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

“We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway. . .
Anticipation, Anticipation”

As my seventh monsoon season approaches this is exactly what I am feeling, anticipation!   Yes, I admit this sounds a bit odd but if you haven’t experienced a torrential rainstorm with over 1,000 lightning strikes across the city in one evening, you may want to visit Tucson between mid-July and early September. 

As I look back to 2001, I remember I was heading home in my new car and the skies had this ominous appearance.  Umm . . . what was that?   The thunderous, crackling sounds were only the precursor as the skies released bucketfuls of rain.  Wow what is going on?  I have never experienced anything like this in my 25 years in Alaska.  Yes, there are rainstorms in Alaska which can last days on end.  The buzz of hungry mosquitoes is the only noise you hear not the clapping of thunder and lightning. 

Needless to say my emotions went from utter excitement to go barefoot and jump up and down in the instant puddles to shear panic.  Will I make it home without crashing my car?

I called my friend, Marchelle, and she couldn’t contain herself.  She could barely talk over her laughter as I am asking her “What should I do”.   “Just keep driving, it will be all over in a few minutes” giggled Marchelle.  She was right, by the time I made it home, safe and sound, the sun was overtaking the skies creating a very humid afternoon.  It can’t be humid?  We live in the desert; it is suppose to be a dry heat!

With six monsoon seasons under my belt, I realize how important this season is to the desert.  The Old Pueblo is experiencing a seven year drought despite record rainfalls from last year’s monsoon season. 

What is a monsoon?

Wikipedia describes a monsoon as a rainy season which lasts for several months and has lasting climatic effects. 

The Sonoran monsoon season officially begins when the dew point is 54 degrees or greater for three consecutive days.   In general terms, our season may begin around the fourth of July and continue through the first week of September.

The three steps which bring moisture to the Sonoran Desert are: 

1. The warm waters of the Pacific and the Gulf of California evaporate.
2. Southeast winds bring the moisture into Arizona.
3. Heat-driven thunderstorms strip the moisture out of the air and drop it on our arid state.

How do you know a storm is on its way? 

You will start to notice white, puffy clouds appearing. This will continue for a couple of hours until it fills half the sky. Then the wind arrives, in front of the rain. Downdrafts within the storm spread out when they hit the ground, blowing up to sixty mile per hour gust fronts.
 
A crackling flash is followed instantly by a loud roar; the refreshing rain arrives. There is barely time to enjoy the coolness and the clean-washed air; the rain lasts only part of an hour. Then the storm moves out across the desert, filling arroyos and wetting the hot creosote, which now releases its perfume.   A lot of people love this aroma, I am not one of them.  Maybe it takes more than six years to appreciate it!

Finally, the sun reappears as you watch the snippets of rain, called virga, evaporate before they reach the ground.
  

”And stay right here,
’cause these are the good old days.
Anticipation . . .”

Watch for Part II - How to prepare your Tucson home for the monsoon season.

Tucson Real Estate

Housing Market Evaluation: April 2007

The Tucson Association of Realtor’s Multiple Listing Service just released the April 2007 statistics and once again it indicates that Tucson is still a buyer’s market. With inventory levels at record highs, buyer’s have the luxury of seeing several homes in a reasonable amount of time. However, there are indicators that the market is approaching stabilization. For example, the sales volume and average sales price were very similar in comparison to March 2007 figures and the days on market dropped slightly from 67 to 65 day.

Tucson Real Estate On Average

The average sales price for single family homes in April 2007 is $298,876, townhomes/condos averages sales price is $184,869 and manufactured homes average sales price is $75,741.

With interest rates still hovering around the 6.5%, purchasing a home in Tucson can potentially become your best investment!

Annual Comparison Chart

Moving To Arizona

When moving for the first time, you may be overwhelmed with where to start. I will break down the steps necessary to make your move as stress free as possible.

Checklist

You will need 2-3 months to plan your move to make it easy and successful. To find the reliable companies to assist you with your move, ask me for referrals.

Two to Three Months Prior to Your Move

• Hire a Mover: Obtain estimates for movers in your area to get the best quote. Ask specific questions if you have special instructions. Make sure the mover factors in stairs when discussing an estimate.
• Reserve a Rental Truck: If you plan on moving your belongings on your own, it is a good time to put down a reservation for your date. Obtain estimates and ask about tools you may need such as a dolly, moving blankets, and pads.
• Plan your layout: Obtain a copy of your new home’s layout, and decide where your current furniture is going to fit into your home.
• Rid of Clutter: Get rid of any extra items that do not fit into your new home’s plan. Now is the time to list them in the classifieds, in online directories, have a garage sell, or give to friends/family. Don’t forget about attics and basements.
• Organize a File: Get a file ready to organize estimates, moving receipts, and all other paperwork. Moving costs are tax deductible, so make sure all costs associated are saved.
• School Transfer Paperwork: If you have any children that need to be placed in a new school, obtain all necessary paperwork and transfer papers.
• Pick your Mover: Finalize your choice of relocation company or moving van rental company at this time.
• Fix it Up!: Fix up your current home for sale. Contact all contractors needed to make your house shine before you move (ie. painters, plumbers, roofers - anyone necessary to make changes)

Six Weeks to Two Months Before Your Move

• Change of Address Form: Pick up a change of address form at the post office. This way all your old mail will be routed to your new home.
• Order the Paper: Subscribe to your new area’s local news paper.
• Contact Storage Company: If you would like to put any items in a storage facility, now is the time to do it.
• Obtain Referrals for Health Plan Providers: Talk to your doctor to find out if he can recommend a health provider in your new area. Also get a copy of your medical records at this time.
• Appraise your Belongings: If you have any artwork, sculptures, paintings, or other valuables that you plan on moving, get them appraised. This way if a mover breaks your belongings, you will be compensated the appropriate amount.
• Eat at Home!: Use the food from your fridge that cannot be moved with you. Wasting is a shame.

Four to Six Weeks Prior to Your Move

• Turn off Services: Contact utility companies, phone companies, and internet providers to have your services shut off on your moving date. If services can be moved to your new home (ie Internet and cable companies often times will move your services), let them know your new address and an availability date. If you have placed down any deposits, obtain a refund at this time.
• Honey Start Packing: Obtain boxes, and other packing materials that you will need to ship your belongings safely.
• Clean your Belongings: If you are keeping your drapes, furniture, and rugs, arrange to have them cleaned.
• Don’t Forget the Pets: Arrange transportation for your pets and plants if necessary. If you are moving a far distance, you may want to consider placing your pets (ie dog) on a plane for an easier move.
• Check Insurance: Check to see if your possessions are covered through your insurance.
• Moving Permits: Check to see if you need any permits to move your belongings.
• Gather You and Your Families Records: Collect and file any family records including medical and dental information. Vet records, school records, and financial documents should not be forgotten.

Three Weeks Prior to Your Move

• Auto Registration Transfer: Prepare for your auto registration to be transfered to your new area.
• Apartment arrangements: If you live in an apartment complex, arrange for use of the elevator on your moving day.

Two Weeks Prior to Your Move

• Dispose of Extras: Anything that did not sell at the garage sell should be gotten rid of at this point.
• Fine Tuning for Your Car: Get your car checked and serviced before your move. It is important to get your antifreeze checked if you are moving from a warm climate to a cold one.
• Cancel newspaper delivery: Call your newspaper company and let them know that you no longer need their services.
• Notify Credit Card Companies of Your Move: Contact your credit card companies and let them know your new contact information.
• Taking Medication? If you are taking any form of medication, make sure to have it transfered over to your new local pharmacy.
• Inform the New Owner: If you have any special details the new home owner should know, leave with them this information. It is important to leave the new owner with your contact information for anyone who may show up.
• Change of Address: Send all friends and family your new contact information.
• Pack your Bags!: Just as you would if you were going on vacation, pack a box with items you will need. Items include everything from aspirin, clothes, games, first aid KIT, cups, towels, paper plates, phone book, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tool KIT, credit cards, and checkbooks.

One Day Before Your Move

• Transfer your Bank Accounts: Transfer your funds including deposit boxes.
• Make last minute payments: Pay pending bills.
• Confirm Arrangements: Confirm with moving company/ van rental company about your reservations.
• Drain water hose: if you plan on keeping taking it with you.
• Drain Oil and Gas items: Before your move, empty any electric items that contain gas or oil. No, this does not include your vehicle.
• Defrost Fridge: Unplug your refrigerator for defrosting. Prop open doors for faster defrosting.
• Pack Boxes: Pack up last minute belongings. Mark boxes according to room and importance.

Moving Day!

• Take Note of Meter Readings: Keep a list of meter readings when you leave the home just in case you may need to dispute them later on.
• Keep Paperwork Safe: Read any paperwork that you sign and request a copy. Keep this paperwork/bills in a safe place for reference later on.

Delivery & Drop-off Day

• Be There or Be Square: If you are having movers bring your belongings, make sure to be at your residence to assist them and let them know where your items belong. Supervise if necessary.
• Check List Checking: Check to see if all your belongings made it to your new residence.
• Pay Your Mover: Pay the moving company if you have not done so already.
• Before You Unpack!: Before you start unpacking boxes, set up your bed. This way at the end of the day even if you are not finished unpacking, you will have a place to sleep.