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