The Tucson Association of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (TAR/MLS) released its final 2013 year-end statistics today that showed improvements in several key categories beyond sales prices.

Yet in view of a still-tepid local economy, federal government tapering, and concern over mortgage rates, TAR/MLS characterized the region as a “recovering” market.

“Reflecting on 2013, its clear Southern Arizona finds itself in a recovering market, many factors will continue to influence the speed and strength of the recovery.  Employment growth, tourism attraction, economic development and support of existing businesses are all fuel to build a strong economy and ultimately a strong real estate market with responsible home ownership,” said Sue Cartun of Keller Williams Southern Arizona, who served as TAR/MLS President in 2012 and 2013.

Among the local real estate market’s highlights:

• • Total Sales Volume for 2013 was $2.84 billion, the highest total since $3.52 billion in 2007.  Year-over-year, sales were $355 million (14%) higher.
• • Total Unit Sales were 14,819 homes in 2013, the most since 15,726 homes closed in 2006.  Year-over-year, 583 more homes (+4%) sold in 2013 compared to 2012.
• • Total Listings were 28,301 homes in 2013, the most since 29,719 listings in 2011.  Since 2005 however, inventory has fluctuated due to various economic and development conditions.
• • Average Sales Price for 2013 was $191,399, the highest since $201,155 in 2009.  At December 2013 year-end, the level was $202,242.

TAR/MLS is a cooperative real estate database of home listings and sales information. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tucson Association of REALTORS®.

The 2013 Tucson MLS Residential Year-end Review is online at:  https://tucsonrealtors.org/tar-v2/StatsYE2013.pdf

The Tucson Association of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (TAR/MLS) today announced its 2014 Board of Directors officers.

Joining TAR/MLS 2014 President Kimberly Clifton (Tierra Antigua Realty) are:

• President-Elect Henry Zipf (Henry Zipf Realty Company)
• Vice President Kevin Kaplan (Long Realty Company)
• Treasurer David Painter (Realty Executives Tucson Elite)

In November 2013, the incoming TAR/MLS president and 10-member Board was installed.  Individual officers were then selected when the 2014 Board convened in January for the first time.  Clifton served previously as TAR/MLS president in 2008 and 2009.  She co-owns Tierra Antigua Realty, the largest locally owned real estate company in Southern Arizona.

“Kim’s prior experience guiding our MLS operations is a tremendous benefit for members, the association and the broader real estate industry.  She has a thorough and deep knowledge of the system,” said Philip Tedesco, CEO of the Tucson Association of REALTORS® and the TAR/MLS.

TAR/MLS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tucson Association of REALTORS®.  TAR/MLS is a cooperative real estate database of home listings and sales information, online at www.tarmls.com.

The Tucson Association of REALTORS® is the largest trade association in Southern Arizona, representing the interests of over 4,800 professionals as the voice of the real estate industry. REALTOR® is a collective membership mark for use only by members of the National Association of REALTORS®.  More information is at at www.tucsonrealtors.org .