Michael J. Perry has some great and simple ideas for better success in selling your home. 

First impressions count, and your first impression may be the last chance you receive to wow a buyer.  If you own a Tucson home and are thinking about listing, I'm always happy to provide a free CMA so you know your area market. 

In addition to #2. Check your roof - remember that a new layer of white coating here in Tucson goes a long way in making your home "shine".  And personally speaking, the keyword "cats" in #5. can also apply to dogs!

Which Way Do You Go?  Tucson's Most Dangerous Intersections

As a real estate agent, I put on a lot of miles.  When I plan out my day, I also plan my routes based on time of day and traffic.  As summer heats up, traffic lets up a little bit as  the summer ducks go off to enjoy milder temperatures.  However, when I came across this recent article regarding intersection safety - I not only thought of my own routine, but felt this was something important to share with other Tucson drivers as well.

The article pointed out the five most dangerous intersections in Tucson based on number of cars, pedestrian traffic, signs, etc.

Speedway Boulevard and Campbell Avenue

City of Tucson Public Information officer Mike Graham says that this intersection near the U of A is one of the two-most heavily trafficked spots in the Old Pueblo.  The other is Broadway and Kolb.  Both average about 47,000 vehicles a day.

Interestingly enough, four of the five worst Tucson intersections are along Kolb! 

Grant Road and Tanque Verde.

This is that intersection that "joins" Wilmot, Kolb, Grant, Tanque Verde...all into one jammed intersection highlighted with traffic cameras.  I personally try to hit this intersection only when going to have my hair done nearby.  Otherwise..there are so many different routes!  This intersection sees 46,000 vehicle visits a day.

Kolb and 22nd Street sees 45,000 vehicles in a day.

Golf Links and Kolb sees 44,000 cars.

As a side note, watch the red-light cameras at these super-sized intersections.  What you think is half-way through the intersection is more than likely NOT...Many intersections are "set back" from the actual corner of the intersection, and it's misleading. "Entering the intersection is defined as the vehicle passing the lateral prolongation of the curb line, or the line between the curbs on each side of the street. If you have passed this line when the light turns red, you are legally in the intersection."  

Usually, you can see the solid painted line in these intersections and you better be past it by the time the light turns red!

Public transportation, car pooling, walking, biking...all these are ways to reduce the number of cars and cut down on traffic congestion here in Tucson. 

Some of my favorite routes to get around town include the Orange Grove exit from I-10 all the way across town as it joins Ina/Skyline/Sunrise, as well as the route across southern Tucson on 22nd Street.

No matter which way you travel, it seems road construction is the norm.  The freeway, downtown Tucson, and many, many surface streets have the orange cautions up for roadwork.  Remember, drivers caught speeding will pay double the fine!

 

The Blessings of Family

When I was a teenager, all I really wanted was the "American Dream".  A house, a loving family, a purpose or vocation in life.

This Mother's Day 2012 I just want to give a shout out to my wonderful family - My oldest son, Doug, and his long-time girlfriend, Megan

Jessica and Matt, married 6 years with two daughters...and my youngest son, Dan

My youngest, Jenna, Jehanne our french student, and Rocco, my husband

My mom

Jenna celebrating her 17th birthday

My sister Renee

Rocky and Millie Mancuso, my wonderful in-laws!

Whether you are a mother celebrating this Mother's Day, I'm sure there are people and family members in your life you are thankful for.  Today's a great day for remembering folks special to you.  Hope you have a beautiful day.

TAR MARKETING STAR with Horse Property for Sale in NW Tucson!

Well, I have to admit, I like to let loose every once in a while and I firmly believe a little embarrasment is good for the soul.

I had an opportunity to share my ranch listing with agents all over Tucson this past week for the NW Tucson Broker Tour of Homes.  Selling agents may read, dance, sing, rap, mime...whatever way they wish to market their client's homes to make them stand out.

I understand that everyone may not be looking for a 4.77 acre ranch or horse property in NW Tucson for sale.  I also understand that the 2-stall barn with tack room, separate feed areas and turnouts, huge 30 x 90' hay barn, 5 covered fenced corrals and 2 arenas may be too much for those that are just looking to get away from it all with a little land and some fantastic desert and mountain scenery.  It's probably a very specific buyer.

So...it's important to be memorable.  You never know when a prospect may call saying, "Hi, I'm looking for some horse property for sale in NW Tucson" and you'll say...I'm happy to help!  At that moment, little bells might go off in your head when you remember that ridiculous agent that donned the pink, flashing cowboy hat and drummed out, "Home, Home on the Ranch" in a "memorable" cowboy drawl.  

I am hoping ya'll remember.  And I'm hoping you'll help me sell my clients' one-of-a-kind rancher's dream.

Here's a little refresher of the words:

Home on the Ranch

Oh, I bring you a home

Where the horses do roam

Where the lizards and javelina do play

Three bedroom two bath

A pool by the path

Almost 5 acres with mountain views all the day

 

Home, home on the ranch

Listed below what the appraiser did say

A barn built for two, and a hay shed it’s true

Great digs for Black Beauty and You

 

A singular place

Built for the horseperson’s pace

Faux paintings and murals galore

5 shaded turnouts with fence

Two arenas per chance

You’re hooked, by the rodeo Lore

 

Home, home on the ranch

Listed below what the appraiser did say

A barn built for two, and a hay shed it’s true

Great digs for Black Beauty and You

This little piece of rancher’s heaven can be yours for $357,900. 1807 sqft, 4.77 acres just off Thornydale and Linda Vista

Anna has another great idea with her FAQ Break Into Summer Organized Contest!  First-time homebuyers have SO many questions and this is a great way to organize the questions you've received and create permanent, accessible answers to some of your clients' most pressing questions.  

Birthday Fun in Tucson

Had a little fun celebrating both a birthday and Mother's Day this week.

Rented a ride.

Enjoyed a long drive through the Ironwood Forest National Monument.

Drove through Avra Valley and passed on through the Saguaro Forest West along Painted Rocks/Wade/Ina road.

Headed back and picked up the family...

And took off through the western foothills of the Tucson Mountains, up to Star Pass Resort.  We had dinner at the Signature Grill with the beautiful city lights.

Thanks for the well-wishes on Facebook everyone!  It was a wonderful day with family.  

 

 

Spring Tips! Break out the lawn mower, the window cleaner, the all-purpose cleaners. Open up the attic, the basement, and pull out the ironing. Whatever your project, spring seems to inspire us to tackle projects left to themselves all winter. Don't let it BUG you! Here's a few complimentary articles to help with some of our more pesky problems and some main ideas to help your home maintain its friendly and inviting exterior. Whether it's Do it yourself, or time to call the handiman -- I hope you find this information helpful and timely! Happy spring!

Can you Put A Caption On These Photos???

A few weeks back I was helping some investor-clients of mine find some promising fix-and-flip opportunities.

You never really know what you'll find in some of the properties, and a sense of humor when purchasing distressed and/or low-priced properties is a MUST!

Here's what we came across when walking through one home ...  look closely...

This is a "solid" wall in a bedroom.

Here's a close-up:

Ya' 'spose someone had a fight???!!!

If you are looking for a deal of a home in Tucson, AZ and have a great sense of humor...I'll match you!  Let's go house hunting!

Dual Open House Event in The Preserve @ Dove Mountain, Marana

Today, Saturday, April 28, from 10-1 and then 1-4, I will be hosting two Preserve @ Dove Mountain, Marana open houses!  The Preserve is a beautiful, quiet area with room for about 650 gated homes, located near the gateway to Dove Mountain, Marana at the base of the Tortolita Mountains.  Expansive views are the norm, and most of the homes have been built after 2005.  The area is served by Marana School District.

Here is the kitchen of one of today's open houses.

The home is located at 12726 N New Reflection Drive Marana, AZ 85658.  Follow Tangerine west from Thornydale to Dove Mountain Blvd. Turn right, or North N to White Dove Rd (thru gate) - turn left on New Reflection to house.

This home features the La Bella model built by Meritage Homes.  Meritage is known for their great room concepts and green features!  Cook away in your gorgeous Kitchen is highlighted by large wrap-around Chef's Island/Breakfast Bar, with Granite counters, 36'' Cherry wood cabinets, and Stainless Steel appliances.

The home also offers a gas fireplace, formal dining room, ceramic tile, wood blinds & ceiling fans throughout. Master Suite has adjoining bath w/ jetted tub, walk-in shower, lg walk-in closet. Second/third bedrooms conveniently separated by long hallway with full bath.

Also nice, the extended 3-car tandem garage offers added storage/workshop space!

Relax on the outdoor patio with dual ceiling fans and adjacent fire-pit. 

Also open today is 12542 N Gentle Rain Drive Marana, AZ 85658, right around the corner!  Again, take Tangerine road west from Thornydale to Dove Mountain Blvd and turn North. Take a right on White Dove thru Gate, right on New Reflection (turns into Gentle Rain) to address.  You'll see my signs!  

If you are coming between 10 and 1, you'll need the gate code, so give me a call at 909-2988 and I'll let you in!

Here's the views from the backyard of 12542 N Gentle Rain Drive Marana, AZ 85658

This home is IMMACULATE and features those great views.  It sits on the lot with open desert front and rear and inside, this home already has it all. Open floor-plan with custom paint, lighting fixtures, window treatments, wood blinds, ceramic tile, plush carpet, wall niches, pendant lighting, chandelier, built-in cabinetry, custom Entertainment Center. Outside, enjoy the copper landscape lighting, extended flagstone patio, and 3-car tandem garage. 

Spend some time in today and give me a visit!  I'm happy to show you 12542 N Gentle Rain Drive from 10-1, and from 1-4 p.m., 12726 N New Reflection Drive Marana, AZ 85658.

If you'd like more information on other gated homes for sale in Dove Mountain, Marana, follow this link to see the available listings!  I'll be there to answer your questions about the area and help you find your new Marana home!

Hit the road and come on up!!

(As a reminder, always bring your agent along when viewing new construction for the first time, or you lose your opportunity for buyer-broker assistance, working exclusively for you.  Site agents work for the builder!)

Gladden Farms Marana Community-Wide Yard Sale - May 5, 7 - 1

Community-wide garage sales - I love 'em!  My luck generally runs to finding only baby clothes when I randomly stop to peruse what looks like an active garage sale.  Being that my kiddies are all grown, I like to see what little knick-knacks and odd pieces of furniture folks have instead!

Nothing better than dozens of garage sales all packed together!  It's a great way to spend a sunny morning in beautiful Arizona, and you might find a bargain as well.

 

Gladden Farms is located just 5 minutes off I-10 on Tangerine Farms road.   Take the freeway exit and travel west - you'll see the signs...and the houses!  Gladden Farms is a master-planned community and while you're shopping, take in the well-kept lawns, beautiful parkways, and ...houses for sale!

Make a day of it and contact me to see homes that are available for viewing same day.  I've attached a link to homes for sale in Gladden Farms, Marana - you'll see they are very affordable, and many are move-in ready.

Let's go shopping!