Welcome home! This Sun City Grand estate model home for sale is located in the sought after Sun City Grand Quail Run subdivision and is a real gem! Stunning mountain views are on both sides of this beautiful, oversized golf course cul-de-sac lot with over 15,000 square feet with extended patio and built-in BBQ to enjoy Arizona’s beautiful outdoors.

You’ll love the recent freshly painted interior in this 2,529 square feet, two bedroom, 2.5 bath beauty. The formal living/dining room boasts a large sunny window and door overlooking the gorgeous green golf course and the custom office has a built-in dual desk station and shelving. The great room has an entertainment center with fireplace all open to a spacious kitchen that features white raised paneled cabinets and crown molding, durable Corian counters, center island, lots of counter space and a huge double door pantry.

The large master suite has a separate tub and shower with a large walk-in closet with built-ins, perfect for all your essentials.Guest suite has full bathroom and large closet. And let’s not forget the three car garage for additional storage. What’s not to love? Click for a virtual tour, and contact Sharon Mason today to schedule an appointment to view and call this Sun City Grand beauty yours!

My business is built on repeat and referral business, and I am blessed to have worked  with many wonderful clients over the years. This is why I love real estate! Here is what Larry and Mary had to say about their experience buying a home in Arizona…

“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 9th and 10th 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 Professionals. 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!” - Sincerely Larry and Mary B.

Thank you Larry and Mary for the kind words and for the opportunity to help you with your Arizona retirement home! 

It’s no surprise that so many would choose to retire in Arizona. With our over 300 days of sunshine, wonderful community amenities, and award-winning health care facilities, it’s no wonder so many Arizona retirees are happy living in the Valley of the Sun. As a result, retirees are increasing the Arizona population according to one Arizona State University economist.

Both the U.S. Census Bureauand the Office of Employment and Population Statistics show the state’s population grew by more than 1.4 percent in the past year, and estimates show there were6,828,065 people living in the state as of July 1, 2015. And what is really driving the population growth in Arizona is people moving here from elsewhere.

“There’s an awful lot of Baby Boomers retiring now, and will be for the next number of years,” economist Tom Rex of the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University explained.

At one time Arizona was the fastest-growing state in the nation when it added 213,311 people during a twelve month period back in 2006. And with the rate of Baby Boomers and transplants retiring to Arizona, perhaps we can reach those growth numbers again in 2016.

If you’re looking to relocate, retire in Arizona, or seeking an Arizona retirement community to call your own, please contact Sharon Mason today.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 the perfect property!

2015 is nearly gone and as we welcome in 2016 with an open heart and hopes for prosperity, don’t forget to take some time to laugh every day. Out of all the illnesses going around, contagious laughter is the only thing I hope to catch! Enjoy these funny quotes to welcome the New Year!

“The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. The drunkenness culminates on New Years’ Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you’re married to.” ? P.J. O'Rourke

“Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.” ? Bill Vaughan

“A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.” – Anonymous

“May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!”-Joey Adams

“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”- Bill Vaughan

What better way to start a New Year than with a hearty laugh? Share your joy and have a wonderful Happy New Year! – Sharon

~ Anonymous

Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to "Elves,"
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.
And labor conditions at the North Pole,
were alleged by the union, to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished without much propriety,
released to the wilds, by the Humane Society.
And equal employment had made it quite clear,
that Santa had better not use just reindeer.
So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,
were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his beautiful sleigh,
because the ruts were deemed dangerous by the EPA,
And millions of people were calling the Cops,
when they heard sled noises upon their roof tops.
Second-hand smoke from his pipe, had his workers quite frightened,
and his fur trimmed red suit was called "unenlightened".

To show you the strangeness of today's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose.
He went to Geraldo, in front of the Nation,
demanding millions in over-due workers compensation.

So...half of the reindeer were gone, and his wife
who suddenly said she'd had enough of this life,
joined a self help group, packed and left in a whiz,
demanding from now on that her title was Ms.

And as for gifts...why, he'd never had the notion
that making a choice could cause such commotion.
Nothing of leather, nothing of fur...
Which meant nothing for him or nothing for her.
Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot,
Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls and nothing for just boys.
Nothing that claimed to be gender specific,
Nothing that's warlike or non-pacifistic.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish upon the truth.
And fairy tales...while not yet forbidden,
were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden,
for they raised the hackles of those psychological,
who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

No baseball, no football...someone might get hurt,
besides - playing sports exposed kids to dirt.
Dolls were said to be sexist and should be passé.
and Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, disheveled and perplexed,
he just couldn't figure out what to do next?
He tried to be merry he tried to be gay,
but you must have to admit he was having a very bad day.
His sack was quite empty, it was flat on the ground,
nothing fully acceptable was anywhere to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might,
give to us all, without angering the left or the right.
A gift that would satisfy - with no indecision,
each group of people in every religion.
Every race, every hue,
everyone, everywhere...even you!
So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth...
"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on Earth."

Please don’t forget to enjoy the season and laugh. Laughter keeps us young! Season’s
Greetings and Merry Christmas! –Sharon

Whether you’re currently an Arizona retiree or looking to retire in 2016, it pays to know all your options when living on a fixed income. Most financial institutes provide a variety of options to build your retirement income fromcertificates of deposit (CDs) and annuities to mutual funds and more. But if you have a bit more to invest creatively, there’s a fixed income strategy that can provide you with higher yields known as laddering your bonds. Here’s what you need to know about bond ladders as retirement income.

Strategic buying:Laddering starts with buying a portfolio of bonds or CDs at staggering maturities, whether it's over several months or years. As the bonds or CDs mature, purchasers can then reinvest the proceeds into debt instruments that best fit their income needs. Cash would then be available on a regular basis over that investment period versus being locked up in a longer-term bond or CD.

Interest rate locks: A bond ladder can provide some protection against rising interest rates. If rates increase, you can purchase higher-yield bonds or CDs with the income from the debt instruments already in your ladder. Many investors decide to build a bond ladder because it can help manage the risks of changing interest rates and customize a stream of income.

Invest in help: Creating and maintaining a bond ladder does take some time and effort. Many investors may be better off having a trusted financial advisor do the ladder construction and risk management for them. Having a professional bond manager handle the fixed-income allocation takes some of the stress out of the process. For clients with limited assets, some advisors create ladders out of target-maturity Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). You can hire a fund manager to navigate for you, but there’s a fee attached so shop smartly for the best rates.

Building a bond ladder can lead to a stable foundation of retirement income, but it is not without its risks or rewards. To learn more about utilizing bond ladders as retirement income, contact your local financial institution. And if you’re looking to put your booming retirement income towards an Arizona retirement home, contact Sharon Mason today!

YourArizona Retirement Expert,

Welcome home! This picture perfect dream home for sale in Sun City West has everything you could ever want and more! With 2,470 square feet of spaciousness, this three bedroom, two bath beauty features upgrades from the inside out.

The generous kitchen houses upgraded GE Profile Appliances, upgraded cabinets, faux granite countertops, and a huge kitchen island as well as under cabinet lighting. Nine inch crown molding decorates this dream home as well as a fireplace in the Arizona Room with a raised hearth and mantel perfect for enjoying chilly winter evenings. In addition to an expanded master bedroom and walk-in closet, the guest suite features custom built-ins including desks, bookshelves, and a Murphy bed. You’ve got to see it to believe it!

The exterior features an added golf cart garage, double stucco exterior and a garage with cabinets, a work bench, and wall to wall commercial carpet. Brick pavers warm up the driveway, walkway and extended south back patio. The fenced backyard features a forty foot electric awning over the patio with wind and sun sensors and is the perfect place for enjoying Arizona’s gorgeous winter weather. The backyard also houses orange, lemon, and pink grapefruit trees. Best of all, this Sun City West subdivision home is located in a fantastic community that features amenities galore: Tennis Courts, Golf Course, Heated Community Pool, Clubhouse/Rec Room, Heated Community Spa, Handball/Racquetball, Workout Facility, and more!

Want to schedule an appointment to view this picture perfect dream home located at 15823 W. Falcon Ridge Drive, Sun City West, AZ? Contact Sharon Mason today and make this beautiful home yours in 2016!

Looking to enjoy the holiday season with a little twist? How about with a little hula? Sun City West brings a taste of Hawaii to the holidays in Arizona! The Nani Komohana Tutus, Sun City West’s hula dancing group, will feature both Hawaiian and Christmas numbers at its “Best of the Best” holiday show this Friday December 4^th and Saturday, December 5^th at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 6^th at 2:00 p.m. in the Stardust Theatre, 14401 R.H. Johnson Blvd., in the Kuentz Recreation Center in Sun City West.

This fun holiday program starts with Tahitian hip jerks, poi balls flying through the air, and numbers using traditional Hawaiian instruments. Then the troupe, which celebrates thirty-five years of dancing, will delight the audience with the sounds of Christmas, dancing to songs like Jingle Bell Rock and Santa Claus is Coming to Town and ending with all-time favorites like Little Drummer Boy, O Holy Night, and Mary Did You Know. Guest performers will include Jim Blexrud, Don Marine, Jan Rittmaster, Jim Allen, and members of the Dancing Arts Club.

Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased online at www.dancingarts.scwclubs.comor directly in the Stardust Theatre. For more information contact Helen at 623-584-1227 or Paulette at 623-546-2617.

For more local Sun City West events for Arizona retirees and active adults, contact Sharon Mason. Mele Kalikimaka! (That’s Hawaiian for Merry Christmas!)

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for seniors and Arizona retirees to spend time relaxing and enjoying the company of their family and friends. However for some older adults, Thanksgiving can be emotionally or physically challenging. Here are 3 Healthy Thanksgiving Day tips for seniors to truly enjoy this terrific holiday.

1.) Eat smart for your heart

With all the Thanksgiving goodies on the table, it can be tempting to go a little crazy on the calories. But senior citizens are more prone to holiday-related health issues so be mindful of what you put on your plate and how much of it you put on there. Overeating can lead to everything from indigestion and heart burn to a heart attack. It’s best to limit gravies, butter and other high-fat choices with plenty of vegetables and lean white meat. And if you want to kick it up a notch and enjoy this beautiful Arizona weather, why not take a walk after enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving meal?

2.) Enjoy some company

When Thanksgiving and the holiday season rolls around, it can spark depression in older adults. It’s common for seasonal depression to make you want to be alone, but don’t isolate yourself on this day. If you are unable to be with your family, spend the day with your friends for a “Friendsgiving” style Thanksgiving celebration. In an Arizona retirement home? Enjoy a meal with the company of the other residents. Thanksgiving is also a great day to volunteer to help prepare the feast at a local food shelter or community home. Giving your time altruistically is a great way to lift your spirits and enjoy the day.

3.) Watch your health

 With the cooler temperatures, seniors are more susceptible to cold and flu season. Try to keep your stress levels down as everything from depression and traveling to food prep can weaken your immune system. If you feel under the weather - physically or mentally - during the holidays, don't wait to visit your doctor. Be sure to have an up-to-date list of medications you are taking. If you do face a health emergency during the holidays, it's important for your doctor to know your current medical conditions and have a list of your medications.

Thanksgiving can be a fun and festive joyous start to the holiday season, so it’s especially important that seniors take care of themselves during this time. Try to implement these 3 healthy Thanksgiving day tips for seniors and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! – Sharon

To all those who have served our country and who celebrated Veteran’s Day last week, thank you for your wonderful service. If you’re an Arizona retiree looking to buy a home for retirement and are a veteran, you may be eligible for funding the Veterans Administration. Veterans Administration (VA) loans are special home loans given to current and past members of the U.S. military. They are guaranteed by the federal government, so there are several perks to VA loans that we afford to our veterans for their invaluable service. Believe it or not, about twenty percent of veterans don't even know about the VA Home Loan program. Here’s what you need to know about Arizona VA loans.

Limits: If you're an active or retiredmilitary homebuyer in Arizona you may qualify for a VA loan. The limit for a typical zero down VA loan is $417,000, but there are exceptions made for areas with a high cost of living.

No money down: There are zero down payment requirements unless you go over the typical loan limit of $417,000 for your area. If you go over your area’s limit, you will be required to pay twenty-five percent down payment of the amount over the limit.

Qualifications: To qualify veterans must have been honorably discharged and completed all military obligations. You may also qualify if you served ninety days on active duty during war time, or 181 days during peacetime. To apply for any VA loan you will need proof of service which is either your discharge paperwork or a statement of service signed by the personnel office for veterans on active duty.

One of the many perks of getting a VA loan is that the VA insures about twenty-five percent of every VA loan, and most every veteran or military member qualifies for the program. So if you’d like more information about applying for a VA loan to purchase a home in an Arizona retirement community, please contact Sharon Mason today!