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Bullhead City Investment Real Estate – 1963 El Monte, Bullhead City AZ 86442 SFR For Sale – NOT a REO NOT a Short Sale!

July 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Bullhead City AZ Investment Real Estate – 1963 El Monte, Bullhead City AZ 86442 – Near-New Home Near River 69,900!

5-8-13: PENDING CONTRACT.  Backup offers only.

Bullhead City AZ Investment Real Estate can be challenging for investors wanting SFRs for rentals.

Our REO-driven market means many Bullhead City homes are subject to occupancy restrictions for bidding.

Much of the time, investors must wait for a ‘First Look’ or ‘Exclusive’ (you’ve all seen those terms relating to Fannie/Freddie/HUD homes–that’s where only owner-occupant primary residence buyers are allowed to bid) period to expire, only to find that the property is sold.

I’ve written articles about how unfair I think this practice is, for investors AND for Bullhead City vacation home buyers who in the eyes of ‘the Gubmint’ and banks, are investors.

This 2007, very gently used site-built Bullhead City home at 1963 El Monte Dr is not subject to ANY of the restrictions placed on distressed properties . . . because it’s not distressed.

The 3/2/2 1181 SF home is clean as a whistle, with premium tile flooring, granite counters and upgraded remote controlled ceiling fans.

A finished garage has room for cars or toys.

AND there is a small pad in front for additional parking.

Location, location! Just behind Mohave Accelerated Learning Center, close to shopping, schools and services at Lakeside and Hancock, not far from most medical services and very, very close to the beautiful Colorado River, this home would be a great vacation home, rental property (we have estimated , though cannot guarantee, rents for properties of this type in this area in the low 600s) or starter home.

Owner, who is also a local investor, can provide disclosures, negotiate and close quickly! We will use a local title company who can be responsive to our needs.

Best of all? Property is priced to move at 69,900, consistent with recent sales of similar properties in the area.

Cash or conventional financing are preferred. And cooperating with a 1031 Exchange is not a problem.

For more information or to get the offer process going, contact us.

See you at the River!

 

Listing Price: 75,500
Address: 1963 El Monte
City: Bullhead City
State: AZ
ZIP: 86442
MLS # (if any):
Square Feet: 1181
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Basement (full, 1/2, finished, unfinished): None

 

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Bullhead City 86442, Fort Mohave 86426, Mohave Valley 86440

SEARCH FOR ARIZONA REAL ESTATE On The Beautiful Colorado River ~~~

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Filed Under: Around Town, Commercial Real Estate, Featured Listings, First Time Homebuyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, General, General Information, Income Producing Properties, Investors, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Bullhead City Area Commercial Real Estate – Mohave Valley AZ Real Estate – 2200 E Courtwright Rd – Mini Ranch on 5.03 Acres FOR SALE

January 9, 2012 By 2 Comments

Mohave Valley AZ Real Estate – 2200 E Courtwright Rd – Mini Ranch on 5.03 Acres FOR SALE

It used to be that Colorado River homes on acreage were easy to find and cheap to buy . . . then, developers came in and split up large parcels into tracts of homes, making it rare and costly to find horse property at an affordable price–if at all. When you do, expect dirt roads, water tanks, fixer uppers and civilization in the distance.

That is great for some, indeed.

But if you are looking for a Mohave Valley home that is move-in ready, on acreage, on a main thoroughfare between 2 Colorado River boat launches with easy access and all the conveniences . . .

THIS IS IT.

And at a GREAT price!

2200 E Courtwright Road, Mohave Valley AZ 86440 is a 1988, ground set multi-wide 1750 SF Cavco manufactured home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on 5.03 acres with frontage on both Courtwright and Warwick for easy, paved access to the entire property. This home has its own well, new in 2006, new AC in 2008 and electric and propane for heating, cooking etc.

Inside, a roomy and open floorplan ideal for entertaining – a large breakfast bar and informal dining and a formal dining room that could easily convert to an office, den or even a fourth bedroom.

Split bedrooms at the end of a long hallway allow privacy for guests.

There is a detached, 28 foot deep garage for toys, AND a covered 60 ft long carport for more vehicles.

The entire parcel is cleared and parklike for picnics, barbecues or  . . . use your imagination.

The back patio is fenced, with additional storage and even a tiled ‘Arizona room’ for your pet!

You will LOVE relaxing on your own Arizona mini-ranch, with plenty of room for lots of guests and family.

This property is offered at a market-realistic, affordable 189,900 with cash or conventional financing the preferred terms. This property can be financed and we have ample resources. Just ask.

Apx 10 minutes east, fisherman’s paradise Topock Marina.

Apx 10 minutes west, golf and launch at Jack Smith Park in Needles, CA. Easy access from I-40 and about a half hour’s drive to Lake Havasu.

About 20 minutes away, all the shopping, services and resorts in Bullhead City and Fort Mohave.

And about 30 minutes north, the casino resorts of Laughlin NV.

For more information, showing appointment or to get the offer process started online, give us a shout.

We love critters!

Filed Under: Around Town, Commercial Real Estate, Featured Listings, First Time Homebuyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, General, General Information, Horse Property, Income Producing Properties, Investors, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bullhead City Real Estate – Lamenting “The One That Got Away”

May 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I occasionally come across consumers who are unable to get past the house that they didn’t get.

They can’t seem to get it out of their mind. They compare everything else to that one lost opportunity.

Many of them will blame their agent. Sometimes, that may be true, sadly.

But more often than not, it is because:

  • they took too long to decide, and someone else who was able to move fast snagged it
  • they made an unrealistic offer, thinking the seller was obligated to negotiate
  • it was a short sale and lost to foreclosure, or
  • the bank countered at a price they wouldn’t pay–even though they loved the house
  • they were too picky about small stuff
  • they were not playing for a win-win and the seller rejected their offer outright
  • they were looking at homes before they were ready, willing and able to buy

I understand disappointment and even heartbreak. And the last thing we ever want is a sad client!

And yeah, some things are just not fair.

But you have no choice except to move on, adjust your expectations and realize that perfect doesn’t exist except in a skewed hindsight perception.

You can’t even BUILD perfect (although you can come close and it will cost you)

If you see a home that fits 80-90% of your criteria, and you really love it, you can bet that someone out there is also eyeing it too. So take your best shot out of the gate and give a little to get a lot!

What you CAN do that is very empowering is be:

  1. prepared
  2. ready to move in an instant, and
  3. realistic about your choices, budget and the market

I don’t like the cliche, “if it’s meant to be”, either. Even if sometimes it is true.

I feel that more is within our control than outside it.

Part of that control is being willing and able to see clearly what you have to work with!

Still. like a jilted lover whose subsequent choices just never ‘measure up’ . . .

. . . if you are stuck in the “one that got away” rut . . .

don’t be surprised if you end up with nothing.

Because that kind of attitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy that will suspend and disable you.

Shake it off and work with your agent on a game plan.

Otherwise, you might just be lamenting about the ‘great agent who got away’ too.

Sometimes the most powerful magic is simply a shift in perception.

Let us help you get what you want.

Filed Under: First Time Homebuyers, For Buyers, General, General Information, Investors, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You May Have More Purchasing Power Than You Think!

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A nice lady I talked to yesterday who is super excited about buying her first home made me smile when she exclaimed:

“If you can buy now, you’d be crazy not to. They’re practically giving away houses out here!”

(I asked her if she wanted to get a real estate license and come work for me) :)

And in our Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley housing market, indeed, prices have not been this good in many years.

A lot of people who would love to buy a home in Bullhead City, AZ but don’t think they could qualify actually may not realize their purchasing power.

They think that because they couldn’t buy a car or get a Wal-Mart card, they couldn’t in a million years qualify for financing.

Some are told that because they don’t have a high FICO score, they can’t qualify.

But sometimes, that is not the case.

If you get a great lender to work with you in building your credit score via alternative credit sources like cellphone bills, car insurance payments, utility bills, even rent history, those items CAN be submitted for consideration.

I just heard from my favorite lender that one of my clients–who was turned down or ignored by 3 other loan pros–got a commitment letter with NO FICO SCORE — no bad credit, just no credit at all. She’s paid cash for everything for years and has been renting in a utilities-paid apartment! They worked together to provide information to the underwriter that demonstrates a history of on-time payments.

They had to resubmit 3 times–but as they say, the third time was the charm.

Of course, you can’t just show up and get credit without stable income. And you will need to have some cash for a down payment.

Still, with a loan professional who is willing to work with you, it is doable.

We know the good loan resources in Bullhead City, Fort Mohave and Mohave Valley, AZ. Talk to us and I’ll pass their info along . . . in English or Spanish!

The Homebuyer’s Tax Credit in place now requires that you be under contract by April 30, so you still have time to take advantage of that if you move fast!

 
Filed Under: For Buyers Tagged With: , , , ,

Do You Want To Live In Bullhead City, AZ 86442?

December 29, 2009 By

If you want to move to Bullhead City AZ 86442, you will be in good company.

Many relocations to our area and even more vacation and seasonal residents’ transactions start happening in Fall when the weather starts to mellow.

And every second Summer, the mistake-makers–those whose buyer (often dual) agents were masters of the ‘panic sell’ and bought wrong, wrong, wrong–come crying that they need to move back ‘home’–or anywhere else.

Upside down as all get out at worst case. Losing money or just breaking even at best.

Living in Bullhead City, Fort Mohave 86426 and Mohave Valley 86440 is GREAT. This Southern California transplant made the move in 1993 and never looked back.

BUT – we came for a 4 month leave of absence from our jobs in LA and rented until we were sure.

Before you buy, you will need to be clued in to the basic and immutable truths about our area.

1. Bullhead City is REALLY HOT in Summer (can be nearly 130 on some days! And it does NOT cool down at night so temperatures are often still over 100 for a low in mid July). And you know all the jokes about it being a ‘dry heat’? That’s ‘mostly’ true. BUT, during our ‘monsoon season’ the humidity cranks up and you’ll think you’re in Florida or New Jersey. Except hotter.

2. Bullhead City can get COLD in Winter. We are the desert! We don’t get snow. But it gets cold! If you are buying a Summer place, you will need to take precautions against freezing plumbing–a chief cause of water damage.

3. Bullhead City jobs are mostly ‘service industry’ related. Arizona is a ‘right to work’ state and our casinos (major source of employment) often won’t get you better than a 30k annual salary including tips unless you make it to upper management.

3. Our way of life is a lot SLOWER PACED than our LA, CA or Las Vegas counterparts. Some can’t deal with how ‘country’ we still are.

4. If you are inclined to overindulge in food, drink or gambling, Bullhead City, with its 24 hour casinos and bars within a 10 minute drive, could very well be your downfall.

5. We have critters–sun spiders as big as your hand–scorpions–rattlesnakes–coyotes–mountain lions. You won’t see ‘most’ of those in the suburbs–and I personally own stock in the pest control company! But move onto a 10 acre ranch at the foot of the Black Mountains? DUH!

So PLEASE, investigate this area well before settling on it. I won’t be crushed that you decided not to rush forward on what might be an unwise move. Some people SHOULD rent. And we have rentals as well as sales.

HOWEVER, if you think this may be the place for you–and it is a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, FUN place for those who understand 1 – 5 above– here’s a REALLY SMART PLAN:

  • Arrange for a ‘reconnaissance mission‘ trip prior to any property touring to cruise the area solo. That way, you can really figure out what areas you are attracted to without distraction, and at your own pace. Listings, maps, directions, not a problem. Just ask. 

  • Visit our area in Summer — and in Winter.

  • Second reconnaissance mission will be with me. We’ll see some representative properties in areas you’ve found of interest. No pressure. 

  • Get your financing in order. If you are making a job transfer for instance, you may need to rent for a bit first to qualify while you ‘settle in’ to your new position. And loan professionals are not all created alike. I know who the great ones are–and who they aren’t. Ask me before you start clicking around online! 

  • When you are certain you like our area and can handle the extremes of heat and cold, slower pace than big city living and the occasional unwanted ‘critter’, we make an appointment and see a list of the properties that fit your criteria BEST just prior to making your OFFER to PURCHASE. 

  • Let me EDUCATE you about the PROCESS of buying property in AZ, so you enter into your TRANSACTION comfortably, confident that you’re making a sound DECISION.

Remember that working with your real estate broker is a team effort:

YOU, preapproved or funds-ready, knowing what to expect from our area PROPERTIES, ready to work together toward this common goal.

And ME, ready to share my MARKET KNOWLEDGE and BUYING or SELLING STRATEGIES with you as a CLIENT.

You may not know it, but you just got a little bit LUCKIER. Because

LUCK = Laboring Under Correct Knowledge!

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How To Get Home Warranty Work Done FAST!

December 29, 2009 By

Home warranties are something I believe in, and yet they are, after all, insurance companies (although usually kinder and gentler) and a ‘middleperson’.

When you want NEED the repair done, done right the first time and done fast, being proactive and efficient on YOUR end will help you–or your client–significantly.

When requesting service:

  • Request service online. Most warranty companies have portals where the homeowner or agent can request service. USE THOSE BLANK FIELDS that ask for additional explanation! This is a lifesaver when you have a middle of the night plumbing leak or thermostat issue. First in the Q = first to dispatch.
  • THEN, call the warranty company‘s CSR and pay your service fee via CC or e-check. That too should expedite processing–and vendors who get paid fast get the work done fast. It’s also great for them to not have to collect the service fee. Saves time all around.
  • Ask the warranty company for a LOCAL vendor as close in proximity to the property as possible, unless you have a reason not to. Keep in mind that the companies do not know which zip code is closest. My house is closer to a zip code in another state than 3 local ones.
  • Ask the warranaty company for the phone number of the vendor. They often have a ‘back office’ number that won’t go to voice mail.
  • Call the vendor. They are faxed the service requests, usually via an office person who may or may not be a ‘techie’. There’s a good chance, even after the previous steps, that the information they got from the warranty company CSR is incomplete. Tell them a request is en route. And be PLEASANT!
  • Provide information to the vendor: the make, model, type of appliance if applicable, and tell them as clearly as possible what is wrong and what parts of the appliance appear affected. Repeat trips are often eliminated when the vendor can arrive with the correct replacement parts.
  • Give the vendor DETAILED directions to the property.
  • Give the vendor your cell number and/or e-mail address so they can give you an ETA and heads up. Murphy’s Law WILL prevail and you will not want to miss each other!

You’ll be amazed how easily things get done when you help servicepeople help you…

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READ THIS BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE!

December 18, 2009 By

Don’t forget about the Homebuyer’s Tax Credit. More info…

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Checklist for Buyers

December 9, 2009 By

Arizona Department of Real Estate
Property Buyer’s Checklist

Here is a checklist for consumers to help avoid some of the pitfalls of purchasing a new or used home, or raw, undeveloped land.

New Homes in a Subdivision

1. You should read the Arizona Department of Real Estate Public Report. By law, this document must be given to you before you sign the purchase contract. You must sign a receipt for the Report. By signing the receipt, you imply that you have read the report.

The Public Report will tell you such things as:

  • Flooding and drainage disclosure
  • A description of adjacent land and uses
  • Who provides electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewage disposal
  • Common community and recreation facilities
  • Assurances for completion of improvements
  • Local services and facilities, including schools, shopping facilities, public transportation, medical facilities, fire protection, ambulance service, police protection and garbage services.
  • Taxes and assessments
  • Property owners association details

If you have any questions about the Public Report, you are welcome to call the Arizona Department of Real Estate at 602-468-1414, extension 400. A Subdivision Representative will assist you with your questions.

The cover sheet of the Public Report contains a disclaimer by the Department of Real Estate. Read it carefully. Most important, note that it states:

“Not all of the information in this report has been verified by the Department; certain information has been accepted by the Department as true and accurate based on attestation of the subdivider and/or the subdivider’s agents. You should verify all facts before signing any documents.”

2. Read the purchase contract carefully. Note that if the builder or developer is not placing your earnest money deposit in escrow or a trust account, the funds may be placed in the builder’s or developer’s general funds account, and may be used for any purpose. You could lose the money if the builder or developer declares bankruptcy or otherwise goes out of business. If the funds are not going to be placed in escrow or into a trust account, that fact must be stated in a separate paragraph in the purchase contract and you are required to initial that paragraph. Make sure you understand where your earnest money is going to be deposited.

3. Before you sign a purchase contract, drive around the home for at least a mile or more in every direction to see how the surrounding area appears to you and what nuisances and hazards might exist in the area. Is there a storm drain or canal nearby that might pose a hazard to your children? Is the home or building site near an airport or a manufacturing plant? Visit the area at different times of day, on weekends and in the evening. Disturbing noises and odors can travel farther at night.

In areas where there are expanses of vacant land nearby, check city or county zoning maps to see if nearby property is zoned for apartments, industrial or commercial use. Land zoned for commercial use might be used to construct anything from a shopping center to a hotel. To obtain this information, call the city or county planning and zoning department listed in the blue pages of your telephone directory.

Check Arizona Department of Transportation maps to find the nearest future freeway routes, and whether roads in the area are slated for widening. For information about reviewing the maps, call 602-255-7011.

4. Call the school district serving the subdivision to determine whether nearby schools are accepting new students. Some school districts, especially in the northwest part of the greater Phoenix area, have placed a cap on enrollment. You may find that your children cannot attend the school nearest you and may even be transported to another community.

5. Read the deed restrictions, also called CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions). You might find some of the CC&Rs are very strict, especially those addressing landscaping, RV parking, play equipment, satellite antennas, and other common amenities — particularly if the subdivision is governed by a homeowner’s association.

6. Check out the homebuilder with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. You can determine the number of complaints customers have filed against the contractor, whether any are unresolved and whether the builder’s license has ever been suspended or revoked. You may reach the Registrar of Contractors at 602/542-1525.

Previously Owned Homes

1. Be aware that the seller’s broker does not represent you; the seller’s broker represents the seller. The seller’s broker has certain responsibilities to the seller that are not afforded to you. You might wish to retain the services of a buyer’s broker to represent you in the transaction. Usually, the buyer’s broker receives a portion of the commission paid by the seller, and the services may cost you nothing, but you will receive representation equal to that provided to the seller by the seller’s broker.

2. Read the seller’s property disclosure report, and check every item on it. Ask to see receipts for repairs to the home. Look behind large pictures on the wall and behind anything on the floor which conceals large areas of the wall. Look for stains on the ceilings or carpets that might indicate water damage. Read the purchase contract carefully to determine if there are any deadlines for challenging the seller’s disclosure report or for having your own inspections conducted.

3. Order your own termite inspection. It will cost about $30. Don’t rely on a termite inspection obtained by the seller. Some sellers have been known to cover up termite infestation by having several inspections done until they obtain a report that shows no infestation.

4. Consider having the home inspected by a professional home inspector. It will cost perhaps $200 or $300. It is money well spent. For instance, the owner may not know that the roof is rotten and must be replaced. If any alterations have been made to the home – the addition of an Arizona room, for instance — ask to see the building permit. Make sure the alterations are legal. Home inspectors are not currently licensed or regulated by the State (they will be some time in 2002), but your buyer’s broker may be able to recommend a reliable home inspector.

5. Check all appliances to confirm that they work, including the stove burners, oven, garbage disposal, dishwasher, washer and dryer and the water heater.

6. Run water in all sinks and tubs and flush the toilets to make sure they drain properly. If the landscaping includes an irrigation system, check to see that it works.

7. Drive around the neighborhood and observe the condition of the homes. Are lawns mowed? Are there old cars rusting in driveways? Ask neighbors how they like living in the area. Is this really where you want to live?

8. Read steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 for “New Homes in a Subdivision” above.

Raw Undeveloped Land


 

1. Ask to see the Arizona Department of Real Estate Public Report before you sign anything. The contents of the Report are described above in “New Homes in a Subdivision” above. Pay particular attention to the source of utility services. You may find that bringing utilities to the property will be an expensive proposition. If the property you are considering is smaller than 160 acres, if there are more than five parcels in the subdivision, and if the developer cannot produce a Public Report, the subdivision is probably illegal. If you buy the land without reading a Public Report, you may find there is no supply of water, or that it will cost tens of thousands of dollars to bring electric service to the property. You may also find that you do not have permanent legal access to your property.

2. Ask to see the Arizona Department of Water Resources report for the property. Determine that there is an assured or adequate water supply (depending on whether the property is in or outside of a Groundwater Active Management Area), and how much it will cost to have a well dug if necessary.

3. If purchasing raw land with the intent to develop it into smaller parcels, be aware that splitting the land into more than five parcels requires a Subdivision Public Report issued by the Arizona Department of Real Estate. For more information about applying for the report and the cost, contact the Department at 602-468-1414, extension 400.

4. If you have inspected the land and signed a purchase agreement or contract, you have seven calendar days following the day on which you signed the agreement or contract to rescind the purchase in writing without cause. The rescission notice must be received by the seller by midnight of the seventh calendar day. The seller must clearly and conspicuously disclose your right to rescind the purchase. Right of rescission does not apply to new or previously owned homes.

5. If you have not inspected the land before signing a purchase agreement or contract, you have six months in which to inspect the land, and at the time of the inspection you have the right to rescind the purchase.

Filed Under: For Buyers, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Best Reasons to Move to Fort Mohave

December 6, 2009 By

Here are the 5 best reasons to move to Fort Mohave:

5. Gambling On The Colorado River: If you are considering moving to Fort Mohave, you will be within 15 minutes of Laughlin NV Casinos like the Avi Resort with its white sandy beach and one of the best boat launches on the River. And 12 miles away, all the glorious riverfront casinos on Casino Drive in Laughlin like the Aquarius, Tropicana, Harrah’s and Golden Nugget, among many others.

4. The best golfing In Arizona: Fort Mohave has several PGA golf courses to choose from within a few minutes in any direction–from the spectacular new courses at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club or The Greens/Cielo at Los Lagos to the PGA course at Desert Lakes to Desert Springs Fairways at the Avi, Willow Valley to Jack Smith Park in Needles, CA.

3. The Colorado River: Buying a home in Fort Mohave means you’re within a few miles max of the beautiful Colorado River, with its fresh cool water and warm dry climate. And Arizona’s best sandy beaches you can pull up to in your Jeep, dig your toes into the sand, pop a beer and relax while you watch the world float by . . .

2. The best medical services in Northwestern Arizona: The brand new, state of the art Valley View Medical Center offers assurance to those needing to relocate to Arizona for health reasons. It’s also a great place to work, I’ve heard from some of the medical personnel I’ve helped relocate here! And there are many medical positions available in Fort Mohave, if you’re looking to make a professional change.

1. Best weather in the USA: I guess it depends. :) But Move to Fort Mohave and you will rarely experience cold or wet weather. Snow doesn’t happen here (I’m not saying it’s impossible but after 16 years of living here, I saw it come close only once–and it evaporated before hitting the ground) Fort Mohave AZ temperatures average in the 60s in winter to 110s in summer and our precipitation is annually just under an inch. Humidity sits at a comfy 5% except during the few weeks of Arizona’s monsoon season in late Summer.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to move to Fort Mohave! Give me a shout and I’ll show you how.

Filed Under: For Buyers, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,