As Realtors specializing in active adult communities, a good percentage of our buyers are purchasing a second home. Let’s take a closer look at the second home buying process, because in a lot of ways, it is different than buying a primary residence.
What community? Each active adult community has its own look & feel, amenities, and yes, even personality. The best way to pick a community is to try before you buy. Rent something for at least a month in a community that you are considering. Meet people, use the amenities, and get familiar with the surrounding area (shopping, restaurants, etc).
Be patient, especially in a competitive market. You don’t have to buy something the first time you start looking. Make sure it is the right house. Don’t let excitement and amotions get the better of you. And definitely don’t buy it sight unseen. Online pictures and Facetime walk-throughs with your agent are nice, but it is not the same as in-person viewing. For example, your agent may not notice the ratty looking shed in the neighbor’s yard (we would, BTW).
How are you going to use it? Seasonally? A few weeks at a time several times a year? Will family and friends be visiting a lot? Are you going to be working while there? Understand the expenses involved, especially when you are not there. Are you going to have the house checked on periodically while you are away for long periods? Who is watching the landscaping? It does not take long in these brutally hot AZ summers to lose thousands of dollars in plants and trees if your drip system stops working.
Create a plan to use it. It’s a second home and you’re buying it to enjoy it, so commit to a use plan! And once you’ve established how often and when you will be using it, does that usage amount still justify the purchase, both financially and emotionally?
Of course, The Kolb Team is here to help you find that perfect second home. And if the current second home you bought is not quite meeting your needs because you did not consider all of the above the first time, contact us - we can help with that as well!
The Kolb Team
Buyer Broker Agreement to Show Property
Why was the Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property drafted?
For over 20 years, the Arizona REALTORS® has published a Buyer Broker Exclusive Employment Agreement, but that was before the new practice change that requires REALTORS® and their buyers to enter into a signed written agreement prior to touring a home.
Because these agreements are now required, and because some buyers may not want to enter into an exclusive employment agreement, this new non-exclusive Agreement to Show Property was drafted as an additional option.
Does the Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property establish an exclusive relationship?
As mentioned above, this form does not establish an exclusive relationship. Meaning, a buyer can enter into a hundred different Agreements to Show Property with a hundred different buyer brokers. In this scenario, the buyer is responsible for compensating only that buyer broker who successfully executed an accepted purchase offer on behalf of the buyer who closed escrow on the purchase. If the parties wish to enter into an exclusive relationship, the Buyer Broker Exclusive Employment Agreement is available for that purpose.
Pet of the Month
Congratulations to our September Pet of the Month, Stanley (AKA Stan the Man).
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
Prosciutto Wrapped Peaches in Burrata
Ingredients:
- Peaches (ripe)
- Prosciutto
- Olive oil
- Burrata cheese
- Balsamic reduction
Directions:
- Wrap your ripe, juicy peaches with thin slices of prosciutto.
- Give them a light coat of olive oil. You can use olive oil spray for this step if you have some.
- Place the wrapped peaches on the grill and let them cook until they’re charred and have softened.
- Add a generous spoonful of Burrata cheese to the center of each peach for a little extra indulgence.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and finish with a touch of balsamic reduction.
Terrifying Trivia to Celebrate Halloween and Spooky Season
Let’s commemorate Halloween 2024 with some spooky season trivia! How many of these did you know?
Q: Travis Gienger made the Guinness World Record books for growing something that weighed 2,749 pounds, the heaviest on record. What did he grow?
Q: What is the more commonly known name for a lycanthrope?
Q: Mary Shelley wrote one of the most classic horror tales in 1818, and inspired countless people to dress up as a certain someone for Halloween. Who is the main character of her book?
Q: In 1978’s horror movie “Halloween”, what fruit did the foley artists use to emulate the sound effect of Michael Myers stabbing his victims?
Q: A coven is a group of females that has what in common?
Q: Women who practice witchcraft are called witches. What are men who practice it called?
Q: Vincent Price had one of his most memorable roles in the early 1980s. Audiences were first exposed to it in 1982. What was the role?
Q: The “Halloween” theme, first used in John Carpenter’s 1978 movie of the same name, is eerie and unique for a very specific reason related to composing music. What is the reason?
Q: According to a 2021 YouGov poll, what do 21% of adults say they do on Halloween night?
Q: What American state produces the most pumpkins?
Q: 1962 gave us one of the most popular and enduring songs heard during spooky season. What is the title of the song?
Q: William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is the source of a saying you might hear near a cauldron. What is it?
Q: The 1988 movie “Beetlejuice” starred Michael Keaton in the titular role. What is the actor’s birth name?
Shred-A-Thon
FREE on-site shredding of documents and computer hard drives. Hard drives must be removed from devices.
Location: Field of Dreams Softball Field
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time: 8AM – 10AM
ASA Now and Jacob’s Mission brings awareness to Arizona’s foster care crisis and creates opportunities for our community to volunteer to impact the lives of our most vulnerable population: children who were abused, abandoned, or neglected at the hands of the very people who were supposed to protect them.
To serve children, youth and families directly impacted by foster care, ASA Now created a “one-stop” healing space where immediate needs are met and tutoring for children who have fallen behind educationally are rendered. Extracurricular activities are provided to offer healing and joy. Birthdays and graduations are celebrated. Life skills and mentors are provided for youth close to aging out.
See What Our Clients Are Saying!
“We found exactly what we were looking for thanks to your diligent homework.”
Mike & Barbara
- Atlanta, GA
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:
The Arizona In-Home Care Association (AZNHA) is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization formed for Arizona’s in-home care industry. AZNHA is Arizona’s leading advocate for in-home care and provides best practices, consumer protection, education, and general information about the industry.
You can find in-home care help, or products and services that might be needed (such as mobile wound healing providers and hospice providers, for example). On their website, you can also find important questions to be aware of so you will know what to ask and find a reputable, qualified agency that employs compassionate, skilled home health aides for you or your loved one. Visit their informative website, email AZNHA, or call 602-283-3503 for more information.
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 golf course home in Oakwood.
- Buyer looking for a home with a water view or golf course view with a south-facing patio.
- Buyer looking for a home in Oakwood with 2 bedrooms plus a den. 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).
Terrifying Trivia to Celebrate Halloween and Spooky Season – Answers
Q: Travis Gienger made the Guinness World Record books for growing something that weighed 2,749 pounds, the heaviest on record. What did he grow?
A: A pumpkin. Imagine carving that beast!
Q: What is the more commonly known name for a lycanthrope?
A: Werewolf.
Q: Mary Shelley wrote one of the most classic horror tales in 1818, and inspired countless people to dress up as a certain someone for Halloween. Who is the main character of her book?
A: Frankenstein.
Q: In 1978’s horror movie “Halloween”, what fruit did the foley artists use to emulate the sound effect of Michael Myers stabbing his victims?
A: A watermelon.
Q: A coven is a group of females that has what in common?
A: They are all witches.
Q: Women who practice witchcraft are called witches. What are men who practice it called?
A: Warlocks.
Q: Vincent Price had one of his most memorable roles in the early 1980s. Audiences were first exposed to it in 1982. What was the role?
A: A spooky monologue performed during Michael Jackson's song “Thriller”.
Q: The “Halloween” theme, first used in John Carpenter’s 1978 movie of the same name, is eerie and unique for a very specific reason related to composing music. What is the reason?
A: The time signature used is 5/4, which is quite rare.
Q: According to a 2021 YouGov poll, what do 21% of adults say they do on Halloween night?
A: They pretend they're not home. Remember to turn off the porch light if you don’t have candy!
Q: What American state produces the most pumpkins?
A: Illinois.
Q: 1962 gave us one of the most popular and enduring songs heard during spooky season. What is the title of the song?
A: “Monster Mash”.
Q: William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is the source of a saying you might hear near a cauldron. What is it?
A: “Double, double toil and trouble”.
Q: The 1988 movie “Beetlejuice” starred Michael Keaton in the titular role. What is the actor’s birth name?
A: Michael John Douglas. Since there already was a well-known Michael Douglas in acting, it would’ve been confusing to casting directors and audiences if he kept his real last name.
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.
