Cara Marcelle Mancuso

The Economy, Housing, and Our Arizona Future

We hear a lot of negative news. TV, Radio, the newspaper – and sensationalism sells. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry for good news, and when I get some, I want to spread it like “twittered” gossip.

Besides positive indicators from many professionals at Long Realty, including Rosey Koberlein and Jerome King, Marshall J. Vest, the Director of the Economic and Business Research Center at University of Arizona recently shared truly uplifting news for not just Tucson, but all of Arizona.

Good news indicators include an improvement in personal income, wages, and unemployment is down. Bankruptcies and residential foreclosures are declining (36% lower than 1 year ago). Recovery is underway, but the pace is expected to remain slow.

Strong interest by investors has kept the demand high for residential properties, however. A large portion of Arizona sales are “distressed” which keeps pressure on lower pricing.

Momentum will be slow, but the AZ economy is “no longer bouncing along the bottom”, says Marshall J. Vest. The ball is rolling and the real estate market will pick up speed.

Modest news – yes.

But, GOOD news?? A resounding yes.

Marana Community Spotlight - Continental Ranch Artisan!

I love neighborhood street fairs, art shows, and meet and greets. You never know what treasures you'll discover and great folks you'll meet along the way.

The Continental Ranch Winterfest was one such occasion. I had the pleasure to meet local crafter extraordinaire, Christine Naughton.

I've seen a lot of things painted in my explorations: dinner-wear, glass-wear, wall decor, trash cans, beads, furniture and knick-knacks, but this one was so obvious, and so singular, I had to stop for a look.

Sunglasses or reading glasses or prescription glasses - we all have at least ONE of those! Imagine picking out your favorite colors or even ordering a custom pair! In fact, why not all the colors of the rainbow and one for every outfit! Each pair is carefully crafted and clear-sealed for durability. And the price is certainly affordable as well!

She doesn't just stop at glasses, but can supply all sorts of creativity.

Drop Christine an email today and get talking about your own fashion and home accessories.

You can reach Christine at shescrafty@comcast.net or 520-744-2570. Live out of state? Don't worry, give Christine a call and discuss shipping arrangements!

Here is some of her handiwork!

Four Bedroom Home with Den in Sky Ranch in Dove Mountain, Marana AZ

Talk about Move-In ready! This home is immaculate! On the market less than 2 weeks, don't lose your opportunity to see this sunny and inviting executive home in beautiful Skyranch. Skyranch features energy efficient homes backed by 80 acres of natural preserve - guaranteeing privacy and serenity in your own beautiful home.

This open floor plan with gourmet kitchen really welcomes you home!

Plantation shutters, fireplace, 20'' diagonal ceramic flooring,granite counters w/striking backsplash--the upgrades on this Picacho Peak floor plan make this home simply stunning.

All stainless appliances, 42'' cherry cabinetry, 6-panel interior doors, oversized pantry, recessed lighting...these are just some of the upgrades for you to enjoy.

This four bedroom home with 2.5 baths also has a den and formal dining room.

Executive height vanities, garden tub, and ceiling fans in every bedroom make it special. ENERGY STAR appliances,thermostat,Low E2 vinyl windows,14 SEER HVAC,water efficient plumbing fixtures combine to make this home efficient, smart, and money saving.

Extended patio, with backyard open to private,natural desert preserve. Enjoy both the Tucson mountains and Tortolita mountain views from your back yard. Serene setting, yet minutes from shopping, Dove Mountain, Golf, Ritz Carlton.

Call or text for an appointment to view today this lovely 4 bedroom home for sale in Marana, Skyranch, or stop in at one of February's many open houses!!

02/21/201212:00 PM – 03:00 PM

02/20/201211:00 AM – 02:00 PM

02/19/201201:00 PM – 04:00 PM

02/17/201211:00 AM – 03:00 PM

02/16/201211:00 AM – 03:00 PM

02/13/201211:00 AM – 02:00 PM

Directions: Tangerine/Thornydale: W on Tangerine, S on Camino De Manana, E on Big Sky Ranch through gates to end of street, S on Adobe Village Place to address.

Community Spotlight - Handyman/Painter Available in Marana and Tucson

I had the pleasure to meet Sam Moncivaiz at the Continental Ranch Winterfest end of January. New to Tucson, he's eager to find work and make his home in Tucson, AZ. He brings to the area over 20 years of experience, providing quality work with plenty of references available!

Sam specializes in interior and exterior house painting, garage and patio coatings, and also repairs flat roofs and applies coatings.

If you need work completed with tile, drywall installation or repair, installs and other handyman-type correction, Sam is your man!

I like the fact that he was out helping the Marana Community Food bank on a Saturday morning.

Give Sam Moncivaiz a call today for a no-obligation, free estimate on the work you're planning to have done in Tucson or Marana.

He can be reached at 520-400-2619 or you can email him at smoncivaiz@gmail.com.

Plastic Bags - Put Them Where They Belong!

Plastic Bags - I HATE them! I try to avoid using them as much as possible by keeping my homemade cloth bags in my car trunk - but inevitably, I end up bringing a few home now and then. I use them to discard kitty litter waste.

Tucson is taking a stand against plastic bag litter along with the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance, the City of Tucson, Tucson Association of Realtors, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Tucson Recycling Coatlion, and Tucson Environmental Services. You can make your own stand as well!

I'm sure you're familiar with the words...Reduce...Reuse...Recycle. But what do they really mean?

Reduce - DON"T USE THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE! There are paper bags, bring your own reusable bags, buy the store reusable bags, or carry a few items out in your purse or hands!

Reuse - As I mentioned, kitty litter...dog walks... Do an online search and come up with creative ways to use those plastic bags in your own homes and gardens: Need to stop in the middle of painting? Wrap the brush in plastic to keep it moist. Store attic and garage items in plastic to keep them dry, dust-free, and clean. Stuff them into stored shoe toes and purses to help maintain their shape, or use them for packing materials in your mailings.

Recycle - Take them back to the stores you got them from. In Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and Vail, here's some options for recycling your plastic bags: AJ's, Albertson's, Basha's, Food City, Fry's, Safeway, Sprouts, Sunflower, WalMart...and I'm pretty sure I've seen the bins at Kohl's. Return your bags clean and empty of refuse. You may recycle grocery and shopping bags, dry cleaning bags, bread bags and even shrink wrap!

You CAN make a green difference in the community in which you live. Reduce...Reuse...Recycle your plastic bag trash..starting today.

Plastic Bags - Put Them Where They Belong!

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