Outdoor Enthusiasts - "The Loop" Reaches Completion in Pima County, Arizona - 07/30/11 11:04 AM
Outdoor Enthusiasts - "The Loop" Reaches Completion in Pima County, Arizona  This is exciting news.  I read in the Tucson Citizen today that "The Loop", a 23-mile route for walkers, runners, bikers, trikers, nature lovers, etc. will be opening from West Silverlake Road near the Tucson Mountains to North Craycroft Road nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalinas. In actuality, the route encompasses 55 paired miles of pathways fit for walkers, skaters, and even horses.  This path connects to parks, trailheads, and other multi-use byways.  And, over 38% of Tucson's metropolitan residents live within a mile of "The Loop".  Talk … (6 comments)

What's going on in San Lucas? New Construction Real Estate Recovery! - 07/30/11 10:51 AM
What's going on in San Lucas?  New Construction Real Estate Recovery!

San Lucas is a private little master planned community about 15 minutes out of Tucson, along I-10 to the North.  New construction has been rampant and resale prices present fantastic opportunities for home buyers.  Imagine your own new home setting with verdant greenways and mountain backdrop just minutes from bustling Tucson.


Currently, there are 12 ACTIVE listings available, averaging 82.33 a sq. foot.  Prices range from 101,600 to $211,190 and this is for 3 to 5 bedroom homes for sale in Marana.  
New construction is available … (9 comments)

Gladden Farms in Marana, AZ – Hints of Real Estate Recovery in Market Statistics for May - July 2011 - 07/29/11 11:28 AM
Gladden Farms in Marana, AZ – Hints of Real Estate Recovery in Market Statistics for May -  July 2011

84 Homes in Gladden Farms are the focus of this month's market analysis for the Marana neighborhood, just minutes north of Tucson, AZ.  Inventory is down from April, when 128 homes were actively listed. 
That’s good news for the home sellers in this area, and hints at Real Estate Recovery for this area.
21 homes are currently ACTIVE and for sale in Marana (Tucson) AZ.  Of those ACTIVE, 8 of the 21 are NEW CONSTRUCTION Currently there are 8 homes ACTIVE … (5 comments)

The Exotic City of Tucson, AZ - 07/29/11 10:37 AM
The Exotic City of Tucson, AZ
Ever feel compelled to do something because you felt you were "supposed to"?
Ever feel like a decision you were about to make was "important" but you weren't sure why?
That's how we feel about our decision to become a Foreign Exchange Student Host Family.  I posted about it back in May when we first became involved in the entire process, and now we're less than a week until her arrival.
I know my husband has a few worries, not the least of which is that he'll now be lone male in a home full … (2 comments)

Do You Have What It Takes To Buy REO Properties? - 07/28/11 09:40 PM
Do You Have What It Takes To Buy REO Properties?
My new clients just relocated from Germany and are anxious to find the right home for their next four years here in the Tucson area.
I'm sure I slammed them with too much information at our first meeting, but there was so much I wanted to tell them and so little time.
You see, I was leaving town, just as they were coming.  I'd gotten to know them through email and really wanted to work with them just for more than just business reasons.
He was military - bless all of … (6 comments)

Thoughts on "another" Sunny Summer Day in Tucson - 07/25/11 12:20 PM
Thoughts on "another" Sunny Summer Day in Tucson

I learned two very interesting sunny facts this weekend I thought I'd share with you.

According the Guinness Book of World Records, Yuma, AZ (about 240 miles, or 4 hours WEST) is the sunniest place on earth. They have sunny skies for an average of 4,055 hours, out of 4,456 hours that are in every year.
So in other words, Yuma is sunny 91 percent of the time. Wow.

Then I was talking to my son in Seattle. He said he heard on the news that Seattle, WA has had … (7 comments)

Arizona real estate market improvement - 07/23/11 06:34 PM
In this era of gloom and doom news, this is very positive STUFF!  Our sister to the north, Phoenix, is experiencing marked improvement for sellers in the Arizona Real Estate Market.  The points Juli makes in her blog apply for home-sellers and home-buyers in Tucson as well.  If you price your home correctly, and maintain it in show-ready condition - you can expect positive results much faster than just a few months prior.  
Buyers in Tucson must be prepared with "highest and best" offers, multiple offers on the property they have interest in, and pre-financing steps in place.  If you … (2 comments)

"Can I Put In A Really Low Offer On This House?" - 07/22/11 01:40 PM
Ken has some really great information in this post.  I work with many buyers, and I must remind you - trying to offer a low price can cost you the deal.  I will write the offer, but I certainly won't guaranty you any success.  
Recently, an investor client of mine wanted to bid quite lower on a HUD home.  I reminded them that HUD homes have appraisals which put them very close to current market value, providing they have been appraised within three months.  Lo-balling, or underbidding can be a waste of time.  HOWEVER, she insisted that I write the … (3 comments)

Double Your Pleasure - Double the Fun - 07/22/11 01:17 PM
Double Your Pleasure - Double the Fun
This was a great week - I finished up a 10 day vacation AND had a little work to do...doubling up on work and play is always good!
I got two more transactions in the closing stages with final papers flying back and forth.  A double closing is always nice!  (And they were doubly hard distressed properties/investment purchases with lots of extra loopholes - so glad to get to the finish line!)
I signed two new buyers to buyer-broker agreements, so double buyers is exciting as well!
To top it off, mother nature shared … (4 comments)

Excellent Service + Excellent Product: Brio Restaurant in Tucson - 07/19/11 10:52 AM
Excellent Service + Excellent Product:  Brio Restaurant in Tucson
  Last Thursday my friend and I met for dinner at the newly opened Brio Restaurant in Tucson, AZ. It's by the Tucson Mall between Oracle and Stone, along Wetmore.  My friend had a menu dropped off at her place of employment and after one glance, they had me at "Lobster Bisque".   I was greeted at the door by two lovely young women who shared an appetizer menu with me and mentioned that Thursdays featured $5 martinis in all sorts of colors and flavors.  I cuddled up to the bar and … (10 comments)

First Time Home-buyer? Let's Talk about Money! - 07/17/11 01:09 AM
First Time Home-buyer?  Let's Talk About Money!
Here's some main questions some of my first time homebuyers have asked me in the past and a brief answer to follow.  I'm not going to address short sale, reo or foreclosed-upon properties, or HUD home questions here because my blog posting will get too long! Please follow the links for more information on those types of transactions.

First Time Home-buyer Questions: How much money do I need?
There are many factors involved, the first being the type of loan you are obtaining financing for in your Arizona State Real Estate Transaction.  I … (56 comments)

The Apache Trail Near Phoenix - Arizona Road Trips - 07/15/11 09:35 AM
The Apache Trail Near Phoenix - Arizona Road Trips
Shortly after I moved to the Tucson area in 2000, my son and I took a road trip through the Apache Trail area NE of the Phoenix area.  I have company coming again this month and I'm contemplating the trip.  
(Superstition Mountains)
It's absolutely beautiful.

The Salt River winds through the area, and connects the lakes of Roosevelt, Saguaro, Canyon, and Apache. Stop for a swim, picnic, or boat ride!

(Canyon Lake)
When we were traveling before, the Rodeo Fire was burning, the second largest Arizona fire in history. … (7 comments)

Identity Theft - It Can Happen to You and Your Clients - 07/13/11 12:03 PM
Identity Theft - It Can Happen to You and Your Clients
Just sending out a little reminder of how easy it is to get robbed, and one of the best defenses is to keep an eye on your bank statements, online checking account, etc. on a regular basis - so when something pops up, you can follow the path back to its source.
A lovely client of mine purchased a home last May.  During escrow, she wrote three checks - the earnest money, the inspection, the termite inspection.  She gave her financial information to her mortgage broker for the appraisal, etc.
… (6 comments)

The Agua Linda Farm in Amado, AZ - Things to do near Tucson - 07/12/11 12:00 AM
 
The Agua Linda Farm in Amado, AZ - Things to do near Tucson
A few weeks back my husband and I were able to enjoy the Garlic & Onion Festival at the Agua Linda Farm in Amado, AZ (about 40 minutes south of Tucson, on I-19)

The Agua Linda Farm sits on 64 scenic acres and has been previously published in the Tucson Lifestyle Magazine as one of the top 100 places to visit in the Tucson area!

While there, we found out the Agua Linda Farm is host to all sorts of fun activities and events, as … (4 comments)

It's Vacation Time and the Phone is Ringing! - 07/07/11 06:15 PM
It's Vacation Time and the Phone is Ringing!

Vacation time is always exciting - the days leading up to it are filled with double-checking details:
Making sure all documents are accurate, in place, and backed up Making appointments early for closing signing of documents Setting the auto-email signature for "out of the office" Letting all my clients, prospects and other regular contacts know I'll be away Juggling walk throughs, inspections, and other important facets of a transaction and setting up a backup agent to cover any emergencies I'm a list maker.  I have all my files color-coded and clearly labeled, … (15 comments)

The Home Inspection Blues - 07/06/11 11:28 AM
Leslie does an incredible job of sharing what a home inspection can feel like, as well as pointing out pertinant facts about the importance and purpose of having a home inspection.
Home inspections are for the buyer's protection, and are recommended in EVERY scenario.  Our ADRE Buyers Advisory states, " The importance of having a property inspected by a professional inspector cannot be over-emphasized. An inspection is a visual physical examination, performed for a fee, designed to identify material defects in the property."
Call me if you have questions about Arizona Home inspections.  I'm here to assist.
Via Leslie Ebersole, REALTOR® Chicago's Western … (1 comments)

Monsoon Madness in Marana! Summer Storms in Arizona - 07/06/11 11:19 AM
Monsoon Madness in Marana!  Summer Storms in Arizona

 
July 5, 2011 a summer monsoon storm came roaring through our area, striking out power from Rita Ranch, through Midtown, and northward through Marana.  Gladden Farms residents were without power for about 5 hours.  The storm cell came blowing in just as I finished making dinner and the lights first flickered about 5:25 p.m.  Shortly thereafter, they were out for good and we ate our dinner in twilight.  Thank goodness I'd finished cooking "early"!

Buildings lost roofs, intersections were without signals, and trees have been ripped out of the ground … (5 comments)

Homes for Sale in the Marana School District - 07/05/11 11:31 AM
Homes for Sale in the Marana School District

Before you know it, it's going to be back to school time.  Marana is located about 16 miles NW of downtown Tucson and encompasses 550 square miles.  It is one of the largest school districts in Arizona.
The Marana Unified School District begins their 2011-2012 School Year on August 8, 2011.  If you're looking for a home in the Marana School District - you've no time to waste!
You can search for Marana Homes for Sale here.
You can get information on the new 2011-2012 school calendar and schedule times here.  Big … (2 comments)

A Purple Parasite...or Something More?? - 07/03/11 11:06 AM
A Purple Parasite...or Something More??
Some winter-visitor clients of mine emailed me this week and asked me to take a photo of "anything blooming" in their front yard here in Tucson, AZ.
I stopped by the house and everything looked like most everywhere else here in Tucson...as in, it's time for some RAIN!
However, on closer inspection, I found this lovely bloom, feeding out of a shooter from a nearby rose bush.
Absolutely gorgeous!  I have no idea what it is...weed or wildflower...but I love its vibrant, scriggily abandon!


… (11 comments)

Remembering Your Staff People - 07/01/11 02:11 PM
Remembering Your Staff People
I work out of the River Road Branch of Tierra Antigua, here in Tucson, Arizona.  Currently, Tierra Antigua manages right around 900 agents who work as independent contractors, most out of their own homes.  We can utilize the main branches for meetings with clients and other agents, classes, computer work, printing, and can stop and talk to the staff or an available broker with current questions we have.
I like the set up.  I really enjoy working on my own and the quiet of my home office.  On occasion, it better fits my schedule to spend a … (8 comments)

"Who's Been Sleeping in MY Bed", roared Mama and Papa Bear - 07/01/11 01:17 PM
"Who's Been Sleeping in MY Bed", roared Mama and Papa Bear
Thursday I stopped by one of my vacant listings to make sure everything was in good order and locked up tight.
I was surprised to see that someone had obviously laid on one of the beds and I began to think of Goldilocks and the Three Bears...

I did a little more looking and found that once again, someone had another of the vibrantly-colored sodas I'd "staged" the refrigerator with.  My case of twelve was down to three left...
I peaked into the backyard to see how the youngling … (10 comments)

 
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Cara Marcelle Mancuso

Tucson, AZ

More about me…

Long Realty - Dove Mountain, Marana AZ

Address: 12080 N Dove Mountain Blvd, #100, Marana, AZ , 85658

Cell Phone: (520) 909-2988

Email Me

Author Bio: I have been a Realtor for over 7 years, and love finding homes for new people moving to the area. I also enjoy working with first time home-buyers, because my style is very one-on-one. If you are an investor or looking for a new home in the Tucson area, Marana, Oro Valley and Vail area, or wanting to sell your home, I'd love to help. I have experience with REO Foreclosures and short sales, and have earned the SFR and CSSN designation and certification. I'm also a CTA so if you'd like to hear about my love of Tucson, Vail, Marana, Oro Valley and the SW Desert and WHY...I'll share!



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