Sun City Oro Valley Ambassador Tours
Did you know, in December 2007, there was a board discussion to have an Ambassador program after 20 active volunteers held a planning meeting? The original Ambassadors were residents who would take prospective home buyers around the community in their own golf carts. These dedicated residents enjoyed telling others about what SVOV has to offer.
In August 2009, the board authorized the purchase of a 6-seat demo model cart. After the cart purchase, tours started at the Vistoso (Welcome) Center with a scripted presentation. In August 2011 it was reported to the board that 25% of the homes purchased came as a result of the Ambassador Tour.
In June 2014, after numerous mechanical, safety and lack of power issues were identified over the past several months, a new Ambassador Cart was purchased with all seats facing forward.
In February 2017, the Ambassador report to the board stated there were 370 tours given the past two fiscal years, with 22% of residents purchasing a home due to the Ambassador Tour, and many new residents requested a tour after they purchased a home.
Soon after February 2019, a new Ambassador cart was delivered that included power steering. It was reported in February 2020 there were 314 tours conducted, and 70 homes were purchased by residents who had taken the Ambassador Tour.
Ambassadors are well versed about the dynamics of SCOV. Presentations to prospective home buyers include the annual HOA dues, the Asset Reserves, and the Capital Contribution Fee. Included is information that dues include weekly trash and recycle pickup, and the Town of Oro Valley owns our streets and sidewalks, so no SCOV funding is needed for repairs.
Prospective home buyers are also told by Ambassadors that since 2013, there have been over $15M in acquisitions, renovations and upgrades, including building the Pro Shop, community wide Solar Purchase (saving $1.6M over 10 years), Activity Center Renovation, Copper Center Purchase, the golf course Greens Renovation, and the expansion of the Fitness Center, with only one assessment of $385, approved by the community.
Total homes sold in 2023 were 145 (Feb 2024 Tipster). Seventy-Four (51%) were new residents who have taken an Ambassador Tour. SCOV Administration keeps statistics of names and dates of all Ambassador Tours and are tracked and compared to the names of home sales.
In July 2024, a new 4-seat Ambassador cart was delivered due to age and extensive maintenance issues with the older cart. Ambassadors take prospective home buyers to each community building, explaining our facilities, and stress the job and importance of the facility monitors. Prospective home buyers are very appreciative of the information learned during the Ambassador Tours, which is more than what can be found on our website or brochures. After taking an Ambassador Tour, many Realtors have said they never knew how much Sun City has to offer. With other competing 55+ active adult communities near us, the Ambassador Tour was the determining factor that inspired prospective home buyers who moved to Sun City.