tucson real estate: Not Just Another Market Report: Rancho Sahuarita (Tucson, AZ Metro) - 11/24/08 04:05 PM
Bob Stewart - this market report's for you!
Here are the basics:  you can get a home in the $140,000 to $300,000 and up in this development.
   
The community has a common HOA fee in the mid-$50/month range, more if the property is in a gated community (gotta pay for the gate, folks!).
Homes are being built to order and existing homes are typically less than 4 years old. 

Your Southern Arizona agent for residential, land and investment property.
 

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tucson real estate: Short Sale or Foreclosure Listing of Older Construction? READ THIS! - 10/23/08 04:12 PM
In today's market, short sales and foreclosures make up a sizable portion of the inventory.  Many of them have the utilities turned off to save the seller some money, especially if it is taking a while to sell...little do they know that this could possibly cost them more than they bargained for...
In Tucson, if the electric is off for 6 months or more, one must obtain a "Re-connect Permit" from the city or county before service can be restored.  It used to be that you went down to the Public Works Building, paid your $75 and an inspector would be … (3 comments)

tucson real estate: Never, Ever Thought I'd See This Again! - 10/14/08 03:06 PM
This morning, on my way to meet a client from out of town, I saw something incredible! 
I thought I'd never, ever see this again...wondering if perhaps I was seeing somebody's mistake or cruel joke instead...
 
 
During a delightful day of showing my client some of the finest horse properties in their price range that the Tucson Real Estate Market has to offer, I saw the same thing in 2 other places!

"It can't be," my mind spoke, "things have been topsy-turvy lately...but not to this extent!"
 
Wanna see what I saw?
 
Here it is...
 
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tucson real estate: Tired Of Playing With Stocks? Buy something REAL! - 10/09/08 03:47 PM
Instead of wondering if your latest thought about investing in the company that makes the best antacid or anxiety medicine is a strategy born of genius...
Rather than watching your investment disappear as a company becomes worthless...
As a choice for stability in the long-term instead of today's roller-coaster ride...
It just might be worthwhile to go back to basics and put your money into something REAL for once!
Companies come, companies goDow Jones can be fickle, you know
This one's good, this one's badWithout even knowing, you got had
Enron me onceTyco me twiceGlobal Crossing and more
Once upon a … (12 comments)

tucson real estate: Lofts In Tucson - Slow Progress, But Progress Nonetheless - 09/06/08 06:00 AM

 
 
Ahh, the dream of urban revitalization:  buying a loft with soaring ceilings, space just waiting for personalization in an old building in the downtown of your city.  Close enough that one can feel the heartbeat of the city's core, the culture, the vigor, the convenience!  Oh to live where one can walk to the nearest trendy eatery or boutique.  Seeing artists as one strolls the streets, honing their craft in a small park, the local taverns & coffee shops, watching the hope of becoming The Next Great Thing follow the rhythms of chance and opportunity.
Cities around the country have … (2 comments)

tucson real estate: About Sam Hughes Neighborhood In Tucson - 08/11/08 03:43 PM
Sam Hughes is one of those "magical" neighborhoods one finds in some cities that blends a mix of architectural styles, a diverse population of students, professionals and families, seniors, small shops & businesses into an eclectic blend that is greater than the sum of its parts. The neighborhood is bigger than the individuals who inhabit it.
 
Bordered by the University of Arizona (Campbell Avenue) to the east, Country Club Road to the west, Speedway & Broadway Boulevards to the north and south, it has enjoyed Historic Neighborhood status since 1994. Given its proximity to the U of A, one … (0 comments)

tucson real estate: Under $140,000 For A Newly Remodeled 3 Bed/2 Bath? Naww.... - 06/05/08 06:10 AM
Really, I'm not kidding!  This home has been lovingly remodeled and converted from a 4 Bed/2 Bath to a 3 BR with 2 Master bedrooms.  The seller also created more space to enjoy the outdoors and easier access to the huge backyard by adding another entrance onto a new patio to the north. Lovely shade tree graces the front (east) side of the home.
New porch and entryway givea relaxing place to enjoy the backyard...which is big enough to do whatever your heart desires!
 Tile flooring throughout the home makes care and maintenance easy--the kitchen and breakfast nook are wood laminate to … (2 comments)

tucson real estate: Local Expert: Tucson One Of "7 Recession-Proof Places To Retire"! - 04/21/08 03:49 PM
According to SmartMoney, writing for MSN's Money page, Tucson has distinguished itself one of "7 Recession-Proof Places To Retire."  The article touts the sunny climate and the rich culture of the area as attractive winter features, but goes on to note other factors as well:
Cost of Living:  3% below national average Strong Job Market Steady Housing Prices:  in the age of doom & gloom, the average price of a home only dipped 0.01% in 2007 according to the article.  Regardless of statistics, the Tucson Real Estate Market has weathered the storm very well SmartMoney also points out the popularity of the … (5 comments)

tucson real estate: Local Tucson Attorney Has Solution For Many Facing Foreclosure - 04/20/08 04:14 PM
Stephen M. Weeks, of the Tucson law firm, Weeks & Laird PLLC, has come up with a solution for many people facing foreclosure--those facing an ARM adjustment that may send them into the realm of foreclosure.
After representing many homeowners in a bad situation, he came up with a plan that will help many get out of harmful predatory subprime loans.  The goal is fourfold:  avoid ARMs & negative amortization, allow for affordable house payments without a large amount down, keep tax breaks and allow an owner to gain equity, make it profitable for lenders to adopt this strategy.
The U.S. Patent Office … (5 comments)

tucson real estate: Sam Hughes Neighborhood Sales Analysis Over 15 Years (1992-2007) - 04/13/08 05:40 PM
     
The Sam Hughes Neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona is one of the city's most desirable areas.  The combination of location:  right across from the University of Arizona, and historic homes makes for a solid real estate investment.  The mix of professionals, families and U of A students nurtures a dynamic yet peaceful neighborhood with trendy shops and eateries along its periphery.
I analyzed sales over the past 15 years to provide a statistical snapshot of the area:

   
First Quarter 2008 Sales show the average home selling in Sam Hughes is 2366 Sq Ft at a price … (4 comments)

tucson real estate: Local Expert: Passages Of Tucson - One Of North America's Largest Regional Shopping Developments - 04/10/08 04:23 PM
For the past few years, local rumors and water-cooler conversations have cropped up concerning a large mixed-use development going in on Tucson's Southeast side:  "There's a Mall of America being built in Tucson!"   some have claimed, while others chime in with comments about developers floating rumors to help sell their homes and a whole host of other thoughts.
The truth is this:  Yes, there is a huge developement going in, and no, it isn't being put together by the homebuilders who have been instrumental in the growth of the region.  Passages of Tucson is a 400-acre mixed use development to include … (0 comments)

tucson real estate: Local Expert: Tucson Police Department Crime Stats - 04/05/08 05:18 PM
                                                                             Often people will ask me:  "How is the crime in this neighborhood?"  By law and ethics, I am not allowed to answer that question.  To ensure that my clients and other interested parties can have an opportunity to see for themselves what is going on in any neighborhood, I point them to the Tucson Police Department's website.
TPD has done a great job of formulating statistics city-wide...even putting them into map form that one can roam at will and zoom in on areas of interest.  Nice Job, TPD!
Tucson Police Department Crime Stats
                    Kent Simpson
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tucson real estate: Local Expert: Arizona School Report Cards - 04/05/08 05:08 PM
When working with families moving to Arizona (or anywhere for that matter), one of the first things they ask me is:  "How are the schools?"
                                                                                                                    
The Arizona Department of Education has made it easy to check on schools anywhere in the state.  On their website, you can look up an individual school or by county, district, town and see their "Report Card" anytime one likes!  You can even compare schools at the click of a mouse.  Check it out...how is your school performing?  Arizona School Report Cards
            Kent Simpson … (0 comments)

tucson real estate: Desert Primer - In Words & Photos - 03/18/08 05:36 PM
For those of you unlucky enough not to have experienced the wonder and awe-inspiring scenery of the Sonoran Desert...enjoy a few photos while you get a glimpse of what it offers:
 
Ridge Near Diamond Bell Ranch
Our lesson starts approximately 25 minutes west of Tucson just off of Sierrita Mountain Road.Diamond Bell Ranch is a very popular place to have a little elbow room without having to break then bank.Manufactured and site built homes are allowed, with a 1 acre minimum lot.
 Prickly Pear Cactus
Star of movies, postcards and fantasies of the "Old West" worldwide, the Prickly Pear Cactus … (6 comments)

tucson real estate: Foreclosure Bus Tour: More Publicity - 03/08/08 01:09 AM
The Pepper Group's Foreclosure Bus Tour, showing Tucson real estate foreclosures to investors & bargain hunters, continues to capture press attention:  AZ Daily Star  
Gary, Rob, Todd and Paula have all been working hard and diligently to put the next one together, because of the interest this has generated.  I'll update you on their efforts and success reports from the first one!
                                                                       
Should you have any clients looking for investment opportunities, consider Tucson:  get on the bus, Gus!
 
 
         Kent Simpson … (3 comments)

tucson real estate: EZ FHA Loan Limit Site--Look Up Your Area! - 03/07/08 04:09 PM
Everyone is buzzing about the new FHA Conforming Mortgage Limits (even though we have yet to see if lenders will comply).
The limit in Tucson (Pima County) has been raised to $316,000, while Phoenix (Maricopa) is now $346,000.  HUD has done something nice in providing a site where you can just plug in your state & county or MSA and see what the revised limits are:  FHA Mortgage Limits
Don't know what this will do for the Tucson real estate market, but it can't hurt now, can it?
         Kent Simpson … (4 comments)

tucson real estate: Foreclosure Bus Tour Update: The First Tour - 03/02/08 11:58 AM
Well, bargain hunters...the first Pepper Group Foreclosure Bus Tour was a resounding success!Filled with a wide variety of people, the maiden cruise had good reviews from attendees.  A wide variety of locals looking for a good deal on an investment property, folks from out of state interested in relocating to savvy investors interested in multiple properties and all sorts of interested parties enjoyed the 4-hour tour.
Besides the investors, the media also joined up, including KOLD Channel 13 News, who featured it on their 10 o'clock broadcast Saturday night.  Gary Andros, Rob Curcio and Todd Greene are already hard at work preparing the next … (5 comments)

tucson real estate: Little Or Zero Down Owner May Carry Opportunity In Desired NW Tucson! - 02/13/08 02:37 PM
This property sold as a foreclosure for $199,000 on 10/24/08
4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home built in 2005Upgrades like granite countertops, kiva fireplace, tile floors, fantastic views, great neighborhood,corner lot...and owner is willing to listen to all offers!
If you need lease option, seller carryback, whatever your needs--we want to see your offers!Owner needs to sell...NOW.
8809 N. Skydancer CircleHardydale Subdivision
  1917 Square Feet, 8126 Sq Ft Lot4 Beds, 2 Baths 
Sombrero Peak Highlights Backyard View
Generously Listed at $325,000Your home, your terms...we want your offer!
 
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tucson real estate: 10 Acres In Foothills Ranch IV - Easy Build Homesite Near Tubac - 02/13/08 01:48 PM
Must take this drive to see this lot. 50 minutes south from Tucson Airport, and just minutes away from Historic Tubac's shops and restaurants. At 4000 feet with red soil as the back-drop to lush green desert vegetation. Whether your into Horses, Hiking, Golf or just living & relaxing in peace and quiet, you have all the above available to you with this property. Adjacent parcel # 112-38-040E 10 acres lot, also available.
Foothills Ranch IV 10 Acres$125,000  
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tucson real estate: Sam Hughes History & Elegance--Entertainer's Delight! - 02/13/08 02:09 AM
 
Luxurious Appointments In Tucson's Sam Hughes NeighborhoodBuilt in 1937, this home is located in the Historic Sam Hughes Neighborhood, east of the University of Arizona.
Enjoy the elegance of a formal dining room and living room accented with hardwood floors.
 
Updated & Well-appointed kitchen features granite with tile inlaid backsplash, oak cabinets andstainless steel.
  
Revel in the craftmanship of an earlier age with lovingly restored tile in bathrooms

Entertaining is a joy in the outdoor living area, featuring a 24-foot Travertine bar with fans and evaporativecooling, phone & cable lines, refrigerator...even a built-in stainless steel BBQ … (3 comments)