Some buyers need a turnkey property. Others look for that "diamond in the rough". Many real estate investors suggest buying the ugliest house in the nicest neighborhood for your best equity potential. You can change a Havasu home's look but you can't change its location. Also, you want a home with "good bones". That means a solid foundation underneath the peeling paint and stained carpets. But how do you know if a Havasu home has "good bones"? How to Tell if a Havasu Home Has Good BonesFeel the FlowOne way to tell if a Havasu home has good bones is to check out the home's flow. Does the room placement make sense (such as the dining room being next to the kitchen)? Can you move freely from one room to the next without feeling cramped or cut off from the rest of the house? Is there plenty... 10/18/2017

The calendar says October. So you know what that means. It's time for the Havasu Relics and Rods Run to the Sun 2017 event. Classic car and truck owners from all over the US come to Lake Havasu City to show off their gleaming works of fine automotive craftsmanship. And who benefits? We ALL do!What: Havasu Relics and Rods Run to the Sun 2017 Where: Main St (McCulloch Blvd) and London Bridge Resort When: Oct 19th 5pm to 9pm, Oct 20th & 21st 8am to 4pm & Oct 22nd 9:30am Admission: FREE for Cruise-In & Parade, $8 1-day pass & $12 2-day pass for Show & Shine Contact: Relics & Rods of Lake Havasu (928) 855-0933 or via emailHavasu Relics and Rods Run to the Sun 2017All cars and trucks participating in the Havasu Relics and Rods Run to the Sun 2017 were "born" before 1972. All makes and models ... 10/11/2017

When selling your Lake Havasu home, it's important to find a good listing agent. Unless you are up to date on current trends, know the Lake Havasu real estate market inside and out and have tons of time on your hands to manage it all, you're going to need a listing agent. So, what is a listing agent and what do they do? Read on to find out. What is a Listing Agent?I guess the first order of business is explaining exactly what a listing agent is. Basically, this is the person you hire to sell your Havasu home. Sometimes, they're called "seller's agents". But, like snowflakes, they're all different. While all REALTORS@ can be listing agents, not all listing agents are REALTORS@. A REALTOR@ goes through specific training to become a member of the National Association of REALTORS@. As such,... 10/05/2017

When the weather cools off, the players come out. Poker players that is. That's right. The Havasu Monster Storm Poker Run 2017 takes place October 14th. But the entry deadline ends soon. If you want to be a player in this game instead of just a spectator, you need to enter before the end of business on Monday, October 2nd. That's just five days away.What: Havasu Monster Storm Poker Run 2017 Where: Nautical Beachfront Resort (1000 N McCulloch Blvd) When: October 12th to 14th Admission: $350 per team Contact: Christina Crane or Jimmy Nichols, Storm Poker Runs, Christina (623) 238-1330 or via email, Jimmy (302) 739-4739 or via emailHavasu Monster Storm Poker Run 2017Thursday, October 12th, West Coast Drives hosts a welcome party for Havasu Monster Storm Poker Run 2017 participants at their... 09/27/2017

Unless you're a first-time home buyer, are looking for a second home or are a real estate investor, most likely, you'll need to sell your current home before you can move on to the next Lake Havasu home. If possible, sell your current home before you even start looking. However, this isn't always feasible. That's where the home sale contingency offer comes in to play.What is a Contingency OfferA contingency offer is when the buyer makes an offer on a home but with conditions (aka "contingencies"). Common contingencies include the completion of a home inspection. After that, they may request certain repairs or replacements be done before completion of the sale. Next, a home appraisal contingency allows the buyers to renegotiate the price if the appraisal comes back less than the listing ... 09/20/2017

They say music is the soundtrack of our lives. Remember cruising around on a Saturday when you were a teenager? What song played on the radio? Can you remember the name of the song you slow-danced to with your crush at the prom? What about your first dance as husband and wife? Which song brings back memories of your parents? Your grandparents? Recall any significant memory and I'll be there was a song attached to it. At the Lake Havasu Songwriters Festival 2017, listen to some extremely musicians serenade you with songs of their own.What: Lake Havasu Songwriters Festival 2017 Where: Refuge Golf & Country Club Pavilion (3275 N Latrobe Dr) When: Friday, Sept 15th, 6pm to 10pm Admission: $25/adult general admission, $10/child 12 & under, $50 VIP (sit in 1st 12 rows) Contact: Nancy Campbell... 09/13/2017

Congratulations on your decision to sell your Lake Havasu home. Are you listing it soon or is it already on the market? Worried about getting traffic in the door? Stop. This week's Lake Havasu seller tip involves creating heat for your listing. Follow these simple steps and you'll quickly see the offers pouring in. Lake Havasu Seller Tip: Creating Heat for Your ListingAccording to Corelogic, we should be seeing an increase in "boomerang buyers". These are former foreclosure homeowners wishing to dip their toe back into the market. It's been 7+ years since the first wave of foreclosures hit the market in the mid-2000's. That means huge financial hits like foreclosures and bankruptcies dropped off buyers' credit reports. Thus, they've become more viable in the market again. While not the ... 09/07/2017

One of the things I love the most about the Lake Havasu lifestyle is our sense of community. People help other people. Lake Havasu gives back through its local volunteers as well as donating to charitable organizations around the world. With the strife our neighbors in Texas are experiencing right now, our sense of community grows even stronger. How can you be a part of it? Lake Havasu Gives Back: SARA TrailheadLocally, the City needs volunteers to help beautify the SARA Park trailhead. They've partnered up with the Havasu Youth Advisory Council and the Bureau of Land Management to make some much needed improvements to the trailhead. A new parking lot and restrooms have already been added. But for National Public Lands Day (September 30th), they hope to rally volunteers from our Lake Ha... 08/30/2017

Almost since its inception, snow birds flocked to Lake Havasu City during the winter.  While other cities across the country digging themselves out of snow banks, the nation's elderly population traveled to the warmer climate of Lake Havasu.  We rarely dip below the mid-60's even in the dead of winter.  But that's just one reason Lake Havasu real estate appeals to retirees.  Realtor.com compiled its Top 10 Cities to Age in Place list recently.  Lake Havasu forever homes came in at #3.  Read on to find out why.Lake Havasu Forever HomesThe only western US cities to make Realtor.com's list were Lake Havasu and Redding, CA.  Approximately 75 million baby boomers settle in for retirement over the next few years, if they haven't retired already.  We should see about 65 million Gen-Xers enter ... 08/25/2017

Summer home sales continue to sizzle in Lake Havasu City.  The Lake Havasu Market Report for July 2017 indicated the highest July sales prices in the last five years.  Year-over-year total sales were higher as well.Lake Havasu Market Report - July 2017Lake Havasu Homes Sold in July 2017The figures shown in this Lake Havasu Market Report for July 2017are for single-family homes only.  The do not include statistics for condos, town homes, vacant land or commercial properties.  A total of 140 Lake Havasu homes were sold in July 2017.  Even though they dropped 16.2% from June's total, it marks a 16.7% increase from the same time last year.  It's also the highest July sales in the last five years.  Year-to-date sales of 1,532 outpace the 1,358 shown last year at this time by 12.81%.   Lake H... 08/17/2017

You've decided to purchase a new Lake Havasu home.  However, your credit score leaves something to be desired.  Will that stop you from being financed?  Not necessarily.  My latest Lake Havasu Buyer Tip involves good loans for the credit challenged Buyer.Lake Havasu Buyer Tip: Which Loan Should You Choose?According to mortgage processor Ellie Mae, the average FICO score for closed mortgages earlier this year came in at 720.  Does your credit score rival that?  If not, don't worry.  You do have options.  While stellar credit means better rates, some loans allow Buyers with less than desirable credit scores a chance to own a piece of the American dream, too.USDA LoansConventional loans aren't the only way to go when buying a Lake Havasu home.  USDA loans require a minimum score of 640 to ... 08/10/2017

Need a break from the triple digit heat?  Looking for something fun to do in an air conditioned location?  Like to bowl?  Then, sign up for the 2017 Lake Havasu CRBIA Charity Bowling Tournament at Havasu Lanes.  Proceeds benefit local charities.What: 2017 Lake Havasu CRBIA Charity Bowling Tournament Where: Havasu Lanes (2134 N McCulloch Blvd) When: Saturday, August 19th, 11am Cost: $30/person, 4 person teams Contact: Lisa Theophilus, CRBIA (928) 453-7755 or via email2017 Lake Havasu CRBIA Charity Bowling TournamentThe Colorado River Building Industry Association (CRBIA) understands that charity begins at home.  That's why they set up things like the 2017 Lake Havasu CRBIA Charity Bowling Tournament.  And you don't have to be a pro to join up.  Just bring your competitive spirit and your... 08/02/2017

They say you only have one chance to make a first impression.  When selling your Lake Havasu home, this means you need to keep your curb appeal on point.  Just how crucial is curb appeal?  According to Zillow's survey of top real estate agents around the US, it ranks in the top five most important elements in selling a home.  You don't necessarily have to spend a ton of money to make a great impression.  Utilize these quick curb appeal fixes for your Lake Havasu home and you're bound to get more potential buyers beating down your door.Quick Curb Appeal Fixes for Your Lake Havasu HomeClean 'Er UpI know what you're thinking.  That sounds obvious, right?  But you might be surprised how many people don't think to clear up the clutter on the outside of their home.  It's also the cheapest and... 07/26/2017

Love to golf but hate lugging around a heavy bag full of clubs?  With temperatures well over 100F, that bag gets heavier and heavier with each hole played.  At the 2017 Havasu 5 Iron Tournament, leave the golf bag at home.  All you're going to need is your trusty 5 iron and a sense of adventure.What: 2017 Havasu 5 Iron Tournament Where: Lake Havasu Golf Club (2400 Clubhouse) When: Saturday, August 5th, 7:30am to 1pm Admission: $50 per person, Sponsorship: $100 per hole Contact: Hal Christiansen, Event Coordinator (928) 302-5823 or via email or Paul Lepler, Lake Havasu Golf Club (928) 855-2719 or via email2017 Havasu 5 Iron TournamentThat's right.  No need to bring your wedge, driver or putter.  Leave your woods at home.  There's only one club allowed at the 2017 Havasu 5 Iron Tournment.... 07/19/2017

Owning your own Lake Havasu home brings you several benefits.  They typically increase in value over time.  Your interest and property taxes provide a deduction on your taxes.  The money you pay each month goes towards your own property rather than paying off a landlord's mortgage.  But when it comes to Havasu home buying, I suggest using the "Goldilocks Rule".  Not too big.  Not too small.  Look for something that is just right.What is the Goldilocks Rule of Havasu Home Buying?It's easy to get excited when hunting for a new Havasu home.  Oftentimes, this excitement overshadows reality.  Do you really need the big house for that huge price?  On the other hand, the price of a smaller home may seem attractive until you realize how cramped you, your spouse, your two kids, your dog, the cat... 07/12/2017

Lake Havasu City remains the destination of choice for many vacationers.  That's easy to understand when every day can feel like a vacation here.  However, Havasu residents may want to see other parts of the world for their vacation.  Sometimes, family emergencies may take us away.  When you're gone, you want to know your home is secure.  That's the time to enlist a Lake Havasu Vacation Security Check from our local police department.Lake Havasu Vacation Security CheckOur police department offers a free service called the Lake Havasu Vacation Security Check.  Residents simply fill out a request form on the Lake Havasu Police Department website here.  During the time indicated on your request, police officers or department volunteers come by your Lake Havasu home to check for possible su... 07/05/2017

Congratulations!  You've decided to buy a Lake Havasu home.  Acceptance of your offer only marks the beginning of the home buying process.  You'll receive a Property Disclosure Statement.  It's very important that you read this paper carefully.  But, what is a Property Disclosure Statement?Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPUDS)Arizona law requires that Sellers disclose any important/material information about the property that the Seller themselves personally knows of.  While it may not contain every little scratch of ding, the Property Disclosure Statement should include any issues that may impact the value of the home, disclose the property's use (especially if anything other than strictly residential) and whatever might affect the Buyer's decision to buy the property.  Additi... 06/28/2017

The 4th of July falls on a Tuesday this year.  For some, that's a four day weekend.  For others, not so much.  But everybody has the chance to enjoy Lake Havasu Independence Day 2017 festivities.  Those festivities start with a rockin' concert on Monday and conclude with an amazing pyrotechnic display over the lake on Tuesday.Lake Havasu Independence Day 2017 FestivitiesRockin' the Dock Summer ConcertWhere: Havasu Landing Resort & Casino (1st Street) When: Monday, July 3rd, 6pm to 10pm Admission: FREE Contact: Havasu Landing Resort & Casino (760) 858-4592 or via email The first one of the Lake Havasu Independence Day 2017 festivities involves music and starts the day before the 4th of July.  Whether you're working all day on the 3rd or you're playing on the lake all day, spend the eveni... 06/21/2017

You've decided to sell your Lake Havasu home.  Good for you!  Last month's Havasu home sales were up 25% from May 2016's totals.  Buyers are definitely out there looking.  To be successful, you need to know how to avoid common Seller mistakes.  Otherwise, it may be a while before you can move on from your current property.How to Avoid Common Seller MistakesPricing is KeyOne of the most common Seller mistakes Havasu homeowners make is overpricing their home.  Too many Sellers get a specific price in their minds and won't budge.  Unfortunately, that creates an unrealistic expectation.  Talk to your Lake Havasu REALTOR@.  Compare prices of similar homes that recently sold in your neighborhood.  That means looking at sales within the last 30 days.  If you set your price too high, your home ... 06/14/2017

The boating season is upon us.  Truth be told, it's always boating season when you live the Lake Havasu lifestyle.  With 300+ days of sunshine, the lake beckons just about every day of the year.  In just 10 days, the Lake Havasu UltraFest 2017 Summer Boat Party comes to Rotary Park.  Anyone who enjoys fun at the beach needs to make this part of their Father's Day weekend plans. What: Lake Havasu UltraFest 2017 Where: Rotary Park (1400 S Smoketree Ave) When: June 17th 9am to 9:30pm Admission: $80/boat (2 people), $25 for each additional person, FREE for spectators Contact: Ultra Boats (928) 855-7946 or via emailLake Havasu UltraFest 2017While Ultra Boats may be hosting the Lake Havasu UltraFest 2017, they welcome everyone to join in on the fun.  For Ultra owners, the festivities begin on... 06/07/2017