Yes, you read that right. The greater Phoenix market has drifted into a buyer’s market for the first time since 2022, and that time it only lasted for 4 months. Before that, 2014, which also only lasted for 4 months. And before that, 2010, which also only lasted for 4 months. Why? Because Maricopa County remains the fastest growing county in the country.
This time, it likely will depend on whether mortgage rates stagnate or decline once again. Current mortgage rates have popped up to just over 7% again.

If they do end up dropping back down to under 6.5% like they did in September and stabilize there, then the market could improve for sellers again and the buyer’s market would be over. The current Cromford Index for Sun Lakes is 86.4, which is a weak buyer’s market (100 is a balanced market).
This unexpected uptick in mortgage rates happened during the 4th quarter, which is the lowest time for sellers seasonally. Sellers with less urgency may want to consider listing in the 1st quarter of 2025, as buyer activity generally picks up from January through May. In the meantime, if you do plan to list before the end of the year, property condition and competitive pricing from the onset is of the utmost importance to have any chance of getting under contract relatively quickly. But be prepared to hunker down for the holidays, because buyer activity will remain slow as always until after the first of the year.
We do have a lot to be thankful for though. The elections are over and we don’t have to watch any more political ads for a while! The stock market remains strong, inflation is under control, and the Detroit Lions are playing great football! Let us all give thanks and express gratitude this Holiday Season and enjoy our time with family and friends.
The Kolb Team


Real Estate Broker
Why was the Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property drafted?
People often confuse “real estate agents” with “real estate brokers” but becoming a real estate broker requires more industry experience and education. Those who hold a Broker License can operate independently or hire real estate agents to conduct transactions on their behalf.
Pet of the Month
Congratulations to our November Pet of the Month… Sweet Abby!
If you would like your pet to be featured in our Pet of The Month and win a Chewy gift card for your sweet family member, send a picture of your baby to info@thekolbteam.com and tell us why your fuzzy, furry, feathery, or leathery pet makes you happy! We look forward to seeing all of your awesome pet pics!

Recipe of the Month
Turkey Pot Pie
This is a great way to serve and enjoy some of those Thanksgiving leftovers!
Ingredients:
- 2 c frozen peas and carrots
- 2 c frozen green beans
- 1 c celery, sliced
- ⅔ c butter
- ⅔ c onion, diced
- ⅔ c all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp celery seed
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 ¾ c chicken broth
- 1 ⅓ c milk
- 4 c leftover cooked turkey, cubed
- 2 14.1-ounce packages of 9-inch pastry for double-crust pie

Directions:
- Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place frozen peas, carrots, and beans in a saucepan with celery; add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until celery is tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- While vegetables are simmering, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add flour, salt, pepper, celery seed, onion powder, and Italian seasoning and whisk until a paste forms, about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and then milk until incorporated; bring to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove thickened sauce from the heat; add cooked, drained vegetables and cubed turkey and stir until filling is well combined.
- Set out two 9-inch pie dishes. Fit one pie pastry into the bottom of each dish. Spoon 1/2 of the pot pie filling into each dish, then lay remaining pie pastries over top.
- Pinch and roll the top and bottom pastries together at the edges to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut several small slits in each top pastry to allow steam to release while cooking. Place pies on baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Check the top crusts for browning; if they are browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil. Continue to bake until the crusts are golden brown, and the filling is bubbly, 15 to 20 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes.
Thanksgiving Trivia
Let’s see how much you know about Thanksgiving!
Q: Which character on the show Friends hates Thanksgiving? Hint: Shares a name with an Arizona city.
Q: Four ingredients are needed for a basic pie crust. What are they?
Q: So, you can make a basic pie crust with those 4 ingredients. What can you change about 2 of those 4 ingredients to help your crust be more flaky?
Q: Soaking your turkey in a saltwater solution (which may also contain aromatics, herbs, or spices) is called what?
Q: When considering the United States, Texas consumes the most turkey every Thanksgiving. Is this statement true or false?
Q: Which state in America raised the most turkeys in 2023?

Q: Which U.S President made Thanksgiving a national holiday?
Q: Approximately how many people were at the first Thanksgiving meal?
Q: Speaking of the number of diners at the table, Lending Tree collected information about Thanksgiving 2023 plans. On average, how many guests did hosts of Thanksgiving feasts expect to have that year?
Q: True or False: Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada.
Q: For some people, American football is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey is! In what year did the NFL have the first Thanksgiving day football game? Hints: The World Champion Chicago Bears were hosted in Detroit, but Detroit’s team wasn’t the Lions at that time… they were the Detroit Spartans. FDR was President of the United States then, and he introduced The New Deal that year. The G-men were busy bees – or should we say “Gs” – that year, having nabbed Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, and Lester Joseph Gillis (better known by the moniker “Baby Face” Nelson).
Shred-A-Thon
Another successful Shred-A-Thon event is in the books! We even had some curious grandsons wanting to watch the shredder in action.
Upcoming Sponsorship:
Neighbors Who Care – Aging Made Easier Conference
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:
For over 10 years, Holiday Light Co's professional holiday designers/decorators have been brightening the Holiday Season for its customers. A professional, hassle-free experience with brilliant results will give your property that special something for the holidays. They’ve decorated more than 5,000 properties, and as they say, “From start to finish, we've got the Holidays covered!” For more information, visit www.HolidayLightCo.com, call 602-478-9410, 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 looking for a home with water views. Must have golf cart garage.
- Buyer looking for a home with a pool in Oakwood. Would like to be in the $480,000 - $500,000 range.
- Buyer looking for a home in Oakwood with 2 bedrooms plus a den. At least 2200 sq. ft. Wants remodeled and close to the clubhouse. Would prefer a formal dining area.
- Buyer looking for a Naples Villa on the golf course.
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).
Thanksgiving Trivia – Answers
Q: Which character on the show Friends hates Thanksgiving? Hint: Shares a name with an Arizona city.
A: Chandler
Q: Four ingredients are needed for a basic pie crust. What are they?
A: Flour, water, salt, and butter (lard, shortening, or your fat of choice also acceptable)
Q: So, you can make a basic pie crust with those 4 ingredients. What can you change about 2 of those 4 ingredients to help your crust be more flaky?
A: Ice-cold water and cold butter (bonus points if you also said to cut the cold butter into little squares too)
Q: Soaking your turkey in a saltwater solution (which may also contain aromatics, herbs, or spices) is called what?
A: Brining
Q: When considering the United States, Texas consumes the most turkey every Thanksgiving. Is this statement true or false?
A: False. California consumes the most
Q: Which state in America raised the most turkeys in 2023?
A: Minnesota
Q: Which U.S President made Thanksgiving a national holiday?
A: Abraham Lincoln
Q: Approximately how many people were at the first Thanksgiving meal?
A: 140
Q: Speaking of the number of diners at the table, Lending Tree collected information about Thanksgiving 2023 plans. On average, how many guests did hosts of Thanksgiving feasts expect to have that year?
A: 11 (Still a lot of mouths to feed, but much more manageable than 140)
Q: True or False: Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada.
A: True, and it’s the second Monday in October
Q: For some people, American football is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey is! In what year did the NFL have the first Thanksgiving day football game? Hints: The World Champion Chicago Bears were hosted in Detroit, but Detroit’s team wasn’t the Lions at that time… they were the Detroit Spartans. FDR was President of the United States then, and he introduced The New Deal that year. The G-men were busy bees – or should we say “Gs” – that year, having nabbed Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, and Lester Joseph Gillis (better known by the moniker “Baby Face” Nelson).
A: 1934
How many of these did you know? If you need some ice breakers while Thanksgiving dinner is finishing cooking, feel free to use some of these trivia questions. We hope you have a terrifically tasty Thanksgiving!
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.


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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.