Havasu Home Talk

It seems like everyone I’m talking to is planning to buy right around September or October of this year.  It appears that this snowbird season is shaping up to be one of the busiest in the most recent years.  While increased prices during the peak of the market in 2005-06 priced some people out of the market – second home buyers now have the largest inventory available to them in quite some time, along with some more discouraged sellers who have been sitting on the market all summer long. 

From what the Canadian buyers are telling me – their plans are to buy right around late September, early October – “before the rush starts”.  I think right now might actually be the time to buy – because “the rush” they’re talking about avoiding might actually start to happen right around when they say they’re buying. 

If you are considering a home purchase in Lake Havasu City, you’re probably tired of hearing from me that right now is the time to buy.  But, I’m not gonna stop telling you – this is your best opportunity in years to get the best deal on a home here, for the best price, and the best terms available.  Mortgage rates ARE going to go up, and with all of the garbage happening in the mortgage industry, it’s going to be harder and harder to get a new loan.  In fact, mortgage rates are already surging – with rates last week rising to their highest levels this year.  Investor’s fears over Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s future may have had some influence in that – but whatever the reason, prime 30 year fixed rate mortgage aderaged 6.77%

The time is now to buy.  This winter should be a stronger buying season than in recent years, and our “snowbirds” are finally right back “in the market” because prices now fit their budget better than they have in the last few years.

Lake Havasu City Real Estate, Havasu Foothills Estates

If you haven’t had an opportunity to “step up to the foothills” you’re missing one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Lake Havasu City.  This gorgeous new community sits within the boundaries of a previously undeveloped section of land.  Sweeping views of mountains, the city of Lake Havasu and our beautiful lake are visible throughout the neighborhood.  540+ home sites at full buildout will be in the new neighborhood, the first phases of the neighborhood have already been opened.  Homesites and homes are available right now.

This is really one of the most gorgeous developments I’ve ever been to in any city – and we’re lucky to have it right in Lake Havasu City.  4 Premier builders offer homeplans and custom home construction on your lot choice.  It’s a top-notch quality new development!

Watching the news this morning, the argument was brought up – which is a better investment: real estate or stocks? 

While the stock market and the real estate market have had some setbacks recently, the concensus was that everything is cyclical and that both of them are going to come back up.  While the average time it takes the stocks to rebound is around 18 to 24 months, it may take a few years for real estate to start seeing bounding growth. 

But, some really important points were made…

You don’t buy a house for a short term investment – you buy a house for the enjoyment and fulfillment of the American Dream.  You buy a house so you can have your own yard to play with your dog and to raise your kids in a home.  Real estate is a lifestyle investment – and its an investment in your way of life – an investment in you.

Now is the time to make that investment in yourself and your future.  Buy while prices are down and interest rates are good.  Sell further down the road after you’ve enjoyed the property and the lifestyle it has afforded you – and when prices have gotten high.  Make your profit by buying now at the bottom of the market.

Another realtor in Lake Havasu City shared this article with me. 

Check it out on Barron’s website:  http://online.barrons.com/article/SB121581623724947273.html?mod=googlenews_barrons&page=sp

More good signs pointing to what I’ve been saying for a month – the bottom is here or at least very nearly here – and as shown in this article – 8 out of 20 of the markets surveyed in the S&P/Case-Shiller index are seeing positive movement in price.  – compared to a decline in 18 out of 20 of the markets in previous month – this positive movement just backs up what I’ve been saying.

The time is definitely now – don’t miss your opportunity.  Seize the moment!

I apologize for the delay in a post this week.  It’s been a crazy and hectic week – working on wrapping up some projects, starting new projects and trying to finish up a new Concierge Service package that includes all of my preferred partners in real estate related and construction services in Lake Havasu City.

I just wanted to let you know about a new website I found to review things on.  I’ve created a profile on there – and I’m reviewing all of my favorite restaurants and establishments. 

Check it out at www.yelp.com

In a show that will last about 20 minutes tonight, 985 shells are scheduled to be set off from Spectator Point on the island tonight starting at 9:00 pm. 

Something new tonight is going to be added to help enhance an already spectacular fireworks show , patriotic music will be broadcast on 97.1 FM through KNTR radio.

Be careful, aware of your surroundings (especially in boats tonight) and enjoy the show with your family and friends!  Happy Independence Day Lake Havasu City!

With such a temperate climate, we’re lucky to have access to our Lake all year round.  Whether you’re an angler, pleasure boater, canoer, wakeboarder, water skiier, wake skater, personal watercraft enthusiast, kayaker, houseboater, beach lover, swimmer or lounger… this lake is the best place to enjoy your favorite event. 

Did you know Lake Havasu is the Personal Watercraft capitol of the world?  For more than two decades, the most elite of the world’s personal watercraft racers have gathered here for the World Racing Finals.  Many of the world’s best jet-skiiers live in our city.

If you’re lucky enough to be spending this 4th of July holiday on Lake Havasu city, you’re going to be seeing some of the world’s most beautiful powerboats, family cruisers, deckboats, pontoons, ski boats and jet skis out there.  Tomorrow around dusk as the day begins to come to an end, whether you’re on the lake in Thompson Bay or on any of the beaches surrounding preparing for the pyrotechnics display you’ll see a spectacular sight of dozens and dozens of boats, hundreds of families and thousands of people enjoying the freedom and beauty of one of America’s most enjoyable resort destinations!

Everywhere we look, economic indicators are suggesting economic growth is accelerating!

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis: existing home sales are stabilizing, factory orders are increasing, the economy is averting a recession.  Employment is up with the unemployment rate dropping.  Minimum wage is increasing, hourly wages are increasing.  All of this indicates economic growth.

Music to the ear!  And to think – if I had turned on the TV and watched a talking head – I would’ve thought things were headed the opposite direction – just goes to show you that America is going to endure and we’re on the way back to a stable economy.  Oh, and by the way, Lake Havasu is a great place to enjoy that if you aren’t sure where you want to be.

It’s my favorite time of year!  I love the Fourth of July – and so does LAKE HAVASU CITY!  This is one of the most patriotic cities I’ve ever been in.  Remember how everyone flew American flags after September 11?  Well, it was that way here before, and it’s endured!  You can literally drive up and down the streets and count the flag poles because people here are proud of their country!

We have an awesome fireworks display scheduled.  The fireworks are set to be shot off from Spectator Point on the Island right by the Nautical Inn starting at 9:00 pm on July 4, 2008.  The display is immediately adjacent to the lake in Thompson Bay – so the reflection off of the water is truly an unparallelled sight!  You can either park your boat in the bay if you’re already out boating that day.  My family and friends and I will likely view the display from along the south end of the bridgewater channel – we’re probably spending the day in the pool and having a BBQ – so we plan to get down there a bit early – maybe about 7:30 or 8:00 to make sure we get a good seat and socialize!

Some news from the Freedom Bridge Memorial Brick Committee:

On July 4 through July 6, the Memorial Brick Committee will be manning a booth at the brand new Wal-mart Supercenter to promote the sale of bricks for the Memorial Walkway along the future Havasu Freedom Bridge.  During that time only, you’ll recieve $10 off of your order.

Either stop by Wal-Mart on those days, or visit www.havasufreedombridge.com/bricks for more information.  And if you can’t make it out on the 4th through the 6th, don’t worry because throughout the entire month of July, there is a promotion for $5 off each brick.  You can also call 877-202-8215 with orders or questions.