If there’s one thing living in the valley of the sun has made me appreciate, it’s the winters. While many places are combating tons of snow and shoveling their driveways, we are enjoying hikes and afternoons at the pool. It’s no wonder Arizona is one of the top places snowbirds love to frequent during the winter time. The term “snowbird” refers to travelers who choose to fly south to escape the harsh winters. Whether you’re a first time snowbird or you’ve been doing it for most of your retirement, here are3 essential tips for becoming the ultimate snowbird.

1.) Secure your home:The thought of heading to a sunny paradise is enough to make anyone forget about their snow covered bungalow back home. But taking the extra steps to secure your home will help make your transition home much smoother. Add additional security to your home such as timers for lights, extra locks, and someone to check in on your space.

2.) Don’t forget your meds: Sunscreen? Check. Bathing suit? Check. Flip-flops? Check. But did you remember to pack your important prescriptions and medications? It’s a good idea to pack your meds in a safe place and keep them with you at all times while traveling. Be sure to have enough extra to cover you while you’re away or be sure to confirm out of state prescription refills are approved with your health care provider. And don’t forget to pack your insurance cards.

3.) Square away your finances:It’s a given you’re going to need cash for living and enjoying your time in the valley of the sun these next few months. In addition to travel expenses, don’t forget to set aside money for any last-minute emergencies that may occur. Sort out finances and makes sure a trusted family member or friend knows where to find your important documents just in case.

If you’re looking to purchase your snowbird home here in AZ, contact me today! Sharon

Looking for a beautiful retirement community in Sun City West, Arizona to call your own? Look no further than Corte Bella. Described as “retirement living at its best” by the residents, this charmingly landscaped 45-and-up communityfeatures everything you need to maintain an active, social lifestyle while enveloped in the comfort of a friendly, gated and guarded neighborhood. Corte Bella is specifically designed to meet the needs of modern retirees through contemporary home styles and floor plans, and its long list of amenities and clubs makes it a breath of fresh air in the Sonoran Desert. Here are the top 3 reasons to retire in Corte Bella.

Leisure: Corte Bella is a relaxed community that does its best to maintain a fun, carefree environment for active adults. With bingo nights, bridge clubs and book groups, there are always opportunities to socialize while doing things you love. There’s also an arts and crafts studio, an aerobics studio and an outdoor resort-style pool with lap lanes make this sweeping community one of the most inclusive and socially active in the state.

Great Golfing: Between the 9,000 square-foot clubhouse, the 11,000 square-foot fitness center and spa, and the 18-hole Corte Bella Golf Club, there’s plenty of action for everyone. As an added perk, residents enjoy discounted greens fees and access to the golf club and pro shop; full golf club members enjoy priority access to the course, unlimited use of the practice facilities and free range balls.

Homes: This 1,650-home 45-and-up community features several ranch-style houses with various floor plans. These single-family homes were constructed between 2003 and 2007 and range from cozy, 1,100 square-foot gems to spacious 3,200 square-foot residences. Many are available with value-packed upgrades, including three-car garages, granite countertops and casitas.

Ready to explore magnificent Corte Bella? Contact Sharon Mason, your Retirement Experttoday. I’ll take you on a personal tour of the homes you’re interested in within this gorgeous gated Sun City retirement community. There’s no need to wait; fantastic homes are available now, and together, we’ll find the perfect one for you. – Sharon

Now that the beautiful spring season has graced the Sonoran deserts of Arizona, many people are feeling more compelled to start spring cleaning, especially Arizona retirees. No matter how and when you decide to pull out that dust buster, it pays to play it safe. So whether you live in an active adult community or own your home, here are 5 safe spring cleaning tips for senior citizens.

1.) Clean up Clutter: Trips and falls are likely to happen when you accumulate too much. Reduce the risk by removing unnecessary and obstructive items from your regular walking path and place them in storage or donate them to loved ones who might have a need for them. Make maintaining a clear walkway in every room of your home a top priority.

2.) Check the lights: Fall prevention should be a yearlong goal for older adults, and you’d be surprised how much bad lighting contributes to slips and trips. It’s especially difficult for active adults who may experience trouble with their vision. Be sure to check all light features throughout the house and replace any missing or burned out bulbs. Ample light allows you to move freely and safely without the risk of falling due to lack of light.

3.) Check the Medicine Cabinet: Holding on to expired prescription drugs can be detrimental to your health. Make sure to avoid potentially dangerous health hazards by safely disposing of expired medication. Be sure to store medications in a cool, dark, dry place like an airtight plastic container.

4.) Crank up the tunes: The older we get, the more imperative it is to stay active and healthy. As an Arizona retiree, you should never pass up an opportunity to get fit, andspring cleaning offers a way to really get your blood moving. Crank up the tunes and play your favorite songs while you clean to infuse some energy and fitness into your day to help power you through your spring chore list. Just don’t forget to stay hydrated and rest as needed.

5.) Call a friend: If the idea of cleaning your home from top to bottom seems like an overwhelming task, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Call friends or family members to help and turn a possible spring cleaning chore into a party. If there is a lot to do, maybe have friends help one day and family help the next. Or consider asking other neighbors in youractive adult community if they’d like to create a “spring cleaning club” where everyone helps each other clean one home per week until everyone is reveling in spring cleaning bliss!

Are you looking for your ideal Arizona retirement community? Searching for a resort style community in Sun City? As your local Arizona retirement expert, I pride myself on providing you with the best homes and floorplans to serve your retirement needs. And if you’re looking for an exciting way to experience a new home or retirement community, then I invite you to check out RetireAZStyle on YouTube!

The RetireAZStyle YouTube channel brings you valuable information about the best local Arizona retirement communities in Sun City Grand,Sun City West, and West Valley retirement communities. You’ll be able to see everything from new retirement communities to model homes and more. The RetireAZStyle YouTube channel is a great way for out of town residents to peruse all the available retirement communities and floor plans as well as give local residents a taste of what the Arizona retirement scene has to offer.

Please visit https://www.youtube.com/user/RetireAZStyle and subscribe to receive updates about the best local retirement communities in the Valley. If you’re ready to retire in Arizona and are ready to discover the various resort style retirement communities and homes available, please contact me today. I’ll help you find the perfect home! -Sharon

Welcome to Westbrook Village, one of Arizona’s premier retirement communities.This beautiful 45-and-up community is well known as the ultimate destination for fun loving active adults and Arizona retirees who enjoy staying connected. With so much to do in Westbrook Village, it’s no wonder this Peoria retirement community is a sought after favorite. Here are 3 reasons to retire to the wonderful Westbrook Village.

1) You’re going to love the location
In clear view of sweeping vistas and Sunrise Mountain, West Wing Mountain and theHieroglyphic Mountains, Westbrook Village sits just moments away from downtown Peoria. It’s only a twenty-minute drive from Surprise and a half-hour from the heart of Phoenix, so Westbrook Village gives you easy access to big-city amenities. There are hundreds of attractions that are perfect for kids and grandkids sprinkled throughout Peoria and beyond. Nearby Lake Pleasant Regional Park is perfect for sailing, camping and other outdoor activities.

2.) You’re going to love the amenities
Arizona retirement communities needn’t have the bad rap of being boring. At Westbrook Village, residents can attend live musical performances, swim laps in spectacularly designed pools, and enjoy the breathtaking views built into Westbrook Village. With resort-style spas, dozens of clubs and activities, and gorgeous golf courses designed for all experience levels, this Arizona retirement community is a premier destination for those seeking to truly enjoy retired living in the Valley of the Sun.

3.) You’re going to love the homes
This pleasant, well-manicured neighborhood opened in 1982, and construction completed in 1993. During that time, 3,922 gorgeous homes went up in the community. From condos, casitas and courtyard villas to patio homes and ranch-style single-family homes, you’ll find the style that suits your retirement living needs and your tastes in this comfortable, relaxed community. Since home prices range from the mid-$100,000s to the low $400,000s, Westbrook Village has the right real estate for everyone.

If you think you’re ready to retire to the wonderful Westbrook Village and are ready to discover this desert oasis call me at (623)810-9988 or send me an email. I’ll walk you through Westbrook Village’s real estate listings and help you find the perfect retirement home. Sharon

There’s rarely a greater joy in life than when you make that personal decision to hang up your hat andenjoy retirement. After years of faithful service to the working world, visions of traveling, golfing, and spending time with the grandkids can freely fill your head. Just don’t forget thatretirementtakes planning, commitment, and a good financial head on your shoulder. Here are3 great ways to prepare for retirement.

1. Identify your retirement needs:The average American spends twenty years in retirement, so it makes sense that you’d want to take the time to identify your retirement needs so you can plan accordingly. Do you want to buy a home? Travel? Go back to school? Start a business? Retirement can be expensive, with experts estimating that you need seventy to ninety percent of your preretirement income to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. So whatever it is you want to do in your golden years, it’s best to save or invest so that you can enjoy them to the fullest.

2.) Save…then save some more:You can never save too much! Saving is a rewarding habit and one that is never too late to start. If you’ve already started saving, keep going and stick with your financial goals. Don’t touch yourretirement savingsearly or you may have to pay withdrawal penalties, lose principal and interest, and lose tax benefits. If you’ve just now started saving with few years left until retirement, don’t be deterred. It never hurts to explore investment and saving options that can help you reach yourretirement goals.

3.) Get to know your Social Security Benefits:A lot of people just assume thatsocial securitywill meet their retirement needs without truly knowing what could be available come retirement.Social Securitypays benefits that are on average equal to about forty percent of what you earned before retirement. If you want to learn more, there are often free workshops and seminars available all over the Valley that addresssocial security benefitquestions and concerns. You can also estimate your benefit and learn more information on theSocial Security Administration’s Websiteor by calling them at 1-800-772-1213.

If you have additional questions about preparing for retirementor would like tosell or purchase an Arizona hometo enjoy yourretirement, please contact Sharon Mason.

Many of us work for over thirty years with dreams of retirement on the horizon like the proverbial motivational carrot at the end of the stick. But you’d be surprised to know that not every Arizona baby boomer really knows how they want to spend their retirement. For many, retirement is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but for some the idea of years of seemingly endless free time can seem a little daunting. If you’ve been a work horse your whole life that is afraid of sitting on your hands with boredom after retirement, don’t despair. Here are 3 ways to truly enjoy retired living.

1.) Stay sharp: Arizona retirees who believe in the old adage that, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” should scrap that kind of thinking right now. If you feel you miss the intellectual stimulation and challenges you found at work, try learning something new! Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to do and then do them. Want to learn how to play an instrument? Go for it! Pick up a new foreign language? Why not? Want to earn a degree or get training in a subject that has always fascinated you? You’ll find a variety lifelong learning classes developed specifically for older students are available at many local Arizona colleges and community centers.

2.) Give your time: It’s scientifically proven that volunteering makes you a happier person. In fact, seventy-six percent of respondents said that they have felt physically healthier as a result of volunteering according to a 2013 mixed mode survey released by UnitedHealth Group. Volunteering has been linked to better physical, mental and emotional health as well. So if you’re looking to truly enjoy retired living, consider donating your time and talents to a cause that you believe in or a local non-profit organization you enjoy. Getting involved in your community is not only a great way to give back, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to interact with others and develop a sense of purpose. Check into your Arizona retirement community for volunteer opportunities.

3.) Get healthy: Want to enjoy every moment of retired living? Maintaining your aging health is an essential part in enjoying your golden years. This includes improving your physical, mental, and spiritual health to truly be able to get the most out of every experience. Life spans are increasing and people are enjoying retirement longer than their parents. Eating well, staying active, promoting a positive attitude, and scheduling regular medical check-ups play a vital part in enjoying a long and vibrantly successful retirement for years to come.

Retirement is one of the most remarkable events of your life. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out and start truly enjoying retired living! If you need assistance locating a home, Arizona retirement community, or volunteer organization to donate your time to, please contacts Sharon Mason today.

The dog days of summer are nearly over, and Sun City residents and pet owners could not be happier to see the Duffeeland Dog Park reopen last week. A Sun City resident favorite, the Duffeeland Dog Park at Thunderbird and Del Webb boulevards had been closed for the last couple of months since June 17th for the improvements designed to make the park more enjoyable for its four-legged friends and their owners.

Some of the new upgrades included new park benches and new, smaller gravel. “It’s so much easier for seniors to walk on, and the dogs love it because they can run on it, where we had larger gravel before,” said Dorothy Paradis, president of the Duffeeland Dog Park Club.

The mature older trees were replaced with young pine and elm trees that will still provide plenty of shade for pups and their owners. Additional improvements included two double gates for more security that feature an automatic locking feature that is activated on a timer and will be locked during non-park hours. The $136,000 project also included a new combination of cinderblock and wrought-iron walls around the eastern and northern sides. Park hours vary depending on the time year and amount of daylight. Current hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. For the complete schedule and more details about the changes, visit https://sunaz.com/duffeeland-dog-park/.

No bones about it, Sun City retirees and their pup pals are “pawsitively” floored over the new and improved Dufeeland Dog Park! For more information about local news in Sun City AZ and in your Arizona retirement communities please contact Sharon Mason.

Have you been wanting to use the pool and spa at the Recreation Centers of Sun City only to be met with “Closed” signs? Or have you desperate to work out in the fitness room only to be met with “Under Repair” signs? Don’t despair! The delay in usage of some of the RCSC facilities is temporary as they undergo routine repairs and maintenance in the west wing of Fairway Center according to Sun City officials.

The pool and spa have been closed since Sunday, August 23^rd but is expected to reopen for RCSC cardholder use again this Monday, August 31^st at 5:00 am. The fitness room, indoor walking track, and shower rooms closed on Monday, August 24^th and will reopen this Saturday, August 29^th at 5:00 am The Recreation Centers of Sun City apologize for any inconvenience this may cause cardholders and their escorted guests and are providing routine maintenance to ensure your experience with their facilities remains a positive one.

RCSC official are encouraging the use of facilities and amenities available at the other recreation centers during this time period, which will be easy to do. RCSC offers its cardholders a wide range of amenities and activities to enhance and enjoy their later years at the most affordable price of any active adult community. With seven recreation centers, eight golf courses, and more than one hundred twenty chartered clubs, RCSC provides the most facilities of all Sun City communities in America. There is literally something for everyone in Sun City, Arizona!

For more information about local news in Sun City Arizona and in your Arizona retirement communities please contact Sharon Mason.

Virginia, Montana, and Wyoming were voted as some of the top 10 places to retire according to a 2014 Bankrate ranking survey. However, the average temperature in those top ten retirement locales up north is about 57° degrees. Today’s temperature in sunny Arizona is a high of 87° degrees. In places where retirees are still shoveling snow off their driveways, you’ll find Arizona retirees enjoying heated swimming pools in their luxury retirement communities. The weather is one of the many reasons active adults choose to retire in Arizona and snowbirds choose to flock here every year.

In fact, winter temperatures in Phoenix are like summer temperatures in the southeast but without humidity. Rainfall averages for Arizona range from less than three inches in the deserts to more than thirty inches per year in the mountains. Dry and sunny days with cool nights are typical, and we enjoy over 250 days with sun each year. But if you’re an Arizona retiree who enjoys more variety in temperature and seasons, towns like Flagstaff, Sedona, and Prescott make great choices.

Another benefit of retiring in Arizona is that the “dry heat” state offers many older adults relief from allergies or asthma they may have suffered in other parts of the country. And award-winning medical centers such as Banner Health and Del Webb medical centers offer some of the best retirement care and services in the country. Why wouldn’t you want to retire with access to high quality health care to help you enjoy your golden years?

Lastly, those living on a fixed income will be happy to know that there is no tax on social security income here in Arizona. That’s a nice incentive to move to Arizona when you’re living on social security benefits. There is also no inheritance tax, gift, tax, or estate tax in Arizona. You can really make your social security income stretch here, especially since Arizona’s cost of living is about five percent below the national average. Income and property taxes are generally relatively low as well. So when it comes to choosing your retirement destination, look no further than the sunny mountains and desert landscape of Arizona. Come see why so many active adults retire in Arizona every year. And if you’re looking to buy a home in Sun City or in any of the various luxury retirement communities, please contact me today! – Sharon