TOTALLY TUCSON

Dog Days and Haboobs

2011-08-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

As drove to Phoenix the other day I experianced something new. This started as a typical late summer dog day, clouds building on the horizon and crawling over the mountaintops like whipped cream on a sundae. The monsoon rain and wind came and went three times as I headed north, suddenly up ahead it appeared to be fog. I knew this could not be. But it seemed to be rolling across the interstate the way fog comes in from the ocean. As I came closer to it the color was a light tan not grey, it was dust and sand from the surrounding desert. It was not blowing the way dust storms do, it was hovering. As I drove it became thicker and darker this was something I had never experianced, yet my instincts told me to keep moving forward. Later I found out this was a small haboob or dust cloud. The heat of this dog day 112 and the monsoon wind patterns had created this phenomenon. I began pondering how our Real Estate market the past few years is much like this. We began seeing signs on the horizon much like monsoon clouds. Our market was very overheated and had wind patterns pushing in from other areas causing a large cloud to hover over the market. This haboob like storm has been new to us, it has been denser, more far reaching, and longer lasting than ever before in my career. Just like the cloud of sand I drove through this market will end also. It seemed I would never come out of the dust, just as sudden as it appeared it was gone. If I had not kept moving forward I could have been stuck in the storm. Do not allow yourself to become stuck keep moving forward with your life and plans. You may need to alter the plan as I had to alter my speed, but we will all come out the other side.

THE HEAT INDEX IS RISING

2011-07-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

It's the end of July and things are heating up in our Real Estate Market. No it's not 2005 but those of us that have continued in the face of adversity are beginning to feel the rewards. I'm not talking about the elusive commission check only, but seeing people who had been priced out of the frenzied market able to step in now. With the great convergence of low interest rates and low prices the opportunities are boundless. Yes the search for a home can seem overwhelming since there are so many, most with distress of one kind or another. As a buyer you must have total trust in the team assisting you, lender, Realtor, inspector, and others. The process today is not easy with so many types of transactions available. Short sale is a trial of ones patience. It can be very humbling when you realize it does not matter who you are or how much cash you have, it will take time. I recently had a client buying a winter home that was a short sale, he had not purchased a home in over two decades. The process was confusing and irrating to him. After many weeks on a rollercoaster ride he has the home he wanted at the price he wished to pay. Foreclosed or REO properties have another set of challanges. Many of these properties have been empty a few monthes to over a year this is not good. The price point is very attractive yet condition gives one pause. Yes you can find a good REO home but be prepared to have an extended search. I am closing one next week with a young family that could not afford this home in the previous market. The home is move in condition, could use some updating but this can be done over time. With the low price and interest they will be able to do this soon and have a showplace. Do not be mislead todays market does have heat, it's all relative to your position.

SLOW MOVING TRAINS AND THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

2010-04-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

As the freight train slowly made its way through town time seemed to slow down. It was

moving slow enough to read the graffiti on the boxcars and dream of the past. I was in a

long line of cars with a large SUV full of kids in front of me and a work truck behind. Next to

me was a carload of teens with the stereo blaring Hip Hop or Rap I'm not sure. I knew it was

going to be a wait as this train slowly rumbled by, the clickity clack sound was very meditative.

I placed my car in park and soon was drifting into memories of growing up in a small town on

a major train route between Chicago and Kansas City. I began thinking how simple life was

and how complicated it is now. If only we could return to those times. The sound of horns blaring snapped me back to see the train was gone and the SUV was moving.
Later that
afternoon those thoughts returned but I was not being lulled by the train sounds. My

family has always been in and around the building and Real Estate business so I have seen

many ups and downs. I began thinking about the times that I remember as simple and the

truth showed up. They may have been simpler yet also harder in some ways. No cell phones,

no Internet, selling a home was a long complicated procedure. To do business you had to always

be close by, I have negotiated contracts on the cell phone while standing on the Vegas Strip,

this is simpler than before. Suddenly a thought struck me about the Real Estate Market, we

remember 2000-2006 as a simpler time. We need to understand the way of business is

different today and not better or worse just different much like life when we were kids. If

we accept that the Market is on a course much like a train on tracks and will get to its

destination whether moving fast or slow our memories of this time will be fonder. Allow

yourself to meditate on the clickity clack of the slow moving Real Estate Market because it

will again be moving fast and you will not be able to read the graffiti.

TAXES, TAX CREDIT, AND LESSONS LEARNED

2010-04-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

As the infamous Tax day nears many people are scrambling to finish on time. You would think we could learn from the past and make this a smoother process, yet it seems we are doomed to repeat the Tax scramble each year. The next deadline ticking down is the Homebuyers Tax Credit set to expire April 30,2010. You must have a property under contract by this date to be eligible for the Tax Credit. The Homebuyer has until June 30, 2010 to close the transaction. If you are wanting to take advantage of this Government Program you must focus your attention NOW. The weather is perfect for looking, call your REALTOR and go out ASAP. The convergence of high inventory, low interest, and the Tax Credit make this the perfect time to buy. Don't let this opportunity pass you by, it may never come around again.
My wish is that we have learned a lesson from the past couple years. Our countries economy is rooted in the Real Estate Industry and we must not allow it to get out of balance. Once we stabilize (and some areas are beginning) we are all responsible to call out bad practices. As we move forward please help us to help you by holding our feet to the fire if you see the past being repeated.

Renewal, Adjustments, and the Equinox

2010-03-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Spring sprung a day early this year. We learned in school the first day of spring to be March 21st. But on occasion the earth needs to correct itself and we have an early equinox. Man has been manipulating the calender with leap years. Our industry has been following this naturally occurring adjustment the past couple of years. Just like the earth gaining time and needing to step back, our market had gotten ahead of itself and needed to be corrected. This is hard to accept sometimes because like being taught Spring starts on March 21st our mind does not want to believe different. In many areas it looks like the adjustment may be coming to an end, yet all Real Estate is local. Unlike the earths equinox adjustment that affects all equally the market correction has not. When talking about the Market Conditions remember All Real Estate is local and the stats and data from national sources considers the country as a whole. There are micro-booms within metropolitan areas, certain neighborhoods or home styles are moving faster then others. It is time to renew our faith that the market has all under control the same as the earth in its adjustments.

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

2009-12-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is a fantastic convergence in the moon cycle a Blue Moon. This Blue Moon falls on the last day of the month, that is not so unusual since the Blue Moon is the second full moon in a calender month. This also happens to be the last day of the year making it even rarer as they do not happen every December. The most spectacular is that it also is the last day of the first decade of the 21st century. As we close out this decade on this Blue Moon let's look back on a few happenings that are as rare as a Blue Moon some tragic others game changing. The first being 9-11 a large terror attack on United States soil, the last time was Pearl Harbor nearly 60 years prior. The election of a President that does not fit the mold we have had most of the last 200 years, the last time was in 1960 with the election of JFK as a non-protestant. The crash of our economy, Real Estate, and stocks, the last big failure was the Great Depression.
As we look forward to the next month, year, and decade let's look at this special Moon as a gift that is closing a chapter or cycle to open a new one. It is Once in a Blue Moon that we have such a complete and distinct closure. My year end wish is that all people look forward with open eyes to the possibilities ahead. Do not forget the past, but do not dwell in it we are a strong community moving forward as sure as the moon will continue on its cycles.

Winter Solstice brings Hope

2009-12-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

This is the Winter Soltice, the shortest day of the year and longest night. I was thinking how this could be compared to our Economy. We have been on the waning side of the boom from earlier this decade and at times it seems we will never see an end. The same can be felt with the Winter Solstice it seems like forever since the sun was up before you. Starting tomorrow the sun will rise slightly earlier and set slightly later increasing our daylight. This will not be anything you will notice until one day in a few weeks or months it will strike you that the sun was up before you. Our Economy lead by the Real Estate Industry is beginning to wax and grow yet the growth is ever so slight and we do not notice. One day down the road we will look at our housing market and wonder why we felt so desperate after all it is just a cycle like the seasons.

WHAT MAKES THE BUYER GO "WOW"?

2009-10-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I showed houses to two very different buyer types. They each had a WOW moment upon entering the homes.

Buyer #1 is a first time purchaser and we have looked at many homes in his price range over a course of several months. Basically if it was in his price and within a set parameter we saw it. Most of the properties were non-discript boxes all with one or more issues, a few had character. Some of the homes were well on their way to being a WOW but stopped short of completion leaving this buyer and others not knowing what to do. This well manicured and maintained home seemed like a good possibility from the outside. As I opened the door and the buyer walked in the WOW happened, he stopped dead in his tracks and began seeing a home not a house. Someone had gone in and reappointed the interior and you felt like you were in a nice new condo with laminate floors, mahogany cabinets and stone counters. This was done right and took my buyer and myself by surprise, we spent a long time in this 989 sq. ft. he kept checking all the details. He made a full price offer because it WOWED him.

Buyer #2 is an investor looking for a fix-up usually a house built in the 50's or 60's and in need of updating. This market has some good possibilities with the foreclosure inventory just a lot of research needed to find the ones that work. I found a new listing in an area he likes we met to take a look as we arrived it was looking good, solid red brick maybe a little close to a major road but not on it. Upon opening the door the buyer walked in and had a WOW moment but not a good one, 70% of the plaster ceiling in the living room was gone. Looking up into the exposed rafters and the underside of the roof underlayment was a surprise. As we explored the rest of the house my buyer had another WOW as he considered what needed done to make this a home. He made a full price offer because the possibilities WOWED him.

The WOW moments come in different forms yet all are fantastic to witness. When I see the WOW I know it is time to get the contract out. On your last purchase what made you go WOW?

SPEND TIME - SAVE MONEY

2009-10-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

The weather is going to be ripe for an outing this weekend, in Tucson and southern Arizona we have an abundance of choices for all taste and interest. Staying with the seasonal theme of Harvest, Halloween, and Dia de los Muertos I have four events for your consideration.

Beginning east of Tucson near Willcox Az. is Apple Annie's with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and pick your own produce http://appleannies.com/ for more information.

If you are looking for something closer to town Pantano Riding Stables 4450 S. Houghton Road, Tucson, Az. (520) 298-8980 is having "Spooks and Thrills" with Hayrides, pony rides, and fun of the season.

A Mid-town Tucson classic is Valley of the Moon sculpture gardens 2544 E. Allen Road this year with the added feature of items from the closed Magic Carpet Miniature Golf. For more innformation call (520) 323-1331 or http://valleymoon.info

Now heading out west of Tucson Arizona we have Buckelew Farms 17000 W. Ajo Hwy. They have a pick your own pumpkin patch, corn maze, and more call (520) 822-7277 or visit http://buckelewfarm.com

These are just a few of the low cost adventures in and around Tucson that anyone can enjoy. Let me leave you with this thought, it is the time we spend with friends and family that they remember not what it cost. In these economic times spend your time and save your money.

MOVING FORWARD

2009-10-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

They say we will not know the market has hit bottom until we see it rising. Many buyers are sitting on the fence watching, waiting, hoping that they will have the power to see it approach and jump in just before it turns. I as a REALTOR have access to information that the general public may not, yet the Internet has changed this. It is the experiance and knowledge of many years in this business that allow me to interpret this data and I do not know if we have bottomed or not. Much of what I see here in Tucson Arizona makes me believe we may be there. Properties coming on the market and selling relatively quick, this may be just because they are being priced right for the market today. This has also created a few homes getting multiple offers which usually indicates a strong market. Another thing I have noticed even from 3 months ago is the turnaround time on appraisals is longer indicating more business. As we enter the holiday season many people put their house hunting on hold, if I were a buyer now I would closely watch the paper, internet, and other media and think hard about what you see. The prices are the best we have seen in 6-7 years, interest rate is still at historical lows. This may not be the case next year if we have actually turned. As far as being a seller today it is true you will not get the price of 2004 - 2006 but you were not ready to sell then. If you bought prior to the bubble you should still be able to do OK and then take advantage of this market to find a dream home at a reduced price. This is not the time to allow FEAR to keep you stuck and doing nothing. When you do you are allowing someone else's perception of "what is "to rule your future. If you want to buy or sell jump in, do the research, find a trusted REALTOR, and move forward.

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS SUCCESS

2009-10-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

As we are now in the last quarter of 2009 and also the last few months of the first decade of the 21st century it is a good time to reflect. This year and this decade have brought changes we could not have fathomed. Those of us in the Real Estate business have been riding an out of control rollercoaster this decade and this past year as it comes to the end of the line there were still a few drops and curves. The heady days of 2004, 2005, & 2006 and double digit appreciation are gone yet people are still selling and buying. I wonder if this was the last hurrah of the last quarter of the 20th century way of sales and we are moving back into the root of sales. Sell derives from the Scandinavian word Selzig, which means "to serve". Moving forward into 2010 and the second decade of the 21st century I believe our attitude as an industry and a country will determine our direction. We can not change what did or did not happen this past year and decade. We must move forward, smile or nod at someone if you know them or not. This simple act will begin sending a positive attitude around and a positve attitude is success.

BUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

2009-10-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

The $8,000 first time buyer tax credit created by the Economic Stimulus is nearing the end. If you want to take advantage of this you will need to act fast. Your offer will need to be accepted and in escrow in the next couple weeks and close no later than November 30, 2009. If you are unable to meet this don't worry there are other buyer assistance programs available. Here in Arizona we have the "Your Way Home" program it offers a 22% down payment assistance to qualified homebuyers purchasing an eligible foreclosed home in Pima County. The assistance is funded by the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) via the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) authorized by the 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery Act. If you need assistance purchasing a home contact a local Non Profit Housing group, many also have counseling available for foreclosure prevention.

BUTTERFLYS AND RHIZOMES AND SKELETONS, OH MY!

2009-10-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

October in the Desert Southwest is the beginning of our high season of entertainment and activities. Begin ing Monday Oct. 12 the Tucson Botanical Gardens will have their annual Butterfly Magic exhibit. See hundreds of butterflies from around the world in the greenhouse. It will run through April 4 2010 price includes admission to the gardens for more information www.tucsonbotanical.org .

This is the month to prepare your flower beds for spectacular winter and spring displays. Over the next few weeks garden clubs will be having plant sales and demonstrations. Look for sales of bulbs, tubers, and my favorite Iris rhizomes for early spring blooming. It is also cooling enough in Tucson to get the wild flower seeds out, with an early planting you could have some blooms in Feb.

October is known for Halloween throughout the country but here in Tucson we also celebrate the Mexican tradition Dia de los Muertos. The day of the dead is to honor your departed and celebrated Nov.1st All Saints Day. The Tohono Chul Park beginning the weekend is having an exhibit of Dia de los Muertos Art running through All Saints Day Admission will get you in to the exhibit and the desert gardens www.tohonochupark.org for more information.

SETTING SUN - RISING MOON

2009-10-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

The first full moon after the fall equinox is always spectacular. Last night was exceptional here in Tucson, Arizona at approximately 6:30. The sun was fading behind the Tucson mountains giving a pink and purple glow to the lingering clouds left from the remnants of the hurricane in Mexico. At the same time a full golden harvest moon was rising through the clouds above Reddington Pass in the Rincon mountains. Standing in the yard of my mid-town home near the University of Arizona it made me reflect on the Real Estate market of the past couple years. Our market has much the same dynamic, the boom is settling below the clouds while at the same time a new sustainable market is rising through them. It is humbling to think our Real Estate market follows the same patterns of the Universe, and we REALTORS can not change that. We must accept the change the same as we must accept the setting of the sun and rising of the moon.

FALL IS HERE IN THE DESERT

2009-10-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Only here in Tucson Arizona would you hear conversations about getting out the hoodies and sweaters because we got down to 60 two nights in a row. Autumn in the desert is glorious with plants showing life again after the hot summer. If you need to see colorful fall foliage to get the spirit it is a short drive up Mt. Lemmon here in Tucson or take a weekend trip to northern Arizona. Desert critters are on the move again and will be looking for new homes for the upcoming winter. As home owners we should be thinking about making our homes more airtight to improve our carbon footprint.