Welcome to Tucson Now

Welcome and thank you for stopping by the online home for the Tucson Now Radio Show. This site is all about Real Estate, whether you’re a Home Buyer, Real Estate Investor, Business Owner or just want to know more about the current Real Estate Market, be it Residential, Commercial, or Investment and Land Opportunities this is the place for you.

Each week Real Estate Agents and Investors weigh in on the current market and how you can make the most of the real estate market in Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and the surrounding areas. You can listen to previous shows by visiting our Radio Show page.

If you have not done so already, be sure to sign up for our for out newsletter by adding your name and email address to the signup form in the right hand side of the screen. You will also be entered for a chance to win a dinner for two to Belissino Ristorante. Your Privacy is important to us. We DO NOT Rent, Sell Trade or Give Away your information. We hate SPAM too.

Heard Sunday morning on 104.1FM The Truth in Tucson from 10:00 to 11:00.

Call in with your questions during the show:  520-751-1041

Tucson Now Realtor Experts and Show hosts include:

Ed Henne

Before the “bean counters” and the “number crunchers”, there were astute businessmen who attached problems with a “sharp pencil”…. businessmen whose values to their clients was always tied to the tradition of the “bottom line”. For over four decades, Ed Henne has honored that tradition…and Ed’s sharp pencil and creativity has consistently made a measurable difference to all those who were truly interested in their bottom line. The best deal possible!

Long Realty Company
Office: (520)918-5989
Cell: (520)465-8000
Fax: (520)575-4996

“The size of the transaction doesn’t matter to me. I’ve handled everything form an efficiency condo to sprawling subdivisions. Business is business! Once we have determined your objective, I don’t pull any punches. With my experience, creativity and knowledge of the current market conditions, I just pull out my pencil and cut to the bottom line…the best possible deal for you, my client.”

Mark Finchem

Mark retired to Tucson after 23 years in emergency response service as a Public Safety Officer and Firefighter.  Finding that retirement was boring he moved into the private sector with Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks and TurboTax.  As a senior Manager with the Small Business Division responsible for the customer experience of millions of small business owners Mark capitalized on his understanding of the consumer experience and voice of the customer.  For nearly 6 years Mark led a high performance organization with representatives on 3 continents.  As the housing bubble deflated Mark recognized an opportunity that many were fleeing from.

Long Realty Company
Office: (520) 808-7340
FAX: (866) 496-0251

“After nearly 3 years of consistent high performance and many satisfied clients, I am confident that I am using my talents to serve others in a very important role.  Home is where the heart is and some of life’s most important moments happen.  Serving people is my passion; helping them find the right fit in a home is my joy.”

A full service REALTOR here in the TUCSON area, Misty has lived here for almost 10 years, which gives her incredible insight and a definite advantage over most Realtors in this area. “Our Tucson community is very family friendly and as a parent, I understand your concern with finding family friendly, safe environments and great schools.” Tucson is one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona and it’s imperative that you have an agent who can assist you with all aspects of selling or buying a home like Misty Rich.

Long Realty Company
Office: (520) 407-8606
Cell: (520) 390-3870
FAX: (866) 891-8904
Toll Free: (800) 750-1286

“My goal is 100% client satisfaction!! I have the customer service skills, commitment, and passion to make sure your real estate transaction is smooth and hassle free. ”

Bill has more than 30 years experience in the lending industry. In 1994, he Co-Founded and was the Managing Partner of Tucson Mortgage Company, LLC From 2001 to through 2009 . Bill has proved he can handle the most complicated mortgage transactions in private lending, building and developing for residential and commercial properties.  Bill’s pledge to his clients is to provide the level of service and professionalism that will “wow” his customers.

BANCAPITAL • Home Loans
Office: (520) 299-4878
bill@anastopoulos.com

“I believe in a higher standard of service that offers weekly status calls throughout the loan process, on-time closings, and friendly knowledgeable service.”

Type of Real Estate

• Homes
• Land
• Ranches
• Ranchettes
• Golf Properties
• Luxury Homes
• Commercial
• Retail
• Industrial
• Apartments
• Senior Living
• HUD Homes

Tips and Tactics

Open Houses Work

A lot of work goes into preparation for an open house but it is all worth it? Positioning a home to be at its peak condition increases exposure and with that the potential for sale.

Many times I’ve heard homeowners lament, “This place has never been this clean.”  And of course they get to enjoy the “freshening” of their home while it is for sale.  We have become a very visual, hands on society.  The traffic that an open house brings through a property provides important exposure and excitement.  Holding a home open also provides an opportunity for prospective buyers and people who know prospective buyers to see first-hand what photographs can’t show… spatial relationship.

Finding open houses can be a challenge in some communities.  Most jurisdictions do not allow open house signs to be placed in the public right-of-way.  They often overlook the minor infraction because it poses little threat to the security and safety of a community.  Oro Valley Arizona is taking a proactive stand on the matter, much to their credit.  By establishing a licensing program for right-of-way advertising, specifically aimed at temporary real estate signage, Oro Valley is working with the community to find balance.

Each community is a bit different but all homeowners should enjoy the benefit of a high standard of care when it comes to selling their home.  Knowledgeable professionals and homeowners prefer the Sign Ordinance language, “No sign shall directly impede pedestrian, bicycle or motor vehicle traffic when placed in the public right-of-way.  Signs may be placed between curb and sidewalk where space is available.  Signs may not be placed on any paved surface.”  This language provides a thoughtful, reasonable solution to signs placed everywhere along a road side.  After all, a temporary open house sign with home buyer traffic is a much better “brand” for a community than foreclosure and short sale signs.

Mark Finchem
Office: (520) 808-7340
MFinchem@longrealty.com

Adding Equity without added Expense

Can you accelerate adding equity to your home without spending a single extra dollar?  Yes it is possible and here is how:  You will need to know the purchase price of your home, how much you put down and how much you financed.  If you have a single mortgage and you are paying MIP or PMI (mortgage insurance) identify who you are paying it to.  If you don’t know contact your lender and they can tell you.

The next step is to contact a REALTOR and ask for the current comparable properties.  The difference between what you financed and the price you paid for your home is the Loan to Value Ratio.  When the value of your home increases and the debt you have against it decreases the Loan to Value Ratio increase.  So, if you put 10% down on a $200,000 home ($20,000) and the value of the home has increased to $218,000 plus you have paid down about $2,000 in debt the Loan to Value Ratio has grown to 20%.

Now you can turn to your lender and present your case.  Most mortgage notes will have a condition that allows the mortgage insurance to be lifted when the Loan to Value Ratio rises above 80%.  You can now add about $105 a month to the principal in what is called a PIP Reduction Plan.  Basically it is Principal + Interest + more Principal.  That is one way you can accelerate your mortgage loan pay off and build equity faster.

Make it a habit to contact your REALTOR once a year for a PMI checkup.

Mark Finchem
Office: (520) 808-7340
MFinchem@longrealty.com

Making Your Home Energy Efficient

Energy efficient renovations, especially here in Tucson, are more than just an investment in your home; they pay dividends here and now.  When it comes to summer remodeling, there’s no better way to invest your hard-earned dollars than by making your home energy efficient. An energy efficient summer remodel is truly a worthwhile endeavor as it will result in years of savings on your energy bills.

Some of the common items you can buy and integrate into your energy efficient renovation include:

-Insulation systems and materials
-Roofs that resist heat gain
-Biomass burning stoves
-Energy-efficient windows
-HVAC systems with the highest efficiency tier
-Solar panels
-Fuel cells
-Geothermal heat pumps
-Wind energy systems

Some of these improvements to your property also carry a premium.  They may be eligible for grants or tax incentives.

Mark Finchem
Office: (520) 808-7340
MFinchem@longrealty.com