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About Santa Cruz County, AZ

Wordless Wednesday Hungry Hummers

Marge  Piwowarski: Real Estate Agent in Phoenix, AZ

Increased buyer activity

Charlie Kentnor: Real Estate Agent in Sonoita, AZ

I have seen a measurable increase in inquiries, not clicks, coming through the internet in the past couple of weeks. It could be seasonal, but it could also mean that buyers are really thinking about buying. What a novel idea! Our market is long overdue for some serious people to show up and write contracts. I hope you all are seeing the same thing.

Sales up 44% in the Mountain Empire real estate market

Charlie Kentnor: Real Estate Agent in Sonoita, AZ

No matter how you look at the two main indicators of our market, unit sales or dollar volume, this is a better year than last for sure. During the first quarter of 2009, 4 homes changed hands with a dollar value of $1,008,900. This year 10 homes changed hands at a combined value of $2,412,400. (All statistics from the Tucson Multiple Listing Service.) Land transactions, however, were a different story: In 2009 there were 6 sales with a total value of $920,726 versus 3 sales with a value of $370,000 this year.

When you consider the total dollar value of transactions in 2010 against 2009 being up 44% ($2,782,400 and $1,929,627), it seems a bit more impressive than it is. Yes, we are happy with the trend, but this time of the year we should see something in the neighborhood of $10MM or so in total sales. Thus, we have a ways to go to get back to a healthy market in the mountain Empire.

Looking ahead, and considering both the national news and the Tucson market, we believe we are now poised to begin to see more buyers. I think it may be the third quarter by the time that happens, but I think us real estate sales people and our seller clients should be smiling more at that time. Stay tuned. I hope to bring even more optimistic news after the end of this quarter!

How do I find a Contractor? In AZ??

Ara Hunt * Team Hunt*: Real Estate Sales Person in Rockwall, TX

Yes, thats right, I need a contractor here in Nogales AZ (close to Tucson) to give us a estimate on rebuilding my Mom's home which she lost to fire March 17, 2010. I have no idea where to begin to look for a home builder or contractor??

I have looked in the phonebook, Craigslist, internet... but they mostly only speak spanish?!?!?!?

Anyone ideas?

Thanks all!!

Market report-2 months 2010

Charlie Kentnor: Real Estate Agent in Sonoita, AZ


The first two months of 2010 - in a nutshell

I have just pulled the sales information for the first two months of this year from the Tucson Multiple Listing Service. It's not all that bad, but it's not great - yet. During this time, there were 9 sales: 3 land sales and 6 home sales. The land sales were all in Elgin and ranged from $60,000 to $135,000. The 7 home sales ranged form $170,000 to $464,500. Total volume was $2,068,400.
This is a nice start to the year, but with over 100 homes for sale, we have a three year supply at this rate. We should be working with about a year and a half based on a "normal" year.

Looking ahead

As stated previously, there are 101 homes for sale as of today. These range in price from $79,500 to $3,375,000. There are 188 lots for sale as of today and they range in price from $22,520 to $3,350,000. Considering the size of our inventory and the fact that it matches the historic requirements of our buyers, I anticipate a very strong market once the buyers return; and that is the big question: When? My own best guess, based upon information from the National Association of REALTORS®, is that our market will become vibrant in the late summer or early fall. Nationally, markets are improving, even in hard hit Phoenix and Tucson. Inventory levels have readjusted and prices are very low. Not good news for sellers, but great news for buyers.

For more information, please email or call me.

Charlie