| Dear Friends,
Mid August is upon us, and 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.
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 on August 29th.
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.
Gaslight Music Hall Shows: Catch air-conditioned entertainment in Oro Valley, featuring tribute acts like All American Girls: Women in Country Music (Aug 15) and the Oro Valley’s Got Talent Grand Finale (Aug 19).
Active Listings
Ultimate Privacy in the Catalina Foothills $715,000
 click here for property website
4800 N. Paseo Sonoyta, Tucson 85750
3 Bedrooms / 2 Bath / 2681 sqft / 2 car garage / .74 acres
*I am the Personal Representative for this Estate*
Gated Desert Estate with Guest House, Pool & Spa - $1,150,000
 click here for property website
12394 N. Camino Del Plata, Tucson 85755
5 Bedrooms / 4 baths / 4184 sqft / 4 car garage / 3.31 Acres
In the town of Catalina with mountain views & no HOA - $425,000
 click here for property website
15751 N. Twin Lakes Drive, Tucson 85739
3 bedrooms / 2 baths / 1814 sqft / 2 car garage
Gated Foothills Condo near Sabino Canyon - $250,000
 click here for property website
7255 E. Snyder Unit 11203, Tucson 85750
2 bedrooms / 2 baths / 978 sqft / 1 carport space
Under Contract
Guard Gated Stone Canyon in Rancho Vistoso - $1,900,000
1185 W. Weathered Stone Place, Oro Valley 85755
4 bedrooms plus den / 4 baths / 4117 sqft / 3 car garage / 1.56 acres
Pool / Spa/ Close proximity to the Club
Rancho Vistoso with unobstructed mountain views - $470,000
13496 N. Wide View Drive, Oro Valley 85755
2 Bedroom + Den / 2 Bath / 1711 sqft / 2 Car Garage
Sold
Catalina Foothills Estates #10
5160 N. Circulo Sobrio, Tucson 85718
4 Bedroom / 4 Bath / 3840 sqft / 3 car garage / 2.1 Acres
Listed at $1,700,000 Sold $1,615,000
Cobblestone
3441 E. Cathedral Rock Circle Tucson 85718
4 Bedroom / 4 Bath / 3996 sqft / 3 car garage
Listed at $1,750,000 Sold $1,696,500
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| | What’s That Sound? Common Household Noises, and What They Might Mean |  | 
Every 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 temperature changes. 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 appliance may be caused by a sudden change in water pressure, sometimes called “water hammer.”
Occasional noise may not be serious, but frequent or forceful banging is worth checking. Loose pipes, worn valves, or high water pressure may be the cause.
Squeaky Floors and Stairs
Some creaking is common, especially in older homes. Wood naturally expands and contracts, and floorboards may rub together over time.
New or worsening squeaks, especially when paired with soft, uneven, or sloped floors, may deserve a closer look.
Clicking, Popping, or Ticking
Heating and cooling systems often make light clicking or popping sounds as metal ductwork expands and contracts. These noises are usually normal.
Repeated clicking from an appliance or HVAC unit that will not start properly may point to a worn part or electrical issue.
Humming or Buzzing
Many appliances produce a quiet, steady hum during normal operation. A louder buzz can be more concerning.
Buzzing from outlets, switches, electrical panels, or fixtures should not be ignored. Turn off the affected device if it is safe to do so and contact an electrician, especially if you also notice flickering lights, warmth, or a burning smell.
Dripping or Running Water
A dripping faucet is usually easy to find. Water sounds behind a wall, under a floor, or when no fixtures are running may signal a hidden leak.
Check toilets, sinks, appliances, and visible plumbing. Addressing a leak early can help prevent moisture damage.
Scratching in Walls or the Attic
Scratching or scurrying noises, especially at night, may suggest rodents, birds, or other pests have found a way inside.
Look for damaged vents, small exterior openings, droppings, or disturbed insulation. Make sure any animals are safely removed before sealing entry points.
Your home does not need to be completely quiet to be healthy. Many everyday creaks, clicks, and hums are simply part of how a home functions.
Pay attention when a sound is new, persistent, unusually loud, or paired with other warning signs. Catching it early may help prevent the need for a larger repair.
Hearing something unusual at home? I can help you think through the next step and connect you with the right local professional. Contact me any time. As always, thank you for your business and your referrals.
Warmly,
Mary
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