I had the pleasure of visiting Vail's newest destination: Hot Rods Old Vail.  I have to admit, it is the neatest concept for a restaurant I have ever come across.  The entire project came about more than five years ago, when a design for a working garage and restaurant and lounge came together.   Hot Rods opened July 11, 2012 with an amazing display of classic cars and restored vehicles lining the restaurant.  Inside the restaurant, tables overlook the garage (lined with safety glass of course) as they restore classic vehicles and rebuild engines. According to it's website, Hot Rods is now open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the lounge opening at 5. Most entrees were priced between 8-15 dollars, with the most expensive thing on the menu being the New York Strip... 08/10/2012

http://www.TucsonRealPros.com Chris Pendleton & Shannan Marty introduce the Number 1 Vail Arizona MLS Search.  We offer Hassle Free info on any Vail Multiple Listing Service listing by both an Interactive Map and an Unique One-Click Search.  Easiest way to search the Vail Arizona MLS Multiple Listing Service for homes for sale.   07/24/2012

Preconceived Notions About "Discount" Brokerages I admit it, there's a little corner in my mind that was worrying when my clients wanted to submit an offer on a REO listing, listed by Help-U-Sell. I've worked for Tierra Antigua Realty for over 6 years now, and I've been very happy with the rapport, feeling of team, education, and support my brokerage has shown me.  I've worked enough transactions during those years to know that all brokerages are not equal, and not all agents put the same amount of effort into communication and follow-through. So, like I said, starting out the transaction I was just a little bit nervous. My clients submitted their offer on July 16, 2011.  I gave them my usual spheel about needing a sense of humor when working with REO properties, being prepared to wait,... 11/08/2011

Del Webb at Rancho Del Lago in Vail, Arizona is an age-restricted 50+ community offering attractively priced ranch homes from the mid $100’s. The community was originally started by K. Hovnanian in 2008 and was purchased by Del Webb in 2009. The location, just 20 miles southeast of Tucson, attracts residents in search of a private location away from the larger crowds. This particular community features Del Webb’s newest home designs built with the latest green features. A solar energy system is included in every home at Rancho Del Lago as well as over 20 energy saving features. Del Webb’s commitment to offering environmentally friendly features passes on savings to homeowners in their monthly energy bills as well as in potential tax credits. With attractive pricing from the mid $100’s t... 09/29/2011

SAHBA Home & Patio Spring Show, 2011 - Things to Do in Tucson, AZ This weekend, the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) is having its Spring Home Show.  I almost always go.  It's huge, it's fun, it's informative... A few tips: Get the coupons out of the paper or check online! Circle K has discount coupons as well.  A penny saved is a penny earned, or as I say; "That much more to spend AT the show!"  Regular admission is $8, but Friday folks 50 and up can get in for half price.  Also, there's a military discount every day.  Children under 13 are free! Wear your best, comfortable shoes.  There is walking - a LOT of it! Remember you can view a home show however you wish - there are shows, entertainment, raffles, shopping, vendors - see as much or as little - or spend the day... 04/07/2011

Just 20 miles southeast of Tucson in Vail, Arizona sets Del Webb Rancho Del Lago community boasting fabulous amenities in a small-scale community atmosphere. With just 522 homes, Rancho Del Lago Del Webb is an intimate community for adults age 50 and better. The community was originally opened in 2008 by K. Hovnanian as Four Seasons at Rancho Del Lago however in 2009 the community was sold to Del Webb. Today interested home-shoppers will find a wonderful selection of new construction and resale homes to choose from attractively priced from the mid $100’s to the low $300’s. The clubhouse at Rancho Del Lago was built by K. Hovnanian between 2008 and 2009. It features 14,000 square feet of luxury amenities ideal for fitness, socializing and hobbies. There is a state-of-the-art fitness cent... 11/18/2010

Located just 20 miles southeast of Tucson in Vail, Arizona is the highly desirable new active adult community, Del Webb at Rancho Del Lago. This beautiful Tucson area active adult community is quickly emerging as a favorite retirement destination thanks to its ideal location, nicely appointed homes and world-class amenities. Del Webb at Rancho Del Lago was originally opened in 2008 by K. Hovnanian. In 2009, Del Webb acquired the community and plans to complete the project with a mixture of Del Webb and K. Hovnanian floor plans. Del Webb at Rancho Del Lago is part of the much larger, family-friendly Rancho Del Lago master planned community. The age-restricted and gated Del Webb portion of the community offers wonderful amenities you’d come to except in an active adult community. As an ad... 07/03/2010

  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 dealing with the issues that you are dealing with. Try to get a sense of whether or not the ag... 01/08/2010

24-Hour Market Watch New Listings 60   Back on Market 12   Price Increases 5   Price Reductions 50   Contingents 18   Pendings 12   Solds 14   Expireds 30   Inactives 12     For details and stats for your neighborhood please call or email. Richard Lecinski Long Realty Company Tucson - Oro Valley - Marana - Vail 520-834-4663 http://rlecinski.longrealty.com   01/04/2010

Passages of Tucson is making steady progress.  Locally, some folks refer to the project in the SE area of the Tucson Metro - known as Vail, Arizona, as Tucson's "Mall of America" which really isn't far off of the mark, since one of the principals, Bob Hoffman, was an instrumental part of the team that made the Minnesota landmark happen. With a project of this magnitude (the largest open-air multi-use complex in North America - 350 acres), progress can seem halted to the naked eye when agreements are being put into place and negotiations over infrastructure & governmental entities coordinated with financing requirements to have everything together enough to start moving dirt - this is just about ready to go. One of the biggest hurdles has been getting the vast sewer line system approved,... 10/20/2009

Unbelievably beautiful new home built with all the upgrades! Split floor plan with large rooms. Great room in back yard with covered spa. A must see in an area with award winning schools in the Vail School District including Ocotillo Ridge Elementary, Old Vail Middle, and Cienega High. Close to the beautiful Rancho Del Lago Golf Course with easy access to I-10. For more details and CURRENT pricing call 520-885-9000. 09/11/2009

5:45 a.m. and three of us had a tee time at the Santa Rita Golf Course in Vail, AZ.  We played nine before starting the workday.  I thought I was doing pretty well until we reached the fifth tee. We were greeted by a sight I'd never seen.  Donte' Ormsby (who lives on the course) told us that these vultures roost in this huge tree every night.  That's Donte' on the right.  (He's the man who created my website mikeintucson.com) The vultures were catching the day's first rays, stretching and talking amongst themselves, when Kevin Wood (left) stepped up to do the honors.  Kevin's a REALTOR with Realty Execs in Tucson. "Ready?" he said.  He saw me with the camera pointed upwards, and expected that the birds would take flight when he rocketed the golf ball down the fairway.  He was right.  T... 06/30/2009

12/15/2008

I don't even own a horse. I do watch John Wayne movies on occasion. I have a couple a pairs a cowboy boots and some nice cowboy belt buckles. I watch the Arizona sunsets and thank God everyday for the 225 days of sunshine here in Benson, Arizona. I love to blog on Active Rain, even if nobody ever commented back on a blog it wouldn't matter, it's creative and fun. I think that Benson Horse Property is the best real estate value of the century and it makes senior living more enjoyable and relaxing. Just look at the statistics of people retiring to Arizona. I understand that there's only 11% of available land left for sale in Arizona. Put it all together and call me as soon as you fly into Tucson, Arizona. I am only 35 minutes from Tucson. I may sing you a cowboy song along the way and you... 12/10/2008

"So, what do you do for a living?" "I'm a Realtor..." "Oh, you're a Realtor! What do you think about this market?" Never fails! Everyone wants to know what Realtors think about the current real estate market. I have enjoyed this conversation with clients, prospective clients, people from every walk of life, people from different parts of the country, and have especially enjoyed knocking around the subject with other Realtors. My response has been the same each time though... "This time is a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers and people who are prepared to take advantage of some great deals. All in all, just a great time...if you are ready!" However, I have also been fortunate to converse with people who are on the support side of the real estate industry as well. That would be ... 11/02/2008

Ultimate Bargain Hunters List, Tucson and Vail Arizona: Foreclosure and Short Sale Property List Buying a bank owned home provides an excellent opportunity. In years past, this was a scary prospect at best, but things have changed for the better. The banks are competing against each other to get these homes sold. Even as recent as 5 years ago the number of bank owned homes were in small numbers. The current market has increased quantity and forced the banks to move quickly when pricing this inventory for market. What you'll find in most cases are homes that are priced 5-10% below the rest of comparable homes in the same neighborhood. Buying Foreclosures is a smart investment. It's important to be active in your search by being prepared to submit an offer when you find the right house. T... 10/27/2008

    Below are the market statistics for Rancho del Lago for September 2008 as provided by the Tucson Association of Realtors: Active Listings:   84 New Listings:   18 Active Contingent:   10 Active Capa:   1 Pending:   4 Sold:   8 Expired:   3 Withdrawn Released:   8      Rancho del Lago continues to clear stagnant inventory and prices are continuing to normalize, but at a much slower rate.     With 18 new listings and 84 active listings Rancho del Lago continues to be an attractive draw to many homebuyers especially those who work for nearby employers (Raytheon, IBM, Tucson International Airport, Davis-Monthan AFB).    Keep in mind, a few of the "New Listings" are price reductions that were enacted this month.  Several of the Active Contingent listings and Sold listings are foreclosur... 10/07/2008

I was chatting up one of my favorite mortgage guys today, while on my way to meet with a client. I asked him if he had heard anything about yet another interest rate drop from the Feds. The rumor mill is churning... He had an interesting comment. "While the Feds are doing this to stimulate the economy, and help the American public to help themselves out of the pathway of a future recession...it is counter-productive for Realtors and for their clients who are fence-sitting and just waiting to see just how low they will go." I'm thinking he meant that while Buyers are playing a game of "Mortgage Rate Bingo" waiting for that elusive winning combo...their dream home is being bought by someone else or taken off the market or sold on the steps of the courthouse. Then there is the "domino effe... 08/29/2008

For those of you in Rancho del Lago who have been waiting for a grocery store to be built, it looks like it is finally going to happen! Construction is slated to begin next month on Mercado del Lago, a 16.5-acre retail center at the intersection of Colossal Cave Road and Mary Ann Cleveland Way. Mercado del Lago will include a 55,000-square-foot Safeway as well as space for a variety of shops, restaurants and offices. The Safeway store is expected to open in August 2009. Currently the closest shopping options for those in Rancho del Lago are located in Rita Ranch, and for those residents from Corona de Tucson the new Safeway will be a much welcomed relief. In addition to Safeway, a McDonald's and Chase Bank are also expected to open in 2009. The other retail space will include restaurant... 07/28/2008

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 shopping, living, health, offices--you name it.  Plans are for anywhere from 1.5 million square feet of retail and business space to over 6 million square feet (depending on market conditio... 04/10/2008