A recent Price adjustment might just move this lovely home into your Budget!  Listed by Nicole Nelson, Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes. 520-743-6449 nicole@SWDesertHomes.comDiscover this beautifully updated 4 BD/3 BA ranch-style Richmond American home in The Pines, Marana, AZ. With a nearly new AC unit (installed ~1 year ago), brand-new carpet, and fresh paint throughout, this home is ready for you to move right in!The inviting layout features a spacious great room, a cozy breakfast nook, and an open kitchen that's perfect for entertaining. The split floor plan offers privacy, while the dedicated den/office space is ideal for working from home. Enjoy oversized tile flooring and a generous primary suite with a walk-in closet, providing both comfort and style.Step outside to a nicely si... 10/01/2024

Discover the magic of Tucson, Arizona, where June brings forth a unique charm under the warmth of the desert sun. Picture this: a pleasant 91 degrees at 10 p.m., and the best part? It's a dry heat, with humidity currently at a mere 8%.Escape to a place that feels like a perpetual vacation - Tucson is a haven of palm trees, inviting swimming pools, and endless sunny days that will lift your spirits. Embrace the dry climate, and say goodbye to pesky mosquitoes; in fact, I have experienced only ONE mosquito bite in the past 24 years!Experience what I like to call our "blow dryer weather" on windy days.  Honestly.  Currently my hair is way down my back and five minutes is all it takes to go from swimming pool to "blow-out".Summer in Tucson is a hidden gem for tourists. Take advantage of ent... 06/04/2024

We have an interesting new neighbor that is livening up our evenings and posing for photos.  I wanted to learn a bit more about him so I did a little digging...   I believe he's a great horned owl, as he's got the peaked ears and is at least 18 inches tall.   What they look like: Size: Great horned owls are large birds, with a wingspan that can reach up to 5 feet. They typically weigh under 4 pounds but they sure look heavier! Plumage: They have a mottled brown and grey body with distinctive ear tufts (which aren’t actually ears) that resemble horns, hence their name. Eyes: Their large, yellow eyes are quite striking and provide excellent night vision, essential for their nocturnal lifestyle.  I love how their neck sort of spins around as their attention is caught. Habitat Range: These... 05/23/2024

Living here in the desert, you can bet that water conservation is paramount!But, did you know that the bathroom is the biggest water hog in your home? Toilets use about 24% of household water, and showers another 20%. But it's not just water – bathrooms also consume a lot of electricity for lighting and temperature control.As more Tucson homeowners embrace sustainability, the bathroom is a prime spot for eco-friendly upgrades. Here’s why and how to make your bathroom greener.Top 5 Sustainable Bathroom Features Smart Showerheads and Faucets Install low-flow fixtures to save water, gas, and electricity. Look for the WaterSense label for certified efficiency.  There are also low-water and dual flush toiled available for minimum water usage. Radiant Heated Floors More efficient than baseboa... 05/22/2024

The market changes rapidly, no matter where you live.Back in 2020-2021, it was a major challenge to find a horse property.  I'd finally found one “off market” that my client and I were able to secure.  It took about 6 offers over the course of a year!That time period was when one often had to make an appointment to view, and there were a dozen or so others “standing” in line.Multiple offers were commonplace. Today’s headlines talk about shortages of inventory, lack of listings, etc.  However, there’s a funny thing about sales right now in Tucson, AZ.   I’m sure it has to do with interest rates, inflation, the political year, etc.  But, If you have a move-in ready, maintained home – they generally sell fast. I decided to look back into horse ranches and see what held true for now and boy... 05/16/2024

Listed by the Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes, Michael Joseph and Nicole Nelson, Co-agents.  Michael can be reached at:  Michael D Joseph 520-275-4201   michael@SWDesertHomes.comCheck out this gem! Step into move-in ready with this immaculate, like-new home nestled in the picturesque Hardy Estates community. Convenient to so much, and yet still offering privacy - make this a must see!Situated on a premium lot overlooking a serene wash area, the backyard oasis features open-view fencing and a cozy patio equipped with a ceiling fan, perfect for enjoying the tranquil surroundings with minimal upkeep. Inside, you'll be greeted by a formal dining room ideal for hosting gatherings, and a convenient office space for those who work from home. With three bedrooms, two full baths, and one-half ... 05/15/2024

I read a great article on landscaping this past week and it had me reflecting on "gardens" here in Tucson, AZ.When I first moved to our desert environment back in 2000, I have to admit it took more than a few months to get used to seeing folks rake their rocks rather than break out a lawn mower. Over time, I learned the value of water conservation, heat-loving plants and something called Xeriscaping.Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that focuses on creating beautiful outdoor spaces while conserving water and reducing maintenance requirements. The term "xeriscape" originates from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry, and "scape," referring to a view or scene. Xeriscaping is particularly popular in arid and drought-prone regions where water conservation is essential, like Tucson, AZ.Wi... 05/10/2024

You may have read my earlier blog posting about Cinco de Mayo celebrations here in Tucson.  Within it, I promised more information about where to go, what to do, and most importantly - WHAT TO EAT, within our historic city of Tucson, AZ.Tucson metropolitan area consists of Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Vail and other outlying communities such as Sahuarita, Catalina, and even Saddle Brooke. We all sort of meld together in a homey, homogenous community centered in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.The Tucson area is known for great eating!  Follow the links for more information about selected events.Celebrating the diversity of Mexican tastes, enjoy this link to discover some of the local great eateries here in Marana, AZ. Click the link to read more aboutLa Olla Mexican CafeNana's KitchenAlejan... 05/03/2024

Here in Tucson, we're all gearing up for Cinco de Mayo this weekend.  Margaritas, great food, friends... but what exactly is Cinco de Mayo - many don't know.Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.The Battle of Puebla occurred during the Franco-Mexican War, a conflict between the Mexican government led by President Benito Juárez and the French forces of Napoleon III. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican army, achieved a surprising and decisive victory over the French forces at Puebla.While Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in Mexico, in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a vibrant cultural celebration of Mexican heritage, featur... 05/03/2024

Let's talk today about the Baby Boomer generation, those folks born between 1946 and 1964.  With a population of over 71 million here in the US, owning more real estate than any other generation; it's a pretty big deal in the real estate world. As they're (we) are getting older, let's talk about how that may affect the real estate market – sooner rather than later!First off, many are retiring or getting close to it. And you know what often comes with retirement? Downsizing. You might want to swap your big family home for something smaller and easier to manage. Maybe it’s a cozy condo or a place in a sunny retirement community. (like Tucson, AZ!)Then there are the empty nesters. Kids grow up, move out, and suddenly mom and dad are rattling around in a house that feels way too big. Downsi... 04/30/2024

If you’re a birder, you won’t want to miss this lovely bi-annual event! The hummingbird migration through the Tucson area is a remarkable natural phenomenon that occurs primarily in the fall and spring. Tucson, Arizona, sits along one of the major migration routes for several species of hummingbirds, including the Anna's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Broad-billed Hummingbird.(Black chinned Hummingbird)Fortunately, one of my clients’ is an avid watcher and shares his photos, so I can share with you!  All information is deemed reliable, but name under each photo came from client) (Peacock Hummingbird)During their migration, hummingbirds travel thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico and Cent... 04/08/2024

You’ve heard the words “Low Inventory” for over a year now, but what exactly does that mean?Picture this: Tucson's real estate market is like a game of musical chairs, but with houses. Now, when there's low inventory, it's like there are way fewer chairs than people playing.So, what happens? Well, first off, everyone starts scrambling. Buyers are looking for homes, but there just aren't enough to go around.  With fewer options, buyers get competitive. They start bidding higher and higher to snag one of the few available homes. That means prices shoot up, which is great news for sellers, but not so much for buyers trying to snag a deal.  HOWEVER, sellers can and have overpriced their homes in this kind of market and here’s what happens.  With the higher interest rates, today’s buyers are... 03/22/2024

In honor of World Poetry Day (March 21), I thought I’d share my love of Tucson and the surrounding area.  I've used different photos, but they help illustrate the meaning of the words.The desert speaks to us in quiet ways;Purple mountainsDazzling SunsetsA society of cacti where we can visit our ancestors(photo by Mike Jones)…if your ears are open to the voice of the Saguaro.(photo by Mike Jones)Riotous blooms and colorCreate their own beguiling melody within your mindThere’s a danger here, a power, and yet it whispers to the soul(photo by Mike Jones)Inviting solaceContemplationAnd reverenceCome.Be.Tucson. 03/21/2024

Buying a second home in Tucson can be an excellent idea for those seeking a vacation-like getaway, expressly tailored to your lifestyle and preferences: Winter Retreat: Tucson's mild winters and sunny skies make it an ideal winter retreat for folks looking to escape colder climates. The pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and biking during the winter months, providing an active and healthy lifestyle. Affordable Living: Tucson offers a lower cost of living compared to many other popular retirement destinations. This affordability means one can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank, both in terms of purchasing the second home and day-to-day expenses. Health and Wellness: Tucson is known for its focus on health and wellness, with numerous ... 03/20/2024

Thinking about purchasing a new construction home in order to take advantage of lower interest rates?  For a limited time, Meritage is offering lower monthly payments with rates as low as 3.99% on some of their popular floorplans. (click link to see)Very important --  Don't forget to take buyer representation along with you on your first visit.  Site agents work for the seller.  You do not get a "deal" or a discounted rate on your home purchase if you show up without an agent.  Negotiation skills, “add-ons and upgrades” guidance, impartial inspection coverage, another eye on the Builder Contract and addenda -- There's really no reason why you wouldn't want an experienced agent working for you with your new construction home project.As of March 18, 2024, Meritage Homes has over 170 homes... 03/19/2024

Listed by the Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes, Cara Mancuso, 520-909-2988Welcome to your new home! Step into this beautifully updated, split floor plan featuring not one, but two spacious primary suites. Wake up to breathtaking sunrise and mountain views streaming in through the expansive east-facing windows.Your inner chef will rejoice in the cook's kitchen complete with extended, solid wood cabinetry providing ample storage, lazy Susan, and a charming coffee bar area. Hosting friends and family is a breeze with under cabinet lighting, a gas stove and oven, newer appliances, quartz countertops, and a generously sized kitchen island.You'll find fresh updates, including newer interior paint and hardscape ceramic tile flooring throughout. The bathrooms have been tastefully renovated wit... 03/18/2024

New Construction Opportunities near SE TucsonBlackhawk, situated along the I-10 corridor southeast of Tucson at the southwest intersection of Wilmot and I-10, is a growing community with two planned Phases for construction. Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group, Inc. is currently developing 87 acres of land, and lots are now available for purchase.In January, D.R. Horton acquired 60 single-family residential (SFR) lots in Blackhawk. More recently, Richmond American secured 51 SFR lots at a noteworthy price of $4.641 million ($91,000 per lot), marking a new high for lot prices in this Tucson area.Upon completion, the community will feature a total of 310 homes, divided into two phases—phase 1 with 157 lots and phase 2 with 153 lots.   Notably, this marks Richmond American's 13th community dev... 03/02/2024

Moving to Tucson but also want to experience the mountainous beauty of the area within your home? Surrounded by several mountain ranges -- there are many views to choose from!  If mountains are your fancy - whether to wander or simply to enjoy, here's a bit of information regarding the main peaks surrounding our magnificent desert area:Santa Catalina Mountains: Also known as the Catalinas, these mountains are located to the north of Tucson. The range offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. Mount Lemmon, the highest peak in the Santa Catalinas, is a popular destination and provides a cool retreat during the hot summer months.  In one summer day you can escape the high 90's on the desert floor and bask in the cool 70's in the higher elev... 03/01/2024

Tucson is known as America's first city of gastronomy.Tucson's food scene is like a delicious journey through time and culture. We've got an incredible mix of flavors thanks to our rich cultural history, a melting pot of heritage food ingredients, and a dedication to keeping it real with traditional cooking techniques. It's not just food; it's a tasty tale of Tucson's awesome gastronomic evolution! In Tucson, you'll find Mexican restaurants scattered throughout the city, but there's a particular hotspot boasting over 50 eateries. Recognizing this tasty treasure, the Tucson City Council officially declared an area in South Tucson as the premier 23-mile stretch of Mexican food in the entire country. So without delay, let's spill the beans about Tucson's fantastic 23-mile stretch of Mexica... 02/20/2024

Looking at Purchasing an Active Adult Community Home in Tucson, AZ? Active Adult communities in Tucson, AZ, generally cater to individuals aged 55 and older and are designed to provide a lifestyle tailored to the needs and preferences of active retirees. These communities typically offer amenities such as golf courses, fitness centers, social clubs, and low-maintenance living options. If you're interested in purchasing a home in one of these communities, here are some steps to guide you:Start by researching the various Active Adult communities in Tucson. Some popular ones include Sun City Vistoso, (Oro Valley, AZ) SaddleBrooke, (SaddleBrooke, AZ) and The Highlands at Dove Mountain, (Marana, AZ). There are many other communities scattered about metropolitan Tucson. Each community has its... 02/17/2024