Brad's Real Estate Blog

Local Agent Earns REALTOR e-PRO^® Certification

(06/26/08) – Brad Snyder of Haymore Real Estate has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.^®

The REALTOR e-PRO^Ò certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” said Brad Snyder of Haymore Real estate. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.”

The exclusive REALTOR e-PRO^Ò certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help REALTORS^Ò stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.

Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.

Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade^®. The course instructs participants in the professional use of e-mail, the development of an interactive Web site, and the use of online research tools. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.

For more information, e-mail Brad Snyder at brad@bradsnyder.com or call 520-227-6694.

Cochise County Economic Update

April 9, 2008

 Below is a compilation of articles from newspapers across Cochise County. Articles are selected for inclusion based on their relevancy to the local economy. The Cochise County Economic Update is brought to you biweekly by the Cochise College Center for Economic Research.

  More homes equal good opportunity: Some see that chance in SV housing market

By Laura Ory
Herald/Review

Monica and Brian Madrid are in no hurry to buy a home, but they’re entertaining the idea while the timing is ripe….For more, click here

 Copper mine being planned north of Elfrida

By Larry Blaskey
The Daily Dispatch

It’s been more than 20 years since Phelps Dodge closed down its copper operation in Douglas, but copper mining could be coming back….For more, click here

 Nonprofits struggling in the slow economy

By Laura Ory
Herald/Review

As local nonprofits brace for tough times, an economist on Friday offered advice on ways they can stay afloat….For more, click here

 Fort schools bill takes step forward

By Bill Hess
Herald/Review

An Arizona Senate committee on Wednesday approved a bill that will allow the Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools to establish….For more, click here

 Economic forum: Outlook shows city caught in national slowdown

By Laura Ory
Herald/Review

Indicators of an economic downturn were the dish du jour Wednesday at the 2008 Sierra Vista Economic Outlook Luncheon….For more, click here

 Supervisors trade ideas on overcoming cash shortfall

By Shar Porier
Herald/Review

Even though the economy of Cochise County is rather insulated for the rest of this fiscal year due to Fort Huachuca and the large retiree population….For more, click here

 New regional economic development group unveiled

By Ted Morris
Herald/Review

A new economic development group has risen up and is claiming to represent all of Cochise County….For more, click here

 High gas prices have impact on locals

By Laura Ory
Herald/Review

Arizona gas prices hit a record high Tuesday and local consumers are handing over about $9 more since October….For more, click here

 The Social Security dilemma

By Robert Carreira

Special to Herald/Review

To get our minds off the subprime mortgage meltdown, the housing market slump, the credit crunch, the impending recession, and looming inflationary concerns, let’s turn….For more, click here

 HC council OKs Campstone development

By Laura Ory
Herald/Review

HUACHUCA CITY — The Town Council approved a development agreement for a 2,020-home development, Campstone, at the council meeting Thursday….For more, click here

 Income growth in Arizona rises at slowest pace in U.S.

By Howard Fischer, Capital Media Services

Herald/Review

Personal income in Arizona rose at a slower rate between 2006 and 2007 than any other state….For more, click here

 Higher fees for planning work will impact Babocomari Road district

By Shar Porier
Herald/Review

With questions concerning the cost of a change order for engineering work to be done for the Babocomari Road Improvement….For more, click here

 Bisbee council discusses future of airport

By Shar Porier
Herald/Review

Balancing a budget for a small airport is a difficult task, as the Bisbee City Council is learning….For more, click here

 Union Pacific gives $75 K to improve Railroad Park

By Carol Broeder

Arizona Range News

The City of Willcox received a $75,000 check last week from Union Pacific Railroad to fund park and street improvements in historic downtown….For more, click here

 Opportunity Naco: At the nexus of Naco and San Jose, businesses see promise

By Ted Morris
Herald/Review

This unincorporated town, often ridiculed as a sleepy backwater, is coming of age as a premier location for business….For more, click here

 Naco visionaries banking on community’s rich history

By Ted Morris
Herald/Review

This tiny border community is full of possibilities when it comes to tourism and other recreational attractions….For more, click here

 Sierra Vista’s budget uncertain; with state funding a question mark, city focuses on priorities in planning for FY 2009

By Gentry Braswell
Herald/Review

The city departments have turned in their estimated budgets to city finance staff for the fiscal year 2009….For more, click here

 With hot dog stand, Pionkes invest in area

By Ted Morris
Herald/Review

Jim and Pamela Pionke believe enough in their community that they have invested close to a quarter-million-dollars into….For more, click here

 CER RELEASES COCHISE COUNTY HOUSING MARKET SUMMARY: This report provides a summary of recent trends (2004-2007) in existing single family residential home sales in Cochise County. Data included are the volume of sales, median price, median price changes, average selling price as a percent of asking price, average price per square foot, average price per square foot changes, and average number of days on the market. The report provides data for all of Cochise County, as well as specific breakdowns for Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Huachuca City, Sierra Vista, and Tombstone. Also included are breakdowns of data by area of the county, as follows: Northwest Cochise County (includes Benson, Cascabel, Dragoon, Pomerene, St. David, and surrounding areas); Southwest Cochise County (includes Sierra Vista, Huachuca City, Tombstone, Hereford, Nicksville, Palominas, Whetstone, and surrounding areas); Northeast Cochise County (includes Willcox, Bowie, Cochise, Dragoon, Dos Cabezas, Kansas Settlement, Paradise, Pearce, Portal, San Simon, Sunizona, Sunsites, and surrounding areas); and Southeast Cochise County (includes Douglas, Bisbee, Apache, Bisbee Junction, Double Adobe, Elfrida, McNeal, Naco, and surrounding areas). To view the report, click here.

 SIGN UP TO BE A PANELIST FOR THE COCHISE COUNTY BUSINESS LEADERS CONFIDENCE INDEX (BLCI). The BLCI measures expectations of business leaders with regard to the future direction of the national and state economies, as well as economic conditions and trends impacting their specific industries. By bringing this survey to Cochise County, we’re able to develop a separate index for the county, gleaning valuable information on the expectations of local business and industry leaders. This will help us gain a more complete picture from which to forecast future economic performance. If you’re a business or community leader in Cochise County, please sign up to become a BLCI panelist. To sign up, or to learn more about the BLCI, click here.

 BECOME A CER SPONSOR. The Center for Economic Research is an auxiliary department of Cochise College. As such, the CER is charged with raising its own operating budget through sponsorships, grants, gifts, and other sources of funding independent of the college’s annual budget. The CER offers a wide range of sponsorship levels, each of which comes with a sponsorship benefit package. If you find the CER’s products and services to be valuable, please consider becoming a CER sponsor. Donations to the CER are tax deductible. To find out more about becoming a CER sponsor, click here.

 ADD YOUR LOGO BY SPONSORING THE COCHISE COUNTY ECONOMIC UPDATE: The CER is currently seeking sponsors to cover the cost of producing and disseminating the Cochise County Economic Update. The Update is disseminated biweekly via email to approximately 1,000 business and community leaders and residents of Cochise County and Southeast Arizona. The list of email recipients is constantly growing. Sponsors are identified by the placement of their company/agency logo, or sponsor name, at the top of the Update. Logos are linked to the sponsor’s website so readers can learn more about our sponsors. Sponsorships are available for a single issue of the Cochise County Economic Update, or on a continuing basis. The cost to the CER of producing a single issue is $250. Your tax deductible donation to the CER as a Cochise County Economic Update sponsor will help us in educating business and community leaders and residents on economic issues affecting Cochise County. To become a sponsor of the Cochise County Economic Update, or to find out more information about becoming a sponsor, contact us at ceroffice@cochise.edu.

   Note: The Cochise College Center for Economic Research compiles the news stories in the Cochise County Economic Update as a public service, without making any warranty, express or implied, or assuming any legal liability or responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, or usefulness, or representing that its distribution or use would not infringe on privately owned rights. The reader assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document and any related or linked documents. If you’d prefer not to receive the Economic Update, please reply to this email and type REMOVE in the email subject block. If you have any recommendations on how we may improve this project, please let us know.

William Shakespeare may have said “To be, or not to be: that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them?” But for those selling a home in our current market, the real question should be “To Sell or not to Sell”.

It’s a question many Sierra Vista and Cochise County homeowners ask themselves when they contemplate selling a home. Many Arizona homeowners find the current real estate market scary and confusing. New and existing home sales in Cochise County are down as they are across the country. This combined with a large listing inventory makes it a “Buyers’ Market”, which isn’t what most home sellers want to hear. Choosing the right time to sell can have an enormous effect on the price you get for your home.

These are all things to consider when listing a house for sale in Sierra Vista. But don’t be intimidated. If you don’t know much abut real estate or the housing market, I am a qualified real estate agent and I can give you some guidance. Some homeowners may want to try to sell the home without a REALTOR. Some may think they just can’t afford a professional realtor, but by not using an agent, they must list the house, advertise it, show it, and facilitate the closing. If they don’t have enough motivation or exposure, you probably aren’t going to sell the home.

The key in today’s market is to find an experienced real estate agent to help you sell your home – someone who’s familiar with the housing market and trends in your neighborhood. Your real estate agent can help you with a number of things when selling your home. Good real estate agents are not only knowledgeable about the housing market and when to sell your home; they can also help you to advertise you house for sale. Real estate agents have access to a special house listing service called the MLS, the multiple listing service. Real estate agents from all over the world list homes for sale by region on the MLS. It is an extremely valuable resource for those looking for a home as well as those wanting to advertise a house for sale. If you’re thinking of selling your home, call a REALTOR® for a consultation before you make any decisions.

If you are thinking about selling your home, call me for a FREE, no obligation consultation.

Make it a great day!

Brad Snyder - The "45 Day Listing" REALTOR®

What is your level of community involvement? All too often, it seems like we complain about things in our communities. There is a lot of talk about how some people give money to local charities. I think as a whole, each of us should and could do more. For example it’s not just donating money that allows us to give back to our communities; Time is also a valuable asset. Many of us can donate time. I have made a personal commitment to put more of my time doing something good for my community, rather then waiting for someone else to do it.

When you ask people about community service many say they would love to perform some but often never follow through with it for two reasons. One of the reason is people have never been shown the harsh reality that some people experience, such as elders eating cat food because it’s cheaper. Second, people are a bit intimidated by the fact that they don’t know how they can help. Just imagine for a minute if we committed ourselves to 12 hours of community service every year. That is just one hour a month. Its one thing to say, “I want to make a difference”; and another thing to see it put in action.

I understand that we have busy lives. I’m not disputing that. But I would much rather put some energy and effort into feeling as if I’m making a difference in the community rather then have to listen to people arguing or complaining about problems in our communities.

It all starts with our ability to put plans in actions rather then sit and rant about it. I would like it if we did less talking and had more action. We should spend time creating something positive!

Christmas is still a couple of months away and most of you are not even thinking about the holiday season. I am a Christmas person because Christmas usually brings out the positive attitude in people.

Think about the people you know who have achieved outstanding results in life. They have personal qualities that have enabled them to attain their goals and aspirations. I believe that the "attitude" of an individual plays an extremely strong role in the successes achieved during their lifetime.

These people have had ups and downs in life. They have suffered disappointments, defeat, personal losses, and have dealt with similar discouragements that confront us all. This is the nature of life, and being human means that events regularly occur that throw us curve balls. It is how we react and respond to these events that makes the difference.

It has been said that difficult experiences are the ones that teach us the greatest life lessons. The market slowdown will be the undoing of some individuals, and others will learn and grow from the experience. What is the difference in those that get stronger and those that fail during tough times? One word…… ATTITUDE.

Your attitude affects many of your other personal qualities. An enthusiastic attitude increases your level of commitment, discipline, determination, and desire. Conversely, a negative attitude diminishes these personal attributes. Your attitude shapes every aspect of your life and how you live it. Too many people waste a great deal of time being negative. The simple fact is, you cannot always control what happens in life. There are certain things you can not avoid. You can, however, get through the rough spots easier if you force yourself to develop a positive attitude. When you get up in the morning, forget yesterday and realize today contains a brand new set of opportunities. Develop your mind not your emotion. Continually weigh and measure every situation, refining and keeping the good things, discarding the bad. You will soon discover that life really is about attitude.

So, let me be the first to wish you a happy holiday season. I hope that you choose not to be a Scrooge throughout the year. Choose to have a positive attitude everyday and you will find success in your personal and professional life.

If you have been watching the news lately, you'll keep hearing that it is a buyer's market. I thought I should give some insight on How Home Values Are Determined. Homeowners typically likes particular aspects of their home. It is important to remember these likes and dislikes have less to do with value that you might think.

• Value is truly a moment in time, and is based on what else buyers can buy, the day they go out and look at your house.
• Prices are not forever, because values are fluid. They go up, and they go down, depending what other sellers do with their prices.
• Value is never an isolated concept, its always relationship concept, value in relationship to what other people buy.
• Agents and Sellers set prices, but buyers determine value. This is critical because we can set prices all day long, but we don't have any control over the market. The buyer will tell us if the price is right.

What does not affect value?

• What you paid for the house
• Your remodeling costs
• The amount of cash you need to buy your new house
• What you want for your house
• What I say your house is worth
• What other real estate agents say your house is worth
• What an appraiser says your house is worth
• What the tax assessor said your house was worth

How is value determined?

It is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay in today's market, based on the comparison of your house with others on the market, both here and in other areas.

(Analogy: Buyers don't just say" I'm only going to buy in the Summit Ridge Subdivision in Sierra Vista." They don't look just in the Summit Ridge Subdivision; they look at a larger category of inventory, across many subdivisions in Sierra Vista. They screen price range, bedrooms, bathrooms, school zones, etc.)

Who determines value?

BUYERS -  I have never, ever spoken with a buyer who said, " I don't like that house on Elm Street, but let's go look at comparable properties to determine its value." Buyers don't care about comparables (nor the value of your home) unless they like your home. The most critical data you can operate off of when determining the value of your home is from the homes available in the marketplace the day the buyer goes out and shops.

UNDERSTANDING COMPETITION

People with their homes on the market are competing with the other people and builders who have homes on the market. The number of Buyers is limited and you have to be the best deal if you want your home chosen. Do not ever misunderstand that you are in a race; a competition to attract the best buyer for your home!

UNDERSTANDING CHANGE

If the market changes tonight and your competition all drop their prices $5,000, then you wake-up tomorrow over-priced. And you have to do something about it. This is the concept of "value is a moment in time." Do not ever think that you have "set" the price on your home and that you do not need to pay attention to value movements in your marketplace.

WHAT ABOUT COMPS?

"Comps"  is a real estate industry term, short for comparable property sales in the past, that many people errantly rely on to determine value. The critical error that they make is the assumption that markets don't go up and don't go down! BAD ASSUMPTION! No other commodity works that way! Why would houses?

"LIVING IN THE SONORAN DESERT"

As it applies to Cochise County, Arizona

Life in rural Cochise County holds many pleasures, but it also presents some unique challenges. We hope the following tips will help you decide if rural Arizona living is for you.

Introduction: It is important to become aware of the realities of living in rural Arizona. It is also important for you to know that life in the desert is different from life in the city.

Individuals move into these areas to experience the openness of the natural desert setting and the rustic feel.

You need to be prepared.

If you are looking at a home or land to build in rural Arizona, you need to be prepared. County governments are often unable to provide the same level of service that large city governments provide. You should think about transportation, communication, education, health care, employment and public services that are essential to our modern way of life. To that end, here you will find the following information to help you make an educated and informed decision before you purchase property or build a home in rural areas of Cochise County.

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1.0 ROADS AND ACCESS: The fact that you can drive to your property does not necessarily guarantee that your guests or emergency vehicles can. Please consider:

1.1 Emergency response times (sheriff, fire, ambulance, etc.,) cannot be guaranteed. Under some conditions, you may find that emergency response is extremely slow due to circumstances beyond the control of emergency service providers.

1.2 There can be problems with the legal aspects of access, especially if your "access" crosses someone else's property. It is wise to obtain legal advice and understand that easements may be necessary.

1.3 Cochise County maintains only some of paved roads, and fewer of the dirt and gravel roads. There are public roads in this County that are not maintained (meaning no grading). Check with the County Road Office to determine the status of a specific road.

1.4 Cochise County experiences extreme weather conditions during the monsoon season which can damage or destroy roads and bridges. It is wise to determine whether or not your private access road was properly engineered and constructed. Even with proper engineering, annual road maintenance can be expected. This can require renting or owning special equipment (tractors, etc.).

1.5 Many large construction vehicles cannot navigate narrow roads and bridges. If you plan to build, it is prudent to check out construction access. Rural residences can be more costly to build due to delivery fees and cost required to get materials to your site.

1.6 School buses travel only on maintained public roads previously designated as school bus routes by the school district. Children may need to be driven to designated school bus pick-up locations.

1.7 In extreme weather even County-maintained roads can become impassable. You may need a four-wheel drive vehicle to travel on some washed out roads. Under certain conditions, roads become narrower. Yielding the right of way is not merely a legal concept, it is a critical safety issue. Living in a rural area means developing special driving skills and good judgment. Driving off road to avoid bad road sections can make a situation worse, tearing up road banks and accelerating erosion. (Don't do it.)

1.8 Don't expect neighbors to join a petition asking for improved service from the County. This includes, but is not limited to: road paving and maintenance, and animal and child advisory signage. Rural counties survive on volunteerism. Costs are kept down by the willingness of the populace to go without many things suburban and urban people regard as necessities. Rural people cherish their independence and willingness to take care of their own.

1.9 Natural disasters, especially floods, can destroy roads. Although Cochise County will repair and maintain County roads, subdivision and private roads are the landowners' responsibility. Rain and run-off can turn a dry creek bed into a raging torrent, washing out roads, bridges and culverts. Residents served by private roads and/or bridges have been hit with large bills for repairs and/or reconstruction after floods.

1.10 Unpaved roads generate dust and often lots of it. In our dry desert climate, dust is a pervasive problem. At the least, dust is an unpleasant and on-going fact of life for most rural residents. In some cases, health problems can result.

1.11 If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that Cochise County will pave it in the foreseeable future. Check with the County if a seller of property indicates that unpaved roads will be paved!

1.12 Unpaved roads often "washboard" when dry and dusty, and become muddy and slippery when wet. Vehicle maintenance costs can go up with regular travel on rural County roads.

1.13 Sometimes it may seem we're still in the days of the Pony Express. Don't expect the same urban efficiency with regards to mail, newspaper and other delivery services.

1.14 Clearly display your address at your driveway entrance for use by emergency services and delivery vehicles.

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2.0 UTILITY SERVICES: Water, sewer, natural gas, cable television, electric, telephone and other services may be unavailable or not up to par with urban standards. Also, be prepared for delays.

2.1 Telephone communication can be a problem, especially in Cochise County's outlying areas. Cellular phones may not work in all areas.

2.2 Sewer service is generally available only within municipalities. You will need to use an approved septic system or other treatment process. Soil type, depth to ground water or bedrock, wash setbacks, and slope are important elements in determining the cost and function of your system. Contact the Cochise County Environmental Health Department for requirements.

2.3 Most rural residents rely on wells for their water supply. You should know the differences between well and municipal water supplies. Costs to establish a well can be considerable, and water quality and quantity are often unreliable. Water quantity is becoming increasingly problematic in Cochise County and the west.

2.4 Electric service is not available to every region of Cochise County. It can be very expensive to extend power lines to remote areas.

2.5 Proper utility easements are essential. Be sure you know where your utilities come from and if needed easements are in place.

2.6 Electric power in single phase is standard, but a three-phase service configuration comes at a premium and is not available everywhere. If you have special power requirements, it is important to know what level of service can be provided to your property.

2.7 Electric service fees usually consist of a one-time hook-up fee and thereafter your monthly bill. It is important to know both costs before making a decision to purchase a specific piece of property.

2.8 Power outages are a fact of rural living. Be prepared. An outage can turn off your well pump, your freezer, your cooling source, computer, etc.

2.9 Trash removal is sometimes unavailable or inconvenient in rural areas. It is illegal to create your own trash dump, even on your own land. It is important to research your options regarding removal and recycling. Contact the Cochise County Environmental Health Department and the Cochise County Planning Department.

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3.0 THE PROPERTY: Owning rural land means knowing how to care for it. Continual stewardship and land management are essential elements of rural life. There are many issues that can affect your property. It is important to research these items before purchasing land.

3.1 Encroachment permits may are required for access onto County-maintained roads. A proposed driveway may conflict with safety and traffic flow. If possible, please check with the Road Department regarding such access prior to purchasing your property. Existing easements may require you to allow construction of roads, power lines, sewer lines, etc. across your land. Some easements may not be recorded. Check these issues carefully.

3.2 Many property owners do not own the mineral rights below their property. Subsurface owners often have the ability to alter surface characteristics in order to extract minerals. It is very important to know the type of minerals under your land and who owns them. Be aware that adjacent mining uses can expand and cause negative impacts.

3.3 You may be provided with a plat of your property. Do not assume the plat is accurate unless the land has been surveyed and pins placed by a licensed surveyor.

3.4 Fences and outbuildings often straddle property lines. A survey of the land is the only way to confirm the location of your property lines.

3.5 Many subdivisions and planned unit developments have covenants or deed restrictions that limit the use of the property. It is important to obtain a copy of the covenants (or confirm that there are none) and make sure that you can live with those rules. Also, a lack of covenants can cause problems between neighbors.

3.6 Property owner associations are required to take care of common elements such as road maintenance, weeds, open space, etc. A dysfunctional property owners' association or poor covenants can cause problems for you and possibly involve you in expensive litigation.

3.7 Property owners' associations typically collect dues. The property owners' association bylaws will tell you how the organization operates and how dues are set.

3.8 Open land will probably not remain so indefinitely. The Cochise County Planning Department can help determine whether property is zoned and if there are plans for future development. The view from your property may change.

3.9 Portions of Cochise County are zoned differently. Before you buy or build, check with the Cochise County Planning Department to see if zoning restrictions apply to the property. You may need a land use permit prior to construction and certain uses may be restricted.

3.10 Your new home site is a particularly important decision because it is so permanent. New arrivals often build their homes on the highest ridge or hilltop. There can be numerous disadvantages to such siting. Weather and exposure can wreck havoc with hilltop homes. Access and obtaining water can also present problems. Plus such sitting can spoil everyone else's view.

3.11 Understanding the soil and its limitations can be very useful. Soil types can help determine appropriate building and road locations, septic systems and landscaping.

3.12 Cochise County landowners are responsible for controlling weeds on their property and can be held legally accountable if they fail to do so.

3.13 If you have a wash on your property, the wash owners have the right to access your property to maintain the wash.

3.14 Water rights that are sold with the property.

3.15 It is important to make sure that any water rights you purchase with the land will provide enough water.

3.16 You cannot assume you have a right to water.

3.17 Flowing water can be a hazard, especially to young children. Before you decide to live near an active wash, consider the possible danger to your family. Wash owners are not legally responsible for accidents. Also, flow levels may change abruptly without warning.

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4.0 MOTHER NATURE: Rural residents usually experience more problems when the elements and earth turn unfriendly. Here are some thoughts to consider:

4.1 The physical characteristics of your property can be positive and negative. Trees are a wonderful environmental amenity, but also provide the fuel behind forest fires. Building at the top of a wash should be considered as dangerous as building in a flood area. Wild fires are not uncommon. Defensible perimeters are very helpful in protecting buildings from wild fires and inversely can protect the area from igniting if your house catches on fire. If you start a wildfire, you may get the bill to put it out. Contact your local fire district for more information.

4.2 Land topography can tell you where the water will go during heavy precipitation. Sometimes landowners fill a ravine only to find water running through their home during the next monsoon.

4.3 A flash flood can occur, especially during the summer months, turning a dry wash into a raging river. Flash floods often occur without warning after heavy rainfall. Drainage, canals, streambeds, canyons, and washes are potential flood areas, and roads and trails that parallel these waterways may be swept away by floodwaters. Do no drive through the already flooded areas. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can sweep a car from the road and disguise a washed out roadbed. It is wise to consider this when building. Portions of the County have delineated floodplains or flood-prone areas where home construction is either prohibited or regulated. You may need a floodplain permit. Contact the Cochise County Planning Department.

4.4 Nature can provide you with some wonderful neighbors. Most, such as rabbits and are positive additions to the environment. Rural development encroaches on the traditional habitat of coyotes, javelinas, rattlesnakes, mosquitos, tarantulas, gila monsters and other possibly dangerous or nuisance creatures. It's best to know how to avoid them. In general, it is wise to enjoy wildlife from a distance and make appropriate accommodations for your trash and pets.

4.5 The weather is one of the most talked about things in Cochise County. If you plan to make Cochise County your permanent home, expect seasonal fluctuations (temperatures, winds, rainfall). Although the weather can be unpredictable year-round, recorded averages can give you an idea of what to expect. Many people have moved to Cochise County following a pleasant stay during the fall, experienced one or two hot summer’s then moved away.

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IN CONCLUSION: Images of the Old West draw people to an area once filled with miners, farmers, ranchers, land other agricultural workers. Often newcomers are much more romantic about the West than the old-timers and have false hopes about bringing their urban lifestyles into the great outdoors. They come with false expectations. They believe they can fax and e-mail from the desert. In rural areas, the information superhighway is often a dirt road. The information presented here is intended as a guideline and an introduction to some of the realities of rural living. You may discover other issues that have not been covered. We encourage you to research and examine all aspects of desert living so you will enjoy Cochise County and not have any unpleasant surprises.

We offer these comments in the sincere hope you better understand how things work in the desert. Cochise County is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. We hope this information will help enhance the quality of your life. Respect your neighbors' livelihood and property, and be aware that your actions may have an adverse impact on your neighbors, human and otherwise.

But then isn't that why you came here?

Although many of the previous statements may sound discouraging, we believe the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. Not only is it the way it is, but it is also the way many rural Arizonan’s like it. That's why they live here and hope that if you choose to be their neighbors; you will embrace the whole experience of living in the Sonoran desert.