Welcome to resort-style living in the heart of Oro Valley! This beautifully upgraded 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the highly coveted Boulders at La Reserve offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and convenience—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Catalina Mountains.Inside, you'll find granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and modern finishes throughout the kitchen and bathrooms. The open floor plan provides a seamless flow, and the private patio is the ideal spot to enjoy your morning coffee while soaking in the mountain views.This luxury condo community is loaded with resort-style amenities, including a clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, and beautifully landscaped grounds that elevate everyday living.Located just... 04/18/2025

If you're considering buying or selling a house in Tucson, AZ, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the current market conditions. As a local realtor, I’m here to provide an insightful market report that will help you make informed decisions whether you’re a potential home buyer or seller in this vibrant desert city.Understanding the Tucson Real Estate MarketTucson, Arizona, has long been a favorite destination for those seeking a blend of urban amenities and the natural beauty of the Southwest. From its scenic desert landscapes to its rich cultural history, Tucson offers a lifestyle that attracts diverse groups, from retirees to young families and professionals. As we move through 2025, the housing market here is showing steady growth with some unique opportunities for both buyers an... 04/14/2025

Listed by The Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes, 520-909-299  $359,000​Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, complete with a 2-car attached garage.  Located nearby the intersection of River Road and Oracle Roads in Tucson, AZ, even the bus line is located conveniently nearby!Spanning 1,715 square feet, this residence features freshly painted kitchen cabinets that enhance its bright and inviting ambiance. The open floor plan is accentuated by soaring ceilings and artistic shelving nooks, creating an airy atmosphere. The expansive kitchen offers ample storage and counter space, complemented by an eat-in dining area. All appliances, including a washer and dryer, are included for your convenience.The split-bedroom layout ensures p... 04/08/2025

Listed by the Golden Girls with SW Desert HomesConvenience:Move in ready, new interior and exterior paint, new flooring throughout including gorgeous vinyl planking, and new carpeting in bedrooms.Convenience:New gas stove and microwave, newer dishwasher, and refrigerator comes with home.Convenience:Minutes from the Tucson/Marana Outlet Mall, shopping, entertainment, medical facilities, Arizona Pavillions and more.What's to like?3 bedrooms and two baths, formal living areas AND great room.  Kitchen features bar-seating AND a dinette area.  Attached two car garage with shelving for storage, new gas water heater, patio entry from primary bedroom suite, mountain views, nearby community park, Marana Unified School District, and an affordable price of $339,900.Call for your opportunity to vie... 03/29/2025

As a first-time homebuyer, you may be searching for affordable housing solutions in Tucson, AZ. Looking at criteria, let's suppose you are dreaming of a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with attached garage.  Other criteria to consider often includes items like number of stories, year built, and yard size.In the last two weeks, the Tucson home market has had 8 one-story listings that fit this criteria.  Here's a link:  https://www.flexmls.com/share/Btn5p/SelectedThere are two homes in NW Tucson, 3 in the SW, Star Valley communities, two in Littleton area, S Tucson, and one in the Rita Ranch area of SE Tucson.So...how to get started? Here's some common questions a buyer might ask:I'm a first-time home buyer, what should I do first? Talk to a mortgage professional so you know your buying power.  Va... 03/28/2025

I enjoyed this post written by  Buzz Mackintosh this week and thought much about the word “matchmaker” afterwards.  (Plus, I’m singing the song incessantly now…)  https://activerain.com/blogsview/5878517/match-maker-match-maker--make-me-a-match--find-me-a-findYears ago I was fortunate to meet Betty, a new agent to our Real Estate Office at the time.  I found her to be a strong, positive force.  Over the beginning months, we grew to know each other a bit more as we both ended up on our Branch Agent Council – a group put together to help the office bridge gaps and answer questions and concerns. One memorable afternoon that first year, she stopped in while I was “on call” for visitors to the office, and she got talking about her “life story”.  The parallels were uncanny, and the life choic... 02/10/2025

Listed by the Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes 8710 N Newport PL Tucson, AZNew on the Tucson marketplace for outstanding real estate:  This 3/2 territorial home offers so many opportunities.  There's even room for a casita if desired in your future plans!A few of the features include:Primary suite remodel including new bath, closet system, tiles shower, bluetooth music, wifi bathroom fan with LED light, carpet, french doors, barn door, window treatments, security doorRecent hallway bath remodel w/lights, tile, tub, faucet, vanity, countertops and sinkNewer security door off kitchenNewer nest thermostat with wifiNewer AC compressorNewer solar light tubes with night lightsNew Gas Fireplace with Logs$19,000 worth of Anderson Windows installed 10/2022    (all windows except large front win... 01/23/2025

A recent Price adjustment might just move this lovely home into your Budget!  Listed by Nicole Nelson, Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes. 520-743-6449 nicole@SWDesertHomes.comDiscover this beautifully updated 4 BD/3 BA ranch-style Richmond American home in The Pines, Marana, AZ. With a nearly new AC unit (installed ~1 year ago), brand-new carpet, and fresh paint throughout, this home is ready for you to move right in!The inviting layout features a spacious great room, a cozy breakfast nook, and an open kitchen that's perfect for entertaining. The split floor plan offers privacy, while the dedicated den/office space is ideal for working from home. Enjoy oversized tile flooring and a generous primary suite with a walk-in closet, providing both comfort and style.Step outside to a nicely si... 10/01/2024

Discover the magic of Tucson, Arizona, where June brings forth a unique charm under the warmth of the desert sun. Picture this: a pleasant 91 degrees at 10 p.m., and the best part? It's a dry heat, with humidity currently at a mere 8%.Escape to a place that feels like a perpetual vacation - Tucson is a haven of palm trees, inviting swimming pools, and endless sunny days that will lift your spirits. Embrace the dry climate, and say goodbye to pesky mosquitoes; in fact, I have experienced only ONE mosquito bite in the past 24 years!Experience what I like to call our "blow dryer weather" on windy days.  Honestly.  Currently my hair is way down my back and five minutes is all it takes to go from swimming pool to "blow-out".Summer in Tucson is a hidden gem for tourists. Take advantage of ent... 06/04/2024

We have an interesting new neighbor that is livening up our evenings and posing for photos.  I wanted to learn a bit more about him so I did a little digging...   I believe he's a great horned owl, as he's got the peaked ears and is at least 18 inches tall.   What they look like: Size: Great horned owls are large birds, with a wingspan that can reach up to 5 feet. They typically weigh under 4 pounds but they sure look heavier! Plumage: They have a mottled brown and grey body with distinctive ear tufts (which aren’t actually ears) that resemble horns, hence their name. Eyes: Their large, yellow eyes are quite striking and provide excellent night vision, essential for their nocturnal lifestyle.  I love how their neck sort of spins around as their attention is caught. Habitat Range: These... 05/23/2024

Living here in the desert, you can bet that water conservation is paramount!But, did you know that the bathroom is the biggest water hog in your home? Toilets use about 24% of household water, and showers another 20%. But it's not just water – bathrooms also consume a lot of electricity for lighting and temperature control.As more Tucson homeowners embrace sustainability, the bathroom is a prime spot for eco-friendly upgrades. Here’s why and how to make your bathroom greener.Top 5 Sustainable Bathroom Features Smart Showerheads and Faucets Install low-flow fixtures to save water, gas, and electricity. Look for the WaterSense label for certified efficiency.  There are also low-water and dual flush toiled available for minimum water usage. Radiant Heated Floors More efficient than baseboa... 05/22/2024

The market changes rapidly, no matter where you live.Back in 2020-2021, it was a major challenge to find a horse property.  I'd finally found one “off market” that my client and I were able to secure.  It took about 6 offers over the course of a year!That time period was when one often had to make an appointment to view, and there were a dozen or so others “standing” in line.Multiple offers were commonplace. Today’s headlines talk about shortages of inventory, lack of listings, etc.  However, there’s a funny thing about sales right now in Tucson, AZ.   I’m sure it has to do with interest rates, inflation, the political year, etc.  But, If you have a move-in ready, maintained home – they generally sell fast. I decided to look back into horse ranches and see what held true for now and boy... 05/16/2024

Listed by the Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes, Michael Joseph and Nicole Nelson, Co-agents.  Michael can be reached at:  Michael D Joseph 520-275-4201   michael@SWDesertHomes.comCheck out this gem! Step into move-in ready with this immaculate, like-new home nestled in the picturesque Hardy Estates community. Convenient to so much, and yet still offering privacy - make this a must see!Situated on a premium lot overlooking a serene wash area, the backyard oasis features open-view fencing and a cozy patio equipped with a ceiling fan, perfect for enjoying the tranquil surroundings with minimal upkeep. Inside, you'll be greeted by a formal dining room ideal for hosting gatherings, and a convenient office space for those who work from home. With three bedrooms, two full baths, and one-half ... 05/15/2024

I read a great article on landscaping this past week and it had me reflecting on "gardens" here in Tucson, AZ.When I first moved to our desert environment back in 2000, I have to admit it took more than a few months to get used to seeing folks rake their rocks rather than break out a lawn mower. Over time, I learned the value of water conservation, heat-loving plants and something called Xeriscaping.Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that focuses on creating beautiful outdoor spaces while conserving water and reducing maintenance requirements. The term "xeriscape" originates from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry, and "scape," referring to a view or scene. Xeriscaping is particularly popular in arid and drought-prone regions where water conservation is essential, like Tucson, AZ.Wi... 05/10/2024

You may have read my earlier blog posting about Cinco de Mayo celebrations here in Tucson.  Within it, I promised more information about where to go, what to do, and most importantly - WHAT TO EAT, within our historic city of Tucson, AZ.Tucson metropolitan area consists of Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Vail and other outlying communities such as Sahuarita, Catalina, and even Saddle Brooke. We all sort of meld together in a homey, homogenous community centered in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.The Tucson area is known for great eating!  Follow the links for more information about selected events.Celebrating the diversity of Mexican tastes, enjoy this link to discover some of the local great eateries here in Marana, AZ. Click the link to read more aboutLa Olla Mexican CafeNana's KitchenAlejan... 05/03/2024

Here in Tucson, we're all gearing up for Cinco de Mayo this weekend.  Margaritas, great food, friends... but what exactly is Cinco de Mayo - many don't know.Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.The Battle of Puebla occurred during the Franco-Mexican War, a conflict between the Mexican government led by President Benito Juárez and the French forces of Napoleon III. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican army, achieved a surprising and decisive victory over the French forces at Puebla.While Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in Mexico, in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a vibrant cultural celebration of Mexican heritage, featur... 05/03/2024

Let's talk today about the Baby Boomer generation, those folks born between 1946 and 1964.  With a population of over 71 million here in the US, owning more real estate than any other generation; it's a pretty big deal in the real estate world. As they're (we) are getting older, let's talk about how that may affect the real estate market – sooner rather than later!First off, many are retiring or getting close to it. And you know what often comes with retirement? Downsizing. You might want to swap your big family home for something smaller and easier to manage. Maybe it’s a cozy condo or a place in a sunny retirement community. (like Tucson, AZ!)Then there are the empty nesters. Kids grow up, move out, and suddenly mom and dad are rattling around in a house that feels way too big. Downsi... 04/30/2024

If you’re a birder, you won’t want to miss this lovely bi-annual event! The hummingbird migration through the Tucson area is a remarkable natural phenomenon that occurs primarily in the fall and spring. Tucson, Arizona, sits along one of the major migration routes for several species of hummingbirds, including the Anna's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Broad-billed Hummingbird.(Black chinned Hummingbird)Fortunately, one of my clients’ is an avid watcher and shares his photos, so I can share with you!  All information is deemed reliable, but name under each photo came from client) (Peacock Hummingbird)During their migration, hummingbirds travel thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico and Cent... 04/08/2024

You’ve heard the words “Low Inventory” for over a year now, but what exactly does that mean?Picture this: Tucson's real estate market is like a game of musical chairs, but with houses. Now, when there's low inventory, it's like there are way fewer chairs than people playing.So, what happens? Well, first off, everyone starts scrambling. Buyers are looking for homes, but there just aren't enough to go around.  With fewer options, buyers get competitive. They start bidding higher and higher to snag one of the few available homes. That means prices shoot up, which is great news for sellers, but not so much for buyers trying to snag a deal.  HOWEVER, sellers can and have overpriced their homes in this kind of market and here’s what happens.  With the higher interest rates, today’s buyers are... 03/22/2024

In honor of World Poetry Day (March 21), I thought I’d share my love of Tucson and the surrounding area.  I've used different photos, but they help illustrate the meaning of the words.The desert speaks to us in quiet ways;Purple mountainsDazzling SunsetsA society of cacti where we can visit our ancestors(photo by Mike Jones)…if your ears are open to the voice of the Saguaro.(photo by Mike Jones)Riotous blooms and colorCreate their own beguiling melody within your mindThere’s a danger here, a power, and yet it whispers to the soul(photo by Mike Jones)Inviting solaceContemplationAnd reverenceCome.Be.Tucson. 03/21/2024