Golf Course Pick of the Week   As a local Sun Lakes Real Estate Agent I am familiar with homes available in the East Valley. If you would like to schedule a time to explore our great communities feel free to call me Cathy Carter, my direct line is 480.459.8488 or email me at CathyCarter1@Cox.net   Sun Lakes is comprised of 5 outstanding subdivisions, OakWood, IronWood, Palo Verde, Cottonwood and Sun Lakes 1. Some of the outstanding schools located near Sun Lakes are Goodman Elementary School, San Tan Jr High School, Frye Elementary School, Basha High School, Hamilton High School with a minimum 9 out of 10 score from GreatSchools.org.   Happy Monday everyone! This week we have chosen Cottonwood Country Club for our Golf Course Pick of the week         Cottonwood Country Club is located i... 10/14/2013

The Sun Lakes Sheriff's Posse provides valuable service to the Sun Lakes AZ community. For example, did you know that the Posse provides FREE medical equipment to Sun Lakes residents on a short term basis?  Here are some of the items they offer: Bedpans Metal Canes - Height Adjustable Footed Canes Metal Walkers - With and Without Wheels Toilet Seat Risers Bedside Potty Chairs Bath and Shower Seats (Stools) Rolling Companion Chairs Bed Rails Bath Tub Clamp-On Bars Wheel Chairs Simply visit the Sun Lakes Sheriff's Posse between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm Monday - Friday or call 480-895-8751.  Click here for map. Sun Lakes Arizona is an active adult community with just under 10,000 homes in a desirable location contiguous to the southern border with Chandler AZ.  Located close to all major ... 10/08/2013

Sun Lakes Arizona sales price per sq foot on the rise! Look what is happening to the Sun Lakes market.  This chart illustrates the monthly average sales price per sq ft.  Looking at Week 40 for 2011-2013 the prices have been on the increase: 2013 is $128.47 2012 - $109.79 2011 - $100.62 Week 39 was slightly higher in 2013 at $129.85 and is partially due to increase of inventory as we move into the stronger selling fall and winter months. We have seen very low inventory in Sun Lakes with number of homes on the market under 100 all summer.  As of today Sun Lakes has 127 active listings with the breakout as follows: Sun Lakes Country Club - 36 Cottonwood Country Club - 33 Palo Verde Country Club - 6 Ironwood Country Club - 10 Oakwood Country Club - 42 We expect the inventory to continue to... 10/04/2013

Open House Sunday October 6th, 2013 in Sun Lakes Arizona. This gorgeous Bellagio floor plan is 2800 sq ft, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with a stunning golf course view.  Oakwood Country Club is the newest gated area in the Robson developed Sun Lakes Arizona active adult community. This home has an open floor plan with spectacular views of the Sonoran golf course from the kitchen, family room and master suite.  Cherry wood cabinets, quartz counter tops, upgraded light fixtures, 5 burner gas cooktop and so much more you'll have to see it to take it all in. Arizona nights can be a bit chilly in the winter months but that doesn't keep us from being outdoors.  Light up a gas firepit and keep the party going!  Beautiful view of the Sonoran golf course hole #1 in the background. This natural gas firep... 10/01/2013

Oakwood 18 hole couples golf in Sun Lakes Arizona - it's the place to be starting November 2013.  This league is open to all Sun Lakes residents however a membership application and $40.00 fee is required.  You can access the membership application online.   Why join Oakwood 18 Hole Couples Golf? It's FUN! No pressure - handicaps are mixed so everyone feels comfortable Games are great - roll the dice after you tee off to see whose shot you will use?  Yes - that is just one of the fun games we play. Prizes Dinner included with happy hour before It's been rumored that smaller parties continue at some peoples homes after the dinner. If you are looking for FUN and like to golf and laugh alot - this is for you!  Take a look at this fun video to see just how fun this group is! And if you are ... 09/30/2013

Sun Lakes Arizona Homes For Sale - Homes For Sale Sun Lakes Arizona The summer grass on the golf course has been scalped, thatched, and hauled away; in preparation for the winter rye grass that will keep the course green all through the winter months. Similarly, the winter homes of the winter visitors to Arizona are now being unlocked, aired out, cleaned and made ready for the influx of snowbirds headed for Arizona from all points north - places that do have snow and ice and cold temperatures. Sun Lakes, Arizona, is one of the premiere destinations of these snowbirds, because of its unique focus on golf courses and snowbird activites. Sun Lakes Arizona Homes For Sale includes homes in these subdivisions: Ironwood Oakwood Cottonwood Palo Verde Sun Lakes 1   Homes For Sale Sun Lakes Arizo... 09/27/2013

Mark your calender for Oktoberfest at Palo Verde in Sun Lakes Arizona. Friday October 25th 4pm to 7 pm - $10.00 German buffet and Patio music by Cheryl Thurston.  Reservations are not required but preferred.  Call 480-895-1981 or 480-895-1834. Selected Oktoberfest beer is: Draft:  Shock Top, Amber Bock, Stella Artois, Becks Okto Bottle:  Veltins German Pilsne, Stella Artois, Amber Bock   Join in the Oktoberfest at Palo Verde in Sun Lakes Arizona for a great buffet and tasty brew! For more information about Sun Lakes Arizona and the real estate market call The KOLB Team - 480-440-0849 - Sun Lakes Arizona residents and real estate expert team. 09/27/2013

Time for the 2nd Annual Pig Roast in Cottonwood at Sun Lakes Arizona. Saturday, November 9th, 2013.  Tickets are $25.00 per person and are on sale at Homeowner Services.  Call 480-895-9606. Wear last year's Pig Roast T Shirt for happy hour prices all evening.  Don't have a Pig's Roast T Shirt?  No worries - preorder by calling 480-895-0339. Doors open at 5 pm with the chili and soup station.  Pig Roast Buffet begins at 6 pm.  Lots of festivities to include a pie eating contest, basket raffles and a raffle to benefit the Sun Lakes Fire Department.  Entertainment by Thaddeus Rose.Don't miss this year's 2nd Annual Pig Roast in Cottonwood at Sun Lakes Arizona.  For more information about Sun Lakes AZ and the real estate market contact The KOLB Team - Sun Lakes residents and expert real esta... 09/27/2013

Join in the Celebration of Golf in Sun Lakes Arizona on Tuesday November 5, 2013 from 5 pm to 10 pm.  This event is $50.00 per person and features happy hour prices all evening, complimentary gift of 18 holes of golf, putting competition, buffet dinner and entertainment by Thaddeus Rose from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Buffet includes:  Seafood Station, a variety of salads, carving station, additional entree items and dessert. Tickets will be on sale at the Cottonwood - Palo Verde Homeowner Services office starting Monday September 30th or call the office at 480-895-9606. Come out and join the fun and Celebration of Golf event!  Looking for more information about Sun Lakes Arizona?  Call The KOLB Team! 09/27/2013

Many people ask us "What is the tax rate in Sun Lakes Arizona"? The Maricopa County Tax Assessor's office sets the rates for tax valuation on homes.  Local government entities and special districts also claim a portion of the taxes due on your home.  One of the many questions we are typically asked is "I live in an active adult community where there are no children under the age of 19 permitted to live - so do we have to pay school taxes?"  The answer is yes. In Sun Lakes, the largest share of the tax bill goes to the Chandler Unified School District followed by the Sun Lakes Fire Department.  Everything else is smaller special districts such as the library, etc. When compared to other communities such as Scottsdale, Sun Lakes Arizona has a very low tax rate even when funding a portion ... 09/25/2013

What's not to love about Sun Lakes Arizona?  Located just south of Chandler Arizona and minutes away from all major freeways, Sun Lakes is a Robson developed active adult community that caters to those 55+.  Many do not realize, however, that people age 40 and older can be residents but as long as there is no one under the age of 19 living in the home. Why consider an active adult community?  For starters an active adult community isn't just about buying a home - it's about buying a lifestyle! What's in a lifestyle in Sun Lakes? Golf - 99 holes in 5 separate communities - mens and womens and couples leagues Tennis - 27 tennis courts - leagues and leisure play. Swimming - 12 pools including salt water, lap pools and separate kid pools for visitors. Fitness Centers - weights, exercise cla... 09/24/2013

Fascinating town home for sale in Sun Lakes. Two bedroom two bath View amazing properties for sale today in Sun Lakes Arizona. View properties for around 1492 square feet by clicking on the photo below Give me a call today, and see what and I can do for you. Kent Musgrave 480.250.1223 Cell http://www.eastvalleydreamhome.com/ Solutions Real Estate 09/21/2013

Radiant house for sale in sun lakes adult community. $415,000 See this beautiful home by clicking on the photo below as well as other homes like it. This community is one of the most desired of all adult communities in the valley. Find your next home by giving me a call today. Give me a call today, and see what and I can do for you. Kent Musgrave 480.250.1223 Cell http://www.eastvalleydreamhome.com/ Solutions Real Estate 09/19/2013

5 Best Places to Retire in Arizona By: Angie Johnson, (480) 352-0200. http://www.AngJohnson.com My idea of the perfect retirement is improving my golf game, taking up a few new hobbies and enjoying a well-deserved break.   When Money Magazine set out to find some of the “the 25 best places to retire,” three cities in Arizona made the “top 10” list, Tucson, Prescott and Sun City West.  When Forbes did a similar study they named Prescott and Sun City Grand.  My pick for the 5 Best Places to Retire in Arizona are based on my interaction with 14 years of real estate experience in Arizona. Enjoy! 1.   Sun City West – Sun City West, Arizona, is located 15 miles northwest of Phoenix and is one of the first age-restricted active adult communities in the country.  My parents live here and love i... 09/11/2013

Amazing Sun Lakes Gated Homes between $210,000 - $585,000 If you are interested in peace of mind with gated entries, then look no further. We have all price ranges from entry to luxury. CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW to get a look at inventory that is updated every minute, and then scroll down once on that page to see the SUN LAKES community. Check out what is available today. Give me a call today, and see what and I can do for you. Kent Musgrave 480.250.1223 Cell http://www.eastvalleydreamhome.com/ Solutions Real Estate 09/09/2013

Sun Lakes Country Club Market Report - 2013 through August 31 is trending upward compared to 2011 and 2012. Sun Lakes Arizona is home to just under 10,000 homes with 2,139 of those in the first phase known as Sun Lakes Country Club.  The Cromford Report that we subscribe to illustrates the upward trend in annual average sales price with 2013 prices as of September 3 at $229,572.  Compare that to only $220,023 in 2012 and $210,220 in 2011.  That is good news for sellers.  For Sun Lakes Country Club only (single family homes - no manufactured homes) here are the stats: 2013 (through August 31) 54 homes sold for an average sold price of $153,045 and a sales price per sq ft of $98.50 with average days on the market at 95.  The highest priced home sold so far is $238,000 and the highest pric... 09/05/2013

Cottonwood and Palo Verde Market Report for 2013 through August 31 is trending upwards and that is good news for sellers! Comparing 2012 to 2013 through August 31 of each year Cottonwood and Palo Verde in Sun Lakes AZ is trending in the right direction for sellers.  We have been telling clients that Sun Lakes, an active adult niche community, is typically a year to a year and a half behind the rest of the Phoenix market (non-active adult communities).  So when you hear about multiple offers on homes in Phoenix and wonder about Sun Lakes - well we are not there yet in terms of multiple offers - but we are seeing homes sell for more money and in quicker fashion than in 2012.  A year really did make a difference. Cottonwood 2012 Stats (single family homes only - no villas): 118 homes sold ... 09/05/2013

Sun Lakes AZ IronOaks Market Report for 2013 through August 31 is in! Oakwood Country Club real estate prices continue on the upward trend over 2012 prices.  What a difference a year makes!  We've been saying that the active adult communities, a niche market, follows the rest of the Phoenix area market by a year to a year and a half.  We are certainly seeing that come true. 2012 Oakwood Stats (single family homes only - no villas): 112 listings sold with an average price sold of $275,215.00, an average price per sq ft of $125.43 and 123 average days on market.  The highest price home that sold in Oakwood in 2012 was $480,000 and the highest price per sq ft sold in 2012 was $203.00. 2013 Oakwood Stats (same criteria): 113 listings sold with an average price sold of $304,996.00, an averag... 09/05/2013

Sun Lakes Arizona helpful  numbers Just moved into Sun Lakes or maybe you've been here quite some time - there are so many clubs, organizations and it is hard to keep track of it all.  Our website has some resources for you but The Sun Lakes Splash has put together a great list of Sun Lakes helpful names, numbers and contacts.  Keep this handy resource and next time you are wondering who to call...it will be at your fingertips. You can also "like" our Sun Lakes Facebook page where we post events, happenings, helpful information and Sun Lakes real estate market trends. 09/03/2013

Sun Lakes AZ Hiking Club is alive and well and continues to meet each Monday morning during the summer.  The hikers depart early - 6:30 am and arrive back before the hottest time of the day.  We live in the desert so plenty of water and appropriate attire is recommended.  For information about the hikes this summer or to sign up contact Mike Kenny at 480-802-5886. As summer residents begin to return in October the hikes will increase is size.  Check the Sun Lakes AZ hiking club website for pictures, history and current information.  You can also call Al Metz at 313-717-7170.       09/03/2013