Tucson Real Estate News

Another Satisfied Buyer of University Property In Tucson - Testimonial

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:08:48 -0700

University property in Tucson has traditionally been very popular for investors and parents of students attending the University of Arizona. Benefiting from the proximity to campus and the ready supply of renters and buyers, the value of these properties has held up better than the overall real estate market the past few years - see this article.

This area in the Tucson real estate market is one that I enjoy concentrating on, not only because of the business, but the vitality of the people and the variety of styles, architecture and property types near the University. Recently, I represented a couple who purchased a condo for their daughter to live in. Just a few weeks later, they decided to invest in another condo to use as an investment property in the same complex.

Getting a testimonial from a client is a wonderful thing, but when they take the time to make a video, it is extra-special!

Investing in real estate may be better now than in decades - because of the combination of prices tumbling from artificial highs a few years ago & record-low interest rates. Some university properties are bargains while others are not - having an experienced REALTOR® who knows the area well can make a difference in getting good value for your dollar or finding a "bargain" that turns into a money-pit.

Below are current properties for sale in areas that are popular with University of Arizona students. The list on the left contains Residential Income properties, the list on the right are single family homes, townhomes and condos for sale. Click on either list to see more detail - no, you don't have to register or sign up for anything. If something interests you, please feel free to contact me.

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Searching for Tucson Homes Just Got Better For Buyers!

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:29:32 -0700

In its never-ending quest to provide better services for both agents and the public, the Tucson MLS has decided to change its MLS software to FlexMLS by FBS of North Dakota!

I, for one, am extremely happy with the decision - and I hope you will be too. To take a quick peek at what it looks like from a consumer perspective, check out this search for property in the Sam Hughes area of Tucson:

Check it out - see what it is like & please feel free to leave your comments below! The more feedback, the better...and if one of these catches your eye, I'm available to answer questions.

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

10 Acres In Foothills Ranch IV - Easy Build Homesite Near Tubac

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:48:57 -0800

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

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Nascar & Daytona Means One Thing: Local Stocks Will Be Running Soon!

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:40:39 -0800

Nascar has begun its season which means the local stock car series will begin soon! Tucson boasts both a clay track and a paved raceway, owned by separate entities--which means there will be plenty of racing to enjoy!

Once again I am proud to be a crew member and sponsor of the Littrell Racing Team, which will debut its newest SuperStock entry at the first meeting March 15 at USA Dirt Track.

There are high hopes for the #88 entry, as this is a brand new car from the
ground up, the only exception being last year's motor, which is a beast!

Wait 'til this baby hits the track!

View of rear suspension and deck

Owner/Driver Glen Littrell has been working tirelessly with his team members to get the car prepared for the season and is excited to start racing. Now you'll know why my calls will go to voicemail every other Saturday evening during the summer--I'm at the track and can't hear you!

If you're in Tucson and enjoy dirt track racing--give me a call, come into the pits & meet the team. See you at the races!

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

If There's A Recession On---Why Are There So Many Cash Buyers Right Now?

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:06:36 -0800

Driving to the office the other day, bored with the usual morning chatterboxes, I was surfing the old radio dial when I ran across a local guy talking with great vehemence about the "economic idiots" spewing doom & gloom at every opportunity.

He went on to castigate expert after expert, refuting their findings without a whole lot of supporting evidence to back up his alternate opinion...until the callers started chiming in.

Call after call was a business owner or manager talking about how business wasn't booming, but was steady and strong. I was beginning to think that he had stacked the phone lines with buddies when I heard something startling come over the airwaves! There was a real estate agent talking about the shocking amount of cash buyers who were coming out of the woodwork and snapping up property. I listened even closer, and I realized that it was one of the agents in my brokerage that had started the "Foreclosure Bus" with some other agents in the office. In the process of pre-qualifying people wanting a seat on the bus, nearly 40% of those wanting in on the tour were bringing certification of funds letters to pay cash for properties. Given that Tucson averages 16% cash transactions on a regular basis, this is incredible!

I had no idea! Then I looked at my own business in the new year--I'm running at 75% cash buyers--it just had never dawned on me.

Hmm...how can we be in a recession when people are willing to part with their cash so readily?

By the way, the "Foreclosure Bus Tour" is so popular with investors, we are getting calls from all over the country and may consider adding another 30-passenger bus if need be: Call me if you want a seat on The Pepper Group's Bus...cash or not!

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Tucson Dirt Track Racing Update: Littrell Racing #88 SuperStock

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:47:04 -0800

Update: Littrell Racing's #88 SuperStock Practice Session

Many people stopped by to read and comment the previous time I wrote about Littrell Racing's #88 SuperStock entry in the coming dirt track season. On behalf of the team, thank you for your interest.

This Saturday was the first practice session...a chance to see how well the plans and hard work had come together, what tweaks need to be made & to get a feel for how this car will perform.

Aside from needing a larger radiator to combat overheating challenges the car performed

better than expected. The engine is truly a beast! A decision was made to change the gear ratio to take advantage of the horsepower on the short track. The handling was a dream, suspension design and modifications had the car "riding on rails," according to owner/driver Glenn Littrell.

Now it is off to be painted in team colors, decals for identification and sponsors added (of which The Pepper Group and I are one) and the aforementioned "tweaks" made before the first race on March 15 at United Sports Arizona Dirt Track. Look out Tucson, there's some racing to be done!

See you at the races!

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Tiger Woods

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:21:43 -0800

Tiger Woods Wins Unprecedented 3rd World Match Play Championship

The juggernaut that goes by the name of Tiger Woods graced the fairways of Dove Mountain this week. Coming away with a record 3rd Championship in the Accenture World Match Play series, he has won every event he has entered this year so far. While people will undoubtedled ask him over and over again about the possibility of an undefeated season, it matters only to the statisticians, as he is proving yet again that he is the best player the game has ever produced.

Records fall like dominos in regular order as his career rolls along like a finely tuned machine. Sometimes there are adjustments to be made, a tweak here, an improvement there...but even in his "off" years, Tiger Woods dominates his competition.

Take this year's Accenture World Match Play Championships at Dove Mountain: struggling and behind in the first round, he cranks up his game to win 5 straight holes to move to the next match. In the final pairing, he takes no mercy on this fine course or his opponent, Stuart Cink, winning by an awe inspiring score of 8 and 7.

When asked at the press conference about the possibility of going undefeated for the year, he grinned and replied, "I want to win every tournament. That's why you enter them." Tiger plays to win, and he does. He practices to win, and he does. Those who play to make the cut or place in the top 10 usually struggle along the way. It is easy to talk about having a winning attitude, believing it in one's heart is another.

Hats off to you, Mr. Woods - it was a pleasure to have you in Tucson, playing at Dove Mountain. You are an inspiration to many, myself included...(update) we hope to see you when your rehab is complete.

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Video Montage Announcing Tucson's Modern Streetcar Grant Award

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:50:59 -0800

This morning, at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Tucson, the official announcement of the TIGER Grant that will allow the Modern Streetcar project to go from dream to tracks & trolleys was attended by hundreds of people.

Here is a video montage of some of the speeches:

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, University of Arizona President Robert Shelton, RTA Chairperson Lynn Skelton (also Mayor of Sahuarita), Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood are featured in this collection.

Having the Modern Streetcar project move forward in Tucson is a real "game changer" for downtown, as it links the University of Arizona through Main Gate Square, down 4th Avenue along Congress Street to the Convention Center and across to the Mercado District on the west side of I-10.

There has been a lot of work to revitalize downtown Tucson - the trolley will link it all together and be a focal point that draws a lot more attention & investment to the area. The downtown you know today will be incredibly improved over the next 5 years...if you haven't seen what we've done so far, you'll be amazed at what will be happening soon!

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

The Trolley Cometh - Downtown Tucson's Modern Streetcar Is A GO!

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:27:21 -0800

IT'S OFFICIAL! Tucson's Modern Streetcar in Downtown is a GO! This morning, the City of Tucson found out that it will receive the $63M from the Federal Government to make the proposed Trolley/Modern Streetcar project a reality.

The $150M project is being funded through local funds that have been generated for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) via a sales tax increment approved by voters in 2006, with the U.S. Government putting up their portion through a TIGER Grant.

What this means for Tucson is a real boost to efforts in revitalizing the Downtown Core. There has been a lot of work going on already - now the Trolley will both serve to enhance and tie-in the University of Arizona, 4th Avenue, Congress Street and the Mercado District.

While there will always be naysayers, my bet is that the same people sniveling right now will be asking for expansion of the routes in 5 years!

Future plans include expansion of the streetcar down Broadway Boulevard - the Downtown Trolley will showcase the core of Tucson & help redefine the heart of our city. It won't happen overnight, but just hide & watch as it becomes another thing to be proud about "The Old Pueblo" for.

If you want to take advantage of the opportunity, now's the time to jump on - the fare won't be decreasing in future years for real estate along the route!

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Want To Blog Better & More Effectively? Check Out These Guys:

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:43:46 -0800

It is no secret: I enjoy blogging - but how to blog better, more effectively for my readers and Google Rankings? Check out these guys...Jason Crouch & Jeremy Blanton.

While many people know them from ActiveRain, they have formed a company, 210 Consulting, to teach what they've learned about social media to anyone interested in taking their blogging to the next level.

On Monday, I attended their first webinar, "How To Chug Google Juice & Get 15 Years of Fame" and not surprisingly, was very glad I did! What I like about their approach is that they teach in a very user-friendly manner, engaging with the attendees and answering questions without making me feel like a pupil in 3rd grade.

In the future, I hope to attend more of their seminars, perhaps even hiring 210 Consulting for some 1-on-1 coaching. Often, money spent on paid "training" sessions is little more than finding yourself in the middle of an infomercial that leaves the attendees feeling ripped off while the instructor gives endless "now or never" plugs for spending more money on their "secrets" - not so with Jason or Jeremy.

You get what you came for, the price is right - and you leave with a head full of good info, ready to learn more.

Thanks 210 Consulting - you guys are doing this right. I wish you much success & look forward to learning many new things from you.

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Search For Tucson Homes - From Any Mobile Phone!

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:58:47 -0800

Have you ever been driving around a neighborhood, wishing you could see more detail on a particular home...but didn't want to go home to pull it up on the computer? Now you can search for Tucson homes from any mobile phone - complete with pictures & info...FOR FREE!

All you need to do to get started is text TKREAL to 87778. You'll get a text back with the link to download your own app, right to your phone to use anytime you wish! You can search by neighborhood, community, zip code, property type, map - and it is GPS enabled, so you can see what is for sale around you at any particular time if you wish.

You can even save your favorite homes for later.

The TucsonKent Group is proud to be the first to provide an application of this type to buyers and sellers alike in the Tucson Metro area free to the public. Please feel free to use at your leisure, and if you want more information, you can just click on the link in the app to call for an appointment.

What I like most about this real estate search app is that it is unintrusive for the user - no emails every time you "save" a property, no calls just to touch base...you can use it as much as you want without being pestered!

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Tucson's Starr Pass Resort Gets Worldwide Ranking

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:33:38 -0800

Tucson's JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa is basking in the glow of being ranked as one of the World's Best 500 Hotels in the January issue of Travel + Leisure Magazine. The resort, nestled in a spectacular setting on Tucson's west side, has been open since January of 2005 and includes the Dalai Lama as one of its noteworthy guests. The hotel boasts 575 rooms, 7 dining rooms, 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, 88,000 square feet of event space and the destination Hashani Spa encompassing 20,000 square feet. Slated to open in Spring '08 is a waterpark including a lazy river and waterslide.

Visitors and industry critics have applauded the hotel's staff and facilities, awarding them numerous awards in 2007 including:

Top 100 Golf Resorts - Conde Nast Traveler
Award of Excellence - Corporate & Incentive Travel
Greens of Distinction - Corporate & Incentive Trave
Platinum Choice Award - Smart Meetings Magazine
Pinnacle Award - Successful Meetings Magazine
Golden Tee Award - Meetings & Conventions Magazine
Golden Platter Award - Meetings & Conventions Magazine

Tucson, Arizona has long been known for its fine resorts and unique brand of hospitality. Adding a property of the JW Marriott Starr Pass' caliber adds to that tradition. Most of Tucson's resorts are nestled in the Catalina Foothills to the north of town - having this property tucked into a quiet niche of the Tucson Mountains to the west gives us another compass point to be proud of.

Kudos to the staff and management for continuing the tradition of excellence that has been a hallmark of the Tucson Hospitality Industry!

If you are interested in buying a home in the resort or close by, there is quite a selection to choose from - you can buy a home, townhome or condo on the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, or select a luxury home in a gated community.

New homes and ranchettes can be found nearby - in a variety of price ranges on both sides of the Tucson Mountains.

Call me to explore your options for resort homes, golf homes on the Arnold Palmer Signature course or one of the many other highly rated golf courses that help make Tucson a golfer's paradise.

Travel + Leisure Article

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa

Find Your Very Own Tucson Paradise

Spaceport America & New Mexico Development

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:35:33 -0800

you are someone who enjoys "forward thinking" and innovative development - New Mexico has something for you. In what promises to be a future player in New Mexico's economic development, the state has embraced Spaceport America, positioning itself to be a key player in the commercial development of space.

While the nation and the world have been reacting to today's events and the near-future's possibilities, there is a project progressing in New Mexico that has tomorrow written all over it: Spaceport America.

The Spaceport is slated to be home to several commercial ventures, including passenger space travel. While many naysayers argue that this is just the stuff of pipedreams and science fiction, the reality is that space is becoming more commercial every day, and those who position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that will develop out of them have a chance to capitalize on a burgeoning new market.

Already, Virgin Galactic, Up Aerospace, Starchaser Industries and RocketRacing League have committed to or already building facilities in and around the area of Spaceport America. Other, ancillary companies will follow suit as the port comes closer to fully operational. Granted, some of these forward-thinking entities may not survive, but others will take their place. (edit - Rocket Racing League has folded before becoming operational 11/27/09)

The reality of space as a place for business is here. The days of costs being so huge that only a government had the resources to invest in launch vehicles or entire programs designed to launch satellites for commercial use are fading into the past. Innovative businesses and deep-pocketed visionaries are taking things to the next level.

What will the needs of these businesses be? Their employees and clients? How will the real estate industry keep up with the opportunities that will present themselves as this industry grows and evolves?

Such a bold and smart move by New Mexico may seem sudden, but the state has a track record and long history of working with the space industry and rocket pioneers, such as Goddard, Von Braun and other fathers of the field.

As a 4th generation native of the state, I am proud that New Mexico has taken the initiative to start today on tomorrow's ventures. Though I currently live and practice in Arizona, expanding my business to New Mexico is only a few short months away.

Lockheed Martin, Payload Specialties, Microgravity Enterprises, the X-Prize Foundation and White Sands Missle Range have all signed on to be tenants at the new commercial development. New Mexico continues its legacy of 20th century contributions in space exploration into the 21st century.

Now that private companies are taking the lead in research & development of space access - and finding it more & more commercially viable, this bold move by New Mexico will seem less risky and strategically astute as the space industry becomes an engine of economic development.

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Pima County Bond Program Is BACK! Good Home Loan News For First Time Homebuyers in Tucson & Pima County, Arizona

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:32:59 -0800

Are you a first time homebuyer? Are you looking to purchase a new home or existing home in Tucson or elsewhere in Pima County? The Pima County Bond Program is b-a-a-c-k! How does a mortgage at 4.55% interest over 30 years sound?

Thought so - check it out:

Pima County Bond Program has money available for first-time homebuyers. Some features of this program are:

30 Year Fixed Loan at 4.55% *
First-time buyers only - cannot have owned a property in the last 3 years (this requirement is waived for qualified veterans)
Can be used with FHA, VA or Rural Housing loans
New Homes, Existing Homes, Foreclosures & Short Sales Eligible**
Maximum income restrictions apply – $69,000 / year for 1-2 person household $79,675 / year for 3+ person household

Combine this with the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit (up to $8000), and you’ve got some real incentive to get moving towards purchasing your first home!

Now this program can be used for single family homes, townhomes, condos or duplexes (sorry, no triplexes or fourplex properties) – which opens up more options to first time homebuyers than there were before. Yes, you can buy foreclosures with this program, and no, unlike the Your Way Home AZ loan program, you aren’t required to buy a foreclosure.

One thing to keep in mind is that while this program does not provide DPA (downpayment assistance), there are DPA programs available in Tucson and Pima County that can be used with the Pima County Bond Program to help first time homebuyers purchase a new home.

Give me a call and I’ll be glad to put you in touch with one of the local down payment assistance program counselors to help you get started.

*Check with your lender for specific APR figures
**To qualify for the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, you must have a fully accepted contract no later than April 30, 2009 and close by June 30, 2009 - short sales may not meet these deadlines

With home prices very low in the Tucson Metro, historically low interest rates & the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - this is the "Real Estate Trifecta." You might not find a better time to buy your first home - call me & lets get to work finding your home!

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

New Year's Resolution Video from Tucson, Arizona

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:11:13 -0800

Okay - so it's New Year's Day already. Have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet? My team in Tucson can help!

To see the available homes for sale in the Tucson Real Estate Market, you can search from your phone or your computer.

Text TKREAL to 87778 to download our free search app for your phone
Visit EasyHomeSearch.net on your computer

Simpler than most other resolutions, huh?

My relocation team is ready to help people move to the Tucson Metro Area

Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"