2024 Real Estate Year in Review
As we put 2024 in the rear-view window and plunge into 2025, let’s take a look back at 2024 from a real estate perspective. We will start with the NAR/DoJ settlement that went into effect nationwide in August.
If you will recall, the settlement was predicated on some significant changes to how agent/broker compensation is discussed in real estate transactions. Agent/Broker compensation has always been negotiable, but the lawsuit alleged that it was not clearly communicated that way to sellers.

As a result, sellers negotiate with the agent listing their house how much they are willing to compensate them. They also specify, in the listing contract, how much compensation, if any, they are willing to offer for the buyer’s agent. On the flip side of the transaction, buyer’s agents can no longer even show houses to a potential buyer unless they enter into a formal buyer broker contract with the buyer. In that agreement, buyers also negotiate with the agent what compensation they are willing to pay their agent, if the seller is not offering buyer broker compensation. Buyers’ agents can’t get paid more than what they negotiate with their buyers, even if the seller is offering more. If the seller is offering less, then they can ask the buyers to pay the difference, negotiate a lower amount, or agree to just accept whatever the seller is offering.
So far, in the active adult market, not much has changed except for a few new forms that need to be filled out and longer, more deliberate conversations with buyers and sellers about the new compensation rules. For the most part, sellers are still offering compensation to buyer’s agents/brokers. That may slowly change over time, but this demographic has bought and sold multiple homes in their lifetimes and the seller has always paid both seller and buyer agent compensation, and they have never had to pay any buyer agent compensation when purchasing a house. For now, the norm is holding course.
As most of you know, The Kolb Team specializes in active adult communities. Let’s take a closer look at Sun Lakes, the active adult community where we live with a little over 10,000 homes.

A few other statistics headed into 2025:
- We currently have 145 Active or Coming Soon listings in Sun Lakes, up about 50% from last year at this time
- The Cromford Market index for Sun Lakes (which is an indicator of whether we are in a buyer or seller’s market) is sitting at 113.4 (an ever-so-slight sellers market
- Demand index is at 85.5, closer to normal demand levels, and up significantly from early December when it sat in the mid 60’s
- The supply index is 75.4, still lower inventory than normal, but also rising.
- Average days on the market for the last 60 days is still right at 60 days.
As interest rates continue to hover between the mid 6’s and low 7% range, it is becoming increasingly obvious that they are not headed dramatically south anytime soon. Buyers are starting to accept the new norms and are adjusting their expectations accordingly, and buyer activity has picked up significantly in the past couple weeks.
Please keep us in mind in 2025, as referrals are the backbone of our business! Whatever this year brings, The Kolb Team is here to help.
The Kolb Team


Warranty
A warranty deed, or general warranty deed, is a legal agreement between the buyer and seller effectively stating that there aren’t any liens, mortgages, or encumbrances that might cause issues with the transfer of property. If issues arise, it’s often the responsibility of the seller to mitigate the problem.
Is Your Pet Our Next “Pet of the Month”?
We love featuring your furbabies in our monthly newsletters! With a new year upon us, we are asking for pictures of your precious pups, curious cats, buzzy birds, and more!
Been on any road trips with them lately? How about a walk around our beautiful community? Do they have a silly habit you’ve caught on camera? Email us a picture and he or she could be one of our Pet of the Month models!

Recipe of the Month
One-Pot Pasta
This 20-minute meal comes together with only a few key (and affordable!) ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Dry Pasta (yes, uncooked)
- Pasta Sauce
- Water
- Onion & Garlic
- Veggies! We like to use a combination of tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for this pasta, but you can really use whatever you have on hand!

Directions:
The secret to success in one-pot pasta is cooking the dry pasta with just the right amount of water in order for the noodles to cook completely and without leaving any extra liquid behind. Luckily, I’ve done all the work for you, and all you need to do is follow the very, very easy recipe!
- Pour the pasta on the bottom of the pot or pan.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the pasta is al-dente.
- Serve and enjoy!
Recommitting to Your New Year's Resolutions
The excitement of ringing in the New Year often comes with a sense of fresh beginnings and motivation to make positive changes. However, by the time we're a few weeks into January, the initial enthusiasm can start to fade. This can be especially true when it comes to resolutions about home improvements, health, and personal growth. If you’ve found yourself slipping on your resolutions, don’t worry - you’re not alone. The good news is that it's never too late to recommit and adjust your approach for a successful year ahead.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track with your New Year’s resolutions, no matter how big or small:

- Re-evaluate and Reflect on Your Goals
After a couple of weeks, it’s helpful to take a step back and reflect on your resolutions. Were they too ambitious? Have your circumstances changed? For example, if you set a goal to tackle a large home renovation project but are feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to break that goal into smaller, manageable tasks.
Ask yourself:
- Are my resolutions still important to me?
- Are they realistic given my current situation and resources?
- What small steps can I take to get closer to my goal?
By adjusting your expectations or breaking big goals into smaller milestones, you can regain momentum and feel more confident about continuing.
- Focus on Home Improvement with Intention
Many people make resolutions related to maintaining or improving their homes. Whether it’s decluttering, tackling minor repairs, or organizing, home-related goals can sometimes feel overwhelming. Instead of attempting everything at once, focus on one small area of your home each week. For example, spend a couple of hours each Saturday organizing a closet, tackling your kitchen drawers, or making sure your bathroom is accessible and safe.
A great way to start is with a "home safety check". Ensure that walkways are clear, lighting is adequate, and any repairs that could prevent falls or accidents are taken care of. These changes can improve both the functionality and comfort of your home, giving you a sense of accomplishment.
- Incorporate Movement into Your Routine
Health and fitness are common New Year’s resolutions, but it can be hard to stay consistent, especially in the colder months. If your goal is to stay active, consider small, realistic changes that fit into your day-to-day life. Walking around your home, doing simple stretches, or even following an online exercise class designed for seniors can make a big difference.
A great way to build consistency is to set a time each day - whether in the morning or after lunch - to engage in some physical activity. Invite a friend or family member to join you for added motivation. Gentle movement helps not only your physical health but your mental well-being as well.
- Create a Support System
Accountability is often the key to sticking with any goal. If you haven't already, consider sharing your resolutions with a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor. They can encourage you to keep going and even join in on the efforts. For example, if one of your goals is to eat healthier, perhaps you can share recipes or meal plans with a friend who shares the same interest. Having someone to talk to can make you feel more supported and less isolated in your efforts.
- Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way
It’s easy to get discouraged if you focus too much on the bigger picture. Take time to celebrate the small wins - whether that’s organizing a single drawer, completing an online workout, or setting up a regular time to engage in a new hobby. Each small success is a step toward achieving your larger resolution. Remind yourself that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.
- Stay Kind to Yourself
We all slip up from time to time, and the key to success is persistence, not perfection. If you’ve missed a few days of working toward your resolution, it’s okay! Life happens. What matters is getting back on track, no matter how small the step. Be kind to yourself, acknowledge that you are trying, and give yourself credit for your efforts.
- Update Your Environment for Success
Sometimes, the physical environment in our homes can have a big impact on our success. If you’re struggling with a particular resolution, like eating healthier or staying active, take a look at how your environment might be helping or hindering you. For example, if your pantry is filled with unhealthy snacks, replacing them with more nutritious options might make it easier to stick with your goal. Or, if staying active has been challenging, clear some space in your living room to set up a small area for exercise.
Having your environment set up to support your goals will make it easier to stay motivated and consistent.
- Stay Patient and Adjust Your Timeline
Remember, it’s not about making drastic changes overnight. Re-commit to your resolutions by focusing on progress rather than perfection. If your original timeline is no longer working, adjust it to fit your life. If you thought you’d be further along by now, remind yourself that it’s okay to extend your timeline or adjust your approach. Long-term goals take time and consistent effort, and it’s about finding a pace that works for you.
Final Thoughts
Two weeks into the New Year is a great time to check in with yourself and assess your resolutions. By being flexible with your approach, breaking goals into smaller tasks, and creating a supportive environment, you can increase your chances of success and feel proud of your progress. Whether you’re improving your home, focusing on your health, or cultivating a new hobby, remember that it’s all about small, consistent steps toward making this year meaningful.
So, take a deep breath, reassess your goals, and enjoy the journey of growth. There's still plenty of time to make 2025 your best year yet!

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: Code Blue Plumbing
Since 2006, Code Blue Plumbing has been a locally owned and operated full-service residential and commercial plumbing company. Free estimates, flat rate pricing that is given upfront, quality work at a fair price, exceptional customer service, honesty, and integrity are what you’ll experience with this plumbing services provider.
Can’t get your drain to unclog? Is your water heater on the fritz? Give Code Blue Plumbing a try! Call them at 928-500-2937, email infophx@codeblueaz.com, send a message through their contact webpage, or visit their website today.
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 looking for a Sonoma on the golf course with a good-sized yard.
- Buyers looking for a 2-story Marbella with lots of storage.
- Buyers looking for water view home in Cottonwood with a golf cart garage.

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.