AZ Active Retirement Living

Sun City Grand Resales - January 2010

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:34:59 -0600

Sun City Grand Resales - January 2010

There were 25 properties that sold in Sun City Grand this year in January compared to only 16 in January of last year. In 2008 we had 33 homes that sold, seven of which were golf course lots. This year only one was a golf course home and 3 were foreclosure properties, which brought the price per square footage down some. One of the foreclosures backed up to a busy interior street and one, while beautiful, was (quite literally) a stinker of a house with possible mold and definate cat urine everywhere.

If you see other sales that look like exceptional deals the first thing you should do is Google map the address. There were several that backed up to very busy roads or highways and some that had views of the power lines. As I have said in previous blog articles... the best "deals" in Sun City Grand quite possibly have location or condition issues.

Click on the link below to see Januarys Sun City Grand sales

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If you are in the market to buy or sell Sun City Grand real estate, please call me or visit my website where you will find a virtual tour of Sun City Grand & Sun City Grand floor plans.

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Kathy Anderson
Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

I "Got Motivated" with 10,000 of my closest friends

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:12:00 -0600

I had an opportunity to go to the recent Get Motivated seminar this last Friday here in the Phoenix AZ area. They actually had it at two separate venues. I don't know how many attended the downtown Phoenix location but we were told there were over 10,000 that attended the Glendale Jobing.com Arena location.

Our company president Steve Meade paid for any of us that wanted to go and a number of the Sun City Grand Ken Meade Realty realtors took him up on it.

Two of the speakers, Gen. Colin Powell & Zig Zigler, I have had the opportunity to hear in the past. But this time around I had the pleasure of hearing from former first lady Laura Bush (class act), Kurt Warner (another class act), Steve Forbes (who knew he had a sense of humor?), Rudy Giuliani (America's hero?), co-founder Tamara Lowe (great personal story), and a couple of financial experts... Phil Town (a regular on CNBC) & James Smith (quite a character).

If I hadn't already committed to carpool with someone I might have been tempted not to go. I had loads of paperwork and internet marketing to get caught up on and was wishing I hadn't signed up. Thankfully I went anyway. It was well worth the time spent and was a real treat to see these speakers first hand.

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If you are in the market to buy or sell Sun City Grand real estate, Sun City Festival real estate, Sun City West real estate, Corte Bella real estate, or are interested in one of the other Phoenix Arizona retirement communities, please call me or visit my website.

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Kathy Anderson
Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Popular Sun City Grand Mission for sale - In Exclusive "Enclave" Neighborhood

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:57:44 -0600

Popular Sun City Grand Mission for sale - In Exclusive "Enclave" Neighborhood

One of the newer of the Sun City Grand floor plans, the Mission floor plan quickly became a favorite for the large, open layout and the kitchen that is adjacent to it but separated by a pass through wall. It also features a full guest suite and additional powder bath. This particular home has numerous upgrades that include an extended back patio with built-in BBQ. For full listing details click on the link above. To see a virtual tour of this beautiful home, click on the picture below.

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Kathy Anderson
Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Sun City Grand real estate for sale - Split bedroom Sonoma floor plan

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:29:15 -0600

Sun City Grand real estate for sale - Split bedroom Sonoma floor plan - 15870 W Clearwater Way

This nicely upgraded Sun City Grand split bedroom Sonoma features tile & plantation shutters throughout, a beautiful extended covered patio and is centrally located within this Arizona retirement community. To see additional listing information click on the address above. To see a vitual tour click on the picture below. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call or email me. Thank you for taking the time to look!

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If you are in the market to buy or sell Sun City Grand real estate, Sun City Festival real estate, Sun City West real estate, Corte Bella real estate, please call me or visit my website.

Subscribe to my AZActiveRetirementLiving.com blog feed

Kathy Anderson
Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Beautiful Destiny for sale in Sun City Festival - Better than NEW & move-in ready!

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:30:25 -0600

Beautiful Destiny for sale in Sun City Festival - Better than NEW & move-in ready!

If you are looking for resales in Sun City Festival Arizona around 2000 s.f, one of the more popular models is the Sun City Festival Destiny floor plan. This particular one is better than new. All the landscaping is finished with great thought being given to the extended patio, gorgeous water feature & numerous planters for a splash of winter/spring color. The home was never occupied and is waiting for new owners who can appreciate all this retirement community and home have to offer.

Click on the pic below to see a Virtual Tour of what could be... YOUR new home.

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If you are in the market to buy or sell Sun City Grand real estate, Sun City Festival real estate, Sun City West real estate, Corte Bella real estate, please call me or visit my website.

Subscribe to my AZActiveRetirementLiving.com blog feed

Kathy Anderson
Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Sun City Living Ad for February 2010 - Kathy Anderson - Ken Meade Realty - Sun City Grand Office

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:25:52 -0600

Sun City Living Ad for February 2010 - Kathy Anderson - Ken Meade Realty - Sun City Grand Office

Advertising properties in the Phoenix Arizona west valley golf retirement communities

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If you are in the market to buy or sell Sun City Grand real estate, Sun City Festival real estate, Sun City West real estate, Corte Bella real estate, please call me or visit my website.

Subscribe to my AZActiveRetirementLiving.com blog feed

Kathy Anderson
Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Sun City Grand Sage for sale - One of my favorite floor plans at a killer price!

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:46:53 -0600

Sun City Grand Sage for sale - One of my favorite floor plans at a killer price!

For people looking at retirement and wanting a smaller second home in Sun City Grand, it's hard to beat the Sage model at just over 1300 s.f. This two bedroom plan gives you the most space in the area you want it... the great room. After all, this is where you spend the most time during your waking hours.

Many of the smaller floor plans in Sun City Grandhave an eat-in kitchen area AND a separate dining area. It is my experience that most buyers don't need two eating areas and would much rather put that square footage to better use. While the Sage was made so you CAN have two eating areas if you want, it makes much more sense to just create a comfortable great room and use the breakfast nook as your dining space.

I currently have one of the best values on the market. This Sage has had new flooring installed throughout and is priced at only $179,000. It has a private backyard and is centrally located within the community.

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If you are in the market to buy or sell Sun City Grand real estate, Sun City Festival real estate, Sun City West real estate, Corte Bella real estate or any of the other west valley Phoenix AZ active retirement communities, please call me or visit my website.

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Portrait of a popular Sun City Grand Floor Plan... the Borgata - Why is it so popular?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:47:45 -0600

Portrait of a popular Sun City Grand Floor Plan... the Borgata - Why is it so popular? One of the most popular models for Del Webb/Pulte was arguably the Sun City Grand Borgata floor plan. What makes it so popular? Think Goldilock's and the Three Bears. At around 1850 s.f. it's not too big, it's not too small... it's just right. That and the fact it is a split bedroom plan giving your guests (and yourselves) some privacy from each other.

The original design (at least here in Arizona) started out in one of the last phases of Sun City West as the Prescott floor plan. The days of having a separate living/dining/family room were on their way out and the "great room" concept was becoming more and more popular.

Once Del Webb moved across the US-60 to break ground in Sun City Grand the Prescott was renamed AND re-introduced as the Palo Verde floor plan. As is the case with most popular designs, there was room for improvement. While some buyers liked the extra entrance into the breakfast nook from the entry, many didn't like the way it cut down on the kitchen counter space. In the Borgata Del Webb eliminated the second entrance to the kitchen and expanded the counters, while also making changes to the master bath and utility room.

The popularity of this plan didn't stop there though. Del Webb/Pulte expanded it to just under 2100 s.f. and took it to Corte Bella as the Encanto model. You can also see it as the Sun City Festival Destiny floor plan. I tend to think of the Corte Bella & Sun City Festival versions as a Borgata on steroids. Emphasis was put on enhancing the kitchen and great room, although every area of these models has "improved". The kitchen island, extra counter space and expanded breakfast nooks make these homes a cooks/entertainers delight.

Right now I happen to have both a Sun City Grand Borgata AND a Sun City Festival Destiny on the market and they are both beautifully upgraded with exceptional qualities to them. Be sure to check them out in my featured listings section along with the virtual tours.

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Sun City Grand open house today, January 31, 2010 - 2 Bed PLUS Den Juniper

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:52:17 -0600

Sun City Grand Arizona open house today, January 31, 2010 - 2 Bed PLUS Den Juniper

Great value in this Sun City Grand home. Come see it in person today, January 31st, from noon - 3 p.m.

Address: 17116 N Firestone Ln, Surprise, AZ 85374

This low maintenance Juniper has decorator paint touches and spanish look tile make that make this the perfect Southwest retreat. Many upgrades that including a private backyard, Maple cabinets, media wall with a fireplace, tile in all but bedrooms, an extended master with seperate exit to the back patio and more.

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Scams against the elderly - A warning to our Arizona retirement community homeowners

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:24:19 -0600

Scams against the elderly - A warning to our Arizona retirement communities homeowners

Because of the warm Arizona climate, Sun City, Sun City West, Sun City Festival and Sun City Grand Arizona (just to name a few) are popular destinations for baby boomers & seniors alike. While many move here with "significant others" it is a fact of life that many of our residents eventually find themselves alone or isolated.

Unfortunately there are scammers or other criminals who have made a career out of taking advantage of our elders. I came across this video from Arizona's Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and thought I would share it with you as a reminder to watch out for yourselves as well as others who live close by.

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Explore Arizona with the Sun City Grand "Grand RVers"

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:57:27 -0600

Explore Arizona with the Sun City Grand "Grand RVers"

Not one to sit around in your brand new Sun City Grand home? There are so many clubs in Sun City Grand that it won't be a problem. If you like to hit the road and explore new places though, or revisit old favorites, than you'll want to check out the Sun City Grand "Grand RVers".

Just check out the schedule for this next year. What fun!

Feb. 22, 2010 - Red Rock Adventure in Sedona AZ
March 15, 2010 - Tucson AZ, an outdoor lover's paradise
Apr 6, 2010 - Remember the Alamo, San Antonio TX
Sept 7, 2010 - High Sierra Adventure, CA Sierra Mtns
Sept 13, 2010 - Reno NV Air Show
Oct 5, 2010 - Albuquerque NM Hot Air Ballon Festival
Oct 27, 2010 - Welcome Back Jamboree in Cave reek AZ
Nov 23, 2010 - Thanksgiving Rally in Tonopah AZ
Jan 24, 2011 - Palm Springs CA Escape

Click HERE to see pictures from this last years events.

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

ASU Lifelong Learning Spring 2010 schedule for Sun City Grand

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:13:16 -0600

ASU Lifelong Learning Spring 2010 schedule for Sun City Grand

To take advantage of the ASU Osher Lifelong Learning Institue classes that are being held in Sun City Grand you need to scoot to one of the three following locations today thru Wednesday.

Monday, January 25th, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Sonoran Plaza Ballroom (Sun City Grand residents only)

Tuesday, January 26th, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Chaparral Center, Lifelong Learning classrooms (open to the public)

Wednesday, January 27th, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the SCG Lifelong Learning volunteer office located at 10791 N Remington Dr (open to the public)

Click HERE for registration and class enrollment instructions

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Roof Repairs after an Arizona Downpour

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:27:32 -0600

Since those of us living in Arizona don't see much rain annually it isn't surprising that once we experience a huge storm, like the one we just had roll through town this last week, issues with the Sun Cities roofs become evident very quickly.

Moving to Arizona from Washington state one of the things that my husband and I realized right away is how low maintenance living in the desert can be (comparatively speaking).

We don't have to mess with cleaning out the gutters like you do when you have pine and fir trees all around you. We don't have to worry about moss growing in every crack and crevice of the roof. And there isn't much spring cleaning required in a desert landscape.

Low maintenance however, doesn't mean no maintenance. While the tile roofs you find in Sun City Grand, Sun City Festival, Corte Bella and the newer sections of Sun City West are pretty durable, they aren't impervious to the elements of mother nature.

It is a rare inspection that is conducted where there aren't at least a few minor roof fixes required. Roof tiles slip, caps need to be resealed, cracks need to be patched. So even if you don't have a huge water spot on your ceiling, use the last weeks weather as a reminder to have the health of your roof checked out. Prevention and maintenance can save you a bundle of money in the long run. And if you are trying to sell your home it says a lot to potential buyers about how well you have maintained your home.

Working for Ken Meade Realty in Sun City Grand, I have access to a vendor list for clients who are in need of some sort of service/maintenance. This list is compiled from Ken Meade Realty Realtors and satisfied clients. Of course we all have people we know we can count on and give the bulk of our referrals to, so if you are in need of repairs call your realtor. We are a wealth of information.

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If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in one of the west valley Phoenix AZ active retirement communities, please call me or visit my website.

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

The weather in Arizona this week could be one for the record books

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:50:46 -0600

The weather in Arizona this week could be one for the record books. The picture to the left is of an area wash.

People all over Arizona braced for one of the biggest storms the state has seen in some time. Yesterday they were even warning of Tornadoes in Phoenix. We aren't done with the storm yet but it appears the worst may be over.

I feel bad for the winter visitors to our Arizona retirement communities who decided to roll into town this last week. Yesterday the airport was even shut down and a report last night said over 120 flights were delayed or canceled.

It appears those of us here in the NW valley had some of the highest rainfall totals for the greater Phoenix AZ area with Sun City Festival in north Buckeye logging just over 4 inches of rain in the last week and areas around Arizona Traditions getting close to 5 1/2 inches. These numbers are courtesy of Rainlog.org and may be different from other reporting agencies.

Having come from Washington state, when I first moved here I used to think... big deal. But when you consider Arizonas ANNUAL rainfall average is around 7 inches, AND you factor in the hard desert landscape that isn't very absorbent, you begin to understand the impact weather of this kind can have and how dangerous it can be.

Since we have been running at a precipitation deficit over the last several years all of this snow and rain is very welcome. We should have one of the most magnificent displays of wildflowers in the desert landscape along with Cacti in bloom come this spring.

And if you didn't realize Arizona is more than just a desert, take a look at the following video. I remember one year while visiting my brother-in-law in Scottsdale in October we took a short 20 minute (or so) drive to Carefree and I got to see my first display of snow in Arizona.

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930

Tornadoes in Phoenix? Winter visitors to our Arizona retirement communities this week got more than they bargained for!

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:35:28 -0600

Tornadoes in Phoenix? Winter visitors to our Arizona retirement communities this week got more than they bargained for! It's raining cats and dogs.

I feel like I am back living in Seattle Washington. While I got really tired of of the winter storms when I lived in the rain for months at a time, I actually enjoy it here. It's not unusual for us to get most of our annual rainfall in a span of just a couple of weeks... and this week is a doozy!

I feel bad for the winter visitors that came down to look for their retirement homes in Sun City Grand or those who were looking forward to the Barrett-Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale.

I guess we are making the national news scene because I got a call from my beloved aunt & uncle in Pennsylvania. They apparently saw that we have 50 to 60 m.p.h. winds forecast for tonight. I no sooner hung up the phone with them when a tornado watch was announced. Wild stuff for sure (at least for us Arizonans)

Check out the videos below courtesy of azfamily.com

National Weather Service issues tornado watch for Phoenix area

Flooding forces evacuations for residents in Sedona

Every time we have rain somewhere in Arizona we inevitably have people who don't understand (or think they know better) how dangerous it can be to drive through area washes. What may appear to be just a little water running across the road can quickly become a rescue mission. As a result a Stupid Motorist Law was enacted to alleviate the costs to our cities and counties.

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Ken Meade Realty
Sun City Grand Office

(602) 703-8930