I hope that 2025 finds you healthier, wealthier and happier than ever before.
As your trusted source for everything real estate, I am excited to introduce this issue’s REALTOR Spotlight Feature.
We have several real estate related and community articles included in this issue for your reading pleasure. Please enjoy our other articles on commercial real estate and mortgage lending.
Cheers,
Bryan Johnson Publisher/CEO
A little over a year ago the first Oro Valley Homeowner Magazine was printed. When I began this quest the idea was to give back to the community utilizing the magazine. Featuring local small businesses, non-profits, authors, and artists. Additionally, providing useful information, and interesting articles.
This idea has expanded into the Tucson, Marana, and Dove Mountain Homeowner Magazines! Recently the “Community Recipe” section was added to include recipes from local residents. With each edition I am abundantly filled with gratitude for the all those who have supported, contributed, and celebrated with me in this adventure.
Thank you for taking your time to read the articles, and support our community.
If you would like to contribute a recipe, or have a business, author, artist, or other interesting idea to share please feel welcome to contact me. The best is yet to come!
EDITOR, ORO VALLEY, TUCSON, DOVE MOUNTAIN AND MARANA HOMEOWNER MAGAZINE
If you’re considering moving, downsizing and decluttering can offer a simpler, more secure, lower-stress lifestyle Downsizing can also present you with a lot to think about Here are some tips that might make the process a bit less daunting:
Successful downsizing takes more time than you may realize; starting the process at least two to three months in advance can be a real benefit
2. Make a plan
Planning out the steps (with as much detail as possible) will make the process more manageable and help lessen anxiety
3. Set a timeline
The plan should include a timeline to ensure tasks are completed in order as the move approaches The distance of the move may affect the timeframe.
4. Use the new floor plan
A floor plan of your new home even if rough can help determine what might go where and which pieces fit, and which don’t.
5. Start with “less”
For a simple guide to think about which might not go to your future home, think “less”–less used, less valuable, less emotional.
We all accumulate things When downsizing, ask whether duplicates can be discarded Do you need five different types of cooking whisks?
7. Use a “one-year” rule
If something hasn’t been used or viewed within the past year, it may be a candidate for being left out of the move
8. Create “yes” or “no” groups
Using sticky n “yes” or “no” w remember w to take with y
9. Donate o
Once items h “yes” or “no” g which would donations an disposed of in
Friends or family can offer both helping hands and a helpful voice when it comes to downsizing Involving them early on can make the process easier
While downsizing can present some challenges, the benefits can pay off over the years Your local SRES® Real Estate Professional can be a great resource to help your planning.
“But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” -
John 3:21
Are you on FIRE for the
You know what to say - now you need to say it. PMG Studios will help.
PMG Studios has assembled one of the most cutting-edge collections of cameras, recording equipment, and live stream technology in all of Arizona. Located in peaceful Oro Valley, we offer a broad array of production services for individuals, nonprofits, and businesses.
We come to you! Capture a special family photo session in your favorite park or record an aging grandparent’s memoirs to keep forever. Companies can broadcast their annual gala or launch a content marketing channel with a new podcast. Let us do the traveling so you can focus on the moment and the mission.
The lights and cameras are ready – you bring the action! Our state-of-the-art studio offers a customizable three-camera set, a live TV interview booth, and a padded radio room for audioonly recording. Hourly rental options are designed to fit your schedule and your budget.
Great ideas need a great team and great equipment behind them. Create that documentary! Launch that educational video series! Start that new podcast! Truth-telling is a calling, and now is the time to turn your calling into a reality. Let us help you make it happen.
When shopping for your first home, it’s okay to pick a favorite, but also consider other properties that meet your needs within your price range. Determine, as objectively as possible, which home would be best now and in the future so you don’t put yourself at a negotiating disadvantage or overlook significant issues or defects
Review your credit report before talking to any potential lenders Pay down your debt and
keep some money in the bank. Talk to lenders and get pre-approved for a loan This way, you can resolve any financial issues in advance and improve your negotiating position
When you purchase your first house, you may think you’ll never want to leave it But for most people, a first home is a financial
stepping stone Try to ensure you buy in an area where home values are increasing Look for proximity to parks, shopping, and other perks that will improve the home’s resale value.
If you find the home you want and an inspector discovers significant repairs are
needed, try to negotiate with the seller to have those items fixed or to reduce your purchase price by the amount of the required repairs.
However, even if no significant issues are discovered, it’s best to set aside some money for repairs since all homes require periodic maintenance, and you’ll likely want to make some updates after moving into your new home.
Do you have a recipe you’d like to share with the community? Feel welcome to submit recipes to Sarah Sowders 520-305-6974!
Citrus trees are a staple in Arizona’s landscape, thriving in the state’s warm, sun-drenched climate. The arid conditions, combined with the state’s ample sunshine, create the perfect environment for citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
In fact, Arizona is one of the largest citrus-producing states in the U.S. The citrus harvests are a bright highlight, offering residents an abundance of fresh, flavorful fruit that can be used in a variety of ways. here are some ideas from local resident, Beth Arkanoff, on how to use them in fun refreshing beverages!
1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup vodka
1 Tablespoon honey liqueur
1 splash diet sprite or club soda on top
Pour over ice, stir, enjoy!
MARGARITA MIX: 4 oranges juiced
3 lemons juiced
1 lime juiced
3/4 cup triple sec
1/4 cup agave sweetener
Mix above ingredients together in a carafe
Fill glass with ice, add 1/4 cup gold tequila, top off with mix above, stir, enjoy with a lime wedge or orange peel!
1. Personalized recommendations based on care needs, budget & lifestyle.
2. Trusted relationships with Tucson’s best communities.
3. One-stop access to the right resources every step of the way.
4. No cost, no guesswork—just expert guidance.
ARTICLE BY MAGGIE MCGRATH
BECAUSE ASSISTED LIVING IS NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL.
With over 300 licensed care communities in Greater Tucson, how do you know which one truly meets their needs? It’s not just about location or amenities—it’s about ensuring the right level of care, engagement, and quality of life.
The truth is, not all assisted living communities offer the same services or levels of care. Some specialize in higher-acuity needs, such as two-person transfers, insulin-dependent diabetes, or wound care. Others cater to active, independent seniors who need minimal assistance but want social connection. Some welcome pets, offer doubleoccupancy suites, or provide specialized meal plans.
1. WILL THERE BE ENOUGH STAFF WHEN IT REALLY MATTERS?
Why It Matters: A community may seem well-staffed at first glance, but if caregivers are stretched too thin, your loved one could wait 30+ minutes for assistance when they need it most.
Ask: What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio? How many nurses are on-site during the day and overnight?
Red Flag: If staff regularly look overworked or rushed, expect delayed care.
Before you sign on the dotted line, ask these 10 critical questions to avoid common mistakes and ensure your loved one thrives in the right setting.
Choosing the right assisted living isn’t just about where your loved one lives—it’s about how they live.
2. HOW DO YOU AVOID SURPRISE FEES THAT ADD UP FAST?
Why It Matters: Families often assume everything is included in their monthly rate—until they receive an itemized bill with unanticipated charges for medication management, incontinence care, or additional personal assistance.
Ask: What services are included in the monthly rate? What additional costs should I anticipate? What is the most we can expect to pay in a worst-case scenario?
Red Flag: Communities that won’t provide a clear, itemized pricing breakdown.
3. HOW WILL MY LOVED ONE ACTUALLY BE CARED FOR IN AN EMERGENCY?
Why It Matters: Many families assume an “on-call nurse” means 24/7 medical support—but that’s rarely the case.
Ask: What happens if my loved one falls at night? How are hospital transfers handled?
Red Flag: If your loved one is a fall risk and the emergency response plan is vague or overly reliant on 911 calls.
Why It Matters: Assisted living caregivers aren’t necessarily required to be certified or take continuing education courses. If training is minimal or inconsistent, care quality will be, too.
Ask: What kind of dementia, fall prevention, or first-aid training do staff receive? How often?
Red Flag: If training is only once per year or focused mainly on paperwork instead of hands-on skills.
Why It Matters: A great senior living community isn’t just meeting basic care needs—it’s fostering engagement and connection. One of the biggest benefits of assisted living is just that: community.
Ask: What daily activities are offered? How are activities planned? Are social programs structured and diverse?
Red Flag: If the activity calendar looks the same every month or offers little beyond bingo and TV time.
8.
Why It Matters: Meals aren’t just a box to check—they’re a daily source of routine, socialization, and enjoyment. Tucson is internationally recognized as a City of Gastronomy—there’s no reason for bland cafeteria food!
Ask: Are meals freshly prepared? Can residents choose from a menu or request off-menu items? How are menus created? Can I stay for lunch during my tour?
Why It Matters: If your loved one’s care needs increase, at what point will they have to move again?
Ask: What care options are available if my loved one’s needs increase? How does your team communicate significant care level changes to families?
6.
Why It Matters: Sales reps tell you what you want to hear. Residents and families tell you the truth.
Ask: Can I speak with current residents or their families about their experience?
Red Flag: If they won’t connect you with real residents or rush you into signing paperwork.
9.
Red Flag: If meals are pre-packaged, repeated too often, or lacking fresh ingredients—residents often won’t eat properly.
Red Flag: If they don’t have clear transition plans for higher levels of care or notify families late about major cost jumps.
Why It Matters: Trusting your gut is good—testing the environment is better.
Ask: Visit at different times. Is the community as lively in the afternoon as in the morning?
Talk to current residents. Do they seem happy and engaged? (Serious bonus points if residents go out of their way to say how much they love living there!)
Have your loved one join a meal or activity. (Independent & Assisted Living only—Memory Care communities may limit tours to avoid disrupting residents’ routines.)
Red Flag: If you feel rushed or pressured to commit without a trial visit or if your questions go unanswered.
Why It Matters: Even if your loved one is sharp now, 40% of assisted living residents develop cognitive issues. (Source: National Center for Assisted Living – 2024)
Red Flag: If the community lacks dementia-trained staff or a structured transition plan. 4.
BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISION, LET’S TALK. 7. HOW IS THE FOOD?
Ask: Is there a plan for memory care if my loved one’s needs change? Will they have to move?
Finding the right assisted living isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about knowing how to interpret the answers.
Too often, families rely on brochures, sales pitches, or assumptions—only to realize later that their loved one’s needs aren’t truly being met.
Other times, families don’t realize that not all communities provide the same levels or types of care.
At Sonoran Senior Solutions, we make sure you know what questions to ask—and how to find the right fit the first time.
Discover the power of PuriFi, the only air purification system that truly works. Our advanced technology is backed by proof, not promises, and is scientifically proven to deactivate tested viruses, bacteria, mold, odors, VOCs, and significantly reduce dust, ensuring you breathe the purest, cleanest air possible.
Comprehensive Protection: PuriFi targets and eliminates a wide range of indoor air pollutants, providing a cleaner, healthier environment for you and your loved ones.
Real-Time Monitoring: Stay informed with continuous tracking of your indoor air quality Our system provides real-time data, giving you peace of mind knowing the air you breathe is safe
Unmatched Performance: With a proven track record, PuriFi stands out as the most effective air purifying system available.
Join