The Saavedra Team
Keller Williams Southern Arizona
1745 East River Rd. Suite 245
Tucson AZ., 85718
520-309-9131
CAT | Tucson News
Tucson Homes for Sale
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
The Tucson real estate market has experienced a recent rebound, making this a great time for owners with Tucson homes for sale to list their houses, and for buyers looking for a great deal to find the perfect home. April and May figures show a significant increase–up to 30%–in listings of Tucson homes for sale over last year’s figures, which means that more people are showing confidence about listing their homes and buyers, are once again venturing into the market.
As a seller, listing your home now makes sense. With the rebound of the housing market, you will be able to feel confident that buyers are once again looking for homes, and you have more assurance of getting a good price for your property. Of course, you should be prepared to be patient–recent statistics show that the average days on the market for a listing is 66, a little over two months. This does not mean you might not get an immediate sale, but it always pays to be ready to wait a bit for just the right buyer, especially if you can get the price you are seeking.
If you are a buyer, now is the time to find your home. With the recent depression in the housing market, prices have still not rebounded completely, making this a time when buyers can find the perfect home at a price they can afford. Further, the jump in the number of Tucson homes for sale means you will have plenty of choice, and the level of competition means that many homeowners will be open to negotiating the price.
Our websites listings include both new homes and resale’s. Using our site’s advanced search technology, you can locate Tucson homes for sale in every area, and in any price range. We have listings in every zip code of Tucson, with an average 18.8% sales rate for the month of May. You can use our site’s search technology to narrow your possibilities and save time in viewing, and then focus on the homes in which you are interested. As one of Tucson’s top-rated real estate teams and top rated website, you can find the Tucson homes for sale that meet your exact criteria with ease on this Tucson Realtors website!
Tucson Homes Style Tradition and History Offer Many Choices
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
For those searching for Tucson homes there are several styles that may be suitable depending on personal choices, and individual tastes. Tucson homes, and many of those located in Southern Arizona reflect the style and tradition of the area. Most envision this area of the country as an image that could be part of a postcard type setting. The truth of the matter is that its not far from the actual fact. Tucson has visually pleasing residential areas that are set amongst rolling foothills with mountains in the background. The basic home styles encompass several different architectural styles, most reflect the rich heritage and traditions of the southwestern desert. Here’s are some of the styles one might expect to find when looking for Tucson homes.
Early Homes Styles Reflect the History of the Southwest
Because Tucson has such a rich storied background, and history, the area offers a wide variety of different types of construction that span for several generations. A common home type is the Santa Fe style with a flat roof. The inspiration behind this style came from Native American Indians in the area. Many homes built in the 1950’s and 60’s are L & U shaped, and known as Ranch style. These can most often be spotted by the pitched style roof, and large windows in the living rooms.
Today’s Tucson Homes Are Contemporary and Modern
The southwestern style is popular and in demand. Homes in Tucson today are of a more contemporary style. Bungalows that are constructed in the Craftsman style continue to be a popular choice for those looking to purchase a home. Most will find that the Mediterranean style is the type of Tucson Homes that are constructed today, and generally the most sought after by home shoppers. Mediterranean homes are easily recognized with the stucco exterior, tile roofs, and iron fencing.
Tucson Homes still express the great history of the southwest, and incorporate the traditions of classical Arizona history into the architecture and style. Tucson homes range from the most modern with all the amenities to the very traditional. No matter where one looks in the Tucson vicinity, finding a home style that is appealing should be an easy task to accomplish.
Tucson Real Estate for May/June 2010
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
The Tucson real estate market continues to experience the fluctuations typical of all markets in the present economy, but the overall news is positive. Tucson real estate sales are up overall when compared to 2009 figures, and despite a decrease in May over April’s figures, the overall sales continue to trend upward. However, the sales prices are much lower, indicating that many more sales are being made but at significantly lower prices.
According to the Tucson Association of Realtors, sales figures for May, 2010, show an increase of 17.43% over May, 2009. This follows an increase of 36.44% for April, comparing sales in that month for 2009. The continued upward trend in sales reflects a slight dip between April and May of 2010, but the overall sales are much higher this year than in 2009 for both months, with a 20.75% overall year-to-date increase for 2010.
At the same time, Tucson real estate prices took a slight dip over last year. Average sales price was down 4.55%, from $204,125 to $194,838. List prices took an even sharper plunge, down 9.18% from May, 2009. Pending contracts were down 26.04% from last year’s figures, although April showed a gain of 16.58% over 2009.
The largest number of sales occurred in the $100,000-$180,000 range, with a total of 541 units, or 43% of all sales. The average number of days on the market was 66, with 182 units on the market over 180 days.
New listings are also down by 14.09% in volume, indicating that fewer houses are coming on the market. Possibly, the soft market over the last two years has made sellers leery of placing their houses on the market; alternatively, some people may not be able to afford the move to a newer home and choose to remain and renovate their existing structures.
The Tucson real estate market is experiencing a rebound from 2009 sales figures, despite the dip in price and listing numbers. The current Tucson real estate market seems to be recovering and increasing over the past year. Hopefully, this rebound is truly an upward trend and will continue throughout the year.
TOP 5 MARTINI AND MARGARITA LOUNGES & NIGHT CLUBS IN TUCSON
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
Looking for a one-of-a- kind, memorable and hip environment where you can enjoy cocktails with friends or that special someone? Ranging from highly sophisticated to laid back, each of these upscale Tucson establishments offer something a little different, and are sure to entertain you while providing the latest great tasting cocktails. If you’re seeking a sophisticated lounge environment, your evening will sizzle at these unique hotspots in the heart of Tucson’s trendsetting nightlife scene.
Be sure to stop by Sapphire Lounge, 61 East Congress Street in Tucson’s El Presidio area. Known for its rooftop sky deck patio lounge with great views, there are also two floors below that provide an exotic environment for drinks, pulsating music, dancing, and mingling. You’ll love the cool vibe created by the blue lighting and sleek furnishings and décor, and you won’t want to miss the nights when dueling pianos are featured. Enjoy the drinks, delicious food, and great company you’ll find at Sapphire Lounge. Visit www.facebook.com/sapphirelounge.
Close by the Sapphire you’ll find Club Zen Rock. This club brings the Vegas environment to Tucson, with its VIP tableside bottle service and beautiful women perched on swings above the crowd on the dance floor. Located at 121 East Congress Street in Tucson’s bustling downtown, you’ll find the latest music in this club with an underground feel and Tucson’s only basement dance floor. Dress to impress and don’t miss the edgy scene at Zen Rock. See more at www.zenrocktucson.com.
If you’re in the mood for a sumptuous steak to go with your world- class martini, there’s no finer place to try than Sullivan’s Steak House. The slogan at Sullivan’s is Steaks, Martinis, and Jazz, and live jazz is featured along with their impressive selection of wine, bourbon, single malt scotch, and cognac. See what other delights are on the menu at www.sullivansteakhouse.com.
Savor the enticing aromas of prime rib, seasoned steaks, fresh seafood and much more as you sip a well-chilled margarita, mojito, or martini and watch your meal grilled over an open flame at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. The Firebar features half-priced appetizers every Monday-Friday from 3-7PM, and you’ll love the tony and sophisticated ambience here along with the tantalizing food and drinks. You can discover more of what’s in store at www.firebirdsrestaurants.com.
How about more of an offbeat scene? Try The Shelter. With its laid back vibe, you’ll love the hipster scene here with the retro décor, billiards area, tabletop Pong games, and kitschy films shown on the screen. Featuring different music theme nights and a daily happy hour, you’ll also appreciate their expertise in the mixology of great cocktails. Find out more at www.tucsonunderground.com/places/shelter.
The University of Arizona and the surrounding city of Tucson.
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
3500 Still Tucson Photos
Last modified on 2010-05-24 05:09:51 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A short stop-motion film created from the compilation of over 3500 still photographs taken around The University of Arizona and the surrounding city of Tucson.
30 Years of BAD Pictures
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
Bruce Dale’s photographs have always been some of my favorites. This video is not related to Tucson Homes or Tucson Real Estate but is just a great display of art. I thought I would put this on here so that you could take a journey or break away from the home searching endeavor! Cheers and I would love your feedback.
Tucson Family Fun
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
Tucson, Arizona encompasses every kind of family fun activity you can imagine–all in one place!
Tucson acts as the spring training home for two Major League Baseball teams: the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. Their training games are much less expensive for your family than the ones during the baseball season, but they’re just as exciting.
The surrounding area affords every opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the desert. Flowering saguaro cactus may be seen while horseback riding outside Tucson. You can saddle up at a guest ranch, public stable, resort, or a horseback rental business. Lessons and guided trips are available. You may choose a sunrise, sunset, or moonlight ride for amazing photographic memories.
Tucson boasts the newest outdoor motor sport facility in the United States. The Musselman Honda Circuit offers an outstanding atmosphere for recreational carters as well as serious motorcycle, ATV, and automobile racers, and cyclists. The environment is comfortable and the weather spectacular allowing the racetrack to stay open year-round.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park and Kartchner Caverns State Park are within easy visiting distance of Tucson. Formal tours of Colossal Cave have been conducted since 1923 when ropes provided security and lanterns the minimal light. Today tours offer your family greater safety and a more comfortable viewing of the desert’s “dry cave” underground geology. Karchner Caverns wasn’t discovered until two Tucson cave enthusiasts stumbled upon this great national wonder. It is a “wet” cave, meaning the calcite formations are still growing. Care is taken that the tours preserve the pristine conditions within.
Tucson’s Reid Zoo takes your family from African grasslands to the South American rain forests in one day. More than 500 exotic animals provide the opportunity to learn about conservation, enjoy outdoor recreation, and learn about the different continents’ biological diversity.
On days when it is too hot for you at the zoo, your family can attend Tucson’s Children’s Museum for a fun day. Hands-on exhibits and challenging activities can be explored in the ten exciting galleries within. The facility is air conditioned and guided tours are available. Visitors can partake of food services within the Museum while spending the day.
A 2.2-acre historic fantasyland resides just outside Tucson: the Valley of the Moon. It is a garden park for families. Explore the enchanted paths winding through mineralized rock cliffs, caves, pools, and garden miniatures blending desert and tropical flora. Truly, Tucson is the place for family fun! And if your looking for Tucson Real Estate, look no further!
Tucson Farmers’ Markets
1 Comment | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
The Southern Arizona region can boast of wonderful sunlit days and pleasant warm nights while serving as a home to some of the country’s best open air farmer’s markets. The region’s level, even seasonal climate provides ample opportunities for purchasing quality vegetables, fruits, nuts plus other assorted goods year around.
The Tucson Farmer’s markets operate three revolving green markets throughout the Tucson area in Oro Valley and St Phillip’s plaza on weekends, while Udall Park operates during the week. These markets are open 52 weeks a year providing a direct connection with a vibrant gathering of over 75 vendors who include farms, cheese makers, bakeries, meat and seafood providers plus a host of specialty food producers.
For a truly unique Farmer’s Market experience, shoppers will find all they need at the 17th street Farmer’s market. This upscale urban market located crosswise between S. Euclid Avenue and E. 17th Street provides shoppers with fresh and exotic fruit and vegetables such as Italian eggplant and quality international foods while providing excellent customer service coupled with an atmosphere of refined relaxation that makes for a memorable shopping experience.
One of Southern Arizona’s longest running Farmer’s markets is located off Country club, The Community Food Bank Farmer’s market. This local south side gem operates within a sustainable self enclosed farm stand providing fruit, vegetables and eggs from the center’s demonstration garden, while on Tucson’s Westside the TCFB operates one of “America’s top ten farmer’s markets” has recognized by Eating Well magazine, the Santa Cruz Farmer’s market. Service providers at Santa Cruz market provide an educational platform paired with a social atmosphere making a visit a true social event.
In these health conscience times, shoppers searching for first rate quality fruit and other goods at Farmer’s markets should use their four senses to find quality produce goods. Be sure to check the color of your fresh produce as well as take time to touch and smell it. Deeper hues, generally mean produce is nearly ripe or ripe while a lighter colored one may take more time to become ripe. Also, check for markings along the skin of the produce. Bruises or softspots are a sign that the item as been mishandled at some stage in its lifetime. Tucson’s neighborhood Farmer’s markets provide wild and organic produce at quality prices affording young and old ample opportunity to experience the finest produce nature as to offer.
All About Tucson Arizona
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
All about Tucson Arizona
Today, Tucson is a well-known relocation destination, and it is an interesting place to live in because of the contrast between the Old West and life in the 21st century that people find here. Perhaps this is the reason that the city’s population increased by 25% from 1990 to 2000 and has continued to grow steadily ever since.
Tucson—past and present
The name Tucson often conjures up thoughts of desert, cowboys, rodeos, cactus, and rugged terrain, and all that is part of its past. Now, it is an up-to-date, evolving city with a definite plan for the future. Local government and the business community have collaborated to improve the quality of life here, and the results are impressing locals and visitors alike.
Tourism
Because the city is rich in natural beauty, history, and culture—and favored with a mild winter climate—tourism plays a significant role in the local economy. Visitors come from far and wide to view the “petroglyphs,” rock art left by the Native Americans who first settled the area, and the old Spanish missions that have been there for centuries. They also enjoy seeing the Pima Air Museum, the Titan Museum, and a genuine airplane “graveyard.”
Attractions for young and old alike
Both tourists and residents can be found taking in the sun at Seven Falls Trails or hiking in Sabina Canyon Those who are fortunate enough to visit the world-class event featuring gem and mineral dealers that takes place here every February can see a vast array of opals, huge crystals, amazing fossils, and meteorites. When spring arrives, Tucson’s major league baseball spring training camp comes to life as well, and fans of the sport have an opportunity to see some of their favorite players in person.
The University of Arizona
This institution is essential to the community’s economy and culture, and the intellectual resources it provides include several museums, four libraries, an observatory, a performing arts center, and its science laboratories. Local high school graduates, who can attend as commuters, also have an opportunity to interact with the local business community and lay the foundation for their careers.
Tucson’s special appeal
While the city’s plan for the futures includes revitalization of its downtown area, peripheral development and construction are taking as well. The result is a harmonious blend of commercial and retail development, private homes, bike trails, and abundant green space—creating a pleasant, free-flowing effect.
In Tucson’s ideal climate, golfing, camping, biking, birding, rock climbing and caving are all available nearby, and Bicycle Magazine has revealed that it is one of the best places for both amateur and professional cyclists to train. As a result, this is another outdoor activity that predominates in the community.
The city’s schools, which are highly rated, offer every student an opportunity for an excellent education, and several private schools are available for all grade levels. In addition, many super-achievers attend Tucson’s numerous magnet schools.
While the city attracts young families, it is an affordable place for retirees as well because the cost of living here is relatively modest compared to Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. For example, a typical owner-occupied home here is valued at $195,000, and the median income per household is about $36,000 annually.
Everything you need to know about the First Time Buyer tax credit
0 Comments | Posted by Peter Saavedra in Tucson News
First Time home buyer Tax Credit
Over the last several years real estate prices have been in a sharp decline. Part of the reason for this is the high valuations that were seen in 2005, as prices were climbing at some of the fastest rates ever. Now, with housing markets around the country facing large inventories of unsold homes means that there are very reasonably priced homes for the first time home buyer. To help improve demand the federal government is offering a program that will give first time home buyers assistance with purchasing their home, the first time home buyer tax credit. However, like all government programs there are various qualifications that must be met by all first time home buyers to be eligible.
First Time Home Buy Eligibility
To qualify for the first time home buyer tax credit, everyone must be purchasing the property as their primary residence. This is the residence that someone will be living in most of the time. It can include: condominiums, homes, co ops, houseboats and mobile homes. However, there is an exception to this rule, an individual can qualify for the tax credit if they own rental or vacation homes, provided that they can show that they these were not their primary residences over the last three years.
Limited Time
The first time home buyer tax credit will not always remain in place, instead the government is going to be phasing it out over the next two years. Currently, all first time home buyers are eligible for the $8,000.00 tax credit for purchasing a home until April 2010. At this point, the credit will be closed to the general public and will only be available to members of the military, intelligence community along with Foreign Service until April 2011.
Purchase
The maximum value of the property that can be purchased with the first time home buyer tax credit is $800,000.00.
Income
There are income restrictions to qualify for the tax credit. What happens is the credit can be phased out based on annual income; with the maximum limits being placed on those who make more than $125,000.00 per year individually or couples that make $225,000.00.
Clearly, the first time home buyer tax credit has many different benefits. Yet, there are various qualifications that must be met to be eligible for this program. It is through understanding the different qualifications that will help all first time home buyers determine if this is something they should be using to purchase their first home. 

