The City of Tucson’s Development Services Department launched new website called Property Research Online, which provides property information from multiple jurisdictions.

Researchers can enter an address or parcel and the tool will return a list of relevant information including zoning, proximity to FEMA and local floodplain designations, washes and natural habitats, scenic and hillside zones, landfill and airport environs zones, impact fee areas, future right of ways, enterprise zones and jurisdictional information. PRO also links to a map which displays overlays and aerial photos of the property, as well as to information regarding ownership, entitlements, stipulations, encumbrances and permit issues.

The new search tool searches databases maintained by the City of Tucson, Pima County and other sources to locate what features are on a piece of property and how those features will guide its development.

The information was publicly available, just not all in one place.

Development Services staff is offering brief tutorials on the search tool. For information, send an e-mail to DSD_Help_Desk@tucsonaz.gov .

February housing sales, average price are up

The Tucson region’s housing market saw an uptick in February on new and resale closings and average sales price, according to the monthly Southern Arizona Housing Market Letter issued by John Strobeck, owner of Bright Future Business Consultants.

Closings on new homes totaled 265 in February, up from 257 in January. Resale closings were up almost 16 percent, to 830, from 717 in January. For 2008, Strobeck is forecasting closing volume of 3,500, but said that might be high if the number of permits doesn’t increase during the second half of the year.

So far, 451 permits have been issued this year; 236 in February and 215 in January.

Strobeck’s figures put the average home sales price in February at $280,570, up 3 percent from $272,260 in January. He attributed much of the bump to 14 sales of homes at $1 million or more; nine resale homes and four new construction homes.

In general, though, Strobeck said the resale home market is beginning to reflect more reasonable asking prices considering current market conditions.

But, he said, pricing of new home construction continues to be hampered by government regulations. Strobeck said he and Ed Taczanowsky, president of the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association, discussed their dismay at the roadblocks the industry is facing "even in a time when the industry is in dire straits and the revenue to these governments from homebuilding is way down" and negatively impacting their ability to deliver basic governmental services.

Strobeck said "there are 70 bills in the legislature affecting homebuilding. Each one adds to the price of a home, as it is the homebuyer that pays all of the fees in the price of the home. When homebuyers find that homes are not affordable they look for creative financing. Creative financing is one of the factors that put the industry in the situation that we find today."

Re/Max agent Allen wins Hall of Fame award

Marni Allen, with Re/Max All Executives, has been presented with the Re/Max Hall of Fame Award honoring agents who have earned more than $1 million in commissions during their careers with the company.

Allen has been working in the real estate industry for more than 20 years.

About 12 percent of Re/Max agents have earned the Hall of Fame award.

Green Valley homes going once, going twice

Hughes Development is placing nine new Green Valley homes on the auction block at 1 p.m. March 29.

"Obviously we’re seeing falling prices in a falling market," said Mark Hughes, owner of Hughes Development. "We know what these homes are worth, but if the public’s not willing to buy at that price, it doesn’t matter. We feel by offering three of the homes "absolute" – meaning no minimum bid, we will find out exactly where the market is."

The homes are located within Las Campanas Village just west of La Cañada Drive and one mile north of Esperanza Boulevard. The homes are vacant and available to preview from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day this week.

Terms of the sale call for 10 percent down on the day of the sale with the balance due in 30 days. There are no liens or mortgages on the homes and title insurance will be provided by the seller.

Information on the homes is online at http:// www.thelarsencompany.com, or call the Larsen Company at 1-800-697-2615.

Two active adult communities open for new sales

K. Hovnanian and Robson Communities have launched sales for new active adult communities at opposite ends of the Tucson region.

Hovnanian is opening its first active adult community in Arizona, Four Seasons Rancho del Lago, a 522-home, age-restricted community in Vail. It an 18-hole golf course with nine lakes and the del Lago Golf Club, all at the base of the Rincon Mountains. Outdoor amenities include two pools and spa, tennis courts, racquetball courts, bocce ball courts, an events lawn, a three-hole putting green and walking trails.

Andy Pedersen, regional director of marketing for K. Hovnanian Homes, says the homes should be especially attractive to people retiring from the East Coast, California and Texas.

Four Seasons Rancho del Lago features three basic floor plans ranging from 1,200 square-feet to more than 2,800 square-feet, priced from $189,000. There 12 completed, fully-decorated model homes now open.

Meanwhile, five miles north of SaddleBrooke on State Highway 77, Robson Communities has opened SaddleBrooke Ranch.

Robson has developed new models for this project, all emphasizing outdoor living. SaddleBrooke Ranch has an 18-hole golf course and construction has been started on a sports and aquatic center that will include a wellness center.

Asphalt Contrator among top for Contractor of the Year

Tucson Asphalt Contractors is among 12 national finalists for Contractor of the Year 2008, sponsored by leading national trade magazine Equipment World and construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc.

The Contractor of the Year is selected on the basis of their growth over the past five years, endorsements from customers and vendors and the contribution they have made to the construction industry.

Tucson Asphalt Contractors services include geotextile fabric overlays, excavation, grading, paving, underground utilities, covered parking and imprinted asphalt.

All finalists received a four-day trip to Las Vegas and attended the NASCAR Nextel Cup race courtesy of Caterpillar, sponsor of the No. 22 Caterpillar Toyota Camry.

Worth noting

• JP Morgan Chase purchased a financial pad on the Northeast corner of Oracle and Golder Ranch roads from Oracle Golder LLC for $500,000.00. The property is located in a Bashas Center and will be developed for a bank branch. Brian Harpel, with the Harpel Company, Inc., represented the buyer.

• McDonald’s leased a 39,000 square foot pad within The Shoppes at Tangerine Crossing located at the Northeast corner of Tangerine and Thornydale roads form Old Lobos T&T LLC. Brian Harpel, with The Harpel Company, Inc. represented the tenant. Aaron LaPrise with The Harpel Company, Inc. represented the landlord.

• Zemetrics LLC leased 12,178 square-feet at 3708 E. Columbia St., Suite 110, from Holualoa Columbia Industrial LLC. Rob Glaser of Picor handled the transaction.

• Maly’s Beauty Supply leased 3,000 square-feet at Wetmore Plaza on the southwest corner of Oracle and Wetmore roads. It will be the retailer’s second Tucson location. Rick Borane, of Volk Co., represented the landlord, Benson-Corwin.

• Arizona Art Supply, a Phoenix-based chain, also leased about 3,000 square feet at Wetmore Plaza for its first Tucson location. Rick Borane, of Volk Co., represented the landlord, Benson-Corwin.

E-mail items for this feature to news@azbiz.com. Real Estate & Construction appears weekly.