tucson: Tucson Snowstorm - 02/12/13 09:09 AM
 
 
Tucson Snowstorm
 

Tucson is known for many things.  We've got great Mexican food, beautiful mountains, and hot summers.  Golf, cycling and hiking are world class.  But Tucson is definitely not known for snow.  In fact, most people move here to get away from the "white stuff".  It typically only snows here about once every 3-4 years.  So twice in one week is simply unheard of but that's what happened.  Saturday it snowed in many areas around town.
Yesterday, it snowed again.  I've been out photographing the "white stuff" three times in just the last few days. … (6 comments)

tucson: Windy Point - 02/07/13 03:49 AM
Windy Point
 
I got up at 3am yesterday in an effort to shoot the stars just as the moon was rising at Windy Point.  As I was heading up the mountain, I noticed the clouds starting to roll in.  I was ticked at first, but they were thin clouds and I thought I'd still give it a try.  I was up anyway.  Although the clouds prevented me from effectively shooting star trails, they did add drama to the night sky.  They also made for a spectacular sunrise.  I'll post those shots later.  After sunrise (when it got light … (12 comments)

tucson: How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent - 02/04/13 05:40 AM
 
 
How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent
Usually the best way to find a good real estate agent is to talk to people.  Find someone that had a good experience with their agent.  Then have an interview with them.  The relationship between you and your agent is similar to a boss and his employee.  You are hiring them to help you.  Why wouldn't you interview them before deciding if you want that agent to represent you and work for you?  Ask them about the following.
 
1.  Experience - In this business, nothing is more important.  Having "been there" means … (5 comments)

tucson: Javelina Rocks - 02/02/13 11:53 AM
My new favorite spot to photograph is Javelina Rocks in Saguaro National Monument.  I used to avoid the area due to the amount of people there.  They were always getting in the way.  In a recent visit, I climbed around one of the other sides and found some interesting compositions.  I also found myself alone.  I've been there three times in the past couple of weeks and I keep finding new angles that I like.  Javelina Rocks is located inside Saguaro National Park on the east side of Tucson.  For those that may not know, there are two locations for Saguaro … (5 comments)

tucson: El Tour de Tucson - 11/19/12 01:01 AM
El Tour de Tucson

El Tour de Tucson is a cycling event that occurs the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year.  It began in 1983 with less than 200 cyclists as a way to raise money for charity.  It has grown to an average of 9000 cyclists and the biggest city circling tour in the United States.  It now raises millions of dollars for charity each year.  It covers 111 miles, circling the entire city of Tucson and a good portion of Oro Valley and Marana.  This year my 16 year old son, Brandon, did it for the first time.  He … (4 comments)

tucson: What is Escrow? - 10/19/12 03:49 AM
 What is Escrow?

This is one of the most common questions I get in real estate.  So here's the answer directly from the expert's mouth.



If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson,
 
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can
 
do for you.  
 
 
Greg McCown
  Century 21 1st American
 (520) 907-6760
 
www.tucsonhoming.com
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
(0 comments)

tucson: What does a Property Manager do? - 10/17/12 06:02 AM
What does a Property Manager do?
 
I've had a lot of people ask me about the different roles that many of my business partners play.  Instead of just telling them my version, I've decided to put together a group of video interviews with those professionals.

Warning: These are not professional actors



If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson,
 
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can
 
do for you.  
 
 
Greg McCown
  Century 21 1st American
 (520) 907-6760
 
www.ahomeintucson.com
 

 
(0 comments)

tucson: The Beautiful Desert - 10/09/12 02:16 AM
The Beautiful Desert

I actually find it hilarious that so many people think that the desert is nothing but a dry barren wasteland.  My wife actually thought that before moving here from Virginia.  She actually thought that the entire state of Arizona looked like the Sahara with nothing but sand, rocks and cactus.  Although there are places similar to that description in Arizona, the desert has so much more to offer.  Rather than bore you with my words, I'll just prove my point in pictures.
 





 
 
If you're looking to buy or sell … (10 comments)

tucson: Welcome to Tucson Video - 09/24/12 01:18 PM
Welcome to Tucson

Tucson, Arizona is such a beautiful place.  People who haven't visited don't understand that this desert isn't just a bunch of sand.  Actually, there is very little sand except in the riverbeds.  Tucson is surrounded by mountains full of pine forests.  This creates an oasis of wildlife and vegetation in the middle of the desert.  Tucosn and its surroundings are full of wildlife and unusual vegetation.  It is home to many national and state parks, including the great Saguaro National Park.
Tucson is also a thriving metropolis.  Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Raytheon, and IBM are just … (1 comments)

tucson: Gnarly Sunrise - 09/21/12 02:59 PM

Gnarly Sunrise


 
Months ago I spotted this dead Mesquite Tree that I thought would make an interesting silhouette against the sunrise.  Early this morning I peaked out to see the sky looking ripe with potential.  I thought I might as well give this new spot a try.
 
I didn't have to hike far, but I ended up going through about 30 spider webs making my way down into the wash through all the brush.  After the 5th spider web I extended my tripod and waved it up and down in front of me as I walked. … (6 comments)

tucson: How an Offer becomes a Contract - 09/21/12 02:29 PM
How an Offer becomes a Contract





If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson,
 
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can
 
do for you.  
 
 
Greg McCown
  Century 21 1st American
 (520) 907-6760
 
www.ahomeintucson.com
 

 
 
 

 
 
(1 comments)

tucson: My favorite Tucson photos of 2011 - 02/02/12 10:23 AM
My favorite Tucson photos of 2011!
 
It took me quite a bit longer than I thought to narrow this list down.  It helped when I decided to not have any people photos.  I don't like taking pictures of people that much anyway, but having kids my wife frequently makes me.  I then eliminated any photos that were taken more than one hour from Tucson.  I originally wanted a top 10, but I couldn't decide which two to eliminate.  I decided that an even dozen should be appropriate.  According to my wife I take way too many pictures.  I count only … (6 comments)

tucson: Immaculate Home on a Huge, Premium Corner Lot located right across from a Beautiful Park - 01/25/12 02:50 AM
(2 comments)

tucson: Tanque Verde Falls in Tucson, Arizona - 01/23/12 11:33 AM

Tanque Verde Falls in Tucson, Arizona

Tanque Verde Falls is located east of Tucson, Arizona in an area known as Redington Pass.  Located between the Catalina Mountains and the Rincon Mountains, Redington Pass is an outdoor paradise.  It is one of the best areas around Tucson for off-roading and firearm activities.  It is also a well known hiking destination.  Keep in mind that if you expect to find water you will need to go during the rainy season or when the snow melts.  This area dries up during other times of the year.


Lower Tanque Verde Falls
(12 comments)

tucson: The Sunrise that got me in trouble - 01/12/12 02:31 AM

The Sunrise that got me in trouble
 
After dropping my son off to school this morning I noticed the sky beginning to take on a little color.  I quickly headed up the mountain to one of my favorite spots.  The sky was amazing, full of an array of colors and textures.  It seemed to last quite a while as I was able to get a few different compositions in before it faded.

I was on such a high I decided to head further up the mountain to some small waterfalls that I was sure would still be running. … (12 comments)

tucson: How to Photograph Waterfalls - 01/03/12 04:36 AM

How to Photograph Waterfalls

Waterfalls are beautiful.  There's just something magical about water falling over a cliff or group of rocks and spashing down.  When I first began my photography obsession I tried taking pictures of waterfalls but they never turned out well at all.  The pictures always turned out overexposed and didn't have that smooth motion that I had seen in other photographs of waterfalls.

There are some simple keys to getting great photographs of waterfalls.  You do need a camera with at least some manual control though.  The basic point and shoot cameras with no ability … (10 comments)

tucson: Bridal Wreath Falls - 12/17/11 05:12 AM

Bridal Wreath Falls
Obviously, Tucson is not well know for waterfalls.  It's a desert and as such does not have a whole lot of water.  But Tucson is surrounded by large mountains and during certain times of the year those mountains receive a lot of rain and snow.  With the rain and snowmelt many of the canyons turn into rivers and the canyon walls turn into waterfalls.

Eric and Dave taking pictures of the main fall

Bridal Wreath Falls is quite a sight during these times.  The main and first fall drops about 25 feet and is surrounded … (16 comments)

tucson: The Best and Simplest Way to Improve Your Photos - 12/14/11 05:09 AM

The Best and Simplest Way to Improve Your Photos
 
There is one simple rule that photographers use that will improve your photos dramatically.  It is one of the first rules one learns and many of you may have heard of it.  It's called Golden Hour.  This simple rule can improve your photos more than any lens or camera regardless of the price.  Golden Hour is the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.  This period of time casts a warm glow rather than the midday harsh light.  Our eyes notice this difference a little, but a camera records … (9 comments)

tucson: Snow on the Mountains...Exactly where it should be. - 12/12/11 04:21 PM

Snow on the Mountains...Exactly where it should be.
 
One of the greatest things about southern Arizona is the lack of snow.  Every year I take my kids on the 45 minute drive up the mountain to play in the snow.  We build a snow man, throw snowballs, make snow angels and even go sledding.  Then we leave.
 
My 2 year old enjoying his first snowball fight
The best part about it is that I rarely touch snow more than three times per year, including vacations.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I do see snow … (7 comments)

tucson: Great Income Property in Tucson - 10/18/11 05:13 AM

Great Income Property in Tucson
 
Only $129,900!!!  
New on the market as of 10/16/2011.  Will not last!
Prices are down are rents are already on the rise making this the perfect time to purchase income properties in Tucson, Arizona.  And this very clean and well maintained triplex would make a great addition to anyone's investment portfolio.  It would also be a great place for the owner occupant to live in one unit and rent out the other two.
This three unit building is in a great rental area in central Tucson.  Located near Country Club and Glenn it … (2 comments)

 
Greg McCown (Century 21 1st American)

Greg McCown

Tucson, AZ

More about me…

Century 21 1st American

Address: 8830 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ, 85710

Office: (520) 296-5491

Mobile: (520) 907-6760



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog