Empowering Your Move to Tucson Arizona with Su Swanne, Long Realty

Su Swanne, Realtor - GRI, CSHP, SRES

Graduate, Realtor Institute

Certified Senior Housing Professional

Senior Real Estate Specialist

520-248-6297

Empower Your Move!

I recently ordered new business cards that reflect the focus of my business - Empowering Seniors to take the steps to fulfilling their lifestyle needs. Whether that be downsizing, moving into a Senior Living Community, or letting go of material things that no longer serve them, my goal is to provide information that can help them with decision-making. While I still want folks to “Make Yourself at Home in Tucson”, I also want them to be empowered to step into a new life situation.

A Word About Real Estate in Tucson

It’s fair to say that the majority of people researching for a new home do it online; Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and other websites offer lots of information about what to look for, tips of all sorts, and potential home values. I want to offer a word of caution. The information about the estimated value of a home, yours or one you’d like to buy, is just that - estimated.

I offer a complimentary consult about your home to understand your needs and concerns about either selling your current home or buying a new one. And I provide current local real estate market information. You can trust me to provide you with a realistic picture of what you can expect.

Did you know that MOST sellers initially feel that their home is worth a lot more than the market will support? Generally, if a home is priced right it will sell reasonably soon. It’s when the price is not in line with the existing market that it may take longer, perhaps requiring a reduction in price. Then, people wonder what’s wrong with it. When you work with a knowledgeable Realtor you have a better chance of receiving full offers at the right price.

You can find information about the market in your area by going to my website. Then when you’re ready for that consult, Contact Me!

A Word About Seniors

• This week the HOPE class about hoarding began. It’s a class for recovery from hoarding. Registration for the class was on Feb. 5; the class itself began for 10 weeks on Feb 12. In the future the subject of Hoarding will be one of the seminars I’m creating. Stay tuned.

• The newly-published Winter-Spring edition of the SPOTLIGHT guide for Seniors is being distributed throughout Tucson in various locations; doctor offices, hospitals, places where Seniors hangout. This hard-copy guide offers information about home care services, senior living communities, elder law, placement services, hearing, Alzheimer’s and memory resources, and many more. It is also available online and by mobile app. See my ad on page 49!

• A “Granny Flat” by any other name - They can be called “guest cottages”, accessory apartments, in-law suites, caregiver dwellings, or tiny houses. With the growth of the Senior population needing affordable, independent housing, close to their families, there is once again pressure on municipalities around the country to change regulations for “ADUs” (Accessory Dwelling Units). For more information about this type of housing for Seniors, read this article on the Senior Real Estate Specialist website. Or watch this video on YouTube. And to see what’s happening in Arizona check out this blog.

A Word About Me

I have been busy listing properties - two duplexes, a home in Rita Ranch and coming soon, the counterpart of the 6 acres for sale in Sahuarita that I included in last month’s update. The property is a three bedroom, three bath house on three acres. It also has a one-car garage and a 4-car garage.The two properties can be sold separately or together. If you are looking for a home with acreage in the country, and a place to work on your special projects, this might be for you - a total of 9 acres with house and several large outbuildings suitable for hobbies, an artist studio, and possible income potential, all for $209,000.

Current Listings

Open House 7722 S Trumpet Vine Avenue - Rita Ranch - This Sunday, February 17 between 1 and 4 p.m. during Long Realty’s “Open House Blitz” for listings in Rita Ranch.

• 6446 W Pinto Rd, Sahuarita - 6 acres with several large outbuildings and liveable trailers
• 13231 W Snyder Hill Rd - 41 acres vacant land near Three Points
• 1505  N Yavapai Rd - Duplex - Two three bedroom, two bath units on West Side

A Word About Reverse Mortgages

Again this month I have invited mortgage lender and expert on Reverse Mortgages, Cindy McKearney, to offer information on this often misunderstood mortgage option for Seniors over 62 years old.

In the early 1960s, when reverse mortgage loans were first introduced, they did not have any government programs backing it. It wasn’t until 1983 when the Senate approved the proposal of having the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure reverse mortgages. The Federal Housing Administration has been guaranteeing HECM mortgages ever since it was passed into law in 1988 by President Reagan. Since then FHA and HUD have made many amendments to the program to improve consumer protections. It is my job to give you the best education available with the most up-to-date facts so you can make a well-informed decision. Here are some of the most common myths I have heard:

MYTH: Reverse mortgages are too expensive.

FACT: There have been changes in FHA’s HECM reverse mortgage program in recent years that reduced a borrower’s costs. While any reverse mortgage is still more expensive than a traditional mortgage, they may provide you with more options than a traditional mortgage, such as no mortgage payments and a growth option (growth applies to the credit line’s unused funds). You must still continue to pay home expenses such as taxes and insurance, and maintain the home.

MYTH:  Your home will be taken away when you pass away and the family loses the rights to the property.

FACT: Because the house is in your name, you or your heirs make the decision to sell or pay off the mortgage balance. If the mortgage balance is too high, the payoff is limited to the value of the house, and the remaining amount is paid by the FHA mortgage insurance fund.  Remember that your heirs can always purchase the home for 95% of the appraised value or the mortgage balance, whichever is lower.

MYTH: I could lose my home and be forced to move.

FACT: As long as all loan terms are met, you cannot be forced to sell the home and/or move. Terms include living in the home as your primary residence, maintaining the home, and paying home expenses such as taxes and insurance.

MYTH: I will be giving up the deed to my home and I won’t own it anymore.

FACT: The deed always stays in your name and you have all the rights that you do now. You can sell it, remodel it, and keep any equity that is left when you move.

MYTH: A reverse mortgage loan should only be considered as a loan of last resort.

FACT: Many folks think a reverse mortgage can only be used when all other accounts and options are exhausted.  While it is a great loan to add cash flow for a borrower 62 and better that has fallen on hard times (including potentially a foreclosure situation*), it should also be used earlier in retirement to avoid future problems by keeping the home safe with the retiree “aging in place.”  *This information does not constitute legal advice. You should consult an attorney for your specific situation..

MYTH: The safest thing is a house “free and clear.”

FACT: In the event of an extended nursing home stay or a lawsuit, all your home equity can be lost that you spent your whole life to create. A reverse mortgage can unlock that equity and allow you to manage it properly for the benefit of your family. Talk to your financial advisor about how a reverse mortgage can help you do this, including helping you pay for longer-term expenses such as medical and/or nursing home expenses.

MYTH: My children could get stuck with a big mortgage debt if I live too long.

FACT: Your children can never be liable for any amount over the value of the home because the loan is guaranteed by the FHA Mortgage Insurance Fund (FHA/HUD).

MYTH:  Your house must be debt-free to qualify for a reverse mortgage.

FACT: You can use a reverse mortgage to pay off a current mortgage provided the available FHA borrowing limit is high enough to cover your balance.

A Word About Events in Tucson

• Don’t forget about the annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros® that begins this Saturday, February 16, and runs through February 24. Check the website for the Schedule of Events.
• The annual Tucson Festival of Books event at the University of Arizona is March 2 and 3. Head on out to shop for books, meet authors, and enjoy the Tucson weather. Don’t forget to stop by the Toastmasters District 3 Booth 132 to learn about communication and leadership through Toastmasters International.
• February 22-24, Tucson Quilter’s Guild 41st Annual Quilt Fiesta - Tucson Convention Center - Over 300 quilters’ creations, demonstrations, and quilt auctions. $10 at the door each day, $20 for all three days.

The Hottest Homebuyer Demographics? Hispanics and Female Millennial's

Toby Parks REALTOR  Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage520-310-0122 w: www.tobyparksrealestate.com e: tparksaz@gmail.com

The female millennial homebuyer has arrived—and in grand fashion. In the housing market, single women are one of the fastest-growing demographics, and those that are born between 1981 and 1996 are leading the way.

According to a realtor.com® analysis, which took a look at the first names of homebuyers in this country, seven of the top 10 fastest-growing names are largely attributed to female millennials. Last year, the five fastest-growing first names on home sales deeds were Hannah, Austin, Alexis, Logan and Taylor—three of which are traditionally female names.

Deed data also revealed an uptick in Hispanic names for 2018. Home sales associated with traditionally Hispanic names and partially Hispanic names increased 4.1 percent and 3.7 percent year-over-year—sales to homebuyers with non-Hispanic names remained stagnant (0.1 percent year-over-year).

"Hispanics and millennial names overall also saw a surge in home purchases last year. If these buyers can continue to break through the affordability barrier, they are likely to make up a larger share of owners than ever before and dominate the market for years to come," says Javier Vivas, director of Economic Research at realtor.com.

Additionally, home sales to individuals with names often attributed to baby boomers and the Silent Generation (those born before 1945) saw notable dips, at 2 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively. Here's an infographic compiled by realtor.com that illustrates this change in the tides when it comes to the typical U.S. homebuyer:

Sponsor of the SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Resource Guide 

Call or visit Toby Parks and say,
 "I saw your in SPOTLIGHT!" 

Simple Tips to Prevent Water Damage In Your Home

Simple Tips to Prevent Water Damage In Your Home

Water damage is one of a homeowner's greatest worries since it can result in mold and expensive repairs. The following tips can help you prevent potential sources of seepage in your home.

Don't plant next to your house. A flower or shrub border is lovely but watering those plants could damage your foundation. It's wiser to keep your flower beds a few feet away from the house or make sure they slope away from it.

Use gutters and downspouts to divert rain runoff away from your foundation. If you notice water pooling after a rain, that area needs gutters. Also, make sure you have sufficient gutters for your entire roof. Extend downspouts away from the house and, if possible, discharge underground with PVC pipe to drain into the street.                                                               

Check your roof regularly for loose shingles – especially after high wind or rainstorms.           Inspect metal flashing for damage and make sure skylights are properly sealed. Check your attic for wet spots or any signs of mold, condensation, damage to insulation, or a rodent or insect infestation that could lead to weak areas and subsequent leaks.

Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.  

Toby Parks, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage  

www.TobyParksRealEstate.com

#TobyParksRealEstate #TucsonToby

Disaster Preparedness ~ What Would It Take?

This summer brought a number of disasters from the Burro Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains east of Tucson to the Tonto National Forest wildfires, and most recently the devastating hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico and earthquakes in Mexico. It’s made us take a step back and ask ourselves, “What would you take with you in case of disaster?” Many times evacuations take place in what feels like a moment’s notice – days, hours, or even minutes depending on how a fire or storm moves toward the neighborhood – and you’re forced to decide what is most important. Preparation before evacuation is key to getting you to safety and preserving what matters most to you.

Family, Friends, and Pets

When I think of what I would take from my home at a moment’s notice, it’s always my family, friends, and pets. The kids have backpacks from school or summer trips that are filled with a bottle of water, snacks, electronic devices, and maybe even a change of clothes. The dog sleeps in a kennel and his food and water are easy to reach and pack in the car. For the adults, we would grab each other, kids, pets, purses, wallets, and medication, and make our way to safety.

Bug Out Bag

With a bit more lead time you can pack what is called a Bug Out or Go Bag filled with essentials including dust mask, batteries, flashlights, drinking water, filtration system, snacks, pet kennel and food, shoes, socks, clothing, phone and device chargers, laptop, and sleeping bag.

• Plan one gallon of water per person and/or pet.
• Three days of easy to prepare foods like canned goods, granola and dried fruit, and protein bars.
• First aid kit and medication.
• Hygiene products including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toilet paper.
• Duct tape – it can solve a whole myriad of problems.

For families with children, you can also have a lanyard prepared for each member of the family with a picture of the family, contact information of the parents, and the name and phone number of an out of state relative.  If family members get separated it is a way for others to help get them back together.

Based on what we’ve heard about evacuations, we know our pets may not be able to stay with us but if they can, they likely need to be in a kennel and/or on a leash. Everyone is scared so if you can grab the kennel, it will be a familiar space for your nervous furry friend.

If Disaster Strikes

Many victims of these disasters have lost everything. Homes, cars, clothing, and paperwork can be replaced, but you and your family cannot. Get your family to safety first. If you have the presence of mind as you’re leaving your home, grab the big red binder and USB card of trust and estate documents from Kinghorn Heritage as well as your Docubank card so doctors can access healthcare documents if needed. If you can’t bring the whole binder with you, at least pull out the important documents (e.g., birth and marriage certificates, passports, social security cards) behind the Location Lists tab. While it’s not everything you would need to rebuild, it is a good start.

It’s tough to say what we would take in case of disaster, which is why we recommend planning and preparing for the worst. It’s better to take too much and head for safety than be paralyzed by fear when you need to evacuate.

Sponsor of the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide.  

Connect with us today to learn more and say
"I saw you in SPOTLIGHT!" 

https://heritagelawaz.com/
(520) 529-4000

Make Yourself At Home In Tucson Arizona with Long Realty Services

Su Swanne, Realtor - GRI, CSHP, SRES

Graduate, Realtor Institute

Certified Senior Housing Professional

Senior Real Estate Specialist

520-248-6297

Make Yourself at Home in Tucson

The Season of Light is approaching with rapid pace. It seems it was only a fews days ago we were anticipating a long weekend with family and friends for a feast. During this season I like to focus on the Winter Solstice which begins the Yuletide, as it was known to the Anglo-Saxons of Britain - it must be because of my heritage as 91% Irish, Scottish, and English! The Winter Solstice is the first day of Yuletide, with 12th Night being Wassail night, and what we’ve come to celebrate as New Year’s Eve. Based on, and borrowed from Yuletide we have Christmastide, with Christmas Day as the first day, and Epiphany on January 6 as the 12th day of Christmas. Many of our traditions of this holiday season combine elements from both celebrations. Other celebrations this time of year also focus on the theme of Light. Light makes things visible and makes things clear so we can see our way. I wish everyone the Joy of Light as we move into a new year, and maybe a new way of seeing things.

“May your heart embrace the return of the Light!”

A Word About Real Estate in Tucson

• Do you hang holiday lights on your house and shrubs, fences and trees? Did you know there are businesses that can do that for you? Check out We Hang Christmas Lights for some ideas. And if you are a true Do-It-Yourselfer, there are many websites that offer instructions on how to put lights on your house and in your yard. Just Google “hanging Christmas lights”! And if you ARE doing it yourself, try to avoid damaging anything that might need repairs later, when you get ready to sell.

• Most everyone is busy between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and most people don’t think about buying or selling a house during this time. BUT sometimes it is necessary. Do you know of someone I should speak to who could use my help? If so, Message Me at 520-248-6297.
• Curious about this month’s Housing Report? Want to know where your house might be valued? Check it out on my website. Just enter your address and see from three perspectives what your house could be worth.
• BRAND NEW LISTING! - Six acres with large outbuildings, $95,000, near Sahuarita. Are you an artist who is looking for a studio, or a sculptor/metal worker looking for a place to create your masterpieces? Do you have a landscaping business that needs a lot of storage for tools of the trade? This property is rural, and also has income potential. Go to the Public MLS Website and enter MLS#21831907. Then Call Me!!!

A Word About Seniors

• The holidays can be a source of sadness and depression for Seniors. Visiting Angels, a home care organization, has put together a list of classic Christmas movies, TV shows, and radio shows that might brighten a Senior’s day.
• You can Be A Santa to a Senior here in Tucson. Click the link to find gift tree locations. Deadline is December 17, 2018.
• Music turns on the part of the brain responsible for memory, motor control, timing, language, and emotions. The songs of the season that are familiar to Seniors can lift their spirits. A family sing-a-long could be just the thing to bring Joy to a loved one.
• Stay tuned for an announcement about the Senior Seminars I am planning for 2019. The first phase has been initiated; details to come!

A Word About Me - Su Swanne, GRI!

As of December 13 I have completed my year-long journey to receive my Graduate, Realtor Institute - GRI designation. This is a national designation (National Association of Realtors) that demonstrates a  commitment to the highest ethical standards in serving clients and customers, and a higher level of professional service through training and education. I am proud to have the opportunity to serve my clients with the increased knowledge and skill this education has afforded me.

A Word About Events in Tucson

• A complete list of Holiday Light displays this season can be found at Holiday Lights in Tucson 2018 - Tohono Chul Park, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Winterhaven, Lights of the World, and more !
• December 16, 2018 - Parade of Lights and Festival, Downtown
• Through January 16, visit the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures to see the miniature displays of Christmas Around the World and Throughout Time.
• For some “live” entertainment, how about the Jingle Bell Rockin’ Revue at Gaslight Music Hall! Visit TucsonTopia for times and tickets.
• If you’re a hockey fan, the Tucson Roadrunners will be back in town on December 28 for their home schedule.

“The Light Shines in the Darkness and the Darkness Has Not Overcome It.” John 1:5

What Is The Cost Of Dying?

You’ve worked hard your whole life and are enjoying your retirement. Your financial planner and Tucson estate planning attorney have worked together to ensure you have living expenses covered by pensions and retirement investments, and when the time comes, you’re able to afford the cost of dying to pay medical and funeral expenses.

Cost of Dying and Cost of Living

Not surprising, the cost of dying in each state is in direct correlation to the cost of living. For example, Mississippi is the least expensive state in which to die at an average funeral cost of $5,166 versus the national median of $6,078. It should come as no surprise that Mississippi also has the lowest cost of living. [Source]

In Arizona, the cost of living is just about 2% less than the national average, while healthcare is about 1% more and housing is 2.8% under the average. [Source]  The average out-of-pocket, end-of-life medical expenses are $11,618, while the average funeral expenses are $6,078. [Source] Without proper planning, these expenses can leave your family in debt, which makes it important to have an estate plan in place.

This is in contrast to the most expensive place to live and die – Hawaii. While it’s a beautiful state to visit, the cost of dying is the highest in the nation, nearly double our home state. Funeral costs are an average of $11,408 and the end-of-life care average is $21,807.

Whether you’re in Arizona, Hawaii, or another state, it’s important to plan ahead so your family isn’t left paying the debt with proceeds from the sale of your assets.

Impact on Financial and Estate Planning

There is currently a federal estate tax that applies to a relatively small amount of the population—those whose estate is valued over $5.49 million. When it comes to Arizona estate planning, there is no state estate tax or inheritance tax, which can potentially save your heirs thousands of dollars. We encourage you to speak to Kinghorn Heritage Law Group to understand how your assets can be protected and end‑of‑life expenses can be covered. In our meeting we will discuss:

• Your current estate plan. Often we meet with people who think they need to have millions of dollars in assets to establish a Trust, so they only have a Will. While a Will is better than no plan at all, a Trust will provide tools for estate preservation and asset protection as well as provisions for disabilities, an important need that often gets overlooked. In addition to a Trust, powers of attorney and living wills are essential parts of an estate plan.
• Your family. We want to create a plan that protects what is most important to you.
• Your wishes. It saves families stress when they understand their loved one’s wishes. If you want your grandson to have your antique golf clubs, then let’s make that part of your plan.

Whether it’s passing down family heirlooms or making sure you can afford the cost of dying, the Kinghorn Heritage team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Sponsor of the SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Resource Guide 

Visit us online today or call and say "I saw you in SPOTLIGHT!" 
https://heritagelawaz.com/