Benjamin Plumbing

I am finally getting started again on renovating my Tucson Mountain house, after giving up in dismay for 18 months. The granite counters are being cut this week, the tile is going in Thursday, and I've bought my new kitchen sink and faucet.

I bought the last two items at Benjamin Plumbing Supply. This place is way more fun than Home Depot! A locally-owned business since 1950, it's located between Fourth Avenue and downtown.

The stuff they carry is absolutely delightful.

How about a purple glass vessel sink? Agate faucet handles?

A shocking orange and black sink and countertop combination?

My favorite is the bronze sink that looks like fabric draped over a bowl and spilling off the counter. Check it out.

November Residential Sale Statistics

The Tucson Association of Realtors has finally released the residential sales statistics for November.

759 properties sold last month. This is better than the low for the year, 683 in September, but it's 23% below November 2006.

The average sale price in November 2007 was $269,968, which is 2.9% higher than October 2007 and 0.9% higher that November 2006 (not 1.72% higher as stated in the Sales Snapshot on page 2).

The median sale price also remains stable.
November 2006: $218,000.
October 2007: $210,000.
November 2007: $213,000.

The problem of excessive listings continues.
November 2006: 9,238.
October 2007: 9,313.
November 2007: 9,234.

At least this is lower than 10,387, the all-time high number of listings reached in April 2007, so we're going in the right direction.

Like weather, the real estate market is local. Houses are selling if they are in good locations and have the features buyers want (garage, AC, open floor plan, big updated kitchen, closet space and landscaping). Of course, the seller has to be sure the house is priced right, easy to show and in excellent condition. It's a good time to buy a house.

My Supervisor When I Was a Hydrologist

September 1, 2005

To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to express my complete satisfaction with the services provided by Donna Moulton for representing me in the sale of my former residence in Tucson, Arizona. Donna first provided me with a fair and reasonable estimate of the market price for my residence. Because I had not personally occupied the residence for some time, she also took responsibility for coordinating and supervising minor repairs and improvements that substantially increased the selling price of the residence, at no additional commission. After the improvements, the house was listed for one week and I received two offers, both for more than the asking price. Without her honest recommendations and support, I am sure I would have received a reduced price for the residence.
I strongly recommend Donna as a real estate agent because she will provide an honest assessment of the market value of the property and has the marketing resources and know-how to promote the sale.

Sincerely,

Gary R. Walter, Ph.D.
San Antonio, Texas