One of the things I strongly encourage for all my clients is that they get a home inspection.  Whether you are a Buyer or a Seller, home inspections are important.  Buyers need to know what they are getting themselves into.  An inspection also helps Sellers identify potential problems that need fixing.  This often translates into a higher sale price.  Here is your Havasu Home Inspections 101 primer of the "whats" and "whys" of home inspections.Havasu Home Inspections 101The first rule of Havasu Home Inspections 101 is you get to choose who inspects your home.  You aren't required to use anyone in particular.  While your Lake Havasu REALTOR® might be able to recommend someone, YOU ultimately decide who does your inspection.  Feel free to shop around.  Check with the National Association ... 08/17/2016

Our Lake Havasu community may be centered around the body of water it is named for, but that doesn't mean watersports are the only things to do here.  With temperatures in the triple digits right now, you may want to pursue inside activities.  Get out of the sun and still have fun at the Lake Havasu CRBIA Charity Bowling Tournament.What: Lake Havasu CRBIA Charity Bowling Tournament Where: Havasu Lanes (2134 N McCulloch Blvd) When: Saturday, August 20th, Sign in at 11am Cost: $30 per person (4 person teams) Contact: Lisa Theophilus, CRBIA (928) 453-7755 or via emailLake Havasu CRBIA Charity Bowling TournamentThe Colorado River Building Industry Association (CRBIA) believes in giving back to the community.  Each year, they host a fun bowling tournament.  Proceeds from the tournaments bene... 08/10/2016

Hot weather, hot sales.  That seems to be the way it goes here in our Havasu community.  Residential, commercial and multi-family sales saw an increase from last year.  Let me break down these numbers for you in my June 2016 Lake Havasu City Market Report.June 2016 Lake Havasu City Market ReportThe Lake Havasu Association of REALTORS® recently released their June 2016 sales figures.  A total of 177 Lake Havasu homes were sold in June 2016, a 2.3% increase from the same time last year.  These statistics included both new construction and existing homes.  The median sell price increased from $215,000 last year to $230,000 last month.  Even so, the year-to-date totals have fallen behind last year's totals at this time.It looks like investors like Lake Havasu real estate.  Multi-family home... 07/27/2016

Last October, new rules were put in place by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) called TRID.  This consolidated some paperwork, providing consumers with a clear breakdown of fees, terms, closing costs, etc.  This all sounds good.  A side effect of these new rules, however, was how TRID affects Havasu home loan closing timelines.What is TRID?You might be asking yourself "what is TRID"?  The CFPB knew that the mounds of paperwork involved in the home buying process could feel overwhelming to Buyers.  They also found duplicate information in several areas on different paperwork.  The TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule (TRID for short) combined the information from several different forms into two easy-to-read new forms: the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure.  Next, t... 07/20/2016

The LHAR is hosting their Lake Havasu City School Supply Drive 2016 right now.  As school budgets get cut, teachers pick up the slack.  Did you know that teachers around the country spend an average of $500 per year out of their own pocket?  Many of them literally spend thousands on their students...your children.  They don't get any compensation for these expenses either.  These purchases are made solely for the good of the kids they teach.  You can help offset this expense by donating to the LHAR's school supply drive.What: Lake Havasu City School Supply Drive 2016 Donation Drop Off: LHAR Offices (2293 Swanson Ave) Office Hours: 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday Contact: Brenda Atkinson, Destination Havasu (928) 680-8157 or Priscilla/Deven, LHAR (928) 855-8423Lake Havasu City School Suppl... 07/13/2016

It's never too early for your children to learn how to cook for themselves here in our Lake Havasu community.  In fact, creating an early appreciation for food may be the best gift you can give your children.  They learn independence.  They'll also understand what it takes to create their own food rather than going out to eat all the time.  One way to do this is at the Lake Havasu Little Chefs Class at the Aquatic Center.What: Lake Havasu Little Chefs Class Where: Aquatics Center When: Thursday, July 7th, 6pm to 7:30pm Cost: $5 per person Contact: LHC Aquatics Center (928) 453-8686Lake Havasu Little Chefs ClassThe Lake Havasu Little Chefs Class was created specifically for children ages three to ten.  Here, students learn how to make two super easy yet healthy snacks.  Adults will be on... 07/06/2016

The United States turns 240 on Monday.  Our Lake Havasu community won't let it pass by without a big celebration.  One heck of a Lake Havasu July 4th 2016 fireworks show is scheduled for Monday night.  The toughest decision you'll have to make is where to watch it.Lake Havasu July 4th 2016 Fireworks ShowThis Monday, the skies above provide the most desirable Lake Havasu real estate.  That's because they will be lit up with brilliant pyrotechnical displays.  The only sounds you'll be hearing aside from the patriotic music will be "ooh"  and "aah".Where: Nautical Beachfront Resort When: 7pm to 11pm Cost: $59/adult, $35/child (ages 12 & under) Contact: Nautical Beachfront Resort (928) 855-2141These guys know how to throw a party!  Feast on tri-tip or chicken, potato salad, baked beans, del... 06/29/2016

Living in the desert, residents of Lake Havasu homes are well aware of how important conserving water is.  The lake is our livelihood here.  Nearby states have begun to tap into Arizona's water reserves as their wells run dry.  We need to act right now.  It's never too late to teach children about water usage, either.  Here are a few Lake Havasu water conservation tips that adults and kids can both utilize.Lake Havasu Water Conservation Tips for AdultsMost Lake Havasu homes already utilize rock in different ways for their lawn.  Besides the cost of upkeep, the hot temps make maintaining a green lawn near impossible in summer months.  Lake Havasu Water Savers offers some great water conservation tips for adults include using mulch at the base of your plants to help absorb moisture.  Weed... 06/22/2016

School is out for summer here in the Lake Havasu community.  Are you afraid your kid's brain will turn to mush in front of the TV?  Keeping the body active also keeps the mind active.  Skateboarding is a fun, popular sport enjoyed by millions of kids across the country.  If your kid loves catching air with a totally sick alley-oop, maybe you need to take them to Lake Havasu City Go Skateboarding Day 2016 next Tuesday.What: Lake Havasu City Go Skateboarding Day 2016 Where: McCulloch Blvd to Tinnell Skate Park When: Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 6pm to 11pm Admission: FREE Contact: Evelyn Hunter, Tinnell Skate Park (928) 486-6065 or via emailLake Havasu City Go Skateboarding Day 2016Tinnell Memorial Skate Park opened up to the public back in 2013.  It was named after local hero Patrick Tinnell... 06/15/2016

Lake Havasu schools are now out for summer.  Do you have a teenager who will be watching your little ones at your Lake Havasu home during the break?  Does your kid want to earn some extra money babysitting for others?  You would be doing them and yourself a great service by signing them up for one of the Lake Havasu Babysitting Safety Classes that the LHC Fire Department is currently offering.What: Lake Havasu Babysitting Safety Classes Where: Fire Station #1 (96 Acoma Blvd S) & City Hall (2330 McCulloch Blvd) When: June 13 & 14, 15 & 16, 20 & 21, 22 & 23, 27 & 28, 29 & 30, 8am to 12pm Cost: $30 per person Contact: Gina Gutierrez (928) 855-3609 or Fire Dept Admin Office (928) 855-1141Lake Havasu Babysitting Safety ClassesThe LHC Fire Department knows that your children's safety is impor... 06/08/2016

Death and taxes.  You can't avoid either one.  Have you recently received the appraisal on your Lake Havasu home and thought, "Woo-hoo!  My value has gone up!"?  This feels great at first.  However, the downside is that higher appraisals mean higher property taxes.  You know your Lake Havasu home needs some work in order to actually be worth what the assessor says it is.  This could be a problem when it comes time to sell it.  Banks are reticent to approve a loan if the home in question isn't worth the sale price.  You need to know how to dispute your Havasu property tax assessment.  It might take a little time, but it can definitely be done.How to Dispute Your Havasu Property Tax AssessmentThe National Taxpayers Union estimates that 30-60% of homes in the country have been improperly a... 06/01/2016

The temperatures aren't the only things heating up in our Lake Havasu community this weekend.  We are smack dab in the middle of Lake Havasu Wacky Wednesdays 2016 at The Shops.  It is also your last chance to visit the Lake Havasu Swap Meet this season.  So much shopping, so little time!What: Lake Havasu Wacky Wednesdays 2016 Where: The Shops at Lake Havasu When: Every Wednesday in May and June, 5:30pm to 7pm Admission: FREE Contact: Michelle Misurelli, The Shops at Lake Havasu (928) 764-2400 or via emailLake Havasu Wacky Wednesdays 2016The Shops opened up back in 2008 with just a few businesses in operation.  Since then, big names like Sears, Dillard's and Walmart have opened their doors to Havasu customers.  The UltraStar Cinema shows the latest blockbusters.  From now until the end o... 05/25/2016

Right now is a great time to be out on the lake.  The weather in our Havasu community is gorgeous.  The warmer temps have heated up the water nicely.  But it's not too hot outside yet.  You need to be prepared.  If your family has outgrown last year's life jackets, you need to bring them to London Bridge Beach Park this Saturday.  That's when the 2016 Wear It Colorado Life Jacket Exchange takes place.What: 2016 Wear It Colorado Life Jacket Exchange Where: London Bridge Beach Park When: Saturday, May 21st, 10am to 12pm (while supplies last) Contact: Tom Gray, City of Lake Havasu email grayt@lhcaz.gov2016 Wear It Colorado Life Jacket ExchangeArizona law requires that there be one appropriately sized life jacket for each person aboard any boat out on the lake.  While they don't necessarily... 05/18/2016

The weather in our Lake Havasu community this time of year is the perfect temperature for a bike ride.  There's nothing like the wind in your face and miles of pavement under your feet.  At the Havasu Tri State Bikefest 2016, you get to ride around Mohave County in search of your best poker hand.  Winner gets a truly grand prize.  Will that be you?What: Havasu Tri State Bikefest 2016 Where: Downtown Lake Havasu (McCulloch Blvd) When: Saturday, May 14th, 9am to 8pm Cost: $25/person, $20/extra hand, spectators are FREE Contact: Darrin Davidson, Danny's Junkyard (928) 486-7393 or via emailHavasu Tri State Bikefest 2016Participants in the Havasu Tri State Bikefest 2016 will start off at either Baddogs Bar & Grill or the Flying X Saloon on McCulloch Blvd.  From there, they will be trekking t... 05/11/2016

Most Havasu homes have at least one pet.  Dogs and cats have become valued members of many families.  Money raised through the Havasu Top Hats and Tails Humane Society Fundraiser 2016 will help stray and abandoned animals find forever homes.What: Havasu Top Hats and Tails Humane Society Fundraiser 2016 Where: London Bridge Resort Convention Center When: Saturday, May 7th, 5:30pm Cocktails, 6:15pm Dinner Cost: $75 per person Contact: Patty Gillmore, Western AZ Humane Society (928) 855-5083 or via emailHavasu Top Hats and Tails Humane Society Fundraiser 2016It's time for the Havasu Top Hats and Tails Humane Society Fundraiser 2016.  The Western Arizona Humane Society will be hosting their annual dinner at the London Bridge Resort Convention Center this Saturday, May 7th.  The evening will... 05/04/2016

Are you interested in purchasing a new Havasu home?  Now may be the perfect time.  The March 2016 Lake Havasu Home Sales Report showed that the average sale price is down slightly from last year.  It also looks like total sales for the month were down as well.  Could this mean that Buyers have a slight advantage in the Lake Havasu real estate market?  Read on to learn more.March 2016 Lake Havasu Home Sales ReportAccording to the Lake Havasu Association of REALTORS®, the average sell price of a Lake Havasu single-family home in March 2016 was $226,525.48.  This was 3.4% lower than the same time last year and 4.1% lower than February of this year.  Total sales were down 23.6% (203 in March 2015 vs 155 in March 2016).  So far, the year-to-date total sales are 13.7% lower than the same time... 04/27/2016

It isn't just the weather that is heating up our Havasu community.  People are leaving the comfort of their Lake Havasu homes to enjoy the amazing sunshine.  With temps in the mid-80's to low-90's, you can understand why people want to own a piece of Lake Havasu real estate.  This is great weather to enjoy the Havasu Desert Storm Poker Run 2016.What: Havasu Desert Storm Poker Run 2016 Where: Rotary Park, Bridgewater Channel, The Island, Parker Dam When: April 27-30, 2016 (times vary) Cost: FREE to watch Contact: Jim Nichols, Lake Racer LLC (602) 578-5975 or via emailHavasu Desert Storm Poker Run 2016The Havasu Desert Storm Poker Run 2016 shows that the water is some very valuable Lake Havasu real estate.  The fun kicks off Thursday night with the Desert Storm Street Party.  Many of the ... 04/20/2016

The lake plays a major part in the Havasu lifestyle, obviously.  When you have more than 300 days of sunshine a year and access to a body of water, watersports are a natural fit.  PWC Freestyle USA will be hosting the West Coast Round of their annual competition in our own Havasu community this Saturday.  Come root on your favorite athletes at the 2016 Havasu Freestyle Championship.2016 Havasu Freestyle ChampionshipOn any given day, you are very likely to see men, women and children enjoying their own personal watercraft on the lake.  But the 2016 Havasu Freestyle Championship takes this to a whole other level.  The freestyle competition area is right outside Tinnell Skate Park.  A panel of judges will determine the winner of the West Coast Round after reviewing each rider's two minute ... 04/13/2016

Lake View Havasu Real Estate 2858 Sombrero Dr   This lake view havasu real estate is located on an awesome corner lot with an even driveway, 30x60 rv/motorhome parking with hookups and that's not even mentioning the stunning lake views that stretch across the horizon that can be witness from the comfort of your hot tub/spa. The glorious sunsets seen from this home truly bring the romance! This lake havasu home is a perfect fit for just about anyone you can think of with newly tiled floors and counters, roomy overall feeling, updated bathroom fixtures and a huge 2 car 32' boat deep garage for all your current and future toys! But don't stop there! This Lake Havasu real estate has plenty of room to add even more garage space or even beef up the sq footage of the home. For the new family,... 04/12/2016

Every year, the Lake Havasu Marine Association hosts a boat show unlike any other.  The 2016 Lake Havasu Boat Show is the biggest boat show you will find in either Arizona or Nevada.  This year promises to be the biggest one yet!What: 2016 Lake Havasu Boat Show Where: Lake Havasu State Park, Lot 4 When: April 8-10, 2016, 12pm to 6pm Fri, 9am to 6pm Sat, 9am to 3pm Sun Cost: $5/person, kids 6 & under FREE Contact: Bob Brown, Lake Havasu Boat Show (951) 501-0210 or via email2016 Lake Havasu Boat ShowSure, you'll find boats and all kinds of water craft at the 2016 Lake Havasu Boat Show.  But this is so much more than just a "boat show".  After you visit the 100 or so exhibitors, watch the Jettribe Watercross racing on the lake.  There will be closed course qualifying from 10am to 1pm on Sa... 04/06/2016