Where In the World Is Tucson Estates II? And Are Those Sunsets For Real? - 02/25/09 11:58 PM
 
Mike Jones lives out on the west side of Tucson--noted for its spectacular scenery and world-class sunsets.  Many people may think there is something familiar about some of the mountains, plentiful saguaro and other cacti seen in his photos...for good reason:  Old Tucson Studios is not far from Tucson Estates II !
Not only is Mike a master of the Panasonic Lumix camera, he also does amazing work putting loans together to help people purchase homes and investment property in the Tucson Metro Area.  To see more about Mike & his stellar photography, please visit his blog by clicking the … (5 comments)

Dear Diary, My Passion Is... - 02/23/09 01:21 PM
 
When first I heard about this topic for a short essay, it intrigued me greatly:
The opportunity to write about something that I am passionate about is a great gift, and possible subjects whirled instantly through my mind…the farmland my family still holds, NMSU Aggie Basketball, good coffee, chocolate, the desire to succeed, capitalism, responsibility to one’s community, etc, etc, etc.  All worthy subjects, but none struck me as my true passion.
I filed the topic in the back of my mind to let it churn and develop on its own, without conscious interference from me.  Passion is described as … (11 comments)

Remarks by the President on the Mortgage Crisis - 02/18/09 07:32 PM
Thought I would post this here so that everyone could have a chance to read the full text without having to sort through snippets & blurbs in newspapers or interpret the sound bites on news shows.
This text is taken directly from the White House website, as is President Obama's photo.
 

 
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Remarks by the President on the mortgage crisis
For Immediate Release                                                        February 18, 2009 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE HOME MORTGAGE CRISIS Dobson High School Mesa, Arizona 10:25 A.M. MST
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)  Please, everybody have a seat.  … (6 comments)

Don't Expect To Close In 30 Days: Setting Expectations - 02/13/09 07:33 PM
Not long ago...way back in 2008 or so...one could expect 30 days from acceptance of terms to closing on a property to be reasonable.  With few exceptions, this is an unreasonably swift expectation today.
Underwriting departments are swamped with work right now, and even the best of them are seeing 10 day to 2 week timelines for approval.  Part of it can be attributed to the refinance mini-boom with interest rates being so low, part of it due to cutbacks in staff.  Other reasons, well, I'm sure there are.
Rather than get buyers and sellers (agents too!) nervous & anxious as … (19 comments)

Why Wait For Washington? Economic Stimulus Begins Locally - Tucson Proposal - 02/10/09 11:33 PM
There's been a lot of focus on the Economic Stimulus package lately...and whatever happens, effects will take some time to be felt on a local level.  Why wait?  Why not see what can be done without Congress...and take charge of our own economic recovery on a local level?
This afternoon in El Presidio Park, a couple hundred people gathered to rally support behind a proposal to put a moratorium on some of the impact fees builders are charged by the City of Tucson.  Check out the short version of video I shot at the rally:
 

 
The spirit of … (5 comments)

Snow On The Mountains + Sunny Skies & Palm Trees = Beauty In Tucson - 02/10/09 05:54 PM
On Sunday I was really excited to see snow on the Catalina Mountains that are the northern landmark of Tucson.  Few people outside the area know that Tucson's elevation is roughly around 2400 ft above sea level.  Mt. Lemmon, the peak of the Santa Catalina Mountain range, is over 9100 ft, which is over a mile difference! (The ski area is open today, by the way)
You've heard of Denver being the "Mile High City"?  Well, we've got more than a mile of variable elevation...which lends itself to an amazing difference in terrain, vegetation...and activities, all within a short drive.
Here's … (5 comments)

Silent Sunday - Snow On Catalina Mountains of Tucson (well, there is Some!) - 02/08/09 08:43 PM
 
 

 

If you would like your own home in the Foothills of Tucson (or anywhere in the area)...& be able to have the Catalina Mountains as your backyard, give me a call!  School District 16 is very highly regarded, and homes generally start in the $300s and condos start in the $150s - who said a beautiful place to live had to be expensive?  Custom homes, new homes & townhouses also available in the area.
… (9 comments)

Citi using Taxpayer Bailout Funds to deny Loan Mods and Foreclose on Cooperating Homeowners - 02/08/09 02:08 PM
Regina P. Brown is a respected REALTOR® in San Luis Obispo - on the Coast of California.
I'm re-posting her story of the ongoing struggle a homeowner is having with Citibank in the effort to save their home...and the incredibly arrogant and unethical way that they are being treated.
I'm sure that there are thousands of similar situations being experienced across the country with most, if not all, of the banking institutions that have run to Congress with their tin cups, and are now feeding at the federal trough with taxpayer money while their execs enjoy perks that are expensive enough … (3 comments)

University of Arizona School of Architecture & Landscape Design Garners National Prominence - 02/06/09 12:45 AM
Art.
Architecture.  Arizona.
The Desert.  Shape, form, function.
Stunning views, the harmony of life & habitat.
Elegance, comfort and making best use of the world that surrounds a location.
 
 
For years, decades even, architects have found inspiration in the desert beauty of Arizona.  Names like Frank Lloyd Wright, Paolo Soleri, Josias Joesler, Henry C. Trost and others have graced our towns and cities with their work.  Creations by Rick Joy, Kevin B. Howard, Jack Moses and a host of many talented professionals are noted in Tucson homes.
The School of Architecture and Landscape Design at the University of Arizona … (3 comments)

Eller College of Management at University of Arizona Ranked Among Best In World - 02/05/09 10:32 PM
One of the things that Tucson is most proud of is its educational opportunities & offerings.  We've got highly competitive public schools (including BASIS Charter - consistently one of the nation's best ranked), highly selective private schools & specialized academies, Pima Community College - one of the largest in the west, and the granddaddy of them all:  The University of Arizona, which is ranked 25th in the country by The Washington Monthly.
There are many schools within the U of A that are highly regarded, several on a global basis.  The College of Optical Sciences, the Department of Astronomy & Steward … (3 comments)

Got A Lead Foot? Watch Out!!!! - 02/04/09 10:41 PM
I know I've got a lead foot sometimes, but I'm not crazy about it...rarely go over the limit by more than 5 MPH.  Nevertheless, when I need to get somewhere in a hurry, sometimes the traffic just seems to go so slow...and I know just the streets to travel where I can get away with it!
NOT ANYMORE!  Pima County is going to install Photo/Radar enforcement cameras in strategic locations around the Tucson Metro Area.  They are going active April 1, 2009 (gee, what an April Fool's present, huh?).  To get all of us used to the photo/radar cameras, there will … (25 comments)

Winter Assaults Tucson With A Vengeance! (See Video) - 02/03/09 09:06 PM
Did you see Punxsatawney Phil yesterday?  Well, he saw his shadow, which means 6 more weeks of winter for everyone.  Since this winter has been brutal for many people, I thought I'd commiserate with you as we suffer in Tucson.
 

 
By the way, if you're interested in making sure your next winter is a bit more pleasant, we have plenty of new homes, luxury homes, foreclosures - you name it, we've got it.  I'll be glad to help!

 


… (8 comments)

Take A Moment To Thank Doug Trudeau - Selflessness Is A Virtue! - 02/03/09 12:09 AM
The Extreme Home Makeover TV show's visit to Tucson has captured a lot of attention locally, and many people have been involved in various ways.  The whole project is only possible through the largesse and giving of time, goods, services and good ol' sweat by companies and individuals.
While I was onsite for my volunteer shift on Saturday, the amazing coordination of the whole scene kept running through my head.  It is a logistical tour de force that allows this whole thing to come together!
One ActiveRain member who deserves a real pat on the back (and a couple of Hurrahs! … (1 comments)

3D TV? Holography? U of Arizona Optical Lab May Be The Center of The Universe In Field - 02/01/09 11:40 PM
Remember watching the holograph of Princess Leia in the first Star Wars movie?  Think it'd be pretty cool to watch the Super Bowl in 3D (and not have to wear those funky, annoying glasses)?  It may be a reality sooner than you think.
In stories reported by the Arizona Daily Star and aired by KVOA News 4 (no video at time of post), University of Arizona scientists in the College of Optical Sciences have made a breakthrough in laser technology that will lead to such benefits.
Just a few years ago, the College of Optical Sciences opened up a new building … (3 comments)

Speechless Sunday - Sunset In Southern New Mexico - 02/01/09 03:57 PM

 

 
… (18 comments)

 

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