Deydalie Swims With Dolphins For An Unforgettable Family Adventure

After Deydalie graduated kindergarten, what started as a time of celebration turned to family concerns when Deydalie began to experience excruciating knee pain. Deydalie’s mom, Rosa, pleaded with the doctors for answers, knowing something was wrong with her daughter. Her intuition was correct. Deydalie, at just six years old, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It was a day that changed everything for Deydalie and her family, marking the beginning of a challenging journey filled with pain, fear, and uncertainty. Deydalie began chemotherapy immediately, enduring two rounds of treatment in a matter of 20 days. The physical toll was immense; Deydalie was constantly getting infections, causing fevers, pain, and fatigue.   “Deydalie couldn’t even study for an hour for school because she was so sick,” said her mom, Rosa. "She faced each day with quiet strength, even as she lost her hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows to the chemo treatment." Despite the overwhelming challenges, Deydalie's spirit remained unbroken. Rosa Deydalie's mom A year into her battle, hope arrived in an unexpected form. Deydalie's oncologist mentioned Make-A-Wish Arizona and she knew immediately that she wanted to go to Hawaii. Inspired by a trip her parents had taken, she longed to swim with dolphins and feel the warm embrace of the ocean. It was a wish that symbolized freedom and joy.  Her wish came true after ringing the bell to celebrate the end of her chemotherapy months before and entering remission. The trip was a family affair, with her parents, her 10-year-old brother, 13-year-old sister, and one-year-old baby sister joining her. Deydalie was not a cancer patient for one magical week but a carefree child. She donned a different bikini each day, her inner diva shining brightly. Swimming with the dolphins was a highlight, the pure delight on her face, a sight that Rosa would never forget. Even the rainy days did not stop Deydalie from experiencing Jurassic World film locations. It was a time of healing and happiness, a precious respite from the battles they had fought.  Since that transformative trip, Deydalie has blossomed. Now, in fourth grade, she’s improved significantly in her schoolwork, which is evident in her academic progress. This summer, she is looking forward to attending Rainbow Camp in Williams, AZ., a special camp where she will meet other children who have faced similar battles.  Deydalie's journey is far from over, but the worst is behind her. The trip to Hawaii was more than just a wish; it was a beacon of hope and a reminder of life's joy. For Rosa, watching her daughter smile and laugh was a gift beyond measure.   “Deydalie was so strong and never cried. She went through so much, and I am glad that she was able to experience her wish come true.”   Her journey continues, marked by hope and the promise of what's possible.  ***********************************************************We are on a mission to raise $10,000 for Make-A- Wish Foundation ARIZONA, so for every house we sell this year we are donating a portion of our income to them. As you know Make-A-Wish Foundation does create life changing wishes for Arizona children with critical illnesses. The children we serve are fighting for their lives, and their families are doing everything that they can to help them in their battles. Last year they served thousands of children around Arizona. Chances are your family or someone you know has benefitted from the great work they do. Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to our real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award- winning real estate service, a very worthy cause will benefit as well. I want to make it easy to refer your friends, neighbors, associates or family member.You can go to our website and enter their contact info online or forward the link to who you know considering a move. Of course you can always call me direct as well. Thank you so much for the referral!. "I Make Dreams A Reality In Realty"

Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale

Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off? It’s a common dilemma, but here’s a key point to consider: your lifestyle might be the biggest factor in your decision. While financial aspects are important, sometimes the personal motivations for moving are reason enough to make the leap sooner rather than later. An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers insight into why homeowners like you chose to sell. All of the top reasons are related to life changes. As the graph below highlights: As the visual shows, the biggest motivators were the desire to be closer to friends or family, outgrowing their current house, or experiencing a significant life change like getting married or having a baby. The need to downsize or relocate for work also made the list. If you, like the homeowners in this report, find yourself needing features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider talking to a real estate agent about selling your house. Your needs matter. That agent will walk you through your options and what you can expect from today’s market, so you can make a confident decision based on what matters most to you and your loved ones. Your agent will also be able to help you understand how much equity you have and how it can make moving to meet your changing needs that much easier. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains: “A consideration today's homeowners should review is what their home equity picture looks like. With the typical home listing price up 40% from just five years ago, many home sellers are sitting on a healthy equity cushion. This means they are likely to walk away from a home sale with proceeds that they can use to offset the amount of borrowing needed for their next home purchase.” Bottom Line Your lifestyle needs may be enough to motivate you to make a change. If you want help weighing the pros and cons of selling your house, let’s have a conversation.

Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You?

If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision. What Is a 55+ Community? It’s important to note that these communities aren’t just for people who need extra support – they can be pretty vibrant, too. Many people who are downsizing opt for this type of home because they’re looking to be surrounded by people in a similar season of life. U.S. News explains: “The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to downsize to a community with others their same age and with similar interests.” Why It’s Worth Considering This Type of Home If that sounds like something that may interest you, here's one thing to consider. You may find you’ve got a growing list of options if you look at this type of community. According to 55places.com, the number of listings tailored for homebuyers in this age group has increased by over 50% compared to last year. And a bigger pool of options could make your move much less stressful because it’s easier to find something that’s specifically designed to meet your needs. Other Benefits of 55+ Communities On top of that, there are other benefits to seeking out this type of home. An article from 55places.com, highlights just a few: Lower-Maintenance Living: Tired of mowing the lawn or pulling weeds? Many of these communities take care of this for you. So, you can spend more time doing fun things, and less time on maintenance. On-Site Amenities: Some feature lifestyle amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, and more, so it’s easy to stay active. Plus, others offer media rooms, libraries, spas, arts and craft studios, and more. Like-Minded Neighbors: Additionally, these types of homes usually offer clubs, outings, meet-ups, and more to foster a close-knit community. Accessible Floor Plans: Not to mention, many have first-floor living options, ample storage spaces, and modern floor plans so you can have a home tailored to this phase in your life. Bottom Line If this sounds appealing to you, let’s talk about what’s available in our area, and the unique amenities for each community. You may find a 55+ home is exactly what you’ve been searching for.