Vicki Lind's Lake Havasu City Living Blog

Famous Lighthouses from Near and Far in Lake Havasu City

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:30:35 -0700

When you're looking for an activity for the whole family, you will find that you can visit famous lighthouses from near and far in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. And, it won't take you long to discover that there are more lighthouses in Lake Havasu than any other city in America. Visiting all these fully functional light houses will keep you busy for days. There are more than 15 lighthouses that sit along the shores of the lake that were built to the specifications of the most famous lighthouses along the East and West Coasts. The city is even planning for several more. Some lighthouses in Lake Havasu City you may enjoy visiting: Lake Havasu Marina Lighthouse - This lighthouse is located at the Lake Havasu Marina entrance. It was actually the forerunner to the Lighthouse Club formation and the inspiration that set the Lighthouse Club Plan into action. This lighthouse is also a valuable aid to the lake's navigation. West Quoddy Light - You will find this lighthouse on the Island at the west end of the Bridgewater Channel. This is a replica of the West Quoddy light that is located in Lubec, Maine, the furthest lighthouse in the Northeast. Cape Hatteras Light - Located in Windsor State Park, this lighthouse replicates the Cape Hatteras Light in Buxton, North Carolina, which currently is the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S. standing at 193' tall. However, the Lake Havasu City replica stands at 30' tall. Robert Manning Light - This lighthouse is located on the Island at the entrance to Crazyhorse Campground Marina. It is a replica of the Robert Manning light that is located in Empire, Michigan. Buffalo Main Light - You will find this lighthouse at the south entrance of the Bridgewater Chanel. It is a replica of an architecturally stunning tower at the entrance of the Erie Canal that was built in 1833. The original stood at over 66' before it was replaced with another breakwater light. Split Rock Lighthouse - Located on the Northwest corner of the Site Six Channel, this lighthouse is a replica of the Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior. There are many more lighthouses to visit, but this is just a taste of what you can expect. You can visit famous lighthouses across the country all in Lake Havasu City.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

BUYERS: How to Choose the Right Home for You

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:24:01 -0700

You're looking to purchase a new Lake Havasu City home. You hire a fantastic Realtor® who really listens to what you are looking for and finds you a great home. In fact, they are so good that they have actually found you two that you fall head over heels for. So, how do you choose which home will be the right home for you? Consider the following: Weigh the pros and cons of each home carefully. Things to consider for each choice include the price, location, school system, possible repairs needed, square footage of home, how each floor plan fits in with your current family and possible future plans, the neighborhood, how noisy the streets and neighbors are, what the comparables in the neighborhood are and good old-fashioned gut intuition. It's good to visit a home on different days of the week and at different times of the day to get a good sense of how much activity and noise goes on throughout the week. Talk to the neighbors to get their take on the neighborhood. They can provide some valuable information. Think about the future. It is possible that you will be in this home for several years to come. So, you will want to think about future scenarios that may come up to help determine which Lake Havasu home would work for you. Do you have kids or are you planning to have them soon? You may want to investigate the school system and see which one better fits your needs. You may also want to consider which home is closer to schools in your area. Do you have elderly parents that may be moving in with you in the next couple of years? Make sure to take the floor plan into consideration. A one-story home is easier than a two-story for elderly people to get around in. But, if a two-story home has a bedroom on the main floor, this can work as well. What makes the best financial sense? Talk to your Lake Havasu City Realtor® about getting comps of the neighborhood: home values, etc. They will have the most up-to-date information available. Ask them if this house is in an up-and-coming neighborhood or if it is on the downward spiral. Find out if either home is overpriced for its respective neighborhood. Will either home need any major/minor repairs or updates? If they do, how many and how much money will it cost? Separate your "needs" from your "wants". Prioritize what you really truly need in a home to help determine which house fits those needs. You may want a pool, but if the roof of the house needs replaced, you may want to reconsider that at this time. Use your team. Feel free to talk to your Realtor®, friends, family, lender, etc. when deciding on which house to go with. While you are the one making the final decision, it can be helpful to hear another perspective. When it comes down to it, you are the only person who can choose the right home for you. By considering all the factors above, you should be able to more clearly define which Lake Havasu home purchase is best for you. Just let me know how I can help!Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Simple Décor Switches to Help Lighten Your Lake Havasu City Summer

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:01:36 -0700

With the temps heating our summer on up in Lake Havasu, many people are getting into the spirit of warm weather. Therefore, I've got some simple décor switches that will help lighten your Lake Havasu City summer right up. Replacing dark accessories with bright, light accessories is a quick and simple way to lighten anyone's mood. You can switch out your heavy winter drapes or curtains for sheers. If you're a hunter with "nature" wall hangings, you can replace them with something botanically themed. These are cost effective and effortless ways to welcome the beautiful summer sunlight and nature into your home. When updating your décor, you will want to spend your redecorating dollars on things that will give you the highest impact for the lowest investment. That saying, wall décor can be changed up easily by taking down a dreary picture and replacing it with something bright and colorful. It will help give the room a different look and feel. Nature inspired wall accents are a great way to start. Find your style in colorful or light hued fabrics to help bring in the summer sun through your windows. Look for lightweight fabrics that won't block the beautiful sun rays. Blinds can be very effective for keeping the sun at bay on extremely hot days. Fireplaces can be used in the summer for added décor. Clean it out of all ash and debris and then add your favorite green plant. You can also give your fireplace a light-hearted feeling by adding an electric powered fountain. Your outdoor living space can be one of the best summer treats if it's not too hot to enjoy. While Lake Havasu City experiences very hot days, the evening is a great time to spend outside with family and friends or just relaxing. Comfortable outdoor accessories will help make it more enjoyable. Simple switches to your décor can make a huge difference with your daily mood. And keeping your décor fresh can also be very helpful when selling your home.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Adapting to the New Real Estate Industry

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:10:41 -0700

As things change, we must learn to adapt. Now that the tax credits have ended and probably will not be renewed, it is a good time to learn to adapt to the new real estate industry. The up-front mortgage insurance premium of FHA loans went from 1.75% to 2.25%. FHA announced that it was reducing the seller allowance from 6% to 3% earlier this year, but they have not announced a date that it will go into effect. However, fellow agents, this is a window of opportunity for you to start talking to buyers and sellers while they still exist. If a seller does not want to give the maximum, they can still offer more than the proposed 3%. Some sellers may even agree to 4% or more. These allowances can be promoted on the Internet, at open houses, in MLS, on property flyers, and anywhere else to attract the attention of buyers. Even if a seller has not committed to pay the financing allowances, the buyer can still negotiate with them in their purchase offer. The allowances can be used to pay for buyers' closing costs, buy down the interest rate, pre-paid items, or a combination of the three. In extreme cases, when the seller is willing to pay 6% financing allowances, a buyer can apply it to a 3/2/1 buy down, where the payments in the first year are 3% less than the note rate, 2% less the second year, and 1% less the third year; leaving around 2% to be applied to the buyers' closing costs. This is an FHA standard program. Conventional and VA loans also allow financing allowances, but the maximum amounts are limited to 4% and 3%, respectively. Every mortgage company is able to provide these types of loans. However, some choose not to. Now, real estate professionals can use this information to help them understand this opportunity.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Memorial Day Weekend Events in Lake Havasu

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Fri, 28 May 2010 07:34:50 -0700

This Monday, May 31, 2010 is Memorial Day. There are a few Memorial Day events going on in Lake Havasu over the weekend that you may find interesting. May 28, 2010: Fourth Friday Backstage Cabaret - London Bridge Resort Convention Center (1477 Queen's Bay, Lake Havasu City), 8pm. The City Center Entertainment group will be performing "Boot Scootin' Boogie". Tickets are only $20 per person. For more information, please call 800-595-4TIX or visit the City Center Entertainment website. May 29, 2010: Lake Havasu Vehicle Swap Meet - London Bridge Plaza Parking Lot (London Bridge Rd & Paseo del Sol, Lake Havasu City), 8am-4pm. Held at the site of the normal Sunday Swap Meet, this will be the final Lake Havasu Vehicle Swap Meet until the fall. There will be cars, trucks, trailers, ATVs, boats, parts & accessories, motorhomes and more. No car dealers are allowed to sell there vehicles here. Admission is free for all onlookers. Sellers need only pay $15 per 10'x18' space. Sellers check in at 6am. First come, first served. For more info, please call Al de la Pena at 928-854-2733 or email him at rivbiz@npgcable.com. May 30, 2010: Soldier Statue Dedication - Wheeler Park (McCulloch Blvd, Lake Havasu City), opens at 4pm, event starts at 5:30pm. As part of the Soldier Statue Dedication program, there will be a Memorial Day celebration, dedication of plaques, dedication of soldier statue, patriotic displays, speakers, presentation and entertainment. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. There will be a small amount of chairs available. So, it is recommended that you bring your own with you. For more info, please contact Larry Robinson at 928-814-6551. So, if you are looking for something to do over the Memorial Day weekend in Lake Havasu, those are a few suggestions for you. Finally, on Monday, May 31, 2010, all Americans are encouraged to stop whatever they are doing at 3pm local time to pause for a moment of silence in memory of those brave men and women who gave their lives in service of our country. God bless them. Vicki Lind, your Lake Havasu City real estate specialistVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

An Upswing of Pending Home Sales

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 18 May 2010 10:36:36 -0700

Pending home sales have increased again in March, confirming that an upswing of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season. The Pending Home Sales Index forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March rose 5.3% to 102.9%, which is 21.1% above March 2009, when it was 85.0%. This also follows an 8.3% increase in February. However, the data reflects contracts and not closings, which usually have a delay of one to two months. Many believe that favorable and affordable conditions have been working with the tax credit, which has helped stabilize the market. Although now, many experts believe that there will be measurably lower sales in the second half of the year and into 2011. But they also expect home sales to become self-sustaining if the economy can add jobs at a respectable pace and see home values stabilize. Another strong encouragement is the improvement in the availability for second home and jumbo mortgages as bank balance sheets strengthen. It's now a matter of time before lending of non-government-backed mortgages open up once again. For more information about the Pending Home Sales Index, you can visit www.realtor.org. Let us all hope this encouraging news continues on its current path and the real estate industry will be make a strong come back. Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

The Importance of a Professional Home Inspection

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:30:05 -0700

When buying a home for the first time, many first-time buyers don't know just how important a professional home inspection can be. It can actually be a vital tool in negotiating your offer price. In many cases, resale homes have at least one defect of some type averaging $500 in repair costs. A home inspection by a qualified home inspector is a perfect tool to help encourage home sellers to make these costly repairs. Or you can make the needed adjustments in your offering price as a direct result from the inspection report. Here are some tips that will help you make an educated decision when purchasing a home and get the best price possible: * Research the Inspector - Don't hire just anyone out of the phone book. Do your research and hire a home inspector with an excellent reputation and good credentials. Be sure to ask how long they've been in business, about specific training and ongoing education and verify that they have liability insurance, which is also known as Errors & Omissions. If they can't provide this information, then move on to the next. * Ask to See a Sample Report - The credentials of the company and the quality of work is important. A properly prepared report will include pictures and concise details that address all the various systems and accessible elements of the home. * Inspect Any Additional Systems - Buying a home for the first time can be very overwhelming and many times you don't know what you're going to need. Therefore, ask the inspector what additional services the company offers. Some homes may have a septic system that needs to be inspected. Many inspection companies will offer multiple services at a multiple discount. * Be There for the Inspection - Ask the inspector if you can come along. Most companies encourage this. If the inspector discourages you from being there, you should look for another inspector. A home inspection will not only show you what is wrong with the home, but it will also give you the opportunity to find out how various systems operate in the home. Following these few simple steps will help you get the most from your home inspection. Good luck.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Final Days for First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 06:46:32 -0700

These are the final days for buyers to take advantage of the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. If you are a first time homebuyer (someone who has not owned a Lake Havasu City home in the last three years), you have until April 30, 2010 to have a home in a binding contract contract in order to take advantage of up to $8000 in tax credit available or the $6500 tax credit available for current homeowners. There are no signs that this already-extended tax credit will be extended again. In order to qualify for the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, you must: 1. Have not owned a home in the last three years.2. Are married with a combined income of less than $225,000 or single/married filing head of household with an income of less than $125,000.3. Are purchasing a home to be used as a primary residence (no commercial properties, vacation homes or vacant land).4. The sale price of the Lake Havasu City home must be no more than $800,000. To qualify for the $6500 Tax Credit, you must meet all the above criteria except that you can have owned a home in the last three years. If you make more money than the maximum accepted, you may be eligible for a partial tax credit. Provided you don't sell the Lake Havasu home you purchase within three years, you will never have to pay the tax credit back. Don't miss the final days for the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. With the low prices, low interest rates and great inventory on hand, now is still the time to purchase your Lake Havasu dream home. Vicki Lind, your Lake Havasu real estate specialistVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Fixer-Upper Financing for Your Lake Havasu City Home

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:24:22 -0700

Buying a fixer-upper without financing can be a scary thing in today's real estate market where short sales and foreclosures are plentiful. But there is a program to help you with your fixer-upper financing. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program has been around since 1978, but not many borrowers took advantage of the FHA's 203k program in 2009. As a matter of fact, not many lending or real estate professionals are aware of the program. Through the FHA's 203k renovation financing loan program, borrowers can fold in $100,000 worth of repairs and improvements into $300,000 and $400,000 mortgages. Using the renovation financing through the 203k program allows you to access the costs of needed repairs and improvements and have them included into the FHA federally-insured mortgage instead of having to come up with the cash separately. This is the perfect loan for anyone who is buying an older fixer-upper or a foreclosure that needs work. The renovation financing program allows you to purchase the home, finance the repairs or improvements and do it in a responsible way. Although the 203k financing is not for everyone, when purchasing your Lake Havasu City real estate, check with your real estate agent, mortgage company, or bank for more details about the 203k program. You may be able to put it to good use when it comes to buying your next home.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Some of Lake Havasu City’s Popular Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:13:18 -0700

While some people are playing the trade-up game, others have decided to stay put and do some upgrading to their home instead. And, in Lake Havasu City real estate, there are some popular kitchen and bathroom upgrades I'd like to share with those who are staying in their current home. Popular Kitchen Upgrades: * A recycling center - A place designated for cans, papers, glass, etc. This can be in the form of a nook or even a cabinet. * Renewable floors - For those who are environmentally conscious, there are renewable resources for flooring such as flooring made from bamboo and coconut palm trees. Both of these are excellent green flooring options. * Larger pantry space - As many homeowners are seeing the benefit of buying in bulk, we are requiring larger pantry space. * Renewable countertops - There is now a wide selection of eco-friendly countertops. Some that you can find on the market include Paper Stone, Salvaged Hardwoods, Bamboo, Kirei Board, Recycled Tiles and more. * Home office - You don't need a large area to have a home office. All you need to do is dedicate an area big enough to set up a computer or laptop and a few office supplies. Popular Bathroom Upgrades: * Radiant heated floors - There are a number of advantages to heated floors. It's more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating. * Water-saving toilets - Water-saving toilets are quiet, save on sewer and water costs and never plug up. * Doorless showers - As our worlds are more hectic, we more often choose to take quick showers. Therefore, door-less showers are becoming popular for their design, their functionality, their sophistication and their elegance. * LED lighting - Homeowners around the world are beginning to see that, with a relatively small investment, selecting the most energy-efficient lighting systems will enhance the beauty and comfort of any space.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Lake Havasu City’s Windsor Beach Gets 1st Dock

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:34:01 -0800

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has approved the funding for the $600,000 dock project and the first dock is being built at Lake Havasu City's Windsor Beach Area 4. The dock project will allow boaters to drop their passengers off on the docks so they will no longer have to drive up onto the beach. Several more docks are on the schedule to be built in the upcoming weeks at Lake Havasu State Park. The new docks, which are made of aluminum, will replace the 15-year-old docks that are currently around the park. Although construction of many of the docks will be right in the middle of Spring Break and tourist season, officials have carefully planned how they will close areas of the park during construction so that it should not interfere with any scheduled events in the area. Area 4 was chosen for construction first because it is simply the most active with busy events and they need it finished first. The south dock is next in line for construction since it is the next most active with busy events. These dock upgrades may even be a perk for those looking to buy a home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. It's a great place to live, work and play within minutes of all Lake Havasu City real estate.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Lake Havasu’s Winter Blast at SARA Park

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:27:44 -0800

This year's 21st annual Western Winter Blast was the biggest turnout ever at Lake Havasu City's SARA Park. The Thursday night crowd gave plenty of "ooh's" and "aah's" as the four-day event began. The Western Winter Blast began in 1989 and is held each year over Presidents Day weekend. This year's four day event began on February 11 and came to an end on February 14 with a turnout of over 40,000 people on Saturday alone. And many residents of Lake Havasu City, Arizona would agree that it was the largest crowd SARA Park has ever seen. The event was down by 100 members because of budgetary reasons, which made many worried about this year's turnout. No one really expected the crowd that actually came, but then again, Lake Havasu City is a great community. The numbers for the final revenue from the event won't be available for a few more days, but this is one of the biggest economic stimulants of the years for Lake Havasu. Actual registration was based on breaking even for the event. So, it looks like the city did financially great this year. All additional revenue from the event will be going toward any needed repairs and equipment replacement. If there is any money made, it will go back into an account for next year's show. Everyone seemed to be very pleased with the show and the great weather. Lake Havasu City always seems like the perfect place for great events like this.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

More Winter for Lake Havasu City

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:22:21 -0800

Punxsutawney Phil has officially spoken and it looks like bad news for the US. Phil emerged this morning to see his shadow before hundreds of freezing onlookers, which means we will have at least another six weeks of winter. However, for Lake Havasu City, that isn't so bad with temps in the mid to upper 60's. Going by German tradition, hundreds of onlookers hover in freezing temps waiting to see if a hibernating animal will see its shadow on February 2. If the animal does, winter will last another six weeks. If the animal sees no shadow, legend says spring will come early. In Punxsutawney Phil's case, there is the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club who annually announces his forecast to the rest of us. Some states have their own groundhog to do their forecasting, but for those who don't, we depend on Punxsutawney Phil to give it to us straight. So, how many times has Phil seen his shadow? The Groundhog Club says that, since Phil has been predicting winter weather from 1887, he has seen his shadow nearly 100 times. Time will only tell if we will have another six weeks of winter. But, with most of the country still in a deep freeze, it certainly looks like it could happen.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Massage Away Your Worries in a Steam Shower

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:01:32 -0800

Just a few short decades ago, the only way you could massage away your worries with steam was by soaking in a hot tub or sitting it out in a sauna. And most of the time, you had to stay at a luxury hotel or join a gym to do it. However, today's technology is more advanced and much more affordable, allowing homeowners to purchase this equipment and have it installed in their own home. So what if you want to have a bath, a soak and a sweat all at once? Well, you may want to look at steam showers, which have the capabilities of all three and more. If you're in Lake Havasu City during the peak of the summer, where I'm from, all you have to do is jump in any pool and, presto, you have an instant sauna. Here are some perks of a steam shower and their capabilities: Steam Shower Capabilities - Steam showers are traditional shower stalls with traditional fixtures and heads. You can take a regular bath or shower within the enclosure and it can also be turned into a steamy sauna. A generator warms the water to a boil. This super hot water vapor is then pushed through the jets that line the ceiling and walls. Steam Shower Construction - The surfaces of steam showers are constructed of specialized materials that are made to withstand this extreme heat so no damage is done. The unit is also completely sealed so no moisture can seep out and enter other areas of the room. Health Benefits - Besides the obvious relaxing benefits after a long day's work, they also offer great health benefits. The hot air steam helps thin the blood and enhance your body's circulation, which helps relieve soreness, fatigue and arthritis. The moisture from the air boosts the metabolism, improves the respiratory system and removes toxins from the body. The jets work together to massage the body to relax, relieve and rejuvenate muscle aches. Accessories - Steam showers can be more than just functional. They can also be luxurious. Depending on your budget, you can choose from the basic steam shower or from high-end innovations that come with telephone, television and audio/video jacks. Whichever style you decide to choose, do your research on the manufacturer when you're ready to purchase. Ariel, Royal and Dreamline are some of the top rated steam shower manufacturers.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Lake Havasu City Gets Beautification Grant

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:48:29 -0800

Lake Havasu City was recently selected to receive grant funding for the Transportation Enhancement program to help beautify the city. This is very pleasing news to community members. Funding for all projects will be coming from the Arizona Department of Transportation. The Kingman District's application for State project for the Lake Havasu Landscaping Project, Phase III at Mulberry South will be included in the funding along with the city owned planter strip on State Route 95 near Palo Verde North. The City will landscape the parcels adjacent to SR 95 and supply infrastructure to future landscaping on the highway right-of-way. The city will also landscape the areas of SR 95 south of Mulberry Avenue with state and residential properties fronting it. ADOT is also working on the Phase II design of the project, which will run from Palo Verde South to Mesquite Avenue on SR 95. Transportation Enhancement programs like these were developed to enhance surface transportation activities. Lake Havasu City is going a step further by developing projects that are going above and beyond what transportation departments can typically do. Current projects are estimated at $400,000 to $500,000 each and will require a match of approximately 5% from the City for each project. Lake Havasu City is already a beautiful city and now it will be even more beautiful with the help from this funding.Vicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas for the Holidays

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:24:00 -0800

Tis the season when homes around the world will be covered in a sea of crumpled paper and bows that have been tossed aside without another thought. That's right, wrapping paper from those much anticipated holiday gifts are largely to blame for a 25% increase in our curbside trash volume between Thanksgiving and the New Year. So, what is the eco-minded gift giver to do when it comes to wrapping the gifts they have to give? As your Lake Havasu City real estate professional, I have found some unique ways to give a thoughtfully wrapped present while also giving back to the earth. Eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas: * Recycled aluminum foil - When looking for that shiny metallic feel, recycled aluminum foil is the perfect choice. Just tie on some colorful hemp twine, raffia or recycled silk yarn for a festive feel. * Reusable gift bags - Those recycled, reusable shopping bags that you can find in just about any store make a great alternative to gift wrap. You can find them in several styles now from your basic plain bag to super glam. Depending on the person receiving the gift, they might even like the bag more than the gift inside. * Reduce and reuse - Use things that you already have like old maps or newspapers. Maps are a little unique in their own way as they can lead the way to sustainable wrapping and they're educational. If you have piles and piles of old newspaper ready to be recycled, use it for your gifts. * Gifted wrap - If you have something like a scarf to give, you can actually wrap another gift with it. *No wrapping needed - You can use a bucket and fill it with gardening supplies, or a mixing bowl and fill it with baking accessories. * Gift wrap décor - When it comes to decorating your gifts, the best décor can be found in your own backyard. Mini pinecones, sprigs of berries and branches are naturally beautiful. You'll have fun with these eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas and those receiving your gifts will enjoy what you've done. Realtor® Vicki Lind ~ Lake Havasu City Real EstateVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Year-End Tax Strategies for a Down Year

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:02:09 -0800

For many people, this year’s tax planning will be very different from years past and many are looking for year-end tax strategies for a down year. This past year, many taxpayers lost their jobs or had to foreclose on their homes or, in some cases, both. Several taxpayers have taken advantage of the government stimulus programs that gave first-time homebuyers a tax credit. And all these factors will have to be taken into account when planning your taxes. Many taxpayers are facing different situations than they’ve ever been faced with before because of tough economic times. Therefore, you need to assess and compare what has occurred in prior years so you can get a handle on your current tax situation now. Here are some of the possible tax scenarios that can be created by an ailing economy: Being Laid Off If you were laid off, your taxable income will probably be significantly lowered when you take into account dependency deductions and exclusions. This could leave you in a situation where your tax deductions now exceed your income. In the cases where your deductions exceed your income and you need money, you can try tapping into your retirement plan if you are over 59. In this case, the tax paid on the withdrawals will be hugely offset by your deductions. Anyone under 59 will be penalized 10% when making withdrawals from their retirement plan. Collecting Unemployment If you have collected unemployment during 2009, the first $2,400 of compensation is excluded from tax. All compensation beyond $2,400 is taxable. Looking for a New Job When you’re looking for a new job, be sure to keep track of the miles you drive, parking fees, resume preparation fees, employment agency fees, long-distance calls and other fees that are associated with your job search. Many of these expenses can be claimed as miscellaneous deductions on your tax return. Loan Modifications Debts that were reduced through a loan modification are also exempt. Loan modifications make mortgage payments more affordable by decreasing the interest rate or extending the length of the term of the mortgage. For single filing taxpayers, up to $2 million of forgiven debt is eligible and for married couples, up to $1 million of forgiven debt is eligible for this exclusion. These provisions apply to debt forgiven from 2007 through 2012. Tax Credits Recently, congress expanded and added an extension for the first-time homebuyer tax credit until April 30, 2010. Therefore, you can claim the credit on your 2009 tax return as long as you have a binding contract by the end of April and you close by the end of June 2010. If you decide to file your return before you close on the purchase, you can always file an amended return to claim the credit. An expansion was included up to a $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who want to upgrade to a new home. As long as you have lived in your current residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight, you are eligible for the $6,500 tax credit. New Vehicles You can also deduct state and local sales taxes paid, up to $49,500, on any new vehicle you buy before December 31, 2009. There is a lot to think about and to take into account when doing your taxes if your life has gone through major changes. I hope these scenarios help you along the way. But, always seek the advice of a tax professional before making any final decisions about your taxes. You want to get every benefit you possibly can. Known for the Clients She Keeps ~ Realtor® Vicki Lind Lake Havasu City Real EstateVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Senate Passes Extension on First-time Buyer Tax Credit

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:01:54 -0800

The Senate has given the final approval passing the extension on the first-time buyer tax credit. The House of Representatives vote was overwhelming as they passed the extension and added an expansion of the homebuyer tax credit. And, President Obama has signed the final approval, putting it into act. The first-time homebuyer tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010. Buyers will have until the end of June 2010 to close on their property. The new legislation also increased the income limit for couples with income up to $225,000. That is almost a $55,000 increase above what its current level.Now, for the first time, buyers who already own a home are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit (known as a repeat buyer's tax credit). The credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their primary residence for five consecutive years out of an eight year homeownership. There is an eligibility limit of up to $800,000 for the price of the home. Both credits are only available for primary residences. Secondary homes and investment homes are not eligible for the tax credit. The legislation goes into effect December 1 and is not retroactive. Although there is a lot of concern about the $16.7 billion cost to keep stimulating real estate sales, it is still a popular plan for the moment and many homebuyers are taking advantage of it while it lasts. 2277YN2JM3XS Known for the Clients She Keeps ~ Realtor® Vicki Lind Search the Lake Havasu City, Arizona MLSVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Utility Savings Coming to Lake Havasu City Just in Time for Winter

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:20:39 -0800

Utility savings are coming to Lake Havasu City just in time for the winter months this year. Gas bills are expected to see a 16% to 18% drop this winter because of declining natural gas prices. This is such good news for Lake Havasu City residents that I just have to share the news in my blog. According to an article I recently came across, the new costs per therm will range from around $1 beginning in November to about 94¢ in March. UniSource has designed a formula to cushion customers from rapid natural gas price swings. Usually, UniSource under collects for gas and typically has to add a surcharge at the end of the season. But, in this case, there was an over collection when gas prices dropped very rapidly and there is now an over collection. So, everyone's monthly natural gas bill is expected to be reduced by an average of $5.85 per month during the winter months and $1.28 during the summer months. According to the article, gas companies recover the cost of gas they purchase and their transportation costs through what's called a Purchased Gas Adjustor rate. This PGA rate is then calculated based on a 12 rolling month average and designed to reduce the instability of gas costs passed on to all customers. The recent lowering in natural gas prices are due to an increase in supply of natural gas and lower manufacturing throughout Arizona and Nevada. And, customers in Lake Havasu City, Arizona are able to immediately able to take advantage of the natural gas prices. Other cities and states are not passing along the discount, so those customers will not see a change in their natural gas bills for the moment. The gas companies making a point to lower the natural gas prices is just another part of what makes Lake Havasu City such a great place to live. Known for the Clients She Keeps ~ Realtor® Vicki Lind Search Homes for Sale in Lake Havasu City, ArizonaVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Improving Your Home’s Value with Landscaping

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:25:02 -0700

With so many homes on the market, every homeowner that is ready to sell their home is trying every angle to get the most value from their home and many are finding extra value in landscaping. The perceived value of a property can increase up to 11% through a sophisticated landscaping design that incorporates large plant sizes, evergreens, annual color plants and colored hardscapes. Many professional landscapers believe that tree cover is an extra added value to landscaping. Tree cover provides an enriching and relaxing quality for the homeowner and the neighborhood. Tree cover also helps out with utility costs, as it helps shade the home during the summer and shelter the home during the winter. If you're a homeowner who is considering the addition of tree coverage, here are some tips to help you choose the best trees for your landscape. * Take a trip to your local nursery and get advice from an expert. Since trees are a permanent fixture, it is important to know which ones will work with the yard you have before you invest your time and money on them. * Some popular trees include: dogwood trees (they bloom each spring and are beautiful in the fall), birch trees (they have an unusual branch and bark pattern), a variety of apple trees (if they bloom fruit, it is a bonus), pine trees (the pine needles offer a unique appearance) and Japanese maple trees (they have brilliant colors). * To provide shade and keep the home cool, plant trees on the south and west sides of the home. * Buy water-efficient trees. Water-efficient trees will use less water than low water-use grass. * Seek advice from your local water department to find a list and tips on water-saving types of vegetation. They can also let you know which ones are fire-resistant. Whatever you choose for your landscaping design, I wish you the best of luck with it. Known For The Clients She Keeps ~ Realtor® Vicki LindVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Fall Pizzazz for Your Bland Walls

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:10:02 -0700

Fall is a great time to put some pizzazz into your bland walls as the weather cools and the bright summer sun fades into the grayer skies of autumn weather. Therefore, I have some tips and hot trends to help homeowners redecorate their homes into a beautiful and cozy home again. As fall sets in, those undecorated walls that were once lit up by the summer sun are now bland and crying out for color. All these do-it-yourself decorating ideas can be a hot topic at your holiday parties and make you look like a pro. Some of the trendiest colors in home décor this fall will be bright, aggressive colors, such as all shades of blues, persimmon, butter-yellow and orange. These colors are happy colors and, in today's economy, everyone wants to be surrounded by happiness and hope. Happy colors also set good moods. Trendy color combinations for this fall will include reds paired with yellow. These color combinations make really bold statements without overdoing it. It's also very attractive. Texture is another trend right now. Adding simple texture to your walls, such as stripes, decals, patterns or wallpaper murals, are great ways to jazz up bland walls. Many designers believe that wallpaper murals will be popular for a time to come. They are easy to install and versatile. They also make a huge impact on a room for an affordable price. When decorating yourself, take small steps at first. Consider what your favorite colors are and how you want to use them in your home's design. Get creative with simple tricks and don't overdo it by overpowering. Sometimes, less is better. In the end, no matter how it turns out, always tell everyone you meant it to look exactly the way it has turned out. Hey, no one has to be perfect. Keller Williams Arizona Living Realty with Realtor® Cheryl Westwood Search Homes for Sale in Lake Havasu City Real EstateVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Finding Your Dream Home in Foreclosed Property

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:39:14 -0700

Finding your dream home in foreclosed property can be very appealing to many buyers, especially to those that are trying to stretch their dollars. The biggest challenge can be trying to find a good one, since the vast majority of bank-owned properties have been damaged and need repairs. For those who are considering the purchase of a foreclosure, it is very important to know exactly how much work is needed on the property and how much it is going to cost you. Foreclosed properties come in various states of disrepair. Some will only need minor cosmetic fixes, but some may need major repairs. A great place to start your home search is through a real estate agent. You can also find foreclosure listings on lender websites, such as Chase, Bank of America, Sun Trust and Citibank. Other ways to help your search along is by signing up with RealtyTrac.com for a fee of $49.95 a month. You can find pre-foreclosures and foreclosures in every state across the nation. There are also other sites like Foreclosures.com that charge $49.95 and BankHomeDirect.com that charge $19.95 where you can search for REOs. Just remember, your real estate agent can help you find the right property for free. If buyers have learned anything out of the last couple of years, it is definitely buyer beware. Consumers have all heard the stories of copper wiring and pipes being ripped out and stolen. Some properties have had toilets ripped out and walls kicked in. And, we don't need anyone to tell us that the water lines are damaged because the toilet was ripped out or the sheet rock will have to be replaced because the walls were kicked in. Using common sense and getting repair quotes ahead of time will help you know what you're in for. When looking for a great deal in a foreclosure, look at the properties that have been on the market over a month. Banks usually discount their properties around 20% to 30% to start with. After a month, the buyer may have more power in getting the bank to lower the price. Lake Havasu City Realtor® Vicki Lind Search Homes for Sale in Lake Havasu City Real EstateVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Lake Havasu City’s Iron Man Golf Tournament & An All-Women Team Competing

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:38:23 -0700

Lake Havasu City's 13th annual Iron Man Golf Tournament had an all-women team competing for the first time ever this year, which made local history at the Courses at London Bridge Golf Course on August 29, 2009. The all-women foursome included Anita Merideth, Cathy Blackman, Maria Delyria and Marilyn Mark,s who won second place at the full day event during a 54-hole, three course golfing tournament. Way to go girls! It actually turned out to be an awesome event. The Pro Therapy's foursome that included David Bell, John Twomey, Ken Kent and Scott Rodman took the winnings. They then donated back 75% of those winnings to the Eagles scholarship fund. The Fraternal Order of Eagles hosted the tournament, so those winnings went back toward the youth organizations and scholarships. Talk about giving back to the community! It's always great to hear about history being made, especially when it's in my own local community. And it's even better to hear that local events like this are making it possible to give back so much to the community and its future leaders. Vicki Lind, Known for the Clients She Keeps, Lake Havasu City real estate expertVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Every Home

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:49:17 -0700

If you're a homeowner that is thinking about remodeling your kitchen, I have a few ideas that are great for every home. Gone are the days of just replacing all your cabinets on the walls. Now, times have changed and it's time to spend a little more to get a kitchen that not only functions well but looks great, too! Many of us spend a lot of time in our kitchen. We sometimes prepare and eat two to three meals a day there. Therefore, functionality is of the up-most importantance to go along with style. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when remodeling your kitchen. You don't have to add everything, but consider what is important to you and spend your money wisely. Lift-Up Doors With lift-up model doors, there will be no more bumping and banging into your cabinet doors. These models open upward and out of your way. A great idea for kitchen cabinets. Roll-Out Pantry Drawers This is handy to have even if you have plenty of pantry space. Having some pantry storage stored in an area and filled with frequently used items near the food prep point on roll-out pantry drawers can save time and is convenient. Lazy-Susan Cabinet Having a Lazy-Susan in your corner cabinet really maximizes the storage space and allows you to easily access items by a quick turn. Blind corner pull-outs are also very useful for corner cabinets. This allows the first set of shelving to pivot outward when the cabinet is opened, then the second set of shelving can be easily slid out. Trash Pull-outs Keeping your trash out of sight is a big plus for any home and two bins are always better than one. With trash pull-outs, you can use one for wet trash and one for dry trash. Filler Pull-outs Use your cabinet space to its maximum. The empty space between cabinets and appliances that is usually filled with trim can be filled with narrow pull-outs for storage of pans, trays, spices, etc. Triple-Drawer Cabinet With a triple-drawer in your cabinet, you can have cooking utensils in one drawer, dishes in another and large pots in another. Pull-Down Shelving This is especially helpful for short, elderly or handicapped people. With just a slight tug of a pull-bar, the shelving will move down to an accessible height. All these ideas are used to maximize the space and functionality of any kitchen. If you use some of these ideas, you will be well on your way to being more organized in the kitchen. If you use them all, you will have the most functional and organized kitchen in town. Realtor® Vicki Lind ~ Lake Havasu City Real Estate Get More Tips and Advice for Home Owners, Buyers and Sellers Search Homes for Sale in Lake Havasu City, ArizonaVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader

Find Your Way Home in Lake Havasu City

Vicki Lind, Known for Clients She Keeps (Keller Williams Aeizona Living Realty) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:08:32 -0700

If you are looking to purchase a foreclosed property in Lake Havasu City, the Arizona Department of Housing may have just the program for you. Your Way Home AZ allows buyers to utilize a 0% interest loan equal to 22% of the purchase price for any buyer in Mohave County that meets the following criteria: 1. They must be purchasing a foreclosed single-family home, condominium or townhome.2. The property must be vacant at the time of purchase.3. The buyer must use the property as their permanent residence.4. The buyer must live on the property for 5-15 years or else the loan will not be forgiven. The amount of time depends on the amount of the loan. If your household income is 120% or less of the median Mohave County household income, you may qualify for the Your Way Home AZ program. This means, for a family of four, your household income could be as high as $70,900. As always, you are encouraged to get approved for financing before you go in search of a Lake Havasu City foreclosure. This speeds up the process as well as lets you know exactly what you can afford. So, please contact me today to help you with your Lake Havasu home purchase today. Vicki Lind, Known for the Clients She Keeps, Lake Havasu City real estate expertVicki LindREALTOR® - ABR - CRSGRI - ePro - PMN - SRESArizona Real Estate Licensee Subscribe in a reader