The Tucson Real Estate Experts Blog

Tucson Santa Fe Style Home with Resort like Backyard

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:57:26 -0500

Stunning Tucson Santa Fe Home

N Hay Trail, Tucson, AZ 85743 View Map

Tastefully updated Tucson Santa Fe style home with Vega beams, beehive fireplaces,Alder kitchen cabinets, open floor plan, split floor plan with Master Bedroom beehive fireplace and jacuzzi tub. Pecan look flooring in the cozy family room. Enjoy dramatic Catalina views from the living room & beautiful Tucson mountain views from the resort-like backyard. Outside beehive with bancos, gorgeous Pebbletech pool & spa and privacy abounds.

Details

Asking Price:

724,900

MLS:

20828247

Sq. Feet:

3176

Lot Size:

4.1 acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Year Built:

1995

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Anne and Eddie McKechnie
Realtors Consultants

Cell (520)990-5268
Dir (520)529-7507
Email | Website

Tucson Mexican Restaurant Zivaz.....great food and ambiance

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:03:24 -0500

Zivaz Meican Bistro has great a Summer innovative menu

We often get asked for the Best Mexican Restaurants in Tucson by our clients and visitors to the Tucson area.

For that purpose, have made sure that we have tried mostly all of them!

This experience is very entertaining and fun, but also allows us give first hand knowledge of where to go, and what to recommend on the Menu.

In my long past, I trained as a Chef in London,and having worked at quite a few five star restaurants there, I have fun trying out new food from a variety of restaurants in the Tucson area.

Tucson has always been renowned for having great independent restaurants.

If good food combined with good value and ambience are part of your eating experience then Zivaz Mexican Bistro is a good place for you to go.

The Gazpacho con Ceviche is excellent so is the Salmon Asado. The also have Margaritas...try the Hibiscus flavor for something different but very good or the Pancho for a tarter taste.

Their menu does have a twist with Mexican Sushi on the Menu.

Currently they have some great Summer Specials, with Dark Rum Salmon, Salmon Menonita, and Chille Relleno de Salmon de nogada. The later is very good and has a nut based sauce with pineapple!

You can also read the Restaurant Reviews here

Bon appetit and enjoy!

Cantera Stone can add value to your Tucson Home

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:13:38 -0500

Cantera Stone a timeless Beauty

We just listed a Tucson Territorial home for sale in the Foothills that has a beautiful Cantera Stone fireplace.

The stone really adds an ambience and timeless beauty to a home, and can add value to your real estate investment.

We also just sold a home where the outside ambience was enhanced by beautiful Cantera Stone pots.

"Cantera" is the Spanish word for quarrying, and the Stone is an naturally quarried product first used by the Spanish Conquistadors to built churches and monasteries in the 16th Century.

You can visit Morelia, Zacatecas, Durango, Guadalajara, Guanajuato and San Luis Potosi, Oaxaca, and San Miguel Allende for fine examples of Canter Stone work.

It can be used many things including fireplaces, pillars, fountains, ballustrades, Entryways, coping and tile, range hoods, wall fountains and plant pots construction and Art forms. The stone adds a timeless elegance to any new or old Tucson home.

It also comes in many color variations from a very light almost white to a noce brown. Carving the stone has been passed down from generation to generation in Mexico, from the time of the Conquistadors in the 16th Century, and it is considered an art. In Tucson, we have a local supplier Cantera Custom Creations

You can also read about the history of Cantera Stone at Cantera Stone Art

If you are considering updating your home, then adding Cantera Stone would add value and beauty to your investment.

Guadalajara Grill in Tucson

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:18:40 -0500

Guadalajara Grill provides tableside salsa

Tucson has a lot of Hispanic and Southwestern flavor to the City. There is one location that really has great food, ambiance, and also true Tucson flavor and that is Guadalajara Grill. There is both indoor and out door seating.

In fact the restaurant is going to be moving sometime this month, so if you do not find it at the current location, keep traveling west and you will find it a few blocks down on the South side of the street.

The salsa is made tableside for your taste....mild medium or hot. I will warn you that hot is hot!!

All the corn and four tortillas are made at the restaurant location and taste superb.

For those of you looking for a really different dish that I have not seen personally at any other restaurant tyr the Molocajetes.

Molcajetes are made of volcanic rock and are heated steaming hot and filled with a delicious soup-n-salsa, queso fresco mix, together with grilled fajita peppers. They are topped off with your choice of grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp and served with a side of beans and a choice of flour or corn tortillas.

The music is provided by local hispanic talent, and they also play table side.

They also have a great Happy Hour Menu for those of you looking for a stop on the way home, with appetizers starting at $4.95 and Margaritas at $2.99.

Guadalajara Grill is definnitely a place that you can visit with any business colleague or family member. You will have a truly enjoyable time with great food.

Tucson Restaurant Janos offering Summer specials

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:02:16 -0500

Tucson Restaurant Janos has some great summer specials

As the sun comes up in the heat of the Tucson summer, it is time for all of us to try new restaurants in and around the city.

I just read of a great opportunity for everyone to take advantage of summer pricing and go to either Janos or the J Bar at the La Paloma Resort.

If are going to be visiting Tucson, the Resort also offers great Summer specials.

Both the J Bar and also Janos have been noted for providing great organic foods over the years from local farmers. The restaurant is an excellent place to go if you are visiting Tucson.

We have sat many a time on the patio at the J Bar. However, now they also have some great pricing to add to it.

Adding to their summer specials, they will also have Summer Music concerts at the restaurant.

This Wednesday Reno del Mar will play at the restaurant and will return again on the 24th of July.

The group is a dynamic instrumental ensemble that performs beautiful, original guitar

music in a wide range of styles including Latin jazz, adult contemporary, Spanish,

western swing, tango, gypsy, flamenco, Mexican, and blues.

The Summer Menu includes such dishes as panned seared Ahi, and Peppercorn and Piloncillo Seared Duck Breast,

Reservations ca be made at the restaurant by following this link

Tucson Territorial Classic

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:54:04 -0500

Classic Tucson Territorial
6151 N Cerrada Tolsa, Tucson, AZ 85718
		Classic Tucson Territorial with gorgeous city and mountain views from this enchanting home on over an acre. Updated kitchen and baths with Tucson true Catalina charm. Granite countertops, Canterra stone fireplace, front courtyard, two fireplaces. Relax outside with firepit, full covered beautiful poolside patio. Two bedroom attached guest house. Could be two studios off the poolside area. Enjoy!
Click to View Show
Details			Contact Info
Asking Price: MLS: Sq. Feet: Lot Size: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: # of Floors: Garage Size: Subdivision: Year Built:	949,000 20820116 300 1.0 6 3056 1 2 Catalina Foothills Estates 6 1969		Anne and Eddie McKechnie Realtors Consultants Cell (520)990-5268 Dir (520)529-7507 Email \| Website Other Shows

Tucson Real Estate Range pricing

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:50:10 -0500

Is Real Estate Range Pricing good in a Tucson Buyers Market?

Photo courtesy of flickr.com

Is Range Pricing really effective in a Buyers Market?

This weekend I was out showing homes in one of the Historic District of Central Tucson and we viewed a very beautiful home that my client wanted me to present an offer.

Range pricing has been sued on our market place for quite some time, and can sometimes be confusing to the Buyer.

The Listing Agent happend to be at the home finishing up an open house, and as we were leaving to write up the offer, informed me not to write an offer at the low end of the range as they would not consider it.

I fully understand that range pricing brings the home into a different price catagory online for potentail buyers. However, my question is, are we misleading the Buyer by advertiing a range price and not effectively considering an offer at the low end of the range?

Also another consideration is that in a Buyers Market is it fair to the Seller that might be looking for a higher price, to receive a low offer at the low end of the range price, as every buyer is looking for a deal and will not pay the high end of the range pricing.

My client would have probably felt better writing an offer less than the high asking price, but it would have probably been higher than the low price that was offered in the listing. However, he did not feel good about offering higher than the low end of the range price.

Effective pricing in our market seems to be pricing homes effectively so that they sell fast and for the best price.

Stumbleupon.com a great site for you to get seen online

Sun, 25 May 2008 11:33:19 -0500

StumbleUpon is a great site that I just stumbled upon online!

It is another site for you to network yourself socially, and you'll discover great websites, videos, photos, and blogs.

These can all be tailored to your personal interests and groups.

You can also download their toolbar and discover great websites online.

The site is very easy to use, and they provide a Guide to help you set yourself up.

Anyway check it out and connect with others including friends on a very easy to use site

Tucson Real Estate Market News Update

Mon, 19 May 2008 12:43:53 -0500

Tucson Real Estate Market Update for April.

With the first quarter of 2008 behind us in the real estate market in Tucson, our industry is continuing to show small signs of recovery. The market is not where it was in 2007 but the quarterly statistics show a steady increase month over month.

Increasing the FHA Loan limits has made a difference in Tucson It has allowed more people to enter the home market, and also allow people to refinance and keep their home. We all look for these measures to be made permanent.

The economic impact study conducted by NAR earlier this year estimated that increasing the conforming loan limit would result in as many as 500,000 refinanced loans, and this alone could help reduce foreclosures by as much as 210,000.

As a positive, we could generate over 300,000 additional home sales, and the housing inventory would be reduced. Home prices would be also be strengthened by 2 to 3 %

As real estate agents, we look at data to see if there is any change or recovery in the Tucson Real Estate Market.

Some of the factors to look for are active listings, are they increasing or decreasing, pending contracts, and new listiings coming on the market.

We currently have an increase of 27.11% in pending contracts over 2007, a decrease in Active Listings by 15.20% in 2007, and also a decrease in New Listings by 20.87%.

It would appear by our current MLS data information that Tucson is on the right track.

Tucson Summer School Opportunity

Mon, 19 May 2008 09:28:01 -0500

Tucson Summer School with a twist.

Courtesy of flickr.com

Anyone looking for a different Simmer School Opportunity for their kids?

Well Tucson's only Cooking School will have its first Summer School Session for the second year in June. Anybody want to make sure that their kids can help in and around the kitchen? This is the perfect opprtunity for your children to learn basic cooking techniques andit should be a lot of fun.

Mardi and Bob Burden are the owners of Cuisine Classique cooking school in Tucson, Arizona.

Courtesy of flickr.com

They have increased their program to four one week long sessions this year as they had so much fun last year.

The first session begins on June 16 through June 20 It will will focus on foods from around the world, the second session will focus on food around the US. and will start on June 23rd.
In July they will have two more sessions that focus on Healthy Foods, and also "Kids Can Make Them" meals. Every day there are kids friendly age related activites, and then a Beach Party on Fridays.

You can get detailed information on their website at www.CuisineClassique.com.

The school is located in Oro Valley, Arizona and was founded on Mardi and Bob's love of food and cooking. Their goal is to "Share the Love" of Food by creating, encouraging and inspiring cooks.

Mardi Burden is the cooking school coordinatorand the lead cooking teacher.

Her restaurant and teaching experience helps create a solid background from where she can share her cooking knowledge. The Summer camps provide a safe haven for children to learn about food and to also have fun.

If you are interestd in the Summer Course, then you can visit their website at www.CuisineClassique.com or call (520)797-1677

Is it a Buyers Market in Tucson?

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:55:54 -0500

Overcoming the Top Consumer Challenges in Today's Market

I have found some great information in how to handle Consumer Challenges in the market place.

Quite often we are faced with the answer "Just this morning I opened the paper only to read another article that the market has fallen again. The media is saying it's a bad time to buy."

We can handle this objection by reinforcing all the information that we all have on our hands and we know is area sensitive.

We can educate our Buyers by relaying this information:

Our industry is plagued by negative press and you should keep in mind that reporters are looking for headlines to grab the attention of their reader base.

With this in mind, there are some interesting trends making headlines lately that support the fact that now may be the best time to buy.

Housing Best Time to Buy in Four Years, CNN

Opportunity Knocks in Sinking Housing Market, The Wall Street Journal

Buyers: Should You Wait for the Market Bottom?, MSN Real Estate

Are You Ready for Good News?, The Lompoc Record

Analysts see the light at the end of the Tunnel The Associated Press

Six Signs to Look For in Hopes of a Housing Recovery, RISMedia

As we have continually mentioned before, it is up to us to paint a more positive factual picture of the real estate market where we live. The Real Estate market is localised even within each and every one of our market areas and neighborhoods. Desirability can also change market conditions and also demand.

However, a more regional picture is not being painted by the media and this can affect markets that are even in the same state as those less troubled.

We all know that sensationalism sells, and that headlines are being over exaggerated compared to out local market perspective. Even in a down market, there are great deals to be had.

The same old saying "I am just going to wait and see what happens and get in on the market when it hits rock bottom."

As an agent we can certainly help our clients with this response.

We can understand the logic, but waiting for the market to bottom may not be the best answer.

If our buyer intends to stay in their home more than two years, there may not be a better time than now to enter the market for several reasons.

Aa we do our job in Arizona, we look at market conditions by reviewing historical data and this provides an insight into the stability of the Arizona Real Estate Market.

Our prices may not have hit their lowest point yet, but they probably they are not far off of it.

In many Arizona areas, only the actual pace of sales has been affected and prices have held firm and in some cases, have gone up.

Use this to show your expertise:

Area	January 2007 Median	November 2007 Median	April 2008 Median	% change from January 2007 to April 2008

Too often when you wait for the bottom you will miss it before buying, and get caught in the upswing of the market. For some first-time home buyers, owning makes better economic sense than renting.

When your client says: " I really like this house but I want to wait and see if the price goes down over the next few weeks adn months.

As an agent we can easily assist our Buyers with this statement.

We can understand why you would want to do this as you definitely do not want to overpay for the home. However, in many markets we have seen an upswing in the market.

Overall consumer confidence has been building thanks to demand and the traditional busy spring season. There has been more positive news coverage, the recently released economic stimulus package, and also increased conforming loan rates and continued attractive interest rates.

In many areas, we are seeing that homes that show well and are priced competitively are selling, and occasionally with multiple offers. Rather than wait, might we might suggest that we:

Determine if this is the best house for your needs.

Is this the first house or the 10th house we have looked at.

Most Buyers are looking for what you are looking for too.

The home will probably sell before the seller lowers the price significantly.

Instead, we could submit an offer in your comfort range and within 3-7% of the list price.

We have done our recent comparisons (within the last three months) and based on comparable homes in this market, we would recommend an offer price between $XXXX and $XXXXX.

When our client says "I'd like to move up but it's just not a good time."

We can respond with this information.

We recently came across an article (published online at www.wsj.com on March 16, 2008) in The Wall Street Journal, entitled "Opportunity knocks in sinking housing market" that synopsized the move-up market quite well. In the article published int he Wall Street Journal, it talks about: "If you're hankering after a larger home or a house in a better neighborhood, this could be your chance to trade up on the cheap.

"To be sure, when you go to sell your current home, you will likely get a modest price. Since 2006's second quarter, real estate has fallen 10.2 percent, as measured by the S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index. But your new, grander house will also be relatively inexpensive, so you're effectively cranking up your real-estate exposure when the market is well below its peak.

"In other words, trading up to a larger home or a better neighborhood is really about wanting to consume more real estate.

"Still, like any thrifty shopper, you want to buy when there's a sale -- and that is what today's market offers.

"It's like going from a Honda to a Mercedes," says Charles Farrell, a financial adviser with Denver's Northstar Investment Advisors. "It's a lifestyle choice. As long as it doesn't cut into your ability to accumulate capital for retirement, this is probably a pretty good time to upgrade."

When our Seller says "I realize prices have gone down but I'd like to start by putting my home on the market for this price and then we can see if there are any nibbles."

Aa their agent we can show our expertise in this area and answer.

There is not market to test your price. The key to being successful in today's Real Estate Market is to set your price appropriately and competitively based on the current market conditions.

Buyers do know value when they see it, and it is our job need to create value in today's market.

On the whole, ‘Drip reductions' are not successful in the long term.

The logic is that once Buyers see that you have reduced your price, they will view you as a Seller who is ‘desperate' and will want a bigger bargain on your home.

We will only evaluate the comps over the last three months. Six months is way too long of an indicator at this time in the marketplace.

We recommend that in order for you to be a successful Seller, that we review the comps and then price your home as low as we can to generate interest and stand out amongst the pack.

We will re evaluate in three to four weeks, and then see if we need to seriously consider a substantial reduction. Our recommendation is that we don't wait until we get to that point. Many Sellers in today's market who price their home competitively are seeing success in selling their home with either multiple offers or a quick sale. So we would advise you not to wait until a necessary price reduction.

When our Seller says "We've lost a lot of the equity in our home. We need you to take a cut on your commission so we can sell it."

As an agent we do work to make money for our family and not for free.

Our fee is 3% and that is what our services are worth. It covers all of the fees and services necessary to get your home sold.

Our extensive marketing plan includes:

Prominent online exposure

Our broad base of internet websites

Our Power Positioning

Our Extensive Networking

Our blog and individual web presence.

Our recommendation in today's market is for you to offer a Selling Agent commission of 3% or even a little more to attract a largest pool of Agents representing Buyers.

I hope this helps you in assisting your Buyers and Sellers in the current marketplace, not only to position themselves for an offer as a Buyer, but also as a Seller's agent.

We owe it to our clients to keep them well informed.

The Phoenix Mars Mission Project at the University of Arizona

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:02:33 -0500

The University of Arizona on the map with the Phoenix Mars Mission Project

Phoenix Lander Courtesy of the University of Arizona

The Phoenix Mars Mission Landing marks an important landmark for the Universitiy, as it is the first public University project to lead a mission to Mars. It is scheduled to land on the 25th of May 2008 and is the first Scout in the NASA program. Scouts are designed to be relatively inexpenisve and also highly innovative.

The University is hosting a Mars Landing Mission Celebration at the Kuiper Space Sciences Building, the Sonett Space Sciences Building, the Flandrau and also The UA Science Center.

The Event will start at 3pm and end at 8pm on the 25th of May 2008, and looks to be an interesting day full of activities for all ages.

There will be childrens activities,live Feed from NASA/JPL, commentary by UA scientists and engineers, and a MarsQuest planetarium show, Tours of the Space Imagery Center, Mars & Solar viewing and also a Physics Factory will also take place.

For those of you that have not visited the U of A Flandrau Center, it is definitely worth a visit and we will be going with our family.

Ror those if us with a sweet tooth, they will also have cake and balloons!!

Rancho Sahuarita Short Sale

Wed, 07 May 2008 07:57:53 -0500

Rancho Sahuarita Short Sale is a great opportunity

Enjoy the Facilities of Rancho Sahuarita the Masterplanned Community rated as one of the best in the Western United States.

With a State of the Art Fitness Center, an Olympic size Swimming pool, a kids swim play area, tennis, basketball courts, an outside auditorium, and a large lake in the Community, it makes Rancho Sahuarita the place to live.

This newer large home is located within the Community on a quiet cul-de-sac lot.

It is a short sale, subject to court or lender approval as provides you a great opportunity to live in this fine community. It has four bedrooms and three baths, and has over 1800 square ft of living space,was built in 2005, and is priced at $165,000.

There are short sales in and around the Tucson area at the moment, and this home is priced under recent sales in the Community and for a quick sale.

Tucson's Pizza Restaurant...the newest and greatest

Sun, 04 May 2008 23:52:12 -0500

Tucson's newest Pizza Restaurant serves great Pizza.

Ok I Have to admit that we love to eat Pizza like to rest of you.

Eddei discovered this great restaurant a few months ago.

It is called Pizzaz Pizza Bistro.

For all of you looking for more authentic food....the mozzarella is home made, the pesto is home made, and so is the bread dough for the pizza...... then you have arrived home.

The restaurant does not only serve pizza, but also pasta, and offers a Happy hour on Appetizers and drinks between 3 and 6 pm. The take out Pizza is only $9.95 and far more tasty than the local chain restaurants in our opinion.

It is located in the shopping Plaza at Prince and Campbell and the service is friendly.

If you happen to stop by this new Tucson Restaurant, then give us a call we would love to join you !

Anne and Eddie

Home for Sale in the Villages of La Canada

Fri, 02 May 2008 09:10:03 -0500

Oro valley Immaculate Home

1080 Possum Creek Lane, Oro Valley, 85737 View Map

Oro Valley Beauty abound in this home with attention to detail at every turn. Beautiful condition with new fixtures, flooring and paint. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home offers an elevated lot, master balcony and a private yard backing to natural desert. Family room fireplace, tile floors, oversized garage and french doors leading to a flagstone patio makes you feel right at home

Details

Asking Price:

299,900

MLS:

20816373

Sq. Feet:

2105

Lot Size:

0.2

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

The Villages of La Canada

Year Built:

1994

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Anne and Eddie McKechnie
Realtors Consultants

Cell (520)990-5268
Dir (520)529-7507
Email | Website

Tucson New Homes are very affordable

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:32:12 -0500

Tucson new homes affordable for the first time Home Buyer or for those looking for a deal

Tucson new homes continue to be a bargain in and around the Tucson area as many builders are giving great stimulus deals to move their current spec home inventory.

I just received this great email about current interest rates that are being given by Lennar Homes.

The first year they are giving a 2.88% rate for one year,

The rate then rises to 3.88% in year two, and then settles and fixes at 4.88% at year three.

Who said that home ownership was impossible...with rates like this and current FHA guidelines, who could afford not to buy a home.

Many people say they are waiting for the market to drop.......a national statistic...most people will miss the so called bottom as we won't know we are there until it has passed.

Tucson is still on the map as one of the top retirement cities in the US, and our market has faired better than many other parts of the country.

Many Canadians are buying because of the dollar conversion, and realize the deal that they are getting in our current market.

If you can borrow money at these great rates, then I would encourage Americans to buy a new home in the Tucson area and market, and/or in other parts of the country if the same stimulus rates are there........ there are great deals to be had.

New Homes Sale Opportunities in Tucson

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:53:10 -0500

Are you taking advantage of selling the New Homes in your area?

While many people are focusing their sales effort on Foreclosures and Short Sales, how many agents are actually taking advantage of selling the great deals that can be had right now in the new home industry.

When you market a residential resale home, the home can stay on the market for a significantly longer time in the current market, and then the Seller can also take the house off the market.

However a builder has to move their new home inventory, and they are pricing them for sale with great incentives, and low interest rates to use their lender. They are also giving agents great incentives, and we have seen up to 8 percent to sell current inventory homes.

We sell many new homes to local and out of state buyers, and portraying yourself as a new home specialist in the current market place makes sense. We send out a weekly list of incentives to our subscribers, and have sold many homes from the advertising.

If you are not already doing it, then incorporate this strategy in your current marketing for a win win scenario.

You will be helping your buyer get a great deal.

Builder with incentives in our Tucson market include Miramonte Homes, Lennar homes, Pulte Homes, Richmond American, Dr Horton, Meritage Homes, and may others

Arizona International Film Festival back in town

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:12:28 -0500

The Arizona Film Festival is back in town throught the 27th of April

The Arizona International Film Festival is back in town and will commence this Friday at the Screening Rom with Father G and the Homeboys. The Festival will pack more than 90 films from over 14 countries to the Festival and it will take control of Tucson's indie film scene.

The Festival will take place at various locations around town to include the Screening Room, the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, Crossroads, The Hotel Congress, and The Loft at Cinema La Placita amongst others.

Multi-screening admission passes are available starting at $40 to $150.

Individual screenings are $6-$10. the official site filmfestivalarizona.com. gives a detailed schedule of film and events.

The following are addresses for the Film Festival sites:

The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St.

Crossroads, 4811 E. Grant Road

Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 West Congress St.

The Festival will open with Father G and the Homeboys this Friday at 8pm April the 18th at the Screening Room.

The film details the efforts of Father Greg Boyle in directing gangbangers living in Boyle Heights. It is a socially conscious documentary that addresses the real life challenges of inner city living.

The filmmakers John Bohm and Pete Tapia will introduce the film to the public.

You can visit http://www.fathergandthehomeboysmovie.com/ for more information.

Please come and enjoy supporting the Arizona International Film Festival this weekend in Tucson Arizona.

Mountain Lions in and around Tucson

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:31:23 -0500

Tucson Mountain Lion sighting on the Ventana Canyon Trailhead

Recently a hiker saw a mountain lion on the Ventana Canyon Trailhead. He apparently thought that it was a golden retriever until he came closer to the animal!

The lion stopped around 40 feet away from the hiker, and he banged his walking stick on rocks. The Lion did however not appear to be scared but laid down and watched him. He said that it acted more like a dog than a wild animal. He hiked back to the trailhead, when the mountain lion walked into the brush.

Mountain lions are a part of urban life around Tucson where our city borders wildlands in Arizona. In fact I saw one in our front yard just about a month ago!

More recent sightings that have been confirmed by wildlife officials said that the mountain lions have not behaved aggressively, but wildlife officials have been monitoring the area to ensure that none have lost their fear of humans and become a threat.

In 2004 a female lion was shot after it confronted hikers including an 8 year old boy on the same trail.

Fish and wildlife Officers were concerned at the time that the animal had shown no fear, and it was unusually active in daylight and stalked the hikers.

However with all that said, mountain lion attacks are extremely rare, and even where cities and suburbs like Tucson have grown deep into the prime lion habitat, most people never know they are around.

Saguaro National Park east of Tucson closed some hiking trails due to lion activity, and also state wildlife officials have alerted people about some sightings in areas the Northeast along Tanque Verde Creek.

Some mountain lions are collars and they are tracked for their activity.

The Mountain Lions that are being tracked around Tucson seem to spend less time in urban areas than those that are being tracked around Prescott.

Tucson Real Estate Market News Report

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:59:20 -0500

Spring is here and we are all reminded why we live in the Desert Southwest. How beautiful it is right now!

Here are the latest Tucson Real Estate trends for the month of March 2008.
National trends adn media talk about real estate in general terms, and it is always good to take this in context. As you know Real Estate statistcs are Local and not National, and that consumers should consult a local area Realtor who can help them with local sales statistics in your area of the country.
Sales statistics definitely vary from neighborhood to neighborhood in a community especially in Tucson.

March of 2008 has fallen right in line with our annual Tucson real estate trend where we usually start to see activity and the real estate market picks up. The Tucson Home Sales Sales Snapshot continues to show the market is down from 2007, and however while that is not "new news", the statistics from Februaury 2008 to March 2008 indicate that we are experiencing a recovery phase.

As you can see by our stats, our market is starting to turn the corner in a small but positive way.

Many people are out there asking about the "bottom of the market."

However, sometimes the bottom is hard to predict ...we do not know when we are in it until things start to turn around. We can used predictors that will help us be more successful. Many economists believe that Tucson is very close to its bottom, and it may have passed that point . Also that the in second half of this year, we will see stronger sales.
As lenders are tightening up their loan criteria, and if you are looking for great interest rates, a good selection of homes on the market, then now is a great time to buy a home in Tucson ranked by CNN Money last month as one of the top 7 retirement ciites in the US.

2008 IS the time to buy a Tucson home!

Home Sales Volume: Increased 25.29%

2/08 $186,129,758

3/08 $233,207,940

Average Sales Price: Decreased 1.15%

2/08 $262,155

3/08 $259,120

Pending Contracts: Increased 30.67%

2/08 1,079

3/08 1,410

Active Listings: Decreased 1.59%

2/08 9,168

3/08 9,022

New Listings: Increased 0.49%

2/08 2,432

3/08 2,444

Home Sales Units: Increased: 26.76%

2/08 710

3/08 900

Median Sales Price: Increased 0.05%

2/08 $199,900

3/08 $200,000

Starr Pass Golf Club in Tucson Arizona

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:43:54 -0500

Starr Pass Golf and Country Club in Tucson has a great and challenging golf course

The Starr Pass Resort has 27 holes, and is an Arnold Palmer Signature Golf.

The Course is nestled in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains on Tucson's west side.

The Starr Pass Golf Course facility has a full-service clubhouse with dining facilities, a locker room, and a golf pro shop. The course are maintained to PGA tour standards yearround as the Course is also associated with the J W Marriott resort. It Flows in harmony with the desert terrain around it and is labeled both fair and difficult by players. The signature hole is Number 15 where you are hitting through a narrow pass on a 325-yard A par 4 appears simple, but it si deceiving. This is a course to play where the pros have played, and also be treated to superior service.

Accomodations are nearby at the beautiful new J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort, with dining in seven restaurants dotted around the hotel. The hotel also has a luxurious 20,000 square foot Hashani Spa, fitness center, tennis, two swimming pools and more. Teh views from the Resort are unsurpassed of Tucson and its city the city lights. The Catalina Mountains can be seen off in the distance. Tucson is surrounded by natural wildlife.

As far as homes, Starr Pass is also a sought after location to live in the Tucson area. It's close proximity to downtown and the freeway allow easy access to the city and the Tucson International Airport.

The Starr Pass Country Club & Spa is semi-private and offers golf to members, resort guests and the general public.

Come view this wonderful Starr Pass home ready for sale for its new owner and enjoy the Golf at the Starr Pass Resort.

The home is well appointed wtih two mastersuites, and a den and has a large corner lot, and is in a perfect golf home community.

Click Here for more info

Fourth Avenue Street Fair...a Tucson Tradition

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:44:58 -0500

Fourth Avenue Street Fair taking place this weekend

The Fourth Avenue Street Fair started today and will go on until the 6th pf April.

The Fair historically take s place between University Blvd. and 9th Streets on Fourth Avenue. and is rated as one of the top 100 festivals in the US. It is an event that Tucson residents wait for every year, and it happens in the Spring and the Fall.

The great thing about the event is that it is FREE to the public, and hosts over 400 Arts and Crafts Artisans as well as two sound stages with live music.

The fair has been a Tucson Tradition for over 38 years in 1970, and was first started by local fourth avenue merchants who were trying to sells good before the holidays. Over 200,000 to 350,000 people attend the event twice a year and The Fourth Avenue Street Fais ranks as one of teh top visual arts fairs in the country.

Shopping

There are over 400 local and non local artists booths featuring arts and crafts that cover fine art to country crafts. Craftsmen include glassware, clay, wood, clothing, metal, jewelry, pre-packaged food, and all hand made and on sale by the artist or crafts-person at the indiviual booths.

Food

There are over 30 food vendors that sell a mixture of Greek, Funnel Cakes, (my kids favorite) Thai, Mexican Indian fry bread, homemade lemonade, chicken, and much more.

Sound Stage

Musical performances will take place on the North and South Sound stage by local and non local artists.

Bring your check book and enjoy...it is an event that is well worth the visit!

Tucson Short Sales

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:42:23 -0500

Short Sales are around in the Tucson market at present as in many other parts of the Country.

It is good for a prospective Tucson Buyer to know if the short price is realistic or not. Many agents are putting a home into MLS here with a short price that makes the Buyer excited. However, you do have to forewarn them that the bank may not take the price and can counter considerably higher depending on the circimstances.

I have also seen agents list a home with an unrealistic short price to get multiple offers on the property.

Is this false advertising, as the bank realistically will not take the listed price and came back considerably higher in one recent transaction that I was involved in?

I am sure amy of you are seeing this, as well as shorts that are working out. It has been my experience that the banks are still doing appraisals for value on the homes that I have been involved with.

Tucson Short Sales

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:42:17 -0500

Short Sales are around in the Tucson market at present as in many other parts of the Country.

I have also seen agents list a home with an unrealistic short price to get multiple offers on the property.

Is this false advertising, as the bank realistically will not take the listed price and came back considerably higher in one recent transaction that I was involved in?

I am sure many of you are seeing this, as well as shorts that are working out. It has been my experience that the banks are still doing appraisals for value on the homes that I have been involved with.

We are using a strategy for offers with our clients for short sales.

Resurrection Celebration

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:20:10 -0500

Last weekend we saw an incredible event in Tucson. Cavalry Chapel sponsored a large community prayer meeting called the Resurrection Celebration at the Tucson Convention Center. Christians of all denominations were welcome at the Event.

Over 10,00 people attended the Event to pray for Tucson, to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection. It was formed to encourage and pray for people to come together and see the Lord as their Savior.

It was an incredibly moving time to see so many people get together to worship, sing and pray. Regardless of your denomination I think it is important for Christians to band together in our troubled times so that others can see the power of our Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.