As a full-service, full-time Associate Broker for RE/MAX Professionals, I take great pride in specializing in Arizona retirement communities to help Arizona retirees and baby boomers of all ages find their perfect home. As a REALTOR®, I follow the highest standards of customer service and ethics to conduct business on your behalf and am committed to bringing a strong combination of customer service, sales, market knowledge and marketing to benefit my clients. Here is just one of many of my satisfied client’s testimonials and why I love this business so much.

“We just wanted to let you know how happy and grateful we are that we met Sharon Mason. We were looking for a home in the Sun City Grand area and after looking at the Internet we found Sharon's website. We called her on Monday morning in January and things started rolling from there. We came to Arizona the weekend of February 9^th and 10^th she found us home to buy in two days!! She was so helpful and honest with us we couldn't believe it!! We made an offer and they accepted. Sharon was so diligent in helping us get this home inspected and paperwork completed that we closed on our home. We couldn't be at the closing and again Sharon was there representing us. What a wonderful lady. We really wanted to let you know that Sharon is a very neat lady and we couldn't have been happier with her and RE/MAX Realtors. We truly appreciated her professionalism and again her honesty! As you can tell.... We really think very highly of Sharon and we are telling everyone about her and your agency. Thank You for your time and thank you for having Sharon being a huge part of your time! - Larry and Mary B.

When working with me, I am your single point of contact so we can not only have a smooth transaction, but also ensure we have a good relationship, trust, and satisfaction. I look forward to helping you find the community and home of your dreams. Please contact me today when you are ready to buy a home in one of the many beautiful Arizona retirement communities! – Sharon

This terrific Tuscany Way home for sale in Sun City Grand is the perfect place to call your own this spring. The model is even named after a flower! The over 2,000 square feet Sun City GrandVerbena model home is located on a corner lot with N/S exposure on the golf course.

The welcoming front court yard leads into the light and bright interior with high ceilings and neutral carpet and tile throughout. You’ll love the formal living and dining room with big windows overlooking the lush green golf course. The living room opens to the den area and the large family room features a custom gas fireplace and breakfast area all open to the kitchen.

The kitchen is a cook’s dream with center island, light cabinets and counter tops, large pantry, and that gorgeous golf course view from the window! This sunny two bedroom, two bath Sun City Grand subdivision home also offers a roomy Office/Hobby space. The large master bedroom features a vibrant bay window, walk-in closet, and walk-in shower in the master bath.

If you’d like to schedule a private appointment to tour this Tuscany Way home for sale in Sun City Grand located at 16254 W TUSCANY WAY, Surprise, AZ 85374 then don’t wait another day! Contact Sharon Mason today!

If you’re an Arizona retiree or baby boomer considering buying a new home, you may have some fears about getting a mortgage after age sixty. Can my retirement income support a mortgage? Am I “too old” to be buying a home again? Do I have more mortgage options now that I’m retired? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a mortgage after sixty.

Mortgages are no less risky after sixty than any other time in your life so rest easy. As long as your post-retirement income supports a home payment then you can always buy a home. Plus home prices in Arizona are affordable, interest rates are still low and underwriter criteria are less strict. Regardless of the market, it’s always a good time to invest in real estate at any age! Still concerned? Talk to a financial planner to get an independent assessment on your finances before you commit to buy.

Depending on your circumstances, a reverse mortgage might be a good option. A reverse mortgage or home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) is a special type of home loan for homeowners sixty-two years or older that requires no monthly mortgage payments. Borrowers are still responsible for property taxes and homeowner's insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the HECM is a plan that can give older Americans greater financial security. Many seniors use it to supplement Social Security, meet unexpected medical expenses, make home improvements and more.

HUD also offers senior citizens with lower incomes help to find safe and sanitary housing through its housing choice voucher program. The program provides participants with vouchers they can use to pay for any housing they choose as long as it complies with HUD health and safety standards. This allows older adults to search for housing outside of subsidized housing projects that may not provide the living conditions they need.

It might seem that a mortgage is the last thing one would want at a time when many baby boomers and those in their sixties and older are trying to simplify their lives. But people are living longer, and having a place of their own can convey a very secure feeling. If you have questions about buying a home after sixty or are looking to sell your Arizona home, please contact me today!

Spring is the perfect time for rejuvenating and renewing your life. That’s why so many baby boomers 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, lush with golf courses and nearby shopping, 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 seniors are going back to school? 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.

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 senior communities. 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. Currently Arizona has one university-based retirement community at the University of Arizona in Tucson called the Arizona Senior Academy of Life Long Learning- Academy Village.

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 that allow Arizona retirees to go back to school for free. If you’re interested in learning more about going back to school in retirement, one great resource is OASIS, a non-profit educational organization that promotes healthy aging through lifelong learning, healthy living and community service for adults aged fifty and up. If you’d like more information about going back to school in retirement or if you’re interested in buying an Arizona home near a college, please contact Sharon Mason today!

The nearly spring Arizona weather is perfect to enjoy outdoors. And if you love colorful air balloons, yummy food and the energy of outdoor festivities, then you’ll definitely want to visit the Outwest Balloon Fest this weekend. This Friday March 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th kicks off the second edition of the balloon festival at the University of Phoenix Stadium located at 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ.

There is something for everyone at this family fun event including music, vendors, food, Kidszone for the grandkids and, of course tons of breathtaking, colorful hot air balloons. Participants have the chance to get a taste of the balloon ride experience on site with a tethered ride each evening of the festival or go for the full experience of a passenger balloon ride on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.

And if you want to get some exercise while supporting a great cause, then you can register for the G1GABLAST 5k Fun Run on Saturday, March 5^th at 7:00am on the University of Phoenix Stadium property. The family friendly 5k fun run benefits Cox Charities with one lucky random race registrant will be dran to win an iPad Pro. The fun begins March 4^th and 5^th from 5:30am to 9:00pm and ends March 6^th at 4:00pm. Visit outwestballoonfest.com for ticket pricing and schedule details.

With Arizona’s sweet spring-like temperatures sweeping the Valley, it’s no surprise that Sun City West is hosting a free concert in the park. Music lovers and veterans alike can bond as the US Air Force Band of the Golden West presents a concert in Sun City West by The Concert Band. This family-friendly event is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, March 5^th at 7:00 p.m. at Beardsley Park, 12755 Beardsley Road, Sun City West.

The Concert Band is comprised of nearly fifty musicians and is the largest performing ensemble within the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. It has performed for thousands of listeners in live concert appearances and for millions worldwide via its numerous recordings and television and radio broadcasts. The Concert Band performs a wide variety of music and is an excellent choice for family entertainment.

This Sun City West free concert in the park is their way of saying thank you for the continued support to the men and women of the Armed Forces, at home and abroad. For more information about the show, please call 623-544-6093. For more Sun City eventsforactive adults and Arizona retirees, please contact Sharon Mason.

City of Peoria receives $124,000 grant for park improvements

Good news for West Valley residents! The City of Peoria is getting a $124,000 boost from the state of Arizona to expand local parks and recreation programs and facilities. Mayor Cathy Carlat announced Wednesday the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority recently informed the city of the award. The ASZTA Biennial Grant Program provides funding for youth and amateur sports throughout Maricopa County and will provide two-thirds of funding needed for the parks and recreation improvements.

The improvement project will include replacing starting blocks at Sunrise and Centennial High School pools, adding windscreens, benches and shade at Ira Murphy and Varney parks, a new scoreboard at Ira Murphy Park and new strength equipment for Rio Vista Recreation Center. 

“More and more people are discovering our gem in the desert and moving here for the first-rate quality of life we have in Peoria,” Mayor Carlat said in a statement announcing the funding. “Grants, like this from AZSTA, help our city maintain and improve our amenities, like, parks, trails and ballparks to remain high-quality recreational experiences for our residents to enjoy.”

So whether you’re an Arizona retiree strolling the parks for exercise or a baby boomer cheering on your grandchildren on the field, the upgraded parks will be a plus for the community for sure! For more information about local news in Peoria, Sun City and in your Arizona retirement communities, please contact Sharon Mason.

There’s a reason why retirees from all over come to Arizona this time of year. Though snowbird season is usually from mid-October to mid-April, the peak season for traveling retirees usually lasts from January through March. Approximately 200,000 winter visitors arrive into the valley each year pumping more than $1 billion into our local economy, according to republicmedia.com. Here are 3 reasons why now is the best time to retire in Arizona.

1.) Active Adult Amenities

Whether you’re a snowbird enjoying your Sun City vacation home or a permanent retired resident living it up, there’s no denying the charming pull of the southwest. There are over 300 days of sunshine in the valley, and this is the time of year when active adults from all over can really enjoy themselves. There’s a variety activities available at the local retirement communities as well as ample opportunity for dining out, golf, visiting casinos, going to movies, visiting sporting events, and so much more.

2.) The Call of Nature

Nature lovers can appreciate the revered desert sunsets and absolutely fall in love with the brilliant, clear night skies. An evening stroll or a candlelight dinner on the patio with friends is an especially celebrated treat this time of year. Also, the beautiful weather welcomes more outdoor events such as the Phoenix Open and countless other Arizona outdoor festivals for baby boomers and Arizona retirees to enjoy with family and friends.

3.) All Sun, No Snow

Still need convincing as to why now is the best time to retire in Arizona? While most of us are taking quiet mountain hikes, having weekend pool parties, and basking in the warm desert climate, most of the country is surviving eight inches of snow and blizzards strong enough to close down whole cities. It’s really a no brainer why Arizona is the place to be! Is it any wonder why so many retirees make Arizona their permanent home?

If you’re looking to retire in Arizona please contact Sharon Mason today for all your retirement needs. I not only offer a relocation guide, but as your Arizona retirement expert I can also help negotiate the best possible deal and stay with you every step of the way until you find a retirement community or home to call your own. Get ready to explore all the wonderful delights living in Arizona has to offer!

Can you imagine taking a dip in your beautiful backyard pool while enjoying the Arizona sun? Stop imagining and start living! This stunning Sun City Grand home with custom pool for sale has everything you could want and more. This stunner has a great location right on the 17^th green of Granite Falls South Golf Course with water view and no cart path. The Rosewood Model located in the sought after Sun City Grand-Jasper Point subdivision is 2,600 square feet and offers a kitchen fit for a king with cherry wood cabinets, crown molding, rollout shelves, an appliance cabinet, durable Corian countertops, tiled backsplash, breakfast bar, RO system, large center island, walk-in pantry and double skylights off of the bright open great room.

The great room features a custom designed media wall with gas fireplace and stone finishes followed through on a full service wet bar with seating, French doors to the office, powder room for guests, plantation shutters, and tile flooring to boot. The master bedroom suite has a bright bay window, large jetted tub, snail style walk-in shower, dual sinks, tiled countertops, designer lighting, and classy closet style system. Guest bedroom has its own private bathroom.

Best of all this two bedroom, three bath beauty’s outdoor amenities include everything you could ever want in a backyard getaway and more! It features a custom pool with waterfall, raised viewing deck, BBQ island with gas grill and side burner, flagstone accented landscaping, expanded and cool decked front sidewalks and driveway, fenced backyard, extended covered patio with ceiling fans and speaker system!

You can check out the virtual tour on the RetireAZStyle YouTube channel here, but you’ve got to see it in person to believe it! If you’d like to schedule a private appointment to tour this stunning Sun City Grand Home with Custom Pool for Sale located at 18007 N PEPPERMILL LN, Surprise, AZ 85374 then don’t wait another day! Contact Sharon Mason today!

Have you always wanted to go snorkeling and fully take in the undersea life? Or do you have an upcoming cruise where you’d like to enjoy being immersed in the ocean? Then you’ll definitely want to dive into fun at the Sun City West snorkeling class! The EXPLORE! Adult Learning Program, sponsored by the Recreation Centers of Sun City West, is offering classes for West Valley active adults covering a broad variety of interests.

To register for the EXPLORE! Snorkeling class, participants can pick one of the below sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays for four weeks at the Beardsley Recreation Center pool located at 12755 Beardsley Rd., Sun City West.

• Session I (6 to 7 pm) Feb 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26
• Session II (7 to 8 pm) Feb 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26
• Session III (6 to 7 pm) Mar 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25
• Session IV (7 to 8 pm) Mar 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25

The Snorkeling Course is $50 and includes instructor, use of mask, snorkel and fins. Because the course utilizes a Rec Centers facility pool, this class is open to Sun City West rec card holders only. You can register in person at the R.H. Johnson Recreation Center Administrative Office at 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or sign up at suncitywest.classtrackonline.com.

Are you an Arizona retiree or active adult looking for fun things to do in the West Valley? Contact Sharon Mason for local Sun City community events and real estate listings if you’re looking to relocate to the Sun City area.