Getting pre-approved for financing is one of the most important steps in the home buying process, yet it’s often misunderstood by buyers. Pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your income, credit score, assets, and debt to determine exactly how much home you qualify for—not just an estimate. This step strengthens your position in the real estate market, helps define realistic home loan options, and allows you to move confidently when buying a home. Buyers who take the time to LEARN what pre-approval truly means are far better prepared for success. #MortgagePreApproval #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstateAdvice #LoanApprovalMany buyers confuse pre-qualification with pre-approval, but the difference can impact whether an offer is accepted or ignored. Pre-qualification is informal, while pre-app... 12/31/2025

When selling your home, emotion is natural. Memories, milestones, and nostalgia all play a role—but letting feelings guide decisions can cost you.Rejecting a fair offer because it “feels too low” or holding out for a number based on pride can stall your sale.I help sellers focus on market data, not emotion. We evaluate comparable homes, demand trends, and buyer feedback to make smart moves. Check local home value comparisons before making a decision rooted in feeling. For real examples of emotional vs. data-driven selling reach out today, lets sit down and discuss your goals and reasons for selling, 602-321-6188#SellerTips #RealEstateMindset #ArizonaRealtor #HomeSellingStrategy #ChrisDunhamRealtor seller psychology, home selling mistakes, emotional decisions, home value data, real estat... 11/11/2025

Arizona homes with solar panels are popular—but should you lease or own? Realtor Chris Dunham explains the pros, cons, and why ownership wins when it comes to resale value.Arizona and solar panels go together like sunscreen and summer. We’ve got more sunshine than just about anywhere else in the country—over 300 days a year, in fact. So it’s no surprise that solar is a hot topic (pun absolutely intended) when buying or selling a home.But here’s the question I get all the time:“Is it better to lease or own solar panels?”Let me break it down from years of firsthand experience helping Arizona homeowners navigate this:✅ Owned Solar Panels Add Value – If the panels are paid off, they’re considered a real asset. Lower utility bills? Check. Increased resale value? Double check. Buyers love the... 07/10/2025

Sun Lakes, Arizona is an Active Adult community with 4 distinct sections of homes that include 5 Country Clubs with a variety of amenities and three HOA's.  Each comes with their own set of homeowner fees, rules and regulations as well.  This community is in the far south Maricopa County, bordering Pinal County.   The above map was taken from the community site, SunLakesArizona.com.  The numbers listed are for each of the 5 Country Clubs within Sun Lakes.  Visit their site for all detailed information.   Amenities in Sun Lakes include golf, pickleball, tennis, fitness centers, swimming pools, games and crafts, heated pools, many clubs to join and so much more!  Sun Lakes is located just East of I-10 in the far southern section of Maricopa County and situated both north and south of Rigg... 07/01/2024

Sun Lakes home for Sale in the Oakwood CommunityWelcome to your dream home! This rare find is a true unicorn in the Oakwood community, tucked away in the northernmost part for added privacy, yet conveniently close to the back gate for easy in and out.As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a floor plan that boasts vaulted ceilings, allowing natural light to flood the space and create an open and airy atmosphere. The entire home has been treated to fresh paint throughout, and brand new carpet adds a touch of luxury. Stylish tile floors in the kitchen and baths provide a modern and easy-to-maintain touch.This popular floor plan offers plenty of space for showcasing great art and accommodating your lifestyle. The back patio is a private haven, offering a tranquil space where nobody peers ... 12/26/2023

Sun Lakes AZ home is completely remodeled with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in highly desirable Cottonwood in Sun Lakes. New roof, HVAC, GFCI runs in baths & kitchen, HVAC duct work insulated with R-8, re-insulated attic, new vinyl dual pane windows, garage door, kitchen, bathrooms, drywall, added a pantry, bar in eating area and an actual laundry room. You must see to appreciate nothing was missed in this remodel. This updated Shawnee plan is wide open with gorgeous wood plank floors, quartz counters, walk in pantry, bar, incredible bathrooms with a walk in shower.Home is walking distance to the clubhouse at Cottonwood with its many tennis courts, pools, restaurant, pickle ball and more. North /South lot is a huge bonus. Come see this beauty at an open house Saturday February 16 from 10A... 02/12/2019

Explore Homes in Sun Lakes for Sale & LifestyleIf you are interested in living in a world-class active adult community in the greater Phoenix area, be sure to check out homes in Sun Lakes for sale. Located just 20 minutes southeast of downtown Phoenix, Sun Lakes is a premier, master-planned retirement community for active adults developed by the award-winning Robson Resort Communities. Sun Lakes comprises five distinct country club communities: Oakwood (gated), Ironwood (gated), Palo Verde (gated), Cottonwood, and Sun Lakes #I, each featuring its own golf course, clubhouse/amenities center, and a vast array of resort-style amenities. From golf, tennis, pickleball, heated pools & spas, personal interest clubs, fitness centers, lakes stocked for fishing, miles of walking/biking trails, on... 01/04/2019

Good Eats Near Sun Lakes, AZ Active-adult Retirement Community! It’s no wonder that retirees flock to Arizona, a.k.a. “the sunshine state,” every year to escape chilly winters in other parts of the county. Offering warm, sunny skies year-round, the active-adult, master-planned community of Sun Lakes is located just southeast of Chandler in the Greater Phoenix area. Sun Lakes is an ideal community for the 40 and over home buyer looking for resort-style living and outstanding amenities. Comprised of three gated and two non-gated country club communities, each with its own golf course and amenities center, Sun Lakes residents enjoy several golf courses, five clubhouses, restaurants, community pools & spas, tennis courts, health clubs, fishing lakes, miles of scenic walking paths and much ... 05/09/2018

Distressed properties - those that are "under water" where more is owed on the property than will be available from the proceeds of a sale of the property - are thankfully far fewer than during the crash during the latter years of the previous decade. Still - some do exist - and Short Sales are still a viable option when faced with a "must sell" scenario of an "under water" property. Currently running at less than 3% of the closed transactions every month in our MLS, homeowners in that 3%, whether in Sun Lakes or another part of the valley, can still use our help. The first step is to contact us so we can schedule a complimentary confidential consultation to discuss how the short sale process works, and the considerations for your particular circumstances.   Careful up front planning is... 02/12/2018

While there are far fewer people these days considering a Short Sale of their home in Sun Lakes, there are still some who may have purchased just before the "bust" last decade who may owe significantly more on the home than the proceeds of the sale will bring. What to do? A Short Sale is one such solution. A Short Sale is a "regular resale" with one distinct and significant difference. The agreement of your lender(s) to accept less than the balance(s) owed on the loan(s). Whether or not a homeowner meets the other "requirements" of their lender(s) such as a "valid" hardship can only be determined by consultation with a skilled and experienced professional with a solid Short Sale track record - we recommend a minimum of 100 closed Short Sales with a 90%+ Short Sale List to Close ratio. T... 01/02/2018

While the numbers of Short Sales and REOs in Sun Lakes are way down from the staggering levels following the market crash about 10 years ago, there are still some properties "under water" and some that have received a Notice of Default, the first step in the process that will result in the Trustee's Sale on the courthouse steps. It's always sad to see people give up and walk away from a home, particularly when alternatives exist which may well be better for them and their lien holders. We've learned that often those who "opt" to let the home go to foreclosure "by default" often believe that their personal circumstances prevent them from doing a Short Sale.   Circumstances such as: Multiple Home Loans IRS Income Tax Liens Past Due Child Support Past Due HOA Fees ...and the list goes on. ... 12/06/2017

This is our entry for the November Contest "Thankfulness - An AR Challenge" hosted by Jim Cheney. Suzanne and I have an unwritten "policy" to show those we encounter - whether clients, associates, vendors, etc - that we sincerely appreciate them. The way this appreciation manifests itself can be in one of many ways. Sometimes a handshake, looking them in the eye, and sincerely thanking them for being our client, or providing great service is all it takes. Other times we may treat our client to a meal - although more often than not it is us on the receiving end of such a treat! Case in point.  A Cash Buyer who spent over $540K for a home, and another $200K getting the interior and exterior customized to their preferences insisted Suzanne and I pick a restaurant where the four of us could... 11/13/2017

Although we no longer see the levels of Short Sales that we did a few years ago in Sun Lakes, Notices of Default continue to be issued, meaning that yet another Sun Lakes property is on the path towards foreclosure at auction on the courthouse steps. Suzanne and I wonder why the owners would allow the property to go to foreclosure, rather than investigate alternatives that may be mutually beneficial to themselves and their lenders. Not all properties heading for foreclosure are necessarily "under water" - which theoretically means they could be sold via a "traditional" sale rather than a "short sale" - but circumstances may mean there are other liens attached or other factors that inhibit or prevent the owners from selling the property - whether or not it's a short sale. Short Sales are... 10/12/2017

  While the Short Sale days of the previous decade are for the most part behind us, the reality is that there are still hundreds of homes "under water" in Arizona.   While it's true that not every property facing foreclosure in Sun Lakes is "under water", may of them are, and unfortunately many homeowners still don't understand that the likelihood is they will be far better off doing a Short Sale of their Sun Lakes home than allowing their Sun Lakes home to be sold at auction on the courthouse steps!    Short Sales are "regular resales" with one big difference.     Your lender(s) must agree to accept less than the amount(s) owed on your loan(s).   While there are many details regarding Short Sale Seller financial circumstances and the hardship they face, the bottom line is that most len... 08/28/2017

Great opportunity to own an expanded Alameda floor plan. Enter to find an inviting open plan concept that includes 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Kitchen is complete with a breakfast room as well as a breakfast bar. Master bathroom includes ample storage and boasts double sinks and a walk in shower. Head out back to find an oversized covered patio that faces East. Mature fruit trees and a small garden area leave plenty of room to personalize the backyard. The 3rd bedroom has built in bookcase and cabinets, along with a closet. A well maintained home that includes recently painted exterior, interior and new carpets. Sun Lakes is a master planned adult community with all of the amenities you'd expect! Restaurants, golf, tennis, activity clubs, etc.                  07/31/2017

  There are still hundreds of homes "under water" in Arizona.   In other words - the homes are worth less than the mortgage balance(s) - so it's not surprising that many homeowners are looking for solutions to stop foreclosure.   One solution to stop foreclosure and mitigate damage to a homeowner's credit is a Short Sale.   Short Sales are "regular resales" with one big difference.   Your lender(s) must agree to accept less than the amount(s) owed on your loan(s).   While there are many details regarding Short Sale Seller financial circumstances and the hardship they face, the bottom line is that most lenders prefer to stop foreclosure in favor of processing a Short Sale where the Seller is able to procure a Fair Market Value contract for their home.   After all, why foreclose on a home... 07/21/2017

While the number of homes "under water" in Sun Lakes is significantly less than just a few years ago, some homeowners who purchased just before the "crash" that started in 2007 are still in a position where they owe more on their home than will be forthcoming from proceeds of a sale of the home. If you need to sell your home, and you are in this situation, a Short Sale is one solution to this situation. By definition a Short Sale is a regular resale with one distinct and significant difference. The agreement of your lender(s) to accept less than the balance owed on the loan(s). Whether or not you meet the other "requirements" of your lender(s) such as a "valid" hardship can only be determined by consultation with a skilled and experienced professional. There should be no upfront charge ... 05/08/2017

Looking for Sun Lakes Real Estate? 9034 Crystal Dr in Sun Lakes AZ has just been listed for sale in Oakwood Country Club. This gated community offers resort amenities in a fun, friendly active adult retirement setting. This popular Palmera floor plan offers split bedrooms with the master on one side and the guest bedroom and bath on the other. A great room is in between with huge picture windows and slider ushering you to the back yard with covered patio and access to the walking path. You will love the kitchen with island and breakfast bar that overlooks the great room. New kitchen appliances and under mount sink with an island and pantry make this perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the eat-in kitchen with lots of windows and bright light. This house is move in ready and just waiting for ... 04/19/2017

The latest Sunlit Drones Production - Aerial Videography in for a Haven Express listing in Sun Lakes, Arizona. All feedback on this aerial video shot with a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone, and post production by Paul Dumbauld at West Press in Tucson, Arizona is very much appreciated! Sun Lakes FinalCut from Sunlit Drones on Vimeo. Are you ready for aerial videography?  02/24/2017

 Beautiful golf course home situated in a secluded cul-de-sac in the gated community of Oakwood Country Club. This hard to find 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom Montera features an expanded 420 sq.ft. casita which has a separate entrance, seating area, wet bar, full bathroom and a separate A/C unit.   Sun Lakes FinalCut from Sunlit Drones on Vimeo.       The private courtyard entry has a water feature and lush landscaping. KITCHEN: Spacious and open to the great room: Features cherry wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, smooth electric cooktop, (however is plumbed for both electric and gas for easy conversion), built-in wall oven and microwave, pantry, roll out shelves, trash compactor, R/O System and a large island. GREATROOM: Fantastic home for entertaining inside and... 02/24/2017