Chandler Arizona Real Estate Blog

Homes for Sale in Sun Lakes, AZ ~ A Real Estate Update

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:07:39 -0600

It's time for a real estate update for Sun Lakes, AZ. Now that our winter visitors are returning and people all over the world are looking for a great Active Adult community to retire to, or simply live during the winter months. Sun Lakes is definitely that place!

So, how many homes are for sale in Sun Lakes? Here are some details~

There are currently 274 homes for sale in Sun Lakes, AZ.
Homes for sale range in price from the lowest priced home:

$69,900 for a lender-owned 1680 sf 2 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home located in Sun Lakes #1

to the highest price home:

$725,000 for a 3800sf 2 story home with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths and a guest house and a pool situated on a golf course lot in Oakwood Country Club.

There are currently:

Homes priced under $100,000 ~ 10
Homes priced $100,000-$199,999 ~ 75
Homes priced $200,000-$299,999 ~ 103
Homes priced $300,000-$399,000 ~ 60
Homes priced $400,000-$499,000 ~ 15
Homes priced $500,000-$599,000 ~ 10
Homes priced $600,000-$699,000 ~ 0
Homes priced $700,000-$799,000 ~ 1

The Sun Lakes community hasn't been hit too hard by the foreclosure market, however there are currently 13 homes listed as short sales and 10 homes listed as lender owned.

If you're a Sun Lakes homeowner facing foreclosure, I invite you to visit my foreclosure help website for helpful information or give me a call to discuss how I might be able to help you.

Homes are selling! There are currently 49 homes that are "Pending" and 32 homes have sold in the last month.

If you'd like to learn more about the Sun Lakes Lifestyle, give me a call at 480-250-3857. I'd love to tell you why I love living in Sun Lakes!

Amy Jones, Realtor, ABR, CNE, EPro, CDPE
Top Producing Realtor in Chandler, Sun Lakes, and the surrounding Phoenix East Valley.
Named one of the "Top 50 Real Estate Agents" by the Phoenix Business Journal

RE/Max Excalibur
4921 S. Alma School Rd
Chandler, Arizona

Visit www.AmySellsAZ.com for more information including free MLS search.
Visit www.PhoenixArizonaRealEstateBlog.com for a comprehensive Phoenix Area Blog.
Visit www.SunLakesBlog.com about living in Sun Lakes, AZ.
Visit www.hosted.cdpe.com/AmyJonesGroup if you're an AZ homeowner facing foreclosure.

"Packages From Home" ~ A great way to show our military heroes we care

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:10:10 -0600

I recently posted a blog entitled "Giving Back ~ Do you and How". So many of you posted the ways you are giving back to society, both locally and abroad and my heart was so touched by the causes...some of which I'd never heard of.

One of those causes is an organization that was brought to my attention by Steve Bodwin is called Packages from Home. (www.packagesfromhome.org). I invite you ALL to visit this site to see how you can say "thank you" to our active duty military and our veterans. A great cause for the holidays and every day!

Their mission directly from their website :

"The mission of Packages From Home is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world, as well as to facilitate activities that elevate morale of all veterans."

Annual Sun Lakes Rotary Pancake Breakfast ~ November 15, 2009! Here at last!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:36:34 -0600

It's time for the Annual Sun Lakes Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast, this Sunday, November 15, 2009 at the Sun Lakes Country Club (25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd). Come one...Come all...and bring your appetite!

This is just one of the fundraisers that enables the Sun Lakes Rotary Club to continue their work in the community which includes STRIVE, Choices, and the Dictionary Project. The Rotary Club also supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley & Neighbors Who Care.

Silent Auction and Raffle will also be held during the breakfast.

Maybe the best pancakes in the Valley and they're served ALL YOU CAN EAT! The breakfast includeds regular pancakes, blueberry pancakes, bacon, sausage, OJ and coffee.

Breakfast begins at 7:30am and will be served until 12:30 pm giving both early and late risers an opportunity to feast!

Tickets are $5 and are available from any Sun Lakes Rotarian or you can contact me and I'll tell you where you can purchase tickets.

Veterans Day Observance 2009 in Sun Lakes, AZ

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:47:02 -0600

The Sun Lakes Veterans Day Observance will take plat at 11:00 am on Wednesday, 11/11/2009 in front of the flagpole at the Sun lakes Country Club, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd (Just South of Riggs Rd).

Keynote speaker will be Arizona Attorney General, Terry Goddard who served as four time Mayor of Phoenix and was a Commander in the Naval Reserves where he served 27 years.

Sun Lakes, AZ is home to six veterans' organizations. Participating in the Veterans Day Ceremonies this year are the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine League, Korean War Veterans and this year's coordinator of the event, the Jewish War Veterans.

Lunch will be served following the event in the Navajo Room of the Country Club.

May each of us remember not only on Veterans Day, but every day, those Veterans who are no longer with us, those who are and those who are currently serving.

Giving Back. Do you and how?

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:19:56 -0600

Whether you call it paying it forward or giving back, it's something that can change your life. So tell me do you? By sharing how you give back to your community or the world, you may just encourage others to do the same. Maybe instead of crying over what we don't have, we can reach out and give what we do have...our time. It doesn't take a lot of money, just a caring heart.

I just compiled my photos from the trip I took to Armenia as part of a Medical Mission team. A trip like this...whether it be around the world or around the corner to a place where people are in need...is life changing. It puts things in perspective and you will find the little things we gripe about really ARE little things in the grand scheme of it all.

So, if you have a chance today...tomorrow...or whenever, reach out. Share your time and compassion with someone who can use a smile, a hug or something as small as a warm blanket. The world will be helped and you will find your life to be better than it's ever been. I promise.

I hope my photos of my mission trip to Armenia touch your heart~

Is the IRS holding money for you?

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:14:24 -0600

Are you missing a tax refund by chance? Apparently, the IRS is holding tax refunds in excess of $123 MILLION Dollars. These are refund checks that were mailed out but returned to the IRS due to incorrect mailing addresses.

The IRS reports having 3,237 returned income tax refund checks from Arizona residents alone. The checks average 1178 each. You'd think if you had a refund coming, you'd miss it when it didn't show up. Here's a link to the checks returned in Arizona. Why not check to see if your name is there...might jog your memory about your missing refund check.

http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2009/11/09/20091109irsrefundlist-CR-CP.html

If you live outside Arizona, you can check with the IRS "Where's my refund" page. You'll need your Social Security number along with the exact amount of your refund check. I don't know...Seems to me if you know exactly how much your refund is, you probably know you haven't received it. But then again, I'm terminally logical.

The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund ~ How you can help

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:39:03 -0600

The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund was established to assist Arizona military families with any financial crisis that may occur.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have produced combat veterans who are faced with severe injuries not comparable to previous conflicts. In many cases, long-term medical care is needed, requiring families to be by the side of their military hero. Cash-strapped families must pick up the tab for travel, lodging and household expenses while their family member undergoes rehabilitation.

In the worst scenario, when military families lose a loved one in the line of duty, they are frequently faced with devastating financial hardship. Unforeseen expenses add to the stress of tremendous loss. Families suddenly have to restructure their lives and manage day-to-day bills, all while laying their hero to rest.

Military families and the issues they face is something that's near and dear to my heart. Not only are these brave men and women fighting to keep our country safe, my dad was a 20-year retired US Navy WWII Veteran, so I know first hand the sacrifices these families make.

A donation to the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund will not only benefit our local military families, you can also claim the donation (up to $200 single filer/$400 joint filer) in a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.

If you'd like to donate, it's simple to do. Just download the contribution form. Fill out the form and mail it in with your check attached and you will be sent a receipt you can use to receive your state tax credit.

Don't wait too long if you want the tax credit. According to their website, the total donation tax credits cannot exceed 1 Million Dollars.

You have to pay your Arizona State Taxes anyway, so why not tell them where to use the money? Oh...and don't keep this a secret. Please share the news!

Note: I'm not a tax professional and you should consult your tax advisor for specific tax advice.

The voiceless victims of foreclosure.

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:19:30 -0600

It's a sad reality. When people lose their homes, they often have to relocate to a rental property where they can't take Fido, Fluffy or Tweety. This has resulted in an increase in the number of abandoned pets in the Valley.

A group of Valley Real Estate Agents have founded the not-for-profit www.lostourhome.com that helps find homes for animals left behind when homeowners leave their homes. Believe it or not, we often walk into homes where the owner has left a bag of opened dog food and a tub of water along with their dogs, who are probably wondering where everybody went. Lost Our Home has over 100 pets available for adoption.

Maricopa County Animal Care Center receives around 200 animals a day and is the Nation's second largest animal shelter. Visiting the site you'll find all types of animals available for adoption. Dogs, cats, pigs, rabbits, horses, llamas, goats and reptiles...there's probably not a single species that hasn't been affected by our current economy.

Let's not forget our friends without a voice. I invite you to to take part in a couple upcoming fundraisers for our furry friends ~

Arizona Humane Society
What: Pet-a-Palooza and Stadium Stroll
When: Nov. 7
Where: Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria
Cost: Registration for stadium stroll is $25 per walker, and tickets to Pet-a-Palooza are $10.
For more information, visit www.stadiumstroll.azhumane.org
For donations, the Arizona Humane Society has a wish list on its Web site, www.azhumane.org.

Arizona Animal Welfare League and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
What: Walk to Save Animals
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14
Where: Tempe Beach Park at Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
Cost: Suggested minimum donation $25.
For more information or to register, visit www.aawl.org or call (480) 423-1511.

My picks for the top ten luxury real estate and condo deals in the Phoenix Metro area.

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:42:14 -0600

My list is out! Check out my picks for the top ten condo & luxury real estate deals in the Phoenix Metro area. This month's list includes homes in Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Queen Creek, Fountain Hills and Mesa. Click on the photo below to see what I feel to be some of the top ten deals in the Phoenix Metro area.

Have you ever lived in a haunted house? Tales of the unexplained.

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:42:31 -0500

Since it's Halloween, I thought I'd share my experience living with "my" ghost Henry.

Let me say first, I'm not into the paranormal, but there were definitely some spooky occurrences that took place in my 60 year old house back in Kenosha, WI where I lived with my little dog, Merffy.

I remember the evening Merffy and I were watching tv. Merffy sat up quickly and acted like he was watching a fly buzz around his head. Then he jumped off the couch, ran to the foot of the stairs and sat there looking up the stairs to the darkened second floor. I was mildly interested watching his escapades until after about 30 seconds his tennis ball came bouncing down the stairs on it's own. Ok....now I was more than mildly interested. I sat frozen in place with every hair on my head at attention and heart racing. Merffy picked up the ball, excited with tail wagging while expectantly looking up the stairway. That's when I gave my ghost a name. I called him "Henry".

Then there was the night I was taking a bath and heard a crash coming from the 1st floor. I jumped out of the tub, grabbed my robe and tiptoed down the stairs armed with a... plunger. Lying in front of the fireplace was a broken picture frame that had been sitting on the mantel. The weird thing was it had been sitting at the back of the mantle, behind some other frames where they still sat undisturbed. How had that broken frame jumped over the other frames? I chastised Henry for disturbing my bath and for breaking my favorite frame.

One morning I was sitting at the dining room table eating a bowl of cereal and reading the paper when I heard something fall in the kitchen. A coin came rolling across the wood floor and stopped at my feet. It was a silver quarter dated the year I was born (Yes..a pretty old coin). There were lots of unexplainable events that proved I was either losing my mind or there really was a ghost living with me... and no, I've never done drugs.

I miss Henry now that I'm living in Chandler, Arizona. I don't have a ghost here to blame messes and missing keys on...but I do have a husband....

I sold this Carriage Lane ~ Gilbert, AZ home in 2 Days!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:44:52 -0500

Another listing sold in less than a week! This one sold in 2 days. Down market? I'm just not seing it. This home is located in Carriage Lane in Gilbert, AZ.

Sun Lakes AZ Homes for Sale including short sales in Sun Lakes AZ

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:28:36 -0500

There are currently 258 homes for sale in Sun Lakes, AZ.
Homes for sale range in price from the lowest priced home listed at $55,000 for a 1440sf 2 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home located in Sun Lakes #1

to the

highest priced home listed at $725,000 for a 3800sf 2 story home with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths and a guest house and a pool situated on a golf course lot in Oakwood Country Club.

The Sun Lakes community hasn't been hit too hard by the foreclosure market, however there are currently 11 homes listed as short sales and 10 homes listed as lender owned.

If you're a Sun Lakes homeowner facing foreclosure, I invite you to visit my foreclosure help website for helpful information or give me a call to discuss how I might be able to help you.

Homes are selling! There are currently 48 homes that are "Pending".

If you'd like to learn more about the Sun Lakes Lifestyle, give me a call at 480-250-3857. I'd love to tell you why I love living in Sun Lakes!

New Phoenix area Real Estate Scam. Renters BEWARE!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:11:08 -0500

I received an email from the Arizona Regional MLS today informing its members of a recent scam in our local real estate industry.

The scam involves tenants moving into a pending short sale listing. The listing agent was surprised when she entered the listing to find tenants moving into the home and the seller had not rented the property to anyone. The tenants and their 2 children were physically moving in and had turned on utilities in their name. The sign and the lock box were removed, and all locks were re-keyed.

The tenants responded to a For Rent sign in the yard. They gave someone $1,800 as rent and signed a lease. The unfortunate victims of this scam are the tenants who were out $1,800 with no place to live.

Listing agents should monitor their listings closely and tenants should be cautious, investigating any supposed "landlord" thoroughly to ensure they actually have the right to rent the property.

I don't know if this is happening in any other part of the country, but it wouldn't surprise me. Sad but true.

Real Estate Sun Lakes AZ ~ Homes for sale in Sun Lakes AZ are selling!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:30:46 -0500

Don't let anyone tell you differently. I sold 2 homes in Sun Lakes, AZ just this past weekend. The winter visitors are returning and the Canadians are calling. It's a great time to be a buyer in Sun Lakes! The temps have cooled and the golf course is waiting for you! Visit Sun Lakes...you'll be SOLD on the lifestyle!!

What's your "why"?

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:24:48 -0500

I love what I do. Selling homes in Chandler, Sun Lakes and the surrounding East Valley is what I do. But have I ever told you why? It's not about the paycheck. It's not about the houses. It's not about a whole lot of things.... Here's my why. What's yours?

New Website for Chandler Area Homeowners facing foreclosure

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:18:11 -0500

I'm excited to announce the creation of a new information Website for Chandler-area homeowners confronted with the possibility of foreclosure. http://hosted.cdpe.com/AmyJonesGroup contains vital facts about the options available to these homeowners, to help them make the educated decisions about their future.

I developed this site with my community in mind. When faced with the possibility of foreclosure, I've seen too many homeowners make poor choices, even walking away from their homes without calling their lender or a real estate agent. These people didn't know the options available, or even how to find any information on their situation. I want more for the people of Chandler and more comes with making informed decisions.

http://hosted.cdpe.com/AmyJonesGroup acts as a hub for information on the facts and issues for struggling homeowners, putting all the necessary information in one, easy-to-use location. The information and materials located on the site are regularly updated to reflect market changes, trends, new lender requirements, and industry updates.

Alex Charfen, co-founder and CEO of the Distressed Property Institute in Austin, Texas, said that more than seven out of 10 homeowners in foreclosure proceed without any visible assistance.

"Agents with the Certified Distressed Property Expert^® designation are helping distressed homeowners understand that there may be options available to them," Charfen said. "Amy Jones has been trained to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, and this Web site resource to educate the community is a commendable public service."

The CDPE designation provides real estate professionals with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today's market.

Just Listed ~ Home for sale in Gilbert, AZ ~ Carriage Lane

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:53:13 -0500

No waiting for a bank response on this TRADITIONAL RESALE!

Great curb appeal and a popular Shea floorplan that features formal living & dining rooms, family room & kitchen with island.

Other features include:
PLANTATION SHUTTERS
REVERSE OSMOSIS DRINKING WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
WATER SOFTENER
SECURITY SYSTEM
WASHER, DRYER & REFRIGERATOR included

Home is located just around the corner from the tot lot & greenbelt in Gilbert's beautiful Carriage Lane.

This home is clean and ready to move into. Easy access to Hwy 60 and the 202.

Only 5 miles from Mesa's Gateway airport and only 20 miles from Phoenix Sky Harber Airport.

First time home buyers ~ this home can close quickly to qualify for the tax credit.

Don't let this one get away. It's priced to sell!

For more information visit http://www.amysellsaz.com/Gilbert/Arizona/Homes/S41/Carriage_Lane_10/Agent/Listing_6078073.html

Do you KNOW what you DONT KNOW about that home you're buying?

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:51:04 -0500

Home buyers, do you KNOW what you DONT KNOW about the home you're buying? In today's real estate market, an increasing number of homes are being sold without the Seller's Disclosure Statement which contains information regarding a home's repair and maintenance history (along with other important information about the home).

Banks don't provide Disclosure Statements and I'm starting to notice even investors are claiming no disclosures will be provided. Apparently becoming an investor turns you into a turnip and robs you of your memory. This is the only explanation I can think of for owning a home and having no knowledge of anything about the home during your ownership, investor or not.

If you're buying a home in Arizona, the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement is a 6 page document that includes a lot of information about the property. Here are just a few items from this report:

would you care if the house has scorpions, bees, or the occasional snake?
would you care if the house has experienced a fire or flood?
would you care if there is a potential for mold due to past roof leaks or a pipe bursting?

There are 246 lines that can be filled out on the Arizona Seller's Property Disclosure Statement. Wouldn't you feel better as a buyer if you knew as much as possible about the home you're buying? Have your agent request a disclosure statement even if the listing claims one will not be provided. At least 75% of the time I'm able to get one for my buyers even if it's only partially filled out.

If the seller refuses to provide disclosure information and you still want to proceed with the purchase of the home, ask your Realtor for a blank disclosure statement so you'll know exactly what you don't know about the home you're buying. Knowledge. It's a good thing.

Dobson Ranch in Mesa, AZ celebrates Fall!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:40:42 -0500

It's fall and Dobson Ranch residents in Mesa celebrate in a big way. Now that the temps have cooled, get out there and enjoy the reason you live in the Dobson Ranch!

10/24 7am-11am Retirees Club Semi-Annual Pancake Breakfast. la Casita Community Center. Pancakes, Sausages, OJ, milk or coffee for only $2.00! 5 and under Free

10/24 Gain (Getting Involved in Arizona Neighborhoods) Night. Crime prevention program (Mesa Police Department) Block parties throughout Dobson Ranch.

10/24 9am-1pm Home Tour. Self-guided tour of featured renovated homes throughout Dobson Ranch. Pick up tour packets at La Casita beginning 10/21. Free

10/29 6pm-8pm Halloween Party at Los Altos Recreation Center. Face painting, clowns, crafts, inflatables, games, food and treats. Free

Chandler AZ median home sales prices still above 2004 levels

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:51:17 -0500

What's happening to the median sales price of homes in Chandler, AZ? Here's a graph that shows that home median sales prices are still above those in 2004 but still seem to be trending downward. Stay tuned!

Another social and business media email

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:31:07 -0500

I received another invite for a brand new social media and business network. I can't remember the name of it because my head exploded as soon as I received it.

Doesn't anyone get tired of sitting alone at the computer and calling is social?

Does anyone besides me feel like "ENOUGH ALREADY!"?

Sun Lakes AZ Homes for Sale Update

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:07:31 -0500

239 homes are listed for sale in Sun Lakes, AZ
$249,500 is the median list price of a home in Sun Lakes
162 homes (68%) are listed for less than $300,000

SINCE JANUARY 1, 2009~
279 homes have sold in Sun Lakes
$187,500 is the 2009 median sales price of a home in Sun Lakes

Of the homes that sold in 2009:

212 (76%) sold for less than $300,000

$37,500 ~ the price of the least expensive home sold in Sun Lakes this year. A 1334sf manufactured home, with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths located in Sun Lakes #1

$580,000 ~ the price of the most expensive home sold in Sun Lakes this year. Located in Oakwood Country Club, a 3000sf, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with Casita and a pool and situated on a golf course lot.

*Information obtained on October 11, 2009 from Arizona Regional MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Chandler Real Estate Market Update ~ 2 highest priced 2009 home sales located in Stellar Air Park

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:48:19 -0500

1230 homes are listed for sale in Chandler, AZ
$229,900 is the median list price of a home in Chandler, AZ
846 homes (69%) are listed for less than $300,000
24 homes are listed for $1,000,000 or more
163 (13%) are lender owned
318 (26%) are listed as short sales

SINCE JANUARY 1, 2009~
3104 homes have sold in Chandler, AZ.
$191,900 The median sales price of a home in Chandler, AZ

Of those:

2490 (80%) sold for less than $300,000
5 (less than 1%) sold for over $1,000,000
1329 (43%) were lender owned
573 (18%) were short sales

$19,500 ~ the price of the least expensive home sold in Chandler this year. An 858 sf home, with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath (a definite fixer-upper).

$1,500,000 ~ the price of the most expensive home sold in Chandler this year. Located in Stellar Air Park, a custom home being remodeled during the sale, 4,223sf, 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with Casita and an airplane hangar. (The second highest home sale to date was also located in Stellar Air Park at $1,499,000)

*Information obtained on October 11, 2009 from Arizona Regional MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

The 5 things I learned at Disneyworld and why I'm glad I live in the Desert.

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:47:45 -0500

My husband TJ & I just returned from a vacation to Florida where we spent 4 days at the Disney parks (and 1 full day at the pool). I realized several things during this vacation.

1. There is no recession at Disneyworld. The parks were full and people lined up to pay $19 for macaroni & cheese and $40 for a steak dinner at the park.

2. Disney prices have not be affected by the recession. Wait, let me rephrase...Disney has not lowered their food prices to help the visitors during this economy. I read where food prices at Disney actually have gone up 35% in the face of the recession.

3. Disney is the happiest place on earth...only when you have the luxury of visiting without children. Don't get me wrong, some of my happiest memories are of trips to Disney with my daughters. However, based on the number of crying children and not so happy parents, I would say my husband & I had a much better time than they were having.

4. It is possible to "do" a Disney park in less than 4 hours. After studying the "Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld" on the plane trip to Orlando, I was a self-professed pro as we hit the parks. My husband just grabbed my belt loop and held on as I smoothly navigated through the throngs and managed to get us on the top billed rides with little to no waiting each and every day. Of course, being there sans kiddies helped (See #3). We were at the pool by 2pm every day and in my book that's the best place to be in hot and humid Orlando.

5. A visit to Florida made me remember why I love Arizona. "It's not the heat it's the humidity"...no truer words were ever said. I've lived through summers that can get as high at 118 degrees in the desert during the summer, but I've never been more uncomfortable than walking around Disney at 88 degrees and 88% humidity. During our return flight to Phoenix I listened to a couple sitting behind me as they were discussing why anyone would want to live in the desert. Are you kidding me? Did they not just get on the plane with me in Orlando where they were probably scraping mold from their armpits? I'll take Arizona over Florida any day. I know I'll catch some flack from Florida Lovers but that's ok. Yes, the "green" was nice but feeling terminally damp as you swat bugs as big as your head? Ugh ...no thanks.

Oh...and one more thing...if you have the chance to stay at a 5 star hotel on the day that it opens...DO IT! The Hilton at Bonnet Creek was amazing and we had the whole lazy river pool (that was also amazing) to ourselves almost the entire stay.

Now I'm dried out and back to selling houses...let the games begin!

A map Sun Lakes' Oakwood Country Club Walking Path ~ Don't leave home without it!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Excalibur) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:53:49 -0500

One of the things I love most about living in Oakwood in Sun Lakes is the 3 miles of walking paths that wind throughout the western half of the community. Shaded with a canopy of trees over some parts of the path, you might even forget you're in the middle of the desert!

Homes that border the walking path are restricted to view fencing if they choose to fence their yard so there's a feeling of openness on the paths which also feature landscape lighting for those evening strolls.

I caution you that if you're walking late in the evening, you may just get sprayed by a sprinkler or two, but that just makes you pick up your pace just a little!

The first time I attempted to follow the walking path I got miserably lost. A leisurely walk that would normally take about an hour, took me almost 3. One of the reasons is it's easy to lose your way is that the path can end on one street and pick up a half block away. So, I've created a handy walking map for all the walkers who may be unfamiliar with the Oakwood walking path. Happy walking!

Click here for a copy of the map.