Think Not Getting A Call Back Is Tough? Try The “Guess The House” Call Back. - 05/30/12 11:03 AM
Many posts and viewpoints about people who don’t return phone calls – it does get frustrating when you call and call, leave messages, and still, no call back.
But try being the one who does call back only to be met with, “Oh, hmmm, I forgot what or which property I was calling about?”
Followed by, “Well – just tell me which property you have listed and it might jog my memory.”
Then when you respond, “I have several, can you at least narrow it down to the area, street, etc.?”
Only to hear, “No – but I remember the … (6 comments)
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Tucson Real Estate - Is It A Buyers or Sellers Market? - 05/29/12 05:18 AM
Is it a Seller’s Market? Buyer’s Market? That’s a good question! And “depends” is an answer often given! The Tucson real estate market varies and it really does depend! At times some areas are hot – other areas seem to really be dropping in price and homes stay on the market for a long time.
Below is a map of the general Tucson area by zip code along with a description of which areas, by zip code, have the longest days on market vs. the shortest.
MONTHS ON MARKET BY ZIP CODE
These statistics are generated from the Tucson … (9 comments)
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Don't Forget - It's Not About The Hot Dogs. - 05/28/12 01:51 PM
Winds have been high in Tucson lately - gusting up to 35mph. The desert is dry. It's hot. All the making for potential fires are here. As such, the fire officials have designated Mt Lemmon picnic sites as "no fire areas" this Memorial Day weekend.
Late last night, I turned on the news. One of the reporters interviewed a camper who was up on Mt Lemmon for the weekend. They were asking campers how they would celebrate amid the fire restrictions. Then came complaints. Evidently, many campers came "all the way up for the weekend to relax and enjoy themselves and it's … (6 comments)
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Urban Fires - Ways To Protect Your Home. - 05/26/12 09:26 AM
Today's Tucson paper provided a great visual of how to protect your home if you are in a high-risk fire area. And living in Tucson with the hot, dry weather- any home is at risk for fire danger.
People often think of wild fires associated with mountain areas - such as Mt. Lemmon or the mountain ranges near Sierra Vista and other outlying areas. But urban fires happen all the time. The National Fire Association reported that in 2010 fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires.
The main causes of urban fires include: kids who play with matches, unattended … (8 comments)
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Listing Brokers Or Property Managers – Who Gets Sued More? - 05/26/12 05:33 AM
The Arizona Risk Management Committee, through a survey, compiled data citing the top E&O Claims or trends within our state in the past couple years.
The highlights of the survey found:
Most claims were made by Buyers – against the listing Broker. 1/3 of the claims were filed more than 12 months AFTER COE. Most claims were settled – but interestingly, ¼ of the settlements did not involve money. In court cases, the Broker succeeded 67% of the time. The top claim categories filed against a Broker were:
Property construction defects Plumbing leaks/mold Permits and Zoning issues Subdivision, easement and termites … (3 comments)
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You Mean These Weren't For Me?!! - 05/25/12 10:48 AM
What a week for Tucson school age kids! Many graduated a few days ago - many more had the last days of school last week - and today - it's officially the last day of school for the rest of the kids!
Including my daughter - who poor thing - came down with pneumonia at the beginning of this week and couldn't be a part of many of the last week of school activities. But she did manage to go to the really big day - which was yesterday - 6th grade promotion - and what a great ceremony it was.
… (3 comments)
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Bring Back The Splash – Tucson Public Pools Re-Open! - 05/25/12 10:13 AM
The truth is not every home in Tucson has a pool! A few months out of the year – it doesn’t matter – but my goodness – when it starts getting hot – suddenly the only thing people can think about is how to cool down!
Two years ago, Tucson city budget cuts included closing down public area swimming pools – including 10 of the cities year-round swimming pools.
But with the help of donors, this year, the city will be able to reopen a total of 16 pools so residents can splash and swim all summer long! Although all the … (1 comments)
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Moose Over - We're Outa Here! - 05/23/12 05:33 AM
Waking this morning, thinking about showing a home yesterday. Honestly, I couldn’t really tell you about the home because what greeted us were stuffed animals. All over.
All over – the entry way, the living room, kitchen, even bathroom – proud displays of deer and moose heads of all sizes – clearly they kept their taxidermist in business.
Locking eyes with the moose over the fireplace – it had the biggest eyes. I couldn’t even look at him with more than a glance. It was a little much. Not to mention, I felt like every move I made was being … (15 comments)
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Biggest Problem Between A Landlord And Tenant? - 05/22/12 03:18 PM
Question: What is the biggest problem between a landlord and tenant?
Landlord doesn't make repairs. Tenant doesn't pay or doesn't pay rent on time. Both think the other is wrong about (insert issue). None of the above. It’s none of the above! These are problems – no doubt – but all of these problems, and many more can be solved with one thing. Communication.
Lack of communication is something, that if corrected and used properly - solves many, many problems not just with tenants, but with other people.
Even if your tenant doesn’t communicate much with you – it’s your job … (5 comments)
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Mt Lemmon Arizona - Cool Weather, Cool Bike Ride, Cool Home Prices! - 05/22/12 02:22 PM
One of my most favorite things to do in Tucson Arizona is ride my bicycle up Mt Lemmon Highway.
It's a very peaceful ride with beautiful scenery for 26 straight miles. Okay, okay - so it's 26 miles up hill - but the view is distracting and there are so many stopping spots to rest and just take it all in while you breathe some cool fresh air long the way.
Here is a brief look at the view along Mt Lemmon highway:
Home prices on Mt Lemmon have come down quite a bit over the years. There are … (2 comments)
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What The ... Fahrenheit?! - 05/21/12 03:55 PM
This was taken today – in the shade – the outside temperature in Tucson Arizona. In the sun – yikes – it was even hotter!
The summer Tucson sun is here. I wrote a post about sunscreen last week – today – more fitting with the heat and temperatures that will continue to rise – I’ll write about something even as important. Protecting yourself from the heat.
A somber reminder of the devastating effects of the heat: few days ago, a 23 year old visitor arrived in Tucson – went on a hike – and sadly, died from heat stroke. It … (7 comments)
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Sunday Cell Phone Photo - Let Your True Colors Shine! - 05/20/12 05:36 AM
It is amazing the quality of cell phone photos these days - some better than others.
I have just an average android phone and found that the best way to take a good photo - is to not try so hard - let the subject be what it is and display it proudly!
Today - this is my cell phone photo to share: PINK!
Like anything you do - be who you are, be what you want to be, and let your true colors shine.
Define yourself on your terms - not others. Don't fixate on the past - … (10 comments)
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Fall In Love With Pretty – But Pay More Attention To Ugly. - 05/19/12 03:02 PM
When Buyer’s see all the homes on the market that either need repairs, or haven’t been upgraded – it’s easy to stop right in their tracks and fall in love with the first pretty home that they come across!
When it happens and I see a Buyer’s eyes all glazed over as they fall in love with a home and the shiny fixtures, bright floors and new paint everywhere – I remind them to start looking for the ugly things too. It’s not always easy sometimes – especially on fix and flip homes to find the hidden uglies – but if … (6 comments)
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El Dorado Swim Team - Tucson Arizona! - 05/18/12 11:28 AM
If you are looking for a good, fun, family-oriented - yet highly competitive swim team with excellent coaches, volunteers and board members - then look no further than El Dorado Aquatics Swim Team in Tucson Arizona!
My daughter has been swimming with the El Dorado Aquatics club for many years - learning how to swim when she was just three years old. Today she is 11 and still loves the team with the yellow cap!
The coaching staff is outstanding - the board members rank right up there - and the fees are competitive. The EDAC club offers:
Year round swimming … (2 comments)
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Everything Comes Up Roses! - 05/18/12 10:45 AM
We heard a lot of "roses" quotes haven't we? Here are some of my favorites:
"You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses." - Tom Wilson, from the "Ziggy" comic strip.
Thorns and roses grow on the same tree. - Turkish Proverb
Man is harder than iron, stronger than stone and more fragile than a rose. - Turkish Proverb
As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round. - Ben Hogan
At every step the child should be allowed to meet the … (2 comments)
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Constant Work Makes You Lose The Power Of Judgment. - 05/18/12 05:35 AM
Often, it’s easy to spot someone who hates their job – or hates what they are doing – and defines it as “a way to support themselves.” And when you hate what you are doing – you lose all good judgment about how to do your job well. The end results are losing clients, getting fired, or you just end up being a miserable person to work or interact with.
I applaud people getting jobs to support themselves and their families. But – if you are doing a job just to support yourself – at least find one that’s interesting – … (4 comments)
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Don't Burn Baby Burn In The Tucson Inferno! - 05/16/12 01:06 PM
Tucson, Arizona. We are over 100 degrees today. And not a cloud in the sky. It’s officially that time of year when everyone and anyone who wants to get anything done outside – starts heading out by 5am to “get ‘er” done! Doesn’t matter if its exercise, yard work or simply going to the grocery store – the earlier you shake things up – the better.
Arizona is without a doubt – one of the states with the highest number of skin cancer cases. Best thing you can do from now until October – wear hats, sunglasses, long sleeve shirts and … (8 comments)
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You Have The Right To Remain Quiet! - 05/15/12 05:13 AM
No matter good tenant, not so good tenant, if you are new to being a landlord or been around for a while – it’s important to know that tenants do have some basic rights that need to be provided.
Here are the basic tenant rights:
Quiet enjoyment covenant is the right to the undisturbed use and enjoyment of real property by a tenant (or landowner.) This covers privacy and safe living – but it also includes peace and quiet. Although you can’t pick your neighbors – if you have neighbors that are loud (in apartment complexes only) you can talk to … (52 comments)
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Be Wise To Fire And Good Monday Lunches In Tucson! - 05/14/12 01:38 PM
It’s that time of year when fire danger in the Tucson and surrounding deserts are high. Taking a quick bike ride up Mt Lemmon today, the most familiar bear of all reminded me that fire danger is high on the mountains as well as all over the state – it’s hot, it’s dry – the wind is up almost everyday – fires love these conditions! So be careful outdoors – don’t leave fires unattended, if you smoke – don’t in the woods, don’t throw you butts out the car window while driving and take extra special caution when putting your cigarettes out … (8 comments)
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What Do Mother's Day And Duct Tape Have In Common? - 05/13/12 02:16 PM
Both can hold anything together!
Just ask my daughter - she loves duct tape - has many colors and designs - and is quite crafty with the tape - she uses it for almost everything! Right now - some duct tape has been holding together her backpack, a pair of her shoes, a piece of wood that broke from her desk - but most important - she uses it for fun things too!
She makes greeting cards and borders them with the tape, or depending on what else she does, she cuts shapes into the tape and let's the design … (14 comments)
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Tucson Schools – 10 More Days Till Summer Break! - 05/12/12 10:38 AM
Another Tucson school year is nearing a close – along with graduation and eager elementary school student preparing for junior high school – comes the yearly question, “What’s your child doing for the summer?”
If you are among many who are staying in Tucson – Tucson has a variety of summer camps all across the city in just about venue you could possibly want – from sports camps, to science, church, flight, overnight camps, day camps, part time camps – you name it – Tucson has it!
With as many Tucson summer camps to choose from – it does make it … (8 comments)
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If You Want An Accepted Offer - Start By Making One! - 05/11/12 08:32 AM
There are still many people nervous or unsure about buying a home. Torn between renting vs home ownership – the prices are low, interest rates low too – but then there is the question of “Is it a good deal?”, “Will prices fall more?” “Should I wait it out more?”
And then there are those that decide they want to buy – but are afraid to make an offer, think that their chances of getting the home are slim, or can’t decide what to offer because they think their offer either won’t be accepted or will be countered way above what … (8 comments)
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Go Fly A Kite – National Kite Flying Day! - 05/10/12 10:48 AM
Sunday, May 13th is National Kite Day and that’s when it’s fun to say “go fly a kite” in a nice way!
In recognition of National Kite Day, Tucson’s Mister Car Wash – you can fly a kite – for free! The national chain car wash is giving free kites to kids and adults now through June 2 at its four Tucson area locations: 6345 E. Tanque Verde Road; 8175 N. Oracle Road; 320 W. Irvington Road; and 8215 N. Courtney Page Way in Marana.
According to the Kite Flying Webpage: “National Kite Month is a year-long effort by kite professionals, … (9 comments)
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7 Things To Know In Tucson Today - 05/09/12 10:05 AM
Wednesday in Tucson is making noteworthy news - here are the highlights:
The TUSD school board approved reducing its staff by 72 folks – this includes teachers, counselors and other staff. The majority of layoffs will affect teachers.
Tonight, the Tucson Police Department will hold its annual memorial honoring fallen police officers. The memorial will take place downtown at the main police station beginning at 7pm.
Tucson is an alert this week following another attempted child abduction on the north/Foothills part of town yesterday morning. Parents - watch over your children and if your child walks or rides their bike to … (4 comments)
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Pictures Say 1000 Words. And So Does Anything @ Hotmail! - 05/09/12 09:07 AM
We’ve all heard the phrase: Pictures say a thousand words.
And it's true – pictures give clues about people, places, things – and we all know the importance of the message a photo can convey. From business card photos, to MLS pictures of a home, to the photos we put on social media sites – it all says something about the person who owns the photo.
And yesterday, I decided that email address rank right up there for saying “a thousand words”. Receiving a rental application from someone who noted their employment as “owns own business”, I reviewed the rental application … (3 comments)
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Push Yourself Away From The Dinner Table And Exercise! - 05/08/12 01:59 PM
CNN online reported that by the year 2030 – 42% of people in the US will be considered obese. As it stands today, 35% of American adults are already considered obese. And these percentages don’t include the rising number of obese children in the US.
Ironically, today, in a doctor office, a lady was next to me with her two year old. It was 7:30am. The child was drinking soda, eating potato chips, cookies and a hot dog. While talking, the lady said her 8 year old needed medication to control his high blood pressure and she couldn’t figure out what … (8 comments)
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Investment Property and Second Homes – What’s The Difference? - 05/07/12 05:45 AM
Getting several calls from potential buyers who see statements such as: “Owner occupied only for 15 days”, “First Look initiative for 10 days”, etc., in MLS remarks or on certain listings that qualify for HomePath or are HUD properties.
“What does that mean?” It means that only offers from those intending to live in the home as their primary residence will be looked at. That is generally followed with questions such as, “What if I eventually intend to live in it – or does it count if it’s a second home?”
The answer remains – unless you intend to live in … (9 comments)
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Im Going Backwards – But The Tool I Can’t Live Without Is …. - 05/05/12 05:29 AM
This post has been written for the May ActiveRain, Adobe Echosign Contest ActiveRain Contest: iPhones, Laptops, Google, Electronic Signatures and ActiveRain…What Do These Have in Common.
Most of us have what many have to make their business and life (at times it seems!) more productive, faster, streamlined or any other word that fits – from the phone, to a tablet, apps and things needed to make it all work to impress clients.
All these things are great - I love them and probably would have a hard time picking one to do without.
But if I had to do … (18 comments)
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Yum Yum – It’s The Taste Of Tucson In Tanque Verde! - 05/04/12 05:54 PM
The 25th Annual Taste of Tucson is tonight at La Mariposa off Tanque Verde and Houghton Road in Tucson from 6pm to 11pm!
Tasty foods will be available from over 15 different Tucson restaurants such as Canyon's Crown Restaurant and Pub, Frost, Le Buzz, Pita Jungle, and The Starlight Room of Mariposa just to name a few. Sample from a few or many!
Interested in a weekend stay in the White Mountains, would the children in your family enjoy a zoo membership? Need some artwork for your walls? Interested in furniture? Is a friend or family member harboring a love … (2 comments)
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A Cactus You Can Eat – The Arizona Desert Prickly Pear! - 05/03/12 06:00 AM
Many people in Tucson do not like cactus – and especially the prickly pear cactus as it grows and spreads quickly. It’s also a difficult cactus to remove from your yard once it’s overgrown.
During this time of year, all cacti are in bloom, but with this particular kind, the blooming begins with a fig-like bulb that many love because you can pick it, prep it and eat it! And it’s quite tasty!
The prickly pear cactus bulb, left untouched also blooms several color shades of flowers – as you can see in this photo.
The bulbs typically start … (6 comments)
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2012 Arizona Landlord Handbook – Best Property Manager Guide! - 05/03/12 05:46 AM
The 2012 Arizona Landlord Handbook is out and it is a must for all landlords– whether you are a DIY or property manager – having, using and following this reference book should be a part of your business practice!
Some of the things you will learn or review in this book include:
Way to handle troublesome tenants How to get a judgment against a tenant What the landlord must do, and cannot do, under the law “Quick Start” for new landlords and “Checklist” for existing landlords It’s filled with 25 “must have” ready to use forms such as: 5-Day Notice, Application, … (1 comments)
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Brand New Eye-Candy Home – The Kind You Wish You Could Strip Down! - 05/01/12 04:45 AM
There is a great featured post this morning by Dale Samples about the importance of a home inspection. I’m going to add another story that supports the post!
Fix and flip home. Looks great all the way around – new everything – eye-candy appliances, windows, etc., very sweet on the first impressions!
Throughout the inspections, things started coming up here and there. Nothing that can’t be addressed, but then other things make inspectors wonder alot more about!
Still the buyers are loving what they see – so excited to place their furniture, know exactly when they will have their first party, etc., … (5 comments)
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