real estate: Things That Are Looking Up for 2010 - 01/28/10 02:39 PM
This is the time of year when everyone is interested in what is going to happen in the new year. So far, it looks like things are looking up for the 2010 real estate market and many people are upbeat about it. However, some things are going up that may not have some people so upbeat after all.
Things to look for include:
* Rise in interest rates - The more competition there is for money from federal, state and municipal agencies, of course, the more it will cost to borrow it. In turn, there will be less new jobs created. … (2 comments)
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real estate: Need to Know Tax Credits and Deductions - 01/21/10 06:57 PM
With the new and expanded credits and tax deductions, there come more forms to file and more you need to know. When it comes time to sit down and file your 2009 tax returns, you will find many new changes. Some are a result of adjustments in inflation and others are from changes by Congress due to the national recession.
Depending on your individual situation, there may be good news or bad news in these changes for you. Some things will, however, affect all taxpayers. For example: the personal exemption has increased to $3,650 for each taxpayer and dependents. That's up … (2 comments)
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real estate: Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a New Home - 01/07/10 02:56 PM
As interest rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to a 38 year low, many consumers began to consider purchasing a new home or refinancing their current home. In this blog, I have some Q & A's that will help you decide if now is the right time to purchase a new home or refinance your current one.
With interest rates being the lowest since 1971, the tax credit and the tax extension, many people around the nation are interested in purchasing a home and ready to sign on the dotted line.
What questions you should ask when you're ready to … (2 comments)
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real estate: Lake Havasu’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Back On - 12/10/09 11:57 AM
When the tree lighting ceremony in Lake Havasu City was canceled to help balance the budget, many Lake Havasu residents were very disappointed. There just isn't the holiday spirit around town without the annual tree lighting ceremony.
After an article was published last month announcing the cancellation, citizens began to swamp city officials with phone calls in protest. City officials had no other choice but to find a way to fit the ceremony back into its budget and back into Lake Havasu's place in history.
Now, with volunteers tending to all the last minute details, Lake Havasu City's 29th Annual Tree … (0 comments)
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real estate: Lake Havasu State Park’s Windsor Beach Will Be Open 4th of July Weekend - 07/02/09 08:39 PM
Awesome news beach lovers; Windsor Beach, which is located in Lake Havasu State Park, will be open this 4th of July weekend despite the state budget shortfall. The decision was reached on Tuesday afternoon, when Arizona State Park and Lake Havasu City reached an agreement allowing the city to take over the park and boat launch ramp.
Visitation to Lake Havasu State Park has been up over 110% since 2008 and this 4th of July is expected to be even better than last. The Lake Havasu Marine Association is expecting over 1,000 boats to launch from Windsor Beach ramp this weekend … (0 comments)
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real estate: Tips for Saving For a Down Payment - 06/18/09 01:25 PM
Realtor® Cheryl Westwood ~ Lake Havasu City Real Estate
In this rough economy, it can really seem hard to put any extra money away. That includes saving for a down payment to buy a new home. However, it's not as hard as it may sound. There are several ways to come up with the money that you may not be thinking about. Almost all homebuyers today will need to have a down payment to buy a new home.
Money can help you in so many ways. If you have enough of it, you have the greatest purchasing power, but not enough … (0 comments)
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real estate: Selling Your Home against the Competition of Foreclosures and Short Sales - 06/11/09 02:37 PM
Realtor® Cheryl Westwood ~ Lake Havasu City Real Estate
Distressed sales now make up almost half of all home sales across the nation and many home sellers are finding themselves competing with the discounted prices that come with foreclosed properties and short sales. Therefore, I would like to offer some tips and advice to help the traditional home seller out and attract buyers that will help them compete against these discounted properties.
Keep the home in tip-top shape. Most foreclosed homes are in desperate need of repair or renovation. Typically, the homeowner takes many valuable items from the home, such … (0 comments)
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real estate: Homeowner's Insurance – It’s Priceless - 06/04/09 10:02 AM
Realtor® Cheryl Westwood ~ Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Recently in the city I live, a runaway delivery truck ran into a residential house after getting away from its driver. The 126,000 pound truck actually jumped a curb and smashed right into the side of a house. The driver said it slipped out of gear while he was out of the truck making a delivery.
When I saw this story, I thought it would be a good time to blog about the importance of homeowner's insurance and how priceless it can be. I would bet this homeowner would never have expected … (0 comments)
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real estate: Signs of an Economic Rebound - 05/07/09 11:49 AM
Could we really be on the verge of a recovery or is this a false spring? Well, so far, evidence points at an imminent recovery. There has been a lot of talk about an economic rebound and glimmers of hope. Yet, there are still the "doom and gloom" talkers who warn about a false spring. Therefore, I thought it would be a good idea to list some positive signs of economic rebound in my blog.
Here are some positive signs you should look for in an economic rebound:
1. Consumer Confidence - As of now, the consumer confidence index shows a … (0 comments)
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real estate: A New Store Opens in Lake Havasu City - 04/30/09 12:08 PM
The long awaited Michaels Arts & Crafts Store has just opened its doors in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. There were over two-hundred craft lovers eagerly waiting for the doors to open to the 16,000 square foot crafting wonderland on the morning of the grand opening. The crowd of shopper's were a lively bunch and had a good time chatting and sharing crafting ideas while waiting for the doors to open.
As a real estate professional, I talk to many people throughout the week so I know how important it was for many crafters and scrap-bookers to get a store with such a … (0 comments)
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real estate: Green Homes Are Still on the Rise - 04/23/09 11:01 AM
Many people would assume that the economy would dampen the "green" commitments of most US consumers. However, the opposite is turning out to be true. According to a national poll that was held recently, most consumers who have gone green say the economy has not changed their "green" buying habits. Many have actually increased their purchases of "green" products or services. There were very few in the poll that said the economy has caused them to reduce their purchasing of "green" products.
Buying "green homes" still remains on the top of most consumers' lists when they think of big purchases. Many … (0 comments)
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real estate: Business Opportunities in Lake Havasu City - 04/16/09 10:21 AM
There are many entrepreneurs across the nation looking for the perfect place to start or relocate their business. Therefore, I am taking advantage of my blog to tell everyone about the great business opportunities in the tourist industry in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Lake Havasu City has seen a record number of visitors this year. This number has actually shattered previous record numbers by a long shot. There has been a 45% increase in visitors this year from the highest record set back in 2007.
The Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center reported there to be 10,273 … (0 comments)
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real estate: Getting Your Home in Tip Top Shape to Sell - 04/09/09 10:46 AM
Spring is the best season of the year for selling a home. And, even with a historically slow housing market, homeowners still find themselves wanting to sell their homes for various reasons. However, they now have to do all they can to market their home to potential buyers. Today, one of the best ways to market a home is to stage it to "wow" potential buyers. Hiring a professional home stager can be one of the best ways to get your home sold fast. Home stagers know exactly what it takes to transform a house from bland to beautiful, bringing you … (0 comments)
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real estate: Lake Havasu City’s Spring Events - 04/02/09 02:25 PM
Lake Havasu City has always got something going on to keep residents and visitors entertained. And this spring is better than ever at the lake. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to blog about all the events that will be going on.
Kicking off the spring season fun -
· Community Easter Egg Hunt - April 4th (9am - 11am) at SARA Park, Lake Havasu City. Grab your baskets and join the fun with Jellybean and Buddy Bunny for photos and tons of play. There will be inflatable toys for all children 12 years and under. All activities are … (0 comments)
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real estate: Breezing Through the Home Buying Process - 03/19/09 12:17 PM
It can be an overwhelming process to think about buying a home in today's economy. Especially when you hear the media report mortgage "doom and gloom" daily. However, as a real estate professional, I am here to tell you: don't let all that doom and gloom talk scare you. You can still purchase a home for very little to no money down. And yes, it can be done in the middle of today's crazy real estate market. It just takes some careful planning and preparation to breeze right through it.
Begin by educating yourself as much as possible. You want to … (0 comments)
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real estate: Quick De-clutter Tips While Your Home is on the Market - 03/12/09 01:03 PM
Our homes can so easily get cluttered and, if we're not careful, it's hard to keep it all in order. As a real estate professional, I see it all too often: lots and lots of clutter. Many sellers don't realize that clutter is a big turn-off for potential buyers, sending them on down the road to the next house. And now, it's more important than ever to do everything you can to keep potential buyers in your home. Therefore, I have some quick tips to help you de-clutter your home while it's on the market.
· Couches and chairs can be … (0 comments)
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real estate: To Take or Not to Take: That is the Question - 01/29/09 11:17 AM
Have you found that perfect house to purchase that has a brand new stainless steel refrigerator? Or, did you just buy a new washer and dryer and plan on taking it with you to your next home when you vacate the house you just sold? Customs vary from city to city as to whether these items stay with the home or are the current homeowners' property to take with them when they move. In some areas, it is customary for all appliances to stay within the home and simply pass from one owner to the other as part of the purchase agreement. While, in other … (0 comments)
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real estate: A Successful Open House - 01/08/09 01:32 PM
Having an open house is a great way to invite potential buyers into your home and neighborhood. By getting potential buyers into the neighborhood, it gives them the opportunity to check out the area's amenities such as schools, parks, shopping, and other attractions. Having an open house can also give you feedback on the home and its price.
An open house is also a great opportunity to get in potential buyers that may not be working with an agent and didn't know the home is available. An open house can help snare impulse buyers when they see competition.
I have some … (0 comments)
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real estate: Be "In" with the In-Law Crowd - 07/17/08 11:42 AM
With the generations getting older, health care costs on the rise and the real estate market at a virtual standstill, many people are considering adding an in-law suite to their home as a nice guest room alternative or a permanent residence for our elderly relatives. Not only does the addition of an in-law suite mean a more cost-effective way to help take care of your parents, but it also provides added resale value to your home. The most important thing to remember before starting construction of any kind on your home is to check the local building codes to make sure … (2 comments)
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real estate: Happy In Havasu - Happy Real Estate News - 07/10/08 08:07 PM
Real estate sales are up in Lake Havasu City - This makes sellers very happy. Home sales have picked up in the last few months. In May, 124 homes closed escrow. This more than doubles those that closed in January 2008.
Real estate prices are down in Lake Havasu City - This makes buyers very happy. Lake Havasu City is experiencing a Price Correction Market and an over-supply of homes for sale. The current market is all in the buyer's favor.
FHA has raised loan limits to $322,500 (single-family residence) - This makes buyers very happy. FHA's First-Time Buyers Program has temporarily … (0 comments)
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