Fall is in the air, and Sun Lakes has a full schedule of activities and fun planned for the 2019-2020 season. We love seeing those RVs pull in and make airport runs to pick up their snowbird friends.
Construction on the new Cottonwood Palo Verde Fitness Center is in full swing, as is the IronOaks Pickleball courts.
Homeowners are excited about these new options for fitness. It is finally cool enough to walk outside, and neighbors are out and about, so be aware of your surroundings and be safe.
Our team is excited to be reunited after our summer vacation. We still managed to sell 19 homes in June, July, and August. Sun Lakes is no longer a seasonal real estate market. We have sold homes consistently each month for the past three years.
As part of giving back to the community, we are hosting the ever-popular SHRED-A-THON in January (one for Cottonwood-PV and a separate one for IronOaks). Get information on all events now on our newly renovated website (https://www.thekolbteam.com/).
We are looking forward to seeing everyone as they return to Sun Lakes. We will be out every weekend with open houses, so stop in and see us!
How Is the Real Estate Market?
We continue to preach the same message: Inventory is low, and buyer demand is strong. That is a scenario that is not going to last. Just as the stock market cycles, so does real estate, and we’ve been at the top of the bell curve longer than average.
That being said, homes have appreciated; however, prices have remained relatively flat this year. See the latest Sun Lakes real estate market report here.
Save Water and Create a Xeriscape
If you’re new to the Valley of the Sun, desert landscaping may bring thoughts of a few cacti, some gravel and maybe even a strategically placed steer skull.
How do you create a masterpiece worthy yard with rocks and prickly plants? Good news! There’s a solution to this conundrum that could potentially lead to a desert oasis, attracting wildlife and saving water at the same time. It’s called xeriscape and you (and the hummingbirds) will love it!
Xeriscape: Pronounced "zeer-i-scape," is a combination of two Greek words: "xeros" (dry) and "scape" (view)
Landscaping should focus on plants naturally suited for the environment in which you live. The goal of xeriscaping is to reduce the need for supplemental water. Denver Water, Colorado’s oldest water utility, coined the term ‘Xeriscape’ in 1981 as part of an effort to make water-wise landscaping a recognizable concept. The principles of xeriscaping were developed simply, so anyone could create or maintain an appealing landscape that incorporates water-conserving techniques.
Take these first few steps to start your xeriscape journey:
1. Choose plants and mulch that adapt to the rainfall of your region – Check with your local nursery for tips on your selection. The use of native plants results in a naturally more-lush aesthetic and makes yard maintenance easier.
2. Group plants with like water needs – Create an aesthetically pleasing design and save water at the same time!
3. Reducing (not eliminating) turf area – Don’t worry, grass is still an option! Strategically incorporating plots of grass in your landscape makes for a stunning backdrop!
4. Using efficient watering techniques to achieve beautiful landscapes – Most cities in the Valley of the Sun have Water Conservation departments that offer classes and reference materials on this subject.
Can We Brag A Minute?
We are excited to have been voted “Best Realtor in Sun Lakes” by our friends and neighbors at Nextdoor! Thanks to all of you who support our real estate business. Over half of our business is through referral, and we couldn’t do it without you!
We have also earned a spot in the top 1% of all Keller Williams agents nationwide. Being 1% of 160,000 agents is quite an honor ,and we are proud of our team that works hard to earn this top spot!
Do You Need Representation If You Are Considering Building A New Home?
Many of our clients do not realize that they need representation if they plan to build new construction. You may think otherwise if you are buying from the builder; however, all of those sales representatives work for the builder and represent the seller, not the buyer, of the new home. We wrote an article on the reasons you should consider having representation on any new construction. See the full article here.
Agency Relationships
Arizona law requires that a real estate agent disclose in writing how they are representing their clients. That form is called Real Estate Agency Disclosure and Election.
This form discloses how the agent can represent buyers and sellers separately or together. The agent discloses specifically how they will be representing the parties and the client signs in acknowledgment if they agree. If the agent is representing both buyer and seller, it is called “dual agency,” and the consent of both buyer and seller is required on the Consent to Limited Representation form.
For more information, please email us at info@www.thekolbteam.com.
Real Estate Update
Thinking of selling? NOW is the time while demand is strong, and prices remain solid.
Press 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).
Watch Carey’s Video on Tips to Get an Offer Accepted
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.