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Mohave County, AZ Real Estate News

By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
The other day on the radio I heard the Eagles hit song “Take it Easy.” Of course I was driving down a dirt road putting up for sale vacant land real estate signs and the first line of the song “Well I’m a-running down the road trying to loosen by load” truly resonated with me.The load was not seven women on my mind, but rather two vacant land listings and visiting another two potential vacant land listings.Then I heard “one say she’s a friend of mine.” How often do we hear from friends who make referrals or that out of the blue call from someone who said they met us? Sometimes these friends are past clients and sometimes they are not friends, but rather acquaintances. The Eagles encourage us to: “Take it easy, take it easyDon’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.”Lighten u...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Many of us have heard the old Ford statement “Quality is Job One.” In real estate, our quality begins with the many “tools” we add to our “tool box.”  For me, the local MLS, WARDEX soon to be Momentum, continues to be one tool that I use every day.  The quality of this tool does help to deliver quality results. And yes, vehicles are tools. Recently, I attended a day long event hosted by this local MLS with numerous sponsors. What I was surprised to learn was this small MLS using a platform (Matrix/Core Logic that is the #1 North American Multiple Listing Service platform) received 3 significant awards from the WAV Group (See awards below).  Of course, I did not know about this group and learned through my own research that the WAV Group is an established research consulting firm that se...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Often sellers begin with this simple question:What’s my property worth?For some property owners they may begin with clicking the keyboard and then scanning the various Internet real estate sites to secure the answer to this question. Unfortunately, these real estate “estimates” are often not accurate for a variety of reasons.The foundation for the any and all answers to this question begins with these two words:DATA INTEGRITYTo begin with, clarification of these two words is essential. The Oxford Online Dictionary states DATA is "facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.” When DATA is inaccurate, this makes any research from listings agents to appraisers far more difficult to determine a current market value. And why many estimates are also not as accurate as po...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Yesterday morning as I was out putting directional signs as well as signs on two vacant land listings, I drove by another forthcoming vacant land listing. The seller was there diligently working on getting his two parcels ready to be listed.  This seller is an existing client who I sold a 40 acre tract. These two parcels have power, permitted septic, fencing, RV plugs and custom entry gates.  The reason I drove by was in the neighborhood and curious if he had received the custom gates. He shared he drove to CA to pick the gates as he couldn’t wait for the vendor’s delivery. The gates should be installed by next Saturday. I can't wait. As we were talking, he told me the property owner across the street once his listing expires with another rural land specialist wants to list with me and ...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
For those seeking a buildable lot in Golden Valley, AZ, this one checks off most of those "want and need" boxes. Elbow Room – YES 2.06 acres Power at the Property Line – YES Water at the Property Line – YES Paid Water Allocation – YES Corner Lot – YES\ RV Friendly – YES County Maintained Dirt Road, no washes to cross Horse Friendly - YES No HOA – A Whopping BIG Yes Manufactured Home Zoning - YES Near Pavement – YES a quarter mile to paved Egar Rd Close to Colorado Water Activities – YES Close to Laughlin,NV Activities - YES Adjacent 1+ Acre Parcel – Possibly Available for Sale This 2.06 acre parcel is about a half mile from paved Hwy 68 that connects Bullhead City/Laughlin to Kingman, AZ. Being on the west side of Golden Valley, AZ, the Colorado water activities along with other ameniti...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Many of the vacant land parcels here in Golden Valley, AZ are 2.35 acres.  Sometimes physical road access is a challenge along with the possibility of the parcel being in a flood plain. Fortunately, this 2.35 acre parcel with power at the corners of the property is not in a flood zone nor has poor road access. Even a bigger plus, NO HOA!What makes this property truly exceptional is the 360 mountain views. The parcel is located near the foot hills of the Black Mountains.  Looking to the east are the Hualapai Mountains and to the North, the Cerbat Cliffs. With Golden Valley, AZ being over 300 square miles, water is often a well or water haul as the four (4) local water companies are limited in their range. There are local firms that can deliver water to this property or the property owner...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Daily we read the days of the week. Maybe think them such as OMG it's Friday and yet may not know of the origin of how those days were named.  Did you know that the Germanic interpretations replaced the Romance languages that kept the Roman deity names?For example, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday are from the Norse gods that replaced the Roman gods.Tuesday (Tiw’s Day): The Norse god of War, Tiw (Tyr) superseded the Roman god of war Mars.Wednesday (Wooden’s Day): The German’s name for the father of the Norse gods was Woden.  For Scandinavians (Vikings)  that god’s name was Odin. Same god different pronunciation. (Replaced the Mercury, the Roman god)Thursday (Thor’s Day):  Again the Norse deity of Thor replaced Jupiter the Roman god. For me this is my favorite Viking Day.Friday (Frig...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Many of the members here on Active Rain have great "Can Do" attitudes. Recently I made a request of this "Can Do" member and in around 24 hours, the request was honored.Being responsive is a great leadership attitude. To be responsive one must also be an active listener. By being an active listener, one can learn much about the individual as well as any requests made. All of these leadership skills are infused into leading one’s self (self-leadership) and leading others (leadership). Even though I have never met this person face to face as we live thousands of miles apart, I felt comfortable enough to make a phone call to her and make a request.  As someone who focuses on selling vacant land, dirt, I often had trouble in finding the correct category when sharing sellers’ listings of vac...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
In searching and buying vacant land, dirt, there are many variations (some are large and some are small) that these buyers are often unaware. Here are 10 potential variations here in NW AZ. Variation OneParcel Configuration –  From 1 acre to 100+ acres, parcels can be a very long and narrow rectangle to squarish to triangular to irregular such as a flag property. The MLS description may not indicate the parcel configuration Variation TwoTopography –  The desert is not as flat as some think, but is far more undulating. Vacant land parcels can have ravines, to large mounds to large hills to being mountainous. Just because a property has a wash does not mean the property is in a designated flood zone. Also vegetation in the lower elevations is different than vegetation in the high elevatio...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
When meeting buyers, professional real estate agents discuss what the buyers want. This discussion appears to be simple and forthright up front, however that is not usually the case.Currently, I have a very nice, extremely well maintained residential 3 bedroom home for sale in Bullhead City.  The first potential buyers really liked the home because the home checked off all of their expressed wants.However, the husband decided he could not park his RV vehicle because of the gate and wall construction. Yet, the seller was able to do it numerous times.  For this buyer, an extra wide RV gate with plenty of room to navigate was needed.With vacant land, one would even think what buyers want is even simpler.  Again, based on my 8 years of experience this scenario is not the actual reality.Rece...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Listing and selling vacant land, dirt, for the last nearly nine (9) years, I realize many vacant land buyers are clueless when it comes to buying “dirt.” This lack of knowledge can be tricky (even dangerous) and why relying on AI, Family or Friends cannot necessarily be the best purchasing strategy.In many states when it comes to real estate, this phrase “due diligence” continues to appear.  Vacant land Listing Agents will state something similar to this:Buyer(s) to verify flood zone, lot lines, zoning and cost to connect utilities or any other information pertinent to the buyer. If a buyer, especially an out of state buyer, does know what the buyer doesn’t know, how will the buyer know where to verify flood zones, lot lines, zoning and cost to connect utilities?Speaking of utilities, o...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Years ago I heard this “attitude is a habit of thought” and these words were attributed to Zig Ziglar. However, I later learned this quote was by Paul J. Meyer founder of the Success Motivation Institute.Before today’s common motivational speakers and writers, Buddha (483-411 BC) was quoted as saying:"The mind is everything. What you think you become. What you feel you attract. What you imagine you create."How often do we allow our own thoughts to travel down paths that are filled with uncertainty, darkness and even self-reproach?Yet, by remembering that our thoughts (think attitudes) drive our actions, we can change the path or paths we walk each day.Possibly, Aristotle (384-322 BC) understood habits of thought with these words?“That which has become habitual becomes as it were natural...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
As addressed in this blog REAL ESTATE CRIME REPORTING TAKEN TO NEW LEVELS, this new FinCEN rule will have an impact on Real Estate Agents as both Listing Agents and/or as Buyers Agents.Impact on Residential Listing Agents Applicable Transactions include: Residential Real Property (1-4) units mixed use, with residential vacant land intended for residential use The buyer is an LLC, corporation, partnership or trust Transaction is purchased without a traditional mortgage from an AML regulated lender this includes cash, owner carry and “hard money” No legal exemptions applies Changes to the real estate transaction by buyers late in the deal Title companies cannot close without all required information Seller must provide complete identity information including entity or trust details. Now a...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
This month Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran  are challenging Active Rain members to share their appreciation of other members.  They listed these questions or criteria:Does the AR Member inspire you? – YesDoes the AR Member help you? – YesDoes the AR Member exude positivity? – A Big Whopping YesIs the AR Member kind, generous and courteous?  Yes, AbsolutelyDoes the AR Member leave positive feedback? – Yes, all the timesHas the AR Member done something extraordinary – YesSo you may be curious as to who this AR member is with the ever present infectious smile and laugh?  Drum roll… Carol Williams  of course as the feature photo shows.My first in person interaction with Carol was in June of 2022 when we had lunch here at the Cracker Barrel in Kingman, AZ. The feature photo is from that fir...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Some residential home sellers and residential home buyers may not be aware of The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCn). This agency has rules specific to real estate crime and has just published new rules effective 3/1/26.WHY THE NEW RULE?This new crime rule is two fold: Prevent money laundering Increase transparency within real estate transactions WHAT AND WHO DOES THIS NEW RULE AFFECT?These new FinCn rules affect mostly residential real estate and vacant land purchased vacant lots only when used for residential homes. This new rule affects three specific criteria:#1 - Transfer of residential property#2 - A non-financed transaction that includes: Cash Hard Money Loans Private/Seller Loans (Owner Carry) #3 - Transfer is to a legal entity or trustNOTE: Residential property is def...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Sometimes one is fortunate to travel to a potential real estate listing. When traveling with my broker Elise Harron most trips are an adventure.  This one in Golden Valley, AZ did not disappoint me.Not only did we hear stories about this particular property, but I saw unexpected and incredible mountain views that are not seen from major roads. These views were hidden in canyons and require traveling narrow dirt roads to access. Once again I learned dirt roads build character.However, once there, one is exposed to the wonders of Mother Nature.  Rising peaks, incredible rock formations and scattered high desert vegetation dot the landscape.Yes, life is good living in the high desert where every day one has the opportunity to see something new as well as incredible from the sunrises to the...
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Understanding arizona property tax relief programs is an important part of homeownership planning, especially for buyers and long-term residents in Bullhead City, AZ. As a local Realtor working with buyers, retirees, and investors throughout Mohave County, I regularly see how property taxes influence affordability, retirement planning, and long-term housing decisions.Arizona is often viewed as a tax-friendly state, but many homeowners are not fully aware of the relief programs that may reduce their annual property tax burden. These programs can be particularly valuable for seniors, veterans, disabled homeowners, and long-term residents on fixed incomes. Knowing how arizona property tax relief programs work allows homeowners to plan more effectively and avoid paying more than necessary.H...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
The other afternoon last week I received a call from a very anxious "dirt" buyer who was standing in front of a vacant land parcel I had for sale here in Golden Valley, AZ. He wanted to make an offer, like right now, not later. We went through the standard  "CYA" questions and he was not represented by a real estate agent. The buyer said he wanted me to represent him.My next step was to secure his email and send him all the information on the 2.49 acre off grid land parcel to be reviewed along with the buyer broker employment agreement and the purchase documents. He called me back and said he couldn’t sign anything. I informed him these purchase documents were for his review.  If all appeared good, I would send the documents for e-signatures. This very anxious buyer said “Yes” all was g...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Years ago, when I was active in my executive strategic leadership consulting and sales coaching practice, I made this statement:Indecision is a decision not to take action.This statement came from listening and watching my clients make excuses not to take action, not to do what must or should be done.The other day I came across this quote by Epictetus in his “Discourses”"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” Henry Ford words are a branch between my thoughts and Epictetus:"Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”Self-belief is a mindset, an attitude which is a habit of thought.Napoleon Hill recognized: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.”Of course, sometimes our first attempt to achieve what we want is...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
My story with Active Rain and this Ha Ha member began upon the recommendation of my then Dirt Road Real Estate broker Judith Ritter. I joined Active Rain in 2018. Shortly thereafter, Brian England extended a warm and welcoming hand along with his infamous "Ha Ha" signature.Later when I learned of all the Meet Ups held by Active Rain members, I reached out to Brian. He graciously offered to set up a meet up with other Active Rain Members within the Phoenix Area.On July 11, 2022, I traveled the 3 hours plus  from Mohave County, Golden Valley, AZ and met other involved Active Rain Members including Steffy Hristova , Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ , and Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI. The lunch was enjoyable however getting to meet everyone in person was  even better.Since t...
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