Sun City Grand Real Estate Josee-Marie Plant

Heavy Hearts Today with the Loss of Oso the Pomeranian, I Write to Cope

September 21, 2002- March 8, 2010

It's been a really tough few days emotionally on my husband and I. Oso on the other hand had one heck of a fight on his paws.

Oso passed away Monday night at around 11:30pm. He just couldn't hang on anymore. He was not able to survive complications from his pancreatitis.

I had a very bad feeling about things when I spent time with him at the hospital Monday and wondered how he was going to pull out of his current state of health. I'm just glad I had the time that I did with him and that I got to see him one last time Monday night after he passed. I am sad that my husband wasn't able to be here,that's really hard on him.

Needless to say, my husband and I were pretty shocked at the outcome and are incredibly sad. It is a life changing event that we have experienced twice within the last year. We're crushed.

Oso was the best big guy in a little package. He was our sidekick. He went everywhere with us and everyone that met Oso adored him.

There are many pictures of Oso floating around the world that were taken by people we met at the Grand Canyon, various National Parks and other places Oso traveled too. I'm not kidding on the pictures, the tourists and the non were always taking his picture. He was one heck of a character and will be deeply missed.

I featured Oso in several of my blogs over the past months. He was a trooper and just sat where ever I put him and smiled for the camera.

Posts with Oso:

Sun City Grand Pet Park New Registration Requirements

Wordless Wednesday-Oso the Retired Pomeranian

Oso's Grand Adventures-Grooming Anyone?

Oso's Grand Adventures-Golf Anyone?

Oso's Grand Adventures-Tennis Anyone?

Sun City Grand's Newest Residents-Swans of a Different Kind

Oso's Grand Adventures-Gone Fishing

Sun City Grand Dog Park-Featuring Oso

I truly had a deep love for him and was looking forward to several more years with him.

Oso gave us unconditional love and was always happy to be with us, he was a best friend indeed.

There are a lot of would haves, should haves, could haves, wishes, questions and a little bit of everything going through our minds right now. One thing is for certain, he will be missed in our lives and for now our hearts must process the loss of our beloved Oso.

So...I write to cope.

In loving memory of "The Boys"
Pookie: February 26, 1997-April 10, 2009
Oso: September 21, 2002- March 8, 2010

Oso the Pomeranian Needs Your Prayers...Please

My beautiful little boy, Oso is 8 years old and I just love him so much.

I don't normally do this sort of thing, but my heart is so sad and I'm turning to you to ask you too please say a prayer for Oso's recovery.

On Saturday afternoon Oso started getting sick which continued. At 3am I took him to the emergency animal hospital. He's been there ever since.

He has pancreatitis which is a critical condition where the pancreas becomes inflammed. It is quite painful and Oso is absolutely down for the count. He is on an iv, pain, antibiotics and anti nausea medicines.

Click here for more information on pancreatitis. If you have a pet, you should read this.

Today a DVM who specializes in internal medicine and infectious diseases came to take a biopsy of Oso's pancreas and also perform a sonogram. Oso has had a complete set of blood work sent for analysis as well. We will be getting the results back tomorrow afternoon.

Please send a little thought Oso's way, he's such a cute, loving little boy who needs as many prayers as he can get.

Thank you to all ActiveRain members and pet lovers for your support.  I didn't know of a bigger audience to ask to pray for Oso, so I turn to you. 

Sun City Grand Surprise, AZ Market Statistics Week Ending March 7, 2010

• Total Single Family homes for sale: 239

• Total La Solana Condominiums for sale: 16

Price range: $99,000-$159,900 - Average List Price: $121,119

Average CDOM: 320

• Total Golf Course homes for sale: 49

Price range: $325,000-$945,000 - Average List Price: $574,115

Average CDOM: 141

• Total Non-Golf Course homes for sale: 190

Price range: $145,000-$599,900 - Average List Price: $273,161

Average CDOM- 129

• Total Pending Close of Escrow: 59

52 Non-Golf Course – 6 Golf Course- 1 La Solana Condominium

• Total NEW Listings Week of March 1-7, 2010: 22

16 Non-Golf Course- Price range: $165,000-$337,056

6 Golf Course- Price range: $325,000-$945,000

• Total Under Contract Week of March 1-7, 2010: 6

6- Non-Golf Course

Price range: $174,800-$319,000

CDOM: 48

• Total Closed Escrow Week of March 1-7, 2010: 15

1 La Solana Condominium:

• Grande- $147,500 CDOM: 23
  

1 Golf Course:

• Mission- $449,900 CDOM: 1

13 Non Golf Course:

• Acacia- $175,000 CDOM: 3
• Borgata- $278,500 CDOM: 5
• Cypress- $145,000 CDOM: 677
• Desert Rose- $260,000 CDOM: 10
• Hampton- $404,000 CDOM: 0
• Legacy- $169,900 CDOM: 309
• Madera- $244,900 CDOM: 333
• Palo Verde- $252,000 CDOM: 5
• Palo Verde- $312,000 CDOM: 116
• Palo Verde- $265,000 CDOM: 0
• Rosewood- $425,000 CDOM: 390
• Stonecrest- $330,000 CDOM: 104
• Stonecrest- $285,00 CDOM: 152
  

• Total Lender Owned homes for sale (listed in MLS): 6

6 Non Golf Course Homes: Price Range: $173,900 - $449,900

Average CDOM: 86

• Total Short Sale homes for sale (listed in MLS): 7

6 Non Golf Course Homes: Price Range: $159,000-$259,900

Average CDOM- 1134

CDOM= Cumulative Days on Market

*Homes listed are sold or listed by numerous MLS participants including Ken Meade Realty. All information is regarded as accurate & reliable but is not guaranteed.

Sun City Grand a Del Webb Active Adult Golf Community consists of 9,550 single family homes and 252 condominiums.Sun City Grand is a 45+ age restricted community. 15% of Sun City Grand homes may be occupied by the owners age 45-54. 85% of the homes must be occupied by a person age 55 or older. The 45-54 age group MUST BE owner occupied.

Sun City Grand Surprise Arizona Open House 9am-12pm- Saturday 3/6/10

18012 N. San Salvador Court
3 bedroom, 1.75 bathroom
Palo Verde Floor Plan
MLS# 4149353
$279,000

Property Features & Upgrades:

• Large Cul-De-Sac Lot
• 4 foot extension in Kitchen
• Bay Window in Kitchen
• Extended Kitchen Cabinets & Extra Cabinets
• Crown Molding for Kitchen Cabinets
• Extended Breakfast Bar
• Extended Pantry
• Skylight in Kitchen
• French Door leading to the Courtyard
• Great Room Media Niche
• Gas Fireplace
• Surround Sound (speaker package) & High Speed Wiring
• Bay Window in Master Bedroom
• Dual sinks in Master Bedroom
• Third Bedroom has been extended 4 feet
• Upgraded Carpet & Tile
• Reverse Osmosis, Soft Water & Instant Hot Water
• Extended Coverd Patio. Cool Deck on Front & Back Patios and Walkway.
• Backyard Patio with Surround Sound, Ceiling Fan & Gas Bib for BBQ
• Low Emissivity Windows & Sun Screens
• Security Doors on front,patio & kitchen
• Upgraded lighting, Ceiling Fans & Extra outlets
• Stucco vacation mail box
• Extended Garage with Golf Cart Ramp
• Storage Cabinets & Work Bench
• Garage Side door entrance

Community Features:

• 4 Golf Courses
  
• Community pools
• Community tennis
• Bocce Ball
• Pickleball
• Day Spa
  
• Pet Park
• 2 Fitness Centers
• Aerobic Studios
• Softball Field
• Numerous Clubs and Activities
• Located less than 1 mile from Shopping/Dining

Virtual Tour

Sun City Grand, a Del Webb Active Adult Golf Community consists of 9,550 single family homes and 252 condominiums.Sun City Grand is a 45+ age restricted community. 15% of Sun City Grand homes may be occupied by the owners age 45-54. 85% of the homes must be occupied by a person age 55 or older. The 45-54 age group MUST BE owner occupied.

Arizona...Got Water?

I had a client of mine recently ask me where Arizona's water comes from. My initial answer was from the Colorado River and the groundwater which is stored in underground aquifers. Sounds simple enough to me. However, there is the question of where does it really come from and how does it gets to us?

At the Grand Canyon, the water is pumped up to the North and South rims from Roaring Springs which provides water to all of Grand Canyon National Park. This water gushes directly out of the cliffs. It is located adjacent to the North Kaibab Trail. The pipeline that carries the water to both rims was installed in 1965-1970. It runs under the North Kaibab Trail and continues across the Colorado River underneath the Bright Angel Trail's Silver Bridge.

Back to Arizona...Water is received from four sources:

• Colorado River 39%

• Agua Fria, Verde, Salt and Gila Rivers 19%

• Groundwater 40%

• Effluent re-use 2%

Arizona is broken up into the following physiographic provinces:

• Plateau Uplands: At high elevations receive more snow and rainfall than the a lot of the state. The aquifers in this area are large and deep in the western part of the plateau.

• Central Highlands: Have most of the perennial streams in Arizona. The aquifers are small and drought sensitive in this area.

• Basin & Range: This area recieves little rainfall, has few perennial streams and contains very large aquifers. This area is in the lower elevations of the state. Threre are five active management areas in the state where groundwater supplies are protected and preserved.

Water goes into the aquifers from streamflow, artificial recharge projects and from mountain areas. Is removed by wells, release to streams and by riparian plant use.

As we all know, the weather also has a big part in the amount of water the aquifers receive. With less than 12" of rainfall per year in most of Arizona, you can see why the aquifers make good sense in Arizona. The higher elevations such as the White Mountains in North Eastern Arizona support streamflows and fill reservoirs.

So that is a good overview of where our water comes from in Arizona. So when you hear someone say that the desert is going to dry up or that we're going to run out of water, think again. There are excellent systems in place to manage Arizona's water.

Having said that, I believe there is an awareness that water should not be wasted and should never be taken for granted. At least that's how we do things at our home.

Resources:

• Water Resources Center-UofA
  

• Arizona Water Company

• Arizona Department of Water Resources

• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

• Arizona Geological Survey
  

Sun City Grand Market Statistics for February 2010

Golf Course Homes Sold

Ashbury- $520,000

Ashbury- $555,000

Ashbury- $585,000

Cambridge- $450,000

Cholla- $379,900

Ironwood- $575,000

Mesquite- $425,000

Mesquite- $600,000

Palo Verde- $335,000

Rosewood- $545,000

Stonecrest- $390,000

Windsor- $890,000

-Average Sales Price: $520,825

-Average sqft: 2,599

-Average list price per sqft: $200.84

-Average sold price per sqft: $198.69

-CDOM: 125

Non-Golf Course Homes Sold

Acacia- $192,500

Ashbury- $499,500

Azalea- $230,000

Borgata (lender owned)- $239,900

Celebration- $165,000

Cypress- $174,900

Hearthstone- $380,000

Heritage- $200,000

Iris- $165,000

Kiva- $169,000

Lantana- $200,000

Legacy- $202,500

Madera- $215,000

Mission $379,000

Monterra- $144,000

Palo Verde w/Casita- $326,900

Palo Verde- $230,000

Palo Verde- $230,000

Sage- $174,000

Sage- $195,000

Sierra- $282,000

Sonoma (lender owned)- $155,000

Sonoma- $230,000

Stonecrest $290,000

Stonecrest $295,000

Stonecrest- $306,000

Sundance- $148,000

Sundance- $175,500

Sundance- $177,000

Sycamore- $265,000

Valencia- $325,000

Valencia II- $274,000

-Average Sales Price: $250,697

-Average sqft: 1,709

-Average list price per sqft: $145.67

-Average sold price per sqft: $139.01

-CDOM: 125

CDOM= Cumulative Days on Market

*Homes listed are sold or listed by numerous MLS participants including Ken Meade Realty. All information is regarded as accurate & reliable but is not guaranteed.

Sun City Grand a Del Webb Active Adult Golf Community consists of 9,550 single family homes and 252 condominiums.Sun City Grand is a 45+ age restricted community. 15% of Sun City Grand homes may be occupied by the owners age 45-54. 85% of the homes must be occupied by a person age 55 or older. The 45-54 age group MUST BE owner occupied.

Sun City Grand Market Statistics Week Ending February 28, 2010

• Total Single Family homes for sale: 231

• Total La Solana Condominiums for sale: 15

Price range: $99,000-$159,900 - Average List Price: $121,267

Average CDOM: 334

• Total Golf Course homes for sale: 49

Price range: $325,000-$890,000 - Average List Price: $564,123

Average CDOM: 141

• Total Non-Golf Course homes for sale: 182

Price range: $145,000-$599,900 - Average List Price: $274,181

Average CDOM- 130

• Total Pending Close of Escrow: 63

57 Non-Golf Course – 5 Golf Course- 1 La Solana Condominiums

• Total NEW Listings Week of February 22-28, 2010: 14

1 La Solana Condominium- $109,000

11 Non-Golf Course- Price range: $164,900-$329,900

2 Golf Course- $398,000 & $639,000

• Total Under Contract Week of February 22-28, 2010: 7

6- Non-Golf Course

Price range: $185,000-$375,000

CDOM: 101

1- Golf Course Price: $639,900

CDOM: 361

• Total Closed Escrow Week of February 22-28, 2010: 18

5 Golf Course:

• Palo Verde- $335,000 CDOM: 36
• Cholla- $379,900 CDOM: 164
• Stonecrest- $390,000 CDOM: 108
• Ironwood- $575,000 CDOM: 199
• Mesquite- $600,000 CDOM: 57
  

13 Non Golf Course:

• Iris- $165,000 CDOM: 416
• Celebration- $65,000 CDOM: 34
• Sundance- $178,000 CDOM: 277
• Sage- $195,000 CDOM: 21
• Heritage- $200,000 CDOM: 19
• Madera- $215,000 CDOM: 12
• Azalea- $230,000 CDOM: 0
• Sycamore- $265,000 CDOM: 118
• Valencia II- $274,000 CDOM: 290
• Sierra- $282,000 CDOM: 19
• Stonecrest $290,000 CDOM: 92
• Stonecrest $295,000 CDOM: 74
• Mission $379,000 CDOM: 99
  

• Total Lender Owned homes for sale (listed in MLS): 6

5 Non Golf Course Homes: Price Range: $164,900 - $449,900

Average CDOM: 80

• Total Short Sale homes for sale (listed in MLS): 6

6 Non Golf Course Homes: Price Range: $159,000-$259,900

Average CDOM- 150

CDOM= Cumulative Days on Market

*Homes listed are sold or listed by numerous MLS participants including Ken Meade Realty. All information is regarded as accurate & reliable but is not guaranteed.

Sun City Grand a Del Webb Active Adult Golf Community consists of 9,550 single family homes and 252 condominiums.Sun City Grand is a 45+ age restricted community. 15% of Sun City Grand homes may be occupied by the owners age 45-54. 85% of the homes must be occupied by a person age 55 or older. The 45-54 age group MUST BE owner occupied.

Happy Anniversary Grand Canyon National Park

I am no stranger to Grand Canyon National Park.  It was here long before I showed up on this earth and will be here long after I'm gone.

The matter of fact is, in 1919 on this day President Woodrow Wilson signed Senate Bill 390 which established Grand Canyon National Park.  From that point on it would be protected and enjoyed by future generations like you and I.

Grand Canyon Facts:

• The Grand Canyon is more than 17 miles across at it's widest point.

• More than 1,500 plant species call Grand Canyon home.

• John Wesley Powell was the first person to journey the entire length of the gorge in 1869.

• The Grand Canyon drops more than one mile into the earth.

• The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is 277 river miles in length.
  

• Grand Canyon was first a Forest Reserve in 1893 when it received Federal protection.

• Grand Canyon National Park receives close to 5 million visitors each year.

• Over 4,800 archeological resources have been recorded in Grand Canyon National Park.

• Grand Canyon Civilian Conservation Corps began work at the Grand Canyon's south rim in May, 1933 until the programs end in July, 1942.

• There are over 500 animals species that call Grand Canyon home.

Discover more about Grand Canyon National Park by visiting this excellent resource:

Grand Canyon Discovery

Grand Canyon Association Donations:

Happy Anniversary

Sun City Grand Surprise Arizona Open House Saturday 12-3pm 2/27/10

Property Features:

• Excellent location provides privacy
• Lot backs to large common area
• Luxury Kitchen with island
• Kitchen has been extended 4 foot with bay window and seat
• All appliances included
• Tile in all the right places except bedrooms
• Master suite with bay window and french door to patio
• Luxury master bath with separate shower, soaker tub, double sinks, walk in closet and linen closet
• Guest suite with private full bath
• 2.5 car garage
• Water softener
• Reverse Osmosis
• Raised 6 panel doors throughout home
• Sun Screens

• 4 Golf Courses
  
• Community pools
• Community tennis
• Bocce Ball
• Pickleball
• Day Spa
  
• Pet Park
• 2 Fitness Centers
• Aerobic Studios
• Softball Field
• Numerous Clubs and Activities
• Located 1 mile from Shopping & Dining

Sun City Grand, a Del Webb Active Adult Golf Community consists of 9,550 single family homes and 252 condominiums.Sun City Grand is a 45+ age restricted community. 15% of Sun City Grand homes may be occupied by the owners age 45-54. 85% of the homes must be occupied by a person age 55 or older. The 45-54 age group MUST BE owner occupied.

Spring in Arizona....Not Quite Yet!

It's not very sunny today yet it is still warmer than most parts of the country. It feels like it's about 65 degress today. Nothing better than going outside and seeing what's happening around the yard.

So it's not officially spring until March 20th (less than a month from now) and the plants in the yard are blooming or getting ready to bloom. It really is a great time of the year in Arizona, but Spring is king.

• The first picture is of a bee busy on a rosemary flower. Rosemary is something that is used quite a bit here in Arizona. There are several varieties, this particular variety is more of a ground cover. It has great little, I mean little flowers now.

• The second picture is of the back of a flower with the sun reflecting through.

• The third picture is of a rose bush and the pricklers. They are pretty sharp. Like we don't have enough sharp stuff around here already.

• The third picture is a bloom on a type of pine tree. These little yellow flowers really smell sweet.
  

• The fourth picture is of a tiny little bloom that should be opening soon. I just don't know what it is.

• The fifth picture is of a bloom, again I'm not sure what it is.

• The sixth picture is neat the way each pod bursts with the little red tassels. 
  

Enjoy the pictures!