Snowbirds to Year ‘Round
We have another snowbird couple making the transition to a full-time residence here in SaddleBrooke. Jill Miller and Michael Yei have decided SaddleBrooke is where they want to spend much more time over the coming years. It was about 2 ½ years ago when Jill and Michael bought their first home in the community. They’ve actually been enjoying SaddleBrooke for many years. Jill’s parents, Bill and Connie Miller, have lived here for more than two decades.
From Family Visits to Residents
Jill and Michael have grown to love SaddleBrooke—no longer just family visitors, but adopting it as their own community over the last couple years—making friends, playing pickleball, golf and enjoying all that we have at our fingertips here in SaddleBrooke. But most recently, they have made a few big decisions—about homes and jobs.
Jill and Michael have both been able to work remotely when here in town. “Michael and I are continuing to travel back and forth to Utah for our jobs right now,” offered Jill. The fun that surrounds residents day in day out here in SaddleBrooke gets a person thinking—maybe it is time to step back from the career job and begin to enjoy retirement! This community is often described as a playground for adults—summer camp— or similar to meeting new friends when going to college. That has created the current debate facing these Jill and Michael. Work or play? Actually, Michael has pulled the trigger. His last day is Tuesday, December 31. Jill smiled, “Michael will be retiring at the end of the year and I will following sometime in the first half of next year.” She currently is a Deputy Mayor for Salt Lake City and is very fond of working for the mayor. But it won’t be long…
Their Move
Once they decided on this path, they reached out last winter and the three of us began discussions about the potential of finding a home that would suit their long-term needs as full-time residents. Their first home in SaddleBrooke is a wonderful Topaz with beautiful mountain views from inside and out. It has been a wonderful home but with the plan to spend more time here, they were interested in having a bit more space.
Jill and Michael decided it was time to simplify their life. It has been a busy couple years in real estate. They have recently sold their Utah homes in Torrey, Utah and Sale Lake City. Having sold both homes, they were committed to their next chapter in SaddleBrooke.
Jill and Michael explored the possibility of remodeling their Topaz and building a casita for the added space they wanted. Their first house sits on a big lot, it is very private, has plenty of space and wonderful mountain views. Simultaneously they casually watched the market, evaluating the potential of moving versus remodeling. Over the last six months, we discussed floor plans and the pros and cons of moving. This summer, there were several homes on the market—Sabino floor plans in The Preserve seemed to best align with their needs. This is a layout that really spoke to Jill and Michael. After much consideration and several visits, they decided they had found the perfect home.
Settling Into Their Routine
They both look forward to this next chapter. “We are looking forward to more time to enjoy SaddleBrooke, making new friends, and getting settled.” Michael plays pickleball regularly and of course, golf. Jill is looking forward to taking pickleball lessons and having time to play regularly. She would also like to find a studio where she can do her Pilates, something she has done for the past 20+ years. “Jill’s mom is teaching both of us how to play Mahjong and we love playing with her and her friends, who have now become our friends.”
Over the next few months, they are looking forward to a number of visits from friends. Jill said, “It’s fun to explore new sites and restaurants in the Tucson area with visitors.” Next year, Jill and MIchael will celebrate their 31st anniversary and Michael’s birthday with a trip to Akumal, Mexico. And of course, they will head back to the snow to enjoy some skate skiing to their favorite winter sport. They will visit Park City, Utah and Sun Valley, Idaho. Jill explained, “We also look forward to spending time with my parents who have lived here for 20+ years. They introduced us to this community and are a big part of the reason we are here!”
In Closing
Jill said, “Helen was there for us at every turn and provided sound guidance and advice all along the way.” I am thrilled to have helped Jill and Michael with their SaddleBrooke journey. Thank you for entrusting your real estate needs with me!
Thinking about buying or selling? Be sure to connect with a local REALTOR to help you navigate the process—getting timely information about current and upcoming listings, preparing your home to get top dollar and establishing an accurate market value.
Helen Graham is a member of the Long Realty 1926 Circle of Excellence Platinum—ranking in the top one percent of Arizona real estate agents. Whether buying or selling, Helen handles all the details— specializing in fabulous service and happy clients. She lives in SaddleBrooke with her husband, Mark. Her father and brother-in-law also reside here.
You can reach Helen via email at helen@theidealhabitat.com or call (303) 902-6633—call, text or email anytime. Learn more online at heleng.longrealty.com.
