The tables have turned, and now homeowners have on their side almost the same amount of technology that insurance companies have. Ever had property damage happen to your home after a real ugly thunderstorm? Some damage from flooding? You no longer need to call a public adjuster to estimate the amount of damage, let MySmartClaims.com help you!

(more…)

Hawaii now requires new homes to have solar water heaters. The solar water heaters cost $6,000, and electric/gas water heaters cost $700. Helps the earth immensely and saves the homeowner at least $50 dollars every month. The savings come to you in the long term, but the benefits start immediately.

What do I think about this new law that’s passed for the islands of Hawaii? Brilliant. And I think Arizona needs to follow suit ASAP!

(more…)

I’m glad to be reading articles about the government stepping in to fix up the mortgage industry; sub-prime, last year, really left the nation in bad shape with foreclosures. If homeowners can refinance without the surprises of sky high rates, or with assistance from the Man to be able to get by, our nation’s problem will calm itself down.

(more…)

Home Sales Volume: Increased 4.12%

• 4/08 $246,878,039
• 5/08 $257,072,764

Home Sales Units: Increased: 5.34%

• 4/08 973
• 5/08 1,025

Average Sales Price: Decreased 1.15%

• 4/08 $253,729
• 5/08 $250,803

Median Sales Price: Increased 3.7%

• 4/08 $195,000
• 5/08 $201,000

Pending Contracts: Decreased 4.0%

• 4/08 1,547
• 5/08 1,485

Active Listings: Decreased 3.9%

• 4/08 8,808
• 5/08 8,527

New Listings: Decreased 6.15%

• 4/08 2,441
• 5/08 2,282

(more…)

Even though it’s so hot (106-108 degrees) outside, do you feel the moisture in the air? Do you see clouds in the sky bunching up together and casting shadows over the Catalina Foothills?

Oh, it’s that time of the year! It’s monsoon season!

(It’s kind of funny because it still hasn’t rained yet in Tucson, but it’s that time of the year according to the National Weather Service. All that’s needed to declare monsoon season is 3 consecutive days of average dewpoints at 54 degrees or greater.)

To share my two cents on the matter, I think the monsoon rains over Tucson is one of the most beautiful  sights that I’ve seen, ever. The skies darken up. Big, and I mean BIG, drops of rain come pouring down. The bone dry Santa Cruz River is resurrected. And the lightning that strikes. BAM! It’s like watching Discovery Channel, in surround sound, on Mother Nature’s theatre.

I’m big on my 5 senses, so when I talk about the monsoon with folks in town, some miss this jewel of a desert treat.

When the rain ceases… go outside and smell Tucson’s magnificence.

You can thank me when that first big rainy day comes and goes! ;o)