I've been working with a couple different buyers looking to purchase a home in the Sun City (Arizona) area. One couple currently own in Sun City and they want to purchase a second property; the other, currently leasing in Sun City West, would be purchasing a home in Sun City for the very first time. As each buyer has a different set of circumstances, it is important to understand the mandatory fees required by the City.
The "Sun City" fees that are required to be paid upon close of escrow are: The Recreation Center (Rec Center) fee and transfer fee. As of April 1, 2008, the Rec Center fee will be increasing to $396.00; the transfer fee remains the same, $300. The Rec Center fee covers one household providing two membership passes which provide membership to the seven Rec Centers in the Sun City area. The transfer fee covers the cost of the paperwork involved to transfer the membership into the new homeowner's names. The Capital Preservation fee, used to upgrade and improve faculties as well as to modernize facilities, is $2,500.
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding these fees are that they are one-time only fees. If you purchase another property in Sun City, you will pay these fees again.
Currently own a home in Sun City and buying another home? You will pay all the required fees once again but will be reimbursed the $2,500 if and when you sell one of your Sun City homes and only if is within the first year (from date of closing).
It is important not to confuse a Homeowner's Assocition fee with the Recreation Center fee. Some communities do not have a homeowner's association while other communities do and these fees vary considerably. Most are mandatory, but one I have found in Phase I is optional and only $12.00 a year while many Phase III fees are $180+ a month. In addition, if you wish to join a country club/golf club, there will be additional fees to be paid.
Some may wonder the point of living in the Sun City area. Besides the beautiful climate and the friendly people, a couple reasons are low, low property taxes. How low? These vary from $180 a year and up. In addition, there are no schools in Sun City, hence, no school taxes are imposed. Sun City is a wonderful retirement community with beautifully remodeled homes, most built by Del Webb, large square footage, and low, low prices.
Looking for a home in Sun City? Give me a call (623) 205-8112.
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