Qualifications to Look for when choosing a Luxury Real Estate Agent

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Choosing the right luxury real estate agent to represent you in your real estate transaction is the most important decision you’ll make when buying or selling your home. This is even more important when you are looking to purchase or sell a high-priced luxury estate. Thankfully, there are organizations that award designations to high-performing Real Estate agents so you can trust in their abilities. Amongst the different regulatory bodies, there are three designations that really stand out when it comes to Luxury Real Estate; Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Million Dollar Guild, and CRS.

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) Logo

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS)

The prestigious CLHMS designation is awarded only to those REALTORS who close three separate transactions valued over the Luxury Threshold Price ($500,000 for Pima County) in any 24-month period. This designation shows how active an agent is over a two-year timespan. As rules and regulations change regularly, it is important to have an agent who is active in the market and can leverage their knowledge and experience for you!

Million Dollar Guild Logo

Million Dollar Guild

This designation rewards the very best of the best. REALTORs® who have closed two single-family residencies priced at $1,000,000 in a two-year span, may be recognized as a member of the Million Dollar Guild. There aren’t many of these Million Dollar homes available, if your agent has sold over two of these estates, they have a proven record of success that will help you get the best price in the shortest time.

Certified Residential Specialist Logo

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

The CRS Award is the highest credential awarded to residential Real Estate agents. To earn the award, REALTORs® must have a high sales volume (60 transactions over 5 years) and the sales must command high prices ($30,000,000 in total transaction value). On average, CRS-awarded agents help three times more clients each year than other agents.

Tony Ray Baker Has All Three Designations … plus several others like EcoBroker.

Now that you know what to look for, where can you find all three designations in one place? Look no further than this very website! Tony Ray Baker and his team at SeeTucsonHomes have a proven record of high-volume sales and over-the-top service. Whether you are buying or selling a luxury property, you can trust Tony Ray Baker to create a conceirge experience that’s just right for you.

Looking to close quickly? He has experience with that! Looking for the highest price possible? You’ll be impressed with his proven marketing system designed to maximize your home value by generating competing offers. Looking for a particular lifestyle? Tony Ray knows Tucson and the surrounding cities better than anyone. After all, he has over 26 years of experience and a lifetime of enjoying all that Tucson has to offer. Contact Tony Ray to get started in building the life of your dreams!
Call today at (520) 631-TONY (8669)

Lofts for Sale

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Buying a loft in Tucson Arizona can be difficult because there are so few lofts for sale. Today, I thought I would give you a few tips if you really want to buy a loft.

Tip #1: Get On My List!

We keep a running list of all buyers who are actively looking for lofts for sale. When we know of one coming up, we call those buyers whom have been patiently waiting before the loft ever goes to the public. So you get to see the loft first!

Lofts for Sale in Tucson AZ Tip #2: Get Pre-Qualified with the Right Lender!

Everyone knows you have to get pre-qualified for your home loan, but you may not know the importance of using the right lender. Several years ago, buyers had a hard time purchasing lofts due to lending rules and other issues related to the occupancy rates, etc. So, we worked with a local lending company who has local underwriters and local appraisers. This process took us a few years, but we did it and now we have been able to get buyers the lofts they want with low down payment loans.

Okay, so now you’re asking “How do I get on the list?”

Call me or email me:
TonyRay@SeeTucsonHomes.com or (520) 631-TONY (8669)
More information about lofts for sale at SeeTucsonLofts.com

Search for Homes in Tucson with Tony Ray
Search for Homes in Tucson with Tony Ray

Catalina Foothills Real Estate with Tony Ray

Catalina Foothills Real Estate with Tony Ray
Catalina Foothills Real Estate with Tony Ray

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Trust Tony Ray's Experience and Industry Connections to Buy or Sell Your Home FAST!

I have been buying and selling homes just like yours in the Catalina Foothills area for over 25 years.  I’ve earned the trust of thousands of valued clients thanks to my dedication and commitment to providing the very best in customer service!

Perhaps that’s why I am consistently among the Top Real Estate Agents in Pima County.  It is also why I keep getting great results for my clients.  But don’t take my word for it, hear directly from them:

Client Reviews

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Golf Course Homes for Sale

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Search for Homes in Tucson with Tony Ray
Search for Homes in Tucson with Tony Ray

Downtown Tucson Real Estate

Find Amazing Homes For Sale Near the Tucson Light Rail
Find Amazing Homes For Sale Near the Tucson Light Rail
Downtown Tucson Real Estate
Downtown Tucson Real Estate

Have you ever dreamed of waking up in the middle of all the action? Downtown Tucson and the surrounding areas invite you to discover the modern, connected lifestyle in a bustling, urban city-center.  Ever since the first run of the Tucson Light Rail / Modern Streetcar, we’ve seen an explosion in the number of business along the track.

Living in Downtown Tucson Real Estate provides you with access to this incredibly efficient mode of transportation, along with all the great shops, restaurants, museums, concert halls, and fantastic businesses that have sprang up to serve you!

Where is Downtown Tucson?

The Hub is a Fixture of Downtown Tucson
The Hub is a Fixture of Downtown Tucson

The very nature of Downtown Tucson changed dramatically with the advent of the Tucson Light Rail.  Before the light rail, Downtown Tucson was a triangle area with I-10 and E 17th St posing as the legs while Toole Ave serves as the hypotenuse.  Within that small footprint were hundreds of businesses serving tens of thousands of customers. It created a logistical nightmare. That was, before the controversial Tucson Modern Streetcar initiative.

Downtown Tucson Connected

The Tucson Light Rail was a critical component of expanding the Downtown Tucson footprint.  The Streetcar track runs from the Mercado District, through Downtown Tucson, then towards the U of A by way of 4th Avenue and University Blvd.

Along this course, the streetcar passes hundreds of amazing local businesses.  From the local downtown grocer, to the posh nightclubs along Congress, everything you need is only a short ride away!

Downtown Tucson Neighborhood Map
Downtown Tucson Neighborhood Map

Downtown Tucson Real Estate, Neighborhoods and Subdivisions

The only thing better then going downtown is living near downtown.  Just imagine. You get the beautiful, Southwest-inspired homes of a historic Tucson neighborhood along with the connected lifestyle of a modern urban city.  It’s the best of both worlds!

Allow me to take you on a tour of Downtown Tucson Real Estate. You’ll experience this tour as a passenger on the Tucson Light Rail.

Come Along With Me!

Homes West of Downtown Tucson

Let’s begin our ride in the Mercado District. Here, we see Menlo Park. Menlo Park is a historic area of land that has been continuously occupied by humans for over 4000 years!  From there, the modern streetcar careens down Cushing Ave towards our next incredible neighborhood, Barrio Viejo!

Homes South of Downtown Tucson

Barrio Viejo is another historic Tucson district. This district has architecture that harkens back to the heady 1870s when Tucson was experiencing rapid development.  We continue our journey past Cushing Ave into the Armory Park and Armory Park Del Sol neighborhoods.

Armory Park and Armory Park Del Sol were named due to the presence of an old armory. It was established in the neighborhood shortly after Arizona became a state. This is one of Tucson’s most iconic subdivisions and is featured in the National Register of Historic Places!

Homes North of Downtown Tucson

Moving on, we find ourselves entering the Iron Horse, Pie Allen and El Presidio neighborhoods. Iron Horse was named after the moniker given to trains during Western expansion.  These trains, called “Iron Horses”, were operated by Southern Pacific. Southern Pacific required all of its employees to live within a certain distance from the railroad tracks.  The employees ended up living in the area which we now know as Iron Horse.

The history behind Pie Allen is equally as interesting.  A former mayor took to baking and selling dried apple pies after a failing career as a gold miner.  These pies became so popular that they eventually supplanted his identity and he became “Pie” Allen. The name now welcomes visitors to the area.

The El Presidio is perhaps the most important neighborhood in Tucson.  It is where it all started for the Old Pueblo. Spanish settlers established Presidio San Augustin del Tucson on land. Shortly after the area was inhabited by Tucson’s founding fathers and rich merchants. Some of Tucson’s most well-known architectural gems are located in this area.

Back on the Tucson Light Rail, we find ourselves heading towards our final stops. The University of Arizona (UA) speaks for itself.  It is a world-class institution with industry-leading professors and faculty. It is also closely connected with the West University Neighborhood.

West University was one of Tucson’s first suburbs. It’s a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Thanks to its proximity to UA, West University has become a cultural hub for music and art in Tucson. It is also the perfect spot for any students or faculty to live. One could just walk out the door, jump on the Tucson Modern Streetcar, and be at their office or class within 5 minutes!

Homes East of Downtown Tucson

Rincon Heights is located South of UA. It is a remarkable neighborhood in it’s own right.  Billed as “the middle of everywhere”, Rincon Heights certainly follows through with the moniker as this central location is close to everything. With easy access to all of Tucson’s prominent spaces, you can’t choose a bad location in the Rincon Heights Neighborhood!

Let’s depart the Tucson Light Rail at the Main Gate Square stop. Look around you and see fantastic shops and fun bars, restaurants, and nightclubs all focused to the college crowd.  Notice all the foreign foods and extravagant fashions. This is what a truly connected lifestyle looks like!

How Do I Get Into Downtown Tucson Real Estate?

I know what you’re asking, “Where do I start?”  Well, you’ve already taken the first step. If you’re reading this, then you’ve learned a ton about Downtown Tucson and the neighborhoods and subdivisions that connect to it. You’ve also learned about the Tucson Modern Streetcar and the connected lifestyle it offers.

Darren and Tony Ray in Downtown Tucson
Darren and Tony Ray in Downtown Tucson

I love Downtown Tucson. I can’t wait to share my years of experience in buying and selling Downtown Tucson Real Estate. It’s not always easy. There are many legal and financial pitfalls that can greet any real estate buyer or seller. I’ve navigated the waters and I have a streamlined process to help you buy or sell your home.

I have an entire team geared towards making your real estate transaction as smooth and effortless as possible. You’ll stay in the loop the whole time with regular emails and phone conversations with both Darren and I. Trust the Tony Ray Baker Group with your Downtown Tucson Real Estate purchases or sales.

Let’s Get Started!

Take the second step in your journey today by telling me a little about yourself. If you’re a buyer, we’ll use that info to set up a custom home search. If you’re a seller, we’ll set up an initial consultation.

Don’t wait another moment to buy or sell the Downtown Tucson Real Estate of your dreams!  Give me a call today at (520) 631-TONY (8669) or fill out the Contact Form in the right column (just below this for mobile users).

Find Amazing Homes For Sale Near the Tucson Light Rail
Find Amazing Homes For Sale Near the Tucson Light Rail

Northwest Tucson Luxury Neighborhoods

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Imagine your life in scenic Northwest Tucson!  Featuring sweeping views and fantastic luxury properties, you are going to love your wonderful home in Northwest Tucson.

New Construction

Free Builders Info and Tucson Relocation Package



    New Construction: What You Need To Know

    • Representation by your buyer’s broker is usually paid by the seller or builder. So, why not exploit this advantage?
    • Site agents, represent the builder and are expected to get the best deal for the builder!
    • You are much more likely to lose money by not using a buyer’s agent.
    • Having representation by a qualified buyer’s agent (ABR – Accredited Buyer’s Representative) is often FREE!
    Let me explain…

    New Construction: W­hy Do You Need A Buyer’s Agent If You Are Planning To Buy A New Construction?

    Many people enjoy looking for a new home.  It can be an exciting event consisting of seeing many homes, getting ideas, and deciding where your furniture will fit. New ConstructionMany others, however, find that the thought of purchasing a home, especially one which is older, is potentially fraught with pitfalls. They just can’t bring themselves to buy someone else’s problems. A perfect solution may be to build a new home of your very own with all the features and amenities you desire.  But, wait… How does that become a different buying process?  Can’t I just go to the new home buying store and get what I want? Well, that would be great but it’s not quite that easy as you may have guessed.  The first thing to do is find a qualified real estate buyer’s agent to represent you. But, you say… Don’t they already have agents at the showroom who already know all about their paperwork?  The models?  The upgrades, amenities they offer? All of the pricing that we need? Why, yes they do!  And guess who they represent?  They represent the builder.  It is their job to get the best deal they can for that builder.  The builder is their client.  You are their customer.  There is a distinctive difference between being a client vs being a customer. A dual agency is created if you are represented by the site agent for the builder.  The agent is not legally capable of presenting you with options which can benefit you against their client, the builder.

    New Construction: You Should Have A Buyer’s Agent Representing You Just Like The Builder Has A Seller’s Agent Representing Them.

    Your buyer’s agent will be familiar with the pitfalls of buying and building a new home. They offer the best advice when glitches occur in the process and help you through difficulties and delays which can occur for many reasons. It is a very common practice for the site agent to offer incentives if you agree to use the builder’s financing.  Although this may be an advantage, it can also cost you on the back end. New ConstructionIt has even been known to happen, that these back-end fees tacked onto the mortgage, prevent the home from meeting the appraisal value. Whereby, you would be under contract to come up with thousands of additional dollars in order to successfully close on your dream home. Your buyer’s agent can help you make the right decisions, weigh the options and find the financing that best meets your financial needs.  The site agents, working for the builder, usually enjoy working with a buyers agent for many reasons. It makes the paperwork go much more smoothly since they do not need to represent the buyer.  Professional buyer’s agents are familiar with the process and are better able to advise the buyer. Which frees up the site agent to go and assist another buyer. The buyer’s agent is also keeping track of time lines. They know when to spring into action to prevent issues before they occur.  The buyer’s agent is also able to answer many of the questions the buyer has prior to the initial visit so that the buyer is much more informed.

    New Construction: The Showroom

    Building a house for your dream home can be very exciting. It can also be very intimidating.  Once you have chosen the lot location, the model, the custom elevation, the exterior colors, and roof, then comes the showroom. New ConstructionIf the thought of picking out a paint color for your current kitchen is daunting, imagine how involved picking out every surface, finish, knob, switch plate, trim-piece, stair-railing. Your buyer’s agent can help you through this process with experience and guidance which can be invaluable.  Your buyer’s agent should be able to advise you as to what will bring value to the new home or what items are just expensive extravagances. This can become very important to you when you start to go “over-budget” and have to decide where you are willing to cut in favor of a more important feature. Many people involved in the plan to get everything just right for you.

    New Construction: If You Don’t Have A Buyer’s Agent On Your Side, How Will You Deal With An Inflexible Builder, A Non-Responsive Site Agent, Inspections, Paperwork, Documents And Terms?

    New ConstructionConsidering how many people are involved with, ordering of materials, back orders, out of stock, discontinued choices, miscommunication, and human nature issues, this can be just the tip of the iceberg.  Plainly, there are many ways that things can go other than planned. Unless you are planning to take on the new build as a second career, why would you not have an agent working for you to help keep things going in the right direction, protecting your interests, scheduling professionals for inspections and performing all levels of negotiation and corrections on your behalf. When you consider the seller pays for your representation and for the services you receive, doesn’t it just make sense?  Experienced buyers agents are adept at negotiation and how to present a request to other agents and builders. And just FYI. Once you have moved into your new home, your buyer’s agent is still there for you when issues arise pertaining to your home. Have a great day, Tony Ray 🙂  

    Vail Properties For Sale

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    Search for Homes in Tucson with Tony Ray
    Search for Homes in Tucson with Tony Ray