Strange Market
It’s mid-March here in Sun Lakes and we are still languishing in a sluggish buyer’s market. Inventory has increased dramatically in the past 3 months, with around 175 active listings in Sun Lakes. Traditionally, in the winter and early spring when all the renters and snowbirds are in Arizona, there is increased inventory and the buyers are very active. This year has been a bit strange in that the buyers seem reluctant to get serious about buying.
Don’t get me wrong – houses are still selling – it is just taking longer, with fewer showings. The average number of days on market in Sun Lakes is right around 60. If you go back to 2019 (the last “normal” year in real estate we had), average days on market was closer to 90 and inventory was well over 200 active listings this time of year.
The Cromford Market Index (which is the Cromford Report’s bellwether index that tells us if we are in a buyer’s or seller’’ market) is currently at 73.6 in Sun Lakes, which is considered a mild buyer’s market. A score of around 100 indicates a balanced market with no advantage to buyer or seller. As you can see from the following graphic, the supply index is a little above a normal healthy level but the demand index remains a little weak. Higher supply and lower demand creates a buyer’s market, which is where we sit today.
We are starting to see signs of increased buyer activity, showing requests, and open house attendance, and most importantly, an increase in the number of contracts written. We are keeping a close eye on these and other indices as the current real estate market continues to shift. For now though, sellers need to be patient.
Deed Fraud
Deed fraud is a type of identity theft where criminals forge a homeowner's signature on a deed to transfer ownership of a property to themselves or a third party.
How it works:
- Criminals identify potential targets (often unoccupied properties like vacation homes or rental properties or homes where the owner has recently passed away).
- They forge the owner's signature on a deed, file it with the county recorder, and then claim ownership.
- The criminals can then sell the property, take out a mortgage, or rent it out to tenants.
Why it's happening:
- Unoccupied properties are easier to target because they are less likely to be monitored by the owner.
- The crime can be difficult to detect and prosecute, giving fraudulent owners time to execute transactions.
- Rising home prices, high interest rates, and inflation have created an environment where deed and title theft can flourish.
- Maricopa County has an alert system to keep people informed of things recorded in their name. For example, in the case of possible deed fraud, property owners signed up in the system will be notified if someone filed a deed, lien, or other legal document using the property owner’s name.
Register for the Maricopa County Recorder's Title Alert System
Recipe of the Month
Baked Ranch Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: Use 3-4 breasts depending on serving size; they cook evenly for juicy results
- Ranch seasoning mix: A packet of your favorite brand adds that irresistible flavor without any fuss
- Olive oil: This helps keep the chicken moist while adding richness; extra virgin is best!
- Garlic powder: A must-have for depth of flavor; fresh garlic can be used too if you’re feeling fancy.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color; smoked paprika gives an extra kick.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust to taste but don’t go overboard!
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready when your chicken is prepped.
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly coat the baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Season the chicken: Place your chicken breasts in the dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly: Use your hands (or tongs if you prefer) to ensure every bit of chicken is coated in those delicious spices. It should look almost like it’s wearing a cozy spice jacket!
- Bake until golden brown: Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want it to be golden-brown on top!
- Let it rest before serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices so every bite is tender and flavorful.
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Is This Photo Real or AI-Generated?
With AI (artificial intelligence) being used more and more, and with how realistic many AI projects appear, sometimes it’s difficult to decipher whether or not a photo you’re seeing is real or was generated by a computer. Neural networks are always improving, but for now, here are a few things to look for when trying to determine whether an image is AI or real.
Eyes and Fingers
The way AI generates photos is by using available images found on the Internet and the text descriptions accompanying them. The small details can reveal whether a photo is AI or real. Examine the eyes (especially the pupils and a natural sparkle that should be there), earlobes, fingernails, and fingers. AI has made mistakes in the number of fingers, which is easy to spot. Oftentimes, these areas are blurred or appear unnatural in an AI image.
Background Doesn’t Quite Fit
Be sure to check out the background as much as the main subject. Many AI images can be discovered by looking at the background. If it is way too convoluted or way too plain, or has elements that definitely don’t fit in, you might be looking at an AI-generated image.
Lighting and Shadows
Pay close attention to the light and shadows in the photo or image. Where is the light coming from? Do the shadows make sense with that lighting? If the shadows are cast in different directions with no way to explain it, or there are abnormal-looking reflections, there’s a good chance it was generated by artificial intelligence.
Reverse Image Search
Sometimes the AI image won’t have any of these anomalies or you’re still not quite certain whether it’s real or AI. You can use a reverse image search engine (like TinEye) to search the Internet for the source of the image. There are also browser extensions you can install to check images while web surfing – just be sure the extension is reputable first.
Even though images generated by AI are getting more believable and realistic, many still have errors that can lead you to a determination. As technology innovates, we will bring you more articles like this one in the future to help everyone become more informed consumers!
Mark Your Calendar
Searching for That Perfect Home?
When looking at pictures online, it can be tricky to figure out the layout of a home. We can help you with that! On our website, you can access the most popular floor plans in Sun Lakes, AZ. Just click the button below!
Vendor of the Month: All About You
All About You are Senior Advocates and Resource and Placement Specialists that provide peace of mind for your loved one and your budget.
The staff members are compassionate about educating seniors and advocating for them by giving them a voice through the placement process. As a trusted resource in the community, All About You goes the extra mile with a serving heart. For more information, you can visit their website, call them at 480.498.2277, or send an email.
Buyers of the Month
We have buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase and can’t find homes. If you or someone you know is thinking of selling and can accommodate, get in touch with us.
We have your buyer!
- Buyer wanting a 2.5-car garage or 3-car garage with a pool on the golf course.
- Buyer looking for 4 bedrooms. 2-story ok.
- Buyer looking for a fully remodeled home with a casita.
Recent Real Estate Sales in Sun Lakes
Wondering about your Neighbor’s Home Sales Price? Find out here to see what sold last month. The report is broken down by HOA, address, and floor plan (if the agent listed the model in MLS).
We Are Proud Supporters of Neighbors Who Care!
Neighbors Who Care strives to improve seniors' lives by promoting independence, dignity, and community.
Support for Neighbors Who Care is sourced mostly from individual donations from the community.
Consider joining our volunteer corps and meet some of the nicest people around who also are among the most appreciative people we know.
Would You Like a Free Buyer Guide or a Seller Guide?
Get Insider Information
We live, work, play, and volunteer in Sun Lakes and we know the ins and outs of this community.
As always, if you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home,
we are here year-round and would love to help! Visit us online at
TheKolbTeam.com or call 480-809-5759.
