of those buyers find themselves competing with other buyers for the same “deal”. As a result, I've found the prices tend to be a little more stable during the summer. Why is this? It’s pretty simple. It comes down to supply and demand.

If you have a home in great condition that is correctly priced, the chances are very good it will be under contract before fall rolls around. You might even have multiple offers to sort through. No joke! I’ve seen it happen in this market. I've also seen homes go under contract within days or weeks of hitting the market because the demand can exceed the supply of certain models.

Another, perhaps more important, reason not to wait to list your home is that in a declining market waiting will cost you money. While home sales in some of our communities have remained fairly strong, none of us can predict when the bottom will come. Waiting four or five months can cost you serious equity as the prices continue to go down. Then, about the time you want to list YOUR home, 20 other people with the same model do so as well.

Once again, it’s all about supply and demand. Personally, I would rather not have as much competition to sell my home. Just a thought…

Investor Opportunity in Sun City Grand

Kathy Anderson — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:37:00 GMT

Unique opportuntiy to purchase the largest condo available in Sun City Grand for the rock bottom price of only $120,000. Click on the link below to see the listing and give me a call if you have any questions.

http://www.kathyandersonrealtor.com/Surprise/Arizona/Homes/Sun_City_Grand/Agent/Listing_2184835.html

Spring Training Anyone?

Kathy Anderson — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:44:00 GMT

For those of you looking forward to heading south in March & for those of us lucky enough to already live here...

Tickets are on sale now for the Surprise Spring Training season. Click HERE for more information. To see the schedule, click HERE.

Every year I tell myself I'm going to get to at least one game. Unfortunately (or fortunately), my clients have been kept me too busy the last couple of years. At least there are a few night games. So this is the year. Maybe I'll see you there.

Sun City Grand December Sales

Kathy Anderson — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:45:00 GMT

I'm not making you wait for this report. I'm anticipating being crazy busy again soon and didn't want to delay getting it out. Click on the link below to see what sold in December in Sun City Grand

Sold in Sun City Grand - December 2008

One thing I should make you aware of... the price showing up as the list price on my reports, is not necessarily a complete picture of the history of these homes. Many of you have monitored individual homes and have seen them go off the market and come back on... at a lower price. Or, you may have actually watched a series of price reductions while listed with the same realtor. (No big surprise since we HAVE been in a declining market for the last 3+ years).

Just know, that when it comes time to buy (or sell) your home, if you are working with me, you will be given a complete history of any and all homes that are of interest.

Finally!!! Updated Sold Reports for Sun City Grand

Kathy Anderson — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 15:58:00 GMT

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 7.5 seconds. And with people looking for warmer winter climates, Arizona will continue to be the destination of choice for many.

I think this could be a busy year for sales in Sun City Grand. In fact, many of the areas most active realtors are seeing an uptick in activity like me. There are a lot of baby boomers that have been sitting on the fence for the last couple of years. With interest rates still at an all time historical low... and with the home prices close to what they were 4 & 5 years ago, I think some have decided to make their move. It will be an interesting year to say the least.

Click on the links below to see recent closed escrows in Sun City Grand

Sold in Sun City Grand - September 2008
Sold in Sun City Grand - October 2008
Sold in Sun City Grand - November 2008

Archived Sales in Sun City Grand

Homes Sold in Sun City Grand - August 2008

Kathy Anderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:33:00 GMT

I just posted the August sales figures for Sun City Grand. Click HERE to take you to the page.

The City of Surprise Would Like You to Participate in a History Project

Kathy Anderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:30:00 GMT

The City of Surprise, Arizona Would Like YOU to Participate in a History Project

Did you know Surprise, Arizona was named after developer Homer C. Ludden's hometown of Surprise, Nebraska? Well, as a resident, in the next couple of years you will probably be hearing more about the history of our city.

The City of Surprise, AZ is turning 50 in the year 2010. In order to commemorate the big anniversary they are asking residents to participate.

If you have old photos, newspaper clippings or stories to tell about our fair city, organizers would like to include them in a history book or video. You could even have your 15 minutes of fame on film while they video tape you telling your story.

It sounds like a fun project. If you have anything you'd like to contribute, just call Sherry Aguilar at 623.222.1220 or e-mail her at clerk@surpriseaz.com . To see some of the pictures the planners already have, click HERE.

Surprise Senior Center Newsletter & Activities

Kathy Anderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:28:00 GMT

Surprise, Arizona - Senior Center Newsletter for September 2008

The September 2008 issue of the Surprise, Arizona Senior Center newsletter is out.

Click HERE to see it.

Just because the thermostat is in the triple digits doesn't mean you have to be cooped up inside. Did all your friends leave for cooler climates?

Head out to the Surprise Senior Center and make some new friends. In addition to your own community activities, there are many trips and activities you can participate in here.

Click HERE to view the Senior Center Calendar

Click HERE to view the Senior Center Lunch Menu

National Tennis Championship is Coming to Surprise, AZ

Kathy Anderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:24:00 GMT

Save the Date - the USTA National Campus Championship is coming to Surprise, AZ in April 2009

Join the United States Tennis Association "Tennis On Campus" program for the 2009 USTA National Campus Championship in Surprise, Arizona, April 16-18, 2009. Click HERE for a printable brochure. The action will be taking place at

The Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex
14469 W. Paradise Lane
Surprise, Arizona

The new Surprise complex is one of the premier public tennis facilities in the country and expected to attract some big names in the future. Come enjoy the championship in Surprise, Arizona, and look for more to come.

New Connecting Road affects Sun City West & Corte Bella

Kathy Anderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:22:00 GMT

New Connecting Road affects Sun City West & Corte Bella

Work on El Mirage and Deer Valley Road has started (Click on the link to see the full report plus a map of the work to be done)

Starting Monday, July 14, 2008, the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) contractor will begin roadway construction of a new segment of El Mirage Road extending from Deer Valley Road to SR Loop 303. The project will construct a new six-lane (three travel lanes in each direction) roadway extension of El Mirage Road from Deer Valley Drive to Williams Road and widen the existing El Mirage Road between Williams Road and SR Loop 303. Construction is scheduled for completion in Spring 2009.

The new road will border the east boundaries of Sun City West & Corte Bella, opening up a much needed passage from Bell Rd to the Loop 303. Many Sun City West and Corte Bella residents that back up to the proposed road may be unhappy as this will undoubtedly affect future property appreciation values. Unfortunately the needs of many have outweighed the concerns of some.

Look at the Future Plans of the NW Valley Freeways

Kathy Anderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:20:00 GMT

ADOT Plans for the Northwest Valley Freeways Servicing Surprise, Arizona

I just came across this pdf file I thought would be of interest to those of you already living in the Surprise, Arizona area as well as to those of you anticipating a move. The presentation was created in April of 2007 and shows the expected growth of the area (pages 7 & 8), US 60 (Grand Ave) improvements, and the Loop 303 Freeway corridor development (page 24 and on).

It will be interesting to watch the progress. Click the link below to take you to the file.

http://www.azdot.gov/Highways/Valley_Freeways/Loop_303/North/PDF/042507_L303_Pres_GrandDemocrats.pdf

Surprise, AZ is One of the Safest Cities in the U.S.

Kathy Anderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:17:00 GMT

Surprise, Arizona - Ranked 33rd Safest City in the U.S.

The attached article is not new. The information actually came out in November of 2007 so the ranking may have changed some since then. The reason I am posting this now? I have clients that ask me all the time, "just how safe is Surprise?". So when I came across this article I decided to make it available to anyone interested. Click on the link below to take you there.

http://mountaingatewest.com/pdf/surprise_safest_city.pdf

Homes Sold in Sun City Grand - July 2008

Kathy Anderson — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:43:00 GMT

I just posted the July sales figures for Sun City Grand. Click HERE to take you to the page.

Arizona Switched MLS Systems - Why You May be Having Trouble With My Searches

Kathy Anderson — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:23:00 GMT

This last week Arizona switched over to a new MLS system and it has been a bumpy ride all week. For those of you I had set up on custom searches, as soon as the kinks have been worked out I will get you set up with searches in the new system.

I was told in the classes I took that the change shouldn't affect the search catagories I have set up on my website. Clearly this is not the case as I was contacted by a client this last week telling me all was not well. I will be working this weekend to restore the searches for each community. I just ask that you please be patient while I get things back on track.

To read a message from the Arizona Regional MLS CEO about the challenges this last week click HERE.

Thank you for your patience!

Arizona Wildlife - Part One

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Some of the Wildlife You May Spot in Sun City Grand - Part One, "the Birds" Click on the link to see an article I wrote on my Active Rain real estate blog along with some pics of some of the birds you will see in Sun City Grand and surrounding communities.

Sam's Club is Coming to Surprise!

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:56:00 GMT

Surprise, Arizona is Getting a Sam's Club!

Little by little the landscape of Surprise is changing. Much of it is exciting (new shopping complexes constructed within the city guidelines to look like unique villages). Some of it is sad (the farmlands just minutes away are slowly disappearing).

Probably the next BIG addition to our city is the new Sam's Club that will be opening on the SE corner of Bell and the Loop-303. Some people may not think this is a plus. Some may wish it was a Costco. But many will become avid customers.

I still haven't seen the projected Grand Opening date but it will no doubt be before the end of the year. My guess is, they will want to have it open before the holiday shopping season begins in November. They are certainly working fast now. The parking lot has finally been poured and the lights throughout installed. The building itself will no doubt go up quickly (it sometimes seems they appear overnight).

In any event, the more ammenities and retailers we get out here in the northwest valley the less we will need to travel eastward to meet our needs. Our little city is growing up. And someday, as was told to me by someone who used to work for the Phoenix planning commission, Surprise will be the center of the valley.

Those of us that already live here already know it is a special place to live and there are MANY exciting additions on the horizon.

To see what else is planned for Surprise in the immediate future, check out my recent post, "What's New in Surprise, Arizona?".

An Arizona Monsoon Storm - Read All About It!

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:53:00 GMT

Monsoon Season is Here - Get Ready for Some Wild Arizona Weather! Click on the link to see an article I wrote on My Active Rain blog about our monsoon experiences.

GEM Golf Cart for Sale

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:49:00 GMT

One of my clients has a golf cart for sale. Click HERE to see pictures. Less than 300 miles on the odometer. Check it out!

Grand Opening in Surprise! Tuesday, July 15th

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:41:00 GMT

Grand Opening of Kokopelli Winery & Bistro in Surprise, AZ on July 15th

Lunch, dinner, wine tastings, music. Sounds like a great place to hang out. Dennis and Melissa Minchella, owners of Kokopelli Winery & Bistro are proud to announce the Grand Opening of their latest venture in Surprise, on July 15th.

Some of you may have seen my recent post, We Need to Support the Little Guys!!! Here is an opportunity to do just that. The new Kokopelli Winery & Bistro is located at 14719 W. Grand Ave. and will start serving dinner at 5:00 the evening of the 15th. See you there!

The High Cost to a Seller For Not Eliminating Cigarette Smoke

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:34:00 GMT

The Home Smells Like an Ashtray! Pay Now or (really) Pay Later!

Hindsight is sooo 20/20. If our clients could only see what we know to be the truth. There are two homes in Sun City Grand that come to mind as I write this post. Both of them are Madera models and both have large, private backyards. They also have enough upgrades in them to attract a qualified buyer.

There's just one catch. As you open the door you are hit with the smell of a stale ashtray. Both sellers had cleaned their carpets and repainted their homes in an effort to eliminate the evidence of their habit, thinking this is all that was needed.

Now, I want to make clear, this is not a rant about how people need to quit smoking. It is their choice to do as they wish and they should be able to do it in the comfort of their own homes. The purpose of this post is to discuss how we realtors can educate a seller about what it will cost them in home equity ($$$$'s) if they don't take the proper procedures necessary to rid the home of the smell... especially in a declining market.

Both sellers, of the above mentioned homes, believed cleaning the carpets and painting was enough. It wasn't. Cigarette smoke seeps into all the soft furnishing (including deep into the rug and carpet pad). A carpet cleaning really only affects the surface. Likewise with paint. If the walls (and ceiling) have not been thoroughly scrubbed and the proper primer (Kilz for example) used, than the cigarette odors will come through a new paint job as well. Note - this is a no brainer, but all soft window treatments have got to go too and it works best if selling a vacant home because the furnishings have also absorbed the smoke and tar.

Most clients will look at you like you are on drugs if you ask them to replace all the carpets, prime & repaint the walls and ceilings, and scrub everything else in between. What they don't understand is what it will ultimately cost them if they DON'T... especially in a declining market.

There. I said it again. Especially in a declining market. One of these Maderas has been on/off the market with two separate agents since February of 2006!!! That's 2 1/2 years! The original list price was $306,000. It is now listed at $259,000, almost a $50k difference. Do the math. Would it have been worth maybe $10,000 to replace the carpet and do the other things it would have taken to truly clean up the property? There is NO reason, other than cigarette smoke, this house shouldn't have sold in 2006. Even with the market slowdown, nice houses were selling. And this was a nice house in all other regards, in a great location.

The other home is finally under contract but had been on & off the market since December of 2006 with three different realtors. That's a year and a half. The original list price on this one was $285,000. The current list is $245k. Again a $40k difference in the market. In each of these examples these sellers could have potentially had an extra $25,000 - $40,000 in their pocket. That's a lot of money! And I'd be willing to bet if they could turn back time...

You see where I'm going. How can we, as realtors, truly educate our clients about the cost to them if they don't make the effort to appeal to the masses of buyers out there.

While I am talking about cigarette smoke in this post, it's really not much different when you walk into a home that has so much clutter a buyer can't see the home features. Or a home that is never clean and obviously neglected. We realtors know...

It can cost a seller THOUSANDS of dollars in the long run.

Arizona - Outdoor Living at its Best!

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:07:00 GMT

I just posted an article on my Active Rain blog about creating a backyard oasis. Normally I copy the article here but on this one I have added pictures you should see. Click HERE to go to the article

What's New in Surprise, Arizona?

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:04:00 GMT

What's New in Surprise, Arizona?

I love to monitor what is new to Surprise or COMING SOON! I get so busy with work and have a tendancy to drive the same routes all the time, so if I didn't check in with the city of Surprise I would miss some exciting additions to our community.

In May, Surprise opened its first theater! No more driving 20 minutes (or 30 when our winter visitors get here) to get to the Arrowhead theaters. My husband Rick and I were even able to take in some freebies the first week it was open, as the theater was running a promotion.

We've also had a French restaurant, Vogue Bistro, open up this last year over by Marley Park. I've eaten here myself and it was wonderful (you have to check out the martini menu!).

This is truly exciting because up to now we have mostly had chain restaurants come to the area. They've had many wonderful reviews and the secret must be out because the place was jumping when I was there.

Those of us that live in Surprise, or one of the surrounding active retirement communities, already think this is a great place to live but as more and more entrepreneurs open up their one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, our town will become even more unique and exciting.

Click on the following links if you would like to see the

Active Projects Under Review

Projects Approved

Commercial Permits Under Review

Permits Issued For Construction

Commercial Permits Completed

New Dance Class is all the Rage in Sun City West

Kathy Anderson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:01:00 GMT

Think you need a partner to learn how to dance in Sun City West? Think again!

Here's another fabulous idea for a way to stay active indoors while the mercury rises in Sun City West, Arizona.

A new dance class called Dance for the Health of It began in Sun City West in mid-June and incorporates individual dance steps into the routines. The classes have become a big success and the instructor, Kort Kurdi, says he plans on continuing them. Classes are also being held at the Paradise RV Resort and are open to the general public there.

For information about the Sun City West or Paradise RV Resort programs, or Dance for the Health of It, contact Pam Spears 623-556-5359.