I enjoyed this post written by  Buzz Mackintosh this week and thought much about the word “matchmaker” afterwards.  (Plus, I’m singing the song incessantly now…)  https://activerain.com/blogsview/5878517/match-maker-match-maker--make-me-a-match--find-me-a-findYears ago I was fortunate to meet Betty, a new agent to our Real Estate Office at the time.  I found her to be a strong, positive force.  Over the beginning months, we grew to know each other a bit more as we both ended up on our Branch Agent Council – a group put together to help the office bridge gaps and answer questions and concerns. One memorable afternoon that first year, she stopped in while I was “on call” for visitors to the office, and she got talking about her “life story”.  The parallels were uncanny, and the life choic... 02/10/2025

Listed by the Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes 8710 N Newport PL Tucson, AZNew on the Tucson marketplace for outstanding real estate:  This 3/2 territorial home offers so many opportunities.  There's even room for a casita if desired in your future plans!A few of the features include:Primary suite remodel including new bath, closet system, tiles shower, bluetooth music, wifi bathroom fan with LED light, carpet, french doors, barn door, window treatments, security doorRecent hallway bath remodel w/lights, tile, tub, faucet, vanity, countertops and sinkNewer security door off kitchenNewer nest thermostat with wifiNewer AC compressorNewer solar light tubes with night lightsNew Gas Fireplace with Logs$19,000 worth of Anderson Windows installed 10/2022    (all windows except large front win... 01/23/2025

  Looking for a great hike in Oro Valley? The Linda Vista Trail is a local favorite! This 2.2-mile loop offers just the right amount of challenge for those wanting a moderate hike, with stunning views of Pusch Ridge and Oro Valley along the way. If you’re looking to extend your adventure, there’s also a 0.57-mile option one way. It’s an easy-to-access trail, perfect for a quick outdoor escape without needing to go far. But if you want to explore even more hiking trails in the area, you're in luck! There are several fantastic options nearby: Catalina State Park: Just a few miles away, this park offers a range of trails like the Romero Canyon Trail and Sabino Canyon Trail, all with gorgeous views of the Catalina Mountains. Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area: For something a bit more challenging,... 10/23/2024

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

If you're searching for a home that combines elegant design with practicality, 9710 N Cliff View Place in Oro Valley, AZ is the perfect fit. This stunning property offers an adaptable floor plan that allows you to tailor the space to your lifestyle.With two bonus rooms, you have endless possibilities – think home office, media room, craft space, or even a personal gym. Plus, this home features not just one, but two full kitchens and a complete guest suite with a separate entrance, providing the ultimate flexibility for multi-generational living or hosting visitors in style.The gourmet kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances and generous preparation and storage space. It’s a cook's dream, whether you’re preparing meals for two or entertaining a crowd. The nearby dinette makes... 09/23/2024

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

What are the attributes you want with your Real Estate Agent? The first entry of the Business Dictionary defines integrity as the “Strict adherence to a moral code, reflected in transparent honesty and complete harmony in what one thinks, says, and does.” Integrity is all about doing the right thing, even when nobody's watching. In real estate, it's like the golden rule—treat others how you'd want to be treated.  You can take that one step further and expect to be treated they way YOU would like to be treated. When you're honest, ethical, and upfront in everything you do, it builds trust. And trust is huge when it comes to buying or selling a home—it's probably one of the biggest decisions you will ever make!Think about it this way: would you want someone handling your home sale who's s... 05/06/2024

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

Yes, I admit it.I have a lonely house.I'm not sure why - it beckons near the cul-de-sac of a lovely, gated community in Oro Valley, surrounded by views and mountains and all the things that make our area special.It's not too big - not too small.  Clocking in at just over 3000 square feet, it offers versatility in floor plan.  There's a formal dining area, should you choose to make it so.  The current owners enjoy their Baby Grand piano versus another eating area when there's one attached to the open kitchen and island plan.  In addition, there's an extra study, media room, kids' playroom (whatever you wish to make it) adjoining three bedrooms and a bath.  Heck, it would even work as a multi-gen!It keeps up with it's neighbors - the same floor plan sold across the street for 1.1M.  This ... 05/01/2024

Want to save some cash around the house? Here are a few easy fixes that can keep some extra bucks in your pocket, both now and in the long run:Get Smart with a Thermostat: Invest in a programmable thermostat—it's a game-changer! You'll save big bucks by not heating or cooling an empty house.  Change Your Filters: Don't overlook this simple task! Swap out your air filters every month to keep your furnace running smoothly and your indoor air quality fresh.   We were always told to buy the cheap ones, and change them often.  Breath deep!Fix Leaks ASAP: That drip-drip-drip adds up! Replace worn washers in leaky faucets and consider installing faucet aerators to save water and money on your bill. I personally like the tap and touch faucets…no reason to leave it running.Dim the Lights: Bright... 05/01/2024

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

I came across an article this morning regarding the benefits of living in a 55+ community.  Their bullet points included:Decreased noise levelsLower property taxesAccess to amenitiesCheaper cost of livingReduced maintenance responsibilitiesEnhanced safety and securityMy mind today had to "go there" as I contemplated the several "Active Adult Communities" we have here in Tucson.Decreased noise levels - I know many senior-ish citizens that own some mighty fine motorbikes, love loud music, and can throw a backyard bash like nobody else....but most of us DO have an earlier bedtime hour!Lower property taxes - Can they ever be low enough???Access to amenities - I think amenities are everywhere if you are not too rural - but often between the walls of these communities are some of the best clu... 04/26/2024

Does this form heading look familiar?The Arizona Buyer Advisory is a document provided by the Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) that offers guidance and information to homebuyers in Arizona. It's designed to educate buyers about various aspects of the homebuying process and to help them make informed decisions.As your buyer's agent, I like to go through this handbook with you as a resource to help you towards making one of life's biggest financial decisions - buying a house. Within this document are LIVE LINKS to help you find the information you seek.Here are some key features and topics covered in the Arizona Buyer Advisory: Property Condition: The advisory includes information about the condition of the property, including potential hazards, structural issues, and environmental c... 04/20/2024

Contemplating a new look with paint? It's important to know the gloss level for optimum results!Interior paint finishes, also known as sheens or paint gloss levels, vary in their level of shine and durability. Here are the most common interior paint finishes and their ideal uses:Flat/Matte Finish:Characteristics: Flat finishes have a low or no shine, providing a non-reflective appearance.Best for: Walls and ceilings in low-traffic areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. Flat finishes help to conceal surface imperfections and offer a smooth, velvety appearance.Eggshell Finish: Characteristics: Eggshell finishes have a slight sheen, offering more durability and washability than flat paints while still maintaining a soft appearance.Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and hall... 04/16/2024