There really is a lot of positive news behind the sobering headlines about the housing market over the past couple of years, according to the CEO of Long Realty, “Arizona’s Real Estate Company.”

Rosey Koberlein, herself a transplanted Pennsylvanian and Ohioan, believes that the Tucson-area real estate market, and golf course homes in particular, are weathering the storm in the housing industry far better than most sections of the country and while the “first half of 2008 will be continue much like ’07, I expect significant improvement in the second half of  ’08.”

Prices have also held much firmer for golf course homes than other higher-end properties, according to Koberlein, with less than a 10% rollback in prices from the highs of 2005 for homes near golf courses, while there’s been up to a 36% price reduction in other homes in the $500,000-plus category. That’s great news, long-term, for those considering moving near one of the spectacular courses in the Tucson-Green Valley area.

Finding a home that meets all of your criteria of a “dream home” can sometimes be challenging. In many areas of the country, a new home is often a starter home – merely the best you can afford at the time. You may not like the home, the neighborhood, your commute, the neighborhood schools, etc.

The good news is that you don’t have to continue to settle for something you don’t love. You’ll find the house and community of your dreams in Arizona.

There are lots of reasons Arizona is quickly becoming a target for people planning to relocate:

• Breathtaking scenery that combines the desert with mountains and beautiful open skies.
• A business climate that seems to be constantly growing, becoming stronger and offering unlimited employment potential.
• A low cost of living, affordable housing and a relaxed lifestyle.