Here we discuss all matters Real Estate, with an emphasis on Tucson Arizona. We welcome your story ideas. Via Realty is a boutique real estate company founded on Jan 1 2000 by 2nd generation Arizonan Wayne D Anderson, a Realtor since 1989. www.ViaRealty.com 520) 327-1550. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Clouds of Southern Arizona




These Cloud formations were encountered while on the Middlemarch Road in Western Cochise County, near Dragoon, AZ. Taken around noon, the temperature was a balmy 65F. After seeing the weather reports from the North East, it almost seemed unfair....

This is a shot of a "Century Plant" what I believe to be known as "Agave Parryi" described here by the experts at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.















Some of the clouds are what meteorologists describe as "lenticular" created by stable, moist airflow over mountains. Science aside, they are beautiful!












Here is a great view of a lenticular cloud. Notice the lens-like rings around it...















These smooth-edged clouds are an unusual sight. At least to this native of Southern Arizona!













Just another day in Paradise!








If you have any cool cloud shots that you would like to share, shoot me an e-mail!

Wayne



























Thursday, February 14, 2008

Townhomes and Condos!


We have been looking at a lot of town homes and condos with clients who are interested in leaving their yardwork behind and purchasing a home that offers more leisure time in exchange for a monthly Homeowners Association fee. Such fees cover common grounds maintenance and insurance and sometimes water, roof and other items.


Town homes and condos may also be a good choice for parents who want their scholar to study instead of pulling weeds in the yard of a college investment property. Some of these properties offer garages and security which enable you to leave the property for extended periods of time, a perfect scenerio for Snowbirds.


We recently listed two affordable properties, one a condo one a townhome. Both are fixups and one, although it is a town home, has no association fee. See them here and here.


If you are looking for something bigger or better, here is a link to out Town Home/ Condo search page .


There is a lot to know when looking at a town home or condo. You need to check out the bylaws and covenants as well as the financial health of the association, to avoid problems with the HOA or being stuck with an unexpected assessment. We can help you navigate this territory.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Is Tucson Recession Proof?

In an opinion piece in todays Arizona Daily Star, Economist Richard Carlson has an optimistic view of Tucson's future economic prospects. While outlining the excesses in the real estate markets of a few years ago, Carlson believes that Tucson's economic foursome of DM, the U of A, Hi Tech and retirees will keep our city in the black, even if other parts of the country suffer a recession. He is predicting a growing local real estate market by 2009 and another Baby Boomer "boom" by 2012. Here is a link to the article.

In light of today's near record low mortgage interest rates, the huge selection of homes available and motivated sellers who are offering incentives, perhaps it would be prudent to buy the home you want now, at an affordable price and rate. The alternative is trying to catch the bottom, while risking paying more for your dream home and gambling on tomorrow's mortgage market. If you consider the long term, buying now may be the best plan.