One thing as an Investing Realtor®/Broker in Tucson, Arizona I am frequently asked is "How do you find cheap property?".   In eighteen years of representing clients, investing on my own account and flipping property I have discovered one thing.   The money, is made on the BUY.   Now, if you are a seasoned investor or repeat buyer, this is NOTHING new to you!   The problem is, HOW do you find a cheap home for sale before everone else?  If I am looking through the Internet, there are plenty of resources of how to buy a house, but very few resources on how to buy a CHEAP house!   So where do you go to find cheap homes in Tucson, or anywhere in the United States for that matter? Do you stick to HUD Homes that are for sale?  Maybe Bank Owned?  While those traditionally are thought of as... 10/01/2014

A Mountain or a Sunset View I work with a lot of folks who move to Tucson from out of state, and those that KNOW, always seem to have Views high on their priority list.  There's mountain views, sunset views, golf views, city views, and combo views! Views are high on my priority list as well!   There's something magical about living in the Tucson area and enjoying the mountains that ring our metropolitan area on all sides.  And the sunsets -- they've got to be world class.  :)   Whether you're moving TO Tucson, or moving WITHIN Tucson, if you want a view, please give me a call.  We have a running joke here:  Every home has a mountain view.  (Maybe outside the back bathroom window, stretching out about four feet, and looking between all the neighbor's houses) But, there's views, and there... 09/16/2014

Things to do in Tucson:  RIPE; Farm to Table Fundraising Dinner Coming up next week – the first ever Farm to Table Fundraising Dinner called RIPE.  Thanks to Zona 78 and Edible Baja Arizona, this event will be held September 17 and 18, 2014.  Reservations can be made at Zona 78 on River Road, 5pm to 10pm. Kevin Fink is the featured chef at this year’s RIPE. Patrons can enjoy mouthwatering  plates paired with local wines/spirits. Tapas-sized dishes will be offered for $10-$18, and a five-course meal for $60 Also on hand, pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph will be satisfying our sweet tooth!  Harvest ingredients are sourced from Tucson area farms that sell their produce at Heirloom Farmers Markets. RIPE also features a silent auction. Net proceeds from the dinner and auction will directly ... 09/12/2014

Working with Tom Heath, Bancapital Home Loans in Tucson I recently had a SEAMLESS transaction regarding the purchase of one of my listings, and the finance officer the buyer used.  Communication was spot on, expectations were met, and we were comfortably in front of the 8-ball for a timely close. Yesterday, I had the pleasure to have lunch compliments of Tom Heath, of Bancapital Home Loans.  I wanted to hear a bit more about his business practices and philosophy, and of course, wanted to share mine. First off - lunch was DELICIOUS at PF Changs.  Tom had the lunch salmon and I had Moo Goo Gai Pan. YUM!  Eric was our attentive server and everything was timely, hot, and satisfying.  Thanks PF Changs! We had an interesting talk that included appraisers, Code of Ethics for Finance officers (... 09/11/2014

After many years of planning, months and months of construction, Tucson's modern streetcar kicked off a month ago with a fun 3-day weekend event - complete with free rides for all.  Suffice to say, we've been waiting a very long time for it. In the days of construction, there were the usual naysayers who found every message board they could online to complain about the money being spent on this "boondoggle". "Only drunk college kids are going to ride it!" they exclaimed.  "There is no economic value to this money pit!!! FIX OUR ROADS!!" (which is a different topic all together.) The naysayers have died down a little, but the most vocal are still out there. Let me give you a rundown of what the streetcar has meant to the areas around the route, and Tucson as a whole.The first 2nd Saturda... 08/26/2014

Not something to admit, but I am not much of a reader.  I loved to read when I was younger - but over the years - it seems that either life got in the way or when I had free time - I chose to be outside doing something more active.  In fact, the last known book I bought was, "What to Expect When You Are Expecting."  I got halfway through it, tossed it aside and decided to just "live it and see what happens." When possible, I also try and support "local" things - finding a balance between chain stores vs. local ones. I suppose finding a balance between reading and not reading wouldn't be a bad thing either! So, 14 years after buying my last book, a Tucson Police Captain, who worked with my husband, went to high school with him many years ago, and who is also a good friend, surprised me w... 08/24/2014

Yesterday, I co-hosted a class on Downtown Growth Trends (poolside at a condo complex I have the exclusive on).  Tucson's Downtown is undergoing a huge surge of interest due to the new streetcar connecting it with the University of Arizona - between public & private investment, upwards of $900 Million has been spent in the past 3 years, rivitalizing & invigorating the area.   For part of the class, I presented research compiled over the past 3 years, comparing the trends in residential real estate with other areas & the Tucson Metro itself to illustrate the growth, not only in interest, but in property values. A couple of agents came up to me afterwards to thank me for sharing the info - and saying something that made me think of Scooby Doo & his "HUH?" sound: "I don't have time for res... 08/20/2014

The Top 15 Negotiation Secrets of The Most Successful Investors   In the past 18 years, I have represented Banks, Investors, first time homebuyers,  myself, and others when buying property. Over those exhausting years, I have learned quite a few tips on how to maximize your offer potential to get your deal done, when everyone else around you is getting their deal killed!     When it counts, you want to make sure you have every advantage.  So I have taken the liberty of collecting the best thoughts, ideas, and tactics use when negotiating for your next investment property!    Of course, negotiations are a vital part of an investors tool kit! If you are uncertain on how to negotiate on your own, feel free to contact me for advice!   (Get notified of the Top Five HOTTEST Deals In Tucson, A... 08/17/2014

8002 N ISCHIA PLACE TUCSON AZ 85741 $425,000 | 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 3 CAR PARKING | 3,076 SQUARE FEET | MLS: 21420271 A RARE TUCSON GEM~Your own Private Hilltop Hideaway with VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS!! Privacy like this is hard to come by~ this home is located in the Casas Adobes area of Northwest Tucson. This is a Gorgeous 4 Bedroom Home For Sale w/ Mountain Views in Casas Adobes Tucson AZ 85741. This ranch retreat features 360 degree panoramic views, over 3000 sq ft, pool with waterfall, 3 car garage AND completely remodeled!! New custom kitchen boasts staggered cabinets, double stainless steel ovens, cook top, gorgeous crown molding. Additional features include staggered 20x20 inch ceramic tile floors, new carpet, fresh paint throughout , updated bathrooms, new light fixtures, ceil... 07/21/2014

Quick Snapshot: June Residential Sales Statistics - Greater Tucson, AZ   Analyzing the June residential sales statistics for the *Greater Tucson, AZ area for June 2014, here is some information you might find useful if you are looking to sell your home, or hoping to buy a home in the near future. Total Sales Volume is up since May to June, a 10.42% increase.  In that same time period, the average sales price increased almost 3.5% as well. Homes are being listed slightly higher this June over May as well, with a 3.78% rise in ACTIVE list prices. Sales are up in June as well, with totals up 6.75% from May to June. From June 2013 to June 2014, there is almost a 34% increase in the number of listings.  Average days on the market continue to drop in June to 62 for the greater Tucson area. Of... 07/15/2014

~ Old Tucson Studios ~ There's a picture of John Wayne on a movie set in my first ever blog post on Active Rain.  It's a frame from a John Wayne western filmed right here at Old Tucson Studios. Originally built in 1938, Old Tucson Studios has seen the likes of Bing Crosby, William Holden, Ingrid Bergman, Gene Autry, James Stewart and Ronald Regan, to name just a few. You'll recognize some of the television series filmed here: the High Chaparral, Little House On The Prairie, and Father Murphy.  Remember Three Amigos?  Tombstone?  The Quick and the Dead?  Click this link for a full listing of the movies shot here at Old Tucson Studios.  Not all of them were westerns! If you're wondering what's going on today at Old Tucson, click this link to see their website.  And if you're coming to vi... 07/15/2014

202 E 31ST ST TUCSON ARIZONA 85713 $59,995 | | MLS: 5144167 Ultimate opportunity for multifamily uses, property can be changed from 2-plex to 5-plex. This is a Great Investment Property For Sale in Tucson Arizona 85713. Property in need of full rehab due to fire damage contained in mostly one unit. Property currently set up for 4 studios and one 1 bedroom, can easily be massaged to allow for two 1 bedrooms and 2 studios or any other combinations however you choose, easy flip with profit to be made! Fix it up and rent it, sell it and make a profit! This Great Investment Property For Sale in Tucson Arizona 85713 will not last- Please contact to tour!  CONTACT Stuart Gethner Dobson Property Management M: 480-443-4500 FEATURES Investment Opprotunity Remodel Needed Fix-up & Rent Multiplex U... 07/14/2014

Gila Monsters – What the Heck Are They? There are only two types of venomous lizards in the world, and one of them, the Gila Monster, is located right here in SWDesert, in and around Tucson, AZ. If you are unlucky enough to be bitten, know that instead of injecting venom through hollow fangs like a rattlesnake, Gila Monsters have large, grooved teeth in their lower jaw and when they bite, the powerful jaws chew the venom in.  Sounds scary, huh.  Also of note, their venom is considered as toxic as our unfriendly Western Diamondback rattlesnakes.  So…avoid both if you can. Fortunately, Gila Monsters are rather slow moving. These colorful monsters are black and pink/orange, or more muted shades depending on their exact species.  They can measure up to about 22 inches long, although there i... 07/07/2014

3 Cheap, Easy Ways To Make Your Home For Sale More Inviting   Many putting up their home for sale on the Tucson market don’t have a lot of available cash to spruce it up.  While staging houses is a definite plus, it costs, as does many of the other suggested “to-dos."  Here are a few cheap, easy ways to make your home look more inviting to buyers:  1. Put Up Your Personal Stuff Not every buyer looking at a home for sale in Tucson appreciates the fact that someone still lives there.  Putting away the following things can help the buyers’ see themselves in the home:   your pet’s things (toys, litter box, bowls) your medications, toothbrushes and toilet accessories any toys knick-knacks and personal pictures   2. Create More Space Small, closed in spaces are major turnoffs for buyers.  Cr... 06/23/2014

I am a huge - HUGE - supporter of our local businesses here in Tucson. Today - local saved me from a literal headache. So, there I was, in my downtown office, getting ready to start working on the offer paperwork for my first time homebuyers. I had some gunk on my glasses so I took them off and cleaned them up. The next thing I know, they're in two pieces. The nose bridge thingy (I'm sure there's an official name for it) snapped off from one side of the frame. Now, my eyesight isn't horrific but it's uneven with my right eye being worse than my left. Yes - panic set in.  I tried typing with one side on - no dice. I pulled out my clip on sunglasses and it kind of worked but the glasses kept slipping down/up/to the side. With no super glue around, I headed to the website of my favorite LO... 06/21/2014

http://www.valleegoldteam.com/homes/4651-W-Daphne-Lane/Tucson/AZ/85742/40560452 Swim, Spa, and play ball! All with in a short walk to the Community Center & Park. Upgraded with modern style, 3 BDRM, 2 BA., 1410 sqft. of open living features ceramic 18 inch tile, French doors to covered patio, designer paint, an exceptional lot orientation. A beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances, pendants lights over the breakfast bar, formal dining with a bay window. A large master suite with a walk-in closet, double vanity sink, garden tub, and walk-in shower. Laundry room with storage leads to the two car garage. Backyard outdoor living at its best with mature trees and low care landscape. Easy access to schools, shopping, interstate, and community park. This Property at ValleeGoldTeam -... 06/07/2014

  http://www.valleegoldteam.com/homes/2979-W-Via-Principia/Tucson/AZ/85742/40579205   Community pool & spa make this an ideal place to unwind! This 2 bedroom, 1.25 bath, 907 sqft., home has been upgraded with no poly pipes, faux wood flooring, fresh paint, with gas & electric utilities. Open floor plan living with new bathroom fixtures, dual cooling, and two car garage. Finding a place in top condition with easy access to I-10, shopping, and recreational activities begins here. A great opportunity to own a place near golf- Tucson National!       Don Vallee Valle Gold Team http://www.valleegoldteam.com 06/07/2014

http://www.valleegoldteam.com/homes/11188-E-Globe-Street/Tucson/AZ/85718/39210347/   A beautiful spot to build your dream home in cool Summerhaven on Mount Lemmon. Deeded property with gorgeous pine trees unaffected by the fire and year round easy access from Douglas/Carter Canyon Rd. Enjoy the stream, tranquil setting and amazing summer temperatures! Owner will consider carryback.   Don Vallee Valle Gold Team http://www.valleegoldteam.com 06/07/2014

http://www.valleegoldteam.com/homes/6265-W-Scotch-Pine-Lane/Tucson/AZ/85743/40508782/ Summer fun at your door step! Located in new community near golf course. A modern 4 BDRM, Den, 3BA, home built in 2012 offers a great room concept opening to a spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances, touch less faucet, granite counters including Island bar, & huge pantry. Open floor plan living with bath on lower level, formal dining room, 20 inch ceramic tile, wrought iron railing-staircase accented w/walnut trim. Spacious master suite w/garden tub, oversize shower, & huge walk-in closet. Upper level laundry room, ceiling fans in all bedrooms, 3 A/C zones with electrical heat. Great storage and 3 car garage. Move in ready!   Don Vallee Valle Gold Team http://www.valleegoldteam.com   06/07/2014

http://www.valleegoldteam.com/homes/270-W-Marlboro-Road/Oro-Valley/AZ/85755/37734761 This contemporary style home has been lovingly cared for inside & out which translates to a feeling of being "at home" from the moment you step into thehome's welcoming foyer. An open, light, bright & very immaculate interior is immediately on display, & your eyes will focus on the marble floors, vaulted grand staircase & great room's attractive fireplace. Flanking the foyer is a generous dining & living room. Beyond these rooms you will discover a well-designed kitchen with an abundance of cabinetry, breakfast area & bar, & large covered patio. A private master suite includes soothing garden tub, huge walk-in closet. This well-appointed home includes 5 Bd, 3 Ba, 3385sqft, media room, huge laundry, & 4... 06/07/2014