The weather in Tucson right now says only one thing: "Do something outside!"  That is why many of my recents posts are about something you can do outdoors in Tucson right now!  Along with the many organized events around town - such as car shows, parades, running and cycling events - there are many walking and hiking trails that are just waiting for visitors and residents alike to see what it's all about! One of the most famous "hills" in Tucson, next to A Mountain, is Tumamoc Hill on the westside of town. It is claimed to be one of the best walks in North America.  The Hill is a natural preserve that is maintained by the UA and should be respected by all visitors.  It is a short walk - only 1.5 miles - but it is a steep 600 foot incline. 5 Things To Know About Tumamoc Hill:   There is ... 02/23/2014

Unlike most age-restricted, active adult communities, SaddleBrooke in Tucson, AZ welcomes homebuyers aged 40 and above. While most active adult communities are 55+, this community allows more options for active adult buyers who are slightly younger than the normal crowd. With this age-restriction, it's a great opportunity for working adults and almost-retirees who want to settle into their retirement lifestyle without having to wait 15 years. With over 100 charter clubs, interest groups, and activities, the neighborhood  caters to the needs of almost any active adult. There are a variety of home styles and whether you want a new construction home or previously owned resale - you'll be sure to find the perfect fit in this welcoming community. Click here for more information on SaddleBrooke. 02/18/2014

Homes Near Wilson K-8 School in Tucson AZ (Amphitheater School District)  Wilson K-8 School, 2330 W Glover Rd, Tucson, AZ 85742 Find all for sale Homes Near Wilson K-8 High School in Tucson AZ.  Our for sale property information is a direct feed from Tucson MLS and is updated several times daily.  Homes near Wilson K-8 School in Tucson AZ have easy access to schools, parks, mountain trails, shopping, golfing, and dining. You can live in a custom home or in a planned community, it is your choice.   You will love coming home to the Homes Near Wilson K-8 School in Tucson AZ every day, the views are spectacular!!! To find out what your Home  Near Wilson K-8 School in Tucson AZ is worth, fill out this simple form. Awesome Schools To get local school scores and more information about the scho... 02/07/2014

We, as an office, have more fun when we participate in Downtown Tucson's monthly street festival called 2nd Saturday. You can count on at least 15,000 of our neighbors coming down to stroll Congress Street to shop, eat and watch the great bands and performers. From our vantage point, and great store front, we knew early on that there weren't going to be too many people who wanted to talk real estate during a street party. Some do but most don't. So, instead of just sitting in our office watching the world go by, we started a tradition last summer - we open up our office to a local non-profit organization and let them 'take over'.  We've hung out with Honor Flight of Southern Arizona, The Hearth Foundation, Unscrewed Comedy troupe and myTeam Triumph of Southern Arizona -  That's our stor... 02/07/2014

Tucson Real Estate Market 2013 Year in Review The statistics are out from Tucson Area Realtors® Multiple Listing Service for the 2013 year in real estate.Average list price for Tucson and vicinity rose from $180,745 in 2012 to $197,584 in 2013.  Sales price stayed within 96.86%, with the average sales price finishing at $191,399.  Days on the market for the overall year are down -- 54 days to sell versus 59 the year before. Our highest month in overall sales last year was May, closely followed by June.  January showed our lowest totals, followed by November. Almost 31% of all sales volume took place in the NW area of TARMLS, followed by the North area, close to 17.5%. Looking at single family residences, those priced within $200K to $249K accounted for the bulk of the sales. 1609 sales ... 02/05/2014

Since the 1970s, Robson has been building amazing active adult communities throughout Arizona. SaddleBrooke is an active adult community that welcomes homebuyers aged 40 and older. With award-winning amenities and dozens of social activities, it's easy to see why people are flocking to this nieghborhood. Many homes in Southern Arizona claim to boast mountain views, but SaddleBrooke really does offer breathtaking views. Situated on the side of a mountain range that rises 9,100 feet above seal level, SaddleBrooke's single-family and attached homes are built around picturesque views. Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, resdients never get sick of waking up to a beautiful background. You can even walk to amazing recreational opportunitites at Coronado National Forest, a 1.8... 01/31/2014

It’s that time of year in Tucson –perfect weather – perfect time to be outdoors.  And because of that – most of the running events are held now!  February has a number of 5k, trail runs and half marathons this month – here are five coming up: Arizona Trail Race, February  2nd, 7:30am starting at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. This is an 8mile trail run around the park and through Fine Valentine Couples Relay, February 9th at 8:30am.  A 2m and 4m walk/run event at the UA campus. An individual, couple, group and free children’s run after the main event. TMCs Be Tucson Womens Only 5k and Men’s Miler, February  23rd at LaEncantada.  This event benefits Bens Bells, and has special event day things in store for participants, including a free glass of wine, Tucson firefighters at the finish line... 01/30/2014

Financing a home just got more complicated, but borrowers can prepare themselves with some education and guidance. Effective January 10, 2014, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is requesting that lenders follow the new Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule, which is intended to reduce the chances of a loan default. Under this rule, the borrower cannot spend more than 43 percent of their income on debt in order to be considered for a mortgage loan, and lenders will need to take the sum of all borrower debt (such as student loans, car payments, credit cards, utilities, housing costs, support payments, etc.) and divide it by the borrower’s monthly gross income.  Some lenders may decide to not lend fully to the 43 percent threshold. The borrower will also need to show the... 01/29/2014

I am not sure why, but I am still surprised when I find out that people - many who live in Tucson - have no idea that there is a ski valley up on Mt Lemmon.  They know Mt Lemmon is a short drive from the city to much, much cooler temps, that there are homes and cabins up there, as well as camping, a lake, etc.  But a ski area?!  Yes, and it is usually open from December until March - and if the weather permits - even into April. Here are 5 things that you need to know about Mt Lemmon Ski Valley: They do have a ski/snowboard rental shop and you can also get lessons. This might be the first time in 50 years that the ski valley will actually not have enough snow to remain open.  The warm temps in Tucson, nearing the 80s from time to time, have caused what snow was up there to melt - and wi... 01/26/2014

Tucson's Mt. Lemmon in Winter 2014 With Tucson's dreamy weather this past week, it's hard to comprehend the frigid, snow-laden, chill-inducing weather going on in other parts of the country.  My sympathies to all of you! Yesterday was my husband's birthday, and since it was in the 70's, we thought a picnic and hike up Mt. Lemmon might be really fun. Mt. Lemmon is a fascinating place in winter months.  It really is true that on certain days,  you can be skiing at the summit, and then come down to swim in your Tucson-area pool later that afternoon. Yesterday was no exception.  Here's our lovely picnic grounds.  Who would know we are 30 minutes from Tucson, AZ??    Leaving Tucson, the temps were 76 degrees, and we watched the thermometer drop as we gained elevation.  Our picnic spot was at... 01/26/2014

 Search for homes Near Butterfield Elementary School in Tucson AZ (Marana School District)  Butterfield Elementary School, 3400 W Massingale Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741 Find all for sale Homes Butterfield Elementary School in Tucson AZ.  Our for sale property information is a direct feed from Tucson MLS and is updated several times daily.  Homes Near Butterfield School in Tucson AZ have easy access to schools, parks, mountain trails, freeway access,hospitals, downtown, shopping, and dining.  You will love coming home to the Homes Near Butterfield Elementary School in Tucson AZ every day! To find out what your Home Near Butterfield Elementary School in Tucson AZ is worth, fill out this simple form. Awesome Schools To get local school scores and more information about the High School and Middle... 01/13/2014

Kalina Russian Tea House - East Tucson Things to Do My daughter and I had the opportunity to visit the Kalina Russian Tea House here in East Tucson called:  I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Kalina 8963 E. Tanque Verde #201 Tucson, AZ 85749 North side of Tanque Verde between Bear Canyon/Catalina Hwy My knowledge of Russian food is a stereotypical beets, cabbage, and potatoes kind of thing.  My bad, I know. We made 11 o'clock lunch reservations, but really wanted the tea service.  You can see the whole Kalina menu here. The place was sweet, and a hodge-podge of different tea-ware and bread plates which appealed to my daughter and I. We chose our tea blends (they were unfortunately, out of a few flavors) and were content with Cinnamon for me, and my daughter chose a very aro... 01/12/2014

  Homes for sale in Continental Ranch Neighborhood Tucson , AZ, 85743  Why Do People Live here? Continental Ranch  is a beautiful neighborhood of single family homes that sits conveniently located just 30 minutes from Downtown Tucson, Arizona. This neighborhood is nestled at the base of The Tucson Mountains. This master planned community has easy access to the freeway. It's not uncommon to see neighborhood kids playing the streets or at the local parks.    Looking for a home in Continental Ranch? Interested in finding homes for sale in the Continental Ranch Neighborhood of Tucson, Az? Click that link to find all the currently available homes in this area of Tucson. What's the Neighborhood Like? The homes you would expect to find for sale in the Continental Ranch Neighborhood are general... 12/30/2013

Mark your calendars now for Southern Arizona’s Food and Wine Festival 2014!   The is the FIRST ANNUAL Savor Southern Arizona Food and Wine Festival, being held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 11 to 3 p.m.  It will be hosted by the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Albernon Way, Tucson, including up to 40 of the area’s best chefs and local restaurants!  Local specialties in beer, cheese, wine and coffee will also be featured.   Meet top chefs and local restaurateurs as well as taste countless menu samples of culinary excellence from Southern Arizona. My mouth is watering already! Cost is $65 in advance, $75 the day of the event for the Savor Food and Wine Festival here in Southern Arizona. Tickets can be purchased here.  Featured restaurants and chefs include: Vero AmoreGourmet GirlsU... 12/22/2013

If you live in Tucson - one thing you will always know or hear about is The Winterhaven Festival Of Lights. Winterhaven is a 50 year long tradition of holiday lights celebration (except for one year in the 70s during an energy crisis) - in a neighborhood called Winterhaven - the address? 3354 N. Christmas Avenue! Each year, the homes are decorated beautifully - some minimal - but most go all out - from a waterfall of lights dancing to music - to fully transformed yard into the North Pole with full size reindeer, and interactive yards.  There are prizes for various themes - and all around - it is a fun place to spend a night with family and friends.  You have the choice of drive through nights, walk thru only, hay rides rides and bus through nights.  There is even a 5k Run Through Winter... 12/18/2013

Homes Near Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School in Tucson AZ (Marana School District)  Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School, 8500 N Continental Reserve Loop, Tucson, AZ 85743 Find all for sale Homes Near Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School in Tucson AZ.  Our for sale property information is a direct feed from Tucson MLS and is updated several times daily.  Homes Near Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School in Tucson AZ have easy access to schools, parks, mountain trails, freeway access, shopping, and dining.  You will love coming home to the Homes Near Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School in Tucson AZ every day! To find out what your Home Near Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School in Tucson AZ is worth, fill out this simple form. Awesome Schools To get local school scores and more information a... 12/12/2013

Tucson Real Estate Market Reflects Gloomy Weather for November As a sun lover, as much as I appreciate the rain, I love, love, love the sunny days of Tucson, Marana, and Oro Valley.  It seems for November 2013, the real estate market is looking a bit less sunny as well.  Forecasters do expect sales and activity to jump with the new year. Sales are down all over Tucson in general for the month of November, according to the newest statistics from the Tucson Area Realtors Association. Total Sales Volume of $178,915,596, has decreased 17.72% from October’s number of $217,449,776. In comparing November 2013 to November 2012, sales volume has actually decreased 1.39%. Prices are down for average sales from October by a slight amount, 0.35% for November sales. Listing prices for Homes for Sale... 12/10/2013

In this blog you will be given information about the Continental Ranch Neighborhood in Tucson, Az. Homes for sale in Continental Ranch Neighborhood Tucson , AZ Why Do People Live here? Continental Ranch  is a beautiful neighborhood of single family homes that sits conveniently located just 30 minutes from Downtown Tucson, Arizona. This neighborhood is nestled at the base of The Tucson Mountains. This master planned community has easy access to the freeway. It's not uncommon to see neighborhood kids playing the streets or at the local parks.  This neighborhood give the convenience of a pool, park and many community activities to be involved in. Looking for a home in Continental Ranch? Interested in finding homes for sale in the Continental Ranch Neighborhood of Tucson, Az? Click that lin... 12/09/2013

The Flats at Julian Drew - our newest listing in downtown Tucson - has been gathering quite a bit of interest! People are excited about this opportunity to not just work and play downtown, but to be able to live downtown as well! This 53 unit complex offers 2 sizes - studios and 1 bedroom units with 2 different floor plans:                                   These are the two floorplans for the studios. They range in size from 413 square feet to 432 square feet. Prices are starting around $105,000.                       These are the two floorplans for the 1 bedroom units. These range in size from 548 square feet to 686 square feet. Prices are starting around $145,000.This is a gated community, surrounding a pool/spa and barbeque area on the ground floor. Also onsite is laundry facilitie... 11/19/2013

Veterans Day is a special day for many – including me – for many reasons.  One, my father, who proudly served in the US Army for over 30 years. Whatever you do this special weekend and especially tomorrow, hopefully you will take some time to thank a veteran for their service, for the freedoms you have because of them, and for the day off to enjoy with your family or whoever is important to you! Here are 5 things to know about Veterans Day in Tucson: There is always a run of some kind in Tucson!  Today (Sunday) there is a Veterans Day Half Marathon event and if this kind of run isn’t your thing – then you always can opt for the Veterans Day Poker run on two wheels! Monday, November 11th is the Annual Veterans Day Parade.  Plan ahead if you go - and be prepared for traffic delays. There ... 11/09/2013