Tucson Fests in October

October is by far my favorite month in Arizona.  “Good things come to those who wait.” And we do wait-by the middle of September Tucsonans have pretty much had it with the relentless heat.  We say things like, “I’ll be so glad when October gets here,” and, “It won’t be long…”  It’s magical the way the 1st of October usually brings a significant dip in temperatures.  We’re now enjoying low to mid 80’s by day and mid to low 50’s at night.  We can open the windows and let the fresh air in!  For those of us who live here year round, it’s time to start planning those camping and fishing trips, take a hike in Sabino Canyon, or drive up to Mount Lemmon to enjoy the beautiful golden aspens.  We just enjoyed a relaxing weekend of RVing, boating and fishing at Patagonia Lake State Park.
Snow birds will begin their annual return this month, bringing with them golf clubs, tennis rackets and a renewed interest in the community.
Here are just a few of my favorite fall activities taking place in Southern Arizona:
Fall Pumpkin Festival- Oct. 10-31, Apple Annie’s Produce and Pumpkins, Wilcox

Scarecrows in the Garden- Oct. 17-Nov. 30, Tucson Botanical Gardens

All Souls International Film Festival-Oct. 29, Loft Theater

Day of The Dead Alter-Oct. 30-Jan 5, Tucson Museum of Art

For more listings, go to www.visittucson.org on the web.

Denise McCreary

September 2009 Tucson MLS Statistics

Active listings continue to go down, a trend we’ve been experiencing all year.  We anticipate this trend to continue into October and November as first time home buyers take advantage of the tax credit.

Here are the highlights from the 3^rd Quarter Summary:

• Total unit sales up 39.48% over 1^st Qtr
• Average median sales price down 1.71% over 1^st Qtr
• Average sales price down 3.80% over 1^st Qtr
• Average active listings down 19.99$% over 1^st Qtr
• Average days on market slightly down with YTD average 80 days
• Pending contracts up 4.63% over last month
• Pending contracts increased 9/08 to 9/08 59.45%

Click here for the full report, including comprehensive charts and graphs.  If you are considering selling your home at this time, I’d suggest looking at the Active/Sold by Zip Code chart at the bottom of page 2.  This is telling, in that you can calculate months of inventory by dividing #Active by #Sold.  For example, in the 85712 zip code there were 158 active listings and only 19 sold in September.  19 into 158 equals a little over 8 months of inventory.  19 divided by 158 equals 12 (%) of the inventory sold in a month.  If you want your home to sell quickly, you will need to price, market and stage it so that it will beat the competition.  How can you position your home to be in the small percentage of homes sold versus the larger group of unsold properties?

Denise McCreary

July 2009 Tucson MLS Statistics

July’s Tucson real estate statistics reveal a continued uptick in the market with with unit sales up, 3.9% over last month, 23.46% increase over July 2008 and 90.05% over January 2009 numbers.    Although average sales prices are down 17.3% over last year, it remains consistent with the average list price being down by 17.44% and the average median price being down by 16.04% over July 2008.

Pending contracts are down 14.32% over last month but, up over July 2008 counts by 27.81%.We continue to see a decrease in inventory with total active listings (6,075) being down 21.04% since January 2009, and at the lowest since December 2005 (5,457 units) and January 2006 (6,499 units).

The northwest continues to have the largest inventory with over 1500 active listings compared to the second largest central area with 738.  Average days on market are still at 80 with the north area’s highest at 102.  You can study the full report here.

I’m seeing increased inquiries from buyers and sellers alike.  I’ve received two calls in the past week from buyers wanting to find a good deal in Tucson Country Club.  Move up buyers especially need to realize the advantages in today’s real estate market.  Although you may not realize the returns of the past on the sale of your current residence, if you are moving up in price range, your net savings will be worth it!

The time to buy real estate in Tucson is definitely now.

 Denise McCreary

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Simple Life

According to a recent article in USA Today and AARP The Magazine, Tucson tops the list of the Best Places to Live a Simple Life.  Demographers used figures from the US Census Bureau and other sources in their evaluation.

From a list of 25, then pared down to 10, it was decided that Tucson was number one in terms of places one could live simply.  Here’s the list of the cities:

1. Tucson
2. Greenville, S.C
3. Montpelier, VT
4. Logan, Utah
5. Ames, Iowa
6. Northampton, Mass
7. Lexington/Fayette, KY.
8. Texas Hill Country
9. Oxford, Miss.
10. Walla Walla, Wash.

The demographers looked at affordability and low rates of unemployment, as well as factors including the ability to walk and bike.  Also included were the availability of “outdoor amenities”  such as farmer’s markets and hiking trails.  Visit the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau website to explore the many outdoor amenities we have to offer.

Another factor considered in the evaluation was the “stress index”.  This measure takes into account our low rates of suicide, crime, divorce and depression.

Great education played a role in the measure; a plus is the proximity to colleges and universities.  The fact that Tucson is home to University of Arizona helped boost our fair city to the top of the list.

We do enjoy an affordable lifestyle here in Tucson, as well as the many wonderful and diverse opportunities to enjoy our community. Residents rave about Tucson’s multicultural, melting pot feel.

Tucson’s Mayor Bob Walkup, self proclaimed “Mayor of Paradise” says he wasn’t surprised to hear his city was at the top of the list.  He believes we have the best quality of life in the country, adding that our temperate climate and low crime rate make it an ideal place to live.

It’s our abundance of sunshine that simply makes one feel good!

I invite you to check us out, investigate our affordable Tucson Real Estate and start enjoying Tucson Arizona.

Denise McCreary

Housing Up!

Media sources report today that new home sales rose an historic 11%–the largest increase in 8 years.  Buyers took advantage of  low interest rates, bargain prices, and the first time homebuyer tax credits.  Some economists are saying that the worst of the recession is behind us.  Is it possible that these two bits of good news could cause the public to finally rally the housing market?  Although shares of big builders soared with the news, continued falling prices may prevent big profits to these companies in the near future. 

Reporting on the existing home market, the National Association of Realtors reports that sales are up again 3.6% in June.  Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist is hopeful about the gain.  This trend mirrors ours here in the Tucson Real Estate Market, with inventories dropping and prices declining less sharply.  Read my post here for the full market report.

What does this mean for Tucsonans?  Buyers, you are on top!  In the Luxury market, I’ve found many great deals to be found in the Foothills areas.  I conducted a search for Short Sales in the Foothills and found more than a dozen good listings between $500,000 and $700,000.  If  you are in a position to move up there has NEVER been a better time to purchase your dream home than right now. 

Denise McCreary

Summer in the Desert

Summers in Tucson offer a different experience than what our visitors normally  find in the winter and spring.  Tourist  and winter visitor traffic falls off, making getting around town much quicker and easier.  Our resorts have been advertising “Staycations”, with bargain rates targeted at getting the locals to enjoy an easy weekend getaway.  The pace slows down and everything happens with regard to the heat of the day.  It’s sort of like the cabin fever you northerners experience in the dead of winter.  We tend to do our outside chores at sun up, wearing big hats and long sleeves for sun protection.

But in the midst of oppressive heat come  the monsoons–that glorious time of year when the clouds gather late in the day and the heavens bless us with spectacular rain storms and the fragrant smell of creosote bushes.  The creosote bush, or larrea tridentata, is native to the southern third of Arizona.  It’s a great example of a plant’s ability to adapt to tough conditions.  The creosote has small waxy resinous leaves which emit a wonderful pungeant aroma after a rain.  When I came to Tucson in the summer of 1986 I had never experienced the desert.  The smell of creosote in the rain became something that triggered that “ahhh” feeling in my brain.  It makes me happy;  it reminds me how much I love living in Tucson.  My friend Pam who spends the winters in Tucson sometimes sends creosote cuttings to friends with a note saying, “This is what the desert smells like.”

Come to Tucson– enjoy the summer monsoons and that fragrant freshness the rain brings!

Denise McCreary

June 2009 Tucson MLS Statistics

June closed out the first half of 2009 breaking records for the year!  Home sales volume was up over May by 14.63%, average sales price was up by 3.06%, pending contracts were up by 9.98%, and home sale units were up by 11.23%.

 With the first 6 months of 2009 behind us we can now take a realistic view of the absorption of inventory which has moved in a positive direction with June pushing that number up to 22.9%. Even though we have a long way to go, these numbers show a positive sign.

 Activity by zip codes shows us that 85718 continues to have the highest number of active listings at 415 with 85750 taking second at 323.  There are many good deals to be had in these areas.

 All in all, we’re looking forward to the second half of 2009 with high hopes of the continued trend of recovery in Tucson’s Real Estate Market.

 First time home buyers have an unprecedented opportunity for three reasons:

• The $8,000 Federal Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers (including those who have not owned a home for 3 years)
• Historically low interest rates
• An abundance of relatively low priced listings (the Tucson Real Estate Market currently has over 2,700 active listings priced under $200,000!)

There are opportunities for Luxury Home buyers as well in that there are over 1,000 active listings priced at $500,000 and above.

You can read the full report here.  Make the decision to participate in the American Dream and enjoy the benefits of home ownership.

Denise McCreary

May 2009 Tucson MLS Statistics

The Tucson real estate market seems to show continued improvement with inventories dropping once more to around 6,500—down 23% from the staggering 8,500 active listings of May 2008.  The median sale price increased 3.72% from April.  The average days on market is still around 85, a number we’d like to see come down.  Lastly, a quick look at a new statistical chart which compares the new listings to net pending sales is encouraging—since January, the former has been coming down while the latter is going up.  According to MLS president Kimberly Clifton, there are economists who say that 6 months  equals a trend.  For the entire MLS report, click here.

 Real estate is an attractive antidote to the venom of our present economic downturn.  Buyers should be encouraged to believe that if they are managing their present housing needs but want to make a move, they should not hesitate to do so.  Even if sellers are unable to realize the wonderful proceeds of yesteryear sales, there are compensating bargains in the market.  (No gain, maybe, but no pain either—and no real loss!)  Move up buyers have everything to gain in this market.  Although you may take a hit on your existing home, the savings you’ll gain in the purchase of a more expensive home is well worth it!  There are unbelievable bargains out there.

 And if you’re a first time homebuyer with good credit (which, by the way, is one who’s never owned a home OR someone who has not owned a home in the past 3 years) the best investment for you right now is real estate.  Take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit currently being offered by the Federal Government.  Watch this video for more information.  Pairing this opportunity with historically low interest rates makes right now an incredibly good (possibly the best!) time to invest in real estate.

I would be happy to help you or anyone you know to enjoy the benefits of home ownership.  I can help your friends buy and sell real estate in any state of the United States.  Call me today at 520-256-6731,  or visit my website.

Denise McCreary

Stay Cool In The Desert

My friends who live in more temperate areas of the country often ask me, “How can you stand the heat in the summer?”  I often respond, chuckling, with something like, “It’s really not THAT bad—it’s a dry heat.”  If you live here in Arizona you know what I mean.  (And Tucsonans are always at the ready to defend our precious Old Adobe.)   In the sun, in the middle of the day the heat is, well, searing.  But in the shade it’s quite bearable, even comfortable.  Here are a few things you can do to make the high and dry temperatures even more tolerable:  Create your own evaporative cooling by wearing a wet cloth around your neck…I know that sounds yucky, but it really works!  You can purchase one of these cooling devices at the drugstore.  It’s a neckerchief containing some kind of bead which, when wetted, retains moisture.  I keep mine in the fridge and take it with me when I know I’m going to be out in the heat (golfing, fishing, and gardening) for a long period of time.  Spray bottles filled with cool water offer another easy way to beat the heat outdoors.  You can buy these, again, at your local drugstore—I‘ve even seen some with little fans attached.  Lastly, to keep yourself hydrated, drink lots of water–before you are thirsty.

I love to play golf, and even though it’s hot in Tucson in the summer, the season has its advantages.  The snowbirds have gone home, so good tee times are available, as well as bargain green fees.  You can go to golfnow.com 24/7 to reserve and pay for tee times.  My husband, LJ, and I received a free round of golf at the new Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain course when we attended the Accenture Match Play in February.  We look forward to checking out the new links in one of Tucson’s newest luxury home communities.  You can review a couple of  luxury golf course properties, as well as other luxury homes on my website.

Tucson is a great place to enjoy year round–even when the temperature climbs to above 100 degrees.

Denise McCreary

Twenty Five Years…

My husband and I recently celebrated 25 years of (mostly!) wedded bliss.  Don’t misunderstand me; it hasn’t been a cakewalk, but our years of hard work have given us a great marriage and lifestyle together.  Our anniversary gave me an opportunity to reflect upon and appreciate the keys to what makes our wonderful relationship work so well.  These behaviors, if practiced regularly will have a positive effect on all of your relationships, personal or business.

1.  Take responsibility for yourself and your relationship(s).  Don’t play the blame game–ever. Even if you’re not the cause of something negative, acknowlege the fact that you are sorry for it’s impact on your relationship. 

2. Forgive each other.  A friend once pointed out to me the definition of FORGIVE: to give as before.  Forgive often and sincerely.

3. Don’t ever complain to another person about your spouse, friend, or partner.  If you’re around someone who starts complaining  about their spouse, try to change the subject or offer something positive. 

4. Encourage, encourage, encourage!  You will be profoundly blessed  by this.

5. Be happy!  Abraham Lincoln said,”People are just as happy as they make their minds up to be.”  Happiness is a choice; as trivial as this sounds, it starts with putting a smile on your face.  Try it!

6. Take time out for yourself.  Recharging your “batteries’ brings vitality to all of your relationships.

7. Be ongoingly grateful and acknowlege what you appreciate in each other.

8. Play together and enjoy each other.  LJ and I just returned from a two week road trip to celebrate our anniversary.  We had a blast just being together.

9. Be honest with each other.  Keeping secrets is like putting a road block between you and your spouse.  “Oh what a terrible web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”  Sometimes telling the truth can be risky, but hiding the truth for a lifetime can be deadly.

10. Share your relationship and what’s good about it with others.  People want to be around those who are happy and prospering. 

So much has happened in these past 25 years.  We’ve had several recessions and housing downturns followed by periods of incredible prosperity.  Knowing this is what keeps me optimistic about the future of our Tucson Real Estate Market.  I’ve been blessed with so many wonderful clients in my real estate business. LJ and I have built a successful custom homebuilding company, McCreary Homes, in buisness since 1988.  We’ve raised 2 wonderful kids, Abby and Connor, and made a place in our home for LJ’s mom, Erma, now 91 years old.

Life continues to be good, simply because we say so.

Denise McCreary