Liz's Havasu Lifestyle Blog: December 2010

There is only a little bit of time left to take advantage of the Lake Havasu City Water Conservation Rebate Program.  Since the program began, almost $54,000 has been rewarded to participants in the form of rebate checks.  However, that means that only around $6000 is left in the fund.  This is expected to be used up within the next couple of weeks. 

The Lake Havasu City Water Conservation Rebate Program is funding set aside to help Havasu homeowners pay for purchasing low water flow toilets, energy saving swimming pool covers and hot water recirculation pumps for all purchases made between September 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011 or until funds are depleted.  As I said before, there is only about 2 or 3 weeks left in funding and that doesn't include those people who are currently installing these devices in their homes who have not made their claims yet.

With the significant participation of this year's program, the city has already submitted a request for more funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for another water conservation program next year.  If approved, it will be available beginning July 2011.  So, if you miss out on this year's rebate program, Lake Havasu City homeowners may have another opportunity next year.  However, purchases made before July 2011 cannot be used for next year's program.

Homeowners of Lake Havasu real estate wishing to participate in this year's Lake Havasu City Water Conservation Rebate Program may want to contact the Public Works Department first (928-453-6660) to make sure funds are still available before making any of these water-saving changes.  If you're interested in purchasing a Lake Havasu home or wish to sell your Lake Havasu City property, please contact me today.  Happy New Year!

Liz Miller, your Lake Havasu City real estate specialist

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There are three Santa Clauses in Lake Havasu City, each with a different protocol of the legendary Christmas icon.  One insists on not overshadowing the true meaning of Christmas.  One wears the red and white suit to help needy animal shelter pets get veterinarian services to make them more adoptable.  And, yet another says he IS Santa. 

As a modern day Santa, you have to be up on the times.  You have to be careful with the requests in this day and age.  Children want to bring home a parent from military service for Christmas or bring back a deceased family member or other similar requests.  You have to be proactive to request and handle them accordingly. 

These Santas receive visits from individuals of all ages.  Older children want to know why there are so many Santas.  Many people tell them that Santa is magical and can be in more than one place at one time.  Others will say, "Santa is a spirit, not a person, who lives in your heart and not at the North Pole".  And some will tell the children the special feeling in their hearts is Santa celebrating the birth of Christ.

Santa will be available for visits from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 17-24 in Unit 412 at the Shops at Lake Havasu.  Also, look for the local Vet who dresses up as Santa as a fundraiser for local shelters to help make their animals more adoptable. 

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In a down market, prospective buyers have an edge, but it doesn't mean they are guaranteed to make money on the properties they purchase.  When there is an excess of homes for sale, buyers have an opportunity to buy a house on the cheaper side.  There are times when you should pounce on a purchase and times when you should show restraint.  Knowing the difference could save you thousands of dollars.  Therefore, I have some tips and advice that may help you along the way. 

Tip 1 - Homework

You should search the internet for listings, inquire with a real estate agent and check the local listings in newspapers to gain insight on a particular area.  National and local agents make their listing available on the internet.  Do your research to gain the knowledge of price ranges in that area.  You need to get a feel for what a low price would be for your desired area.

Tip 2 - Ducks in a Row

Make sure you are ready to pounce on a deal at a moment's notice.  Get pre-approved for a mortgage and have an attorney on retainer to handle the closing.  Have a home inspector available as well as an insurance agent.  These professionals will provide valuable information about what parts of the home might need repairs and what it will cost. 

Tip 3 - Motivated Sellers

Sellers provide additional bargaining power for potential buyers.  If the home has been on the market for several months, has had several price reductions and is vacant, this may suggest the seller is looking to sell as soon as possible.  Ask questions as to whether the seller will throw in furniture or fixtures that you like.  Ask the seller to cover the closing costs in full or in part.  Don't forget that the listing price is negotiable as well. 

Tip 4 - Bargain with the Realtor

Houses are selling at a slow pace and REALTORS® are struggling as well.  In this type of decline, both agents and firms may be inclined to knock a percentage point or two off of commissions to get the deal done. 

Tip 5 - Is the Title Clear?

In this trying time, sellers are looking to unload their homes because they are in over their heads.  Sometimes the property may be encumbered by a lien, a service provider, bank or other lending institution.  This is the reason it makes sense to use a title insurance company and to have a lawyer perform a title search to ensure that the title can be transferred.  You don't want to have to absorb any of those liabilities.  Lenders may require title insurance and a title search, but cash buyers should use these services as well.

Tip 6 - Bidding Wars...Avoid Them

When shopping in a down market, don't let your emotions get the best of you. Bidding wars are usually a waste of time and, in the end, a waste of money. An ego-driven desire to win is foolish.  When in a down market, it's all about getting a really good deal.  The best way to avoid a bidding war is to set a price limit and stick to it.  There are plenty of homes and other deals to be made. 

Tip 7 - Walk Away and Don't Be Afraid

Prices drop as inventory increases.  Down markets provide many houses to choose from.  If you are not getting the deal you feel you deserve, don't be afraid to walk away.  In a down market, the buyer has the power.  Sellers may refuse to understand that the market is down and will not accept any offers less than what they feel their home is worth.  Stick to the price you decided the home is worth and, if you can't close the deal, move on and try again.

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The City of Lake Havasu City recently launched the test market phase of a large scale "Carry a Designated Operator" sober boat operator campaign to help promote safe boating in Lake Havasu.  What they're doing is turning it into a positive.  They're test marketing to see what gets boaters' interest.  The program will kick off in March. 

At the Turtle Grill in the Nautical Beachfront Resort and Pirate Cove, located north on the Colorado River, they will be giving out beads and medallions to sober boat operators.  There are a number of the association's safe and sober boating billboards being hung or in the process of being hung in the high traffic areas of Lake Havasu State Park.  These areas include: Campbell Cove One-Stop, Site Six, Cattail Cove and Havasu Landing.  More billboards will be hung in upcoming weeks at Havasu Springs, Park Moabi, Black Meadow Landing and Pirate Cove despite the seasonal closing from November through March.  The goal of the association is for all launch ramps to have a billboard installed that will remind people of the safe boating campaign before the 2011 season.  

The Arizona Game and Fish Department records show that 10 years ago one out of every ten boat operators stopped on the Colorado River was arrested for OUI.  Now one out of 40 to 60 boats have a drunken boat operator.  

The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants the ratio so low that safety is significantly increased on the lake.  Boat operators should have no alcohol.  Others on the boat might drink but they don't want the operator drinking and that is what they are working toward.  The marine association has captured the attention of the Arizona Game and Fish Department and they have a few details to be ironed out before the project will gain the support of the state entity. 

Collaborative partners, including the Mohave County Sheriff's Office, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Arizona State Parks, Lake Havasu City Police Department, the marine association and AZGFD met on Nov. 19 to further discuss avenues of reaching boaters. We look forward to more details from this meeting.

Eliminating the number of drunken boat operators is a pillar issue that AZGFD is focused on.  It's not the only issue.  They are looking at raising adult life jacket awareness as well.  The current billboard depicts a watercraft with five adult boaters on the lake without lifejackets.  This is a direct contradiction to other grassroots campaigns AZGFD is already involved with.  

AZGFD also has an ongoing education-based boater safety campaign called "Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober".  The state's participation in the nationwide lifejacket campaign "Wear It! Arizona," which AZGFD supports, is set for National Boating Safety Week May 21-27, 2011, according to resources at the safe boating campaign website: www.safeboatingcampaign.com.