3 Bedroom Ranch on Almost an Acre! Private Residence at 440 Via Encino, Rio Rico

 

3 Bedroom Ranch on Almost an Acre! Private Residence at 440 Via Encino, Rio Rico



Looking to get away from it all and absorb the majesty of mountains and ravine views from every window?  Look no further than this affordable, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home.  Just under 1800 square feet and move in ready at $119,000



You can see more information here!

Homes For Sale Rio Rico AZ .94-440 Via Encino



Call for appointment to view!

Cara Mancuso - Long Realty 520-909-2988

Santa Fe With Pool in Active Adult Community NW Tucson

2003 MONTANA Model in Saddlebrooke, NW Tucson For Sale

Are you interested in the Tucson area Active Adult Lifestyle?  SaddleBrooke might be the community for you.  This bustling community nestles in the foothills of the Santa Catalinas - Panoramic views provide a daily backdrop to the  ridges of red-tiled roofs of the homes that live in their shadow.

Imagine driving up to your new home: An inviting front courtyard, low care landscaping on irrigation, Majestic Santa Fe façade - what an excellent place to enjoy your morning coffee. In addition, this home offers a special driveway for your golf cart, as Saddlebrooke provides an excellent opportunity to take in your favorite hobbies and sporting activities.

Whole-house Saltillo tile floors make for that luxurious SW feel and flavor.  The walls add muted desert colors as noted in the various rooms of this 2 bedroom + den Montana Floor Plan. The special warmth of a kiva fireplace; Mexican tile adding accents for that custom extra - it's a one of a kind home.

Like cooking? The smartly planned kitchen offers a wide preparation island and breakfast bar, granite counters, pendant lighting, refrigerator and all appliances, pantry cupboard. There are three eating areas - the breakfast bar, eat in kitchen, and formal dining room - for entertaining ease!

Whether you are seated in the living room, dining room, family room, or office -- the mountains are all yours.  Have a seat and bring the outdoors right in!  Even the master bedroom suite, and kitchen island provide stunning views.

And then, let's take a walk into the east-facing back yard and relaxation areas. The patio has been raised to afford unobstructed views and the peeled Vigas logs and post add character and comfort to your surroundings.  Take in the immense flagstone pavers with connecting ramada, three ceiling fans, built in bar-b-cue, and personal patio off master.  Finally, the pleasure of your own private pool versus a community pool -- is this a retreat or what??

37273 S Golf Course Drive, Tucson, AZ 85739 is waiting for your discovery.  Call, email, or text Cara Mancuso today for a tour at your leisure.  Affordably and attractively priced below $450,000.

Is Credit Repair Assistance Needed For Your Home Ownership Dreams?

Is Credit Repair Assistance Needed For Your Home Ownership Dreams?

I went to a fascinating lunch n learn meeting today, courtesy of Sun Street Mortgage and Mike Jones, who brought in Mr. Chris Kumerow, Regional Account Manager for Continental Credit.

Just a few highlights from the meeting:

• Regarding the three credit bureaus:  TransUnion, Equifax, Experian -  80% of all credit reports contain errors that can negatively affect your credit rating.
• Online credit scores can be inflated as much as 60 points from what your mortgage broker, bank officer, or even car company will find with a hard credit check.
• Use monitor.city.com or privacyguard.com and pay $1 for a more accurate online report and number.
• It's generally a good thing to have two, low balance credit cards over one, with a larger amount owed.
• Foreclosures and short sales may be able to be removed from the accounts that measure your FICO score.

Hoping a new home is in your future but thinking you may need credit repair?  Please give me a call today to put you in touch with the professionals who may be able to help.
My key takeaway:  If you think you may need credit repair assistance - Work with a Finance Officer you trust and utilize with the professionals they recommend. 

Three Bedroom + Den Energy Star GREEN Home for Sale in Marana, AZ

Three Bedroom + Den Energy Star GREEN Home for Sale:  

12941 N Fox Hollow Drive Marana, AZ 85653

Your chance to own an energy efficient home, built in 2009!  This three bedroom home offers a versatile, open floor plan with den, laundry room, great room and eat in kitchen!

In addition, upgraded flooring, cabinets, gas stove and stainless steel refrigerator come with the home.

Frame stucco construction and tile roof are the norm in this master-planned community with parks, running and walking trails, and more. 

Energy--efficient features include:   Bath Exhaust Out; Energy Star Air Pkg; Enrgy Star Appliance; Enrgy Star Light Pkg; Enrgy Star Qualified; Enrgy Star Windows; Green Features; Kit Exhaust Out; Low E Dual Pane Windows.

The back yard landscaping was begun and is just waiting for your artistic eye.  Block fencing provides privacy, and there's room for a pool!

Call, text, or email today to see this wonderful move-in ready, three bedroom Meritage home in Marana, AZ, priced at only $157,000.


Cara Mancuso - Long Realty - 520-909-2988  Cara@SWDesertHomes.com
 

Eclectic Cafe in East Tucson Charms Again!

Eclectic Cafe in East Tucson Charms Again!

I don't get over to the east side on a regular basis, but when I do, I try to pop into this Tucson Original Eatery to enjoy some of my favorites.

Yesterday's visit was no exception.  I stopped in at 4:05 and the door was held open for me.  A waiter brought me a menu immediately, ice tea about 2 minutes later, and my favorite menu item....the Tortilla Soup, perhaps 5 minutes after that.

It's a simple broth, with salsa, avocado and tortilla chips for garnish.  Oh, and gooey, yummy cheese. I just needed a snack, so I kept with the cup of soup size.

I am also enamored of their fruit salad plate with chicken salad, or stuffed avocado.  Mmmmm.

I used to eat here at least monthly when I lived on the east side of Tucson.  Now I live an hour away.

Bummer....so I decided I should have one of my favorite desserts, because I never know when I'll be back!!!

Mmmm, house-made fresh flan.  Sweet, gooey, rich, thick...if the waiter hadn't stopped by he might have caught me licking the plate.

At 4:25, I was on my way with a smile.

Great place!  If you haven't been there, give them a try.  Here's the Eclectic Cafe Tucson website for a more comprehensive look at their menu and philosophies!  They do takeout too!

• Monday - Friday 11am - 9pm
  Saturdays 8am-9pm
  Sundays 8am - 8pm
  
• 7053 E. Tanque Verde Road Tucson, AZ 85715
  
• Telephone:  520-433-4346
  
• Email:  info@eclecticcafe.com

Home Values are Rising in the Tucson Area

Home Values are Rising in the Tucson Area

Below are some highlights from the December Residential Sales Statistics on the Tucson Area Realtors Multiple Listing Site:

Total Sales Volume has increased 17.39% in December, 2013 from from November 2013, and has also increased 21.83% since December 2012. 

The Average Sales Price is up over 5.5% from November 2012.

Listings continued to drop as we neared the holiday weeks.  We are in need of listings for the Tucson area!

If you or someone you know is contemplating selling their home, and wondering what their property may be worth in today's challenging market, please contact me for a FREE CMA today.  This is a no-obligation service I like to provide for the residents of Pima County.

Cara Mancuso - Long Realty
520-909-2988
Cara@SWDesertHomes.com

Open Houses This Weekend October 19-20 1-4 SW Tucson 3 Bedroom Remodel $159900

Open Houses This Weekend October 19-20 1-4 SW Tucson 3 Bedroom Remodel  $159900

Must see to appreciate this charming remodel.  So many upgrades and enhancements!

• New heating and cooling 5 ton unit, with new registers including soffits, duct work, and venting to family room and laundry room

• New kitchen and master bath cabinets and tops

• Permitted Electrical upgrading including new panel, new switches and outlets

• Plumbing to include replacement of all sinks, faucets, toilets, and all shut off valves

• New carpeting in Family room, including floor leveling

• Repaired roof with new facia and flashing

• Complete interior and exterior paint with drywall repair, texturing

• Replaced all windows and carport door with dual pane glass

• New Mexican tile with accents in kitchen area

• New kitchen appliances

• New lighting fixtures throughout most of home

• Repaired side fences, added wood fencing to back yard

• Addition of landscape gravel, raking, hauling away trash

• Split rail fencing

Add to this a community with pride of ownership, mountain views, and quiet living.

Call to see, Cara Mancuso 520-909-2988 or visit us at our open house weekend, October 19 and 20th, 2013, 1-4 pm.  Hope to see you there!

Address: 4331 S Paseo Don Juan Tucson, AZ 85757
Directions: From Ajo, west to Camino De Oeste - South to Calle Don Juan to Paseo Don Juan to address

Military Memorial at Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington

Military Memorial at Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington

It was an honor seeing my brother recognized in a respectful and lovely ceremony held last Friday, August 9, 2013 at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

We drove through immaculate grounds to our service site.

Servicemen from several branches were there to greet the attendees.

The service began with a bugler sounding "Taps".

The flag was unrolled, displayed, and offered to our mother, as well as a poppy.  A live firing gun salute took place.

The service ended with a bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace".

After, they milled around and spoke with a few of the immediate family, helping to ease the difficulty of losing a loved one.

The Tahoma National Cemetery was established in November of 1993, and works with a Veterans Service Organization Honor Guard Association.  It is made up of the Elks, Eagles, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Warns and the American Legion, among others.



I'd like to thank them first for their service, dedication, and commitment, and secondly for providing honor to my brother at such a difficult time.

Thank you Tahoma National Cemetery.

Energy Efficient Living in your New Skyranch 4 Bedroom Home for Sale

Energy Efficient Living in your New Skyranch 4 Bedroom Home for Sale

Looking for an environmentally smart home with enhanced construction, insulation, and finishing details?

This 2010 Meritage Home features so many Green features! 

Low VOC paints, finishes (more on VOC paint here), EPA watersense faucets, showers, (EPA website)  irrigation controller, energy star appliances, **Low E2 or E3 vinyl windows,14 SEER HVAC are just some of the standards within this home that is steps above the word "standard".  Step into the foyer and your eye will be caught by the artistic details within and without this home.

Within:  

Kitchen features stainless steel appliances, large breakfast island, upgraded slab granite countertops with custom back splash, pendant lighting. 

Upgraded cabinet package with rollouts & Crown Molding. 

Stainless under-mount sink & Moen faucet. 

Large walk-pantry.

Master bathroom includes soaking tub, large walk-in shower. Executive height dual sink vanity & toilet.

Large laundry room with upper and lower cabinets and sink, pre-plumbed and wired for electric and gas appliances.

The entire home is enhanced with French doors, upgraded lighting and paint, beautiful window treatments and ceiling fans.

Without:   

Extra large covered patio with recessed speakers, lights, TV and ceiling fan. 

Separate fenced custom pebble tec salt-water pool with deluxe in-floor cleaning system, waterfall, kids play area, pool remote control and speakers. Kool decking throughout pool area and patio.  

Premium lot with  front and rear landscaping enhanced with low voltage lighting, low-maintenance water irrigation system, large potted plants, and cacti.

For an array of photos, visit: 

http://www.visualshows.com/flipbook.php?show_id=124831

***Low-e or low emissivity glass has a metal oxide coating.  This coating reflects up to 70% of heat energy, but still allows visible light, keeping the home cooler during summer months.  In the winder, low-e coatings allow absorption of visible light that radiates throughout the home.

Homes for Sale In Gladden Farms, Marana AZ

Scenic Gladden Farms, Marana AZ, is located about 20 miles north of downtown Tucson, a few minutes drive west of I-10 and Tangerine Farms Road. Tangerine Farms Road connects with Tangerine Road at I-10.  (Intersection of I-10 and Tangerine) 

Residents and visitors enjoy a short 5 minute drive along beautifully maintained medians, spacious bike lanes, and cultivated walkways.  The entire roadway is well lit, and kept impeccably landscaped.

Gladden Farms, Marana AZ, is a master-planned community.  (A master-planned community is a development built according to plan specifications that includes homes, apartments, commercial buildings, educational facilities, and community parks, etc) 

Low pricing on single family residences in the area present a wonderful opportunity for home buyers. It's easy to fall in love with the beauty of the area. New homes are being built, parks are being improved, future expansion and development areas are being planned.

Community living is prime.  All in all, there are over 35 acres of lush greenbelts and parks, criss-crossed with 5 miles of paved biking and walking paths, smooth enough for rollerblading, wide enough for wagons and strollers!  Greenbelts are huge - play a game of soccer, football, catch, tag with your dog, or set up a blanket and picnic!  It's a community for adults, sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, bicyclists, and families!

You can read more about the master planned community of Gladden Farms below:

Part 1 of A Pictorial Walk Along the Pathways of Gladden Farms features a sampling of photos covering five miles of trails that criss-cross over 35 acres of greenbelts, gardens, parks, orchards, and pathways.

Part 2 of A Pictorial Walk Along the Pathways of Gladden Farms takes you through the eyes of a child, photographing some of the many parks and fun things for children and families to enjoy in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ.

Part 3 of A Pictorial Walk Along the Pathways of Gladden Farms will show you that living in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ isn’t just for children.  I’m also going to briefly describe some of the community amenities within a half mile, as the crow flies.  Gladden Farms, Marana AZ is truly an up-and-coming community, a great investment in yourself, your family, and your pocketbook!

Looking for three bedroom homes for sale in Gladden Farms?  Follow this link to learn more about housing for sale and new construction opportunities.  Here's a link to my own premier listing! Always remember to take a buyer's agent along when visiting a new home site.  Site agents work for the seller, and there is no discount for you to show up un-represented.  Call today for more information about new construction homes for sale in Marana and Gladden Farms!

Upcoming 2012 Marana and Gladden Farms Events

Upcoming 2012 Marana and Gladden Farms Events

Movie in the Park at Gladden Farms

December 7, 2012 6:00 movie start

Stonegate Park

Showing:  Elf

Provided:  Free hot chocolate and popcorn.  Bring your chairs and blankets for a great evening under the stars!

Holiday Display Contest at Gladden Farms

The HOA is taking votes for the best decorated homes in Gladden Farms from December 3 to December 20, 2012.  One vote per household.  Cast online at http://www.gfcalifestyle.com/ by going to eforms or by calling the Association office at 682-1357.

Town of Marana Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting

December  1, 2012 4-8 pm 

Marana Municipal Complex.

Tree lighting at 5:45 with the Mayor 

Provided:  Local performers, Vendors, Hot Air Balloon Glow weather permitting, Cocoa, Cookies, Kids crafts and Mrs. And Mrs. Santa Claus

Koats for Kids, Food for Families to benefit Marana Youth and Families 

Ongoing Drop off locations: Arizona Youth Partnership, Marana Health Center, Marana Community Center, Marana Park & Recreation, Marana Municipal Bldg

Sponsored by Arizona Youth Partnership Teen Outreach Program 

For more information http://www.azyp.org/

Have a Marana VOICE!  Your chance to vote:

Heritage River Park is expanding

The Town of Marana has recently purchased 28 acres

Take a survey to tell them what you would like to see at Marana Heritage River Park http://maranaheritagepark.questionpro.com/

Winter Fitness

Join the Pima Aquatic Club – year round swim team for ages 5 and up

5 pm. To 7 p.m. at Wade McLane Pool by the Marana High School

12000 W. Emigh Road at the Marana High School

Contact Bruce Rock for more information PACBruce@live.com or 520-837-9275.

Lose weight with your Gladden Farms Neighbors!

Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

 Call Debra for more information 579-1710. 

Free support group. Check the group out on Facebook…just search Lite N UP.  

Marana Farmer’s Market

Ongoing:  Tuesdays from  3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

13395 N. Marana Main Street.

2031 N Meteorite Trail, Sun City Oro Valley Active Adult Community Home

2031 N Meteorite: Click to see lots of photos!

Welcome home to this well-loved Santa Cruz model located in beautiful, Sun City Oro Valley.  This is an active adult community with most residents 45+, and no permanent guests under 19.

The home is loaded with distinctive features from the wood flooring, remodeled and updated
kitchen, to backyard laden with citrus. You'll enjoy the open floor plan with airy space in both the combination dining/living room areas, and the great room/eat in kitchen/kitchen area. There is no carpeting in this home!

Upgrades in the past four years include all new kitchen appliances, hardwood and staggered tile flooring,  fans in garage, garage cabinetry, air conditioner, hot water heater, garage door opener. Guests can enjoy their own private, split-bedroom plan with nearby guest bath.  The Murphy bed and combination desk and drawer system stay with the home.

Enjoy your covered back patio, with wide privacy belt on this generous lot of .19 acres.  Professional landscaping includes drip system and Tangerine, Navel Orange, Grapefruit and Fig trees.  I love the Santa Catalina views from the sides and front of the home.

If you'd like to see this home, please contact me at Cara@SWDesertHomes.com or 520-909-2988 (text or call)

Additional furnishings are available through separate invoice.

Affordably priced at $222,900

Snail Mail or Email - What's in Your Business Plan?

Snail Mail or Email - What's in Your Business Plan?

We get a LOT of junk mail.  Our in-boxes are filled with spam and flyers and advertisements on a daily basis. For those of us more techno-savvy- there are filters and auto-generated disbursement into folders, but the general public - well we get it all in one plain online mailbox.

And then there's the good ole US Mail.  Our mail boxes are filled with newspaper flyers, credit card solicitations, and BILLS!  And…lately, LOTS of political STUFF.

So which way do you take your "advertising" as an agent?  Or, as in my case, which way do you distribute your monthly or quarterly-let's-stay-in-touch pamphlet sent out to your SOI? (sphere of influence)

Persuasive arguments currently favor "green", and there are lots of new companies that will help you create and distribute your monthly, bi-monthly, etc. news blurb for a fee.  Are they actually read?

Others submit that in this day of automation, a hand-written card, or personally written newsletter is warmer, more intimate, less likely to end up in the circular file.

So, which way do you go and why? I'd love to hear your comments and opinions.  Is there a best way to reach out and touch someone with your business information and current news?

Tohono Chul - Things to Do in Tucson, AZ

Have you discovered Tohono Chul Park, just off Ina and Oracle?  A real-life oasis - hidden in the middle of stores, shopping, restaurants and retail buildings - it's your desert escape for serenity and rejuvenation.  

Wondering what IS Tohono Chul?  Tohono Chul is a botanical garden where "nature, art, and culture connect". Easy to find near the intersection of Ina and Oracle in Tucson, AZ, Tohono Chul offers desert walks, guided tours, concerts, gift shops, events, dining, and relaxation.

One of my favorite spots within Tohono Chul is the Hummingbird Garden outside of the Tohno Chul Park Tea Room.  Enchanting!!

You may have seen my earlier blog on the Night Blooming Cereus. Events like this are common, in fact they have calendars with classes and talks held on an almost daily basis.

Tohono Chul is also in need of volunteers.  To find more information, visit their website and ask about opportunities to help!

I gave my mother a gift subscription - membership at the park for a year last Mother's Day.  If you haven't had the opportunity, give yourself a gift and visit this getaway escape nestled within the bustling city of Tucson, AZ.

Ever Have One of Those Days...

...when you just need a cat nap???

Looking for Horse Property for Sale in Tucson, AZ???

This 1975 ranch has it all.  Three bedroom, two bath property offers custom touches and home comfort.

Sprawling ranch on 4.77 acres provides basics and so much more for your beloved horses.

Imagine driving down the lane of your new home:

Panoramic views of the Catalina & Tucson Mountains on a huge private lot at end of cul-de-sac with natural desert setting.

Two 12 x 16 Stalls with runs in custom Barn with tack room,

5 fenced turnouts w/shades and commercial misting.

Hay and Feed Barns,

2 Arenas, one with Cuttin' Critter training device.

Security gate completes this private residence and ranch.

Stay tuned for more photos and information on this wonderful horse property for sale in Tucson, AZ.  

Minutes from shopping, convenience and more, this listing simply beckons you home!

$357,900 | MLS: 21210828

10000 N Orange Ranch Road, Tucson, AZ 85742

To Search Horse Properties for Sale in Tucson, AZ and throughout Arizona, visit: www.cara.LongRealty.com

To Mound or Not to Mound

To Mound or Not to Mound

Our "builder" landscapes in and around Gladden Farms are pretty boring. Our yards are rock (ok...crushed stone) and a basic slope away from the house. Then the builders endeavored to put several small bushes in too confining of a space so that when they grew, the yard would be overcome. Top that with some kind of fast growing tree filled with thorns. Then, times that by 1000 or so and you have Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ.

Yes, that's "spec" desert landscaping.

We are luckier than many of our neighbors. We don't have the spreading, creeping, all-consuming ground cover that will even grow up walls and posts. And don't get me started on what that looks like when the irrigation system is faulty...

Anyway, for some time, I've been wanting to put my mark on our generic rock yard, in an inexpensive way of course. So, this week, I ordered more gravel to match the crushed stone we have. I asked them to bring some dirt along too, but I didn't ask for enough. It's cooled down to the high 80's and low 90's now so we are able to venture outside.

Well the dirt didn't beGIN to make a "mound" so I went off to Lowes Home Center with my daughter. We picked up 12 bags of the cheapest top soil and some crushed granite that looked like sand. After spreading that all out, I had a small rise going. So, later that evening I went BACK to Lowes Home Center with my husband and picked up another 12 mixed bags.

Well, my "statement" garden just didn't have the height nor the presence to make itself much seen, but I was done buying dirt by the bag. It bothers the farmer deep inside.


The next day I commenced to planting my cactus, arranging my stones, and covering it all with matching gravel. I think I can add another couple of inches of gravel, leaving a well around the cactus for catching rain water the 6 times of year we get rain.

I've learned a few things along the way.

1. It's more fun to plant flowers in dirt.
2. Raking rocks gives me blisters pretty fast.
3. TWO pairs of gloves are not enough to handle barrel cactus.
4. Neighbors are nosy - I've met several this week that I didn't know BEFORE (and I've lived here three years)
5. Even a small mound is better than no mound at all.


I do like gardening. It's just different in the SW. :)

Tucson, AZ - It's a Dry Heat - Come See For Yourself!!

Tucson, AZ - It's a Dry Heat - Come See For Yourself!!

It's April in Tucson, Arizona and the weather is fine.  No really, it is.  It's cooled down to 91 degrees already at 10 p.m.!  And remember, little or no humidity...it's a dry heat.  

The weather-folk warned us last week that coming weekend time, we would most likely be hitting triple digits.  Official reports have us at 101 or 102 on Sunday, but my car said it was 106 driving down the freeway at 5 p.m.  Amazing.

Honestly, I love Tucson, AZ.  I feel like I'm on permanent vacation.  (Even though I tend to work 6.5 days a week)  Palm trees, swimming pools, every day is a sunny day - how can you be depressed - it's a SUNNY day!!  

With the low humidity and high temps, also comes low chance of mosquitoes.  Honestly, I don't think I've gotten a single mosquito bite in the last eleven years.

And the wind...WOW!  On a windy summer day, I call that blow dryer weather.  Seriously, I used to have hair way down my back and five minutes was all it took to go from swimming pool to mad pile of frizz.

And trust me, summer is a great time to visit Tucson.  The hotels all have deals.  "Staycations" they call them.  Resorts drop their prices to $99 a night.  NICE resorts.

I moved here in June, 2000, so I'm approaching twelve years in the "Old Pueblo".  I love the rocky hills and mountains.  I love to watch people rake their gravel yards.  I adore the sunsets.  I love the town feel in a city that nears the 1,000,000 mark when school's in session and the snowbirds are here.  (Snow birds are folks that come from snowy locale to enjoy our mild winters.  Summer ducks are those that duck out to milder climates when the temperatures rise.)

If you have had one rainy spring (summer, fall, winter) in the Pacific Northwest too many; Or one record setting frigid winter in the Midwestern States more than you can bear; Or, would just like to avoid working up a sweat drying off from your shower along most the Southern and Eastern United States in summer - give us a call. 

We're here with our sun tan lotion, our aloe vera for our hands and feet, and our Ray-bans firmly seated on our nose.  We're here ready to welcome you to our town, and hope it becomes your town too.