Friday, April 13, 2012

Half Way to Closing Thanks from an Urban Farmer

Hi Donna,

I know we're not through this house process yet :) but I'm just so grateful for all your hard work on out behalf, I wanted to send along some half way til closing gratitude! You are such a fantastic advocate and ally and I'm consistently amazed by your expertise and efficiency. I know you work very hard, often thanklessly. Please know that every minute you spend helping us untangle this totally mystifying process is so so so appreciated!

Our house may not seem like much but we have big dreams for it, and it is an important step to realizing so many personal and professional goals. So of course I know there's more stress and paperwork and details to come, but I know you'll do your best to help us through it. And that gives me a lot of trust and confidence (no pressure!) :) Also THANKS for your patience and sense of humor. Maybe we'll name something in your honor on the "ranch": a hen? a worm bin? a tree? We'll see.

Warmly,

Melissa Mundt

Javelina


Caught a pair of peccaries snorfling around on the hill behind Desert's Edge.

It's Beginning to Look A LOT Like Recovery

The Tucson Association of Realtors March Residential Sales Statistics make me want to sing! Average sale price has increased in FIVE of the last six months! At $168,153, it is 2.21% higher than in February, and 2.79% higher than March 2011. We haven't seen a year-over-year increase in average sale price since 2007.

Total units sold (buyers) soared up 36.11% from February to 1,387, which is 18.65% higher than March 2011.

Inventory and days on market continue to decline, as well. We had 4,168 active listings (sellers) in March, an 8.6% decline from February, and a 37.82% decline from March 2011. This is very exciting news.

4,168 sellers divided by 1,387 buyers means we have a three month supply of listings! This definitely favors the sellers, especially in the under $150,000 range.

Distress sales seem to be loosening their death grip on the market. 31% of the March sales were foreclosures, and 12% were short sales. In January, 56% of the sales were distressed properties, and in September 2011, distressed properties were 60% of the sales. I am so ready to return to a market where a normal sale doesn't involve dealing with bank bureaucracy and red tape.

If you are thinking of buying an investment or home, the message is clear: get them while they're hot!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Out of State Buyers

Hi Donna,

Thank you very much for the wonderful job you have done as our realtor. I didn't know it was possible to complete such a transaction while out of state. You are incredibly conscientious, knowledgable, and hard-working. We feel very lucky to have you as our realtor!

Jan and Charlie Turner