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Lake Havasu City, AZ Real Estate News

By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Thinking about selling your Lake Havasu home? Pretend you're a buyer and walk around your property. Take personal emotions out of the equation. Be brutally honest. As the homeowner, you've been fine with squeaky hinges and torn screens. Sure, the closets could be bigger and the kitchen may feel a bit closed in. But, who has money for a major remodel? If you want your house to sell, a few small changes can be a big deal for Havasu home buyers.What to Fix/Change Before Selling Your Havasu HomeTorn/Broken Window Screens Havasu home buyers look at everything...and I mean everything...when considering a property as their own. So, the things you've just "learned to live with" won't fly with them. For example, when spring cleaning one year, you took off the screens on your house to clean off t...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Does your home need a "lift"? Tired of the old decor? Looking for renovation ideas? You'll find all of this and more at the 2018 Havasu Home Show. Plus, most vendors offer "show only" discounts when you purchase their goods or services during the event.What: 2018 Havasu Home Show Where: Lake Havasu Aquatic Center When: March 16th 3 pm to 7 pm, March 17th 9 am to 5 pm & March 18th 9 am to 3 pm Admission: FREE Contact: Lisa Theophilus, CRBIA (928) 453-7755 or via email2018 Havasu Home Show Each year, the Colorado River Building Industry Association (CRBIA) hosts a home show in Lake Havasu City. Over 15,000 people attended last year's event. The 2018 Havasu Home Show looks like it might be even bigger than that. More vendors plus more product means more ideas for your home improvement proj...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Finally! You saved up your money for your downpayment, closing costs and other expenses related to the purchase of a home. Then, you found the perfect property with great "bones". After your offer was accepted, you went through the escrow process and are now the proud owners of a Lake Havasu home. Congratulations! With homeownership comes responsibility. That means, you now pay for any repairs/replacement/remodel needed on your place, not the landlord. Even the newest of homes require upkeep. Over time, yours will, too. Here are a few common household repairs Havasu homeowners may see while living in their home. Common Household Repairs for Havasu HomeownersHeating/Air Conditioning System Weather plays a huge part in our Lake Havasu lifestyle. Temperatures reach triple digits in May and...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Recently, Lake Havasu hit a bit of a cold patch. But soon, we should get back to the upper-60's to low-70's we're used to experiencing this time of year. It's just one of the things I love about living the Lake Havasu lifestyle. It may be a bit chilly to play out on the water right now. But, we manage to enjoy ourselves on land, too. Buses by the Bridge and the Havasu Balloon Fest took place smack dab in the middle of winter...outdoors! And earlier this month, guests celebrated Winterfest and the ever-popular Rockabilly Reunion. Now, for some late winter Havasu fun, may I suggest the three B's: brews, brats, and Bluegrass. Late Winter Havasu Fun2018 Lake Havasu Brews & Brats Festival Where: Springberg-McAndrew Park (Querio Dr &  Main St) When: Saturday, February 24th, 12 pm to 4 pm Admi...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
We all know that staging your home is one of the tried and true tips to follow when selling your home. Studies show that a staged home sells faster and for more money than a home that has not been staged or stands empty. Buyers need to feel like your home could be their home. However, stage it incorrectly and it could spell disaster for your home's sale. Here are a few Havasu home staging no-nos you should keep in mind.Havasu Home Staging No-No'sMaking it Appear "Too" StagedYes, you should stage your Havasu home when you want to sell it. But, it shouldn't appear "too" staged. Not every square inch of a room needs to have some design element added to it. Instead, keep furniture and accessories simple and clean.Faking ItAnother Havasu home staging no-no: fake anything. Ditch the fake plan...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Our warmer winter weather means that we get to enjoy great outdoor activities like the Buses by the Bridge and the Havasu Balloon Festival any time of the year. That's just one of the great reasons to live the Lake Havasu lifestyle. Some of the February 2018 Lake Havasu events set to take place soon are a little bit winter(fest) and a little bit rock 'n roll.February 2018 Lake Havasu Events: a Little Bit Winter(fest)What: Lake Havasu Winterfest Where: McCulloch Blvd, Downtown Lake Havasu City When: Feb 10th, 9 am to 5 pm & Feb 11th, 9 am to 4 pm Admission: FREE Contact: Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce (928) 855-4115 or via email A Havasu winter is unlike winter anywhere else. To celebrate our mild climate, the Chamber of Commerce hosts Winterfest each year. During this two-day even...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
You've been searching for a Lake Havasu home. Finally, you found one. It has "good bones". You've worked out your financing even though your credit may be less than stellar. You're ready to hand over your life savings to own a piece of the American dream. But, there's more to buying a Havasu home than the down payment. Other costs creep in both before and after you sign on the dotted line. It's time to take a look at the real costs involved with your Lake Havasu home purchase.True Costs of Buying and Owning a Havasu HomeClosing Costs and Loan FeesIt takes time and money to process a home loan. In addition to the down payment, you're going to need to pay closing costs, prepaids, and other fees. These include fees for the loan origination, the title search, title insurance, recording fees...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
While the rest of the country deals with rain, snow, and tsunami warnings, our Lake Havasu lifestyle allows us to enjoy the spring-like weather in the middle of winter. We started the year off right with some great events. First, vintage VW lovers camped out by the bridge for the Buses Under the Bridge event. Then, last weekend, the skies filled up with hot air balloons for the Havasu Balloon Festival. Tomorrow, you're invited to the Lake Havasu Top Chef & Wine Tasting 2018 event at the London Bridge Resort.What: Lake Havasu Top Chef & Wine Tasting 2018 Where: London Bridge Resort Convention Center When: Thursday, January 25th, 5 pm to 9 pm Admission: $50 per person Contact: Dante Marinelli, Event Co-ordinator (928) 764-1999 or via emailLake Havasu Top Chef & Wine Tasting 2018 If you li...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
I've heard this from many sellers throughout my real estate career. "My Havasu home isn't selling. It's been on the market for weeks. What do I do now?" Some things are well within your control, such as the condition of your property, staging, and incentives you might want to consider. Others are out of your hands completely (market conditions, for example). If your home isn't selling, what can you do to be proactive in bringing more traffic to your door? When Your Havasu Home Isn't SellingFix it Up and Stage itI've said this before. One of the tried and true ways to sell your Havasu home is to clean it up and stage it. Dirty, cluttered, and/or empty houses are hard to sell. Buyers need to be able to picture the space as their own. Your Lake Havasu REALTOR@ may be able to recommend a go...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
The first big event of the new year takes place this weekend: Havasu Buses by the Bridge. But next weekend, the 2018 Havasu Balloon Festival surfs the skies above Lake Havasu City once again. Why travel to New Mexico when you can take a quick trip to the lake instead? Last year's balloon festival brought thousands of people to our city. This year, it could even be more. So, it's no surprise to find out that the American Bus Association added it to their Top 100 Events in North America list.What: 2018 Havasu Balloon Festival Where: Lake Havasu State Park When: January 19th & 20th, 6 am to 10:45 pm, January 21st, 6 am to 10:30 pm Admission: $15 per person (allows access for all 3 days), FREE for kids ages 14 & under Contact: Marquita McKnight, Event Co-Ordinator (928) 486-7979 or via emai...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
For many Havasu home buyers, one question pops up more than any other. Should I buy a new home before I sell my current one or should I sell my current home and THEN buy a new one? On one hand, when you buy first, you run the risk of juggling two mortgages until your current house sells. On the other hand, if you sell first, you end up having to move twice in a short period of time. Read the pros and cons for both sides so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.Havasu Home Buyers: Buy FirstYou don't want to deal with the hassle of moving your stuff into storage and living out of a motel for the next several weeks. Or, you'd rather not have to hunt down a short-term rental just to have to turn around and move again in a few months. So, you decide that you'll be one of those ...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
What started out as a fun get-together with a few friends has evolved into a treasured annual tradition. The Havasu Buses by the Bridge 2018 event promises a groovy time for VW fans. Vintage VW Bus owners from near and far travel to our lovely lakeside community for fun, games, entertainment, and more. Are you up for it?What: Havasu Buses by the Bridge 2018 Where: Lake Havasu State Park - Windsor 4 When: January 12th to January 14th Admission: $2 per person, Camping Fees: $20 to $40 Contact: Ronnie Feitelson, Buses by the Bridge (928) 680-7664 or via emailHavasu Buses by the Bridge 2018Camping in the winter? Only in Havasu! In the past, the Buses by the Bridge event took place at the same time as the Havasu Balloon Festival. Unfortunately, this time, it's the weekend before the festival...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Can you believe we only have 11 days left in 2017? Where has the time gone? Looking back over the last year, there are several posts I created specifically to help buyers and sellers with the real estate process. The following are my top five tips for the Lake Havasu Buyer and Seller in 2017. Hopefully, you utilized them over the past year. If not, take them with you into 2018.Lake Havasu BuyersWhat Banks Look for in Havasu BuyersA nice downpayment and a hefty credit score are only two aspects banks look at when sizing up a Lake Havasu buyer. They also need to see a steady work history. Most prefer that you've been at your current place of employment for at least two years. The same goes for your home address. If you've hopped around from place to place several times over the last few y...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Christmas is less than two weeks away. That means an endless array of paper, boxes, doo-dads, and gifts galore. All this adds to the clutter in an average Havasu household. How do you manage all of this while putting your home back in order? Follow these helpful end of year organizing tips for your Lake Havasu home. Then, you'll be ready to start the new year off clutter-free.End of Year Organizing Tips for Your Lake Havasu HomeOne for Me, Two for YouThey say charity begins at home. When organizing your Lake Havasu home after the holidays, keep this mantra in mind: one for me, two for you. Feel free to keep the new stuff. But take the time to get rid of any duplicates or old items you don't use anymore. The new item stays while two old ones make their way to either the trash bin or your...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Even though the market has slowed down for the year, Buyers continue to look for new Havasu homes during the winter. In fact, if they're looking now, you know they're serious. You need to be ready for them when they show up at your door. If you've got your house on the market right now, utilize these tried and true Havasu home selling tips. You'll be fielding offers in no time.Tried and True Havasu Home Selling TipsSpic And SpanFirst of all, your Havasu home needs to shine. That means clearing the clutter and getting down to the real nitty gritty...cleaning. Everything must sparkle from the ceiling to the carpet. If possible, you can hire someone to whip your home into shape for showing. Many cleaning companies offer a "move out" special. They'll clean baseboards, cupboards, appliances ...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Tomorrow, friends and family gather together to feast and give thanks for the blessings they received over the past year. Are you entertaining out-of-town guests? What do you do with the rest of your holiday weekend? Don't worry. Havasu Christmas fun begins once Thanksgiving ends.Havasu Christmas FunWhat: Ice Skating at London Bridge Where: London Bridge Resort When: November 24th to January 8th Admission: $10 per hour for adults, $8 per hour for kids ages 12 & under Contact: London Bridge Resort (928) 855-0888Who says you can't ice skate in the desert? Certainly not the London Bridge Resort. Their ice skating rink opens up the day after Thanksgiving and continues through January 8th. Bring your skates if you got 'em. If not, your hourly fee includes one pair of ice skates. Hours of ope...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Smart Buyers make sure to get a home inspection before they purchase a Lake Havasu home. A home inspector performs a visual inspection of the property and a cursory check of all systems inside, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Then, they point out what immediate problems you may face as a new homeowner of the property as well as what may be a potential problem down the road. However, they have their limitations. You need to be aware of what a Havasu home inspector doesn't look for so you can determine whether your property needs further inspection from other sources as well.What a Havasu Home Inspector Doesn't Look ForVisual BlocksHavasu home inspectors don't move furniture or artwork. If any of these are blocking bad electrical outlets, water damage or mold, the inspector may n...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Access to tons of recreational activities and 300+ days of sun each year make our Havasu lifestyle extremely desirable. It's November and we still see temperatures in the 80s. So, it seems appropriate that the biggest outdoor recreation expo in the southwest would take place in our fair city. In 10 days, the Lake Havasu Sand Water and RV Expo 2017 brings deals and discounts galore.What: Lake Havasu Sand Water and RV Expo 2017 Where: Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 (behind Hampton Inn) When: Sat, Nov 18th, 9 am to 5 pm, Sun, Nov 19th, 9 am to 3 pm Admission: $5/adult, FREE for kids ages 6 & under Contact: Bob Brown, Event Coordinator, Sand & Water Expo (951) 501-0210 or via emailLake Havasu Sand Water and RV Expo 2017Whether you're looking for an ATV, personal watercraft or a fifth whe...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
When selling your Havasu home, it needs to be ready for Buyers to look at it at all times. But, if you move away, this may be difficult. Sometimes issues arise. When that happens, who's responsible for maintaining your Havasu home, your REALTOR@ or you? Maintaining Your Havasu HomeA new job took you out of state. Someone in your family has a serious illness and needs your help right away. The reasons why we sell our homes are endless. Sometimes, staying in your Havasu home while it's on the market isn't an option. If you have to move out before you sell your home, who's responsibility is it to make sure your property remains ready to show? In short, it's always the homeowner's responsibility.Now, I'm not saying that your REALTOR@ won't help with whatever they can. But you will need to s...
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By Liz Miller, Just Call Liz
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
In Havasu, autumn weather means leaving the triple digits behind. Temperatures in nearby Southern California hit 100F this week. Other areas of the country see 60's and below. Here in Lake Havasu, we're a nice 90F. Perfect temperature for some Lake Havasu Fall Fun 2017. In this case, "fall fun" involves a parade and some really cool planes. Lake Havasu Fall Fun 2017: Parades and PlanesLake Havasu Fall Fun 2017: ParadeWhat: London Bridge Days Parade When: Saturday, October 28th, 10 am to 1:30 pm Where: McCulloch Blvd Admission: FREE Contact: Joe Tobin, Lake Havasu Chamber of Commerce (928) 486-6884 or via emailFirst up for Lake Havasu Fall Fun 2017? The London Bridge Days Parade. Beginning at 10 am, floats, marching bands, and more make their way down McCulloch Blvd from Acoma to Capri. ...
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