Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia Holds Event for Cystic Fibrosis

On June 5, Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia will be hosting the 2010 Arizona’s Finest Golf Challenge presented by XTRA Sports 910’s Backspin, The Golf Show, and hosted by Bill Huffman and David Johnson, 2010 Arizona's Finest Honoree. The event will be a great time for all involved, and it will benefit the very worthy cause of finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

The two-person scramble event is only $75 per player, and includes:

• Tee prizes from the AZ Diamondbacks
• Apparel from PING
• A free bounce-back round from Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia
• A gift from Van's Golf Shops
• $1 beers all day long

Wow! What a deal!

Are you familiar with Triology at Vistancia?

Trilogy at Vistancia is an active adult retirement community located among the foothills of Peoria, in the Northwest Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, in the serenity of the Sonoran desert surrounded by a dramatic mountain backdrop.

At the heart of the Trilogy at Vistancia retirement community is the Kiva Club. A 35,000-square-foot hub where you can connecti with yourself and others. Here you will find the state-of-the-art Alvea Spa & Athletic Club which has everything you can imagine to keep you at your physical and spiritual best -- from relaxing massage treatments to vigorous Tai Chi classes to cutting-edge fitness equipment and an amazing resort pool.

New homes at Trilogy at Vistancia are divided into three collections: Natura (1,314-1,813 sf), Veritas (1,867-2,334 sf), and Vita (2,423-3,096 sf). Natura homes are modestly sized (and modestly priced) homes perfect for those looking for a cozy getaway for themselves, friends, and family. The Veritas collection is slightly larger, and ideal for those looking for the feel of a bigger space without the need for a 2,400+ sf home. Finally, the Vita collection provides ample space combined with unique design targeted at those who require a larger floor plan (including the very popular Stellare plan at 3,000+ sf).

To check out all features that new Trilogy homes in Northwest Valley of Phoenix offer visit www.trilogylife.com.

Why We’d Live In The Desert

It’s the best of both worlds.

Tucked against the Santa Rosa Mountains, Trilogy at La Quinta is only 35 miles from Palm Springs. If you’re an active adult, bring your golf clubs, shopping bags, backpacks and hiking boots because there’s going to be a lot to do. The area is renowned for world-class shopping, resorts and fine dining establishments. The surrounding mountains are filled with deep valleys and dramatic ridges ideal for hiking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding and exploring by Jeep. The nearby National Parks are great adventure destinations.

But what if you, or your significant other, like nature okay just as long as it stays the heck outside? What if you’re an adult who simply prefers to be slightly less active? Well, in that case, feel free to gaze out at the scenic backdrop from among resort quality amenities and lifestyle activities not typically expected at active adult communities.

A master planned 55+ active adult community, Trilogy at La Quinta offers dozens of clubs, events and fun activities. In addition to sports and fitness, there are leisure and social activities, so there really is something for everyone. Whether it’s picking up another language or re-allocating your investment portfolio, expanding your photography or refining your wine tasting and culinary skills, it’s all available to you. There are neighborhood barbecues, philanthropic events, and Club Med trips to Mexico.

The Center for Higher Learning offers highly accredited instructors and guest speakers, some of whom are Trilogy residents.

The Coral Spa is a complete full-service spa offering the latest body treatments, massages, waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures.

The Santa Rosa Club includes a state-of-the-art fitness center with cutting edge weight and cardio equipment, and aerobics and dance studio for low-impact aerobics classes, yoga and pilates. The indoor lap pool and walking track offer refuge from the hot desert summer days. There are craft and hobby studios, a ballroom, a theater, a computer lab, a library and billiards. Or have a nice cup of coffee and read the paper in the Café Solaz. Incidentally, the café’s fruit smoothies are a great way to end a workout session.

The Azul Restaurant & Bar is a great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch and a cocktail with friends, or an elegant dinner with your significant other.

Or maybe you want to actually cook an elegant dinner with your significant other? Top tier amenities don’t mean much if your “dream retirement home” turns out to be some cookie cutter tract home. Rest assured that Trilogy’s developer, Shea Homes, continually ranks among independent reviewers such as J.D. Power & Associates as the best active adult builders in the country. One tour through the community and it’s easy to understand why, the diversity of housing, exterior façade options, and sophisticated attention to detail given to every aspect of the community is outstanding.

Homebuyers in Trilogy at La Quinta can select from 12 single-family ranch-style floor plans that range from 1,381 to 2,789 square feet. The Shea designed homes are built with some of the latest luxurious finishes and high-end upgrades such as granite countertops, gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms and expansive great rooms. Customization options include optional sunrooms, patios, wine cellars, cigar rooms and more. Many of the homes offer casitas and 3-car garages.

And if you’re concerned about the environment even though you don’t want to go traipsing around in it, Shea’s “green” building process incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy saving systems such as solar panels, Energy Star appliances and the use of sustainable building products. After all, decadent doesn’t have to be destructive.

Retiring as a Green Boomer

In 2005, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated there were approximately 78.2 million baby boomers in America. A 2007 AARP survey found that about half of all boomers see themselves as environmental stewards, or "green boomers." This makes some sense when you consider that the baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. They grew up with the environmental movement of the 1960s and '70s.

They were at Woodstock, they lived the Summer of Love, they’re a big chunk of the population, and most of them are affluent homeowners. While “affluent homeowner” and “environmentalist” might seem at odds to some – consider how many Lexus Hybrids you see next time you’re out in traffic.

Face it; being green doesn't have to mean living out in the sticks and off the grid. It is possible to enjoy high-end living and use less energy in the process. It’s just a matter of paying attention to what you buy and what you do. Boomers have it down to a science.

But, what about retiring? You’re a responsible Green Boomer looking for an idyllic “Life’s next big adventure” retirement lifestyle – where do you go and what do you do?

Well, in California, lawmakers approved a new home tax credit of up to $10,000 effective May 1, 2010.

And if you like the San Francisco Bay Area, up the river delta and along Highway 4 around Brentwood, Trilogy at the Vineyards, an active adult 55+ community, is offering an unprecedented “Double Your Savings” offer.

In addition to the tax credit, buyers get an additional $10,000 in seller incentives. Yes, you read that correctly - this could mean $20,000 to state qualifiers who buy a new Shea Home in a Trilogy Community and buyers who don’t qualify for the state credit still get the $10,000 incentives from Trilogy while they last.

Given that any self-respecting Green Boomer would want to retire in an area still known throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for agricultural products like cherries, corn and peaches, it’s like getting an almost $20K kickback for doing something you would do anyway.

And it gets even better – Trilogy’s homes can achieve a 50% reduction in the therms associated with heating water, 75% reduction in energy used from lighting, 40% reduction in energy used from clothes washers, and a 41% reduction energy used by dishwashers.

They’re Shea Green Certified homes and they are built with a combination of the most important and cost-effective standards for green residential building set by LEED.

Options include solar power systems, solar attic fans, wood from sustainable forests, framing techniques that use up to 10 percent less wood (saving 5.5 trees per home), leak minimizing construction techniques (sealed ducts and penetrations), Energy Star-rated efficient appliances, 14 SEER air conditioning units, dual pane low-e windows, and motion and occupancy sensor lighting.

Of course, the icing on the cake is the recent announcement of several new designs offered at Trilogy at the Vineyards. Now you get the dream retirement in the beautiful wine country with easy access to San Francisco, and not only do you get to live it in an environmentally friendly home that costs less to heat & cool on top of the tax / builder incentives – but you get exactly the retirement home you want. One estimate put the number of different design combinations of floor plans and elevations within each of the three collections at nearly sixty.

So if you’re really interested in getting the retirement home you want, where you want it, and how you want it – but in an environmentally responsible manner at an attractive price, then check out Trilogy at the Vineyards.

A Look at Retirement Costs, Phoenix AZ

Cool thing about the internet, when people find something you’ve put out there, you get to see the search terms they used to get there. Maybe it’s the down economy or maybe people are just smart, but the words “cost” and “retirement” seem to go hand in hand.

Take Phoenix Metro for example. Someone out there searched “cost to live at Encanterra” in Google, and found our previous bit about the Southeast Valley.

In that article, we mostly talked about golf and amenities. We went on about how Encanterra’s golf course offers “elements reminiscent of the traditionally great private clubs” and how the main restaurant, Bistro 1528, offers “a casual yet sophisticated feel with emphasis on delicious continental cuisine, superior service and genuinely friendly team Members” We did not attach price tags to our descriptions, but we are aware that price is always a factor.

Here’s the thing – buying a retirement home, and associated 55+ active adult retirement lifestyle, is a little more involved than buying, say, a toaster, an entertainment system, or a car. There are a lot of variables to consider, and each one will have an up or down impact on “what it costs to live at Encanterra”.

First of all, there are a variety of floor plans to choose from, and each floor plan has different architectural styles to choose from. Then there are details such as what type of counter surfaces will there be in the kitchen, bathroom(s), etc. With so many options to choose from, purchase prices for your dream retirement home can range from approximately $160K to up to over $500K.

The up side is that this means that most people who are in the position to buy a retirement home can likely buy at Encanterra in Phoenix, but the down side is that when someone asks “how much” we always have to point back at “that depends”…

Then there’s the “green tech” stuff. According to one article in Arizona Foothills Magazine said about Encanterra “As eco-consciousness makes its way into the everyday, one Valley community is finding that the once costly and unattainable benefits associated with green building are not only a possibility, but also a reality.”

http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/living/homes/1062-a-green-lifestyle-at-encanterra-.html

So now we have to address the fact that Encanterra offers some standard energy saving features that other builders might charge extra for. Saving energy is saving money, so it’s like getting an upgrade for free and then you have to calculate the savings – which might also depend on things like how cold you like to set the thermostat in the summer. Like the ad people like to say about weight loss, “individual results will vary”.

So really, the best answer to the question is, “contact your real estate agent, or contact a representative of Encanterra directly and talk to them.” All we know is that the housing market as a whole dropped to levels not seen since 2000, and some people are seeing prices pick up again, just a little. Once you know what’s available and what it actually costs, then you’re in position to make an intelligent decision about buying in. Just asking the internet seems a little risky.

Buy your Rio Vista dream retirement home now?

Buying a home is always a big deal. Buying a dream retirement home is a bigger deal. For most of us, this is the last home we’re going buy – so choosing wisely in terms of location and timing is “mission critical”. While nobody ever wants to buy a home that will lose value, it’s especially important to carefully consider your investment at this point in your life. Why? Because, let’s face it, there’s always the possibility that no matter how active your adult lifestyle, there’s the chance that when we’re really old (it’s the mileage that gets us…) we may have to opt for “assisted living” – which can be very expensive. Having a home that’s a valuable asset could be the difference in levels of care and comfort if/when that time comes.

Yes – this consideration is a total buzz kill for retirement planning. We’d all rather look at glossy brochures of active adult communities with ideal golf courses, pools, Jacuzzis, and spas, blah, blah, blah. Who wouldn’t? But let’s be honest with each other – retirement planning is about understanding ALL the possibilities, positive and negative, and plotting accordingly.

Of course, if you’re already looking at your retirement in this light, that makes the decision whether or not to buy that dream home kind of scary. Sure, the housing crash means that prices have dropped – but have they dropped all the way? If they have dropped all the way, which areas are likely to rebound the most?

Well, the bad news is that things are still tough all over. The good news is that it looks somewhat like we hit bottom and home values might be rising again. If you’ve spent any time at all looking at real estate web sites and all of the associated graphs, you probably noticed that the bottom of the trough is right about where it was in 2000. You’ll probably notice that the very last bit of the line points up from that low point. The actual numerical value seems to change by location, but all of the graphs we’ve seen do seem to agree on the trend.

According to AOL real estate, for Rio Vista CA that up tick represents a .03% increase in value from February to March 2010. No, not exactly Earth shattering, but radical upheaval isn’t what we want in home values. Steady growth in value is what we’re after, right?

What this means to you is that you can buy a beautifully appointed home at, say, Trilogy Rio Vista, right now for about what you would have paid way back in 2000. It also means that if you wait too much longer, that home will cost you significantly more when you do make the purchase. We don’t know about you, but we’d rather get the ideal home for less money now than wait and pay more for it.

And what you get for the price is amazing. Staying with Trilogy as the example, you’re buying into a complete 55+ active adult community with resort quality amenities for well below what you would probably expect to pay. Trilogy homes are beautiful inside and out, with a variety of models and styles that offer plenty of versatility, comfort, and style. Trilogy Rio Vista offers a wide variety of activities and planned trips along with a community center, exercise gym, pool and arts and crafts studio. The Vista Clubhouse is 27,000 square feet! There’s an indoor pool, lakes to stroll, golf and tennis to play, or clubs to join – so you can truly enjoy your retirement and not worry about your home retaining its value because you bought into a highly desirable community when prices were depressed. Check it out for yourself, talk to your realtor and make an appointment to see Trilogy at Rio Vista – you’ll be glad you did.

Arizona Offers Much To Do For the Active Adult in Retirement

Active Adult Retirement Community Phoenix, Arizona

So, you’re an avid golfer and while you’ve been thinking about retiring as a way to get in more time on the links? You read our recommendation on the Southeast Valley in the Phoenix Metro area. Sounded good, right? Then you remembered that you own a boat.

Okay, so we didn’t think about the boat, either. In our defense, not everyone owns one. But you do, and you enjoy it when you’re not playing golf, we get it. You want a dream retirement that includes sunshine, the dramatic landscape backdrop, access to a great golf course, in an area that offers a reasonable cost of living and relatively low taxes, a variety of cultural events, access to sporting events and interesting places to visit – near water.

Admittedly, the Southeast Valley fell short in that last criterion. So how about the Northeast Valley?

It’s still in the greater Phoenix area, out of the bustle of Phoenix Metro but close enough to essential services, and offers all of the perks that we talked about before. Money magazine called Maricopa County “retirement central” in 2007, not just the southeastern part of it. Of course, the icing on the cake is that the Northeast Valley is up by Lake Pleasant.

Named for Carl Pleasant, the engineer who designed the original Waddell Dam, Lake Pleasant was originally part of a private irrigation project. The first dam was built in 1922 to impound water from the Agua Fria River system, and created a lake of about 3,000 surface acres. In 1992 a new, and much larger, Waddell Dam was completed. The new lake covers an approximated 9,000 surface acres.

The newer, bigger Lake Pleasant supports a wide range of activities for today’s active adults, including swimming, boating, and fishing. Anglers have caught record white crappie and trophy largemouth bass. All around the lake is plenty of hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and camping. All in all, it’s a great place to relax. Conveniently, wet or dry boat storage is available at Lake Pleasant Marina, Pleasant Harbor Marina, or Scorpion Bay Marina, so you can be on the water on a moments notice! Check out their web sites for rates and availability of services.

But where to play golf in the Northeast Valley? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a Golf Digest 5-star rated course not terribly far from the lake at Vistancia.

Vistancia is another one of those 55+ planned retirement communities, and it’s a really nice one. It’s a gated community located in Peoria AZ, and the amenities are geared towards an active adult retirement lifestyle.

Vistancia is a Trilogy active adult retirement community, and homes are built using the latest in “green” technologies, which can save homeowners about $1500 per year through energy efficiency. It’s been estimated that the carbon footprint is about 40% less than traditionally built homes. And if you’re worried about living in some space odyssey reject, forget it – the homes are beautiful. It’s an intimate, friendly, accessible living environment, with a 5-star golf course.

If you’re not the avid golfer, but live with one, the 5-star rating is a designation determined by combining the opinions of official Golf Digest raters with the online responses of the general public. It’s only been given to two dozen courses in North America, and Vistancia is the one in Arizona. Golf Digest defines 5-Star as "Superb. Golf at its absolute best. Pay any price to play at least once in your life.”

So if golf and boating are in your retirement plans, you should definitely look into Trilogy at Vistancia in Phoenix, Arizona – especially now since falling home prices have created such a phenomenal buying opportunity in that state.

Of course, prices are rebounding and inching their way back up as home buyer confidence has returned. Low prices won't last for long, and if you've been waiting on the side-lines, it’s time to move.

Retiring on the Central Coast of California

Active Adult New Homes California Central Coast

Anyone familiar with California knows that there are a variety of “Californias” depending on which part of the state is the topic of discussion. For active adults trying to decide their California dream retirement, it’s enough to drive one crackers. Do you choose the dramatic rocky coasts of Northern California, or the sandy beaches of Southern California? Do you want the cool, foggy mornings of Napa, or the warmth of the desert outside San Diego? And what if you just don’t feel like choosing?

What if you want it all?

Active adults seeking a retirement “sampler platter” of California’s many charms should consider California’s Central Coast. It is located in the heart of California's world-renowned wine country about an hour north of Santa Barbara. The Central Coast is characterized by amazing beaches, beautiful scenery, and charming towns such as Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and San Luis Obispo. Residents of the Central Coast enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a mild climate with an estimated 350 days per year of approximately 70-degree temperatures.

California Central Coast Retirement

Imagine your retirement in the vitality of a thriving coastal community surrounded by the dramatic backdrop provided by vineyards, beaches and hot springs. Imagine being located merely an hour away from exploring the Santa Ynez wine country, or shopping & dining in Santa Barbara. Both San Francisco and Los Angeles are within a few hours drive and local attractions include Hearst Castle and the Dunes at Pismo Beach. Several of the Historic California Missions are within easy driving distance, as is the Los Padres National Forest, the Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve, and Montana De Oro State park. Imagine from October to February of every year strolling among the thousands and thousands of Monarch butterflies in the Eucalyptus grove at Pismo Beach.

If having this kind of easy access to the entirety of California sounds like your dream retirement, then take a look at Trilogy Central Coast. It’s a master-planned retirement community located off the Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) about 15 minutes from Pismo Beach.

Featuring contemporary design, green building practices, and a community plan that focuses on wellness and community, Trilogy Central Coast is just the place to enjoy the coastal view while sipping a delicious local wine.

Amenities include The Monarch Club, 2009 Gold Nugget Grand Award Winner for architecture, and an ideal place to host a wedding, special event, or corporate meeting.

Nestled among eucalyptus trees, the Monarch Club provides views of the lush, green rolling hills of the Monarch Dunes Golf Course - a breathtaking backdrop for any event.

Other amenities enjoyed by residents and guests at Trilogy Central Coast include Adelina’s Bistro, Sandalwood Spa, the Avila Room, the Sculpture Garden, the Art Studio, and executive meeting rooms such as the Wine Library and the Captain’s Room.

California Central Coast Retirement for Active Adults