February 24, 2008 by Donna Anderson.

What the best real estate agents have is tenacity, as do all the candidates who are still in the race–Clinton, Obama, and McCain. When we list a property in a very strong buyers’  market we keep going and keep looking for new ways to improve the desirability and marketing of the property. When we are working with buyers who are worried about the values going down and want to take the best advantage of getting a deal, we continuously show them the numbers, the comparables of what has sold in the last six months; we preview and do not waste the buyers’ time looking at homes that do not fit their needs. We look at the mortage interest rates on a daily basis and when we think they are very advantageous, we tell the buyers to try to seize the day.  We become closer partners with our clients since our relationship will probably be longer and  conversations more multiple. The importance of having a good real estate agent during the present market period can not be stressed enough. Go with the agent who has  solid references and experience selling in a market similar to the one Tucson has now. Then you can not go wrong; she will lead you down the path perhaps less chosen, but much more worthwhile.

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February 16, 2008 by Donna Anderson.

Dove Mountain is a gorgeous planned community located in the high Sonoran Desert with breathtaking Totolita Mountain views. The Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain will be selling 20  homesites from $725,000 - $1,800,000.  and  300 custom homes sited on from a quarter acre to  3/4 of an acre  with base prices from $1,585,000  to  $2,740,000  with finished square feet from 2,479 to 5,410 square feet.  Only a few homes can chose sites without a lot premium; lot premiums range from $25,000 - $350,000. Right now there appears to be 4 homesites with no lot premiums.  Phase 1 will have 91 homes and 16 sites.  All  homes will have spas and terraces; some options offered include swimming pools and casitas.

Dove Mountain is located in the prettiest part of Marana off of Tangarine Rd going towards Oro Valley and the Pusch Ridge; it is surrounded by thousands of acres of some of the most gorgeous Sonoran Desert. It has over 3,000 homes already built there since 1998, including  popular, gated Heritage Highlands which is an Active Adult Community with resale homes starting in the low $200,000s.  Prior to last year, one living in Dove Mountain  had to travel about 7 miles to get to such amenities as gas stations, doctor’s offices, shopping, etc. Now there is a new shopping center with many amenities right in the community. Tiger Woods played golf here last year and will play next week at the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship. 

 The Ritz Carlton Hotel will be completed in 2009 and will  have 226 rooms and suites and approximately 24 casitas. This resort will have 3 restaurants, a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center,  and a swimming pool complex with tennis courts.

 There could not be a better time to buy at Heritage Highlands which has its own golf course, club house, recreation-fitness and tennis center with restaurant. Many of the homes dropped over 100K during the past year due to the poor home market, so you can find a  fairly new home  there with  a 2 car garage from the $200,000s.  When the Ritz Carlton complex is finished, these values should go up rapidly.  Heritage Highlands has many active adults who are in their 50s, unlike other active adult communities that seem to attract a more sedate and older crowd.

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February 15, 2008 by Donna Anderson.

Yesterday I mentioned there was a bargain Foothills 1 bedroom condo that had been dramatically reduced to 125K; it took less than a day to go under contract! There is a very lucky buyer out there!

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February 14, 2008 by Donna Anderson.

Today I opened my daily report of listing activity in the Foothills and was amazed to see a one bedroom condo at Tierra Catalina, in the heart of the foothills, near La Encantada, priced at only $125,000. This condo sold in June of 2006 for $194,000. It is located on the ground floor and has renovated granite counters, tile floors, new cabinetry and is an end unit. There is a community pool, clubhouse, spa and rec room and it has a low condo fee of only $156 a month.  WOW! This is definitely an investers’ delight or may be great for you to buy for your child who will be going to U of A in a few years or  be just the answer for one who wants to spend the Winter months where the sun shines!

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February 13, 2008 by Donna Anderson.

I have lived here for over 4 years and there has never been a better time to buy in The Foothills.  Some homes have gone down in price as much as 25% from the late 2005 - early 2006 highs.  I do admit this is not seen everywhere in The Foothills, but I have seen it in more than a few homes for sale.  Interest rates are less than 6% for conforming loans under 417K.  And with high credit scores and other strong factors, some lucky people can get a 95% loan if it is 500K or less.  However, inventory continues to decrease as some Sellers are giving up their quest for a sale; therefore, if you are thinking of buying in the Foothills, this time could possibly be the best time ever since prices are fantastic; interest rates are low and  housing inventory is high.  Keep in mind, many parts of the country have much more expensive real estate and do not have the great climate and incomparable beauty of the Sonoran Desert.  And I am not just talking about L.A., San Francisco, Hawaii, Manhattan, etc.  I am talking about Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, Northern Virgina and Maryland Beltway areas surrounding Washington, D.C., to name a few areas that are much more expensive than Tucson Foothills. Most of these areas have had a colder than normal Winter.  Today I am enjoying 70+ degree weather as I look out of my home office at the desert and mountains. I know I am very lucky!

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February 5, 2008 by Donna Anderson.

Quiet here; no signs close to the two polling stations I saw close up–Ventana Vista Elementary school, in the heart of the Tucson Foothills where my daughter goes to school ,and the Ramada Inn off of Tanque Verde near the corner of Sabino Canyon Road where I was designated to vote.  Many people lined up to vote, but I hardly saw any signs for those endorsing their favorites who were running  and there were no people giving out leaflets on their chosen candidate.  Gosh, in this way I miss MD.  People in Howard County, MD, where I left 4 years ago, made a huge deal of the primaries and many talked politics and tried to convince their friends to vote their way! It is so apolitical here, I just can not get used to it! I guess I love politics and I love Hilary, so here is hoping she comes in strong tonight! And I feel I should have done more for her, but have to admit it, talking politics seems to turn off a lot of people here!

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