Signs of the residential housing recovery are popping up daily.  The most rapid recoveries are the housing markets that were hardest hit, such as Metro Phoenix.

Nationally we are seeing positive signs of recovery and a turning real estate market across all price points with the exception of a few weak housing markets.

USA Today reported that the number of existing homes for sale (inventory) dropped to 22% from a year ago.

The National Association of Realtorsreported a rise in home prices in 74 of the 146 housing markets they track in the first quarter of 2012 vs. declines in 72 areas.

Let’s look at some encouraging statistics for first quarter 2012:

• In Phoenix the March Inventory was down 64% from a year ago.
• The National Association of Realtors reported that there are a shortage of inventory of homes for sale in Phoenix, Orange County, California, Naples, Florida, Seattle, Suburban Washington, DC and North Dakota.
• According to TransUnion mortgage delinquency rates dropped from 6.19% in the last quarter of 2011 to 5.78% in the first quarter of 2012.
• Investors accounted for 22% of buyers.
• Condo prices rose 3.4%.
• All cash transactions made up 31% of all sales.
• Existing home prices were up 5.3% and are the highest level since 2007.
• The hardest hit markets are now among the top recovering markets.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the housing activity for last month.

The supply of homes for sale is shrinking and there is not enough inventory to keep up with the Buyer’s demands…. this is known as a Seller’s market which we have not seen since before the housing bust.

Home prices rise in a Seller’s market and it is a sure sign of a housing market recovery.

Below are some highlights of the market housing activity from April issued by The Tucson Multiple Listing Service.

Statistics:

• Average Sales Price saw an increase of 4.53% from March to April.

• Average List Price is up 5.62% over March.

• Total Under Contract rose significantly from March to April by 19.52%, and 27.16% from April 2011.

• Total Unit Sales decreased 8% from March, while up 10.76% from April 2011.

• The Median Sales Price increased again in April to $134,000, a .83% increase from March, and a 1.52% increase over April 2011.

• Total Sales Volume decreased slightly in April by 3.84%, but increased 11.90% from April 2011.

• The number of New Listings decreased 24.05% from March and increased 7.23% over April 2011.

• Average Days on Market decreased again, from 77 in March to 74 in April.

• 37.8% of April closed sales are attributed to cash, while conventional loans made up 31% and government loans accounted for 27.7%, leaving 3.5% as other financing.

The above statistics were provided by The Tucson Multiple Listing Service, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tucson Association of REALTORS®, dedicated to providing a reliable real estate database for members and the public. 

www.680BrightCayon.com

MLS #21207371

Rancho Vistoso Community-Oro Valley

680 W. Bright Canyon Oro Valley AZ 85755

For the buyer seeking privacy and golf course views with the Tortolita Mountain backdrop, Rancho Vistoso Community-Oro Valley, Arizona. Custom upgraded 4,214sq.ft., 4 BDRM, 3.5 bath home in gated Rancho Vistoso community, 8th Green, situated on15th fairway of Vistoso golf course. Enchanting & appealing contemporary offers professional designer paint themes, curved walls, upgraded ceramic floors, shower tiles & trim, a split bedroom arrangement has guest suite with private bath.  The home’s  window walls, openings & floor -to-ceiling glass allow up-close viewing of golf course & mtn. views. Cooks will revel in this large gourmet kitchen that features granite slab, custom cherry cabinets, high-end SS appliances & excellent pendant lighting over the center island, this room exudes richness & 21207371 680 W. Bright Canyon Oro Valley AZ 85755views. Take a look at this romantic dining room w/custom wrought iron doors, and view of gas fireplace in spacious great room with vaulted ceilings,  family room, & curved window walls in breakfast nook. Exceptionally large master suite features a glass block walk-in shower, built-in cabs in walk-in closet + exit to covered patio pool area. Arizona’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle take on a new meaning in this resort like backyard featuring a luxurious heated pebble-tec pool/spa with rock spillway, a majestic kiva fireplace & banco over look the golf course. This one-of-a-kind dwelling graces  .35 acres of tranquility in all its finishes offering world-class amenities.

Special Features:
• Guests are welcomed from the moment they arrive at the stacked stone rustic gated entry.
• This Enchanting 4,214 sq. ft Mediterranean villa carries throughout this custom 4 Bedroom, 3.5
bath home.
• Nestled on a Superior .35 Acre Lot on 15th Green of Vistoso Golf Course.
• Dramatic Front Entry with impressive low care landscaping, accent lighting & natural boulders.
• Enter into the Grand formal living and dining areas with majestic gas fireplace, window walls &
soaring ceilings, all surrounded by custom painted walls.
• Morning sunlight streams through the view windows and welcomes you with a romantic dining
room or Den exuding richness with custom wrought iron double entry doors.
• Wood blinds and handmade window treatments
• 18×18 custom ceramic tile set on diagonal, shower tiles, and trim
• Family room (great room style) features entertainment center , computer work station, & corner
view windows of golf course.
• Enjoy cooking in the classy gourmet kitchen filled with fine cherry cabinetry, exquisite ebony
granite slab counters, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, five burner gas cook top, pendant
lights highlight the breakfast bar.
• Cozy nook over looks the pool/spa area and golf course with beautiful Tortolita mountain views
serving as the back drop.
• The master suite has a sitting area, access to the outdoor patios and a large spa bath offering
simplicity and texture with glass block surround and snail shower, custom tile accents, his/hers
executive height vanities, and walk-in closet.
• Very unique split bedroom floor plan with guest bedroom & private bath, Secondary bedrooms
with Jack-n-Jill bathrooms, walk-in closets, executive height dual vanities, and custom tile accents.
• Free flowing floorplan is ideal! Check out the large laundry room with built-in cabinetry.
• Impressive heated pool/spa, with waterfall, large undercover patio, flagstone pavers, kiva fireplace,
and Banco seating provide perfect private entertaining. Enjoy beautiful sunsets and
mountain views beyond the back patios.
• Oversized 3 car garage with single door leading to backyard.
• The location is phenomenal, the architecture dazzling, and the setting shrouded with views &
privacy.

Local RE/MAX Agents Attend International Convention

Training Sessions, Networking Benefits Tucson Area Families

Tucson, Arizona March 2012  Don & Kathy Vallee, agents of RE/MAX Excalibur Realty, attended the RE/MAX R4 Convention in Las Vegas last month, learning the latest real estate techniques and networking with other RE/MAX agents from around the world.  The intensive training and educational sessions focused on helping families facing difficult economic situations and how to best serve real estate buyers and sellers.

“The convention is a huge opportunity to add to your expertise and it’s very important to your clients,” said Howard Lien.  “The more training you have, the better prepared you are to help your buyers and sellers in this market.”

RE/MAX agents hold the highest number of advanced designations and certifications in the industry, staying on the leading edge of real estate trends.  The annual international convention is where many RE/MAX Affiliates take advantage of educational opportunities and it’s also where they make important connections with RE/MAX agents from other states or countries that might have the perfect buyer or seller for local Tucson families.

In January, RE/MAX celebrated its 39^th anniversary, celebrating several key accomplishments in 2011. Perhaps the most high profile recognition was the vote of confidence received from consumers.  Results from the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Home Buyer/Seller Study^SM recognized RE/MAX for providing the “highest overall satisfaction for home sellers and home buyers among national full service real estate firms.”

In addition to outstanding agent performance, RE/MAX franchise sales indicated significant growth in many geographic regions.  Overall sales in the United States were 9.3% higher than last year.  Internationally, South America grew at rate 44% above 2010, Caribbean/Central America was up 33%, and South Africa was 31% higher.

 Also in 2011:

• RE/MAX launched  global.remax.com, a real estate website with true global reach in over 30 languages and 60 foreign countries
• Remax.com drew 49.5 million total visitors in 2011, the highest of any real estate brand website
• RE/MAX University ranked among the nation’s best corporate trainers in two respected annual reports

 Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.  For more information please visit www.ValleeGoldTeam.com  or

Military New Loan Program

The Pima County Bond Program (also called the Mortgage Revenue Bond or MRB) has been around for years now. Funds are depleted from time to time but there are currently $25 million dollars available. This is a subsidised interest rate program for first time buyers and veterans. The interest rate offered is adjusted periodically to keep it below the rate available on the open market. The news today is that the interest rate was adjusted on Friday to 2.99%! Mortgage rates are extremly low but it is safe to say that this is well below the open market.

The good, the bad, and the beautiful:

The good:  

     -This program can be used anywhere in Pima County including the city of Tucson

-The interest rate is available to first time buyers and veterans

-Subject properties do not have to be bank owned

-The interest rate is fixed

The bad:

-If a buyer holds the title to any other property they are ineligible

-There are income limits

-1 or 2 person households $70,800

-3 or more person households $82,600

-There are maximum purchase prices

-One unit existing $284,635 or new $347,485

-Two unit existing $364,365 or new $445,335

The beautiful:  

There is a down payment assistance program that can be used with the bond program. The guidelines above apply as well as some additional ones.

-$8,500 is available for down payment assistance and closing cost

-The $8,500 must be repaid when the home is sold (a lien is recorded)

-Interest accrues on the silent second lien at 2%

-Income limits are tighter for the DPA

-1 person household $32,200

-2 person household $36,800

-4 person household $46,000

To see the source visit the website of the City of Tucson Industrial Development Authority. I promise, the procedure can be painless!

Steven Van De Beuken

Sunstreet Loan Officer

2840 E Skyline Dr Ste 230

Tucson, AZ 85718

Arizona Association of Mortgage Professionals/Southern Chapter

President

Cell    520-235-6862

Office   520-547-4149

As of January 06, 2012 the Tucson Arizona median home price for single family home price is $169,251 and the average property in Tucson has been on the market for about 166 days. It appears the housing market is showing signs of leveling out with inventory at approximately 5,000 properties on the market.

Let us know if you would like a report created for your neighborhood.

Contact Don or Kathy Vallee 520.544.5555

Vallee Gold Team

Tucson Arizona Homes For Sale

]]> http://tucsonazrealestate.com/2012/01/15/tucson-arizona-housing-market-stats-as-of-january-06-2012/feed/ 0 http://tucsonazrealestate.com/2011/11/23/vallee-gold-team-listing-2371-e-skipping-rock-way-tucson-az-85737/ http://tucsonazrealestate.com/2011/11/23/vallee-gold-team-listing-2371-e-skipping-rock-way-tucson-az-85737/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:04:19 +0000 Vallee Gold Team http://tucsonazrealestate.com/?p=3072

Vallee Gold Team “Just Listed” Home In Oro Valley, AZ

MLS#: 21130030

2371 E Skipping Rock Way Tucson, AZ 85737

Desirable Community of Rams Canyon in La Reserve at the base of Pusch Ridge

Vallee Gold Team Just Listed 2371 Skipping Rock

Located in the heart of Oro Valley, Arizona sits a beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,873 square foot home with custom tile, wood floors and plantation shutters! You will enjoy this single level open floorplan with a spacious kitchen, professionally painted with granite, island, stainless steel undermount sink and oak cabinets with pullouts. Best of all, the Family room features a cozy fireplace and double slider to patio. Exquisite Master suite boasts fireplace with remote, french door to patio and master bath with garden tub, double vanity and large shower. The professionally landscaped backyard has covered patio, sparkling pool and gorgeous mountain views. Bonus – enclosed dog run on the north side of the home with dog door, and two car garage.  Built in 1998.

This home offers the following appliance package: Alarm; Dishwasher; Disposal; Garage Door Opener

School District is Amphitheater: Elementary:Copper Creek, Middle: Cross, and High School: Canyon Del Oro

Directions: N-Oracle, E-Rams Field, N-Skipping Rock (First house on left)

RE/MAX Excalibur

Don Vallee, ABR, CRS, SFR

Kathy Vallee, CDPE, CRS, CLHMS

11115 N. La Canada #155

Oro Valley, AZ 85737

don@donvallee.com

http://www.ValleeGoldTeam.com

520-544-5555

]]> http://tucsonazrealestate.com/2011/11/23/vallee-gold-team-listing-2371-e-skipping-rock-way-tucson-az-85737/feed/ 0 http://tucsonazrealestate.com/2011/10/24/tucson-homes-and-land-magazine-with-canadian-distribution/ http://tucsonazrealestate.com/2011/10/24/tucson-homes-and-land-magazine-with-canadian-distribution/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:11:06 +0000 Vallee Gold Team http://tucsonazrealestate.com/?p=3042

Tucson Homes And Land Magazine Now With Canadian Distribution

Featured Agents Don and Kathy Vallee

Don and Kathy Vallee advertise with Homes and Land magazine, they are investing in the most comprehensive marketing plan available for their clients. Homes and Land is a high quality magazine that buyers pick-up first and keep throughout their home search. Homes and Land exposure reaches home buyers across the continent and now into Canada, with mass distribution to over 600+ locations frequented by qualified buyers, including airport, real estate offices, 30+ grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, and much more.

Homes and Land Magazine has partnered with RE/MAX Collection in Tucson Arizona to target market the top ten percent for luxury home buyers and sellers. All over the World Wide Web with over 1.3 million unique visitors per month and is the #1 site for Affluent viewers. Homes and Land distributes to upscale websites: Dupont Registry, International Herald Tribune, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal.

Home buyers can now use their mobile phones to view properties featured in Homes and Land magazine.

See our listings and Tucson listings at: www.ValleeGoldTeam.com

First Time Homes to Luxury Homes and Estates 520.544.5555

Don & Kathy Vallee, CDPE, CRS, CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Specialist – Guild)

RE/MAX Excalibur Realty “Tucson’s Friendliest & Most Recognized Realtor For Over 12 Years!”

Tucson total sales volume showed a slight decrease of 1.13% from September 2010 as compared to the same time last year. We are still in a buyer market as the average sales price had a slight decrease in September of 2011 to $150,699 which is down 2.74%. In September 2011 the Tucson Association of Realtors reported 5,155 active listings for Tucson and surrounding area.

Search your area market trends with our handy Tucson market mapper!

For A Complete Tucson Housing Market Report Contact Don or Kathy Vallee

RE/MAX Excalibur Realty-Tucson & Oro Valley Arizona

520-544-5555

Vallee Gold Team

Do you remember buying your first home? This is one of the best memories that I have and it was a BIG deal. Our first home was a new build near a dairy farm, the funny thing was, I could tolerate the farm smells. I was living the American dream. I loved this home,  our children loved it as well and we all have fond memories. It was one of the smartest investments I ever mad and in fact, I still own it.

Chris and Megan Buy Their First Home!

Chris and Megan relocated from San Diego, California to Tucson, Arizona due to military duties. Chris and Megan decided that they no longer wanted to rent but  buy a home in Tucson.  Megan commented, “With the low interest rates and rock bottom prices in Tucson, we knew if we could afford to rent, we could afford to buy”.

Megan started her home search online.  While searching You Tube.. Megan found a testimonial  given by Grace, military officer who had relocated to Tucson and purchased a home from Kathy Vallee with the Vallee Gold Team.

I am sure that you can recall a time in your life or a situation where you felt like you were not being heard. A time where some sales person was not listening to you…so the service fell short of the expectation. Well…I too have relocated my family so.. I understand the importance of communication, understanding the process of buying a home, the craziness of researching the neighborhoods and properties. I believe this is one reason why “Chris and Megan” connected with me… I am dedicated to my clients and I work exclusively for them.

My role:

• Educate you about the market.
• Analyze your wants and needs
• Guide you to homes that fit your criteria
• Coordinate the work of other needed professionals
• Negotiate on your behalf.
• Do all the paperwork related to the real estate transaction.
• I am a problem solver.

Please feel free to contact me or call 520-544-5555

Kathy Vallee, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS

New Home Representation and Resale Representation

RE/MAX Excalibur Realty

See Megans review

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