HIGHLIGHTS
- Two couples bought homes at Del Webb at Dove Mountain in Marana, AZ
- 55places partner agent, Krystine Eppley, introduced them
- Now they have a group chat to plan regular get-togethers
- Their friendship eased the transition into a new community
“I wasn’t intentionally playing matchmaker!” said 55places partner agent Krystine Eppley when asked how she introduced two client households to each other. She’s referring to two couples new to Del Webb at Dove Mountain whose friendship began almost immediately after buying their homes. A chance encounter involving their shared agent soon led to an energetic group chat and regular meet-ups.
Discover the funny story about how these two couples met and how it impacted their transition into a 55+ community.
Why They Moved to a 55+ Community
Before moving to Del Webb at Dove Mountain, retirees Jeff N. and Cindy C. lived in an RV resort in Southern California and spent much of their time traveling. After keeping a home base there for seven years, they decided to move on from the RV lifestyle. “We just felt like it was time for us to find our forever, permanent home,” said Cindy.
The couple partnered with Krystine Eppley, a seasoned real estate agent who specializes in 55+ communities. Their search eventually landed Jeff and Cindy at Del Webb at Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona. The resort-style community includes around 600 single-family homes, and the couple fell in love with the community and the surrounding area.
Two more of Krystine’s clients, Nick and Annette Ade, were also drawn to the scenic views, social life, and amenities offered at the Del Webb community. Their previous home was only around 50 miles away in Casa Grande, Arizona, and the move to Marana put them closer to their grandkids.
“We had been considering a 55+ retirement community off and on for several years,” reflected Annette, a recently retired teacher. Nick, who has worked for the same company since he graduated college, said he hoped moving to a 55+ community would motivate him to retire. “I almost felt like I needed to buy a house outside of where we live… to force my hand to retire.”
Despite their different circumstances before moving to Del Webb at Dove Mountain, both couples shared common reasons for the move. They said they wanted to be more active and health-focused in their new community—a lifestyle encouraged by Del Webb’s renowned amenity centers. Both couples also said they wanted to be surrounded by neighbors in the same stage of life, with Cindy noting that people in their 55+ community “are just friendly at this stage.”
How Their Friendship Started
Krystine was in the middle of Nick and Annette’s final walkthrough when she realized she’d forgotten to deliver a check to Jeff and Cindy. On a whim, she offered to swing by with Nick and Annette to drop off the check and introduce the two couples. What started as a spur-of-the-moment occasion became what Cindy described as “the beginning of something really awesome.”
“What was supposed to be a quick stop turned into everyone hanging out and chatting long after I had to leave for another appointment,” described Krystine. The four homeowners quickly found they had a lot in common, and the conversation and jokes came easily. After exchanging phone numbers, they created a group chat to stay in touch.
Since their initial meeting, the four homeowners have become close friends who regularly have one another over for meals, share news and funny videos in the group chat, see movies together, and meet up for events both in and out of the community. The four plan to team up for an upcoming community trivia night, though their team name is still being discussed in the group chat. Annette reflected that Krystine “took us to meet who now have become pretty much our best friends.”
Celebrating With Their Agent
To show their appreciation for introducing them, the homeowners invited Krystine and her husband over for a dinner party. Cindy described it as “a very warm and lovely evening” as the six of them celebrated new friends, new homes, and new beginnings.
“The dinner was incredibly special to me,” said Krystine. “The fact that these two couples, who were complete strangers before that unexpected introduction, had developed such a wonderful friendship and wanted to include my husband and me in an evening together was so thoughtful.”
The Community Beyond the Group Chat
For homeowners, the benefits of living in a 55+ community extend beyond the group chats they share. There are many opportunities to find fun within Del Webb at Dove Mountain, including a resort-style pool, fitness center, and a busy calendar of clubs and events. “We get out and about and we try to do our best to connect,” said Jeff, who plays pickleball a few times a week while Cindy enjoys trying different golf courses in the area. The amenities “just bring people together.”
The laid-back lifestyle of Del Webb at Dove Mountain gives homeowners flexibility in their day-to-day schedules. “We can be as involved or not involved as we want at any time,” explained Annette. She and Nick enjoy trying new hobbies, such as Annette trying her hand at Mahjong for the first time with some neighbors.
“Between clubs, fitness classes, pickleball, golf, community events, and even just meeting neighbors while walking, there are so many ways to connect. But I always remind buyers that they don’t have to jump into everything immediately. Give yourself time to settle in, explore the community, and find your people.”
-Krystine Eppley, Tucson Area 55places.com Partner Agent
Friendship Eased Their Transition to a 55+ Community
Moving to a new community can be difficult, especially when you leave behind friends and a home full of memories. “Especially with 55+ buyers, I think it’s important to recognize that they’re often making a significant life transition,” noted Krystine. “They may be retiring, downsizing, relocating, or starting an entirely new chapter.”
At least for the two couples at Del Webb at Dove Mountain, their early friendship made the move easier. “I think moving here, meeting Jeff and Cindy, that made the transition pretty fun,” said Nick, who added that their other neighbors were also welcoming and friendly from the beginning.
Cindy reflected that “change can be exciting and adventurous and add a real element of fun at this stage of life.” She encourages homebuyers on the fence about moving to a 55+ community: “If you’ve always dreamed of living in a different location, what are you waiting for?”
What the Couples Loved About Working With a 55places Partner Agent
These four homeowners at Del Webb at Dove Mountain agree that their 55places partner agent, Krystine, went above and beyond to meet their needs. They report that she was knowledgeable about her region in South Arizona, an expert on 55+ communities, and attentive to who her clients were as people, not just what they were looking for in a house.
“Of course, understanding someone’s budget, preferred floor plan, and must-haves is important. But I also want to know who they are outside of the transaction,” explained Krystine. “I don’t just want to know what kind of house my clients want. I want to know what kind of life they want to build once they move in.”
Kristine’s people-first approach is what sets 55places partner agents apart from ordinary brokers. Not only did she find suitable homes for her homebuyers at the Del Webb community, but she made a connection that sparked a strong friendship between her clients. For active adults looking to move to a 55+ community, Annette’s advice is to “find a realtor like Kristine who is on top of it, who communicates everything, and is cheerful about her job and what she does for you.”
Ready to Make the Move?
Whether you’re considering a move across town, across the country, or you’re open to ideas, there’s a 55places partner agent who can help you find the right community in your area of interest. Our agents have in-depth knowledge of their regions and the unique 55+ communities there. Reach out to us today for expert advice on finding your dream home.
- Insights and market stats
- Instant new home alerts
- Answers from local 55+ experts
