2nd house: LHC vs Parker vs Bullhead vs Laughlin

[Mandelon]

I'm a little early with this question. But I've got a deal closing in a couple of months which should net me enough to put a fat down on a "River House"
I know a lot of you guys have places there. What are the pro's and con's of Lake Havasu vs Parker?? Since we go to Laughlin and Mohave also what about Bullhead? Tax advantages of Ariz over Nev?? No income tax in Nevada right???
I know the houses in LHC are a bit higher priced, but they are appreciating faster too..
I was thinking even about getting multiple units and just keeping one for us and keeping the others rented out full time....

[Sleek-Jet]

Personally, I don't care where your house is, as long as everyone is invited over for free beer. :D :D
[ March 31, 2003, 02:23 PM: Message edited by: Sleek-Jet ]

[RiverTime69]

This is one of those depends answers... :D
If you really want to take adavantage of Havasu, Laughlin and Lake Mohave...I would seriously consider the Ft. Mohave/Golden Shores area right across the water from Needles. I know, I know, Location...Location...Location.
Here's why: The are around Needles Marina (but of course you want to buy on the Arizona side...tax advantages and possible dual residency(sort of)) puts you smack in the middle between Havasu and Mohave. It's deep enough to boat down to the bridge/channel, you're only a 20 minute drive from the casinos and only a 30 minute drive from Katherine's...
Check some of the prices in the area and keep us posted...
Good Luck. :p

[Mandelon]

RiverDave:
Sleek-Jet:
Personally, I don't care where your house is, as long as everyone is invited over for free beer. :D :D Yep! :) When are we coming over for free beer! :D
RD I don't exactly when the house will happen, or where yet, but I CAN say for sure the first thing I'm gonna install is a kegerator!!
http://www.beveragefactory.com/refrigerators/beer/pix/rbtb06.gif
[ March 31, 2003, 04:56 PM: Message edited by: Mandelon ]

[hd&boatrider]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mandelon:
[QB] I'm a little early with this question. But I've got a deal closing in a couple of months which should net me enough to put a fat down on a "River House"
I know a lot of you guys have places there. What are the pro's and con's of Lake Havasu vs Parker?? Since we go to Laughlin and Mohave also what about Bullhead? Tax advantages of Ariz over Nev?? No income tax in Nevada right???
Man...a lot of variables there mandelon. I bought in BHC 3 years ago because I prefer Lake Mohave. If I want to go to Laughlin it is 5 minutes away for nightlife. You have the river if that is what you want also. You are only 30 minutes to Needles and can launch there to go down to LHC. I don't know about you but I like my privacy so I bought in the hills of BHC. By the way BHC is starting to appreciate at a pretty good clip also. Plus the water on the lake is a hell of a lot cleaner than LHC. I was out looking at other properties on Friday. I went all the way down from BHC to Needles. Stay away from that Marina Coves place on the AZ side accross from Needles as they are in recievership. At least that is what I was told. Maybe, just maybe I would buy out at Rio Buena Vista in Needles. They have some waterfront lots left and you will pay between 250-290 depending on the manufactured home they put on the land. I just don't want to buy in CA though... Golden Shores and the area just accross from Needles on the North side of the bridge looks like a shithole if you ask me. I don't know if you could trust leaving anything out there. I would probably get a place in BHC if I was you. A lot more flexibility. Just my 2 cents.
[ March 31, 2003, 05:06 PM: Message edited by: hd&boatrider ]

[hd&boatrider]

To be honest about it I have a rule at my house in BHC. My friends are welcome to come and stay but I expect a 30 pack of BL from them. It works well for all of us and keeps me in beer :)

[rivercrazy]

Havasu and Parker RULE! Don't buy on the river from Needles to Bullhead. Its sucks!

[C-Ya]

First I would like to say "everyone has their own UTOPIA".
In my opinion, the joy of having a vacation home based on a boating lifestyle is diminished when you have to pull your boat out of the water at the end of the day and tow it to the "vacation home". To me, what makes the payment worth it, is being able to pull up to my own dock after a long hard day at the (Parker)sandbar and being able to just walk up to the house and have the boat still ready for the nightly events (those of you who frequent Parker know what I am talking about).
Even though I have been at Parker for many years, if Lake Havasu had waterfront homes, I would have a house at Lake Havasu. But since they don't and law enforcement has a tendency to hang out at the ramps at Havasu, it makes Havasu undesirable to me (my opinion). Actually, I can have my boat in the water at Havasu quicker than my friends that have homes high on the hill at Havasu (but I am launching at take-off point and they are stuck with the lines at all the ramps around Havasu City.
All I can say about BHC, Laughlin, Needles, etc is BUUUUURRRRRR. The Water is still cold in August! Which for those who grew up in Minnesota it would be ideal, but I have become spoiled over they years and water temerature is very important to me. There is nothing like that feeling in August at Lake Havasu when you have to dive down about 15 feet just to get some cool water (that's also a good time to go up the topock gorge).
But no matter where it is that you end up, we should be extremely thankful for what we have in the West. No pihrana's, No Alligators, No Crocodiles, No Sharks, No Mosquito's to speak of. In many places in the world, that is the reality of the water. I am not sure that I would have a vacation home if the first thing that I had to do when I got there was kick the alligators of the beach and put up the pihrana nets and then worry about the 10 other swimming creatures and the 5 flying creatures, and the 12 crawling creatures that want to make you into their next meal. THAT WOULD SUCK!
So there is one man's opinion!
C-Ya
[ March 31, 2003, 06:13 PM: Message edited by: C-Ya ]

[Ziggy]

Mandelon,
As a co-habitor of San Diego County I have to tell you my take on this.
For many years all we did was do the Laughlin thing(after years of Yuma/Senator Wash). We tried Havasu one time(circa1992)but were a little uncomfortable with the wildness(so to speak) and taking our young kids along. First time there with my young son we experienced what Havasu was about, there in the public marina was two girls sharing one suit. Hell I thought it was great but his innocent eyes told me differently. Well now that they've grown a bit and such "wildness" is commonplace Havasu seems to be the right place.
We just purchased our 2nd home there ourselves. The people seem to be more friendly, it gets quality visitors during the winter(no RiffRaff), and the town just seems to have more going for it, check the big retailers making investments there.
My son is 20 and has his own boat now, just my 10 yr old daughter comes with us and frankly she enjoys the heck out of it all there. You can see all you want or find your own area to play.
Lastly, and what prompted me more than I believe, was observing what kind of people you see locally. Make your own judgement on that but it was astondingly obvious where more quality resided.
Parker I little experience with other than a friend who stays there. He said he likes it overall but ends up on the lake 75% of the time since the river seems to end up just being a drag race up-n-down...plus the limited range you can travel the river.
Zig
p.s. during 30 day escrow my house appreciated nearly $20K(or at least listing price)..another plus!

[hd&boatrider]

rivercrazy:
Havasu and Parker RULE! Don't buy on the river from Needles to Bullhead. Its sucks! Obviously you have not seen Palo Verde. Of course by the time you get a lot and put a house on it you are into for 750K...

[hd&boatrider]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by C-Ya:
[QB] First I would like to say "everyone has their own UTOPIA".
That is definitley true CYA.
((In my opinion, the joy of having a vacation home based on a boating lifestyle is diminished when you have to pull your boat out of the water at the end of the day and tow it to the "vacation home".))
I leave it in the water. I get a slip anytime I am out at Mohave.
((To me, what makes the payment worth it, is being able to pull up to my own dock after a long hard day at the (Parker)sandbar and being able to just walk up to the house and have the boat still ready for the nightly events (those of you who frequent Parker know what I am talking about).Even though I have been at Parker for many years, if Lake Havasu had waterfront homes, I would have a house at Lake Havasu. But since they don't and law enforcement has a tendency to hang out at the ramps at Havasu, it makes Havasu undesirable to me (my opinion). Actually, I can have my boat in the water at Havasu quicker than my friends that have homes high on the hill at Havasu (but I am launching at take-off point and they are stuck with the lines at all the ramps around Havasu City.All I can say about BHC, Laughlin, Needles, etc is BUUUUURRRRRR. The Water is still cold in August! Which for those who grew up in Minnesota it would be ideal, but I have become spoiled over they years and water temerature is very important to me. There is nothing like that feeling in August at Lake Havasu when you have to dive down about 15 feet just to get some cool water (that's also a good time to go up the topock gorge).))
I agree that the water can be cold but you can't have everything. Plus there is a reason that the water in LHC is warmer. It is from all the bacteria and crap floating around....just kidding CYA!
((But no matter where it is that you end up, we should be extremely thankful for what we have in the West. No pihrana's, No Alligators, No Crocodiles, No Sharks, No Mosquito's to speak of. In many places in the world, that is the reality of the water. I am not sure that I would have a vacation home if the first thing that I had to do when I got there was kick the alligators of the beach and put up the pihrana nets and then worry about the 10 other swimming creatures and the 5 flying creatures, and the 12 crawling creatures that want to make you into their next meal. THAT WOULD SUCK!))
I have to agree with you strongly on that one. Although in the coves there are rattlesnakes from time to time coming down in the water.
Wherever you buy make sure you get to know your neighbors. If you get in good with them and they are out they can keep an eye on your place.

[SoCalOffshore]

Where are the best places in Havasu?

[rivercrazy]

HD - Schhhh. I was trying to keep that section a a secret!

[TCHB]

I have had a place in Parker on the water and now a house in Havasu. The weekend in Parker has gotten way to crowded with all the boats and jet skiis. The town of Parker is Parker and no more should be said.
Havasu is a great investment for a second home. The town is growing and has a lot to offer golf, movies, Home Depot, shows and the list goes on.
It takes me 6 minutes to get to the ramp and launch at Windsor Beach. It seems like everyone is trying to buy a house with a view, rv parking and a big garage.

[Sun burners]

SoCalOffshore:
Where are the best places in Havasu? North of Parker / South of Bull Head> :)

[sandblasted]

Mandelon, Needles is located in the perfect spot. 30 minutes from Laughlin/Lake Mojave or a quick drive down to LHC if you want to spend the day there...Water wise it's great...with your jet boat it's no problem to cruise upriver to Davis Dam or down to topock and the sandbar..I think needles is in the best all around location..
Only problem, if you are not on the water the rest of the area is a dump....
Bullhead is not bad either, unless you want to go to havasu for the day.It's not a bad drive there but the drive back to Bullhead after a full day on the water just seems long!!

[boatnam2]

i think all are great places to be,but i like parker.havasu just reminds me to much of the city i just left to get away.very crowded with cars and people.in 10 years it will be huge parker cant get much bigger and i like that.

[mbrown2]

We have been fortunate enough to have a place at Parker. I prefer boating on Parker cause I can leave the boat at the dock and hang out and bbq on the docks into the evening, enjoy the bars/restaurants floating on the water, not close walking distance to the water, on the water, and enjoy floating down the River...
On the other hand, Havasu is more of a refined town and value is increasing there, but currently I HATE day boating...load up, tow down, launch, boat, trailer, tow up, clean up...But, I would prefer retiring in Havasu when I am not wanting to boat everyday, but enjoy the all that the town has to offer, so we bought a lot Lake View Terrace area in Havasu recently since prices were skyrocketing. In Parker, it is tough to find a nice lot for a reasonable price where you can build that super toy garage; that is also why we bought there. So in a couple of years we will have both...
You need to ask yourself, if having a nice lot big garage and day boating outweigh having a smaller lot and more water time while your there. If it does, go Havasu. If you want to spend more time on the water, go to Parker. At my age, I enjoy more water time and less time towing around town.
[ March 31, 2003, 09:35 PM: Message edited by: mbrown2 ]

[Fun One]

mbrown2:
We have been fortunate enough to have a place at Parker. I prefer boating on Parker cause I can leave the boat at the dock and hang out and bbq on the docks into the evening, enjoy the bars/restaurants floating on the water, not close walking distance to the water, on the water, and enjoy floating down the River...
On the other hand, Havasu is more of a refined town and value is increasing there, but currently I HATE day boating...load up, tow down, launch, boat, trailer, tow up, clean up...But, I would prefer retiring in Havasu when I am not wanting to boat everyday, but enjoy the all that the town has to offer, so we bought a lot Lake View Terrace area in Havasu recently since prices were skyrocketing. In Parker, it is tough to find a nice lot for a reasonable price where you can build that super toy garage; that is also why we bought there. So in a couple of years we will have both...
You need to ask yourself, if having a nice lot big garage and day boating outweigh having a smaller lot and more water time while your there. If it does, go Havasu. If you want to spend more time on the water, go to Parker. At my age, I enjoy more water time and less time towing around town.

[Fun One]

Fun One:
mbrown2:
We have been fortunate enough to have a place at Parker. I prefer boating on Parker cause I can leave the boat at the dock and hang out and bbq on the docks into the evening, enjoy the bars/restaurants floating on the water, not close walking distance to the water, on the water, and enjoy floating down the River...
On the other hand, Havasu is more of a refined town and value is increasing there, but currently
I HATE day boating...load up, tow down, launch, boat, trailer, tow up, clean up...But, I would prefer retiring in Havasu when I am not wanting to boat everyday, but enjoy the all that the town has to offer, so we bought a lot Lake View Terrace area in Havasu recently since prices were skyrocketing. In Parker, it is tough to find a nice lot for a reasonable price where you can build that super toy garage; that is also why we bought there. So in a couple of years we will have both...
You need to ask yourself, if having a nice lot big garage and day boating outweigh having a smaller lot and more water time while your there. If it does, go Havasu. If you want to spend more time on the water, go to Parker. At my age, I enjoy more water time and less time towing around town. If you are all talking $$$$$ the best place to buy is water front in Parker if you can. A great person to deal with is Lisa @ David Plunket Realters. Iam not going to brag about how much i made @ this time but I will tell you its better than working. If any one thinks they have more info or advice than me or SK48 please bring it. Do not be shy becauce we know better.

[boatnam2]

funone,i hear ya i wish i would of bought something in the keys 5 years ago,now its out of my price range.im still looking to find something that i like in my price range but its looking bleek.i may have to go back to my original plan of just building a house where my trailer is.

[Fun One]

sandblasted:
Mandelon, Needles is located in the perfect spot. 30 minutes from Laughlin/Lake Mojave or a quick drive down to LHC if you want to spend the day there...Water wise it's great...with your jet boat it's no problem to cruise upriver to Davis Dam or down to topock and the sandbar..I think needles is in the best all around location..
Only problem, if you are not on the water the rest of the area is a dump....
Bullhead is not bad either, unless you want to go to havasu for the day.It's not a bad drive there but the drive back to Bullhead after a full day on the water just seems long!! It allsounds good, Real Parker locals do not give the 411. If its a money thing Parker is the only investment. To all that think Parker is family stop think again. The only thing i gained by buying one house is meeting my neighbor.

[Mandelon]

Some good points indeed. I think waterfront is going to be more than I want to pay for a 2nd home. Although I guess you could rent it out....and recoup some of the expense that way. The keys are certainly not cheap.
I do like the idea of LHC with the restaurants and better variety of stores...and the appreciation. Are there other ramps that don't crowd up?
Parker housing seems affordable but if you're not on the water just not as nice.....If you launch near the dam you don't have to drive so far.
I think $180-@200k is about all I would want to spend. Don't need a big lot, just a nice garage. :D

[C-Ya]

It is certainly interesting to read different opinions on this subject.
Fun One, I generally don't bash the local business people but I believe that Dave Plunkett (formerly with Robert Gory Realty) is the greediest realtor on the river (my opinion), but maybe I am still bitter over his shenanigans that cost me a waterfront home in Marina Village several years ago. But I am so happy with the house that I have now, that instead of being bitter about my loss, I laugh when I think of how Ol' Dave screwed himself out of about $20,000 in commissions. (I am not interested in posting the details, but let's just say that it would probably not be very flattering to Dave....so I will spare him that) It just goes to show that ones white knight is anothers black knight!
Whoever said in their post that Parker was limited as to how far you can boat was absolutely correct. That is the downfall of Parker or it's plus depending on how you look at it.
In my UTOPIA, the Parker Strip would be 25 miles long, the Jet Ski would be banned (or at least the rental jet-ski's), and there would be a mandatory navigation and ettiquette class before you could launch a boat, but I guess that I am truly dreaming now.
Whoever posted that Havasu has a higher caliber of people (I am paraphrasing) that is also true. Some of the locals at Parker are some real loosers, which is no surprise, but it does give it that rural charm. (this is one of the things that Parker has in common with Needles and Bullhead)
C-Ya

[boatnam2]

for 200k in havasu your going to get something really nice,when i say nice i mean a new home with a nice garage.you will not find the same thing in parker.you will get a nice trailer with maybe a view with beach access,or a empty lot on the river.keys are around 450k.

[BoatPI]

A lot depends where you want to boat at and do you want to reside in a real city with shopping, although limited.
As far as RE investments (my part time gig), Havasu is tops, perhaps in the nation. The last 12 months has seen a 36% resale value price increase! And $200G will buy a very nice house. Consider a 7 to 20 year old house on a nice view lot. There are NO real multiple "view" lots available for under $150G, period. Look at the spec homes on Jamacia.
Remember the basics, location, location, location. Views are nearly everything in LHC. Spectator Point, bay, up river, and bridge views.
Check out Crystal Beach, north of Desert Hills. Looks like a shithole at times, but times are changing. The river/lake view lots at the top are quite impressive. All are usually one acre or so.
With the new golf course, and anticipated water line and sewer, they could appreciate rapadly. I would expect 100 to 300% in a few years.
[ April 01, 2003, 05:51 AM: Message edited by: BoatPI ]

[Charley]

Mandelon, just more .02 :D
My wife and I looked closely at Parker,Havasu and the Needles area....Ideally riverfront was on our minds, but financially not in the cards....We both love Parker but it seemed more and more it wasn't the boating spot we grew up with......there are just TONS more people boating these days, and like it or not the boats are bigger than ever too! We actually had a bid on a lot in Miraleste shores in parker but fell short so we kept looking..... we looked closely at Havasu Landing, and quite honestly loved the little community there, but the idea of dropping that big of dough on leased/BLM land in addition too the Land Lease fees...well it choked that deal...I even looked at Rio Buena vista in Needles ...they are actually only "sorta waterfront sites"... the land ownership does not entitle you to the beach in front of your house....basically any fool can pull up into your backyard and pitch a tent and not be tresspassing! I know it's unlikely but still kinda strange just the same..... we ended up in Mohave Valley (across from Needles)...bitchen little gated community, and very affordable. We are the smallest house on our street but it's perfect for us. Larry Adam's and Don Grasse of Pueblo Construction, BHC AZ. were our chosen builders and absolutely no regrets, and in fact , very high praise for these guys......very good quality and service oriented people. I like the area, it can be mellow, it's a 20 minute boat ride to the sand bar or 1/2 drive to Mojave. We don't boat above the bridge but downriver from it is no problem. Good luck man email me if you have any more questions. :D

[Mandelon]

BoatPI:
A lot depends where you want to boat at and do you want to reside in a real city with shopping, although limited.
As far as RE investments (my part time gig), Havasu is tops, perhaps in the nation. The last 12 months has seen a 36% resale value price increase! And $200G will buy a very nice house. Consider a 7 to 20 year old house on a nice view lot. There are NO real multiple "view" lots available for under $150G, period. Look at the spec homes on Jamacia.
Remember the basics, location, location, location. Views are nearly everything in LHC. Spectator Point, bay, up river, and bridge views.
Check out Crystal Beach, north of Desert Hills. Looks like a shithole at times, but times are changing. The river/lake view lots at the top are quite impressive. All are usually one acre or so.
With the new golf course, and anticipated water line and sewer, they could appreciate rapadly. I would expect 100 to 300% in a few years. I like Havasu for the fun aspects... :D Wife likes Mohave for the peace and quiet. Parker is fun but like was said it is limited. We'll hang out in each for a while this summer and see.
Being on the water is probably out of the budget I am willing to commit, even in the Needles area. I don't want a big yard and stuff to maintain. I'd rather have a pre-owned house as opposed to new. Yard full of colored rocks and cacti sounds fine. I have enough to do on my own house...
Not too excited about the thought of getting burglarized in a lower end type area either...

[Ziggy]

Mandelon:
BoatPI:
A lot depends where you want to boat at and do you want to reside in a real city with shopping, although limited.
As far as RE investments (my part time gig), Havasu is tops, perhaps in the nation. The last 12 months has seen a 36% resale value price increase! And $200G will buy a very nice house. Consider a 7 to 20 year old house on a nice view lot. There are NO real multiple "view" lots available for under $150G, period. Look at the spec homes on Jamacia.
Remember the basics, location, location, location. Views are nearly everything in LHC. Spectator Point, bay, up river, and bridge views.
Check out Crystal Beach, north of Desert Hills. Looks like a shithole at times, but times are changing. The river/lake view lots at the top are quite impressive. All are usually one acre or so.
With the new golf course, and anticipated water line and sewer, they could appreciate rapadly. I would expect 100 to 300% in a few years. I like Havasu for the fun aspects... :D Wife likes Mohave for the peace and quiet. Parker is fun but like was said it is limited. We'll hang out in each for a while this summer and see.
Being on the water is probably out of the budget I am willing to commit, even in the Needles area. I don't want a big yard and stuff to maintain. I'd rather have a pre-owned house as opposed to new. Yard full of colored rocks and cacti sounds fine. I have enough to do on my own house...
Not too excited about the thought of getting burglarized in a lower end type area either... I think BoatPI hit it on the nailhead, plus the things you say you and the wife prefer make LHC the right choice. I can give you more details about the purchase I just made if you PM me. The spec house on Jaimaca BoatPi mentioned I can see from my front yard. Second hand homes can be nearly as expensive as some of the new so be diligent and patient for the right buy on used.
My wife was sceptical at first too and even during the buying process but after just one weekend she saw a completely different view. Friendly neighbors and all the needed amenities you'll need are in the city. Rememebr too that just about anything in town can be reached within 10-15 minutes, nothing is that far away.
All the other places people suggest can be accessed with just a short drive and Katherines isn't that far either if the need for "quieter" lake day.
As I stated earlier, within the 30 day escrow my house market value jumped nearly 20K. Not that I'm gonna unload it but it makes the purchase seem wise.
Big deal, you gotta drive 3-5 minutes to a ramp(3 close by) but how good does it feel to kick back in your own place with A/C, familiar bed and a safe feel.(something the wife really appreciates.

[Essex502]

After we bought our place on the south side of LHC we found that the quiet is spectacular. It is soooo quiet I swear I can hear the bugs walking on the patio outside. We're right around the corner from the new Basha's about 4 miles south of the bridge. Highly recommended.

[SDLifesaver]

Since we just did this I can shed some light. Don't buy a NEW HOUSE. Buy one that is already there and all the upgrades are done and paid for. LHC is the place you want it though. Parker is cool and fun, but it's Parker. Will always be Parker. LHC is groing, your money will make money and it is still really affordable. Our house is down the road from TCHB and we met on the boards. Lot's of cool people out there and a really good investment.

[boatnam2]

when we dont get no rain for 10 more years and havasu is starting to look like powell you havasu boys stay in havasu and leave parker alone.j/k

[Ziggy]

SDLifesaver:
Since we just did this I can shed some light. Don't buy a NEW HOUSE. Buy one that is already there and all the upgrades are done and paid for. LHC is the place you want it though. Parker is cool and fun, but it's Parker. Will always be Parker. LHC is groing, your money will make money and it is still really affordable. Our house is down the road from TCHB and we met on the boards. Lot's of cool people out there and a really good investment. SDLifesaver,
Did you buy that nice,slightly older white house? I was looking at that one! Darn you.. :p
My wife and I really like it out there too, peaceful. I ended up buying a house up on Kiowa, just what we were looking for.
Been using a friends house the last few years but he moved out there permamently now so we didn't feel quite so at ease when out there.

[Mandelon]

New is nice, but there's always things to be improved. And with new there's often problems. Pre-owned is fine with me. If there's updating to do thats no problem.
I usually look for fixers anyway. I'll be lookin' starting next week.
Thanks everyone for your input. :cool:

[BoatPI]

Ziggy, I might me looking over your backyard. I'm on Souchak.
And talk about Havasu as an investment, adding to Ziggy's observation and my "used" house train of thought.. I experienced approximately $200,000 property value increase in 18 months.
Like you Z, not that I intend on selling.
South has south central IS the place to purchase. North end stuff has a higher random crime rate, mainly break ins, etc.

[SDLifesaver]

Ziggy, that wasn't us. We bought a new home on a lot on Riverboat Dr. off Industrial. Has been a pain in the ass. Still isn't finished. They send me pictures showing me that work is getting done like I'm suppossed to get excited. Just finish the F***ing house. It will be a year on July 7. It should be done this month, but we have all our stuff in storage out there and that's 160.00 a month plus everything else. We were given a Jan 7 completion date and have it in writing. Our builder has given us a lot of freebies because of the nightmare that has taken place. Property lines, fences, neighbors, lost our file, ect. Buy a used home. Like BoatPI said the prices are still affordable and it is all about the view. Our RE agent offered us 25,000 more a few months ago before the house was finished if we wanted to buy somthing else. Mandelon, buy a lot now if you can and sit on it. Quick way to make 15,000 to 20,000 grand in a year or so. My mother in law did and she is stoked. Pray for summer.

[Essex502]

Sorry to hear your troubles, SDL, but our experiences are just the opposite. We built our home last year and the builder was actually EARLY in finishing. There were some minor touch-ups but overall a very pleasant experience. Just depends on the builder. By building your own from the ground up you control how and what is going to be put into it. You're not taking someone else's decisions and having to replace or repair or revise later. Just my personal opinion now having built 2 houses in the last 6 years.
Some of the things to think about adding:
Extra insulation (R50) to walls and ceiling.
Tinted, low E glass in all windows.
Extra ceiling fans - every room.
Extra deep garage - bigger boat later.
Monitored security system in the walls and garage. for when you're away.
Speakers in every room wired to central location.
Prewired cable and/or satellite TV in every room.
Insulated garage.
etc., etc., etc....

[Ziggy]

BoatPI:
Ziggy, I might me looking over your backyard. I'm on Souchak.
And talk about Havasu as an investment, adding to Ziggy's observation and my "used" house train of thought.. I experienced approximately $200,000 property value increase in 18 months.
Like you Z, not that I intend on selling.
South has south central IS the place to purchase. North end stuff has a higher random crime rate, mainly break ins, etc. BoatPI,
Howdy neighbor!, you're probably right, thats the street one back from me. My house is the second home down from where powerlines cross. Guy right behind me has couple young boys and a trampoline built in at ground level. Met him 2 weeks ago but forgot his name right now. He works for the water district or something like that, nice guy.
Former owner of my house was LAPD.

[Ziggy]

SDLifesaver:
Ziggy, that wasn't us. We bought a new home on a lot on Riverboat Dr. off Industrial. Has been a pain in the ass. Still isn't finished. They send me pictures showing me that work is getting done like I'm suppossed to get excited. Just finish the F***ing house. It will be a year on July 7. It should be done this month, but we have all our stuff in storage out there and that's 160.00 a month plus everything else. We were given a Jan 7 completion date and have it in writing. Our builder has given us a lot of freebies because of the nightmare that has taken place. Property lines, fences, neighbors, lost our file, ect. Buy a used home. Like BoatPI said the prices are still affordable and it is all about the view. Our RE agent offered us 25,000 more a few months ago before the house was finished if we wanted to buy somthing else. Mandelon, buy a lot now if you can and sit on it. Quick way to make 15,000 to 20,000 grand in a year or so. My mother in law did and she is stoked. Pray for summer. OK, you're off the hook then :D . There was one I wanted to check but it sold in couple days before I had the chance to get out there and even see it. I'm very happy with the one I got.
Good luck with your new house and maybe we'll see you on the lake.

[BoatPI]

Z, mine is the one on top, east of the powerline. Those fools placed it in a really fine spot manny years ago. Poles are on my property. Will be up next Wednesday (for 4 days), so stop in for a cold one.

[Ziggy]

BoatPI:
Z, mine is the one on top, east of the powerline. Those fools placed it in a really fine spot manny years ago. Poles are on my property. Will be up next Wednesday (for 4 days), so stop in for a cold one. B-PI,
Shot ya 5 stars just for being a neighbor. :) I'll try hooking up with you but it won't be next week. If you ever see a white Superduty in the drive stop on by too.

[TCHB]

It sounds like a lot of Havasu people should get together for beer at the ramp. We can sit and bull shit like we do on the boards. And yes we can bring the wives so they can meet each other.

[BGMAN203]

If you want my $.02, I suggest you visit all the plases this summer...on a non Holiday weekends and see which one you like the best...then decide.

[Mandelon]

Thanks for the info and the PM's I will be calling you as soon as I have a little time during the day. We'll be out there next week so I will definitely look around.
How about for those of you who have sold or are selling...why?

[Sun burners]

How about for those of you who have sold or are selling...why? [/QB][/QUOTE]
I can't afford to sell where would I go to A van down by the river? I tried all the other locations, And HAVASU worked out best for my family. Yes that would be nice to get together and have a beer or two or three or water!

[dossangers]

Mandelon:
I'm a little early with this question. But I've got a deal closing in a couple of months which should net me enough to put a fat down on a "River House"
I know a lot of you guys have places there. What are the pro's and con's of Lake Havasu vs Parker?? Since we go to Laughlin and Mohave also what about Bullhead? Tax advantages of Ariz over Nev?? No income tax in Nevada right???
I know the houses in LHC are a bit higher priced, but they are appreciating faster too..
I was thinking even about getting multiple units and just keeping one for us and keeping the others rented out full time.... check your PM

[Mandelon]

Nice talkin' to you Senor Wayne. I will call your agent and check that place out. Sounds good! :cool:

[6 Dollar Boat]

I chose Havasu, the Keys are great, but the parker strip is crowded and small. The ten minute drive back to the house is a pain, but that's what 16 yr. old daughters are for. We bought a house on Northstar in Havasu from a builder/realtor/next door neighbor. Come to find out he changed the property line while we were in escrow. We sold it last Oct. and bought a finished new home around the corner. Whatever you decide, if you need RV access check your property lines.

[Havasu Cig]

We chose to buy in Havasu because we love the town, and we prefer boating on Havasu. We thought about the Keys in Parker because we could buy water front but decided that the things we liked about Havasu out-weighed being on the water. We also thought about our lives down the road if we have kids, and thought that Havasu provided much more activities besides the lake for things to do. To each his own, I would check everything out and then decide what fits you best.
As far as buying a house is concerned we got a great deal on our place because the couple had gone through a divorce and needed to sell the place. We have owned it three years and the value has increased about 80%. Look around for deals, they are out there.

[RIPPINGNOLEGSKROKER]

What is the point if you are not on the water, I can buy a house in Temecula and tow my boat to Elsinore everyday??? Day boating is not for me, Take it off the trailer Fri put it back on Sun. Sure Havasu is a great investment but it is tuning into a real city and that is why I leave town, to get away from all finance contest B.S. VIVA BLYTHE

[Floatin']

WOW!!! Tons of great advise in this post. We have been looking for about a year now and still can't make up our minds about where to buy. I know for sure that I want to buy in Arizona. We looked all over BHC and nothing caught our fancy. So we went south and checked out Golden Shores, you can get a decent size lot for a cheap price but there are draw backs to that area (we actually made a low ball offer on a house in Golden Shores but it didn't happen). I have looked in Havasu but like others I am hoping to avoid the Orange County like atmosphere when I'm on vacation. We like Park Moabi but the lots are small and you don't own the land and it is still in CA.
So I understand the confusion and frustration of looking to buy a vacation home. I suggest following your gut feeling and buy what you think you want and not worry about the $$ appreciation. That is what my home in OC is for. This home is supossed to be a 2nd home to go to and relax and enjoy what it is we like to do.

[TrojanDan]

RIPPINGNOLEGSKROKER:
What is the point if you are not on the water, I can buy a house in Temecula and tow my boat to Elsinore everyday??? Day boating is not for me,I think you're missing the point. What most Havasu homeowners are saying is that there are plenty of options to do other things besides boating. Sure, dragging your boat out of the water at the end of the day can be a drag but yearly launch passes take out some of that bite. Winter time is great to ride out in the desert. And depending on where you live, you can ride out of your garage, go a couple of blocks, and be out in the desert. Hunting is another great option for the outdoors people.
There's many other options but like HavasuCig said, "to each their own". There's still parts of LHC (southside) that don't feel so congested. As long as people keep buying on the north side or closer to "town", I'm cool with that. smile_sp