Tucson Kent's World

THE Tucson Real Estate Show - Episode 3 "Ride Tucson's Trolley - w/Conductor Karen Rodack"

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:10:26 -0400

In Episode 3, THE Tucson Real Estate Show takes a break from the business side of things to ride the Historic Tucson Trolley and learn about its history from Karen Rodack, who is a volunteer conductor for the Old Pueblo Trolley organization.

Currently, the trolley runs along University Blvd. from Main Gate Square at the University of Arizona, and down 4th Avenue where it stops before going down Congress Street in downtown Tucson. This nostalgic attraction is completely volunteer operated & funded by donations. It generally runs on weekends - weather & maintenance permitting.

Work is beginning soon on a new, Modern Streetcar for Tucson, which will expand the route significantly and be more useful as a practical mode of transportation. There has been quite a bit of new activity in the downtown Tucson area as businesses open up as part of the downtown revitalization effort - and in anticipation of the Modern Streetcar's debut in 2013. Yes, Mr. An has started construction on his new restaurant, An Congress, right by the Rialto Theater and Hotel Congress. Can anyone get us an interview with him?

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

THE Tucson Real Estate Show - Episode 2 "On The Right Track To A Mortgage"

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:56:25 -0400

In Episode 2 of THE Tucson Real Estate Show, Tom Heath and I visit Tucson's Historic Train Depot downtown to help illustrate how to be "On The Right Track" for getting a home mortgage.

Our mission with THE Tucson Real Estate Show is to provide consumers with information they can use about the local Tucson real estate market, while highlighting the people, places and things that make "The Old Pueblo" a special place.

Tom Heath is a mortgage professional with Sunstreet Mortgage and current President of the Southern Arizona Mortgage Lenders Association. Kent Simpson is a REALTOR® who is awaiting trial for impersonating someone who knows how to do a real estate show.

On our next video, follow along as we ride the Historic Tucson Trolley in search of Mr. An - while Conductor Karen Rodack tells us the trolley's history. Do we find Mr. An? Will he invite us to the grand opening of An Congress? Watch & see!

Visit our website

Episode 1 - Introducing THE Tucson Real Estate Show

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Introducing: THE Tucson Real Estate Show! (Episode 1 - Trail Dust Town)

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:30:52 -0400

Friends, readers and anyone interested in Tucson or Real Estate in general - I am proud to be introducing THE Tucson Real Estate Show! In Episode 1 - we start at a Tucson "Old West" landmark, Trail Dust Town, and ask the question, "Why another real estate show?" Hopefully you will like the answer:

Tom Heath of Sunstreet Mortgage, current President of the Southern Arizona Mortgage Lenders Association and I will be exploring different areas of Tucson, the people that make "The Old Pueblo" a special place and highlighting local businesses as well as interesting places. One of our goals is to tie in our wanderings with some helpful information about the Tucson Real Estate Market while providing some consumer education along the way.

We launched our all-video website yesterday (so bear with us while we iron out some of the wrinkles) with our first four episodes. Each week we will have a new segment for you to enjoy. Future episodes will include the Historic Tucson Trolley in downtown, the University of Arizona Bio Park, St. Phillip's Plaza Farmers Market & more!

Follow us while we search for the elusive holy grail Mr. An - a longtime Tucson figure for his fine cuisine, love of baseball, and try to wheedle an invitation to the grand opening of his new restaurant in downtown Tucson, An Congress - right along the route of the coming Streetcar. If you see something of value, please feel free to forward to your friends & colleagues.

Episode 2 - "On The Right Track To A Mortgage"
- from Tucson's Historic Train Depot

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Tucson Got More "Business-Friendly" In One Fell Swoop!

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:38:56 -0400

How can Tucson become more "Business Friendly" in one simple step?

It happened July 8th - by a 7-0 vote, the Tucson City Council decided to do away with the nightmare that obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial properties had become. Yippee!!!! Hooray!!!

A couple of years ago, after learning that less than 25% of all businesses had a valid C of O, a measure was passed in Council to require a new Certificate of Occupancy be issued for any commercial property changing hands. Whether lease, sale, trade - whatever - to get the permit to open a business' doors, a new C of O had to be issued.

Makes sense, unless you have no workable criteria in place to obtain one. Oops. Kinda forgot that part. The solution was to form a committee of 18 people drawn from the business world, neighborhood associations, public interest groups and other "stakeholders" to come up with an outline of the steps needed to satisfy the requirements.

Problem.

The committee couldn't even agree on when the meetings would be, much less come up with a workable plan! Meanwhile, there's an ordinance on the books that has no understandable rules to figure out how to comply with.

So...the past 2 years have been a nightmare for business & property owners. You've got to get a C of O to open the doors, but nobody knows what you have to do to get one. Okay, we can't just keep every business in town that wants to open up or move into an existing structure from being able to operate, can we? Solution - we'll just require a C of O for "change of use."

Cool!

Problem: change of use was interpreted so strictly that an shoe store couldn't move into a building previously occupied by a dress shop. "But they're both retail operations," you might say..."But they sell different things," the interpretation was, "so it's a change of use."

(Can you picture how much hair was lost due to pulling out large tufts with both hands?)

The towns of Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita and Unincorporated Pima County made out like bandits as frustrated businesses chose to locate there instead of Tucson. I have no doubt that officials of those entities regularly said (behind closed doors of course), "Thanks for the bonehead move, City of Tucson - we'll be glad to increase our tax base. Sorry about your budget woes, wonder why we're in the black? Hmm...snicker, snicker."

But that's all behind us now, isn't it? Thanks for your July 8 vote to rescind this ordinance, City Council - you're moving in the right direction...please don't do something that stupid again.

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

The Little Horse That Could: B.I.G. - Another Tucson Champion! (& Equestrian Property Search too)

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:09:13 -0400

When relocating to Tucson, the reasons vary - a job transfer, health issues, lifestyle changes, pursuing a dream...or something as simple as following your heart. Here's a little about one man who did that...and has become a champion, along with his partner, a wild mustang named B.I.G. - one of the smallest horses in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition. He Has A Winning Way With Mustangs.

Logan Leach listened to his heart many years ago, and settled in Tucson. He established Tanque Verde Stables in the Northeast part of the Tucson Metro, perfectly located by the Tanque Verde wash (full of great riding trails) with views of the Catalina Mountains to the north, the Rincon Mountains to the east, surrounded by semi-rural countryside. Arizona National Golf Course is just a skip away to the north, 49er Country Club is a dash to the east. Close enough to the urban core to be convenient yet away from the city enough to enjoy a little elbow room and do what he loves: training horses.

The Tucson area is full of horse lovers - there are even stables within minutes of downtown Tucson! Miles and miles of equestrian trails lead along the Rillito River, along washes and the spirit of the Old West remains a part of the region's core - but not readily apparent to many (in keeping with the cowboy way of life - it is a lifestyle of quiet enjoyment, not "in your face" hype and brassiness).

If horse property is something you yearn for, there are plenty of homes available within minutes of everything the city has to offer. The Equestrian Lifestyle is definitely a big niche in Tucson. Check out the properties on the left - there are over 300 homes on horse property available in the immediate Tucson Market from $185,000 to the multi-millions.

Should you care for more privacy - my team knows of several special parcels, including working ranches for sale in the area. Just contact us today & share your dreams!

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

First Time Home Buyer/First Time Investor

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:06:32 -0400

Early this evening, I got a call from a young man looking to begin investing in real estate, but unsure of where to start. After a few questions, it was apparent that he really was at the very beginning of his journey, and was reaching out for some guidance. What resulted was the most rewarding conversation I've had with a prospective first-time buyer in a l-o-o-n-g time. I won't make a penny from this phone call, but that isn't the point.

Turns out, this young man is 19 years old, going to school in an area of the country hit extremely hard by the implosion of the real estate market, raw & inexperienced in purchasing real estate - but careful with his money & eager to learn. He has heard about predatory lending and "0 Down, EZ Qualify" scams.

His goal is to purchase a duplex, triplex or fourplex, live in one unit and rent the others to help him pay for the investment. Good idea. He spoke about his lack of knowledge as a challenge to be solved by consulting with professionals who would take the time to explain the process along the way & guide him to a smart decision "because I don't want to be a foreclosure victim, I want to start building my nest egg now, since prices are so low." Great idea.

We spoke about the pros & cons of investment property: what can happen when a tenant moves out unexpectedly - or doesn't pay the rent on time. Landlord responsibilities, maintenance issues, taxes, insurance and fair housing laws, cash flow & reserves, the reality vs the hype of short sales, factors involved in choosing an area to start looking, vacancy rates and much, much more.

As the conversation went on, I suggested he take advantage of some seminars and classes put on by the Association of Mortgage Brokers and the REALTOR® Association in order to have a clearer basis of understanding concerning the process and procedures in buying real property. Since I was by my computer, I looked up the contact information for these associations in his area and gave him the websites. Oh, did I mention that he lives nearly 1,000 miles away from Tucson? This young first-time homebuyer has never seen Southern Arizona, except for in movies & photos. He won't be buying in Tucson, either.

At the beginning of this phone call, my inquisitive young caller asked if I could spare 10 minutes of my time - we talked for just over 45 minutes.

In the first few minutes of the call, I already knew that this buyer was not interested in my market - but he was reaching out to me to help get him pointed in the right direction. Whether it was something I had written on my blog, posted on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or somewhere else that caused him to ask me - or some random quirk of keywords on Google...it doesn't matter. He is the public, took the time to call me, and had realistic, rational goals in mind.

After hanging up with him, I felt a certain fulfillment - a feeling of living up to the vows I took to become a REALTOR®. It isn't all about the money or the deal. There is a service commitment implied in that oath. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation and some frank discussion. This was the best phone call I've had in a long time.

Thank you, Abraham, you made my day.
I wish you success and happiness in all of your goals...and yes, I WILL buy you lunch near the University of Arizona if you ever visit Tucson so that we can dine in the presence of "all those HOT Arizona girls!" (Now it is in writing - verbals don't count as a contract)

Being a REALTOR® has its moments, and this is one of them.

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Searching for Tucson Homes Just Got Better For Buyers!

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:29:32 -0400

In its never-ending quest to provide better services for both agents and the public, the Tucson MLS has decided to change its MLS software to FlexMLS by FBS of North Dakota!

I, for one, am extremely happy with the decision - and I hope you will be too. To take a quick peek at what it looks like from a consumer perspective, check out this search for property in the Sam Hughes area of Tucson:

Check it out - see what it is like & please feel free to leave your comments below! The more feedback, the better...and if one of these catches your eye, I'm available to answer questions.

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Urgency vs Pressure – Is There A Difference?

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:39:45 -0500

Is there a difference between urgency and pressure when working with a client? YES! When working with buyers, put yourself in their shoes, and take a look at what they are experiencing from their perspective. Often times a buyer is so focused on finding “the perfect house” or overwhelmed by all of the choices available that they may not remember or even know that deadlines are quickly approaching. Whether working with homebuyers or real estate investors, basic human relations are the same.

Part of a REALTOR’s duty is to keep their clients informed of things that might affect their decision – staying on top of program deadlines, understanding market characteristics, watching for developing trends, knowing the reasonable timelines to expect a transaction to close from acceptance to closing (which can be very different for various reasons)…and be able to convey urgency when needed without adding another layer of pressure. Your client’s best interests are your fiduciary responsibility to keep in front of any needs you may have.

Urgency is real – whether because of a client’s needs, timeline, availability of certain properties, loan program or tax credit deadlines, buyer incentive program schedules…you name it. Pressure is artificial – it is manufactured to manipulate the actions of another. When an agent puts their own needs before those of their client, I define that as pressure tactics.

I HATE pressure tactics. I’ll walk out of a store and buy whatever it is somewhere else…even if I have to pay a higher price, to eliminate the possibility that a company or salesperson will be rewarded for using high-pressure strategy. That’s not sales skills, that’s manipulation.

There are clients that I’ve had for several years who have yet to act – their needs haven’t dictated that they need to act yet, or the opportunity that they are looking for hasn’t surfaced at a time that has been good for them to act. So be it – there is a trust that is built over that time, and I’m willing to wager that these different buyers will be good referral sources (in fact, I’ve received 3 great referrals from one client…and we haven’t closed a purchase together yet).

I run a business, and I'm human: there ARE times when I simply cannot work with a particular client. It is better to refer them to someone else than to have a dysfunctional relationship - but taking care to refer them to another professional whose standards are high is a must.

A lot of motivational and sales strategy training focuses on “making someone act” and use “The Man In The Mirror” as a mantra…hogwash. The way I train is to “Walk A Mile In My Clients’ Shoes” so that when I face the “Man In The Mirror” there’s a calm, easy smile looking back at me. Yes, there are times that I have my own pressures – but those are mine, and my clients don’t need them added to theirs!

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Roger Clemens & Dorian Gray

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:15:32 -0500

Well, the Congressional hearings into steroid use in baseball grind on like so many dentists drills with half the promise of results. Roger Clemens has dug himself into a deep 3-2 hole and his best pitches are looking more and more like the efforts of someone desperately trying to convince his date that he really was a big star at Podunk Jr. High, and his date isn't buying it.

When the Mitchell report first came out, I was skeptical about its merit, but jaded enough about drug use in sports that I just nodded my head thinking, "we all know they're dirty...now prove it." This McNamee character seems to have none and I figure that it will take a lot more than this typical feeble effort by baseball's commissioner to whitewash a bad situation to take down some of the big names in the game.

Reading reports about Clemens' testimony before Congress, and his pathetic attempt to flex his dwindling credibility, I am reminded of The Picture of Dorian Gray. A classic tale of a man so desperate to keep his youth, that he sells his soul for it. His inability to own up to his misdeeds is shameful and increasingly pathetic. Face the music Roger, you are making Canseco look like an honest man in comparison to you.

Shoeless Joe might have been innocent, perhaps not, but he took the punishment handed out to him with dignity. Roger Clemens has none left to protect.

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Little Or Zero Down Owner May Carry Opportunity In Desired NW Tucson!

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:37:07 -0500

This property sold as a foreclosure for $199,000 on 10/24/08

4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home built in 2005
Upgrades like granite countertops, kiva fireplace, tile floors, fantastic views, great neighborhood,
corner lot...and owner is willing to listen to all offers!

If you need lease option, seller carryback, whatever your needs--we want to see your offers!
Owner needs to sell...NOW.

8809 N. Skydancer Circle
Hardydale Subdivision

1917 Square Feet, 8126 Sq Ft Lot
4 Beds, 2 Baths

Sombrero Peak Highlights Backyard View

Generously Listed at $325,000
Your home, your terms...we want your offer!

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

10 Acres In Foothills Ranch IV - Easy Build Homesite Near Tubac

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:48:57 -0500

Must take this drive to see this lot. 50 minutes south from Tucson Airport, and just minutes away from Historic Tubac's shops and restaurants. At 4000 feet with red soil as the back-drop to lush green desert vegetation. Whether your into Horses, Hiking, Golf or just living & relaxing in peace and quiet, you have all the above available to you with this property. Adjacent parcel # 112-38-040E 10 acres lot, also available.

Foothills Ranch IV 10 Acres
$125,000

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Nascar & Daytona Means One Thing: Local Stocks Will Be Running Soon!

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:40:39 -0500

Nascar has begun its season which means the local stock car series will begin soon! Tucson boasts both a clay track and a paved raceway, owned by separate entities--which means there will be plenty of racing to enjoy!

Once again I am proud to be a crew member and sponsor of the Littrell Racing Team, which will debut its newest SuperStock entry at the first meeting March 15 at USA Dirt Track.

There are high hopes for the #88 entry, as this is a brand new car from the
ground up, the only exception being last year's motor, which is a beast!

Wait 'til this baby hits the track!

View of rear suspension and deck

Owner/Driver Glen Littrell has been working tirelessly with his team members to get the car prepared for the season and is excited to start racing. Now you'll know why my calls will go to voicemail every other Saturday evening during the summer--I'm at the track and can't hear you!

If you're in Tucson and enjoy dirt track racing--give me a call, come into the pits & meet the team. See you at the races!

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

If There's A Recession On---Why Are There So Many Cash Buyers Right Now?

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:06:36 -0500

Driving to the office the other day, bored with the usual morning chatterboxes, I was surfing the old radio dial when I ran across a local guy talking with great vehemence about the "economic idiots" spewing doom & gloom at every opportunity.

He went on to castigate expert after expert, refuting their findings without a whole lot of supporting evidence to back up his alternate opinion...until the callers started chiming in.

Call after call was a business owner or manager talking about how business wasn't booming, but was steady and strong. I was beginning to think that he had stacked the phone lines with buddies when I heard something startling come over the airwaves! There was a real estate agent talking about the shocking amount of cash buyers who were coming out of the woodwork and snapping up property. I listened even closer, and I realized that it was one of the agents in my brokerage that had started the "Foreclosure Bus" with some other agents in the office. In the process of pre-qualifying people wanting a seat on the bus, nearly 40% of those wanting in on the tour were bringing certification of funds letters to pay cash for properties. Given that Tucson averages 16% cash transactions on a regular basis, this is incredible!

I had no idea! Then I looked at my own business in the new year--I'm running at 75% cash buyers--it just had never dawned on me.

Hmm...how can we be in a recession when people are willing to part with their cash so readily?

By the way, the "Foreclosure Bus Tour" is so popular with investors, we are getting calls from all over the country and may consider adding another 30-passenger bus if need be: Call me if you want a seat on The Pepper Group's Bus...cash or not!

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Tucson Dirt Track Racing Update: Littrell Racing #88 SuperStock

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:47:04 -0500

Update: Littrell Racing's #88 SuperStock Practice Session

Many people stopped by to read and comment the previous time I wrote about Littrell Racing's #88 SuperStock entry in the coming dirt track season. On behalf of the team, thank you for your interest.

This Saturday was the first practice session...a chance to see how well the plans and hard work had come together, what tweaks need to be made & to get a feel for how this car will perform.

Aside from needing a larger radiator to combat overheating challenges the car performed

better than expected. The engine is truly a beast! A decision was made to change the gear ratio to take advantage of the horsepower on the short track. The handling was a dream, suspension design and modifications had the car "riding on rails," according to owner/driver Glenn Littrell.

Now it is off to be painted in team colors, decals for identification and sponsors added (of which The Pepper Group and I are one) and the aforementioned "tweaks" made before the first race on March 15 at United Sports Arizona Dirt Track. Look out Tucson, there's some racing to be done!

See you at the races!

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Tiger Woods

Kent Simpson 520.302.5368 Tucson Homes Land & Investment (Tierra Antigua Realty) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:21:43 -0500

Tiger Woods Wins Unprecedented 3rd World Match Play Championship

The juggernaut that goes by the name of Tiger Woods graced the fairways of Dove Mountain this week. Coming away with a record 3rd Championship in the Accenture World Match Play series, he has won every event he has entered this year so far. While people will undoubtedled ask him over and over again about the possibility of an undefeated season, it matters only to the statisticians, as he is proving yet again that he is the best player the game has ever produced.

Records fall like dominos in regular order as his career rolls along like a finely tuned machine. Sometimes there are adjustments to be made, a tweak here, an improvement there...but even in his "off" years, Tiger Woods dominates his competition.

Take this year's Accenture World Match Play Championships at Dove Mountain: struggling and behind in the first round, he cranks up his game to win 5 straight holes to move to the next match. In the final pairing, he takes no mercy on this fine course or his opponent, Stuart Cink, winning by an awe inspiring score of 8 and 7.

When asked at the press conference about the possibility of going undefeated for the year, he grinned and replied, "I want to win every tournament. That's why you enter them." Tiger plays to win, and he does. He practices to win, and he does. Those who play to make the cut or place in the top 10 usually struggle along the way. It is easy to talk about having a winning attitude, believing it in one's heart is another.

Hats off to you, Mr. Woods - it was a pleasure to have you in Tucson, playing at Dove Mountain. You are an inspiration to many, myself included...(update) we hope to see you when your rehab is complete.

Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"