Not a new face around SaddleBrooke, just a new address. Ruthie Klomp has lived in the community for over 19 years. She and her husband, Chris, had retired in 2001 in Seattle. But after enduring challenging weather during the start of their retirement, they knew they needed to make a change!
The Journey to SaddleBrookeIn November 2004, Ruthie and Chris came to Arizona in search of sunshine and active adult communities. They checked out a Robson community in Phoenix, but they quickly decided it was not what they wanted. Next, they drove down to Tucson to visit friends who lived in Heritage Highlands and experience the preferred guest program at SaddleBrooke. They had an entire house, golf cart and two bicycles at their disposal—not to mention endless sunshine. Ruthie recalled, “The sun was out in November, the weather was perfect everyday we’ve got to live here!”
They decided to look at houses hoping to find something they could buy. In 2005, the market was very sparse with not many listings, like our market here just a couple of years ago. As they walked through the last home they were going to tour, they looked at each other and said, “Yes, this is it, let’s buy it.”
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So, Ruthie and Chris bought their SaddleBrooke home on Canada Del Oro. It was a two-story home that backed to the mountains with plenty of space upstairs for their house guests. Purchasing in November, the sellers really didn’t want to leave right away. And the Klomps were not in a hurry as they needed to sell their home in Seattle. It is wonderful when buyers and sellers can work out mutually agreeable timing. Ruthie and Chris moved into their new home in April 2005.
As with most buyers, they decided to make a few changes to make it their own. With a beautiful patio backing to the mountains, they added a kidney shaped pool in the northeast corner of their lot. It worked beautifully so they could enjoy their patio, the mountain views and the pool and spa.
Together, they experienced all that SaddleBrooke has to offer including biking, tennis, social circles and eventually they even took up golf. “We were terrible from the beginning, and it hasn’t gotten any better,” Ruthie laughed. Nonetheless, they would enjoy golfing with friends in Tubac or at Canoa Ranch or right here in SaddleBrooke.
The Next ChapterAfter many wonderful years together in SaddleBrooke, Ruth is now on her own here after having lost Chris to health issues. Enough time had passed, and Ruthie decided that maintaining the entire home was just too much. “I was ready, I had been decluttering but there was just too much house.” She decided it was time to downsize and get rid of a lot of the stuff that had accumulated after 18 years in one home.
Ruthie decided to start looking for a smaller home in SaddleBrooke. We looked at several homes online—we talked, we texted and we toured homes—discussing the pro’s and con’s. “I wanted a fireplace and a home that had already been updated.” The home that spoke to her had been beautifully remodeled. The floor plan had been opened, removing several walls. The kitchen now has a large island and updated cabinets and appliances. Everything was already done for her including new bathrooms and floors redone, so, no need to live through a remodel. That was exactly what she wanted!
Getting SettledBuying a house, selling a house and moving can be very stressful and emotional. It is important to find ways to reduce the stress of these challenges and allow others to help you through the process. It can feel overwhelming at times, but with the right support, it is manageable. One step at a time! Ruthie successfully navigated these changes and she and her sidekick, Lily, are now happily settled in their new SaddleBrooke home in unit 1A not far from the SaddleBrooke One clubhouse.
Lily is Ruthie’s little one and a half year-old shih tzu that she adopted over a year ago. Lily has been her companion through all these changes. Several times a day, you will find Ruthie and Lily out in the golf cart catching some fresh air. It is too hot this time of year for our furry friends to be out walking once the day heats up!
Ruthie is very happy in her new home. The lot has wonderfully mature trees and she can see the mountains from the back. It is a private lot and Ruthie is having a spool built in her backyard. She loves the sights and sounds of the water. Ruthie smiled upon explaining, “I have several friends that live within walking distance. And it is going to be my backyard oasis for us to enjoy!”
I’m thrilled to have helped Ruthie as she starts her next chapter. Thank you, Ruthie, for entrusting your real estate journey 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.
