| What’s happening around town and real estate news?
|  | Dear Friends,
Let’s be honest, there’s no crisp fall breeze floating into southern Arizona any time soon! We are still firmly in peak late summer mode, cranking the A/C, dodging the 100+ degree afternoon heat, and keeping an eye on those welcome monsoon clouds rolling over the mountains.
Despite the heat, the local routine is officially shifting. School buses are back on the roads, neighborhood streets are bustling during early morning drop-offs, and families across Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana are getting into the swing of the new school year. Whether you’re managing school carpools or just navigating a bit more traffic on your morning commute, August always brings a distinct shift in energy across the desert.
Did anyone else get a chance to check out 'Night Ops' at the Pima Air & Space Museum recently? My family and I made it out, and it was such a great evening! It’s always a treat to wander through the grounds at dusk and explore all the historic planes, tanks, military vehicles, and memorabilia. We’re so lucky to have such incredible local gems right in our backyard! Here are some photos from that night.
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What’s Happening Around Town This Month
If you’re looking to stay cool or enjoy the evenings once the sun dips down, here are a few fun events happening locally:
Chillin at Tohono Chul: Cool off with evening music, drinks, and desert views at Tohono Chul’s popular summer night series running through late August.
Summer Night Market at MSA Annex: Head down to the Mercado District for late evening shopping, local artisan pop-ups, and food trucks after the heat breaks.
Movies on the Lawn in Oro Valley: Bring lawn chairs and blankets for a free outdoor family movie night at the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center on Saturday, August 22nd.
Warmly, Diane
Active Home and Land Listings
Call me with any questions regarding my current listings.
Upper Northwest with no HOA - $425,000
15751 N. Twin Lakes Drive, Tucson 85739
3 bedrooms / 2 baths / 1814 sqft / 2 car garage
Gorgeous Views on Tucson's Westside - $300,000
5593 N Park Ridge Place, Tucson 85743
3.56 Acre Lot / No Hoa / Paved Roads / Utilities at Lot
360 Degree Views in Oro Valley - $215,000
520 E Eden Place #25, Oro Valley 85704
1.93 Acre Lot / No HOA / Water Meter Installed / Utilities at Lot
Guard Gated Community of Sabino Springs - $150,000
10215 E. Sabino Estates Dr. Lot #42, Tucson 85749
1 Acre Lot / Gated / Cul-de-sac / Utilities at Lot
Under Contract
1185 W. Weathered Stone Place, Oro Valley 85755
4 bedrooms plus den / 4 baths / 4,117 sqft / 3 car garage / 1.56 acres
Listed at $1,900,000
837 N. Circulo Zagala, Tucson 85745
4 Bedroom / 4 Bath / 3298 sqft / 3 car garage / pool
Listed at $899,900
4800 N. Paseo Sonoyta Tucson 85750
3 Bedrooms / 3 Bath / 2681 sqft / 2 car garage / .74 acres
Listed at $899,900
13496 N. Wide View Dr. Oro Valley 85755
2 Bedroom / 2 Bath / 1711 sqft / 2 Car Garage
Listed at $470,000
Noises in Your Home. What to do?
Every Tucson home makes noise. Floors creak, pipes knock, appliances hum, and HVAC systems click on and off. Most sounds are harmless, especially as a home expands and contracts with the extreme desert temperature swings between Sonoran daytime heat and cooler nights. But some can be early signs that something needs attention. Knowing the difference may help prevent a small issue from becoming a costly repair.
Banging or Knocking Pipes
A loud bang after turning off a faucet or hose bib may be caused by a sudden change in water pressure, known as "water hammer." Occasional noise may not be serious, but frequent banging is worth checking. Tucson's high municipal water pressure, loose pipes, or worn pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) are common culprits.
Popping, Rumbling, or Whistling Water Heaters
A loud popping or rumbling sound from your water heater usually signals a heavy buildup of hard water sediment at the bottom of the tank an extremely common issue given Tucson’s mineral-rich water. As the water underneath the sediment boils, it traps steam bubbles that pop loudly. A high-pitched whistling can indicate a failing pressure relief valve or loose fitting. Regular tank flushing helps prevent overheating, tank corrosion, and premature failure.
Squeaky Floors and Slabs
Some creaking is common, particularly in older Tucson homes with subflooring or historic wood accents. Wood naturally expands and contracts, causing boards to rub over time. However, new or worsening squeaks, especially when paired with cracks in concrete slab foundations, uneven tile, or sloping floors, may deserve a closer look.
Clicking, Popping, or Ticking
Heating and cooling systems often make light popping sounds as metal ductwork expands during blazing afternoons and cools down at night. Repeated clicking from an AC unit or heat pump that fails to kick on often signals a failing capacitor or electrical contactor, a frequent issue during summer heatwaves.
Humming or Buzzing
Many appliances produce a quiet hum during normal operation. A louder buzz from electrical outlets, switches, main panels, or your outdoor AC disconnect box should not be ignored. Shut off power to the affected area if safe to do so and contact a qualified electrician, especially if accompanied by flickering lights or a burning smell.
Dripping or Running Water
While a dripping faucet is easy to spot, the sound of water running behind walls, in the attic, or under the floor when no fixtures are on can signal a hidden leak. In conventional slab homes, under-slab plumbing leaks can occur, whereas post-tension slab homes typically feature supply lines routed through walls or attics making wall or ceiling dampness a key warning sign instead. Addressing water sounds quickly helps prevent structural damage and mold.
Scratching in Walls, Attics, or Tile Roofs
Scratching or scurrying noises, especially at night or in the early morning, often suggest pack rats, roof rats, birds, or bats have sought shelter from the desert heat. Check exterior barrel tile openings, attic vents, and eaves for entry points, droppings, or chewed insulation.
Your Tucson home does not need to be completely quiet to be healthy. Many everyday creaks, clicks, and hums are simply part of how a desert home functions. Pay attention when a sound is new, persistent, unusually loud, or paired with other warning signs.
Hearing something unusual at home? Let me know what sound you are dealing with, and I can help you troubleshoot or connect you with one of my trusted local Tucson professionals. Diane
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