3 Healthy Tips for National Heart Health Month 

February is National Heart Health Month and the perfect time to be good to your heart and get a checkup. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. Also, more than sixty-seven million Americans have high blood pressure which unfortunately makes them four times more likely to die from a stroke and three times more likely to die from heart disease, compared to those with normal blood pressure according to data from the CDC. Here are 3 healthy tips for National Heart Health Month to help keep your heart in tip-top ticking shape.

1.) Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is high in fiber, including fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid foods high in sodium and trans-fat.

2.) Exercise for 30 minutes a day at least five times a week. If 30 minutes is too much, start with 10-minute intervals of physical activity. Please talk to a health care professional before starting a new fitness routine.

3.) According to the American Heart Association (AHA) chronic stress can also increase your risk for heart disease. Make time to reduce stress and relax more by taking time to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and think of peaceful things. Whenever possible, try to avoid triggering or negative situations and focus on positive thinking and solutions.

In addition, the AHA is sponsors a free online support program available to residents living in the Northwest Valley. Registration is free, simple and fast, and for people with limited mobility, going online may be the perfect way to connect in a safe, cost-free environment for interaction, encouragement and advice. This AHA online support group is a community of people who have been diagnosed with heart disease, a congenital heart defect or stroke, and their caregivers. Click here to join the free online community.

Throughout the year, be heart smart by making small, positive changes toward a healthy lifestyle so that you can enjoy retirement. spread the word and help those you love take measures to care for their heart too!

RE/MAX National Housing Report for December 2018

December’s declining home sales and growing inventory solidified 2018 as the year the red-hot seller’s market moved toward a balanced market. Price growth also moderated, though December was the 33rd consecutive month of year-over-year increases in home prices, according to the RE/MAX National Housing Report, which includes fifty-three metro areas.

“December’s inventory gain, continuing the three-month growth trend, is welcome news,” said RE/MAX CEO Adam Contos. “The market remains choppy and there’s still a long way to go, but these gains represent steps toward a balanced market, which in the long run is healthy for both buyers and sellers.”

Most telling was December’s 4.6 percent growth in inventory, which was also a report record. December’s year-over-year inventory increase marked the third consecutive month of growth – a trend reversing a decade-long streak of year-over-year inventory declines.

While fifty-four Days on Market was a record low for December sold listings, the 4.1 Months Supply of Inventory was higher than December 2017’s 3.7 months and ahead of November 2018’s 3.9 months’ supply.

Home buyers paid record amounts throughout 2018 as prices grew year-over-year in every month last year, led by June’s Median Sold Price of $258,500 – an all-time report high. Even so, December’s year-over-year increase of 2.1% was 2018’s smallest, and far lower than the 8.1 percent price growth from December 2016 to December 2017.

“Home sales have cooled, especially during the second half of 2018, but that was inevitable given the strong seller’s market that has persisted for nearly a decade,” Contos said. “We believe sales activity can pick back up if the pace of price escalation continues to moderate, interest rates tick further downward, and wage growth continues.”

Click here to download your copy of the RE/MAX National Housing Report for December 2018. Are you considering a retirement home in Arizona? Or want to upgrade your current retirement home? Please contact me today for a full market analysis. I can help you successfully navigate any market condition!

West Valley Hearing Loss Association to Host Presentation in Sun City 

Did you know? Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 has difficulty hearing according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Hearing loss is a common problem for older adults and those with hearing loss may find it hard to have conversations with friends and family. They may also have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms. Studies have also shown that aging adults with hearing loss have a greater risk of developing dementia than older adults with normal hearing.

Sun City is aware of the impact of hearing loss on it’s aging active adults and is seeking to help. The Hearing Loss Association of America’s West Valley Chapter will welcome Keri Reynolds, a bilateral cochlear implant recipient and an Outreach Manager with Med El, for a presentation on dementia and hearing loss on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 1-3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 12225 N. 103rd Ave., in Sun City.

Ms. Reynolds will talk about the link between dementia and hearing loss. This is a particularly important topic for individuals with hearing loss. Older people who can’t hear well may become depressed, or they may withdraw from others because they feel frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what is being said. Sometimes, older people are mistakenly thought to be confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative because they don’t hear well. Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse but thankfully there are options such as hearing aids, special training, certain medicines, and surgery.

The Chapter will continue its meeting with a presentation about InnoCaption by Matt Goncalves and Cristina Duarte, founders of InnoCaption. InnoCaption is a free mobile app for Apple and Android smartphones, which provide real-time captioning on incoming and outgoing phone calls, for the oral deaf and the hard of hearing. Please bring questions and concerns, and family and friends to join the discussion.

For more things to do in Sun City or for information about available homes for sale in Arizona retirement communities, please contact Sharon Mason today! As full-service, full-time REALTOR^© for RE/MAX Professionals, I specialize in Arizona retirement communities, Surprise Arizona and surrounding areas. I bring a strong combination of customer service, sales, market knowledge and marketing to benefit my clients and follow the highest standards of customer service and ethics to conduct business on your behalf!

Is it Time to Sell Your Home? 

Retirement communities are my specialty in Arizona, including the communities of Sun City, Sun City West, Corte Bella, Sun City Grand, Sun Village, Arizona Traditions Sun City Festival, Trillogy at Vistancia and many others.

As a professional real estate consultant, I have made a commitment to learn about various floor plans built in the retirement communities, asset preservation fees and the amenities offered at our beautiful recreation centers.

In today’s market, pricing your home correctly is very important as we begin to see an increase in inventory of homes on the market in the coming months. The spring market is an excellent time for both home buyers and homeowners who are ready to sell their properties.

Is it time to sell? I can help you find out by providing a free, quick, no obligation comparative market analysis on your home. Simply click here and fill in the details. I will email or mail a copy of what your home could sell for in today’s market.

I look forward to assisting you with your retirement needs in Arizona.

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

While the winter weather is fairly mild in the Valley of the Sun, there are still some days that the desert temps drop, making us feel like it is winter in Arizona! Here are a few winter safety tips for seniors.

Dress for the weather: keep your indoor temperatures set at a comfortable level and plan to dress in layers. If you are leaving the house, put on a pair of warm socks, a jacket, hat, scarf and perhaps gloves for a little extra coverage. Your body temperature should never drop below 95 degrees.

Check for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: if you are using a gas fireplace or have a gas heater in your home, make sure that your carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Replace the batteries if they have not been changed out recently.

Get your car serviced: if you are just returning to the Valley of the Sun, it is a good idea to take your vehicle for service (especially if you sorted it while you were away for the summer months). Have the brakes checked, battery, oil, and tires.

Avoid wintertime depression: during the colder months, some seniors may find themselves staying at home more. This time alone can lead to wintertime depression. To help avoid this happening, plan to make a few extra phone calls to family and friends, and try a varied diet that includes Vitamin D foods.

If you find yourself in need this winter, please give me a call. I am happy to help you arrange car service, bring your lunch or batteries for your carbon monoxide detectors!

3 Nifty New Year’s Resolutions for Retirees in 2019

Can you believe 2019 is here? I’m certainly looking forward to a happy and healthy New Year for my family, friends, and myself. Seeing how this is the time for New Year’s resolutions and hopes for the New Year, here are 3 nifty New Year’s resolutions for retirees in 2019.

1.) Finalize a Financial Plan: Whether you’re drawing social security, working part-time, or making investments, having a strong financial plan is key to fully enjoying retired living. Creating a budget plan and actively tracking your spending habits can also help you create a budget to live within your means. Since you basically have two options; make more money or spend less money here’s what to do. To make more, consider when annuitizing your savings to guarantee an income stream or manage your own money in the market. To spend less, consider downsizing to an area where the cost of living is lower and mortgage payments are reduced.

2.) Healthy Aging: In 2019, focus on making your health a top priority so you can enjoy your retirement to the fullest. Make sure to get an annual physical exam from your doctor and create a health plan to maintain your health. Enjoy nutritious eating by preparing healthy meals with fresh ingredients from your local Arizona farmers markets. Stay active and seek out senior-friendly exercise programs that help improve vitality such as swimming, walking, qigong, and yoga. And keep your brain sharp with memory improving exercises like Sudoku puzzles or consider becoming more tech savvy and take a free computer class in your area.

3.) Master Your SSN Benefits: For many Arizona retirees, Social Security retirement benefits are an important income source. Nine out of ten people age sixty-five and over claim Social Security benefits and they average nearly forty percent of total income of people in this age bracket. And how you claim Social Security and greatly impact your benefit amount. Your Social Security increase by eight percent per year, so the longer you wait to claim the more you’ll be able to claim. To find out the best option for you, speak to a financial advisor.

Which of these 3 nifty New Year’s resolutions are you planning for? What othergoals do you have for the New Year to better enjoy retirement? If selling or buying a home in an Arizona retirement community is on your list of resolutions, please contact Sharon Mason today! Here’s to a healthy, happy, and financially abundant New Year for you all in 2019!

December is officially here and if you’ve recently retired, you may find that your holiday celebration might look a little different. Thanks to reduced obligations and increased free time, Arizona retirees may be better able to enjoy the season. However, older adults need to be wary of common pitfalls that can trip up holiday celebrations later in life. Here’s what the holidays look like after retirement.

It's a common mistake for older adults to continue lavishing gifts on their grandchildren after retirement during the holidays. While retirees with plenty in savings think they can afford to splurge, many don't take into consideration how it will affect the long-term value of their portfolio. Having a budget is essential for avoiding overspending on gifts.

Gifts aren't the only thing that might change after retirement. Travel may need to be adjusted. If older adults choose to retire in a different state from their family, the cost of holiday travel may become a cost burden. Seniors may need to budget more for airfare. They may also need to rent a vehicle or book extra nights in a hotel if they want to return home at a more leisurely pace. Because driving extra hours can wreak havoc on aging bodies, the easier and more cost efficient your holiday travel plans are, the better.

Regardless of how or where you’re spending your holidays after retirement, it’s important to make smart financial choices so that you’ll have less to worry about during this busy, festive season. If you’d like more tips on adjusting to retirement or if you’re an active adult seeking an Arizona retirement community to call home, please contact Sharon Mason today!

New Year’s Eve Party at Lakeview Lanes

According to The Bowling Foundation, more than twenty-five percent of Americans bowl each year, making it the nation’s largest participation sport. Today, bowling is a $4 billion industry with nearly 3,000 bowling centers in the United States. Besides being a fun and competitive game, bowling also offers you numerous health benefits for older adults such as muscle toning and strengthening, hand-eye coordination and stress relief. Plus, bowling is fun for the whole family!

So whether you love bowling or just love ringing in the New Year with friends, you’ll definitely want to come to the New Year’s Eve Party at Lakeview Lanes this Monday, December 31st at 8pm at 10502 W Thunderbird Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351.

The annual New Year’s Eve Bowling Partyat Lakeview Lanes kicks off with a potluck, bowling and prize drawings and the night will end with a champagne toast to the New Year! Everyone is welcome to the event even if you are not a bowler.

The Recreation Centers of Sun City (RCSC) owns and operates two first-class bowling centers in Sun City AZ which are open to RCSC Cardholders and their guests. Both RCSC Bowling Centers have full service café/restaurants (leased), offering breakfast, lunch and dinner selections seven days a week. Adjacent to the Lakeview Recreation Center, Lakeview Lanes offers twenty-four lanes of bowling as well as Billiards, Pool and Snooker.

If you’re interested in attending this New Year’s Eve Party, stop by Lakeview Lanes or Bell Lanes to reserve your spot as availability is limited. Click here for more information or call 623-876-3050. If you’d like more information about fun things to do in Sun City, or if you’re in the market to buy a home in one of the many Arizonaretirement communities, please contact Sharon Mason today. Happy New Year!

YourArizona Retirement Expert,

Sharon Mason - Associate Broker

RE/MAX Renaissance

623-810-9988

www.SharonMasonRealtor.com

www.RetireArizonaStyle.com

Join Sharon on Facebook or Twitter!

Client Testimonials Click Here

RE/MAX National Housing Report November 2018

Years of shrinking inventory gave way in November to a second consecutive month of year-over-year growth in the number of homes for sale, according to the RE/MAX National Housing Report. The apparent reason: Home sales declined for the fourth consecutive month when compared to the same months in 2017. Even so, home prices remained strong.

Across the 53 metro areas surveyed, inventory rose 3.0 percent – the highest monthly year-over-year gain in the 10-year history of the report, following October’s 1.0 percent increase that ended a streak of 119 months of year-over-year declines dating back to November 2008. The Months Supply of Inventory rose to 3.9, the highest for any month since 4.2 in December 2016.

November home sales, meanwhile, declined 6.9 percent, which was the second-largest year-over-year decline of 2018 and the biggest year-over-year sales decline for November in five years. This year only April and July sales exceeded 2017 totals for the corresponding months.

“The road to market normalization can be bumpy,” said RE/MAX CEO Adam Contos. “It’s good to see the small uptick in inventory, and the drop in November sales isn’t too surprising – given the recent trends, the mid-term elections, and the earlier-than-usual Thanksgiving holiday. As we near year-end, three main themes appear clear – buyers are grappling with affordability issues and tight inventory; sellers are unsure how to react to the cooling market; and homes priced properly are still selling rather quickly. All three underscore the fact that the guidance of a professional agent is even more critical in times like these.”

November’s Median Sales Price of $235,000 was 4.0 percent higher than November 2017 and was the highest November price in the report’s history. It marked the 32nd consecutive month of year over-year price increases. Comparing the first 11 months of 2018 to 2017, home prices are up 6.0 percent. Even with declining sales, homes sold at record speed for November. Homes spent an average of 51 Days on Market, compared to the previous November low of 54 days set last year.

Click here to download your copy of the RE/MAX National Housing Report for November 2018. If you would like to sell your home or find the perfect home for sale in one of the many Arizona retirement communities please contact Sharon Mason today!

YourArizona Retirement Expert,

Sharon Mason - Associate Broker

RE/MAX Renaissance

623-810-9988

www.SharonMasonRealtor.com

www.RetireArizonaStyle.com

Join Sharon on Facebook or Twitter!

Client Testimonials Click Here

Now that the holiday shopping season is in full swing, many of you may be wondering what the perfect gifts are for the older adults on your list. To give you some ideas, here are there perfect and practical holiday gifts for older adults so good, you’ll want to keep them for yourself!

1.) Pain Relief: For some Arizona retirees and active adults, the cooler temperatures of winter bring with it more aches, strains, and arthritic pains. So why not give the gift of pain relief to someone you love? TheraPearl produces a line of different cold/heat relief products to chill in freezer for analgesic cold or pop in the microwave for penetrating heat. You can find TheraPearl products at Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods as well as on their website.

1. Senior Smartphone: Want the active adult in your life to stay more connected? Consider the gift of a smartphone. The Jitterbug phone, made by GreatCall, has a new smartphone designed with older adults in mind. The Touch3 phone by Samsung features an easy-to-see touch screen, simplified menu with large, legible letters and a full-size onscreen keyboard. Besides traditional cell phone capability to talk and take pictures, the Touch3 can access GreatCall’s 5-Star service to summon emergency help by using the phone’s GPS. Touch3’s Urgent Care app enables users to speak with nurses and doctors without traveling to a medical office or making a copayment. Shoppers can find this little gem at Walmart, Sears, Radio Shack, Fry’s Electronics and other retailers or on their website.

3.) Floor Cleaning Robots: Have a neat freak in your life that loves to clean, but suffers from knee pain, back pain, arthritis, or other ailments that keep them from enjoying tidying their floors? A Roomba vacuuming robot makes a wonderful gift! Designed to clean carpet and as well as hard surface flooring, the Roomba vacuuming robot has sensors on the bottom enabling it to maneuver around furniture, objects, people or pets. This powerful battery-operated vacuum pulls out dirt, dust and pet hair. You can pick up one of these amazing gadgets at Kohls, Fry’s Electronics, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Target, Best Buy, and online here.

Here’s hoping you find the perfect gifts for the Arizona retirees and active adults in your life. And if you or someone you know is in the market to buy a home in one of our many Arizona retirement communities this holiday season, please contact Sharon Mason today!