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Green Real Estate Blog
To
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| Tony Ray, Realtor EcoBroker NARgreen |
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Click on the photos throughout the site to see larger versions.
Things
To Do In Tucson
# 16
The Lights of Tucson One of
the things I like to do for new clients, especially coming from other cities, is take them to see the lights of Tucson.
From Campbell and Sunrise/Skyline (La Encantada Mall is there) go North on Campbell to the end and make the circle
(don't go through the guard gate). As
you come around the circle you can see almost all of Tucson, from mountain range to mountain range. The glittering lights
are beautiful. Tony Ray 
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Monday, January 25, 2010
Sellers Help Pay Buyers Mortgage for Two Years
New Program in 2010
for Buyers:
Easy Start Program
allows seller to help pay your
mortgage for the first two years and/or closing costs. Very few people know of this
program yet. It
is great way for first time buyers to ease into
a new mortgage and still take advantage of the tax credit if you are eligible. For buyers who own a home,
this is a great program to help you purchase a bigger home and take advantage of the tax credit if you are eligible.
Contact
me by cell, email or use the form on the buyers page. Buyers must qualify for a home
mortgage.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Short Sales and Foreclosures in 2010
6:27 pm est
Monday, January 18, 2010
Decorating Lofts and Small SpacesLofts and Condos can be
challenging when it comes to decorating. I'm here
to help with ideas on how to maximize
space and create a cool look.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Lofts Available - Modern, City Chic with Green Features They have been hard to find, so it's always exciting to me when a loft becomes available for
sale. As of today, there are three lofts active
(for sale) in the Realtor MLS. All three are in the Ice House Lofts. The first
loft is 1122 sf. , one bedroom and is listed today for $172,260.00 The second loft is 1325 sf., one bedroom and is listed today for $237,500.00 The third loft is 1796 st., two bedroom
and is listed today for $ 209,900 Check out more information about the lofts and their green features. If
you would like more infomation about these lofts,
contact me by phone (520) 631-TONY (8669) or email me. Have a great
day,
Tony Ray
Search Tucson Real Estate for Sale in the Realtor database Free Relocation package
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Lofts and Condos - The New Regulations
If you are thinking about
buying a condo or a loft, you might find the process a bit harder  than expected. In the last couple of months
new condominium regulations are making it hard for almost anyone to obtain a good loan.
Government efforts
to limit risky lending in this segment of housing have resulted in more strict regulations that make it a lot more harder
to purchase a loft or condo. Take Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, who amount to approximately 40% of all mortgages in the
country, who have recently changed some of their guidelines as follows:
- For new construction and newly converted condominium/loft developments,
70% of the units must be pre-sold (closed or under contract). Increased from 51%, this is perhaps the most complicated
guideline because Fannie Mae will not approve mortgages unless 70% of the units are sold, but developers cannot sell 70% of
the units without buyers being able to obtain a conventional mortgage. Buyers who want to buy, need to find loans from
smaller, local banks often times resulting in not so good deals.
- No more than 15% of condominium or loft units within a single project can be more than 30 days delinquent
on condo fees.
 - Fidelity insurance required for condominiums
or lofts with 20 or more units, ensuring
that homeowner associations fund are protected.
- The condominium/homeowners association must have at least 10% of its budgeted income designated in
a capital reserve fund for replacement reserves and adequate funds budgeted for the insurance deductible. Many older
condominium associations keep woefully inadequate reserves and operating budgets, so they are non-compliant.
- Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac have also boosted fees on mortgages for condominium units. Buyers without a minimum 25% down payment
have to pay closing-cost fees, regardless of their credit score.
According to Fannie Mae, the
guidelines can be adjusted in a case by case basis depending mainly on the loft or condo project, but for the most part, these guidelines apply to the majority
of condo and loft buyers. Buying a condo might be harder than it used to be, but it is not impossible; having an experienced
lender and Realtor on your side will make all the difference.
Tony Ray
Monday, September 21, 2009
Central Remodel is Great Tucson Real Estate Buy
Solid brick, 3br 2ba with an office / den and an Arizona room.
New on the market, this
home has tile throughout, an open floorplan and a stunning stone fireplace in
the main living area.  Recently
updated kitchen and baths bring modern convenience and stylish finishes to create charming older home with great character.
Listed at $200,000, this home will sell quickly.
Please see the photos and virtual tour at
this homes unique website. www.4710eHampton.com Tony
Ray Search Tucson Real Estate for Sale in the Realtor database Free Relocation package
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Reduce Energy Loss and Stop Throwing Money Out The WindowEvery month, one thing always
brings my focus back to how much energy I am wasting,  opening the gas or the electric bill.
If you’ve read my other blogs at www.seetucsonrealestate.blogspot.com or here, then you know that I have written about reducing the amount of energy I waste and lowering my energy bills
before.
This time I want to chat about windows. Not installing new ones, working with the ones you have.
After all, recycle, reduce, reuse. You can keep your windows, reuse, and You can reduce your energy bills by following
some or all of the tips I have listed below.
Seal cracks and holes in your windows with caulk and or install weather
stripping so that no cold or hot air can escape. Caution, don't seal up the weep holes. They let water, rain,
ice and snow out of the outer trough of the window sill. Snow?
Close your shades and blinds to keep hot air
out in the summer time.
Open your shades and blinds to let warm air in during the winter months.
 If you really want to block sun and it’s
UV rays, how about a UV protective tinting on some or all of your windows? I had this done on my last home and it was
great. The tinting is practically clear so you can enjoy looking outside. Call Clint at The Specialists on Broadway
for car or home window tinting.
Maybe it’s time to redecorate your windows. Ask about the new Hunter
Douglas window coverings, Duette Architella honeycomb shades. They are beautiful, they have great features and they
can reduce energy loss by up to 50%.
If you need help with window coverings, I highly recommend Del at the Window Covering Company. He has done two of my homes and many of my clients have worked with him. He has almost every manufacturer available
and every type of window treatment. His prices are better than Home Depot and Lowes and he does all of the measuring
and installation! It doesn’t get better than that.
Tony Ray Search Tucson Real Estate for Sale in the Realtor database Free Relocation package “If
a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.” Tom Peters
Friday, August 28, 2009
Changes You Need To Know About The $8000 Tax Credit With the $8000 tax credit, buyers who have not owned
a home in the past three years may buy a home and receive a tax credit of $8000.
The $8000 can be refunded
if the buyer does not owe taxes and buyers may be able to amend this years taxes and receive the money right away vs. waiting
until next year. Make sure you consult your CPA or Attorney or legal adviser.
Sounds great, right?
Problem: Time is running out and
it may be running out quicker than you think. The rules says you must close before December 1, 2009 to take advantage
of the tax credit. But there is a lot more to know. Recently lending laws have changed, time lines have changed and the types of homes you can
buy has also changed.
If you or someone you know is thinking of buying a home and getting the $8000 tax
credit, make sure you read this.
Tony Ray Search Tucson Real Estate
Free Relocation package
Thursday, August 27, 2009
I want, I want, I want it! Ice House Loft New
loft:  One of my favorite lofts was just listed.
It’s in the Ice House lofts and it’s over 2200sf. It actually has two private bedrooms plus the loft area. It’s
huge, for a loft of course.
This loft also has a bigger kitchen, stainless steel appliances, laundry area, front courtyard,
and a private, outside patio area in back. Can someone please give me $420,000?
Tony Ray Search Tucson Real Estate
Free Relocation package
11:41 am edt
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Happy Birthday Tucson! On August 20th the city of
Tucson will be celebrating its 234th anniversary. Tucson is one of the oldest and most definitely on of the most charming
cities in the country. Birthdays are to celebrate and there are many ways to do so.
While times are
hard and celebrations usually require spending some cash, celebrating the old town’s birthday can be fun and inexpensive.
Some options include visiting one of Tucson’s main attractions: The Reid Park Zoo, Having cake with the Ghosts, or participating
on the historic event that will be the 4th Avenue Underpass inauguration party.  The Reid Park Zoo will be celebrating Tucson’s Birthday
by having a free day on August 20th. Yes, you read it right: Everyone can get into the Zoo for FREE! This is a great opportunity
to explore animals from Africa, Asia, and South America.
Make sure to arrive early if you want to be part of the Giraffe Encounter, an opportunity
to get close and personal with the giraffes by feeding them for a $2 charge, which takes place from 10am to 10:45am.
For more information about the Reid Park Zoo visit www.tucsonzoo.org.
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Link Descriptions:  About Us: On this page you’ll find information about our company Tierra Antigua Realty, our history, my goals and my real estate
designations - NAR green, EcoBroker, ABR, CRS, GRI.
Blog: I use this space to write whatever is on my mind on any given day. I might right about
Tucson real estate, homes, mortgages, gardening, Tucson treasures, craft ideas, recipes, well, I’m sure you get the idea.
Buyers: As your Accredited Buyers Representative
(ABR), I will help you with all of your buying needs: Lofts, Condo's, Single Family Homes, Manufactured homes and Land.
Use the form on this page to receive
listings of homes for sale in the Tucson Realtor MLS. My computer system sends these homes to you within minutes of being
listed so you see them before most other buyers and even most Realtors. If you are moving to Tucson, we'll send you
a free relocation package. Companies I Trust: The companies on this page are companies that I have worked with as a Realtor selling Tucson real estate ( many over 12 years). I can refer them with no reservation knowing that they will always take care of my
clients and friends. You can trust that they will provide you with the best care and customer service. Let
them know that Tony Ray referred you.
Contact Us: Find our contact information (Tony Ray Baker and Tierra Antigua Realty) or use the form on this page to send me your questions
and / or comments about Tucson real estate.  EcoBroker: EcoBroker is an education and certification program for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to promote energy-efficient and "green" features in homes and buildings. As your Tucson EcoBroker, I can help you identify homes with green features, market the
green features of a home and help you make any home more green.
Environmental: This page has links to articles about environmental issues that can affect your home or buying real estate in Tucson.
Indoor air quality, radon, asbestos, mold are some of the topics I will cover.
Green Homes: This section has information about green building issues for new homes or the home you already own. Solar,
rainwater harvesting, recycled products, insulation, remodeling and many more ideas are to come. Green Living: You can find out how to improve your indoor air quality
by removing toxic chemicals from your home. How you can be better at recycling. What
are no VOC paints? Green living is about everyday living and the things you can do to make your home safer
and better. Home Loans: If you need help understanding, Mortgages, APR’s, Fannie Mae, MIP, Interest Rates, etc., Phaedra is who I have
referred my clients to for a long time. And I mean a long time. Many Realtor's in Tucson
refer Phaedra. She is honest and will answer all of your questions in a simple, easy to understand way. Home News: News
and information, fun and serious, about real estate and home. This page is constantly changing, so check
in often. Lofts / Condos: Some of my favorite green projects are the stylish lofts around Tucson. The Ice House , Indigo Modern and
Barrio Metalica are some of the ones I think you must see to compare. There are also some great condo projects,
and apartments that have been converted into condominiums, if that’s more appealing to you. Referrals: Since 1994, over 94% of my real estate business has been referred to me by clients, family and friends. Running
my business by referral lets me spend more time working with my clients, not chasing new ones. My clients
use the form on this page to refer someone who deserves the same service that I gave them. Relocation: If you are moving to Tucson, be sure to fill out this easy form and we will send you a free, real estate relocation
package. Restaurants: Locally owned, great food, great customer service. Part of being a Realtor is eating out a lot, these are some of
my favorite restaurants. Tell them Tony Ray referred you. Sellers: Use the form on this page to receive a free, no cost or obligation, evaluation of your home. On this
page, I also explain my full service real estate practice and unique marketing that sells homes even in slow markets.
If you are moving away from Tucson, we can help with your relocation and refer you to a Realtor in your new city.  Short Sales: Information about short sales and foreclosures, including the Realtor Short Sale and Foreclosures
Resource Certification.
Testimonials: My clients have something to say. On this page, they tell all about their experiences
when buying and selling real estate with me. Tierra Antigua Realty: Information about Tierra Antigua Realty and myself, our history, goals etc.
Tucson Weather: It’s all about Tucson’s beautiful
weather, like our average temperature. It's one of the reason's so many people relocate to Tucson. I love
it here. The weather allows me to enjoy the great outdoors almost any time I want. That
is why I have put “Things to do” in Tucson on every page.
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