Real Estate MAGIC!

How To Get Home Warranty Work Done FAST - Tips For Agents And Consumers

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:01:23 -0600

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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866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Bullhead City, Arizona 86442 Real Estate ~ A Ride Up Silver Creek Road

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:41:37 -0600

Trekking off into the hills southeast of Bullhead City, Arizona is a GREAT, beautiful, soul-replenishing and FREE way to enjoy life and the glory of our desert paradise.

Silver Creek Road starts at Highway 95 at the Colorado River, where there is a new Lowe's on the corner, and continues southeast, past Western Arizona Regional Medical Center and the medical district...

View Larger Map

... but just beyond the Bullhead Parkway, it becomes a 12 mile dirt road that becomes more primitive as you go (although it's been cleared and smoothed a LOT since we started going up there many years back).

You can drive a low-clearance vehicle for about the first 3/4s of the distance, but treacherous drops and very rough road will require a Jeep after that.

If you make it, the end junction will be at Historic Route 66 in Oatman, AZ.

The first 5-6 miles of South Silver Creek are smooth, gently winding dirt road.

On a weekend or especially a holiday, you'll see RVs with dirt bikes, sand rails and fun-seekers parked, gearing up for an adventure.

And the views are spectacular...that's Laughlin, Nevada in the distance with the Casino Drive resorts.

www.RealEstateBHC.com

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www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Arizona Real Estate ~ The Scariest "M" Word In Real Estate Is NOT Mold...

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:19:18 -0600

...it's Meth.

Mold is icky, that's for sure. But while mold is a naturally occuring substance and fairly easily remediated, it takes a bit more doing to clear the chemicals used in 'cooking speed'.

The police will tell you meth is prevalent in large and small towns. And here in Arizona, it is definitely a problem.

A property where meth has been cooked, the powerful, airborne and potentially lethal chemical toxins allowed to permeate walls, floors and insulation...

...if the place didn't blow up due to an errant smoker or electrical spark...

can be the ugly gift that keeps on giving.

To you, your buyer, your seller, your tenants, real estate brokers and their clients.

As of July 1, 2003, AZ Revised Statutes required full disclosure to prospective buyers if a property has been used to manufacture meth, ecstasy or LSD. They are also required to hire a drug laboratory site remediation firm that is registered with the State Board of Technical Registration to remediate the property of residual contamination.

Until the site is properly cleaned, it is unlawful for any person other than the owner, landlord or manager to enter the property.

Clean-up requirements and an approved list of drug remediation firms can be found at the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration. The owner is liable for the costs incurred to remediate the property of residual contamination, even if the owner had no knowledge of the criminal activity at the property.

In areas of high contamination, generally all porous materials such as carpet, bedding, upholstered furniture and related items will be removed and disposed of. All stained materials from the laboratory operations, including sheet rock, wood furniture, wood flooring and tile flooring, will be removed and disposed. In areas not highly suggestive of contamination, all materials will be cleaned to meet the post remediation testing requirements. Owners can expect the costs of remediation for minimal damage to range from $500 to $5,000. More extensive damage can cost well over $10,000.

If you go to the AZBTR, you'll be able to see a list of seized, but as yet unremediated 'cook houses'.

Fortunately, Bullhead City 86442, Fort Mohave 86426 and Mohave Valley 86440, AZ properties have not appeared on recent lists.

What I find troubling, though, if you peruse the list, is that many apartment and condo unit addresses are listed.

Do the homeowners just beyond those common walls -- and the building owners -- realize they are also at risk?

Mohave County Environmental Health is a good starting resource if you need assistance with meth lab remediation.

More info via Arizona Association of REALTORS on this topic can be found HERE.

Also, some home warranty companies have additional coverage for remediation. Ask around before you select a policy.

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Bullhead City Arizona 86442 Commercial Real Estate ~ Drive Thru Donations?

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:18:01 -0600

We're having a blast (okay, I'm having a blast--the spousal's not terribly amused) cleaning out the 'Man Cave' and eBaying some of the items, donating others to charity. Remember, when you clear a space for the Universe to fill, it will--with something better!

So off I go to our brand new Goodwill Industries building at Highway 95 near the corner of Newberry. My first visit to the neat new building. I pull into the back where I figure there's a drop box for donations...

And I spot this sign:

Donation Drive Thru. Now how COOL is THAT!

I swing thru, following the arrows, and into a drive-up lane where a smiling and friendly young man greets me, accepts the stereo receiver and car stereo we'd upgraded out of, hands me a receipt with a discount coupon and bids me a great weekend.

I can't wait to come back with more riches from the Man Cave!

Now, here's the SUPER COOL THING:

RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET... at 2701 Highway 95:

I have a really AWESOME Bullhead City commercial property listed... 13,939 SF, .32/acre C-2 zoned corner parcel, level, with all utilities and build-ready. ON Highway 95 in the heart of town, just a city block from the high-traffic, high visibility WalMart SuperCenter and near all of the Miracle Mile businesses. Also nearby is OfficeMax, Walgreens and the Riverview Mall.

Can you say LOCATION?

And the price is a realistic and buyer or investor friendly one for Bullhead City commercial land:

$189,900.

Wouldn't YOU love to have YOUR business in this super spot?

Well? What are you waiting for? 2010 is drawing near...time to get those plans under way!

And don't forget to give, during this holiday season. It's good for everyone!

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Don't Be Too Scary To Be Awesome!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:34:14 -0600

"The winner's edge is not in a gifted birth, a high IQ, or in talent. The winner's edge is all in the attitude, not aptitude. Attitude is the criterion for success." ~ Waitley

Make your message strong, passionate, potent -- but fair, factual and palatable.

If a message suggests that the writer or speaker has lost control, even if the message is sound, it will not be heard.

Your 'voice' must be pleasant for your message to be received. Read what you wrote into a recorder and listen. Would you like the message? Especially in the 'flat' medium of writing, give your readers a LOT of latitude for filling in your blanks with their imagination. :)

You cannot force feed truth. You can only sprinkle it about and see if it sprouts.

It is human nature to resist being strong-armed to do anything. Gotta find a way around those resistance triggers and attract the attention you want.

Remember that your peers, consumers and POTENTIAL CLIENTS can read your words.

Don't be too scary to be awesome.

Insecurity is scary.

Defensiveness is scary.

Arrogance is scary.

Exclusiveness and condesencion...super scary.

You can't engage people who are scared.

Stepping back to breathe and re-editing BEFORE you hit the 'Publish' button is good practice.

This is a public service announcement...WITH GUITARS!

This life is more than just a read-thru...

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www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Everything I Know About Social Networking, I Learned In The Grocery Store

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:06:09 -0600

Grocery shopping is not my least favorite chore, but it's one I can't spend too much time on and accomplish everything else I'm working on (like taking over the world and the laundry, for instance) :)

So I'm a grocery store sprinter...

I make a list, check off items as I go, shop where I know what is where and don't linger anywhere too long.

If the lines aren't too long and there aren't a dozen of those kiddie cars that take up entire aisles, I can usually get in and out with a half a page list in half an hour or less.

It occurred to me that social media is like grocery shopping in a few key ways:

1. Pick a lane! Don't spread yourself too thin that you forget to form relationships.

2. Don't hold up the line. Leave 'pregnant pauses' in your communications and leave others wanting more--not less of you.

3. Smile! You never know who might be watching or listening.

4. Take it outside. If you have really personal or 'inside' issues, take them to a phone call, text, email or IRL meeting.

5. Take your time. See #1 and stay clear of the center, but make sure to stop and admire others' contributions.

6. Watch the kids. Leave ego or insecurities behind and ground yourself.

7. Have exact change or your debit card ready. Be respectful of others' rights to their freedom. opinions or creativity.

8. Say Thank You. Politeness counts.

There's more, of course...but this should help you get to the Express Lane!

www.RealEstateBHC.com

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866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Fall In Fort Mohave AZ 86426 ~ Luna's New Jacket And Social Networking Reminders

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:48:48 -0600

It's Fall on the Beautiful Colorado River and that means some crisp windy days to go with the sunshine! Luna got a new windbreaker in her favorite pink, and we set out to see some Sunday sights...

You might think the poor pooch is disgusted when her crazy human insists on babe-ing her out like this.

Nope. She LOVES to dress up and go out. Because she KNOWS it means she's going out to see all her friends.

Luna's taught me all the right things to know about social networking:

Smile at everyone.

Make the first move.

Don't take it personally if not everyone loves you.

And be kind to critters both bigger and smaller...

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866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Is It Better To Be Intelligent--Or Wise?

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:13:02 -0600

There's a story about a large diesel truck that got stuck under an overpass on a busy metropolitan highway.

The truck was too high to clear it and became lodged in. It could not move forward or reverse.

2 lanes of traffic at a dead stop.

An overpass in jeopardy.

Not to mention a 100k truck, and the livelihood of the operator.

The best city and transportation engineers were called in to assess the situation. They toiled with intricate calculations, argued theory among themselves and made involved recommendations.

Not a single one could come up with a solution that didn't involve 'collateral damage'.

A young boy watching the incident said, "Why don't they just let some air out of the tires?"

His father told a police officer nearby, who passed it along to the work crew.

The truck, lowered the critical few inches, could then be driven away with minimal damage.

Overpass unscathed.

Highway de-congested.

Life resumed.

In our world, and never more than this overstimulated, hyperverbose, overly competitive world of Web 2, while people clamor to be first to find complicated solutions...the simplest are still usually the best.

When you have a problem...set the stage for solving:

Stop for a moment and ground yourself. Have a bit of food or a drink of water. Sit quietly. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes. Turn off distractions. Clear the mental clutter.
Determine the ideal result.
Determine the immediate obstacle to reaching the ideal result.
Remove that obstacle.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

Many years of college, many published articles, many raving fans will not ensure wisdom.

The still, small voice of creative imagination within you will, however.

Feed it by mentally recording all you learn when you experience failure--or success.

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866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Fort Mohave 86426 and Bullhead City 86442 AZ Commercial Real Estate ~ AFFORDABLE C-2H/AR Parcels!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:29:29 -0600

In recent years, it was prohibitively costly to buy commercial land in Fort Mohave or Bullhead City, AZ.

The best deals were in terrible locations.

That changed dramatically as our Bullhead City AZ commercial real estate market corrected and building went on life support.

However, building has ALREADY picked up in town (new buildings in Bullhead City for Goodwill Industries, Automobile Consulting Services, and Fort Mohave with Chase Bank, CVS pharmacy and others).

Still, buyers who act decisively can enjoy these tasty treats from the 'salad days' of bargain-priced commercial and residential land for building, leasing or investment in Bullhead City and Fort Mohave, Arizona along the beautiful Colorado River:

2701 Highway 95, Bullhead City AZ 86442:

Corner C-2H zoned Highway 95 .32 acre parcel in Bullhead City with a PERFECT location, near law offices, shopping, services, restaurants and WalMart SuperCenter. Level and ready to build--or invest while prices are nice!

Offered at $189,900

4100 Highway 95, Fort Mohave AZ 86426:

VERY affordable Fort Mohave parcel with over 6500 SF to build on, good proximity to the Bullhead Parkway, Target Center and the brand new CVS Pharmacy and a Highway 95 address. Build, lease or invest for later!

Offered at $49,900

1632-1638 Shamrock Rd, Bullhead City AZ 86442:

OWNER WILL CARRY on these two contiguous multi family zoned land parcels. 6 units total density,1/3 acre fenced with all utilities including city sewer available. In the heart of Bullhead City, one block off Highway 95, this location is near Hastings Books, Buffalo Wild Wings, Tri State Orthopedic, more medical and shopping and just blocks to the Colorado River, you won't see a better opportunity to build units for rental or resale.

Offered at $70,000

1273 Camp Mohave Rd, Fort Mohave AZ 86426:

This is a rare availability for a 2.37 acre Fort Mohave horse property parcel zoned Ag-Res. Awesome location west of Highway 95, near the Avi Casino and a very short distance to the tribally owned land along the Colorado River. High end custom ranch homes will be your neighbors. Site built or manufactured home is OK.

Offered at $189,900

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Fort Mohave AZ 86426 ~ Saturday Jams @ McCaa's

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:54:09 -0600

McCaa's is a motorcycle machine shop and showroom in Fort Mohave, AZ 86426. They've been in town a few years, hailing originally from Southern CA like most of us.

Their 5,000 sq. ft. Fort Mohave facility includes a CNC machine shop, full custom engine building, repair and upgrades for early to late model V-twin motorcycles. 1,000 sq. ft. showroom of apparel and riding accessories. They are open 7 days a week.

McCaa's throws quite the Saturday afternoon party . . . where else in Fort Mohave can you enjoy free live music from local bands like Double Cross, booths with swag, food and refreshment? Each time, the turnout seems a little bigger. It's right in the center of town, neatly tucked away from Highway 95 by a frontage road.

It's pretty fun to take the pooch out walking and hear the band cranking out Lynyrd Skynyrd and Grand Funk as we approach.

With the weather ideal mid-upper 80s, it is the perfect Saturday afternoon, as we meander about to take in the smiling faces (people are fun and friendly down here) and the gorgeous bikes!

If you're heading South on Highway 95 in Fort Mohave, turn Left at Aztec Road where Safeway and Smith's centers are. Take the first quick right down the frontage street past Palace Pawn and AutoZone, to the end. Veer left past Indy Auto and there's McCaa's on the right in one of the two new green buildings.

(Call them first to see when their next jam is)

Stop in sometime--and while you're in the neighborhood, text me to chat real estate ideas. I have some awesome Fort Mohave and Bullhead City commercial properties for sale listed nearby where you could give your business vision a successful form like Mister McCaa did.

Hey, it's walking distance. :)

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Valuating Commercial Property Using Income Approach -- Easy

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:23:10 -0600

There are several ways to calculate the market value of properties, of course, and particularly commercial properties. In any market, but especially the current commercial market it's critical to get that value right if we intend to find a principal!

Investors are most likely to be picking up commercial buildings right now, and their chief interest will be in two things:

How much positive cash flow is there now?
How much positive cash flow is realistic?
What is the degree of risk involved?

Valuating using cap rate and an income approach to value will provide good starting points.

For a property that has been vacant longer than 3 months:

Determine market rents for the property. You may need to do a rent survey to find out what tenants are PAYING, because any rate can be asked and many are negotiated down.

This is not an easy step as the parties who have and know this information are often not available or willing to discuss the terms of their lease.

A chat with the leasing office for a large multi-unit property that is mostly occupied (meaning the rents are realistic) could be your next stop.

Then, search for properties listed for lease that are similar if possible. Take note of the ones that have languished on market--they are probably priced too high if they are good properties.

Figure out the likely (proforma) rent for a property that is not currently leased, erring on the side of conservatism.

For properties that have had steady tenants or are occupied now:

Determine the net operating income. Find out from your client what their expenses were when the property was rented, such as management, owner-paid utilities, taxes and insurance. If they don't have that information, find out what management rates are, utilities, taxes have been historically and typically.

Then find out from your client or again by researching active and leased properties what the cap rates are running for similar properties or property types.

If you divide the the annual net operating income by the cap rate, you should get a ballpark figure for value.

Example:

Building with 2000 SF of usable space (usually what rents are based on) has not been rented recently but market rents in the area are a dollar a square foot.

So 2000 a month, or 24,000 a year gross annual income.

Let's say the owner pays 15% a year in management, taxes and insurance on another similar property that is rented--or you find out that that is a fair figure.

Net operating income then is 24,000 minus 15% or 20,400 NOI.

You find that a reasonable cap rate is 6%. How? Just see what is consistent with similar properties. Cap rate is complicated and not based on the 'whole picture' such as vacancy rate, encumberance etc. But it measures risk and reward which is what we're after.

Divide 20,400 by 6% and we get 340,000--a good estimate of market value.

Of course, many factors must be considered as properties are unique.

It's not an exact science but it's not rocket science either . . .

If you want to go deeper into understanding commercial valuation, this is a good read from a long time commercial appraiser.

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Full Moon Monday ~ Luna's New Friend

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:49:21 -0600

I HAD to get away for a bit . . . busy day and poor Luna needed a walkie and some fun. So we went to the 'puppy store' (our local Petsmart) and she had a little tete-a-tete with one of the guinea pigs . . .

Most of the critters are a little squeamish to see this sweet but formidable-looking face staring from the other side of the glass . . . and they usually scare off and hide.

But this little darling wanted to hang out and see what Lulu had to say . . .

I think they swapped cell numbers . . .

www.RealEstateBHC.com

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866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

A Bullhead City Arizona 86442 Halloween!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:35:22 -0500

Luna can't wait to hand out treats to the trick or treaters who stop by her house . . . she is a TrueBlood fan so her costume is a vampire queen getup, like Queen Sophie-Anne.

She didn't have to pick up a set of fangs. Some things work out like that, you know . . .

It's a gorgeous night along the beautiful Colorado River. High temp was 83 today and the winds have died down to a mellow Fall breeze.

So come on over kiddies of all ages, and pick up a treat!

And a slice of heaven--Bullhead City Arizona 86442 real estate--while you're at it.

But watch your necks . . . you can never be too careful . . .

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

HOOVER DAM BYPASS UPDATE ~ Mohave County, Arizona ~ PROGRESS!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:38:34 -0500

My client Bill Brownell gave me permission to share these pictures of the progress being made on this now 5 year long Hoover Dam Bypass project. BTW, Bill's got an AWESOME waterfront property in Los Lagos listed. You should buy it!

If you've read my previous posts referring to the Hoover Dam Bypass, you know that northwestern Mohave County will be powerfully impacted by the completion of the Hoover Dam Bypass, a bridge over where Lake Mead meets the Colorado River to Boulder City, Nevada from White Hills, AZ.

Completion is nearing, after some snafus and delays. And lookin' awesome!

Once completed, the Hoover Dam Bypass will benefit Mohave County in many ways:

Commute times from Kingman AZ to Las Vegas will shorten dramatically
Inland Port Status may be granted to Kingman
White Hills, Dolan Springs, Meadview and Golden Valley will become bedroom communities as their proximity to Highway 93 makes their locations along the access corridor desirable
Property desirability will increase in those areas
Property values will increase in those areas

(My opinion. YMMV)

These breathtaking helicopter view photos provide insight into the size of this undertaking and how important it is to have a better way to get from Kingman to Vegas.

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866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Bullhead City AZ Real Estate 86442 ~ Morning At Low Tide

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:30:19 -0500

You may not know this, and I didn't until I acquired hydroelectric engineers as clients (could you imagine having husband and wife engineers as clients? They were and are favorites of mine. They run a water company in Oregon now)...

...but the water levels on the Colorado River in Bullhead City, AZ fluctuate as water is released from Davis Dam, just north of Bullhead City, AZ into the river, according to estimated need for

Generation
Irrigation
Recreation

In other words, the engineers determine how much water will be needed at different times of day for electricity, watering crops and to keep y'all's propellers out of the sand! :)

Depending on where along the beautiful Colorado River, you'll see people with metal detectors scouring for treasures or the keyring they lost (good luck with that!), lawn chairs planted with toes in sand...

or even locals like me and Lulu enjoying the cool sand for a morning 'sniffy walk'...

Wouldn't you LOVE to have this beauty within walking distance or a quick drive? Property in Bullhead City offers this and more.

There hasn't been a better time to buy Bullhead City AZ real estate in a decade.

Talk to me if you find this as awesome as I do . . .

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Awwwww, that's nice, but NO!!!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:12:22 -0500

If you are going to sell and I mean *SELL* your house, it's critical to present it beautifully. This SC home stager wrote a great piece on ways you can showcase your home for maximum profit. If you work with me, I will suggest 'babe-ing' your property out pre-market. A prelisting inspection is also very wise. Who needs mechanical surprises?

Via Jennifer Grant (Low Country Home Staging & Interior Design):

Please take the magnets, pictures and drawings OFF the refrigerator!

As a Mom of 5, I totally understand all the love and special things that are proudly displayed on the refrigerator.

As a home stager, I cringe when people expect to show a property with ALL these things displayed to the potential home buyer. Remove all items from the exterior of the refrigerator. Rather than have a buyer remember all your lovely kids, dogs, great Aunt Sally and cousin Lou along with what sporting events your kids will be at the next month, let the refrigerator blend into the room as part of the space, not an island unto itself. DEPERSONALIZE! You want the potential home buyer to "imagine' themselves in the house and that can't be achieved with your wonderful pictures of the family plastered all the refrigerator. It can also be distracting....after all you want them looking at your gorgeous, clean kitchen, not the photos of your family!

Don't forget home buyers look EVERYWHERE! The refrigerator seems to be the location that attracts some of the ugliest of grime. Yet, it is one of the most important places to keep clean. Make sure you clean and organize your refrigerator disposing of any foul odor foods, wiping down all the ketchup stained bottles and a thorough cleaning, especially if you are including appliances in the sale of your home. Don't forget to wipe down the outside of the refrigerator before showing the home for sale. Your motto should be sparkle and shine!

Replacing appliances in the kitchen will be one of the biggest returns on investment. If the refrigerator is beyond help please suggest to your clients they replace it and any other kitchen appliance that is beyond repair or reconditioning. They should be able to easily recoup the cost or take it with them when the home sales.

Thanks for visiting my site! Please visit often for upcoming homestaging tips and creative ideas!

Jennifer Grant
843-457-2167
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Low Country Home Staging & Interior Design
Website:http://www.lowcountryhomestaging.com
Email:jennifer@lowcountryhomestaging.com

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Are we changing to a new short sale system?

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:52:59 -0500

Ken is the real deal when it comes to intelligent short sale info. Read his posts (ALL OF THEM) and you will be a lot closer to figuring it out.

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Via Ken Lawson JD, Short Sale Coach (TheLawsonGroup Mediation Svcs www.LawsonGroupMediation.com):

Ready for change? Here it comes...or is it?

Through these articles, or blog posts, I have been attempting to educate agents concerning the many, many issues of misinformation that have provided in short sale books, courses, and training seminars. Since I really have more of a warm heart of a teacher than a lawyer, I want to be of service to those of you who appreciate it.

So, I have helped bring clarity to who owns the note, the secondary market investor (SMI), and who approves short sales, the SMI, not usually the servicing lender the proposal is submitted to. I have also attempted to help you understand that the old method of analyzing a short sale which merely compared the amount of loss if the short sale is approved has been replaced by most SMIs to the new net-to-lender minimum threshold percentage of the fair market value. This change started late summer of last year and became widespread by the end of the year.

Now, bloggers are spreading the word about a new system under the new Making Home Affordable legislation. They are sounding the alarm that there massive change taking place that is replacing the current system.

My response?   Whoaaaa, just a moment!   Stop. Breathe. What is taking place is not a major change. There are a few changes but let's put them into perspective.

First, the real change is the current political environment.   It does not take a political activist, extremist, or alarmist to see that the current administration and the liberal democrat majority in congress are attempting to change our way of life away from capitalism and substantially closer to the European models of socialism. This is not a criticism but the reality. Whether you are democrat or republican, liberal or conservative, progressive or traditionalist, the reality is that from the last election democrats believe they have a mandate to move us away from what they believe are the ills of capitalism. The vast majority of lawyers are liberal/progressive, and I have my foot in both sides depending upon the issue.

How is this important? Because there is war being waged between many of the financial institutions and the treasury department. Treasury now owns both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and a growing number of other institutions, both SMIs and servicing lenders. Treasury is putting the squeeze on financial institutions with the stated purpose to vastly reduce the number of financial institutions. That is their speak for pushing them to the brink of bankruptcy, then rescuing them (bail-out) and taking ownership. One of the objectives of socialism is to take over employers, and financial institutions are one of the major 5 critical industries required to make socialism effective.

The MHA legislation was passed to help accomplish this.   Wait, it's real purpose was to do something to help slow down the massive numbers of foreclosures. However, the method was chosen to also assist in this societal change. The main bloggers triggering alarms are stating that Fannie and Freddie own 85% of the mortgage loans. Well, the government claims this, but it is actually not much more than 65%, but growing. 85% is their objective, a very important objective to meet their goals.

Under the new system, you will hear about the net present value formula that servicers will use to determine the list price and the price the property can be sold for.   This is nothing more than a new label for the current net-to-lender minimum threshold percentage of the fair market value. The SMIs will provide instructions to their servicers to approve these short sales up front rather than submitting the short sales to the SMI each time for approval. The SMIs will have their own trained representatives in the loss mitigation of the servicer to oversee the same system we have now. The only real change will be that they will be able to use that to guide the agents as to the price reduction strategy to use in listing.

In my blog articles, I have made references to current experimental programs between Fannie, Freddie, Treasury and a number of servicing lenders. Well, it is this that I was referring to. It will likely continue to widen as they experience success and train everyone. It is merely the moving of the current short sale system to having the lenders work more up front to help agents meet the current requirements.

I will provide more information about this in the future. However, I encourage you all to not panic, not react hastily, and not become overly concerned about its affect on short sales. Yes, there will be new forms and communication with servicers before listing the short sale, but it is not as big of a change as many fear.

The political pendulum continues to swing back and forth between a capitalistic society and a socialist society. We do not yet know if the current swing will become entrenched, but if it does not, the new changes in short sales will likely remain. It is a sensible approach to try to solve the short sale problems. However, even with these changes there will be unplease consequences. Government always seems to create as many problems as they solve. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease, but sometimes it brings relief.

Best wishes,

Ken Lawson, JD

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

I Must Be An Okay Photographer Because My Pics Are Being STOLEN By Local Agents!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:25:31 -0500

This is my photograph of the Willow Valley Marina.

So is this one.

My husband and I took these photos in February 2005, actually. I use them in a lot of my posts, and they are 'stock photos' for the many properties that we market and sell in that private marina subdivision.

I was running comps today and was SHOCKED to find other offices in my Association USING these pictures in their listings!

At first I thought, okay... it's a pretty similar shot.

Compared them. No. It IS THE SAME SHOT.

Posted a bulletin to my Association, DON'T USE MY PICS.

Guess I will have to have my atty send a letter if they don't take 'em down.

This is ugly. These are agents in my association--not nameless faceless out of town agents. Agents I know and like. Why would they do that? If they asked me, I'da probably said OK. Maybe they just thought that.

THE DARN MARINA IS JUST A FEW MILES AWAY. You went past it when you photographed your listing!

Sigh. I guess I'm not that bad a photog after all...

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

A Special Place In Hell

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:52:24 -0500

I was out showing property today and this notice was on the front door of a Fannie REO ...

Yep. Someone walked away from their house and their pet. Can someone tell me what possible justification anyone could have for leaving a pet to starve to death? Really. I can't wrap my mind around this. I know the shelters are crowded. I wonder if they tried to find their pet a home before leaving it behind?

Thankfully, Mohave County Animal Control, who are angels, rescued this pet. I don't know what kind of pet or how long a reprieve it will have.

If you are local and read this, please donate money food or items to our Mohave County Animal Control this week over on Vanderslice off of Courtwright in Mohave Valley 86440.

Better still, adopt a pet.

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Fort Mohave AZ, 86426 Real Estate - Snazzy Saturday ~ Got Your Costume Yet?

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:21:28 -0500

I have some really creative and unique clients. This is the prized possession of one of my most fun clients. Her name is Candy The Wonder Dog.

It appears that Candy the canine is a lot like Candy the human--a bit on the girlie girl side!

I know. You just can't make this stuff up!

Candy's owner also has an awesome lakefront homesite property for sale in Los Lagos and he has recently reduced it to go toe-to-toe with any of the best deals in the area. 125 feet on on of Los Lagos' lakes for under $65,000!

I have builder resources to get your Fort Mohave AZ dream house built on this really beautiful waterfront lot in a gorgeous gated community with tennis, media center, pool/spa/BBQ, amazing sunsets and PGA golf nearby, so give me a holler and let's git 'r done!

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Why I Think Commercial Real Estate In Mohave County Will Be Just Fine

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:41:35 -0500

I just listened to a talk given by Mohave County Assessor Ron Nicholson, and talk about a cool guy with an experience-rich background! From title company to appraisal to commercial real estate in several states and countries, Ron knows his stuff. We are fortunate to have him.

We learned a lot about property taxes in Mohave County during the talk, and veered off into financing and market issues.

Ron said he expects commercial real estate to take an even harder hit in near future coming years.

The way I see it, there is a brave new world ahead for Bullhead City 86442, Fort Mohave 86426 and Mohave Valley 86440 commercial real estate--but it is nowhere near disastrous.

Yes, it's a lot harder to get money. But there will be new inroads to meet this need. And people who already had money still do. They will find their way here to maximize their investment.

Here's why I feel optimistic about commercial real estate in Mohave County over the next year or two:

Increasing demand for services -- and a place to put them. We are selling and renting houses out here! People who lost their homes stayed in the area. Snowbirds are back, buying because of our renewed affordability. Teachers and medical professionals are being enticed to relocate here. They will require additional services, and new businesses will take up those vacancies, as established businesses gain confidence to upsize to meet their increasing demands for space and functionality.

The aging population will necessitate more services for seniors. Mohave County has a large and growing retiree population. Medical services are continually improving and with adequate health care, seniors will remain and require those services as well as other specific services for seniors.

Our under 18 population is ALSO growing. Businesses catering to their needs will need to come here. This is a demographic that has always fallen short in our casino town.

The perpetual desirability of our resort area is not going away any time soon. We have everything here, 24/7/365. Without Vegas traffic or Phoenix smog. Those investors will refocus here.

The proximity to larger and more distressed markets without being there. That makes our neighbors along the Pacific happy. We are the best of all worlds! And that will bring us investors and speculators tired of California economics and Washington/Oregon weather.

A desire to support local commerce will encourage local residents to give our area a shot for their business. Take a cruise around town. There are LOTS of new businesses. I was at a mixer a couple of weeks ago and the Avi Convention Room was packed with businesses schmoozing about. They are not leaving town. And they will inspire others.

Availability of builders who can build cost-effective commercial projects. It used to be just too expensive. Materials still are the same but the established builders in our area are working at fair prices.

A mentor of mine, founder of the Commercial Real Estate Institute in Phoenix, Mike Moloney, sent me this. Even more confirmation that I'm thinking straight. Mike's text is below:

___________________

This video briefly mentions at the end the PPIP (Public-Private Investment
Program) program. PPIP was to have been the government guaranteed investment
program for Big Money to buy the "bad loans" cheap - which is no longer
needed. The Big Money was waiting to see if PPIP would be initiated or not.
It is not. So, they have to start investing again, the "regular" way. That
is good for every real estate sector.

Three weeks ago under pressure from the real estate and banking lobbies, IRS
reversed one of its most onerous rules, and the change is having a huge
impact of stabilizing commercial work-outs. Previous to the change,
commercial loans could not be modified because the entire change was taxable
(which was nuts in the first place. That previous rule is what bureaucrats
will do if not supervised by elected and appointed officials, who are more
in touch with the real world, even if it is through lobbying.) Now, loan
modifications will commence within the commercial real estate industry
without the owner having to file bankruptcy. In addition, commercial lenders
don't mind owning completed commercial properties. They won't "flood" the
market like the RTC did. The reason is because if the banks hold the
foreclosed properties for 18 months or longer (the new rule described in the
video), instead of downgrading their balance sheet, they can write it off
over the years as their reserves and profits gradually climb back to normal.
It becomes a tax shelter!

___________________

So don't count commercial real estate out in Mohave County, AZ. You may be surprised.

Want to explore commercial real estate possibilities in Mohave County, AZ? Talk to me. I'm easy to find.

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Wordless Wednesday ~ Ski-Dazzled!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:12:42 -0500

You'll see it ALL on the Beautiful Colorado River. Fabulous custom waterfront palaces like THIS ONE (not the subject pictured below, relax). High rise riverfront developments. Condos and manufactured homes.

Yup. Styles in decor can be quite, uhhh...diverse.

This homeowner came up with a unique way to create privacy on his patio and recycle matchless waterskis.

I guess he couldn't single ski! :)

Quite creative, though.

On another note:

*Shameless Self Promotion Alert*

Please VOTE FOR ME to become a finalist in a blogging contest I entered this week.

The AR community has played a major role in increasing my chances (thank you Carolyn!). If I can get into the top 20, which will take 500 votes TODAY to accomplish, the popularity portion will be aced and the playing field will be leveled. Then my work will stand on its own.

THANK YOU those who are supporting me in this. You are truly awesome people! I O U 1xxxxxxxxx

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

You CAN Change An Outcome With Just One Thing

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:51:56 -0500

And that thing is a SMILE.

I was in the post office on Saturday. The post office isn't known for being party central, and there's always someone complaining about the long line, cost of postage or the weather.

I was filling out a Certified Mail form, smiling.

Secret: I smile for purely selfish and vain reasons. I look better when I smile. Till I can sell a couple more houses and get over to Doc Bailey's for maintenance I am keeping gravity at bay by any means necessary.

A leathery-faced gentleman, oh, I'd say around early 80s was in line ahead of me and watched me filling out the little green cards with my goofy smile plastered.

And he would have none of it.

"What the HELL are YOU so happy about?"

I laughed, and replied, "Hey, every day above ground's a miracle."

He wasn't gonna let it go.

"I DISAGREE. Not every day above ground is a miracle. I don't believe in miracles."

I didn't feel like letting it go either. Hello? I'm a woman. No MAN is getting the last word!

"Well I DO. And to me, I'm right. I don't know any better."

I looked him square in the eyes and smiled BIG.

He tried like crazy to not smile. But he did.

I took my opening and closed the deal:

"What the hell are YOU so happy about?"

He laughed. "You. You're cute."

He was smiling when I saw him walking to his car a few minutes later.

Smiling aggressively and intractably changes things.

You can choose at any moment to be the cause or be at effect.

Be the cause.

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Good Mood Blogger Contest ! Please Support ME, AR AND ALL! Love, Bloggy-Anna!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:35:24 -0500

For those who don't know, I entered the Good Mood Blogger Contest.

I've written professionally for two decades. I have written astrology (yes, I'm a trained astrologer) for many publications and have been on the staff at Starscroll (those little rolled up things in the market) for 12 years. Our publication is known around the industry as a 'can do' 'success magazine' because we emphasize the positives and solutions to life issues using the stars and good life practice.

I've always been a positive and powerful person. I guess I don't know better.

I just figure that things will work out if I keep moving forward.

And even something that seems negative on the surface is actually a blessing. In other words, RETROFIT A SETBACK INTO A STRENGTH. Or like Jack White sings, "Turn a mountain back into a mole, just by playing a different role." :)

Aside from the occasional, temporary crash/burns a 52-in-December-post-menopausal-married woman (juxtaposition thoroughly intentional) would have ...

I'm pretty darn lucky and would not trade my life with anyone else's.

ANYHOO:

I saw this Good Mood Blogger Contest that a vitamin company (Nature Made) is putting on. (We do actually use their products, BTW. My husband and I are huge vitamin users/abusers.)

They are looking for a Good Mood Blogger ... someone in a good mood to blog about it and how to get there naturally.

The spoils are a 6 month blogging contract. Paid.

An extra 5k a month for doing what I already do would not hurt my feelings either!

So I applied to be the Good Mood Blogger.

There is stiff competition although I do feel qualified. But the playing field is not level. There is at least one top vote-getter who is offering gifts for votes. I can't do that. To me it's not fair.

I'd like to harness the power of the AR community to help me get there.

All you need to do is click HERE and vote. You can vote once a day. Please do so as much as you have time between now and the 23rd. Right now the most votes are almost 1000. Can you help me catch up?

Reblog at will. Bookmark and keep the post going by any means necessary. HA!

I appreciate those who have taken up this cause and clicked that button a bazillion times more than you know. :) One thing I can tell you is that you will ALL get my referrals as well as my gratitude.

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist

Bullhead City AZ 86442 - Costume Tweetup And Rock Show Starring The Blood Orange Project Oct 30 @ Cocktails!

Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:05:33 -0500

We haven't had a Tweetup in Bullhead City, AZ 86442 yet that I know of.

Been wanting to get one going, and got a great idea; coordinate it with the next show my husband (The Famous Shredder) and his most awesome band

The Blood Orange Project

had on their schedule.

And the most PERFECT thing happened:

Their next show happens to be a HALLOWEEN show at the BEST local pub in town - Cocktails!

(Cocktails is wonderful because it has REALLY comfy chairs and a KILLER view of the city from the patio)

Oh, and it gets better:

IT'S A COSTUME PARTY!

What could be more fun than meeting people you've never met before but you sorta know, dressed in confusing costume? OH, THE POSSIBILITIES!

So dust off your scariest Halloween getup and let's drink to life and things that go bump in the night, with musical accompaniment from Clayton, Paul, Dave, Gary and Lil Davey -- The Blood Orange Project -- at Cocktails on

Friday, October 30th

Cocktails is located at 3935 Highway 95, between Corwin and Sterling, half a mile south of the Bullhead Parkway

Hit the button to listen to the KTOX commercial for the event!

www.RealEstateBHC.com

www.CommercialBHC.com

www.RealEstateBHC.biz

866-228-2643

Candice A. Donofrio, Owner/Designated Broker

Certified Commercial Sales Specialist