Low prices and signs of economic upturn signal improvement

Economic indicators point to a rebounding real estate market in the Tucson area in 2012.  Sales numbers bottomed out in 2010 and 2011 saw little improvement in sales of new construction. However, historical data suggests the third year after prices bottom out in a real estate market, the market tends to improve.

The combination of good prices and economic improvement is signaling some to predict a breakout year in 2012.

Tucson’s economy is no longer “bouncing along the bottom” and as 2011 comes to a close there are signs the recovery is accelerating locally, according to economist Marshall Vest, director of the Economic and Business Research Center at the University of Arizona.

Tucson and Arizona have been hit harder than most regions in the U.S. by the recession and many other places are already on the road to recovery, Vest told Inside Tucson Business

There are signs of improvement from late 2011 and that should continue into 2012, Vest said.

Private sector wages were up 5.7 percent in the first quarter of this year. Employment was up 1.9 percent year-over-year in September, adding a total of 6,800 jobs, all in the private sector. Two-thirds of those jobs were in professional and businesses services, which include high-paying positions in biotech industries. By 2015, Vest said he anticipates the Tucson region will recover the 35,000 jobs that have been lost in the recession.  Consumers are spending money, with retail sales up 9.1 percent year-over-year in October.  Restaurant and bar sales have fully recovered, he said.

In the housing market, affordability is at record levels and demand is growing. Inventories are lean, down to a five-month supply in the Tucson market, investor demand is coming back and foreclosure notices are down 15 percent.

One option for those seeking newly built homes is Red Hawk at J6 Ranch, just a half hour drive from Tucson. New homebuilders can choose their lots that range from 2.5 to 5 acres and start at $69,000.
This Arizona land offers paved roads and underground utilities are already ready for hook-up.
It’s located 2 hours from Phoenix and 30 minutes east of downtown Tucson and offers properties with room to breathe, inspiring mountain views, and of course those cooler temperatures. Only 17% of the land in Arizona is private property proving what a bargain these building lots are now.
The development means you can see the value of the savings you will get at Red Hawk at J6 Ranch where lots 2.5 to 5 acres start at just $69,900.
Remember, there is no time frame deadline to build on these lots. You can also pick your designer and builder.

Tucson area prime for Real Estate Investment

Tucson was recently ranked as one of “10 Best Markets for Real Estate Investors” in an Inman News article about property investing placing Tucson number four.

A big factor in the article is the population growth rate- the prediction that the forecast shows the Tucson area will grow by nearly 30% over the next 10 years – with a job growth rate to match – noted is the fact that Tucson’s unemployment rate of 7.9% is lower than that of Phoenix.  It is also lower than the U.S. rate of 8.6% (Nov 2011).  The article shows figures from March 2011, and marked improvement in the jobs sector has occurred since then.

Sources such as CNN Money, ZipSmart, Fiserv Case-Shiller and others have published predictions showing the Tucson real estate market prices starting to increase in 2012.

Consider that borrowing rates are at historic lows and with the best prices ever seen, you’ve got a market ripe for investing.  ZipSmart is predicting a 225% ROI (Return on Investment) over the next 10 years for residential properties.

These numbers all support CNN’s Money Analysts who analyzed Tucson Real Estate ranked Tucson as the number 7 city to purchase a home.  They suggest a bright future and even suggest a turnaround in coming months, projecting a forecast gain by 9/2012 of 3.4%.

This means there is special value in building lots that should start moving quickly.

The acres for sale at Red Hawk at J6 Ranch are some of the most spacious building sites in the Tucson area Real Estate market today. The 2.5 acres to 5.18 acres lots are unparalleled value for lots that already have improvements such as paved roads with county maintenance, water and electricity readily available. The property, just a 30 minutes drive from Tucson, it also offers buyers the opportunity to choose their own builder. There is no deadline to build on the property adding another hassle free option to those seeking property for building a future home.
The building acreage offerings have made an impact on those searching for land for sale near Tucson. “We found buyers are really attracted to the spacious lots we have and say the size of the lots and the views set the property apart” said Friedrich.

Tucson building lots show price increase trend for 2012

Acreage and building lots Tucson

Acrease and building lots TucsonAcreage and building lots Tucson

The Tucson real estate market just might be starting to show some stabilization.

New figures from national and local analysts indicate the pace of home sales is 13 percent better than 2010. Average and median sales prices ticked up ever so slightly in October from September. There is positive movement in total sales, according to the Tucson Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. The reports show a 13 percent higher pace of sales and 2011 sales should now surpass the 2010 total of 11,295 homes.

The levels appear to be comparable to 2007 in terms of units sold and up from last year figures.

The numbers show inventory is leveling off and fewer foreclosures are stabilizing prices.

For the same period, the average sales price inched up $1,113 to $151, 812. The average days on market dropped from 80 to 74 days. The property prices of land near Tucson has never been more affordable according to Tricia Friedrich, marketing director at Red Hawk at J6 Ranch near Tucson who said “land is such a good investment right now that the unique opportunity to buy at this price and not have a deadline to build is just a smart investment.”

Some analysts feel that Prices will soar in 2012 showing a trend that as the market continues to adjust its supply-demand balance, average home prices in Tucson are projected to increase 13.4 percent from June 2012 to June 2013. Nationwide, home prices are expected to drop 3.6 percent through June 2012 before rebounding 2.4 percent during the same 12-month period. The projections are according to new data from the Fiserv Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Even national investors are taking notice of the new opportunities in real estate in the Tucson Area.

Click here for more information on acreage and building lots near Tucson, Arizona.