working with a realtor: The Human Touch in a Technological World - 05/31/24 10:10 AM
I received my daily email from Seth Godin today, talking about "the third impossibility".
Radio/Television
Internet
AI
As we enter this age of unfathomable technology, I think it will be wise to remember the value of human touch as well.
In our careers, personal interaction can translate to stronger relationships and deeper connections with our clients and colleagues. When we take the time to listen, understand, and respond with empathy, it shows that we're more than just professionals—we're people who care. 
You've likely heard the saying, "People like to work with folks they know...like...and trust".  I don't believe that means an email or text is going to … (12 comments)

working with a realtor: Working with a REALTOR® - 05/31/24 09:45 AM
I wrote this blog posting a few weeks back, in reaction to yet more unfavorable headlines out there.  I stewed on it for awhile, and finally feel like I can put it out there.  
I feel the times ahead really call for, and will be improved upon, with excellent communication.  Transparency, authenticity, honesty - I like those words that end with Y.
So, here's my "ponderings" as I react to the news around us:
***
It’s an interesting thought.  I was reading a rant by a national real estate coach regarding collusion.  He mentioned he must have missed the invites to those meetings where all … (8 comments)

working with a realtor: Integrity - What it Means when Choosing a REALTOR® - 05/03/24 11:41 AM
What are the attributes you want with your Real Estate Agent? The first entry of the Business Dictionary defines integrity as the “Strict adherence to a moral code, reflected in transparent honesty and complete harmony in what one thinks, says, and does.” 
Integrity is all about doing the right thing, even when nobody's watching. In real estate, it's like the golden rule—treat others how you'd want to be treated.  You can take that one step further and expect to be treated they way YOU would like to be treated. When you're honest, ethical, and upfront in everything you do, it builds trust. … (6 comments)

working with a realtor: Baby Boomers and the Tucson, AZ Real Estate Market - 04/30/24 11:07 AM
Let's talk today about the Baby Boomer generation, those folks born between 1946 and 1964.  With a population of over 71 million here in the US, owning more real estate than any other generation; it's a pretty big deal in the real estate world. As they're (we) are getting older, let's talk about how that may affect the real estate market – sooner rather than later!
First off, many are retiring or getting close to it. And you know what often comes with retirement? Downsizing. You might want to swap your big family home for something smaller and easier to manage. Maybe … (2 comments)

working with a realtor: 6 Points to Consider in the Arizona Buyer Advisory for Real Estate - 04/19/24 07:24 AM
Does this form heading look familiar?
The Arizona Buyer Advisory is a document provided by the Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) that offers guidance and information to homebuyers in Arizona. It's designed to educate buyers about various aspects of the homebuying process and to help them make informed decisions.
As your buyer's agent, I like to go through this handbook with you as a resource to help you towards making one of life's biggest financial decisions - buying a house. Within this document are LIVE LINKS to help you find the information you seek.
Here are some key features and topics covered in the … (5 comments)

working with a realtor: Continuing Education and Your Real Estate Agent - 04/18/24 08:15 AM
Continuing education is crucial in the real estate field for several reasons. As a designated broker for the Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes, I have a duty not only to my own clients and sphere, but to the agents that work under our banner. Every two years, I am required by the state of Arizona to take 30 hours of continuing education, and a Code of Ethics class every 3 years marking me as a REALTOR® belonging to the National Association of Realtors®. Then there are the classes, webinars and zoom meetings one attends just to stay current in the … (5 comments)

working with a realtor: Work/Life Balance - 04/17/24 07:47 AM
"I won't be able to see you anymore...because of my obligations..." Barry White 
I have some background music playing while I weed through emails this morning and I was thinking about work/life balance.
We were at a business luncheon yesterday when a young escrow agent was telling a story of her envy regarding another professional who said as a means of persuasion, "I can work my own hours and vacation when I want...I can always take my phone and computer on vacation!"
My business partner and I both laughed and grimaced simultaneously...we each know the many "vacations" we took where the phone or computer … (3 comments)

working with a realtor: Contemplating a Home Gym in Your Tucson, AZ Home? - 03/28/24 03:10 PM
Contemplating a Home Gym in Your Tucson, AZ Home?
Home gym or gym membership.  What is better in Tucson, AZ?
Well, as you know, that's very likely a personal decision.  Whether a home gym or a gym membership is better depends on your personal preferences, goals, budget, and lifestyle. 
Here are some factors to consider for each option:
Home Gym:
Convenience: With a home gym, you have the ultimate convenience. You can work out whenever you want, without having to commute to a gym.
Privacy: Some people prefer the privacy of their own home when working out, especially if they're self-conscious or prefer to focus without distractions.
Make … (5 comments)

working with a realtor: What Exactly Does "Low Inventory" Mean with Real Estate - 03/19/24 06:56 PM
You’ve heard the words “Low Inventory” for over a year now, but what exactly does that mean?
Picture this: Tucson's real estate market is like a game of musical chairs, but with houses. Now, when there's low inventory, it's like there are way fewer chairs than people playing.
So, what happens? Well, first off, everyone starts scrambling. Buyers are looking for homes, but there just aren't enough to go around.  With fewer options, buyers get competitive. They start bidding higher and higher to snag one of the few available homes. That means prices shoot up, which is great news for sellers, but not … (7 comments)

working with a realtor: Energy-Saving Meritage Homes for Sale in Tucson, AZ - 03/18/24 10:32 AM
Thinking about purchasing a new construction home in order to take advantage of lower interest rates?  For a limited time, Meritage is offering lower monthly payments with rates as low as 3.99% on some of their popular floorplans. (click link to see)
Very important --  Don't forget to take buyer representation along with you on your first visit.  Site agents work for the seller.  You do not get a "deal" or a discounted rate on your home purchase if you show up without an agent.  Negotiation skills, “add-ons and upgrades” guidance, impartial inspection coverage, another eye on the Builder Contract and addenda -- There's … (4 comments)

working with a realtor: New Construction In Tucson Along I-10 and Wilmot Streets - 03/01/24 09:07 AM
New Construction Opportunities near SE Tucson
Blackhawk, situated along the I-10 corridor southeast of Tucson at the southwest intersection of Wilmot and I-10, is a growing community with two planned Phases for construction. Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group, Inc. is currently developing 87 acres of land, and lots are now available for purchase.
In January, D.R. Horton acquired 60 single-family residential (SFR) lots in Blackhawk. More recently, Richmond American secured 51 SFR lots at a noteworthy price of $4.641 million ($91,000 per lot), marking a new high for lot prices in this Tucson area.
Upon completion, the community will feature a total of 310 … (3 comments)

working with a realtor: Taking the Time to Find the Right Real Estate Agent for You - 02/16/24 01:13 PM
Finding the right real estate agent is crucial when navigating the myriad details of buying or selling your home, often one of the largest transactions in your life. You'll want a REALTOR who not only possesses the necessary education but also exudes compassion and excellent communication skills.
It's essential to recognize that not all real estate agents are cut from the same cloth. If you're a type A personality, your ideal match might differ from someone with a right-brained, creative disposition. Likewise, if you're a dreamer seeking a connection on a spiritual level, a strictly analytical, by-the-book agent might not be the … (5 comments)

working with a realtor: Is Now a Good Time to Sell your Tucson Horse Ranch or Property? - 09/20/22 10:01 AM

Wondering what's going on in NW/W metro Tucson with regards to horse properties?  I did a little investigating to compare and ran zip code searches for 3:  85742, 85745, and 85653 to see what was going.
Criteria was horse property, single family home, 2 acres or more.  I looked at last 60 days of action.
85742 had 8 total, Active listings priced 925K to 2.5m.  2 closed,  one at 950K and 1.07m
85653 had 3 total, 1 at 775 available, 2 sold, (trailers, not sfr) at 165 and 170
85745 had 13 total, 4 active between 475K and 765K, a 399 pending, no sales
85743, had … (1 comments)

working with a realtor: Getting Back to the Basics - Or At Least Asking Google! - 08/19/22 03:49 PM
Getting Back to the Basics - Or At Least Asking Google!
I met with a newer agent this week, struggling a bit with her career and lack of support.  I tried to gently push her in directions where she can (1) add to her knowledge, as well as (2) get support.
My daughter - always sacrilegious - used to laughingly tell me I was very good at the "air of authority".  I'll admit it, as a newbie I struggled to be competent, appear knowledgeable, and avoid that dreaded question, "How long have you been in Real Estate?"  So -- I drew on my … (4 comments)

working with a realtor: Are you Working at 50% - 08/17/22 10:18 AM
I received an email today that asked me if I was working with half a mind.  I chuckled, wondering as I prepped dinner for later, if I even utilized HALF my mind, or my brain power.  I know our brains are miraculous and underused, according to scientists.
I clicked on the email as it was selling a book, and it did go on to say that in one study, our minds are usually "wandering" about 46% of the time.
I got to thinking about real estate.  There are days when I am working 6 hours straight without a break, stop to eat, and … (15 comments)

working with a realtor: Finding Your Tucson Style - 5 Home Buying Tips - 08/15/22 10:43 AM

I love Active Rain and through the years it has brought me many a customer, endless education, laughs, camaraderie with fellow professionals, and so much more.
However, as the years go by, there's always a few articles that have me scratching my head.
Today, I clicked on a post about Real Estate tips...and found something of a conundrum.
It was about STYLE, not real estate.  The right fit, what's stylish, what colors to wear, the little black dress, foundation garments...etc.
After I read it a few times, I found myself tying that stylish prose into real estate and for some punny fun, did a re-imagining … (3 comments)

working with a realtor: Fall is Just Around the Corner - Is Your Home Ready? - 08/10/22 11:32 AM
It is not too soon to begin thinking about FALL!  Preparation is key to effective home selling, and as our Arizona temperatures relax, homebuyers come out and the snowbirds return.
What can you do to be ready?
Focus on your yard.  Make sure it is a strong first impression with those monsoon weeds pulled, rocks raked, front entryways clean and swept.
Is your home move in ready?  It's been hard to get outside in Tucson, AZ, to do the general maintenance needed to keep your home in tip top shape.  
Check the facia and trim boards, wood fences - do they need a bit … (2 comments)

working with a realtor: What Is your Defining Criteria when Buying a Home for Sale - 08/01/22 12:19 PM
What Is your Defining Criteria when Buying a Home for Sale
When searching for a home, it's important to know your priorities.
Important to consider from your own viewpoint might be location, walkability, privacy, lot size, number of bedrooms, an extra room for an office, etc.  The characteristics of a home make it YOUR home, and having your must-haves CLEAR before you start looking can save a lot of time, and possibly heartache.
For instance, let me introduce a property to you in regards to some of the defining criteria you may need.
Move in ready Horse property Four bedrooms Private, rural Mountain views … (2 comments)

working with a realtor: The Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes, Tucson AZ - 07/18/22 01:14 PM
I don't know about you, but since Covid hit, or people starting quitting their jobs or working from home, or mask mandates were added or subtracted - whatever it is -- the world of customer service has been altered.  There may be longer waits, reduced services, more instant food, fewer incentives, higher prices for a lower-quality product, and so forth.  It all boils down to LESS.
With the slight shift in the Real Estate market, the switch to higher interest, combined with the myriad of services one can shop for, we'd like to talk with you about concierge service.  Specifically, concierge service … (2 comments)

working with a realtor: Your New Home in Continental Ranch, Tucson and Marana, AZ - 06/07/22 10:51 AM
Continental Ranch is a Master-planned community situated in Marana / Tucson that borders Interstate 10 on the east, the Tucson Mountains on the west side, and starts at Cortaro Road in NW Tucson, within Marana town limits
Within its borders is plenty of shopping, a movie theatre, restaurants, a public golf course, and fitness options.
The community also contains the Active Adult community of Sunflower, but for purposes of this blog posting, I'm just going to highlight the residential resale of Continental Ranch with no age restrictions.
In all, over the past 90 days, we are talking about 87 total homes.  9 are, at … (1 comments)

 
Cara Marcelle Mancuso, Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!   (Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes)

Cara Marcelle Mancuso

Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!

Tucson, AZ

More about me…

Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes

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

Mobile: (520) 909-2988

Author Bio: I have been a Realtor since 2005, and love finding homes for new people moving to the area. There is nothing like matching folks up with their hopes and dreams. If you are 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.



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