January 7th, 2012 Pima County shows a decrease in foreclosures every year since the peak in 2009. In 2009 the number of foreclosures showed 12,184, with 2010 at 11,663. Then for last year 2011 the number dropped nicely to 9,433. This is all positive, along with a decreasing inventory of property in the tar mls below 5,000. Also, 2012 is the end of the resets for the three and five year adjustable loans that have been a major factor in the foreclosures. If you have any input please let me know, I'd love to hear from you.

December 30th, 2011 I will be updating my Tucson golf fee spreadsheet next year, and will let you know when I have it up on my website. I can hardly wait for the new year to start and think it will be better in many way's compared to 2011. Have a happy new year!!!!! 

September 23rd, 2011 Northwest Tucson is home to the most active country club, El Conquistador. All the facilities are used, and the country club features two 18 hole golf courses. There are 23 subdivisions that surround the golf courses. The housing area is called Canada Hills, with  prices in the low $100.00 per square foot. If your active this is the country club. Email me let's talk real estate and golf. Let me know if you want hot listings emailed to you. 

September 16th, 2011 Are you planning a reconnaissance trip to Tucson? Let me send you current listings and hot new ones as they come on the market. Just fill out my questionnaire form off my home page, or email your thoughts and questions.

Don't forget if you are planning a golf trip to Tucson the end of September, beginning of October that is when many of the golf Courses here in Tucson overseed.

August 30th, 2011 According to Case-Schiller housing prices went up in the April-June quarter 3.6%. This is a good sign.

August 20th, 2011 The summer rains have been a great this year in Tucson, Arizona and the golf courses show it. The rough at many of the clubs is tall and thick Bermuda. The bent grass green are fun when they are wet, because high balls stick like darts to a dart board. The 10 year treasury note this week had people piling in to the safe haven which pushed the yield below the 2% mark. The 10 year is used to bench mark the interest rates and when the demand goes up the yield comes down. That's why the mortgages rates dropped this week.

August 12th, 2011 The summer rains here in Tucson are almost over and the golf courses love the water, especially the Bermuda rough. The July stats are in my hands from the MLS and the numbers for Tucson are solid. The housing inventory is about 5,100, down from the peak of over 9,000. The average sales price for a home in Tucson is $173,000.00. A very important number is the unit sales, and for Tucson, Arizona it's holding around the 1100 mark. Email me with questions you have or topics you want to hear about.

July 28th, 2011 Pima county is home to Tucson and surrounding area's. Again, the local paper reports that Tanque Verde, Vail, and Catalina Foothills are the highest rated school districts in Pima county. Why does this matter? You might say, my kids are grown and I play golf every day, who cares. Well, one of the main reason's is it helps property values remain solid. Remember, I can do property searches for you in the MLS by school districts and schools. Are you looking for a real estate broker here in Tucson that is knowledgeable, and easy to work with? Then, call, or email me with your thoughts and questions.

July 15th, 2011 La Paloma country club here in Tucson, Arizona is located in an ideal part of north Tucson. A first class country club features 27 hole Jack Nicklaus designed track. Homes in La Paloma country club range in price from the $200's to several million, or $175-$300 per square foot approximately. I recently wrote about Tucson's summer golf, but I like to mention it again, if you plan it right and play early or late in the day it's great!!! Rates are low and less player's.

July 8th, 2011 Sabino Springs in Tucson, Arizona is a golf community on Tucson's northeast side. The golf country club of Sabino Springs was built out by several developers; with home prices in the $200,000 to $750,000 range. The square footage prices are between $100 to $200 per square foot. These are great prices for the area. Ten properties have sold in the last six months with about 22 current listings. Send me your email and I'll send you listings from Sabino Springs, or any area of Tucson.

July 1st, 2011 Tucson Arizona has been hot and dry. For the golfer this means low fees, smart planning, and long drives. What do I mean by smart planning? A few summer tips are: Wear a hat, put sunscreen on, and take plenty of water with you. Then, plan when you play, examples: start early mornings, or late afternoons. The monsoons have arrived and usually roll in late afternoon, many times with no rain or 10 minutes of a down pour. The reason I mention this is the monsoon clouds really cool things off and make for a perfect summer round of golf. One caution is don't play when the lightning is out, most courses will stop play or warn you. If you have real estate or Tucson golf question please email me. Also, if you would like current listings sent to you and hot new ones as they come on the market let me know.

June 12th, 2011 The May Tucson Association of Realtors May statistics are out, with a few surprises. The listing inventory fell to 5800 homes. Also, the average sale price fell to $168,000. Then, the total units popped to 1250. Things are still bad for sellers, but improving. Capitulation, are we there yet?

June 3rd, 2011 Tucson, Arizona golf homes number one or best area would have on the list Canada Hills. The community is very upbeat and active. The clubhouse and two 18 hole courses are excellent in many ways. The reason I'd like to talk abut the are today is the fact that because of it's size I have always used the sales and current inventory for a barometer of the rest of the market. Right now the area show's 40 closed sales in the last 6 months, not bad at all. That would mean to sell off the current inventory of homes would take a little over four months. Historically, that's excellent. You won't hear this in the main stream news. The homes are priced in the 200-300's. One of Tucson's best kept secrets. Email, or call me with your questions, or plans to visit Tucson.

The summer heat is starting to show-up. That means swimming is in and the fairways will be dry and fast. Remember in Tucson's summer heat to put on sunscreen and drink plenty of water, and don't forget a hat. If your going to golf go early in the morning or in the evening.

May 26, 2011 Golf properties and golf homes in Tucson vary. First, consider the club and golf course and the price range of the homes. Many times people will find a home on the internet in a golf community or country club and like the home, but not the club, or the golf course. This is part of my job; helping you weed through all the variables and giving you a great buying experience and the home and area that you love. Call or email me with your thoughts.

May 6, 2011 In my travels to the various country clubs here in Tucson, Arizona, I'm finding the fees are changing rapidly and the menu of memberships is bigger at each country club. This is great, at the end of the day you the consumer is really benefiting. Housing prices are low, rates are low and yes property is still selling. If you are thinking of moving to Tucson and have question call or email me. 

April 29, 2011 Tucson country club homes for sale is showing about one home a month that sells, compared to 18 current homes for sale.  Tucson Country Club is ideally located in the heart of Tucson. Yet, when you enter Tucson Country Club you know that you have left Tucson and entered an area of mature trees and estate style homes. The Country Club is first class with an open country spread that gives that warm secure feel. Homes are selling between $100 and $200 a square foot. The equity full membership is $8,000 currently, and monthly dues of $522. Curious? Let me email you all the current listings.

April 15, 2011 Probably the highest sitting country club here in Tucson is Skyline Country Club, with awesome views of the city and mountains. That's how it got it's name. There are townhomes and single family residences available. An older country club the homes are older to new, and prices per square foot have a big swing from the low hundreds to several hundred dollars per square foot. There are several homes in the million dollar range that just went into escrow, with 6 others already closed in the last 6 months. I used to be a member here and the course is laid out on the side of a hill. The yardage is short, compared to the new country clubs. It is challenging, scenic, and has a beautiful clubhouse to end your round. The location of Skyline Country Club is close to anything you need and a straight shot into town.

April 1, 2011 Tucson's Sombrero Peak at the Pines (formerly The Links at Continental Ranch) has many amenities including a community pool, green belt,  walking paths, and natural desert wash. I'm researching the daily rates of The Quarry Pines Golf Club, and if they have memberships available. Their exciting new series of single and two-story  floor plans ranging from 1,660 to 2,666 square feet, with livable floor plans. They have six new designs that offer up to 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. When I get additional information I'll let you know.

March 18, 2011 Many people, including some real estate agents, are confused over the terms pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage, or deed of trust. I know the terms are being misused, and there is a huge difference between the two. The term pre-qualified means the buyer has talked to a loan officer and if everything the buyer said was true, then they should be qualified for the loan, maybe. Then there is pre-approved which means the buyer's job, income, and debts have been verified and all the information has been submitted to an underwriter who has the final say.  Now they have automated underwriting, which provides instant approval for the loan. What if you were in a sellers shoes which buyer would you want to work with, pre-qualified or pre-approved for the loan?

March 11, 2011 Tucson is home to Stone Canyon in Tucson, Arizona is one of the areas top country clubs and golf course. Stone Canyon is located in northwest Tucson, Stone Canyon country club features eye-popping homes in an exclusive must see location in Tucson. As a Realtor I know I was fortunate to be brokering real estate while the golf course was being built at Stone Canyon, in northwest Tucson. Showing lots in four wheel drives and seeing the big earth movers design the course, was truly awesome to see will the golf course was being built. The homes in Stone Canyon are selling in the $249-$281 a square foot range, that's low. Have questions? Just email me.

March 4, 2011  Tucson, Arizona the close of escrow  means when the deed has recorded at the recorders office. After the recording, the buyers receive the keys to the home. Years ago, people would go to closing at the title company, sign all the paper work and then get the keys that day at the escrow office. Currently, in Tucson, everyone signs several days before the close of escrow and recording.

Update on the World Match Play held here in Tucson last weekend. I took my son Scott out on Saturday and had a great time.The course was in perfect shape, the food was excellent, and we got to see Bubba Watson plant the ball way out there. It was a real positive experience, however, I miss the old Tucson Open at Tucson National Country Club. The Tucson Open had more players to watch, easier to walk, and a real home town feel.

February 25, 2011 Tucson, Arizona is the sunniest city in our country! It has more than 350 days of sunshine every year in Tucson. The mild winter temperatures are legendary, with high 60's during the day and low 40s at night time lows.
 
The Accenture Match Play has started here in Tucson, and it looks like it will be another great tournament. I plan on taking my son out on Saturday, so I'll update you next week.  The match play tournament is located in Dove Mountain, a master planned community in the northwest part of metro Tucson. Housing prices have been closing in the $100 to $300 per square foot range in Dove Mountain, with about 60 sales in the last 6 months. If you have questions please call me at 520-751-8686, or email me at reid@reidtucson.com . Membership at the Gallery is now at a screaming low price of $40,000.00 for initiation. The Gallery golf club features 36 holes of unbelievable golf, and it's in a great location.

February 13, 2011 In Tucson the Association of Realtors Multiple listing Service statistics were just released for January, 2011. The following are a few high points to note: The total unit sales showed almost a 10% increase year over year, very positive. And, the average sales price showed $167,000.00, a 10% drop compared to December, also a 17% drop compared to a year ago, not too positive.  Then, the active listings jumped to over 7,100, not the right direction, plus the shadow listings.

Mark your calendars, on February 21st-27th, 2011 Tucson will host the Accenture World Match Play at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Dove Mountain. Be sure to note the weather, homes, and golf courses. If you have questions please email me at reid@reidtucson.com.

February 3, 2011 Sabino Springs is a manned guard gated community on Tucson's northeast side. The Arizona National golf club features a 18 hole course that weaves its way through Sabino Springs. Most homes are in the $140 to $170 per square foot range with a few outliers. This is a great course to play with a few elevated tee boxes that over look Tucson. This is a high end daily fee club that offers memberships as well. The area has a southwestern flare with mountain, golf course, and city views. The community has lots available in the 1 to 4 acre range priced in the $200s. Let me hook you up with the current listings and you'll receive the hot new ones as soon as they come on the market.

January 28, 2011 Golf course home sites, lots, or land can still be purchased here in Tucson, Arizona. Prices start at $100,000 and go up from there.  There haven't been a whole lot of sales for home sites in Tucson, Marana, or Oro Valley. Let me send you the current listings and hot new ones as they come on the market.

January 21, 2011 In Tucson, Arizona  luxury, distinctive home buyers are taking notice as The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain community is showing significant sales momentum starting the new year. There will be the first new homeowners that will move in this spring, four more home sales totaling over $4 million occurred in December, and ground has been broken on two new beautiful homes that will offer immediate move-in opportunities, once completed.

For the third year in a row, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club will play host to the PGA Tour’s Accenture Match Play Championship, featuring the 64 best golfers on earth. This event will be here next month in Tucson, Arizona.

January 14, 2011 I was asked this week why some of the golf course's don't over-seed for the winter in Tucson. The answer I have always heard is that every three years you don't over-seed because the winter rye is hard on the bermuda grass and it needs time to heal. Many golfers play winter rules here in Tucson for this reason.
 
There are quite a few bank owned property's in Tucson screaming for a buyer. Also, from what I hear the banks have many more homes in the shadows that are not listed yet. I know first hand that the banks are tough to deal with. What do I mean? I'll give you a couple of examples: First, many banks use out of town appraisers and receive the wrong information, which leads to poor decision making. Also, the time frames can be long in countering back for all kinds of reasons. If you can put up with the banks routine you'll more than likely get a great deal. I love specializing and being a golf community, country club specialist or expert. Call me let's talk, or send me an email.
 
Mortgage interest rates are at 4.7% for a 30 year fixed.

December 30, 2010  Happy New Year and a big thank you to all my past clients!!! The weather in Tucson has been awesome and perfect for golf. I've been able to play some golf with my son Scott over the holiday's and I hope you have too.

December 24, 2010 Merry Christmas from Tucson, Arizona! I hope you have time to slip in some golf.

December 17, 2010 The November statistics for the Tucson Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service have been released, so let me digest the numbers for you. First, let's talk about the average sale price of resale homes. Compared to last year the average price dropped just over 4% to $180,000.00. Second, the listing inventory has jumped to 7400 listings, that's 17% higher than the same month last year. Then, to round-out my top three favorite stat's is the units sold, and the number is down 20% compared to November, 2009. Not that you didn't know already, but this market is really beaten-up. Could this be the bottom?

December 10, 2010 Dorado Country Club is located at the start of northeast Tucson. Homes and townhomes are priced right in the $100.00 to $150.00 per square foot range. I can remember sitting an open house in 1979 in Dorado country club and thinking what a great location. Well, it still is and in fact it is even better. The golf course is an executive golf course, with most holes a par 3; Leave your driver at home. If you don't mind your home course an executive style par 3, then Dorado country club is worth looking at.

The 30 year mortgage interest rate popped this week and is hovering in the 4.6% range. It could go higher as the bond market sells off and investors put their money to work in other places.

December 3, 2010 I use First American Title Company as part of my real estate team here in Tucson, Arizona. They are excellent on every transaction, even the out of state, or out of the country closings.

Watch the information on the TAR MLS listings, please verify all information. This can be done during the inspection period. Remember, " caveat emptor."

November 23, 2010 Fall is prime time in Tucson for golf, and this week especially with the Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving and hope you mix in some golf with the long weekend.

November 18, 2010 The Residences at The Ritz- Carlton, Dove Mountain, just sent me a letter indicating they will do a sale-leaseback on three of their models. Included in the deal would be a membership to the country club. The models are priced in the $1.5 to $2.0 million range. I have done these with builders before with great success. Although, past performance is not a guarantee of future results. If you have questions call me.

November 11, 2010 Don't forget to thank a Vet today! The MLS for Tucson has sent me the October stats. Here are some of the high points. The average price for a Tucson home is at $177,000.00, that's lower then last at this time when it was $195,000.00. The inventory of homes for sales has been slowly moving higher, currently at 7400. Also, unit sales are down to 752. It sounds really bad, unless maybe you’re the one buying.

November 5, 2010: New homes for sale in Tucson just got easier. Let me know your price range, square footage range, and area of Tucson, if you know. I'll email you what is available.
 
Saddlebrooke, a active adult community in far far north Tucson, has a lot to offer. A whopping 79 holes of golf, several communities and 12 models to choose from. Resale homes range from $180,000.00 to $1,200,000.00. Contact me for more information at reid@reidtucson.com.

October 29, 2010 Many of the Tucson area golf courses have been overseeded with winter rye grass, and are open for play. However, it's cart path only. I played a course this week that wasn't bad, but they are letting the grass grow before they cut it. With the uncut grass on both the fairways and rough  made for an interesting day in trying to find your ball. The weather was great and in my opinion the fall is prime time in Tucson for golf. Also, the winter visitors haven't arrived yet.

October 24, 2010 Tucson country club news is positive, if you are a buyer. Many Tucson country club homes selling for under $200 a square foot, with some approaching the $100 a square foot mark. The homes in Tucson country club are older and most have been remodeled through out the years. Tucson has grown around Tucson Country Club, but when you drive past the guard shack into Tucson Country Club you get a warm special feeling, with mature trees and landscaping everywhere. The golf course is a tree lined traditional course and one of my favorite courses in Tucson.

October 15-10 Ventana Golf and Country Club in Tucson, Arizona is located in a mesquite wooded area with awesome mountain views. Located next to the Ventana Resort, they share and rotate the 36 holes of golf daily. Homes prices range from $300,000 to several million. The square footage prices range from $200 to $300 a square foot and up, not bad prices for a first class area. I was a member there in the eighties and was always impressed at the organization and management, they did and still appear to maintain the property like it just opened. Full membership is $48,000.00 initiation, and $715.00 a month. If you are planning a reconnaissance trip to Tucson let me show you Ventana and other areas, email me at reid@reidtucson.com

October 8, 2010 The pool season in Tucson, Arizona is over, unless your pool is heated. I have checked into solar and been told that with a solar heater for the pool you could get a few weeks of additional swimming on each end of the season.
 
Overseeding is still under way at many golf courses here in Tucson. Some golf communities close 9 holes at a time, or golf clubs with two 18s may close one at a time. When you are addicted to golf this is a stressful time, however, when the winter rye grows, it is well worth the wait.

October 1, 2010 I'm updating my golf and country club fees for Tucson, and will be on line soon. You'll notice that most clubs have reduced their initiation fee substantially, and raised the monthly fees. Many of the clubs are well below their membership caps. Country clubs and resorts are hurting, in fact the local paper just reported that Starr Pass is having money problems as well as La Paloma. Now could be the time to take advantage of the low costs.

The Tucson MLS Statistics show an increase in the inventory level to just over 7,000 homes on the MLS.

9-16-10 The following letter was sent to me by The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton. Please call me for straight forward answers to your questions, email me at reid@reidtucson.com. 

Dear Reid,

Our first homeowners have broken ground on their spectacular Amolillo Ranch House at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain!

This news follows hot on the heels of our announcement last month that Dr. Ray Sidney, former Google software engineer and real estate entrepreneur, has joined developer David Mehl in retiring 100% of the debt on our Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.

The community’s new residents are from Calgary, Alberta and have orientated their beautiful 3,250-square-foot winter home along holes 8 and 9 of the Wild Burro golf course to capture the phenomenal valley sunset views. The Amolillo Ranch House features disappearing window walls in the living room and dining areas, a magnificent fire pit and a breathtaking two-sided, negative edge pool. Construction will be completed in the spring.

Being the first has its benefits, one of which is selecting your favorite view! Our new Owners will be among only 25 homeowners to receive our Charter Membership discount which includes a golf membership, special real estate pricing, and other additional benefits. 

New prices for Amolillo single family homes start at $1.1 million; the Seven Saguaros single family homes start at $1.5 million and custom fairway homesites start at $590,000; Villas start at $925,000; and the Rockpoint Ridge custom homesites start at $605,000.  Early purchasers will also enjoy additional developer incentives that further enhance the value of their purchase.