Tucson's Unique Opportunity-Housing

Number one, I have complete confidence in Tucson's Mayor!
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild has his ear to the ground, is in touch with his city and its massive needs and opportunities.  In other words a progressive, sharp and informed man of outstanding abilities.

While its manager-council type government and the elections of membership on the council are under attack with suggested changes, luckily enough the Mayor has an elected council he can work with and generally support his leadership.  In any city of any size that is important, yet the Pima County governing Board of Supervisors desperately needs the kind of cooperation among its board members to match that of Tucson the largest city in the county.

This city situated 60 miles from the United States - Mexican border with all the flavors and memories of the old west, the cowboys, the gun fights affectionately called The Old Pueblo is the 33rd largest city in the United States. Tucson metropolitan statistical area is home to over one million people and in spite of overwhelming problems continues to be one of the fastest growing areas of the country.

Mayor Rothschild is pushing an initiative, Help for Homebuyers, which seeks to boost home ownership through assistance programs for low and middle income Tucsonans.  Great BUT!

Many different government sponsored financial programs are available to "put" people in homes they own.  In order to participate "money and credit management" classes are required to place new homeowners on solid footing and teaching them of financial responsibilities they may not have been aware of prior to purchasing a home.   Good BUT!

First before I become identified as a crusty, ill-tempered old curmudgeon,
let me assure our readers, I totally and completely believe in any program that improves the vitality and quality of life of our "inner cities".

Rededication of land, land recycling, infill, renewing neighborhoods, urban renewal...all boil down to putting the existing infrastructure to its highest and best use while not fostering the downhill side of property values.  Nor on the other hand urban sprawl and costly new infrastructure.

Resource Library:  Urban Renewal
Urban renewal is a state-authorized, redevelopment and finance program designed to help communities improve and redevelop areas that are physically deteriorated, suffering economic stagnation, unsafe or poorly planned.

Portland, Oregon Urban Renewal

The Portland Development Commission plays a major role in making Portland one of America’s most livable cities, using urban renewal as a tool to focus public attention and resources in specific areas of the city.  PDC helps Portland realize capital projects ­– parks, streetscape improvements, community centers –that would not happen on their own.

PDC leads the planning and implementation of comprehensive projects that fulfill Portland’s goal of creating healthy, vibrant neighborhoods throughout the city. The agency focuses on implementing plans unique to each urban renewal area, using an integrated approach to revitalization that includes commercial, retail/institutional, residential/mixed use, streets, mass transit and parks development.

Portland's Urban Renewal dates back to the late 50's and the Federal Government's funds made available to the Portland Development Commission to wipe out a whole area of downtown Portland and rebuild new. Eliminating negative surroundings and influences leading to day and night positive activity in the core city area promoting a wholesome environment for all people.

While state and federal funds are not always available Portland has used the tax system and special bonding programs to finance urban "rebirth" over the years.

Tucson needs a dedicated commission or board to oversee vitalization and preservation of historic sites and all landmarks, yet bring vitality to urban life. 

Back to, Yes But!

There is more to home ownership than financing the purchase of a property.  <I remember the time I received a call from a tenant about seven at night.  They had no electricity, yet all the surrounding homes had electricity, could I come out and see what was wrong?  Make a long story simple and short, I went out and found the "fuse box" in the basement with a flashlight and replaced a fuse.> 

With these home assistance programs, no money down, total financing the new home owner will face a number of problems.  Many of those problems are going to be the age of intercity homes.  To help the new owner, bringing as much of the property up to date as possible and smoothing out the transition from tenant to "landlord" is going to be necessary.

****Such things as insulation, thermal pane windows and other updates for the new owner prior to purchase can be the home saver if unforeseen things happen such as a job offer and a necessary move or broke down water heater pop-up.  Don't expect these subsidized buyers to have enough equity to pay the costs of selling if absolutely necessary.

<Caution, I have had NO experience with "Home Warranty Programs" but wrapping a policy with a new buyers purchase plan seems like it might make a lot of sense if something desperate happens in the first couple years of ownership.>

In years past, inflation or appreciation on homes was one of the huge benefits of home ownership.  That gets to the other, BUT!

In the last few years the "real estate bubble burst" and it has taken a long time to get property values back on the upswing.  Tucson did not recover as fast as a few other areas of the country.  Property values depend a lot on government services, taxation and schools.

In order to make it practical to be a home owner gaining property value in Tucson a lot depends on the political powers in the state.  That final But, People have needs to justify a move to Tucson to create a real estate market to repay that 30 year debt, jobs, family and their opportunities for lifestyle.  <Meaning Yes Schools>

For that, Mayor Rothschild needs more than just cooperation from other local governments and other local officials.  An informed electorate that actually votes.

****6/21 Added  Prepare Homes for New Owners

Notes from readers have encouraged me to add additional information and comments on home ownership.  As new first-time "landlords"/owners move into their newly purchased homes with minimum out of pocket cash and long-term commitments every effort should go into helping them with their cash flow and monthly housing expenses.

Up grades such as adding insulation, installing water-conserving toilets in bathrooms, replace the HVAC system and get rid of those leaky old windows and doors not only add value to the homes but will cut monthly housing expenses.

HET Single-Family Residential Rebate Program

The High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) rebate program is available to Single-Family Residential Tucson Water customers whose homes were built prior to 1991, or if located in the County, built prior to 1994. Rebates are available for replacement of toilets that use 3.5 gallons per flush or more with HET models that use 1.28 gallons or less per flush.

Makes so much sense to give new owners  <and existing owners> money saving features.  Tucson Water customers can receive $75 per HET with a maximum of $150 for two toilets.
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/water/docs/HET_SF_ToiletREBATE_0416.pdf  Click

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