How’s the Market?

☝️ As a realtor, that’s a question I get asked often and how I answer it really depends on the interest of the person asking. Are they just asking to be nice? Are they moderately curious? Or do they want a deep dive?

The way I see it, there are a few ways to approach this question. When most people think of “the market,” the information they’re receiving is probably national. While this makes sense since mortgage rates impact the entire market, we can’t forget that this is a massive nation. You can’t easily compare Fayetteville, Arkansas to Honolulu, but sometimes those differences get lost in the soundbites.

Regionally the Southwest is also not so easy to distill, as it’s home to mega cities like metro Phoenix and much smaller places like Taos, New Mexico. So what about metropolitan Tucson? If I want to have a truly productive conversation about the market, even that is too wide of a scope. What part of town are we talking about? What neighborhoods exactly?

Regardless of where you are in town, from my vantage point I see a few distinct things happening in today’s market in Tucson:

Despite changes in the market, well-priced move-in-ready homes in sought after neighborhoods are going to sell quickly, often with multiple offers and exceeding the listing price. Supply and demand is a constant in housing and even though mortgage rates are hovering around 7%, the scales are still tipped towards demand and away from supply. Slightly less desirable and/or overpriced homes are sitting on the market for a bit, but it’s still always advantageous to move quickly as a buyer and get in your offer before someone else does too. Last month the median days on market in Southern Arizona was 21, but I’m curious to see what the data is for June, as those days seem to be stretching out further. Another trend I’ve noticed is that more homes that have accepted an offer have been falling out of contract during the inspection period, with a general sense of indecisiveness from buyers.

What does this mean for buyers? When you find the right house, act quickly and be pragmatic. “Date the rate, marry the house” is an annoying cliche, but it has truth to it. If you’re in the position to buy a home now, don’t wait for rates or prices to drop. If they drop significantly you can always refinance, but if you haven’t bought yet, lower rates means more competition from other buyers...and more competition often equates higher offer prices.

For sellers my advice is to make sure you’ve got your home in the best condition possible before listing and to be realistic about pricing and demand. Staging along with great photos are essential in order to properly market your home, and it will require excellent marketing. Gone are the days of every home selling immediately, but yours can still sell for a good price if you prepare accordingly (let’s talk 😉).

As always, I’m here for any of your real estate questions or needs. Email me at [email protected] or call 520-275-3514.

Tucson’s Best Coffee Shops

Grabbing a coffee with a friend, colleague, or client is one of my favorite things to do year round, but I’m especially enjoying it this summer. Having an early morning iced latte on a patio before it gets too hot is my version of the perfect Tucson summer morning.

Over the last decade, Tucson’s coffee scene has exploded in every part of the city. Whether you’re looking for a drive thru, truck, or shop, a local spot has got you covered. There are so many wonderful local coffee shops that haven’t made my list, so visit Tucson Foodie to discover even more.

Here’s my take on the best of the best coffee in town:

• Best place to buy coffee beans: Savaya

• Best drive-thru: Coffee Times

• Best patios: Exo on Simpson, Decibel, Presta on 9th, and Ren

• Best places to work remotely: Crave & both Cartel locations*

• Best coffee truck: Espressoul Cafe

• Best spot for a cute coffee date: Exo on 6th, Presta at the Mercado

• Best for super friendly baristas: Presta on 1st

• Best for more of an old school coffee shop vibe: Black Crown, Raging Sage

*Cartel is actually a regional chain, but I’ve included it on this list because their work space is hard to beat.

If big chains are your thing I implore you to ditch Starbucks and Dutch Bros and patronize one of our dozens of local coffee shops instead. Not only are the drinks better, you’re also supporting Tucson business owners and keeping your money in the community when you shop local.

Back on the Market!

This lovely pink hacienda is back on the market after the initial buyers had a change in their financial situation and weren’t able to move forward with the sale. It’s always a bummer for the sellers when that happens, but it also means that someone else now has the opportunity to purchase this truly beautiful home.

If you follow me on social media you know I’ve been raving about this house ever since it came back on the market because it really is the epitome of Southwest style. No detail has been spared, with every corner featuring some sort of architectural element or great use of wood and tile. Tall wood beam ceilings, arched doorways, built-ins, ceramic tile everywhere…it’s such a gorgeous place!

This home is currently an Airbnb and can be sold with all furniture, art, and decor on a separate bill of sale. Looking for a year round or seasonal home instead? Located on an acre of desert west of Tucson in Picture Rocks, you can enjoy seclusion and desert living here without being too far from city life. Head here to learn more.

If you or someone you know may be interested, reach out!

11279 W. Anthony Dr. Tucson, AZ 85743

3 bd | 2 ba | 2,100 sq. ft. | 1 acre

$535,000

Listed by Julia Van Valkenburg, OMNI Homes International

A Few Things to Do in Tucson This Weekend

• Local Love Presents concert at the Rialto — Friday 7/21 @ 7 PM

• Loft Kids Fest — now through 7/30 at The Loft Cinema

• Chillin’ at the Chul at Tohono Chul — every Friday & Saturday @ 6 - 9 PM through 8/31

• Dirty T Market — every 3rd Saturday @ 6 - 9 PM 1211 W St. Mary’s Rd

• Pride Bar Crawl — starts at HighWire @ 4 PM on Saturday 7/22

• Sky Island Pool Parties — Sunday 7/23 @ 5 - 8 PM at the Hotel McCoy

• Bouquet and Beer Tasting — Sunday 7/23 @ 2 PM at Pueblo Vida Brewing

5 Things That Can Lower the Value of Your Home

Although it might not feel like it, your home isn’t just a place to live: it’s also an investment. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to be aware of the factors that can potentially lower the value of your property so that you take care to maintain it over time. That way when it does come time to sell, you can be confident that your home is ready for new owners. Here are 5 things to avoid as a homeowner.

Exploring Saguaro National Park West

Having spent some time living in Southern California, I’m fully aware of just how popular Joshua Tree National Park is. Everyone loves Joshua Tree and I went there myself two or three times over the course of a few years. But when I was at Saguaro National Park not too long ago I thought to myself… “wait, this is just as cool, if not cooler, than Joshua Tree. Why isn’t it more well known?” Head here for some cool facts about SNP and why I think it’s the next Joshua Tree.

Selling the House I Grew Up In

After decades of homeownership, I represented my mom and sold the house I grew up in, which my parents bought together in 1994. The experience was such a vivid reminder of how emotional selling a home is and the memories and even people we attach to physical spaces. This home protected, shaped, and moulded me for most of my life, but it was finally time to say goodbye. Read more about my experience selling a home with so much personal connection.

Meet Natasha Winnik, Owner of Originate Natural Building Materials

Originate, located in Tucson’s Dunbar/Spring neighborhood, is a natural building materials showroom that exclusively focuses on products that are made with the wellbeing of your health and the environment in mind. Watch my interview with Natasha at Originate to learn more about this lovely local business.

And To learn more about Originate, head to their website and follow them on Instagram.

Buying or selling in Tucson? Let’s chat! Email me at [email protected] to set up a call or meeting over coffee 😎☕