The Lake Powell Real Estate Blog in Arizona and Utah

Frist Time Homebuyers Credit Extended - Repeat Buyer Tax Credit Passed

heather — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:37:51 +0000

Look for President Obama to sign the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit Extension with an added Repeat Buyer Tax Credit provision on December 1, 2009.

There are several changes in the new tax credit law but the highlights are:

Repeat buyers can qualify for a $6,500 credit if they purchase after November 6, 2009 and before April 30, 2010

Income limits for the program have increased

Documentation must now be included to show the home purchase (due to fraud)

Home must go under contract by April 30,2010

NAR Homebuyer Tax Credit

The hope is by raising the income limits and adding current homeowners, higher-end homes will begin to move.

We have many homes for sale in the Page Lake Powell area that qualify for the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit and the Current Home Owners Tax Credit. If you have been thinking of relocating to the Page Lake Powell area or upgrading your current Lake Powell home, this is an excellent time to do so.

More Information on the $8000 Tax Credit

HUD Announces $8000 Tax Credit Can go to Closing Cost, etc.

It Is Law Now, But What Is It? Clues to the $8,000 Home Buyers Tax Credit.

Search Lake Powell Homes for Sale and Lake Powell Properties

Lake Powell Homes for Sale in Page AZ MLS Search

Big Water Utah Lake Powell MLS Homes and Properties for Sale

For More Information Contact Me by E-mail Or Call 928-691-6444 Your Lake Powell Realtor

Big Water Utah Election Results November 2009

heather — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:37:35 +0000

While I’ve not written much about the local political scene in Big Water, Utah, it has been a mess as of late. From a released planning and zoning member and two resignations on town council to a mayoral candidate drop out and two write ins, it has been nothing if not interesting.

It would appear that the townsfolks of Big Water have overwhelming made their voices heard. In a town of 400 or so folks, each vote counts.

Here are the unofficial results from yesterdays election (Thanks Maggie for tracking this down!)

Jade McBride is our new Mayor with 105 votes

Henry Alexander received 28 votes

Michell Tenney received 8.

Stewart Joseph is a new Council member with 106 votes

Jennie Lassen is a new Council Member with 90 votes

Norma Hershey received 45 votes

Denise Muse received 40 votes.

The total ballots cast - 153

Due to the resignations last month there is still one town council seat to fill but this is a good start in getting Big Water back on track.

Senators Extend First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit - May Add A Reduced Credit for Repeat Buyers

heather — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:13:01 +0000

While it has not yet passed, the Senate has agreed to extend the first time homebuyers tax credit until April 2010. The $8000 credit is good for homebuyers who have not owned a home in the previous three years. Homes would need to come under contract by the end of April and close by the end of June.

Sadly, popular bills like this one often attract amendments, such as ACORN funding, along with them, a process which I think should be done away with., but for now, it is the way Washington works. The homebuyers tax credit has a unemployment extension amendment on it. Republicans want unemployment benefits verified through e-verify to show citizenship, majority leaders do not. There is also a ‘tax provision” that may help previous homeowners and businesses loosing money.

Stay tuned …… we shall see what happens with the Tax Credit.

More Information on the $8000 Tax Credit

HUD Announces $8000 Tax Credit Can go to Closing Cost, etc.

It Is Law Now, But What Is It? Clues to the $8,000 Home Buyers Tax Credit.

Search Lake Powell Homes for Sale and Lake Powell Properties

Lake Powell Homes for Sale in Page AZ MLS Search

Big Water Utah Lake Powell MLS Homes and Properties for Sale

For More Information Contact Me by E-mail Or Call 928-691-6444Your Lake Powell Realtor

1st Prosecution Of Lake Powell Quagga Mussels Violation

heather — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:32:03 +0000

The Salt Lake Tribune today ran an article detailing the ticketing, trial and conviction of the first Lake Powell Quagga Mussels violation.

For background on the Quagga Muscles please see NPS Increases Efforts to Keep Quagga Mussels out of Lake Powell and the following Video as well Zebra Quagga Mussels Lets Keep Them Out of Lake Powell

In August of 2009 a Nevada State resident was informed by park service staff that his boat needed to be inspected for the Zebra or Quagga mussels before launching in Lake Powell. The man, Mr. Ward, refused the request and proceeded to Lone Rock where he launched his boat and received a citation.

Mr Ward opted to go to trial rather than pay the fine on the ticket. A federal magistrate heard the case and found Mr. Ward guilty, and ordered him to pay a $2,500 fine.

It is difficult for me to understand why, when asked to comply with the boat inspection, a person would ignore the request and endanger the lake. Lake Powell is a beautiful lake and offers so many opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and general recreation for millions it seems if one cared about the lake, one would ensure their boat was not endangering it. The invasion of the mussels into Lake Mead is well documented as is the damage.

7 Southern Utah Natural Wonders

heather — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:24:27 +0000

I found this article and am reprinting it with permission. That said - there are so many Southern Utah Natural Wonders, a list of just 7 does not begin to cover the vastness of creation down here Thanks LifeCoach for the reprint.

*********************
You have heard of the 7 wonders world, well I made my own list, the 7 wonders of Southern Utah. A list of incredible structures you just have to see in this great state.

1. The Arches

Of course the Arches National Park in Utah is going to be on this list. These sandstone formations have become a symbol of Utah. Especially the delicate Arch this beautiful arch sits on the top of a huge canyon and seems to be the only wonderful work of art within 100 miles when you are looking directly at it.

No other structure makes such a beautiful picture, and appears so isolated.

2. Rainbow Bridge

The rainbow bridge is the largest natural bridge the world has known and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. This structure towers across Lake Powell and is one of the most interesting rocks you will ever see.

It is still amazing to think that something like this formed by nature with no outside help from an incredible sculptor. There are a number of boat tours that will take you down to the bridge where you can see it first hand for yourself, but it is crowded so you will have to make an appointment.

3. Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument is the only man-made attraction on this list. This is an ancient Indian village many of the houses are still intact. You will need to come down to this area in order to appreciate it fully.
I love history, and there is no better place to see ancient Indian houses up close then Hovenweep.

4. The Wave

The Wave is in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. The canyon is like no other in the world. It resembles a large ocean and the waves are clearly visible and makes an incredible site to see. It is something that I have wanted to see for a very long time.

It is pretty hard to visit it however. Only a few people are allowed to visit the canyon each month and you normally have to make a reservation several months in advance. They do hold regular raffles so if you want to try your luck and drive down there you are welcome to.

5. Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument is home to some amazing structures including the second largest natural bridge known to man after the Rainbow Bridge. This park is filled with fun hikes, interesting rock structures and breathtaking views.

It is a great place to visit.

6. Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is famous for having unforgettable overlooks. Bryce point alone is well worth the trip. These amazing views will send anyone into a state of awe.

7. Canyonland Needles

Last but not least is the Canyonland Needles. The needles are amazing rock structures souring out of the ground. It is simply astonishing how large these structures actually get and make you feel tiny by comparison.

Lake Powell Fridays - Halloween Party for Kids and Pets at Page City Park

heather — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:25:17 +0000

Note: This year the Pumpkin Festival did not have any promoters so a few local folks got together to do something nice for the Lake Powell area children for the holiday. Thanks Angie and Dave and all the other volunteers!

24th- City Park - Halloween Party in the Park for Kids and Pets.

Pet Halloween Costume Contest, Pet Parade, and Trick or Treats for Pets at 11am. Bring a goodies bag so we can trick or treat out of each others bags! Support the Adoption Center.

There will be live music and food or bring you own lunch. Not a fundraiser by any means for anybody. Bring a lawn chair.

If you have any question, ideas or comments, contact Angie Woodberry or Dave Weaver at 928-645-8181 for more information. See ya Saturday!!!!!

State Trust Lands Bonuses Called Into Question by Utah Legislature

heather — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:59:59 +0000

Yesterday, October 21st, the Salt Lake Tribune ran an article titled
“Legislative leaders outraged by land agency bonuses”
stating that several leaders were angered by SITLA - the Utah School and Trust Lands Administration, who gave themselves bonuses 2 months early in order to avoid a prohibition on bonuses this year. SITLA fired back saying it was simply an accounting move.

I am not going to cover the whole article, but it states how one SITLA manger received a $35,000 bonus and then a $36,000 bonus on the same day - June 30th.

Here’s my take - I live in Big Water, a town in which State Trust Lands owns @75% of the actual ground due to a land swap that occurred when President Clinton made the Grand Staircase Monument, and I have never understood the bonuses. There has been talk for years of doing away with the bonuses, but the legislature seems unwilling to do so.

I am not sure I understand the “outrage” on the legislature’s part either over something that has been a point of irritation for many in Utah for years. In February a legislative fiscal analyst recommended doing away with the bonuses all together. SITLA responded the bonuses are a important incentive for the land managers. Do Land Managers need bonuses between $13,000 and $35,000 to manage state land with the directive to benefit our school children the best financial way?

I would love to hear your take on this issue - please weigh in below.

What’s Happening in the Lake Powell Real Estate Market - Big Water, Utah for Oct 2009

heather — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:42:14 +0000

Here’s what real estate is for sale in the Eastern Kane County, Lake Powell, Ut, area including Paria to Big Water forOctober 2009

Single Family Homes - 6 for sale, average price $382,833

Manufactured Homes - 8 for sale, average price $167,238

Single Family Lots - 30 for sale, average price $38,078

Vacant Land - 3 for sale, average price $171,333

Commercial Lots - 6 for sale, average price $93,067

Commercial Buildings and Business, 4 for sale, average price $458,000

One thing to note is more than half of the manufactured homes for sale, on the Utah side of Lake Powell, are on acreage ranging from a 1.2 acre to just over 4 acres. Three of the homes are perfect for Horse Property and still very close to Lake Powell and all of the outdoor activities living in the high desert offer.

Search Lake Powell Homes for Sale and Lake Powell Properties

Lake Powell Homes for Sale in Page AZ MLS Search

Big Water Utah Lake Powell MLS Homes and Properties for Sale

For More Information Contact Me by E-mail Or Call 928-691-6444 Your Lake Powell Realtor