You are down to two days before recording and the buyer of your listing decides that he wants $200 for a
new fan...even though the old one works. You are out with friends and one of them doesn't include tip in their portion of the bill. You are threatened with a lawsuit if you don't delete a post. A friend borrows your car and returns it cluttered and out of gas.
All of these things are more than frustrating. They are downright unfair. After all, why should you take the brunt of someone else's stupidity? The $200? Let's just refuse to record until the buyer agrees to remove this demand...even if it hurts your seller. Your friend doesn't contribute his fair share of the restaurant bill? Demand it right then and there...even if it embarrasses him. Refuse to delete the post...after all, you won't really be sued...right? Go to your friend...friendship be damned...and demand money to have the car washed and filled with gas.
On principle, all these consequences are fair enough. But, they also create a negative atmosphere in which no one can thrive. There are a few things that really can get you through these frustrations. My personal favorite? "Would you rather be happy or right?" There was a little book titled "Don't sweat the small stuff...and it's all small stuff". Life is just too darned short to get hung up on principle. Pay the silly $200 out of your commission...the seller will remember how you came through. Just know that when you are out with those friends, your share is going to be a little higher...didn't you have a fun dinner? Delete the post...it is only an opinion and a few comments...no one will miss it. Wash the car yourself...it's good exercise and fill it with gas...they may not have even thought about it.
So, next time a challenge enters your life and you start to dig your heels in on principle, borrow my mantra...would you rather be happy or right?
Photo from Flickr by Robert Snache
PRINCIPLES BE DAMNED! (Please excuse the language!)
Anger management
This is just a small glimpse at what agents see when showing lender owned or short sale properties.
I inspected a house today that must have had a few stories to tell (if it could talk). Lots of holes in walls and doors. A lot of broken glass in the back patio (broken bottles and dishes).
But going into the kitchen stopped me in my tracks. The top of the cooktop was smashed to pieces. Now I have seen glass top cooktops that have had a tool dropped on them, and they pretty much just crack. As you can see from the photo, this one must have been smacked many, many times, with a lot of vigor.
The microwave door glass was broken too.
Sun City Grand Community Wide Yard Sale
The annual spring Sun City Grand community-wide yard sale will be held on April 4, from 7am to noon at the Sonoran Plaza parking lot, 19753 N. Remington Drive, in Surprise, Arizona.
Come search out the special treasures and bargains that you won't find in the mall. Looking for some great "stuff" to sell on ebay?
Items on sale range from antiques, golf clubs, household items to zebras, everything from A to Z. Since this is one of the only venues in which Sun City Grand residents can have a garage or estate sale, over 200 residents will bring their wares and will be setting up booths at the annual sale. Best of all, its open to the public.
Get there early since this sale commands over 10,000 people in attendance each year.
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Sun City Grand .....I live here, I work here, I know this community!
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About The Author Leolinda Bowers is an Associate Broker with Ken Meade Realty. She specializes in Arizona West Valley Retirement (55+) Communities. Leolinda has Bachelor of Science Degrees and a Masters Degree in Business Administration with Project Management concentration. She is a leading sales person who has proven sales experience in the current real estate market. Leolinda can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the adult communities of Sun City Grand, Sun City West, Surprise or Sun City Arizona. |
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Please visit LEOLINDA.COM for your relocation needs in the Arizona cities of Surprise, Sun City Grand or Sun City West. Leolinda Bowers, Associate Broker - Ken Meade Realty - 602.403.6865 or 623.937.5701 Email Me |
Sun City West & Corte Bella Arizona Real Estate End-of-Week Market Update
This market update for Sun City West and Corte Bella Arizona real estate provides you with a snapshot view for transactions that occurred during the week ending March 29, 2009.
|
Sun City West Hot Sheet |
Week Ending 3/29/2009 |
|
Total Listings |
549 |
|
New Listings |
14 |
|
Back-on-the Market |
2 |
|
Price Changes |
45 |
|
Pending Sales |
20 |
|
Conditional & Contingent |
1 |
|
Sold/Closed |
20 |
|
Sun City West Golf Course Property Listings |
88 |
|
Sun City West Properties off the Golf Course |
461 |
|
|
|
|
Corte Bella Arizona Real Estate Hot Sheet |
Week ending 3/29/2009 |
|
Total Listings |
121 |
|
New Listings |
2 |
|
Back-on-the Market |
1 |
|
Price Changes |
4 |
|
Pending Sales |
6 |
|
Conditional & Contingent |
0 |
|
Sold/Closed |
3 |
The absorption rate for Sun City West this week is 55 weeks. At the current rate of sales, it will take approximately 55 weeks to deplete the present inventory.
The absorption rate for Corte Bella this week is 111 weeks. At the current rate of sales, it will take approximately 111 weeks to deplete the present inventory.
Sun City Grand Arizona Real Estate End-of-Week Market Update
This market update for Sun City Grand real estate provides you with a snapshot view for transactions that occurred during the week ending March 29, 2009.
|
SUN CITY GRAND Real Estate Hot Sheet |
Week Ending 3/29/2009 |
|
Total Sun City Grand Listings |
299 |
|
New Listings |
13 |
|
Back-on-the Market |
0 |
|
Price Changes |
21 |
|
Pending Sales |
12 |
|
Conditional & Contingent |
1 |
|
Sold/Closed |
13 |
|
Golf Course Property Listings |
56 |
|
Properties OFF the Golf Course |
243 |
|
La Solana |
22 |
The absorption rate for Sun City Grand this week is 54 weeks. At the current rate of sales, it will take approximately 54 weeks to deplete the present inventory.
The absorption rate for Arizona Traditions this week is 70 weeks. At the current rate of sales, it will take approximately 70 weeks to deplete the present inventory.
14969 West Woodbury Lane Sun City Grand Surprise Arizona
| Sun City Grand Real Estate | Leolinda Bowers | Ken Meade Realty| Property Description | 602.403.6865 or 623.937.5701 |
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Nine Lessons to Empower Success
I obtained my real estate license on December 15, 2004. My production levels has increased each year since. After the awards ceremony I was asked how did you do it and what does it take to be a top producer. Would I do it even if there was no award, yes it's all about the people.
Sun City Grand .....I live here, I work here, I know this community!
About The Author Leolinda Bowers is an Associate Broker with Ken Meade Realty. She specializes in Arizona West Valley Retirement (55+) Communities. Leolinda has Bachelor of Science Degrees and a Masters Degree in Business Administration with Project Management concentration. She is a leading sales person who has proven sales experience in the current real estate market. Leolinda can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the adult communities of Sun City Grand, Sun City West, Surprise or Sun City Arizona. Please visit LEOLINDA.COM for your relocation needs in the Arizona cities of Surprise, Sun City Grand or Sun City West. Leolinda Bowers, Associate Broker - Ken Meade Realty - 602.403.6865 or 623.937.5701 Email Me
This week I received a Lifetime Membership award in the Presidents Round-table from the West Maricopa County Regional Association of REALTORS® (WeMAR). I received the lifetime award for three years of consistent top-producing sales volume. I also was awarded the 2008 Presidents Round-table award for Sales Excellence. WeMAR has over 2,000 active Realtor® members. Both awards were made possible by my 2008 sales volume, which is a direct result of my wonderful clients, who have continuously referred friends, family and acquaintances to me.
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Sun City Grand Real Estate 18867 N SUMMERBREEZE WAY SURPRISE ARIZONA
| Sun City Grand Real Estate |
Leolinda Bowers | Ken Meade Realty| Property Description | 602.403.6865 or 623.937.5701 |
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Sun City Grand Features a National Event!
Tennis Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King will be hosting a national diabetes awareness photo exhibit entitled Be the Face of ChangeTM in Sun City Grand on March 13th. The purpose of the event is to reveal one Sun City Grand resident who was chosen for a national campaign to raise Diabetes awareness.
Novo Nordisk, a health care company specializing in diabetes care, has selected a Sun City Grand resident to join their national diabetes awareness campaign. The identity of the specially chosen Sun City Grand resident will be revealed on Friday, March 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sonoran Plaza in Sun City Grand, in Surprise, Arizona.
The photo exhibit documents the lives of Americans living with diabetes and the changes they have had to make in their lives.
From 11 am to 5pm on Saturday, March 14, Novo Nordisk will also be sponsoring free health screenings at the Sonoran Plaza conference rooms. Sun City Grand residents can take the opportunity to asses their risk for diabetes through glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure tests.
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Sun City Grand .....I live here, I work here, I know this community!
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About The Author Leolinda Bowers specializes in Arizona West Valley Retirement (55+) Communities. In 2007, of over 350 agents, Leolinda Bowers represented the most number of buyers than any individual Ken Meade Realty agent. She is a leading sales person who has proven experience in successfully negotiating transactions. Leolinda can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Arizona West Valley adult communities of Sun City Grand, Sun City West, or Sun City, Arizona. |
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Please visit LEOLINDA.COM for your relocation needs in the Arizona cities of Surprise, Sun City Grand or Sun City West. Leolinda Bowers - Ken Meade Realty - 602.403.6865 Email Me |

Sun City Grand Resales & Age Restriction Impact
According to the most recent Sun City Grand statistics, resales for 2008 have decreased 13 ½ percent from 2007. Prices have decreased on average approximately 9.8 % in the past 12 months. Unlike other areas in Surprise, Arizona, this is a definite indication that the Sun City Grand market is strong. Sun City Grand is an upscale adult community in which there is a definite sustainable demand.
Sun City Grand is an age restricted community that allows and encourages younger residents of 45 years of age with no children under the age of 19 years old. 15% of the residents can be 45 to 54 years of age. Renters must be at least 55 years of age. It is apparent that the lowering of the age requirements two years ago has had a positive effect in this active adult community.
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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. In 2007, of over 350 agents, Leolinda Bowers represented the most number of buyers than any individual Ken Meade Realty agent. She is a leading sales person who has proven experience in successfully negotiating transactions. Leolinda can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Arizona West Valley adult communities of Sun City Grand, Sun City West, or Sun City, Arizona. |
|
Please visit LEOLINDA.COM for your relocation needs in the Arizona cities of Surprise, Sun City Grand or Sun City West. Leolinda Bowers, Associate Broker - Ken Meade Realty - 602.403.6865 Email Me |
$8,000 tax credit from the Stimulus Bill
The Stimulus Bill signed by President Obama recently provides a tax credit incentive for certain home buyers.
If you're wanting to buy a home in San Diego County, I can help you work through the oftentimes burdensome buying process that both California and the federal government forces upon us, including the tax credit.
Here are the highlights of the $8,000 tax credit from the Stimulus Bill:
- If the home you are buying is your first home, you are eligible for an $8,000 tax credit.
- If the home you are buying is not your first home, but you have had no ownership interest in a home for the previous three years, you are eligible for an $8,000 tax credit.
- The tax credit is literally that, a credit, so you will need to come up with the appropriate down payment for your home.
- You have to buy the home between January 1, 2009, and the end of 2009. I say end of the year because I have seen conflicting information about the ending date. Some say November 30, some say December 1, and some say December 31. I'm continuing to try to find out which is correct and will update this when I do. Perhaps some commenters can help us here.
- You have to close escrow on your home by "the end of 2009," so you probably need to make a purchase offer earlier in order to get your home inspection, repair negotiations, appraisal, and loan documents in on time to close escrow before "the end of 2009."
- You will apply for your $8,000 tax credit on your income tax return. At that time, if you are owned money from the government, it could include that tax credit. So it's possible that if you were to owe the government nothing when you file your taxes, buying a house and using the $8,000 tax credit could result in a windfall $8,000 coming from the government.
- $8,000, or 10% of the home's purchase price, is the maximum allowed, so if you buy a $70,000 condo, your tax credit would be $7,000.
- You have to live in the home our buy for three years. If you don't, then you have to repay the credit.
- You can get the tax credit on your 2008 return by filing an amended return after you close escrow on the house. Otherwise you can get it when you file your 2009 return in 2010.
*****
If you need help buying or selling a home anywhere in San Diego County, please contact me. I'll help you find just the right home or just the right buyers to meet your real estate needs, wants, and goals. I'm available 24/7, so don't hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
*****
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Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales February 2009
Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales February 2009
Golf Course Properties
|
Model |
SQ FT |
Original List Price |
Sold Price |
Days |
Address |
|
Kensington |
3188 |
$699,500 |
$670,000 |
3 |
18762 N Saltillo Dr |
|
Mesquite |
2779 |
$639,000 |
$505,000 |
562 |
17682 N Pyrite Ct |
|
Borgata |
1950 |
$449,500 |
$402,000 |
263 |
15582 W Big Sky Dr |
|
Jasmine |
2404 |
$394,000 |
$395,000 |
10 |
16261 W Scarlet Canyon Dr |
|
AVERAGES |
2580 |
$545,500 |
$493,000 |
210 |
|
Sun City Grand Real Estate Sales February 2009
Non Golf Course Properties
|
Model |
SQ FT |
Original List Price |
Sold Price |
Days on Market |
Address |
|
Acacia |
1414 |
$199,900 |
$194,000 |
38 |
16223 W Desert Canyon Dr |
|
Acacia |
1414 |
$227,000 |
$219,000 |
0 |
15543 W Encantada Dr |
|
Acacia +Spool |
1414 |
$249,723 |
$225,000 |
37 |
19400 N Hidden Canyon Dr |
|
Azalea |
1570 |
$269,000 |
$195,000 |
565 |
16279 W Kearney Ln |
|
Borgata |
1894 |
$315,000 |
$295,000 |
21 |
20260 N Denizen Dr |
|
Cactus Flower + Casita |
1673 |
$295,000 |
$235,000 |
208 |
19772 N Los Altos Way |
|
Coronado |
1996 |
$295,000 |
$265,000 |
106 |
15160 W Woodridge Dr |
|
Desert Sage |
1699 |
$199,900 |
$185,000 |
114 |
20472 N Oasis Verde Way |
|
Hacienda |
2334 |
$349,800 |
$335,000 |
29 |
19938 N Golden Barrel Dr |
|
Heritage |
1435 |
$209,900 |
$190,000 |
162 |
21235 N Mariposa Grove Ln |
|
Madera |
1645 |
$275,000 |
$205,000 |
247 |
17509 N Thoroghbred Dr |
|
Madera |
1613 |
$248,500 |
$240,000 |
81 |
19623 N Via Bonita Ln |
|
Manzanita |
1712 |
$219,000 |
$205,000 |
349 |
17726 N Somerset Dr |
|
Mirada |
923 |
$156,900 |
$130,000 |
68 |
Apt 6303 14950 W Mt View Blvd |
|
Mirada |
923 |
$155,900 |
$140,000 |
117 |
Apt 3104 14950 W Mt View Blvd |
|
Palo Verde |
2050 |
$274,000 |
$266,000 |
15 |
15644 W Patagonia Way |
|
Palo Verde |
1909 |
$344,000 |
$315,000 |
118 |
15703 W Echowood Ct |
|
Saguaro |
2338 |
$340,000 |
$315,000 |
94 |
18448 N Deer Grass Ct |
|
Sycamore |
1706 |
$275,000 |
$205,000 |
481 |
19115 N Alameda Dr |
|
Sycamore |
1688 |
$219,900 |
$211,900 |
299 |
17181 W Nelson Dr |
|
Valencia II |
1962 |
$269,000 |
$245,000 |
29 |
16423 W Desert Lily Dr |
|
Ventana |
832 |
$127,000 |
$100,000 |
492 |
Apt 5306 14950 W Mt View Blvd |
|
Verbena |
2075 |
$275,000 |
$252,500 |
60 |
15014 W Walking Stick Way |
|
Verbena |
2035 |
$289,000 |
$265,000 |
85 |
16266 W Scarlet Canyon Dr |
|
Willow |
1169 |
$199,900 |
$190,000 |
14 |
17720 N Havasupai Dr |
|
Willow |
1183 |
$223,900 |
$205,000 |
49 |
16075 W Sun Prairie Ct |
|
AVERAGES |
1639 |
$250,085 |
$224,169 |
149 |
|
ARIZONA TRADITIONS REAL ESTATE SALES FEBRUARY 2009
|
Model |
SQ FT |
Original List Price |
Sold Price |
Days on Market |
Address |
|
Ocotillo |
1400 |
$224,900 |
$170,000 |
350 |
17714 N Phoenician Dr |
|
Ingleside |
1947 |
$214,900 |
$205,000 |
732 |
17620 N Coconino Dr |
Sun City Grand is an age restricted (45+) community located in Surprise, Arizona. There are approximately 9,800 homes in this upscale community with its 4 championship golf courses. The February 2009 closed transactions are a clear indicator that Sun City Grand is not a depressed market and properties are selling if priced right and with the desired upgrades.
Over the past year, less than 0.2% homes have gone into foreclosure. Banks recognize the popularity and affluence of the community and normally list the foreclosed properties at current market value.
This market update provides the original list price of the property at the time the property was listed and prior to any price adjustments.
Properties on this recently sold list have been listed or sold by various participants in MLS. Information deemed reliable and accurate, but not guaranteed.
Content © 2009 'Frequent Contributors'. Design © 2009 ActiveRain Corp.
Logos and service marks owned by copyright holder.

new fan...even though the old one works. You are out with friends and one of them doesn't include tip in their portion of the bill. You are threatened with a lawsuit if you don't delete a post. A friend borrows your car and returns it cluttered and out of gas.
The Stimulus Bill signed by President Obama recently provides a tax credit incentive for certain home buyers.
