Benson, AZ

I drove to Benson, AZ yesterday to visit with a client. Benson is more rural than Tucson, and the early-morning drive east on Interstate 10 was enjoyable. Turning south at my destination, I crossed a cattle guard near Cochise College. The monsoon rains had provided moisture enough for this plant (Sacred Datura) to blossom, and the sun was just right.

(It's amazing what you'll find when you're looking for blog fodder!) Looking down into the flower, I was surprised by a little polka-dotted beetle having breakfast. Cute little guy, isn't he?

Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by to visit.

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE
Call me if I can help you or someone you know with a purchase or refi mortgage.
(520) 349-9090

photo copyright Mike in Tucson

Topic: Economy and Housing Update for Cochise County
Guest: Robert Carreira Director, the Center for Economic Research

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Center for Economic Research - http://www.cochise.edu/deptsdirs/organizations/cer/
(520) 515-0500 or (800) 966-7943

07/04/2009 Today we are going to talk about the local economy and the housing market with Robert Carreira Director, the Center for Economic Research and find out what they do over at Cochise College.

Brad Snyder
Sierra Vista Real Estate
www.BradSnyder.com

Kings Ranch Estates.... a new equestrian conservation community PODCAST

Topic: Kings Ranch Estates.... a new equestrian conservation community
Guest: Linda Huffman and Joyce Audette from Realesate.com in Sierra Vista

04/23/2009 The new enterprise, located east of the north-to-east bend in Highway 92, near the Coronado National Memorial, and is a “controlled development” in which a significant portion of every lot is designated as a conservation area. More than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails are envisioned for the area. The development is named for the nearby Kings Ranch Road.

Brad Snyder
Sierra Vista Homes For Rent

www.BradSnyder.com

Topic: Habitat For Humanity Sierra Vista
Guest: MAJ Raymond P. Bouchard with our local Habitat for Humanity office

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12/13/08 This week I am interviewing members of our local Habitat for Humanity office here in Sierra Vista.

“Open House” is a radio show dedicated entirely to the subject of Sierra Vista and Cochise County real estate. My name is Brad Snyder and I'm a REALTOR and Property Manager at Sierra Vista Realty and I host the show. This program has been designed to bring you news and information you can use. Each week I will have guest experts including REALTORS, appraisers, remodelers, and many others talking about what they know best and answering your questions and concerns. My goal is to inspire, empower, and enlighten as we discuss issues that effect homeownership and yes….we will even talk about this weekends open houses.

The broadcast is designed to be a resource for anyone interested in selling, buying, or just protecting your investment in Sierra Vista and Cochise County. I hope to bring my unique experience and passion for Cochise County real estate to a community of listeners.

Brad Snyder - Sierra Vista Realtor and Property Manager at Sierra Vista Realty
www.nradsnyder.com

Becoming an expert in an area takes research. Museums are rich in local area culture, history and facts that can lead you to contacts and better yet, interesting stories. Interesting stories about the local history, mountains, architecture or industry can be useful as "ice breakers" with clients. If you are not familar with the term "ice breakers" it's ok, it's a fancy name for "Building rapport". Stories can allow a client to get familar with an area. I don't mean breaking into a 30 minute seminar on the history of mining in Cochise County, keep it short and simple and interesting. Try to base your story on positive aspects that apply to growing community, economical growth, points of interest that bring out the best in the city. The Benson Museum and many museums have alot to offer real estate agents. www.bensonmuseum.com will probably to you to their website. Try your city website and go and visit it. Take along a few note cards and gather some story material. The other source is the local chamber of commerce. The Benson Chamber of Commerce, for instance, is staffed with people who know the finer points of the city and are prepared to share their stories with you as well. Benson Arizona is where I live and continue to grow as a "neighborhood expert in Benson Arizona".