It is best to prepare ahead of time for unforeseen situations that can trigger a sale. This article will offer some tips on how to best prepare your home for sale now so when that time comes, you are ready to list without delays.
- We can ask the title company to pull the warranty deed to verify how your home is titled. It may be in a trust or in individual names. If you are unsure, let us know and we can help.
- In the state of Arizona, probate is only required if the decedent has any assets that did not transfer automatically upon their death. These assets tend to be titled individually in the decedent's name (not in a trust) and will require a probate court to transfer the title of ownership to the intended beneficiary. Probate can delay the beneficiaries’ ability to sell a home of their deceased parent or parents by weeks or even months. In the meantime, taxes, utilities, and HOA fees will continue to accrue.
- If the home is in a trust, ensure that you can locate a copy, as the title company will need to review it when escrow is opened. Most of the time, they just need a copy of the trust certificate, which is usually at the front of the trust documents.
- Ensure legal documents such as powers of attorney (POA) are up to date. If one of the sellers is incapacitated and no POA is in place, an attorney must petition the courts for guardianship. In situations with blended families, more steps are required before a judge will rule. In addition, some POAs prepared in other states will not work in Arizona, so you may want to have your POA reviewed by a local attorney now (before this situation may come up).
- If one of the sellers is incapacitated, a letter from the primary healthcare provider or doctor will also be required.
- If one of the sellers is deceased, a copy of the trust or trust certificate along with a certified, original copy of the death certificate will be required by the title company.
In short, absent the documents listed above, the listing of the home can be delayed. If a ruling from a judge is required, it could take weeks or even months.
The Kolb Team is more than just a real estate team focused on selling a home. We are an advocate for you and strive to assist in all the aspects of the process. We can provide resources for you if you need legal documents reviewed or drafted. Our title partners have also been invaluable in reviewing documents and providing opinions that are critical in pre-listing.
Now is the time to review and prepare, as one never knows what the future holds. You don’t want to be caught dealing with the legal aspects of selling your home when your attention is needed on other pressing (and often health or life-saving) matters.
The Kolb Team
Earnest Money
Earnest money, or good faith deposit, is a sum of money you put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. In most cases, earnest money acts as a deposit on the property you're looking to buy.
How much earnest money is normal?
It's typically around 1-3% of the sale price, and is held in an escrow account until the deal is complete. The exact amount depends on what's customary in your market. If all goes smoothly, the earnest money is applied to the buyer's down payment or closing costs.
Who keeps the Earnest Money if the deal falls through?
If a buyer defaults on one of their commitments or time frames, they will lose their money. If, however, the buyer backs out of the transaction due to one of their contingencies (for instance, during the inspection period), the seller will not be able to keep the earnest money.
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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!
Pet of the Month
Meet our October Pet of the Month
Cat: Always looking out for the neighborhood and ridding it of unwanted nasty rodents.
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 to info@thekolbteam.com and tell us why your furbaby makes you happy. We look forward to seeing all of your awesome pet pics!
Recipe of the Month
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 c flour
- ½ c quick oats
- ½ c brown sugar
- ½ c butter
- 2 c canned pumpkin
- 2 eggs
- 13 oz. can condensed milk
- ¾ c sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix the following until crumbly: flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter. Press into a 9x13 pan to make crust.
- Par-bake crust at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Combine pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. Pour into par-baked crust and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- ½ c walnuts
- ½ c brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter
Shred-A-Thon
Location: Field of Dreams Softball Field
Date: October 22, 2022
Time: 8AM – 10AM
We will be collecting pantry food items for Jacob’s Mission.
Here are what people are saying about our Shred A Thon:
October Is More Than Just Halloween…
October is well known for Halloween and Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day, but this month offers many more days and designations to celebrate, enjoy, and in some cases, acknowledge and decide to take action. Some of them may have already passed, but go ahead and recognize all of them!
I Love Lucy Day – October 15
Did you know that I Love Lucy was the very first scripted show to be filmed in front of a live audience? A concrete wall had to be knocked down to make this possible, but once it was, people could be there – for free – to see the show created! The show debuted on October 15, 1951. Not only was it the most watched show in 4 of the 6 seasons it ran, but it also won 5 Emmys and several other award nominations. I Love Lucy went out with a bang, closing its original run on TV with the most favorable Nielsen ratings, and even decades later was lauded as the 2nd greatest show of all time (in 2002 by TV Guide) and was included as #39 in TIME Magazine’s “100 Best Shows of All-TIME TV Shows” (2007 list). Although it debuted on October 15, 1951, it’s still funny today, and if you’d like to watch it, you can stream it on Hulu, Paramount+, or Amazon Prime Video. Lucille Ball was an innovator and we applaud and appreciate her contributions to television and comedy!
Not In The Mood? National Grouch Day – October 15
Hey – we all have grouchy days, and now you know you can cash one in (belatedly) and not be judged for it! Probably the most famous grouch is Oscar who lived on Sesame Street in a garbage can… but certainly we’ve all had our grouchy days! What do we suggest to acknowledge this cantankerous occasion? Watch Grumpy Old Men, Grumpier Old Men, Going in Style, and The Bucket List!
National Sweetest Day – 3rd Saturday in October (the 15th in 2022)
National Sweetest Day seems to be the polar opposite of National Grouch Day. While it may have been the 15th, we don’t see any reason why you can’t carry on the meaning of it any or every day of the year! It started as Candy Day in 1916, and served as a reminder that even the smallest gestures can improve lives and raise the spirits of those around us. It’s never too late to show someone else some attention – be it through literal sweets, or small gestures that show you care about that person.
The National Confectioners’ Association founded this day, but it had something to do with World War I, too. In 1917, candy retailers encouraged increased sales with this motto: “Get one for yourself and one for the boys overseas!” In April 1918, the USA became part of the war in Europe, and the rationing of sugar and several other staples became a reality, hitting the pause button on National Sweetest Day. Shortly after WWI ended – in 1919 – Candy Day became a whole week! In 1923, Sweetest Day was renewed to its place, with the spirit of the giving of sweet treats and charitable acts becoming major events in 1921. To this day, thoughtful, loving, caring acts are done on October 15, and they honor the origins of Sweetest Day!
A New Family Member? Maybe…
October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month! The ASCPA has published that 3.3 million dogs turn up in shelters each year. Are you interested in providing a forever home for any of them? It’s a big deal when deciding whether to adopt a dog or not, but if you feel you’re up for the task, maybe now is the time! If you don’t think you can add an animal to your household, consider volunteering at a shelter or refuge. You’d never guess the benefits a walk, some play time, or any kind of interaction will do for an animal awaiting its forever home.
October Has Many Observations, And We Think These Are Also Important For You To Consider…
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
- Emotional Wellness Month
- Financial Planning Month
- Long-Term Care Plan Month
We care about you and every aspect of your health and wellness. We invite you to review the topics in this article, and make the most appropriate plan for you and your future!
See What Our Clients Are Saying!
“They answered all my questions and responded to my concerns thoroughly and expediently!”
Judy Kuse
- Wisconsin
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!
- Buyers looking for a 2-bedroom home with a den / office plus golf cart space in Oakwood.
- Buyers looking in Cottonwood for a home with a water or golf course view. Fixer-upper ok.
- Buyers looking for a single-level home in Palo Verde with 2+ bedrooms, and a nice backyard or a view. Would like to be close to clubhouse.
- Buyers looking in Sun Lakes Phase 1 for something updated with 2 bedrooms and space for a workshop. 2-car 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).
Vendor of the Month: Gaje Contracting – Foundation Solutions
For over a decade, Gaje Contracting has provided quality professional concrete repair services throughout the Phoenix metro area.
As a member of the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), we are dedicated to providing quality craftsmanship for residential concrete repair of foundations and stem walls, as well as other concrete-related structures. Gaje Contracting is a local small business, and is licensed, bonded, and insured for both commercial and residential work in the state of Arizona. Our team of professionals are dedicated to assuring our customers receive the treatment and services expected from a quality Arizona business.
https://www.gajecontracting.com/
480-219-3679
We Are Committed to Helping End Polio Now!
We will donate $100 in your name to end polio around the world, when you list your home for sale with us!
You may also donate directly here
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.