Congress extends homebuyer credit President Obama is expected to sign a bill passed by Congress today extending and expanding the first-time homebuyer tax credit to homes under contract before May 1. The credit, equal to 10 percent of a home's purchase price, remains capped at $8,000 for first-time homebuyers, but income limits have been raised. Congress also approved an expansion of the credit to allow homeowners who have been in a principal residence for at least five of the last eight years to claim a tax credit of up to $6,500 if they sell that home and buy another. That will provide an incentive not only for entry level, but move-up buyers -- a goal supported by real estate industry groups. An extension of the existing tax credit -- currently set to expire at the end of the month -... 11/05/2009

                    It's time to call it a night.  The fun and games of Halloween are done for this year.  Tom had really BIG fun playing with all the kids who came trick or treating and now he will start thinking about next Halloween. 10/31/2009

Halloween is Tom's FAVORITE holiday!  Tom is my husband of 40+ years.  He loves Halloween better than any other holiday!  When our daughters were little, he would build a huge haunted house on our patio.  It would take him days to set it all up.  I don't know who enjoyed it more, Tom or our two daughters and the neighborhood children Our daughters are all grown up now and the haunted house is a fun memory of the past but Halloween is still Tom's favorite holiday.  This year, every night for the last couple of weeks when I got home, I would see a new decoration in the front yard.  The trees are all strung with orange twinkle lights.  There are two large ghosts hanging out and a large bat - all in anticipation of sitting outside this evening to hand out treats and thoroughly enjoy the nei... 10/31/2009

  Real Estate Tips for Seniors Richard Lecinski - Long Realty Oro Valley - Tucson Arizona   When selecting an agent, discuss the percentages that the agent will charge you for selling your property. If an agent tells you he/she is charging you a "standard" percentage rate for services, be weary, this is false. A percentage rate is negotiable by federal law. The length of the contract in which you list with the agent is negotiable as well. Pick a real estate agent who is willing to show you a marketing plan. A solid marketing plan demonstrates a commitment and willingness that will be instrumental in selling your property in a timely manner, eliminating unnecessary expenses related to utilities, real estate taxes, interest expense and lost interest income. A marketing plan should includ... 10/13/2009

This 2481 square foot 4/3 with pool and incredible mountain views has brand new flooring and paint throughout. Don't miss out on the best opportunity in Oro Valley and the Amphitheater school district with Copper Creek Elementary, Wilson K-8, and Ironwood Ridge High. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property which can be purchase for as little as 3% down. Property is approved for HomePath Mortgage Financing and HomePath Renovation Financing. Call agent for details. Just minutes from shopping, restaurants, and recreation at Catalina State Park or golf at the Hilton El Conquistador. For more details and CURRENT pricing call 520-885-9000. 09/14/2009

One of a kind hilltop retreat! True Tucson Masterpiece of quality and detail in Oro Valley Country Club Estates. Gorgeous views and privacy. Unbelievable backyard oasis with lagoon pool, water feature and impeccably cared for grounds. Lush fruit trees, shade trees and herbs. Rustic charm embodied in saltillo tile floors, beamed ceilings, french doors, arches, Roman Tubs, talavera tile accents and Rainforest atrium! This home is a true gem! Located in the Amphitheater School District with Copper Creek Elementary, Cross Middle, and Canyon Del Oro High. For more details and CURRENT pricing call 520-885-9000. 08/19/2009

As I approach my 40th birthday in November, I am trying to set some goals for the upcoming months. For over a year now, I have told myself that I would get back to my college weight of 185 pounds. I tipped the scale 2 weeks ago at 209 pounds. So I have set out to drop 24 pounds in the next 90 days. While we are at it, I will introduce you to a running friendly community, Oro Valley, AZ. It has been my home for 15 years. I'll give you a few basics about Oro Valley: Founded in 1974. 43,000 residents 7 miles north of Tucson, Arizona Ranked #44 of "top 100 places to live and launch a business "by Fortune Small Business Magazine Considered one of the Southwest's most affluent communities with the median family income being very high for the region.   To put some of this into context, I was a... 08/04/2009

    How to Buy Real Estate with your IRA or Retirement Plan Funds    What a year 2009 is turning out to be! A new president, economic challenges, some big corporations closing their doors, and the stock market debacle...Isn't it time for a glimmer of hope? Well, that hope is here in the form of real estate.   With the economic downturn, there are foreclosed homes and depressed real estate prices everywhere you look, which has created opportunity with enormous upside. In fact, many houses can now be purchased for 25% or less of their recent value!   Individuals with liquid funds are already purchasing these properties in droves. But what is you don't have liquid funds? Then use your IRA or retirement plan funds!   Benefits of Purchasing Real Estate in your Retirement Plan    Your money g... 07/08/2009

The granite promontory (above) is the identifying feature of Pusch Ridge, an upthrust of rock that runs north from Tucson to Catalina, AZ, and overlooks Arizona's Catalina State Park. This photo was taken from the community of Honeybee Ridge in Oro Valley, AZ. Pusch Ridge is home to the last surviving herd of wild Desert Bighorn Sheep in the greater Tucson area, and perhaps in all of southern Arizona. The ram on the right lives at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum (one of the ten best zoos in the world.)  If you're thinking of making Tucson or one of the surrounding towns your retirement home, subscribe to my blog and give me a call.   7/4/09  EDIT:  I received an email from John Peters, Jr. with the following info about Desert Bighorns on Pusch Ridge: "...there have not been any bigho... 07/03/2009

Among the many issues in Oro Valley is the wall sign issue for businesses.  On July 7th at approximately 6:15 pm at 11000 N La Canada the town council will be requesting an approval for an amendment  to the Oro Valley Zoning Code.  The amendment will permit wall signs to be illuminated until 10pm or to be truned off immediately after closing which ever is later.   Many businesses feel, and the local chamber of commerce supports them, that they should be allowed to have their signs illuminated from DUSK to DAWN.  It is like most advertising, even if the store is not open they want their name out there for recognition.  The lights still have to meet code so they are dark sky friendly. And, they want to have the same rights as their national competition who are often able to stay open more... 07/03/2009

OV Council Passes Ordinances to Encourage Green DevelopmentGrey Water Harvesting, Solar Heating requirements good for businessORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 18, 2009) - The Oro Valley Town Council passed two amendments to current ordinances in an effort to further the Town's goals for resource conservation. The unanimous decisions were made during a regular meeting of the Council June 17.Oro Valley Councilmember Salette Latas led the effort to update the ordinances.  "Green homes sell better," Latas said. "Building green is a market advantage in tough economic times and environmentally-friendly construction continues to grow even in the current economy."One report she cites is market data found in the new SmartMarket Report, "The Green Home Builder: Navigating for Success in a Down Economy," w... 06/30/2009

I have received  many emails and phone calls and people are always asking about golf in the Tucson - Oro Valley areas. Here are two very good web sites where you can get some idea of what golf clubs are here and in some cases even get discount coupons and make tee times.   http://www.arizonagreatliving.com/TucsonGolf-TeeTimes.html www.golfnow.com   Richard Lecinski Long Realty Company 520-834-4663 http://rlecinski.longrealty.com www.arizonagreatliving.com 06/22/2009

  $250 Economic Recovery Payment for Government Program Beneficiaries Mainly geared toward retirees, the one-time $250 Economic Recovery Payment will be doled out to the following government program recipients. * Adults eligible for Social Security benefits and anyone eligible for Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) except those who receive them while in a Medicaid institution. * Adults eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits * Adults eligible for veteran's compensation or pension benefits. To cash in, you must have been eligible for at least one of the programs listed above for at least a month during the three-month period that includes November and December of 2008 and January of 2009. The IRS is figuring out how to get payments underway within the next four months. Note: If ... 02/28/2009

Isakson Amendment Passed!! Thanks to all of you who weighed in, the Isakson amendment - which provides a tax credit of up to 15,000 to all homebuyers - passed by voice vote in the Senate last night with bi-partisan support; it will now be part of the final Senate bill. Truly your voice made a difference. This is an important victory but our work is not done. Other amendments are expected to be offered today which embody parts of the Fix Housing First plan and we need to support those as well. The plan is to have a bill on the President's desk by February 13, so our efforts this week will be concentrated on the Senate and next week on the conference committee process. Today Senator Ensign (R-NV) will offer what he is calling the “Fix Housing First Act” (amendment #353) which is much broa... 02/05/2009

Pristine Stone Canyon Luxury Home for Sale   This pristine Stone Canyon luxury home has breathtaking views of Catalina and Tortolita mountains and wonderful privacy and seclusion with natural open space behind tremendous separation from other homes. Relax by negative edge pool or take in views from greatroom with stone covered indoor fireplace or through walls of windows. Travertine floor through-out, Alder interior doors. Kitchen with 6 burner range ovens. Check out price per sqft at $321! Listed 17% below any other sold properties in Stone Canyon in last 6 months.   The Luxury Home community of Stone Canyon is one of a select few communities that have private golf Courses in Tucson, and the surrounding areas of Oro Valley and Marana. It is the only truly private golf course in Oro Val... 01/27/2009

I remember being in Washington State when the headline in the local newspaper said "30 Straight Days of Rain."  I had flown to Seattle to hire a salesperson for OPEX Corp's northwest territory.  I asked one of the applicants whether the clouds and rain made him feel closed in. "Where are you from?" he asked.  When I told him I lived in Tucson, AZ, he countered "Don't you folks down there feel exposed?!" We're fortunate to get twelve inches of rain in an entire year.  That means that when it comes, we rejoice.  We're not glad, or happy to see it.  We rejoice!  Rain is a joyful thing to Tucsonans.  This photo above is more than rain.  Below elevation 4,000, it was rain.  Above that elevation, it was snow! You know what that means?  In March, the desert will be covered with blossoms--a ver... 01/16/2009

January 2009 newsletter for Sun City Vistoso by Del Webb, can be seen by using the link below. http://www.suncity-vistoso.com/news/pdf/2009-01.pdf For more information about Sun City or other retirement communities in the Tucson - Oro Valley - Marana area please call or email. Richard Lecinski Long Realty Company Oro Valley - Tucson, Arizona 520-834-4663 View homes for sale at my web page; http://rlecinski.longrealty.com Just click on the Quick Links   01/04/2009

 Information about this lovely subdivision can be found at www.coppercreek.net Located near the Santa Catalina Mountains in Oro Valley The Copper Creek Association oofers you information about their neighborhood!  Located in beautiful Oro Valley Arizona at the base of the Santa Catalina mountain range.  The purpose of this website is to ensure that the residents of Copper Creek are kept informed of the events happening in and around the community.  Here you will find current information regarding upcoming neighborhood events, official legal documents, website links, and contact information. For information about Copper Creek or any homes available please email or call. Richard Lecinski Long Realty Company 520-834-4663 http://rlecinski.longrealty.com   12/28/2008

  Rich LecinskiPhone: (520) 834-4663Email: RLecinski@LongRealty.com           973 E Rising Sun DrOro Valley,  AZ  85755MLS#: 20815774   Status: ActivePrice: $259,900   MLS REMARKS:Well maintained Pacifica floor plan. Newer A/C. Lovely Catalina Mtn views from patio. Huge master suite w/walk-in closet. Seperate shower/garden tub. Oak cabinets w/lazy susans + big pantry w/roll outs. beautifully landscaped w/drip system. fountain stays-not used not warranted.DRIVING DIRECTIONS: North on Oracle to Rancho Vistoso Blvd, West to Sun City Blvd, North to Rising Sun Dr., West to 973.ADDITIONAL AGENT REMARKS: Motivated seller !!!!! Newer tile, A/C, Stove/Oven, Microwave. Retirement at its BEST. Sun City Vistoso by Del Webb. Oro Valley, Arizona. Fantastic Catalina Mountain views.LISTING INFORMATION... 12/13/2008

    Real Estate Tips for Seniors Richard Lecinski - Long Realty Oro Valley - Tucson Arizona   Finding a real estate agent who understands the unique needs of older Americans is a crucial component in having a successful real estate transaction. Life changing events such as the passing of a loved one, illness, downsizing, and/or retirement are a unique set of issues that often accompany the buying and selling of property for older Americans. Because this is an important and life changing decision, do not just pick a real estate agent out of the phone book, and/or stick with the first agent you meet - interview at least two agents. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the agent you will be working with. In the interview question the agents about their experience in handling clients de... 12/06/2008