Surprise – a growing city or stumbling subdivision?
The Surprise bond election on November 3rd will answer one of the most important questions we as a city have to decide. Will Surprise move on towards a fully integrated community where there are many types of businesses offering a full range of job opportunities providing diversity in families across the income and age spectrum? Where young and old can flourish together and where families can enjoy time together? Or will Surprise become a city where improvements and city amenities can only come from increasingly higher property and sales taxes on individual families?
The bond issue on November 3rd is critical in providing the additional infrastructure improvements needed to attract businesses and a wide range of residents. It is a step that will move our city towards a self sustaining and fully diversified city with all its benefits. With approval of the Surprise bond election we are making investments over the next few years that will position Surprise to attract medium to large business. These business can offer a full range of employment opportunities for Generation X,Y,Z and yes, Baby Boomers while providing a substantial tax base.
The four project areas supported by the bond election consist of transportation, economic development, parks and recreation and public safety. In my opinion, transportation and economic development are the most important project supported by the bond election. I travel around Surprise a great deal with clients who often ask “When will the roads be completed?” Or “Why didn’t the city finish the roads?” But more importantly we should put ourselves in the same frame of mind as someone scouting the area for a new business, headquarter, or manufacturing location. Having our road ways finished with consistent lanes, improved east/west travel, and safer intersections for the traffic levels will aid in encouraging those medium and large business to relocate to Surprise as well as attract new residents. New business means more city revenue and overall less of a burden on the individual tax payer.
Another critical element to our economic development is the kick start we can get towards obtaining the land for a rail station and parking for supporting commuter rail or light-rail. I like to think about a future when Surprise is connected to the down town and other west valley areas without driving through bumper to bumper high speed traffic. A time when we can take advantage of large entertainment events, airport access, museums and access to our state government facilities without a drive of more than an hour or two, expensive parking, traffic jams, sometimes maniac drivers after a long day at work or play. Buying land now is inexpensive compared to what we will have in another 10 years. In fact land has not been cheaper in a long time. Why not take advantage of a bargain?
When I talk to families (name your generation!) they are always interested in what do we have for entertainment. Some want to be close to desert getaways, or nearby lakes or mountains but all are impressed with the start Surprise has made with our new city center and recreational area. Improvements in parks, tennis facilities and areas specifically for kids are another set of amenities that not only help our existing residents but are a strong attraction for our future friends and neighbors.
Public Safety is an area where we should insure our firefighters and police have the excellent facilities and tools of the trade that keep us safe and confident of the support we will get from them. I am not advocating extravagance, but having the right radio equipment for our area, a fire station rather than a tin building and safety equipment like cardiac monitors will help keep us all safer and living secure. Cities that scrape by in short sited funding are not only uninviting for future residents and businesses, but when they fail because of our not supporting them we have only ourselves to blame. The best can only stay the best with the right support.
November 3rd is a critical day and important day for our cities future. No matter what your position is on the bond election, vote. I hope you will vote for the bond election, I believe it is the best for our city. Investing at the right time when prices are low and companies are aggressively bidding for work makes sense. Waiting for another time in the future is just expensive.
Just so you know, I am writing this as a concerned Surprise voter. If you can’t tell from my writing, well no one but me wrote this. I have no political affiliations in the city. I live and work in Surprise. I think it is a great little city with a great future.
Mike Horton, Realtor with Century 21 Arizona Foothills, is ready to help homeowners with mortgage problems to short sale their home. This is a complex process that requries experience and knowledge about credit, taxes and lenders. Many Realtors have limited experience, go with a specialist whose knowledge and everyday work with lenders can help you through this difficult time.
Bewitching Price
• 2,304 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story "Split 2 br w/Den and Casita on Golf Course" - 
MLS® $429,000 - Awesome Golf Course View
Sun City Festival, Buckeye - Imagine a home in paradise. This gorgeous 2Br / 2Ba Del Web home w/Casita is move-in ready. Located in Sun City Festival by Del Web, this retirement community has all the favorite things you like to do and more. Just imagine visiting the Sage Center Wellness Center with new friends and enjoying swiming, the workout center, sports courts and grass area for your favorite pass time, or indulging yourself at the on site restaurant. Don't forget the the Troon Golf course or exercise your mind at the on-site ASU Lifelong Learning Academy in the Higher Learning Center.
You new home will offer you a retirement haven. Enjoy you active retirement in this captivating Destiny model w/huge kitchen, abundant raised cherry cabinets w/crown molding and awesome granite counter tops. The front courtyard is an elgant entry to your great room entry or Casita. Enjoy formal dining with a view from your great room. The great room also has a tiled gas fireplace and entertainment nook area, for relaxing in front of large TV and audio equipment. You will also be delighted w/20in diagnal tile flooring and upgraded carpets in bedrooms and den. The 209 sqft Casita w/full bath is perfect add-on for your visitors.
Each room is special in its own way. The laundry has full wall of cabinets, large sink and gas or electric applicance hookups. The den or office area has additional recessed lighting for plenty of light when working on your favorite projects.
From the oversized back patio you can view the mountains skyline and its also a great vantage point to watch golfers and all the action on the 14th fairway .
The Festival special home assessment is pre-paid so you can save thousands when purchasing this home. There are many more upgrades in this very special home. It has never been lived in and is in perfect condition. It's like buying a new home with out all of the hassel and cost. You can experience retirement at its best. Don't decide for the ordinary, this home is more than that and at this price you can afford it. Call and make an appointment to see this home
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Dreaming Summit, Litchfield Park - Announcing a price reduction on 13446 W Rose Lane, a 2,545 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "All Bedrooms Up". Now MLS® $205,000 - Short Sale. This has a huge yard with lots of trees, grape arbor and outdoor grill area. The owner has no option but to give this house up. If you are looking for a great 2 story, when you see it you'll love it.
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Dave Brown At Dysart and Thunderbird, El Mirage - Announcing a price reduction on 12802 W Voltaire Ave, a 1,348 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Nice floor plan". Now MLS® $139,900 - Perfect starter home.
This home is ready to move-in. Got cash, move in tomorrow.The seller is ready, how about you?
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Surprise Farms, Surprise - Announcing a price reduction on 15727 N 172nd Land, a 3,167 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm single story. Now MLS® - Short Sale - $78/sf. This 2 story has a great pool with water features. We have already submitted information to the bank, so it may not take as long as normal for a short sale. Bring an offer and get the bargin of the year.
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Mountain Vista Ranch, Surprise - Announcing a price reduction on 16107 N 159th Lane, a 1,412 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Great Floor Plan". Now MLS® $134,750- Short Sale.
Just in - a price reduction that makes this the most affordable home in the area. And one you don't have cleanup or repair. Its in great condition and it is ready for you to move-in-to.
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Royal Ranch, Surprise - Announcing a price reduction on 14591 W Caribbean Ln, a 2,105 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Corner Lot". Now MLS® $249,900 - Like New Home. This home still has builders warranty. On a corner lot, room to spare, huge above ground pool; its a WOW. Come see this home, get WOWed and make a purchase you'll be proud to own.
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One of last C3 in Surprise
• 23,014 sq. ft. lot / land "Corner Lot - Grand Visibility" - MLS® $360,000 - Best Price for C3
Vasquez Court, Surprise - One of the last available General Commercial Zone (C3) properties in Surprise. Check out www.surpriseaz.com for additional information on usage for C3 property. Some possible uses includes automative, landscaping, and small office.
Good location with Grand Ave visibility with signage. Nearest corner of Dysart and Grand with high traffic levels. Offer includes three lots for total of .51 acres (501-20-28,029,030.) Two street frontage on Santa Fe and Desert Sage. Santa Fe runs parallel to Grand Ave.
There are many authorized uses for this property. Be sure to check city zoning for details. This is a great price for Surprise commercial.
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Dysart Ranch, Litchfield Park - Announcing a price reduction on 3639 N 132nd Dr, a 1,888 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Perfect family home". Now MLS® $219,900 - Short Sale.
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Rancho Gabriela, Surprise - The 2 story at 15208 W Shaw Butte Dr has been sold using a lease purchase program. The buyer in this home wanted to wait 6 months before completing the purchase. Using a standard lease program to establish Tenant and Landlord rights makes sure everyone is protected. At the same time the purchase contract is executed which gives the buyer time to prepare for the purchase and begin the process anytime within the lease agreement. Once escrow is opened for the purchase typically inspections as an example are delayed until 30 days before the expected purchase date. Call me at 623-606-8861 if you are interested in using lease/purchase for your new home.
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Sun City Festival, Buckeye - The single story Jamboree model at 26288 W Mohawk Ln was sold in March fo this year. This is the first pre-owned home sold in Sun City Festival!
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Sun City Festival, Buckeye - Announcing a rent/lease reduction on 20794 N 263rd Dr, a 2,095 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm ranch. Now MLS® $1,700 USD Monthly - Located on the 14th hole. This fully furnished home is the jewel of the desert resort. Many upgrades and a great location. Long term lease of this home is available. You can't buy for this lease rate!
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Surprise Farms, Surprise - Announcing a price reduction on 18140 W Smokey Dr, a 2,285 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Craftsman Elev w/ Porch". Now MLS® $184,000 - Short Sale - Incredible Price. This home sold for $300000 when new. It's got to be sold and the seller is ready. Bring your offers.
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Shows like a model home!
• 2,105 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Corner Lot" - MLS® $269,900 - Like New Home
Royal Ranch, Surprise - Looks New and when you walk in the door you can see how lightly it has been lived in for that new feel. This great 2007 Fulton home,the Willow model, is just right for your family. Located on a corner lot, you have room to play on the large grass patch after stimulating swim in your new pool. Your very close to city rec center, library, tennis courts, lake and ball fields when you want to enjoy the city provided recreation.
Your family will enjoy the room of a 4 bedrm/2.5 bath home with loft. At your entry, you have access to the den which is perfect for guest sitting area or home office. The great room is ready for your largest TV and entertainment center.
With beautiful cabinets, SS appliances and large kitchen island the cook in your family will be inspired when using this delightful new kitchen. The kitchen bar has room for high stools for that informal quick mea, while the breakfast area has room for a good sized formal dinner table.
The white wood blinds cheerful and help the whole house to be well lighted. The tasteful lighting fixtures complement the home and help to make it an inviting island for resting at the end of your busy day. The bedrooms upstairs are nice sized and the master has room for your large furniture. Don't forget the loft area with room for table top games or TV or a a nice sitting area.
Landscaping is complete with a large side yard grass patch, garage door to the backyard, and a huge above ground pool for your summer fun. Take advantage of having a new home with all the warranties and without all the work. You will love this location. Sports, entertainment, close shopping, near the new city center you just can't help but to get excited. Call now for a viewing.
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