Velda Rose

Velda Rose was one of the earliest 55+, senior, retirement communities in the East Valley of Mesa, AZ. Construction started in the 1960’s and continued into the 1970’s on what was then a county island of Maricopa County. The neighborhood was later annexed into the City of Mesa, Arizona. Homes here have city water and septic systems.

The community features mobile homes, townhomes and single family homes ranging in size from 450 to over 2,000 square feet. Prices range from $70,000 to $210,000, some of the more reasonably priced senior communities in the Southeast Valley. Residences have carports, 1 or 2-car garages.

Community amenities include a clubhouse and pool. The HOA dues are a modest $167 per person per year. This community offers minimal community amenities along with minimal Home Owners Association dues.

Looking to buy or sell? Consider using Larry Mann, a real estate community specialist from ProSmart Realty. Call or text 480-797-4439; visit my Realty2Seniors website, email me at Larry@MyAZRealEstateBroker.com or go on MyAZRealEstateBroker.com

Fountain of the Sun

Fountain of the Sun, or FOTS as its fondly referred to by its year ‘round and seasonal owners, is an active senior living community of 55+, retired people located in East Mesa, Arizona. Fountain of the Sun was built between 1975 and 1987. The community features 2296 single family homes, townhomes, golf condominiums and manufactured homes. Some snowbirds, as they’re fondly referred to, have second homes or holiday cottages or holiday caravans here.

The homes range in size from less than 900 square feet to over 2100 square feet. Homes may have carports, 1 car or 2 car garages. Sale prices typically range from a modest $80,000 to slightly over $250,000 at the time of this writing.

Fountain of the Sun is an active retirement community. Community amenities include a clubhouse, pool, spa, tennis, bocce, pickleball, volleyball, bingo night, softball diamond and an 18-hole, members-only, executive length golf course. This is one of the few Southeast Valley golf course communities where a membership is required.

Some of the community clubs include veterans, Lions, travel, exercise, yoga, billiards, water fitness, computer club, cards, ceramics, quilting, artists group, board games, poker, hiking and more. Residents put on a variety show, potlucks, karaoke, wellness clinics, pancake breakfasts, arts and crafts fair, Oktoberfest, chili cook-offs, ice cream socials, field trips and pub nights every year.

Homeowner Association dues are a modest $789 per year; not bad, considering they have a 24-hours, manned guard gate for security. The townhouses and golf condos pay an additional $265 per month because they have additional services.

Looking to buy or sell in a senior community? Consider using Larry Mann, a 55+ southeast valley real estate community specialist from ProSmart Realty. Call or text 480-797-4439; visit my Realty2Seniors website, email me at Larry@MyAZRealEstateBroker.com.

Sunland Village




Sunland Village is a 55+ retirement community in Mesa, Arizona built between 1974 and 1985 by the Farnsworth Corporation. This active senior community has 2684 single family homes, townhomes and condominiums. All are single level units, easily accessible for seniors. These units range in size from 600 to about 2300 square feet and from about $110,000 to slightly over $300,000 as of this writing. Residences might have 1 or 2 car garages. Some have golf cart storage rooms.

There are about 4000 year-round and seasonal residents. Many of the units are second homes or vacation homes. Some of the seasonal residents come from as far away as Canada. These residents refer to their homes as holiday cottages or holiday homes.

Community amenities include a clubhouse 2-pools, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, shuffleboard, horseshoe court and an 18-hole championship golf course with pro shop, driving range and putting green. Sunland Village also has a community restaurant.

This is an AZ active senior lifestyles community offering an arts and crafts club, computer room, hiking club, songsters organization, travel and leisure group, women’s club, karaoke night, ceramics room, crafts club and woodworking and lapidary workshop. They have regular speakers and bingo.

The association dues are $425 per year for 2- people, some of the most affordable HOA dues in the SE Valley. This is likely due to the fact that they are self-managed. Many of the board members are volunteers. The townhouse dues are $151/month due to the inclusion of additional services.

Not all Realtors are created equal. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Sunland Village, you deserve to have the best, most knowledgeable representation available. The very best Realtor doesn’t cost any more than a marginal one. Larry Mann, ProSmart Realty, 480-797-4439 or Larry@MyAZRealEstateBroker.com or Realty2Seniors.com has 31-years of experience. He’s a Multi-Million dollar real estate producer. He is a 55+ community’s expert!

Sunland Village East




Sunland Village East is a 55+ retirement community built between 1984 and 1998 by the Farnsworth Corporation. Located in the Southeast portion of Mesa, Arizona, Sunland Village East is an active senior lifestyle community.

There are 2437 single level, single family homes and townhomes ranging in size from 1100 to 2155 square feet and priced from about $150,000 to slightly over $330,000 as of this writing. Homes have 1, 2 or 3-car garages. I have the various floorplans available. Email me, if you want, and I’ll be glad to send them to you.

There are about 4,000 people who live here. Some of them are year-round residents; but, approximately half are winter visitors. Many are from the Midwest and Canada. The Canadians refer to their second homes as holiday cottages or holiday homes. There are social clubs where the Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canadian residents can gather. There is also a Veterans’ club. There are bridge, Euchre, pinochle and poker clubs.

The AZ active senior living community offers two clubhouses, 2-pools with Jacuzzis and spas, volleyball, bocce ball, pickleball, horseshoe, tennis and shuffleboard courts. There are billiards, arts and crafts, computer, card, ceramics, lapidary, woodworking and exercise rooms. Residents share puzzles and books. The library has DVDs and CDs available. There are bingo nights, karaoke clubs, dance, water aerobics, seasonal speakers and movies clubs. The 18-hole executive golf course offers a pro shop, sand trap practice green, driving range and putting green. There is a Fat Willy’s restaurant.

Association dues are a modest $505/year. The townhouses pay the $505/year dues plus an additional $163/month because they have additional services, exterior maintenance coverage and insurance included.

Not all Realtors are created equal. Most people agree with that statement; but; then, they go and hire someone from their church or a neighbor to represent them when they buy or sell. You deserve a knowledgeable, capable Realtor to represent you. A lesser Realtor costs the same. Larry Mann, ProSmart Realty, 480-797-4439, Larry@MyAZRealEstateBroker.com or Realty2Seniors.com is a 55+ Community specialist with 31-years’ experience, broker status and Multi-Million dollar sales club member.

New Construction Mesa AZ

Have you seen East Mesa lately? There are new construction subdivisions opening almost everywhere you look. Some of it looks like a lot of big, heavy, yellow equipment working a field putting in curbs, sidewalks, streets and street lights. It’s called infrastructure. Some of it looks like street widening. You see, the city passes the cost of widening the streets on to the builders. Some of it is a little more advanced with concrete slabs and 2×4 studs already in place. It’s refreshing to see the community advancing after several years of stagnation, isn’t it? It’s great for Mesa AZ real estate values. So, it’s appropriate that I write my blog this month about new construction Mesa AZ and some of the builders, prices and floor plans available.

It’s important that local homeowners and blog readers know about Mesa new construction. Whether you’re a potential new home buyer or not doesn’t matter because the biggest determinant of resale home values is the current cost of new construction. So, existing homeowners, cheer on the new construction in Mesa AZ because it helps the value of all homes for sale in Mesa AZ!

If you’re in the market for a new home, it makes sense to have a knowledgeable, local Realtor who really knows the market represent you. If you’re selling an existing home, it’s important you hire a local neighborhood specialist who knows the new and resale competition.  I’m not talking about the part time Realtor from across town who exercises with you at the local gym. As you read on, you’ll discover why you need a real, East Mesa neighborhood specialist! You can read about my knowledge, experience, education and passions here.

The most important reason you should use a Realtor is because the Realtor’s representation costs you ZERO, NOTHING! Builders add  the cost of the Realtor’s commission into their base costs; but, they do not discount the price of the home if you don’t use a Realtor. They put that extra profit right in their hip pocket; and, they like having their well-trained, sales specialist negotiating against a non-professional with limited knowledge. The catch is that the Realtor must accompany the buyer on their first trip to the subdivision. The Realtor MUST register the client.

Builders make their base price as competitive as possible with all the other builders up and down the street because buyers visit all the subdivisions and shop their base prices. However, once a buyer selects a builder and floor plan, the builder considers the unrepresented buyer as easy pickings for expensive upgrades. It’s the same as when you purchase a new car. Most of the automobile dealer’s profit comes in the finance manager’s and upgrade salesman’s office.  

A knowledgeable Realtor knows what the other new construction builders charge for upgrades; and, most importantly, the upgrade prices suddenly become negotiable when they’re challenged with good, solid comparable prices.

Also, the builder almost always wants to sell you their mortgage program. They call it one-stop-shopping. Do they offer first time homebuyers buyer incentives? Their financing may or may not be a good deal. Your real estate professional should know … one more good reason for hiring a neighborhood specialist.  

Ok, the new construction in Mesa AZ …

Bella Via Maestro is located SE of Signal Butte and Warner. Pulte Homes is building 5 model homes ranging in size from 1897 – 2693 sq.ft. and in base price from  $234,490 – $292,153. Upgrades cost more. They feature a soon-to-be-built Dog Park, Central Fountain, Miles of Winding Pedestrian Walkways; Exercise Stations along Community Pathways, an Amphitheatre for Community Gatherings, and Two Children’s Themed Playgrounds.

Lehi Crossing is located in North Mesa in the 85213 zip code. It’s North of McDowell and South of the 202 Freeway. It has three sections – The Passage Collection, built by Taylor Morrison, offers 5 model homes ranging in size from 2478 – 3958 sq.ft. and in base price from $334,990 – $496,465. Upgrades cost more.  Monument Ridge at Lehi Crossing is built by William Lyon Homes. They offer 6 different models ranging from 1468 – 3212 sq.ft and in base price from $262,181 –  $346,140. Upgrades are extra. Settler’s Landing at Lehi Crossing is also built by William Lyon Homes. They also offer 6 different models ranging from 1284 – 2296 sq.ft.  and in base price from $225,900 –  $277,616. Upgrades are extra.

Sunland Springs Village by Farnsworth Homes, Inc. is a Mesa 55+ community located south of Baseline Rd and east of Signal Butte. It’s one of the nicer Mesa Arizona retirement communities. They offer condos, townhomes and single family homes ranging from 1064 – 2315 sq.ft. and in base price from $165,650 – $279,900. Of course, upgrades are extra.

Highland Ridge by Standard Pacific Homes, located at Signal Butte and Elliot offers two sections. There’s  the Meadows and the Meadows II. The Meadows is sold out. The Meadows II has 7 different model homes ranging in size from 2068 – 3428 sq.ft. and in base price from $278,990 – $325,490.

Torino Village by Richmond American Homes is located near Brown & Power. They offer 5 model homes ranging in size from 1720 – 3097 sq.ft. and in base price from $223,990 – $358,818. Upgrades are extra.

Trovita Estates Pinnacle Collection by Taylor Morrison is also located near Brown & Power Roads. They’re offering 3 model homes ranging in size from 4294 – 5798 sq.ft. and in base price from $521,990 – $679,312. Upgrades are extra.

Finally, Wagon Trail at Lehi Crossing by William Lyons Homes is located at Val Vista & McDowell Roads in Northern Mesa offers 6 model homes ranging in size from 1,373 to 2,784 sq.ft. and in base price from $243,067 – $316,576. Upgrades are extra.

This blog tells only some of the information. Would you like to know more about the communities, see the floor plans or elevations? Would you like to see the plat map for the subdivision or a view of surrounding amenities? Would you like to know what spec homes are available for sale at what prices? Consult your local neighborhood specialist … Larry Mann, Relentis Real Estate, 480-797-4439; Larry@MyAZRealEstateBroker.com. He knows all about Mesa Arizona real estate! Larry’s tag line is: Larry Mann Can, Your Can Do Real Estate Mann. What does that mean to you as a buyer or seller? You can read my Can Do promises here.

Next month I’ll write about opportunities in Mesa foreclosed homes. Any investors out there?

Homes For Sale in Mesa, AZ

Aren’t we lucky we live in Mesa, AZ? East Mesa is my niche area. Homes and neighborhoods and freeway access and shopping opportunities are great in East Mesa! Real estate is great here too. The weather is wonderful 7-months out of the year and we learn to tolerate the other 5.

I’ve been serving East Mesa, Arizona as a Realtor/Broker for 28-years from the days when there wasn’t much east of Power Road. You can read all about Larry Mann’s qualifications, experience, education and passion right here.

Look at us now! And, new subdivisions are springing up all over the place! We’re even drawing new builders to the area! Mattamy Homes is the largest homebuilder in Canada. They recently opened Eastmark at Ray Rd & Ellsworth. Phase 1 is opening now. They’ll build 163 homes there.  I don’t want to dwell too much on new construction here because next month’s blog will focus on it.

It’s exciting to see after the 2007 – 2012 doom and gloom we’ve been through. Fortunately, mortgage rates are still relatively low. Some are complaining about 4.5% mortgages; but, I can remember when 12% was a fair rate back in 1985 when I started as a Realtor!

I’m proud to report that home prices for homes for sale in Mesa, AZ are up for the 16th straight month in a row. The average list price of Mesa properties for sale was $200,000 in April, 2013 that’s up 5% over April 2012. The median sales price was $180,000, that’s up 3% over April 2012. There were 233 short sales or foreclosed properties on the market selling for a median sales price of $151,600, a $28,400 discount to non-distressed sales. Foreclosure homes aren’t plentiful in East Mesa; but, they’re still available … as are short sales. While homes across the US were up 12.2% in May, according to CoreLogic, homes in East Mesa were up 11.8%. Overall, the median home sales price for Arizona has risen 30% in 2013 alone!

Let’s take a look at some national statistics. Realtor.com indicates Total existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 4.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million in May from 4.97 million in April, and is 12.9 percent above the 4.59 million-unit pace in May 2012.

Existing-home sales are at the highest level since November 2009 when the market jumped to 5.44 million as buyers took advantage of tax stimulus.  Sales have stayed above year-ago levels for 23 months, while the national median price shows 15 consecutive months of year-over-year increases.

Total housing inventory at the end of May rose 3.3 percent to 2.22 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 5.1-month supply2 at the current sales pace, down from 5.2 months in April.  Listed inventory is 10.1 percent below a year ago, when there was a 6.5-month supply.

The national median existing-home price3 for all housing types was $208,000 in May, up 15.4 percent from May 2012.  This marks six straight months of double-digit increases and is the strongest price gain since October 2005, which jumped a record 16.6 percent from a year earlier.  The last time there were 15 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases was from March 2005 to May 2006.

Back to homes for sale in Mesa AZ. About 70% of the buyers in today’s market are first time homebuyers; and, I have several special financing packages and buyer incentives available for first time homebuyers. But, it’s difficult for entry level buyers to get a home. I have some newlywed buyers I’m working with now. They’re qualified to buy up to $190,000. We’ve made offers on 7 homes now and got outbid on all of them.

The problem is twofold. One is that many sellers are waiting for a little more market appreciation before they list their properties; and, I couldn’t, in good conscience, try to convince them that homes prices won’t be higher next year. Many people bought in 2005 – 2006 and still have negative equity in their home. So, there just aren’t enough homes on the market.

The other is that hedge funds are making sight unseen, all cash offers on any homes priced under $200,000. A hedge fund is an investment group that pools wealthy people’s money and invests it. They can get better returns leasing homes right now than they can get putting their excess cash in a bank account or CD paying less than 1%. 

So, the market is exciting now! In my 28-years of working as a Realtor, I keep learning that our real estate market is constantly evolving, changing. Stick around and enjoy the ride! Soon, as sellers sell their entry level homes, we’ll have more move-up buyers. That’s when things will get exciting!

Do you have any questions? Larry Mann works for Relentis Real Estate Group as an Associate Broker. His tag line is: Larry Mann Can, Your Can Do Real Estate Mann. What does that mean to you as a buyer or seller? You can read my can do promises here. He’d be glad to answer any questions you might have. Next month will be about new construction homes for sale in Mesa, AZ.