Remodeled Accessible Phoenix Home includes Roll In Shower
One of the most impressive features of this wheelchair accessible home located at Shea and 36th street in Phoenix is the well planned roll-in shower. Other universal design features include a no step front door entry as well as built in ramps to the back patio and the garage. The 17″ tile floors in the main living areas, kitchen and master bedroom make this handicap accessible home even more functional. Hallways and door openings are at least 36 inches wide in most areas of the home. Generous storage is right outside the master bedroom.
The bathroom also features a roll under sink and a tile counter top. Quality tile accents can be found throughout this accessible master bathroom which includes a raised toilet.
Universal Design and Visitability Features throughout
It is evident that the remodeling activity incorporated many universal design features such as the roll in shower, grab bars, wide door frames and hallways, tile flooring, pull out shelves in the kitchen, and ramps at the front and back doors. Another favorite feature is the roll under breakfast bar that looks out onto the backyard.
The backyard cannot be overlooked which is very accessible from the back patio door with a built in ramp. The 25′ long covered patio has a ceiling fan and a built in gas grill on the east end. Large shade trees create a relaxing backyard that also provides excellent privacy. A separate shed or workshop stand in the corner of the yard waiting for additional storage or use as a workshop for weekend projects.
A cozy and inviting gas fireplace finishes off the family room which is located right next to the kitchen in this open floor plan accessible home. Plantation shutters accent the front windows of the home, both in the living area as well as the front bedrooms.
Even more pictures of this rare and special wheelchair accessible home can be found by viewing the visual tour. Or visit my website page dedicated to accessible homes in the Phoenix valley. For additional information, call Gordon Baker at 480-326-8571.
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The chart to the right shows the sales in January 2010 by city and the corresponding percent of sales by type; Bank or Lender Owned in red, Short Sales in blue, with the remainder [...]]]>
Short sales have become a significant part of the Real Estate transactions.
The chart to the right shows the sales in January 2010 by city and the corresponding percent of sales by type; Bank or Lender Owned in red, Short Sales in blue, with the remainder being traditional sales. Anthem had the highest percentage of short sale transactions in January 2010 with 38%. As you can see, every city or town in Phoenix is experiencing short sales and the underlying hardships that make these sales necessary. From Avondale to Anthem, and Gilbert to Glendale, it is a trend that will continue for all of 2010 and longer.
Short sales are defined as the market value being less than the amount owed to the bank(s). Nationwide, 24% of all properties with a mortgage were upside down or negative equity. In Arizona, the number is estimated to be closer to 51%. When a homeowner experiences a hardship such as relocation, job loss, divorce, separation, or health issues and must sell, but have negative equity, the choices are difficult. The Arizona Department of Real Estate and the Arizona Association of Realtors recently released a Short Sale Seller Advisory that discusses the options available to homeowners in this situation. A website that also have information regarding short sale can be found at Phoenix Foreclosure Options.
If you know if anyone who is experiencing a hardship and needs additional information regarding short sales and the available alternative, please pass on this information or have them call me at 480-326-8571 with any questions.
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Hospitals Keeping Up With Growing East Valley
There are many variables that affect a buyer’s decision regarding the perfect home. Obviously, the appeal and price of the home are the most important. When it comes to the area around the house, what are the critical variables? For many people, accessible and quality healthcare are a must have that cannot be compromised, especially in emergency situation . Luckily for those searching for a home in the Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa and Queen Creek / San Tan Valley area, quality hospitals are a byproduct of the developing east valley infrastructure. In the last 4 years, the east valley has seen four new hospitals open their doors. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center opened in June 2006, Mesa’s Mountain Vista Medical Center opened July 2007, Banner Gateway in Gilbert opened Sept. 2007, and Banner Ironwood in Pinal County is scheduled to open in November of 2010, even though it was finished Fall of 2009.
Award Winning Hospitals East Valley Hospitals close to Active Adult Communities
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. part of the Catholic Healthcare West located at the intersection of the 202 freeway and Val Vista Road in Gilbert. Less than 3 years after opening, it expanded to the current total bed count of 212, and is considered Gilbert’s largest hospital. In 2008, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center was ranked 9th among large Arizona businesses with more than 250 employees as one of the “Best Places to Work in the Valley”. Other accolades garnered by this Gilbert hospital include the No. 1 Small Size Acute Care Hosptial – Arizona Business Magazine’s Ranking Arizona according to the 2007 and 2008 Ranking Arizona Business Poll. It ranked as the No. 1 Healing Hospital(TM) in the Nation – Baptist Healing Trust which recognizes hospitals that have made a commitment to Radical Loving Care that focuses on caring for the caregivers. Easily accessible from the 202 freeway, it provides easy access to Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler and Mesa residents.
Homes close to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa is located north of the US60 freeway near the intersection of Southern Ave. and Crismon Road. The Mountain Vista Medical Center has earned 5 star ratings by HealthGrades in Cardiology Services, Coronary Bypass Surgery, Coronary Interventional Procedures, and Treatment of Heart Failure resulting in being ranked Top 10% in the nation for Cardiac Care in 2010. This 178 bed facility is convenient to Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, and Gold Canyon.
Mountain Vista Medical Center is very accessible to active adult age restricted communities in Mesa such as Leisure World, Fountain of the Sun and Sunland Village.
Homes near Mountain Vista Medical Center
Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert opened in Sept. 2007 and is located south of the US60 on Higley Rd. I will always remember this hospital since I was a patient in November of 2008 when I had a kidney stone. I remember asking the nurse who was a mother if she had ever had a kidney stone and she replied, “Yes, and I prefer childbirth any day!” I was never happier than when I saw them put in the IV with mass amounts of pain killer.
In Dec. 2009, the announcement was made that Banner Health and the University of Texas Cancer Center will establish the M.D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center on the campus of Banner Gateway Medical Center. M.D. Anderson has been a leader for nearly 70 years in the cancer treatment through clincial research, education, prevention, and exploring novel treatments. It also has more National Cancer Institute funded studies than any other cancer fighting organization. It is scheduled to open in 2011.
The Banner Gateway Medical Center is close to a very popular active adult 55+ community; Trilogy at Power Ranch. Available Homes for Sale in Trilogy at Power Ranch.
Homes near Banner Gateway Medical Center
Banner Ironwood in Pinal County is scheduled to open its door in November of 2010. Initially, this medical center will create 300 jobs when it opens, and many thousands at full build out of the campus. The first phase will include 220,000 sq.ft. with a full service Emergency Department, 36 in-patient beds, and a focus on general and intensive care, obstetrics and surgery. It will be based on a design concept similar to two other Banner faciliites; Banner Gateway and Banner Estrella medical centers. At final build out the capacity would increase significantly, up to 500 beds. Banner Ironwood finds itself extremely close to retirement communities such as Solera by Del Webb on Hunt Highway in Pinal county. Homes for Sale in Solera at Johnson Ranch
Homes close to Banner Ironwood in Pinal County
East valley hospitals in Gilbert, Mesa and Pinal county are providing high quality medical care and improve the quality of life for its residents. For updates on available homes in the east valley near hospitals, please click on e-mail me available homes for sale near east valley hospitals. More information can be found at Gilbert Chandler Home Search. For the quickest response, call me at 480-326-8571.
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A Tempe home that provides a separate guest quarter and entrance may be the perfect solution for a family with an aging parent. The decision to locate in Tempe benefits from the strong mass transit system that can provide a safe way to travel throughout the valley. One element of that system is the Phoenix Light Rail System. Of the 28 stations, 8 of them are located in Tempe. The light rail is also wheelchair friendly, and passes right in front of the Disability Empowerment Center in Phoenix.
Tempe Homes with Guest or In Law Suite
Tempe, unlike other cities further removed from employment centers provides close access to freeways and more developed transportation infrastructure so nothing is really very far away and commuting time can be significantly reduced.
For more Tempe housing information please contact me at 480-326-8571.
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Active Adult Retirement Community is part of Peoria and Sun City
The Ventana Lakes Active Adult community is not the largest retirement community in the Phoenix valley, but it does have the distinction of being the only community in the Phoenix valley that is part of two cities, Peoria and Sun City, and part of two zip codes, 85373 and 85382. Those residents that live west of 107 Ave. are in Sun City, 85373. The Ventana Lakes residents east of 107th Ave. are part of Peoria, 85382. Regardless of the city or zip code, all homeowners belong to the Ventana Lakes Property Owners Association. Ventana Lakes , situated on 480 acres, has been recognized as the “Adult Community for the Young-at-Heart”.
This Close Knit Community offers amenities, activities and waterfront walking trails
A unique feature of Ventana Lakes is the unique opportunity that every resident has to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere by utilizing the pathways that border the 30 acres of lakes. On the largest lake, a complete walk around the lake is close to 1.5 miles. Think of it, a peaceful daily walk along the waterfront regardless of where you live in the community. Waterfront home owners can access the walking paths right from their backyard and at the same time enjoy the serene and peaceful waterfront views from their back porch.
The community of over 1,700 properties and over 200 waterfront homes enjoys 4 separate pools and 2 spas, a sauna and steam room, recreation and fitness room, handball courts, billiards, bocce ball, and more.
Ventana Lakes Waterfront Homes for Sale
Residents come together on a monthly bus trips to visit casinos, shows and anything else that looks entertaining. Or they may decide to organize breakfasts, concerts, bingo, karaoke, or dances. The Willow Creek golf course is practically next door. A short 4 mile commute east offers access to the 101 freeway providing smooth access to the greater Phoenix area.
Satellite View of Ventana Lakes Community
The Ventana Lakes single level homes with open floor plans would be a perfect fit for someone looking for a handicap or wheelchair accessible home that is will to make modifications such as a roll in shower or any other changes. The walking paths around the lake provide a safe environment for morning or afternoon strolls around the lake.
If this looks like the kind of active adult lake community in the west valley that would interest you, and would like to receive automatic updates of available homes as they come up, click on Ventana Lakes Automated Property Listings. Homes range in size from 1,200 sq.ft. to 2,500 sq.ft.
Visit Phoenix active adult living for more information on Phoenix active adult communities, or if you have a desire for waterfront property, visit Phoenix active adult waterfront communities. Or better yet, call me at 48-326-8571. ]]>
Just recently the ability to search for Phoenix Az homes with accessibility features improved significantly. Previously, the only way to search for homes with wheelchair or handicap features was through a search of the description for certain words such as “roll-in shower”, “ramps”, “wide doorways”, or “wheelchair accessible”. This was unreliable because you depend on the listing agent to accurately describe these features in the remarks section of the listing. The new fields are a tremendous improvement, but still rely on the listing agent to recognize and properly input the features. Below is a list of the new fields.
The added fields help define the various degrees of accessibility. Accessibility is not a “yes” or” no” question. Some potential buyers may require a roll in shower and 32″ wide doorways while others only need a zero grade entrty and tile or hardwood floors. The 21 fields provide a more complete picture of the features that a buyer may need or desire, and allow the seller to better exposure.
A Better Understanding Of The Improved Accessibility Features
Here are definitions of some of the new fields that can be used to describe the new accessibility features.
Zero-Grade Entry: entrance to home does not have a step, sill or elevation change greater than 1/2 inch.
Hallways 36in+ Wide: minimum 36” wide clearance – clear width (not frame to frame).
Bath Roll-In Shower: shower floor at the same level as the bathroom floor, with no ledge, sill, or runner.
Remote Devices: remote controls for lights, fans, appliances (kitchen and other), thermostats, alarms, and automated door touch pads.
Door/Access 32in+ Wide: minimum 32” wide clearance – clear width (not frame to frame).
Bath Raised Toilet: toilet or commode that is either 17” or 19” from the floor to facilitate transfer, and/or is adjustable up to 30” to accommodate various height requirements.
Exterior Curb Cuts: external to home – neighborhood has ramped sidewalk areas at crosswalks and intersections to permit wheelchair users to cross streets, access mailboxes, etc.
Bath Roll-Under Sink: space for knees (wheelchair user) that is at least 24” in height and approximately 30” in width.
Ramps: secured, non-slip ramps to allow navigation of elevation changes with grade no greater than 1:12 or 8.3%.
Closet Bars 15-48in: installed to allow seated access; installed at heights of 15” to 48” above floor level.
It will be interesting in the future to observe how well homes with enhanced accessibility are accurately reflected which will help give a better idea of the number of homes with accessibility features.
Even with this improved search capability the optimal situation may be to search for those items that would be the most costly to install and then make modifications after the purchase for those that are still needed. This strategy will also allow greater geographical flexibility. For example, roll in showers are extremely useful but very scarce. Homes that have a roll-in shower may not fit your geographical criteria. The option is to find a home that is large enough for a roll in shower and make the modification after the purchase. This will open up the number of homes available. A well qualified contractor who is familiar with handicap features can transform a house that is currently not acceptable to a customized home that will be comfortable and functional for years to come.
The most requested handicap feature is a roll-in shower. Agents are becoming more familiar with the new accessibility features and giving a better representation of the home’s features. To see which homes have a roll in shower , go to Phoenix Handicap/Wheelchair accessible homes and look for the preset link for homes with a roll in shower.
For assistance in searching for homes that have accessibility features, please click on Help Me Find A Home With Enhanced Accessibility Features and describe what you need and I can search the MLS based on your requirements.
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You can tell when the east valley real estate market is picking up. The new home builders are coming back into the market. I stopped into the models of a new home builder in east Gilbert looking for multi-generational homes that offer a casita, in law suite or two master bedrooms. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found, especially in one floor plan that is extremely versatile. If a buyer is willing to wait, the house could be customized to include a downstairs and upstairs master and a casita / guest suite downstairs. The casita would include a separate outside entrance where the guest suite access is from the house.
Attractive Gilbert Location
Located in east Gilbert, parks and amenities are located within a short distance. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is located right next to the regional library. The first floor plan to the right shows the guest suite which can include a bathroom in place of the library. A casita with an outside entrance can also be included instead of the one car garage. The total square footage of the house is 3,577 sq.ft. Other nearby attractions include Freestone Park, Santan Village, and Big League Dreams. Close proximity to the Superstition freeway is also an added advantage.
The second story without modification offers a game room and three bedrooms. The can be altered to add another bedroom or a second master bedroom with a large walk in closet and generous master bathroom.
For additional information, please contact me directly at 480-326-8571 or e-mail me at gordonbaker@remax.net. Also feel free to fill out the form to receive multi generational homes that fit your criteria.
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Trilogy at Power Ranch is the recipient of the Gilbert Excellence Award Neighborhood of the Year for 2009. This age restricted active adult community has an endless supply of amenities which include tennis courts, swimming pool and spa, pool tables, cyber cafe, and planned social activities to name a few. The list would not be complete without mentioning the Trilogy Golf Club with a 18 championship par – 71 golf course that stretches over 6,800 yards. Trilogy at Power Ranch has all the amenities that could keep you entertained and busy without having to leave the community.
Shea’s Willow Floor Plan With Casita or Guest Cottage
In my search for Gilbert casita homes or homes with separate guest house, the Willow floor offers a great floor plan in a great community. The casita or guest cottage is separate from the main house providing privacy for a family member or guest. The cottage or casita includes a bedroom, full bath and an optional kitchette. The total square footage of a typical Willow floor plan with casita is approximately 2,050 sq.ft.
Trilogy Homes with Separate Guest House or Casita
Or to see all of the available homes in Trilogy, click on the following link:
Trilogy at Power Ranch Homes for Sale
When you do decide to venture outside of the community, dining, shopping and easy freeway access are not far away. Santan Village is about 5 miles away located right next to the newer 202 freeway loop. The convenient access to the freeway makes a trip to Phoenix or other parts of the valley a reasonable commute. A favorite attraction among Gilbert residents is the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch located just over 9 miles from Trilogy.
Satellite view of Trilogy at Power Ranch
If an in-law suite or casita is a feature you’re looking for and would like to receive automatic e-mails, click on Phoenix area casitas and guest quarters to sign up.
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CQ Press released its annual City Crime Ranks and Gilbert ranked as Arizona’s safest city and 24th safest nationwide. The ranking was based on data from 6 categories reported by local law enforcement agencies during 2008.
This information can be invaluable to those families that find themselves in the situation where they are caring for elder parents and raising their own children. A recent study by Communispace reported that over 20 million Americans find themselves as part of the “Sandwich Generation“; simultaneously taking care of aging parents while raising children and/or teenagers. This population demographic will continue to grow as people live longer and recent economic developments force couples to become multi-generational caregivers. Multi generational or extended family housing needs will therefore also increase.
Homes with Casitas Or In Law Suites in Gilbert
Gilbert has long been known for its family friendly environment, including good schools, affordable housing, well maintained parks, and a low crime rate. The 202 freeway and the US 60 freeway provide good accessibility to downtown Phoenix.
Some of the more familiar Gilbert neighbhoods where builders have recognized the need for multi generational homes with separate guest quarters, casitas, or in law suites are Trilogy in Power Ranch, Higley Groves, Agritopia, Seville, Shamrock Estates and Circle G.
Gilbert Homes with a casita or in law suite for sale
Click on the link if you would like to receive updated listings automatically of Gilbert Guest Quarter or Casita Homes for Sale. Or visit my website. And always feel free to call me at 480-326-8571.
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Award Winning Active Adult Retirement Community in Maricopa
Even from the entrance you begin to understand why Province was voted the Best Active Adult Community in 2006 by the National Association of Home Builders’ 50+ Housing Council. It is one of the best maintained communities in Arizona and offers residents a wide range of amenities. This guard gated active adult lake community includes 50 acres of man made lakes, 125 acres of parks and greenbelts and a clubhouse second to none with over 30,000 sq.ft. The clubhouse and recreation center is awesome. Read on.
An Impressive Community and Recreation Center
The community / recreation center at Province features an indoor lap pool, fitness center, auditorium, and cyber cafe. Outside you’ll find tennis courts, a basketball court, resort style swimming pool, spa and bocce ball. Within the spacious community center there are plenty of places to congregate to visit or begin a game or cards as well as participate in the many organized activities or classes.
Satellite view of Province Active Adult Lake Community
Meritage is the new owner of remaining lots in Province
Homes in this 55 and older lake community in Pinal county range in size from 1,300 sq.ft. patio homes up to 3,100 sq.ft. single family homes with a casita including a full bath with the Orchid floor plan. There are 2,217 homesites. All homes in Province have been built by Engle Homes; however that will change. Engle, the original developer started building and selling homes in Province in 2003, but in 2008 filed for bankruptcy and in early 2009 announced it was pulling out of the Phoenix market. In early October 2009, Scottsdale based 
Meritage Homes announced it bought 443 finished lots and 885 planned lots in the community.
Homes for Sale in Province in Maricopa
Province Homes with a Casita or Guest Quarters
Many floor plans in Province has been designed with separate guest quarter or casita options. The Wisteria, Violet, and Gardenia would be great floor plans for anyone needing a separate living area.
Province Homes for Sale with Casita or Separate Guest Area
It is welcome news that a builder has stepped in to finish this well planned community that provides so much to its residents. To be notified of new properties automatically by e-mail, click on E-mail me Province Listings Automatically. ]]>