Posts Tagged ‘Tucson Relocation’

A Toast to Toastmasters and Other National Clubs

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

Traveling to another state gets us out of our routine, but for fellow out of state Toastmasters out there, Arizona has many Toastmasters’ clubs.  Guests are heartily welcomed.   It’s a great way to meet people and get their take on the Grand Canyon state, what they like and what they don’t.

Taking advantage of attending a meeting such as Toastmasters offers the opportunity to chat with people and get the locals’ perspective on the area.  Formulating a list of questions may be a good idea such as:    Where would you buy a property if you were buying today?  Where would you definitely not buy?   How is the traffic to get to xyz place?  Is there anything you think I should be aware of such as new building, roadway expansion, commercial development coming soon?  How is the crime in this area?  What about drugs?

Real estate agents must be careful answering questions such as these so they are not guilty of steering.  But asking locals such questions is perfectly permissible.  Getting the “take” of area from a cross section of the area’s residents, rather than residents who just live in that particular subdivision, may provide a more realistic viewpoint.  People who live in a specific subdivision will paint the picture brightly and  may not talk about any “downside” to the neighborhood.

An agent can refer buyers to websites such as the crime site or sex offenders site, but this may not give the information a buyer desires to make an informed decision.

Taking an hour or two to attend a local Toastmasters meeting, Rotary, Lions Club, or place of worship with the intent of talking with people who live in the area can reap big rewards.  A buyer may find information which the Realtor® does not know.

The added benefit is discovering local haunts, “good hole in the wall restaurants” which can’t afford to advertise in the slick magazines, places to see which may be out of the way, or a local event which is not well advertised.

If you are thinking about a trip to a locale where you are considering purchasing a home, go that extra step, attend a meeting and ask questions!

Tucson Retirement Home…The Choice is Yours…

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

There are plenty of active adult community properties for sale in Tucson less than $200,000. This is the time to look at your southwest sunbelt home. Check properties now while you still have the best pickings…before the majority of winter visitors arrive.   Enjoy January through April here in beautiful Tucson while your neighbors shovel snow, dig out their car, and bundle up in winter gear just to go to the store.

The price of property in Tucson is at 2003 levels and interest rates are at a historical low. This equation equals an opportunistic time for people who always coveted a retirement home or second home in the southwest sunbelt to purchase that dream.

Tucson and the surrounding area is home to several active adult communities and homes in these areas have decreased in price.   Prices are down 15 to 25% from three years ago.

In the entire Tucson Multiple Listing Service, 91 properties sold during the past three months (since June 22, 2010) in active adult communities at an average list price of $262,873 and an average sale price of $248,302.

That is an approximate 5.5% discount to list price. The median asking price is $249,000 and the sale price was $230,000 or a 7.6% discount to list. And the low price was $92,800 with the sale price of $92,000 or a .08% discount to list. The high end property which sold during the past three months, had an asking price of $599,000 with a sale price of $569,000 or a 5.0% discount to list.

Currently, as of this morning, there are 460 properties in active adult communities on the market, four of which are more than $1,000,000. The average price of those properties is $297,942 but of this total, 45 properties are $500,000 or above skewing the average prices upwards. The median price is $249,700, the low price is $52,500 and the high price is $2,800,000.

Most people seeking an active adult community will be purchasing property below $500,000 and the 415 properties on the market have an average price of $251,827, with a median price of $239,000, a low price of $52,500, and the high price of $499,900. These are asking prices.

Using the discount to list price during the past three months of 5.5%, one may be able to purchase an average active adult community property for about $237,000 if we use the entire domain of properties to $500,000.

To use an old cliché, “the early bird catches the worm”. For more information about Tucson active adult communities, contact me, terry@terrybishop.com for more information and a relocation package.

Choose a Certified Residential Specialist Real Estate Agent…

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Why choose a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) to represent you when buying or selling property?

You are getting ready to put your home on the market, or you are looking for a home in another area.  How do you go about choosing a Realtor®?  And why should you choose a CRS? 

Less than 4% of Realtors®  nationwide have earned their Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, but account for more than 25% of the real estate transactions. CRS agents must combine knowledge with production in order to earn the designation.

CRS agents have invested both time and money in classes far beyond those required as a Realtor®.  They are on the cutting edge of technology which can help you in marketing your home worldwide, they understand various types of marketing and can target audience your home, they listen to your concerns and try and put your wishes into action plans.  They understand negotiating and practice good negotiating skills which can save you both time and money. 

If your are moving to another part of the country, CRS agents have a network of other CRS agents worldwide upon whom they can rely.  Your local CRS agent can refer you to your new CRS Realtor® who will work with you with the skill and knowledge you are accustomed. 

Why not hire from the top agents in the industry.  It costs the same to be represented by the crème de la crème, as it does to be represented by the mediocre. Select from the top 4% of the real estate industry. 

The next time you have a real estate transaction or have friend or family who has a real estate transaction, refer that person to a CRS agent, or refer that person here. 

CRS agents are knowledgeable, have a worldwide network of other CRS agents, and can help keep you from pitfalls when buying and or selling property.

So What’s The Draw To Tucson? (2)

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Although Tucsonans enjoy all types of events throughout the year, January and February are the high note months for locals and winter visitors alike.  Several events take advantage of Tucson’s balmy climate and put Tucson on the international stage.

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the largest gem and mineral show in the world, moves into Tucson at the end of January and runs until February 15.  Huge white tents dot areas of the city and the Gem and Mineral Show literally is throughout the city in most all hotels and motels, especially those along the I-10 corridor.   Unimaginable beautiful gems and minerals, muti facets in brilliant colors are on display for sale by vendors from six continents, just not Antarctica.

Not only are gems and minerals on sale, but beautiful beads for beading afficianados.  Middle Eastern rugs, African art and masks, artifacts indigenous to the areas dealers are from, beautiful weavings, and high quality “junk jewerly” line room after room of motels where courtyards are turned into international marketplaces. If you are a gem or mineral dealer- or a geologist – this is your show. 

The “Main Show” at the Convention Center is slated for February 11 through the 14th where fine specimens of minerals and gems are exhibited.  This is the show for collectors  and dealers from throughout the world and boasts a rare find to see so much quality in one area.

February 25 marks the Tucson Rodeo Parade, the beginning of “La Fiesta de los Vaqueros”, or in local parlance, Rodeo Days.  Rodeo is huge in Tucson, so huge that there is no school!  During  Rodeo day, people sport their cowboy hats, shirts, jeans, and of course, beautiful – often hand made – leather cowboy boots!  It’s tradition! 

The Rodeo Parade is the longest non motorized parade in the United States.  Rodeo draws riders from throughout the world and is a huge draw for locals as well as visitors.  The Rodeo Museum will be open where memorabilia, including old carriages, are on display. 

Spring training begins at the end of February and an afternoon in the ballpark with the sounds of cheering, the organ blaring the familiar tune cuing for home team cheering, plus the smell of hot dogs permeating the air add up to a grand afternoon.  The Colorado Rockies play at Hi Corbett Field and the Arizona Diamondbacks strut their stuff at Tucson Electric Park.

Golfing fans have Accenture Match Play which  starts February 15 and runs until February 21 at the Ritz Carlton Golf Course.  Again golfers from throughout the world compete for the “last man standing” championship.  This world class event will be televised and once again, Tucson will be on the international map.

Next week I will blog about each one of these events in depth.  Book your reservation and plane ticket to TUS and come to know and understand why we love Tucson!  Remember, each of these events is outdoor!

So What’s the Draw to Tucson?

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

As I have said  on my website, Tucson is a city with a small town feel.  It is impacted by the University of Arizona and Pima Community College.   The city has a collegiate atmosphere and because of both schools, Tucson is a big sports town.   Basketball and football are huge sport for both the men’s and women’s teams, but  baseball is also good  winter-spring sport, both spring training for major leagues as well as college baseball. 

Biking is not just a sport, but a means of transportation for many individuals.  Tucson is one  of the premier cities which emphasizes biking as a mode of transportation as well as sport.  Home to El Tour de Tucson, an internationally famous bike race held every November, Tucson welcomes guests for biking holidays.  Bikers can be seen most any time of year, road riding, or mountain biking.  Just recently Lance Armstrong and his team were in Tucson for several weeks practicing for another international event.  Some hotels have bikes for casual riding, and the myriad of bike shops offer bike rentals by the day, week, or month.

Flanked by mountain ranges; the Catalinas to the north-northeast;, the Rincons to the east; and the Tucson Mountains to the south, hiking trails abound at all levels of difficulty and lengths.  From casual walking on not very steep grades, to rigorous day long hikes, Tucson is your town!  And there are trails at all elevations, 2400 feet about sea level which Tucson is, to more than 8,000 feet above sea level which is the top of the Catalina Mountains at Mount Lemmon.  This provides for hiking in all types of vegetation and geological formations, from stately saguaros to lofty pines.

And Golf…golf is a huge sport and Tucson is home to Accenture Match Play held in February.  Top golfers congregate at the Dove Mountain Ritz Carlton golf course for the last man standing championship.  Spectator tickets are available and Match Play draws capacity crowds.  But for those who want to play golf and not be a spectator, Tucson offers both excellent city courses at reasonable pricing, as well as an plethora of private courses, many designed by noted golfers. 

These are a few reasons which entice people to Tucson, and why Tucsonons love their city.  I’ll continue with this love affair I have with my city tomorrow.  But for readers wanting information immediately, or wanting a relocation package, contact me at terry@terrybishop,com and let me know and I’ll get one in the mail to you pronto.  Leave your name and address and it will arrive in your post box priority mail.

Resources:

Tucson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau:   http://www.visittucson.org

Accenture Match Play:     http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r470/

Biking in Tucson:   http://tucsonbiking.com/

Hiking in Tucson:  http://www.localhikes.com/MSA/MSA_8520.asp

Tucson Golf Courses:  http://www.tucsongolfcourses.net/

Plan Ahead If Thinking About Buying in Tucson…

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

     Many out of town people come to Tucson with the idea of purchasing property.  In today’s real estate market, they can cherry pick amongst bargain properties.  But now, with new requirements set forth by lending institutions and the federal government, a little planning goes a long way.

    From the comfort of one’s home in Anytown, USA, a future Tucson resident can use the websites provided by local lenders to apply for home loans.   It should be emphasized, local lenders, regardless of where you are moving, are the people who know and understand the quirks of the marketplace.   If  applying for a loan in Tucson, the lender in upstate New York has no idea what our market conditions are, nor should he/she be expected to know.  Conversely, a lender in Tucson does not know the market in upstate New York.  

    Many of the lenders advertised on television or the internet do not know the local market.  They sit in a huge room with a computer screen and sometimes the borrower does not even talk with the same person twice.  This may not be true for all internet and lenders advertised on television, but real estate agents have a bevy of horror stories because these lenders do not know or understand Arizona law.

    Using local lenders, (three are provided below) and talking with a Realtor who can make initial contact with these lenders, will get you the very best service.  A pre approval and  LSR (Loan Status Report) for the Realtor prior to looking at property, will insure the buyer of being able to make an offer without delay.

    A LSR is required for all offers.  This tells the seller and the seller’s agent, that the buyer has been preapproved for the loan requested and that the buyer has talked with a lender and provided the lender initial data requested.  Unless financial conditions dramatically change, the buyer should be able to consumate the transaction.  The purpose of the LSR is to prevent people from making offers on properties, (and tying up properties from future potential buyers) , which the original buyer cannot afford.

    While in the armchair comfort of home, the newcomer to Tucson can determine what documents will be needed by the lender and can either fax or mail copies of those documents.   Being pre approved streamlines the entire process, and in a market where interest rates jump from day to day, or from morning the afternoon, plus the new lending requirements regarding time frames and disclosures by lenders to the borrower, the soon to be new Tucson resident, sits in the cat bird’s seat.

Lenders:

Lance Dickson Nova Home Loans    http://www.lancedickson.com

Tom Heath   http://www.theheathteam.com

Jerry Sundt    http://www.sundtmortgagegroup.com

Realtor:    http://www.terrybishop.com  

                e-mail:  terry@terrybishop.com