August is National Back to School Month, but why should kids have all the fun? Summer is the perfect time for rejuvenating and renewing your life. That’s why so many older adults and Arizona retirees choose to go back to school around this time. In fact, a growing number of active adults are opting out of traditional retirement communities for university-based retirement communities. Many seniors even choose buy homes near their alma mater or near a favorite local community college to start or continue their education long into retirement.

Wondering why retirees are returning to college? In retirement, it’s not uncommon for older Americans to find themselves isolated from their communities. As a result, many are trading the leisure circuit for the continuing education circuit to keep their minds sharp and stay on top of the technological trends that help keep them connected with society and their families.

There are approximately seventy retirement communities across the U.S. that has ties to nearby universities in the hopes of attracting older adults to enroll. Retirement communities with ties to universities are a growing trend. Catering to the college-educated baby-boomer generation, nearly one hundred schools have revived relationships with former students and others who live in nearby active adult communities.

Most local colleges and universities offer opportunities to continue learning for seniors, from auditing college courses to attending lectures and classes held at a retirement center. There are even some programs like Oasis that allow Arizona retirees to go back to school for free.

If you’re interested in learning more about going back to school post retirement or if you’re interested in buying an Arizona home near a college, please contact Sharon Mason today!

Households age seventy-five and up in the United States are expected to grow forty-nine percent between 2020 and 2030, and despite there being several providers in the West Valley, average occupancy is above ninety percent for many, according to Vicky Ullery, marketing director for the Royal Oaks retirement community in Sun City, Arizona.

“The aging population is driving demand for senior living,” Ullery stated. “Although there are already several new communities that have recently opened and more under construction, over saturation will likely not occur in part due to the different socio economic markets each targets.”

Retirement and assisted living communities have continued to play a larger role in caring for the elderly in the past ten years and that role continues to grow. And there is likely room for growth in the middle- and lower-income markets. Communities not in campus settings — like Arizona Traditions, Happy Trails, Sun City Grand, Sun City West, Sun City, Ventana Lakes and Westbook Village — also see the competition for residents, but officials believe continued upgrades will keep residents buying in their communities.

“The field is always changing as new residents move into retirement,” stated Katy O’Grady, Recreation Centers of Sun City West operations services officer. “We strive to keep up with those changing desires, without forgetting our base.” Additionally, RCSC officials stay in tune with other retirement communities across the nation as to what they are doing and adding to their list of activities and amenities. RCSCW official maintain membership in recreation associations to help stay abreast to changing trends. They also watch what their competition in the age-restriction arena is doing as well.

Throughout the Valley, there are a variety of retirements community styles designed to meet the growing needs of aging adults. Campus-style retirement communities provide activities and amenities, but also health care and meal options. City-style communities are designed for people who still live independently in their own homes, with activities and amenities the only offerings from the management agency. However, both types of retirement communities face the competition for residents and the same need to maintain upgraded offerings.

If you’d like to learn more about Sun City local news or if you’re seeking the perfect Arizona retirement community to call home, please contact Sharon Mason today.

If you are looking to retire in Arizona this year then you’ll definitely want to check out Arizona Traditions, the 55+ gated golf course resort style community located in Surprise, Arizona.

Arizona Traditions has approximately 2,000 homes ranging from 1,000 square foot to 2,400 square foot offering two and three car garages, casitas and golf course lots. With recent builds added in 2013, it’s no wonder active adults are flocking to make this beautiful community their retirement locale. Here are 3 reasons to make Arizona Traditions your luxury retirement community.

1.) Amenities you won’t believe: Arizona Traditions has a 20,400 square foot community center that contains a well-equipped fitness center, woodworking shop, stained glass studio, ceramics and pottery studio, sewing and quilting center, library and a Sports Bar where you can spend time with friends play a game of billiards or shuffleboard. Arizona Traditions also has three swimming pools, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, bocce ball courts, and a softball field. There is a walking trail with exercise/stretching stations. Additionally, there are water aerobics, yoga, and Pilates classes. It's the kind of lifestyle of which you've dreamed of!

2.) Golfing and games all season long: Arizona Traditions is among the most desirable retirement communities in Surprise, because there’s always something fun to do for active adults! Golfers have ample opportunities to perfect their games on Arizona Traditions’ Dick Bailey-designed 18-hole course. The 6,235-yard par 70 golf course is the best place to enjoy your morning; it’s the centerpiece of the community, and it features rolling hills, strategically placed sand traps and water hazards, and some of the most picturesque scenery in Arizona. Dance the night away in Arizona Traditions’ 8,300 square-foot ballroom, watch the sun dip below the horizon from the patio fire pit or play pickleball, tennis or bocce ball until you’re exhausted and need a trip to the on-site spa or hang out with new friends in the billiards room.

3.) A variety of homes to choose from: The newer homes in Arizona Traditions feature high-efficiency air conditioners and in-home pest defense systems. With gorgeous stucco exteriors that help insulate the most modern homes, as well as gas furnaces and other energy-efficient characteristics, this community contains some of the most modern-looking and ecologically conscious in the area. Homes in Arizona Traditions feature ten-foot or vaulted ceilings, t rounded drywall corners, masonry block rear walls and dual-pane windows. There is a healthy mix of homes constructed over the 15-year period, which allows you the option to choose the features that are important to you in your next home.

This guarded, gated active adult community is renowned for its close-knit neighborhoods and world-class amenities. When you’re ready to visit one of these gorgeous homes or tour the Arizona Traditions luxury retirement community in Surprise, Arizona, please contact Sharon Mason and schedule a personal tour today!

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Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

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You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Each year, a variety of weather related dangers affect Arizona. In addition, dust storms present an array of hazards which often strike suddenly and with violent force. Through education about proper precautionary actions to be taken, lives can be saved and property losses can be minimized. With the monsoon season in full swing, it’s important for seniors to protect themselves and practice caution. Here are 4 monsoon safety tips for seniors to remember as the summer storms roll in.

1) Plan ahead The best way to avoid lightning, flash floods, and other dangerous conditions is by not being in danger in the first place. Many ways are available to gain weather information including watching current weather forecasts on TV or online, listening to weather reports on the radio, subscribing to lightning and severe weather notification services, and scan the skies 360 degrees around and overhead before leaving a safe location.

2) Watch the weather: It’s important for older adults to plan ahead by watching the current weather forecasts on TV, the internet or the radio for weather updates before you even leave the house. Also, make sure the severe weather notifications are enabled in your cellphone settings so as to receive warnings when you’re unable to access this information while you travel.

3) When thunder roars, go indoors: Lightning kills an average of 125 people annually in the United States and injures more than 500 according to the American Red Cross. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. So when thunder roars, go indoors. While indoors, older adults should unplug expensive electronics as soon as possible and only use a corded phone in case of emergency.

4) Driving in dust storms Huge gusts of wind in any thunderstorm can lift huge clouds of dust and reduce visibilities to near zero in seconds, which can quickly result in deadly, multi-vehicle accidents on roadways. If you encounter a dust storm and cannot avoid driving into it then pull off the road as far as you can safely do so. Turn off your headlights and taillights. Put your vehicle in "PARK," and/or engage your parking brake. Stay where you are until the dust storm passes.

Taking additional safety steps during the Arizona monsoon season could save your life and the lives of others. Please remember and share these 4 monsoon safety tips for seniors and stay safe! For more senior safety tips or if you’re an Arizona retiree looking to buy or sell your home, contact Sharon Mason.

Every minute, 62 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment; every 30 seconds, a RE/MAX agent helps someone find their perfect place. Since 1992, RE/MAX agents and brokers have invested in the well-being of their local communities by raising more than $150 million for 170 CMN Hospitals.

I am excited to share that I will be participating in our third annual “Month of Miracles” throughout the month of August with a drive to raise one million pennies. This is a month-long fundraising event is designed to raise much-need money to support our local Phoenix Children’s Hospital as well as raise awareness in our community.

“Children’s hospitals depend on local donations — like those from RE/MAX agents participating in Miracle Home and Miracle Property programs — to provide the top-of-class care kids deserve,” said John Lauck, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “On behalf of the millions of families impacted by RE/MAX donations, we appreciate each agent’s efforts and thank them for truly making miracles happen in their communities all year long.”

In 2016, RE/MAX Affiliates in the U.S. and Canada donated over $10 million to 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the Miracle Home and Miracle Property programs. Here at RE/MAX Professionals, our agents donated over $40,000 to our local Phoenix Children’s Hospital last year. We were recognized by RE/MAX LLC for being the highest contributing office in the Southwest Region (Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico) to the Children’s Miracle Network, and our local Phoenix Children's Hospital!

Each donation helps fund pediatric medical equipment, treatments, charitable care and other healthcare services for local CMN hospitals. As the contributions continue to grow, we are able to aid a larger number of sick and injured children – which is something we take great pride in being able to do for our community.

We have a goal of raising one million pennies for the “Month of Miracles” in August 2017! If you would like to support our office goal, please give me a call and I am happy to pick up your donations. On behalf of all the kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I want to thank you in advance for your support in helping us achieve this goal for our community!

Calling all Elvis fans! Whether you’re a lover of Elvis in his 1961 Blue Hawaii movie or just a lover of Presley’s music in general then you’re in for a treat. The Elvis Hawaii tribute comes to Sun City on Wednesday, July 19th from 7pm to 9pm at the Sundial Rec Center Auditorium located at 14801 N 103rd Ave, Sun City.

The show, presented by Jim Westover and The Promised Land Band, will be indoors and is free for RCSC Cardholders and their escorted guests. Jim Westover’s professional experiences have included being one of the top Elvis tribute artists, in the business. He even won the Image of the King Contest in Nevada in 2009.

In Westover’s own words, "From the many years of admiration of Elvis, I've sought to create a show that would hold the excitement of the King on stage.”

Don’t be a hound dog. Come out and relive the magic, sing along, dance with this can't miss summer concert that’s fun for all ages! For more event details visit suncityaz.org. For more fun things to do in Sun City or if you’re looking for the perfect Arizona retirement community to call home, please contact me today.

Sun Village in Surprise Arizona is a one-of-a-kind desert gem for active seniors who love to be in the heart of it all. With a gorgeous, 47,000 square-foot community center that’s packed with amenities, including a luxuriously appointed ballroom, fitness rooms and designated club meeting spaces, Sun Village is an all-inclusive, gated community that brings paradise right to your front door.

Sun Village’s massive community center, features sewing and craft rooms, a fully stocked library and a full-service restaurant. A beauty shop staffed by the area’s best talent and its challenging 18-hole walking golf course make Sun Village one of the most desirable retirement communities near Surprise, Arizona Men’s and women’s golf clubs, a model railroad club, an RV club and dozens of others meet each week, enabling you to share the things you love with your new friends and neighbors.

The Sun Village resort-style gated community, is home to around 2,500 residents. Sun Village has a friendly, neighborhood ambiance, from the extremely well-equipped exercise and fitness center to its outdoor, brightly lit sport courts designated for tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard and horseshoes. Regular community activities, such as “Opera in the Afternoon,” potluck dinners and worship services create a homey, comfortable atmosphere throughout the entire development.

Nearly 1,400 homes line the gorgeously landscaped streets in Sun Village and there’s a wide variety of home styles in this cozy community includes attached townhomes, detached patio homes, villas and casitas. Condominiums, large single-family detached homes with three-car garages and several floor plans give you plenty of options when you’re selecting the Arizona retirement home of your dreams.

Sun Village has homes for every taste and every budget, and I’ll be happy to help you find one that matches yours. Contact me today so I can get you into this active-but-relaxing retirement community that was designed with your needs in mind!

Summertime and 4th of July BBQ’s go hand and hand. So whether you’re planning on traveling for the fourth or enjoying various outdoor activities like boating, cooking out, camping and picnics, safety is the most important factor to remember during this fantastic holiday. Here are the top 3 safety tips for Independence Day to help you enjoy your holiday.

1.) BBQ’s: The 4th of July is one of the top holidays for outdoor BBQ’s and cookouts. In regards to fire safety, never use gasoline to start BBQ grills. For food safety, bring separate plates and cutting boards for raw and cooked foods so that juices from raw meat don’t contaminate meat that’s ready to be eaten. Also bring cleaning items with you to keep hands, utensils and surfaces clean.

2.) Camping: If you are camping, be sure to check the regulations on fires. Many areas may be closed to all fires (including charcoal grills) due to extreme dry conditions. If campfires are allowed never leave a fire unattended, and always be sure it is dead out when you leave.

3.) Travel: July 4th is statistically the most dangerous holiday to be driving on the road. According to The Advertiser, 410 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle crashes during the Fourth of July weekend in 2009 and forty percent of those deaths were related to alcohol-impaired and/or sleep deprived drivers. Please remember to not drive intoxicated, get plenty of sleep before driving, and always wear your seat belt.

Regardless of how you choose to enjoy your 4th of July holiday, please keep these top 3 safety tips in mind, and have a safe and Happy Independence Day.

Father. Dad. Papa. Pop. Daddy. No matter what you call him, his title may be short, but his influence is long and powerful. Celebrate his loving presence in your life this Father’s Day with my 5 favorite quotes about fatherhood.

1.) “Every dad, if he takes time out of his busy life to reflect upon his fatherhood, can learn ways to become an even better dad.” - Jack Baker

2.) “Of all the titles I’ve been privileged to have, ‘Dad’ has always been the best.” - Ken Norton

3.) “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” - Jim Valvano

4.) “It’s only when you grow up and step back from him—or leave him for your own home - it’s only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it.” - Margaret Truman

5.) “The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family.” - Reed Markham

Happy Father’s Day!