Best Boomer Towns - Town Blogs

Boomers are Moving - The SRES Designation Sets Realtors Apart

With the SRES designation addressing the fastest growing market segment in real estate, Boomer Authority^TM Association and SRES have launched the first "Value-Added SRES Designation Program" for real estate professionals serving the 50+ demographic.

The Boomer and Senior Market
Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. To start that vineyard they've always dreamed of. To address health concerns. The list goes on and on. Can you speak to the unique motivation they have? Do you know how to counsel your client on their options? This is the kind of distinction that can set you apart.

Through Boomer Authority^TM as a Value-Added SRES designee, you'll be able to immediately:
> Join a group of REALTORS® who comprise one of the fastest growing networks in the country.
> Register online for courses available in over 50 states and provinces.
> Connect to a nationally advertised brand in the consumer market.
> Market your personal brand with designs and tools you receive with membership.
> Create your own "Optimized Landing Page" on Boomer Authority^TM, which will extend and expand your personal brand, reach 1000s of 50+ Boomer Boomers that are in immediate need of your expertise, and ultimately help you secure new listings and sales and generate incremental revenue.
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Each SRES Designee can use their Optimized Profile Page on Boomer Authority^TM as a custom "Landing Page" which explains in detail how you, as a professional SRES Realtor, can help a Baby Boomers and Seniors with their real estate needs.
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SRES Designation Program
The SRES® 12-hour designation program instructs REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Includes first year membership in SRES Council and its umbrella of services.
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SRES Designation Requirements:
Three (3) requirements must be met to attain and use the SRES® designation:
1. Successful completion of the two-day SRES® Designation Course, including an 80% passing grade on the exam.
2. Maintain active membership in the National Association of REALTORS®
3. Maintain active membership in the SRES Council.
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The first year membership in the SRES Council is included in the SRES Designation Course fee. However, every year thereafter will require payment of annual dues of $99. Membership in Boomer Authority^TM is always free.
For information on the course outline and learning objectives, click here.
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Display the Badge of Distinction with Pride on your Blog or Website
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SRES Designation Badge
Upon certification, you will be authorized to display on your web site or blog this distinctive badge recognizing your professional status and association with SRES and Boomer Authority^TM.
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Your Boomer Authority^TM Optimized Landing Page
Below are the key components for the creation of your custom landing page:
1. Professional profile - You may use as many words as needed with embedded links, photos & a thumbnail. Visit a typical Optimized Landing Page on Boomer Authority^TM HERE.
2. Service offer - An explanation of the offer, fees, how will you deliver your service (i.e. telephone, conference call, webinar, in-person, etc), etc.
3. Area of real estate expertise - (i.e. town, city, etc.)
4. Upload pictures and video to your personal page.
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Third-Part Application & Widgets
Boomer Authority^TM has many useful applications to help promote your services: you may upload videos, third-party widgets, photos, RSS Feed your blog or radio show, and much, much more. Visit the Applications available to you right from your Profile Page. And, of course, you may edit your Profile Page on-demand 24/7. There is no cost for third party applications.
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If you have authored a book, you may have it listed for free and available for purchase at the Boomer Authority^TM [Book Store].
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Already Have SRES Designation
You immediately qualify for membership in Boomer Authority^TM if you have already successfully completed the SRES Designation program. Learn more about joining Boomer Authority^TM click here.
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States with No Sales Tax

States With No Sales Tax

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not have a sales taxes. While some States have a uniform rate. others allow counties and municipalities impose a local option tax onto the base tax rate. States with a single rate include Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The highest sales tax are found in:

California (7.25%
Mississippi (7.0%)
New Jersey (7.0%)
Tennessee (7.0%
Rhode Island (7.0%
Minnesota (6.5%)
Nevada (6.5%)
Washington (6.5%)

The final tax will be higher, though, in those jurisdictions which permit a local option tax.

 

 

America’s Best Affordable Places to Retire According to U.S. News & World Report

In view of the drastic downturn in America's economy, more and more retirees are citing "affordability" as a major criteria in governing their selection of a retirement destination and are foregoing luxury, amenity-filled planned communities in favor of small towns and cities that offer affordable housing choices with interesting cultural attractions, quality healthcare and a secure and safe environment.

U.S. News & World Report magazine conducted an exhaustive analysis and compiled a list of the ten cities that it deemed "America's Best Affordable Places to Retire."

In alphabetical order, these ten cities were:

* Ann Arbor, Michigan
* Asheville, North Carolina
* Aurora, Colorado
* Columbia, South Carolina
* Columbus, Ohio
* Eugene, Oregon
* Fort Worth, Texas
* Jacksonville, Florida
* Kansas City, Missouri
* Tucson, Arizona

 

Volunteer,  Opportunities, Classes & Events in Tucson

Here is the list of Volunteer Opportunities in August 2010 in Tucson:

Upcoming Events, Volunteering Opportunities and Classes

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Aug 06:
Cats and Dogs for Adoption from HOPE Animal Shelter
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Aug 07:
Cat and Dog Adoptions
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Aug 07:
Cats and Dogs for Adoption from HOPE Animal Shelter
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Aug 08:
Cat and Dog Adoptions
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Aug 08:
New Hope Cattle Dogs
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Aug 08:
New Hope Cattle Dogs
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Aug 11:
Cats and Dogs for Adoption from HOPE Animal Shelter
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Aug 12:
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Classes

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Aug 05:
Yogalates
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Aug 05:
Zumba Fitness Classes
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Aug 05:
Zumba Toning Fitness Class
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Aug 06:
Power Mom Bootcamp
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Aug 06:
Salsa Latin Dance Class
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Aug 06:
Senior Cardio Mix
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Aug 07:
Computer Tutoring
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Aug 07:
Yogalates
*

Aug 07:
Zumba Fitness Classes
*

Aug 09:
Power Mom Bootcamp
*

Aug 09:
Salsa Latin Dance Class
*

Aug 09:
Senior Cardio Mix
*

Aug 10:
QuickBooks Training
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Aug 10:
Yogalates
*

Aug 10:
Zumba Fitness Classes
*

Aug 10:
Zumba Toning Fitness Class
*

Aug 11:
Ballroom Dancing - Let's Dance Club
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Aug 11:
Master Recycler Training Class
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Aug 11:
Power Mom Bootcamp
*

Aug 11:
Senior Cardio Mix

Senior Events

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Aug 06:
Senior Cardio Mix
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Aug 06:
Senior Cardio Mix
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Aug 09:
Senior Cardio Mix
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Aug 09:
Senior Cardio Mix
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Aug 10:
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Luncheon
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Aug 11:
Senior Cardio Mix
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Aug 11:
Senior Cardio Mix

Source:

Tucson Retirement

 

Tucson Off Leash Dog Parks

James D. Kreigh Dog Park -23 W Calle Concordia Oro Valley

Anamax Off-Leash Dog Park -17501 S. Camino de las Quintas Sahuarita

Christopher Columbus Dog Park -4600 N. Silverbell Tucson

Gene C. Reid Park Off-Leash Area -900 S. Randolph Way Tucson

Jacobs Dog Park -3300 N. Fairview Ave. Tucson

McDonald District Park Off-Leash Area -4100 N. Harrison Road Tucson

Northwest Center Off-Leash Dog Park -2075 N. 6th Ave Tucson

Palo Verde Park Off-Leash Area -300 S. Mann Avenue Tucson

Udall Dog Park -7290 E. Tanque Verde Tucson

 

New Dimensions in 21st Century Active Adult Living

 

A World of Flavor at Heritage Highlands

You're on top of the world with the view and cuisine of Heritage Highlands

The total package is what lures you back to Heritage Highlands: a regionally-acclaimed chef; presentation of distinctive dishes that revel in seasonal ingredients; and breathtaking mountain views framing the dining and banquet experience. And with renowned Tucson restaurateur Michael Veres now at the helm of its dining venues, Heritage Highlands - the prestigious active-adult community located in Dove Mountain - seems to have it all in the way of culinary and event-planning excellence.

Heritage Highlands' Food & Beverage Director-Chef Michael Veres has taken his favorite cuisines and melded them into delectable personal creations that make the restaurants of Heritage Highlands unique and popular cookery adventures. We're talking about traditional home-styled favorites, Southwest specialties, American and Italian fare, all served up in the world-class backdrop of lush high desert and panoramic mountain vistas.

Dazzling Views, Superb Cuisine
The spectacular setting is again what makes the difference in the Heritage Highlands banquet experience. There is unique elegance for the eye and the pallet that serve up a memorable experience for the most special event - from office party through to fundraisers. The exceptional outdoor venue, set on the Heritage Highlands Clubhouse back lawn, makes for inspired and beautiful wedding memories. Expansive mountain and city views complement the exquisite service and contemporary ambience. Banquet packages, which adhere to a variety of budgets and dietary preferences, may be customized.

The public as well as residents are invited to use the banquet facilities and restaurants. For dining, there is the more formal restaurant (The Highlands Bar & Grille) and the outside dining venue (The Patio on the Green). A suite of private rooms and banquet hall seats parties from 25 to 250 people.

Both restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dinner opened to the public Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. An upscale menu specializes in grilled meats, fresh seafood, pastas and entrée salads. There are traditional, home-style comfort-food offerings, with sumptuous sandwiches, soups and delicious desserts in the ever-changing menu. Wednesday night buffets take on a distinctive flair with all-American favorites including pizzas. An extensive drink list of premium cocktails and an award-winning wine list also are featured.

Delivering an Award-Winning Experience

Tucson native Veres landed in the restaurant business after honing his affinity for cooking at American Chef Federation. After his studies Veres worked in restaurant and resort kitchens including Daniels here in Tucson. He opened Cibaria Cucina Italiana to rave reviews and came to Heritage Highlands just this past summer.

Food critics throughout the city have praised Veres' cooking and the refreshing, exciting menus he selects. New items include succulent chicken dishes and farm-fresh salads; his superb wine pairing dinners result in delectable tastings and receive rave reviews.

Looking to enjoy high cuisine with a twist of comfort food and magnificent mountain views added in? No doubt about it - Heritage Highlands is the place to savor great Tucson dining and special events.

The Highlands Bar & Grill
The Patio on the Green

4949B W. Heritage Club Blvd.

For dining information, hours or reservations:

520-579-9583

For Banquet and Catering information:

Elizabeth Rehlander
520-579-8881
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Playtime in Paradise:  Golf at Heritage Highlands Is the Desert’s Best

It's hard to beat the panorama of the Sonoran Desert. So if your idea of paradise is experiencing golf in such a setting - look no further than Heritage Highlands at Dove Mountain. Three words aptly define golf at this most welcoming and prestigious active adult community in Tucson: Memorable. Exhilarating. Magic.

First-rate golf and gorgeous, unobstructed views of surrounding mountain ranges are only part of the package that makes Heritage Highlands such a popular Southwest community. But with vistas of five mountain ranges, golf is certainly an outstanding recreational amenity. Heritage Highlands is part of the greater Dove Mountain master-planned 6,200-acre community (and the home to the Accenture World Golf Match Play Championship.)

Championship Golf in an Extraordinary Location
Designed by consummate architect Arthur Hills, the Heritage Highlands course is award-winning and a must to play if you're in Tucson. Its layout sets the standard for excellence and service, yet no matter what experience you have as a golfer you will appreciate playing here.

Architect Hills sculpted the Golf Course at Heritage Highlands from the desert, carefully avoiding disruption of natural slopes and native vegetation while designing a course fit for all skill levels. This playable yet exciting test of golf plays to a par of 72 and stretches to 6904 yards from the back tee. "No two holes are alike; there are so many different tee options," says Director of Golf Brad Engel, a PGA pro who has been with Heritage Highlands since 1997. "It's a course you never tire of playing," he comments.

There are some striking holes on the diverse Heritage Highlands course, with the front nine playing through character-rich desert flats and the back nine offering a challenging change of pace that wraps around the mountains and plays near the lakes. For example, Hole 17 par 3 is picture perfect, with views spanning Tucson valley views framed by five mountain ranges from this tee. After the golf you can quench your thirst and hunger at the Highlands Bar & Grille and The Patio on the Green, where - set above the 9th green - two outdoor patios offer spectacular sunset views or wildlife watching.

Style-Fore!
If you're in need of equipment or apparel the newly renovated Golf Shop in the Clubhouse has only top-of-the line merchandise. Trained staff includes a part-time buyer as well as four teaching professionals, permitting Heritage Highlands to expand its golf instruction including new weekly golf clinics and equipment fitting.

Heritage Highlands has four active golf associations, and friendly desert living is probably best exemplified by the numerous tournaments, holiday gatherings and social mixers held.
"There are so many opportunities to feel part of a community and to play competitive golf," explains Engel.

Additional facilities at this course include: Putting green, chipping area and 20-station practice range. A member of the Audubon Society, Heritage Hills Golf Club is focused on sustainability and stewardship of the environment. "We're a natural habitat for desert wildlife, and we take that responsibility seriously," Engel indicates.

He also notes that play starts up again this month. Successful overseeding has resulted in perfect conditioning of the course. The Clubhouse is abuzz with talk about upcoming mixers and holiday tourneys. So if golfing in an incomparable Southwest vista and terrain is your idea of heaven, get out to play at Heritage Highlands. For tee times and further information about club memberships, contact Brad Engel, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For information about the Heritage Highlands community, contact General Manager Jeff Ziegler, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Get your game on!

 

Tucson Rated Tops in New Business Week Survey

Did you see Tucson in Business Week's Best Affordable Places to Retire feature?
(See: http://tinyurl.com/nq829q).

Businessweek.com looked at Zip Codes across the country, factored in cost of living, home prices and proximity to health, recreation, culture, arts, natural environment and other amenities. After the data was evaluated, the message was clear: Tucson was Number One in this prestigious Business Week report!

The honor is no surprise to me. There are so many reasons to make Tucson your home. Our home prices are affordable. We have superior arts, culture and entertainment, golf courses, wonderful shopping and good restaurants. With more than 284 days of sunshine - in a panorama of desert surrounded by mountain ranges - you'll want to consider a home in Tucson.

There are so many great neighborhoods in this town. But for me there's one that "sits above the rest" in more ways than one. It's the Catalina Foothills: It's my home and it's among the most desirable communities in Tucson real estate.

With its higher elevation and proximity to the majestic Catalina Mountains, the Foothills is a quality community with unsurpassed mountain views, a panorama of twinkling city lights and superior amenities that earn it a special distinction. Before areas like Dove Mountain in Marana existed, Catalina Foothills was where gorgeous Southwestern homes were built within the magnificent natural desert. In this area there are variety of home styles and prices to meet your needs - no cookie cutter environment here! Instead, there are historic haciendas, sleek contemporaries, Mediterranean-style townhouses mixed with beautiful Santa Fe adobes. For the best in Tucson real estate in terms of investment and quality of life, the realtor's choice is often the Foothills.

Regarding Education: The consistently high levels of exceptional faculty, facilities and curriculum have earned the Foothills school system an "excelling" rank by the Arizona Department of Education. Shopping your interest? La Encantada is a cosmopolitan shopping center, with local artisan shops side by side with sophisticated international shopping including Tiffany, Louis Vuitton and Brooks Brothers. Everywhere there are unique galleries and boutiques offering outstanding arts and culture opportunities. Some of Tucson's finest dining experiences are available here!

From Sabino Canyon, with its wonderful tram-ride, walking trails and water oasis, to hiking opportunities with the stunning vistas of Finger Rock and Pusch Ridge - Nature is at your doorstep in the Foothills. If outdoor recreation is your preference, select from a variety of gorgeous country clubs, spas and golf courses.

Check out this New York Times article to understand why I love my home in the Foothills: http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/06/15/realestate/greathomes/15havens.html

Selfishly, I like to keep the secrets of this desert gem to myself. But I'm happy for the Tucson plaudits - Come discover the wonders of desert living for yourself!

 

Take a Hike This Summer, Please

With five mountain ranges, assortment of state and national parks, and numerous wildlife habitats and historical corridors surrounding Tucson - our city is tops in spectacular panoramas of nature. With temps rising, it's also the perfect time to head up to our mountains.

Tucson offers many options for outdoor ramblers - The city sits in a valley surrounded by the Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, Tucson, Rincon and Tortolita mountain ranges. While each range offers a variety of nature hikes or pleasant strolls, I want to single out two easy trails that offer fabulous wildlife viewing and vistas for minimal effort. If short rambles are your thing, consider two of my favorites:

Mount Bigelow is situated 8,550 feet up in the Catalina Mountains. There is a 1.5-mile trail (it's actually a dirt road) that easily brings you past beautiful pine and fir tree forest and gorgeous vistas. Your walk will lead to a group of one-time fire lookout transmission towers atop the mountain - what a view! Along the way, you'll see wonderful big views of the Catalinas. There are several small clearings where you can rest, take a picnic or just photograph. Watch for wildlife, too.

Last time I visited a saw a pretty red-tail squirrel and an assortment of unusual, colorful birds. You can reach this walk via the Catalina Highway, about four miles up, past Milepost 20. Turn right at the "Bigelow Trailhead" sign and park about a quarter-mile up this road near the observatory. Then start walking up to the right at the fork - Enjoy the 1.5 mile ramble! Learn more about the Catalina Highway from the Forest Service website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/scenic_drives/catalina_hwy.shtml

Madera Canyon, just south of Tucson, offers so many trail options, but a favorite of mine is the 1.8-mile Nature Trail. There are interpretive signs along this walk as well as perfect scenery. The lower trailhead climbs gradually and will provide a wonderful mountain and valley views. To reach this from Tucson, drive south on Interstate 19, exit at Green Valley, Continental and continue to the canyon (about 13 miles off the exit). Watch for Nature Trail parking lot soon after passing the Santa Rita Lodge (another nice place to stop and watch the birds.). There are no food places in the canyon so bring a picnic lunch! Learn more at http://www.friendsofmaderacanyon.org/

If you're interested in additional hiking adventures to stay cool this summer in Tucson, watch the http://www.bestboomertowns.com website, or do research yourself about our beautiful, historic Arizona Trail: http://www.aztrail.org/. Happy hiking!

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More Blog Posts

Holidays in Columbia

Boomers are Moving - The SRES Designation Sets Realtors Apart

States with No Sales Tax

States with No Personal Income Tax

America’s Best Affordable Places to Retire According to U.S. News & World Report

Volunteer,  Opportunities, Classes & Events in Tucson

Austin Off Leash!

Tucson Off Leash Dog Parks

Prescott Area Dog Parks

Summer Fun in Camarillo!