Pam Treece of  Long Realty  Presents -

This month’s edition covers Tucson real estate market activity and discussions on low interest rates and the buyer opportunities they bring.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 6 1/2 minutes

May 2007 Tucson Real Estate Market Stats

The Tucson Association of Realtors® released the market statistics for May 2007. In summary, overall sales are improving each month. There are some positive gains in the median and averages sales price despite the overall market adjustment that Tucson has experienced. It is still a strong buyers’ market with inventory levels near record highs. Sellers are gradually becoming more realistic and flexible with the pricing of their homes. Homes priced competitively and in move in condition are selling in a reasonable amount of time.

Here are a few market statistics;

• Average sales price moved up for the second month in a row to $280,589.
• Active Listings fell from 10,387 in April 2007 to 9,741.
• Number of Units Sold in May decreased by 14% compared to May 2006 to 1313 units.
• Median Sales Price increased from $221,500 in May 2006 to $223,500 in May 2007.

Most active sales category is the single family home. The average price for a Single Family home is $302,475.

I prepared a comparative monthly sales trend graph between 2003 and 2007 using data from the Tucson Multiple Listing Service. It’s interesting to note that the 2007 sales are slightly higher than 2003 and the 2007 sales trend reveals a similar path as 2004, only at a lesser amount sold. The 2006 sales trend paralleled the record setting year of 2005. Will the 2007 sales trend continue to track the 2004 path promising a balanced market on the horizon? Time will tell.

Did you know that the name Tucson originates from the O’odham (Spanish) word Cuk Son, meaning “Black Base” as a reference to the mostly volcanic mountains on the west side of the city?

In further reference, “Cuk Son” means village of the dark spring at the foot of the mountains.

This comes to no surprise as Tucson was established in 1775 by Spanish soldiers.

Did you know that Tucson was established as a presidio before the United States of America came to be?

Tucson became a part of Mexico in 1821 when Mexico won its independence from Spain. Tucson became an actual state in the USA in1854 as part of the Gadsden Purchase.

Today Tucson is often referred to as “The Old Pueblo”

Tucson History

Did you know Tucson is the only city in the United States that was once walled?

Archaeologist Homer Thiel has spent much of his past decade finding the remains of presidio wall that once used to surround Tucson. This wall is now buried beneath its Downtown streets and buildings.

Did you know that Tucson is the oldest settlement in the United States that has been continuously inhabited?

The city of Tucson has been inhabited for over 4000 years and holds onto its rich heritage of Indian and Spanish influences.

Did you know that Tucson High School was founded 6 years prior to Arizona becoming a state?

Tucson High School had its first day of class on September 10, 1906 with a total of 45 students attending. On September 10th 2006, Tucson High has celebrated its 100th birthday.

Did you know that Tucson police chief banned an issue of Life Magazine in 1938?

Life Magazine released an issue in 1938 entitled “The Birth of a Baby” that included 35 still photographs with summaries underneath. Censors were concerned about the articles illustrations which showed development of the fetus to its birth.

Did you know that in Tucson a whipping post was erected to fight crime?

A whipping post was used by Americans from 1855 to 1860 in Tucson, AZ as a form of punishment. The Tucson whipping post occupied a spot near the adobe jail within the walled village of the southeastern side of Tucson where the county courthouse now resides.

Did you know that the first speed limit in Tucson was 7mph?

In fact, Tucson was the first cities to place implement a speed limit in Arizona. In 1903, the Tucson City Council established its first speed limit of 7 mph.

How Tucson Ranks

Did you know that Tucson was ranked the third best bicycle-friendly cities in the nation by Bicycle Magazine in 2006?

Bicycle Magazine’s reasoning for choosing Tucson for this award was its impressive 300 days of sunshine a year, being a bicycle-friendly culture and having a strong a strong bicycle advisory committee.

Tucson has also placed top 10 in the following:

• 7th Best City for Hispanics by Hispanic Magazine
• 3rd in being the most Creativity City by Washington Monthly
• 1st City for Spas and Resorts by Top U.S Hotels Resorts and Spas 2001
• Ranked in Top 6 places to Retire by Money Magazine
• Ranked in Top 10 Clean Cities by the U.S. Department of Energy
• 7th in Digital Government by Center for Digital Government
• Ranked in Top 10 for being the friendliest city by Conde Naste Travelers Magazine

Tucson Sight Seeing

Did you know Tucson is the gateway to the historic Anza Trail?

The Anza Trail is a 1,210 mile trail that commemorates the route followed in 1775 by Spanish commander Juan Bautista de Anza II. Azan is well known for leading more than 200 colonists on an expedition from Mexico to presidio and mission near the San Francisco Bay.

Did you know that Tucson has a military plane grave yard?

In the Sorona Desert, there is an airplane grave yard where the Air Force leaves planes until they need them again or it is time to salvage them. You can take a tour of the Pima Air & Space Museum to see the over 4,000 planes in the storage that consist of mostly Vietnam era government aircrafts.

As the monsoon season approaches in Tucson, it is time to make that final roof inspection.   As stated in the City of Scottsdale Re-Roofing Guide, “A roof acts as an umbrella for the house.  It sheds rainwater, provides shade, acts as a windbreak, and is in part of the overall barrier.  Therefore, it is essential to maintain the roofing components and replace worn or damaged sections as necessary.”  See guide, City of Scottsdale Re-Roofing Guide.

An informative article in the Arizona Republic on June 9, 2007 provided some “Do It Yourself Roofing Repairs” suggestions.  To read this article go to, AZ Republic Article.

Some suggestions include:

• For all roof types, keep the roof free of debris. 
• Check seals around all penetrations, i.e., skylights, vents, chimneys, pipes
• Tile roofs, check for loose or cracked tiles
• Shingle roofs, check for curling edges and deterioration
• Flat roofs, make sure the scuppers are clear to allow for water drainage.
• Last but not least, know your limitations.  Don’t walk on a steep pitched roof and never walk on a wet roof.

There are several roofing companies in Tucson which offer a free roof inspection.  In fact, I talked to a representative with Jon’s Precision Roofing today and they can schedule a roof inspection within a week.  This may be a good alternative instead of making the repairs yourself.  Typically a professional roofing company will back up their work with a two or three year warranty.

Enjoy a stress free monsoon season!

Pam Treece of Long Realty Company presents:
The Tucson Real Estate Podcast June 2007:

This month’s edition covers Tucson real estate market activity and then we’ll discuss the sub prime mortgage market, how it has effected buyers, and we reinforce the importance of getting pre-approved early in the buying process.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 06:30 minutes