Living in Lake Havasu Blog

The non-profit community agency, Havasu for Youth, is on a mission to educate and empower the youth of Lake Havasu City. They are providing all local youth with opportunities and the skills necessary to have productive and positive roles in Lake Havasu society. The agency relies on much support from the Lake Havasu community. If not for the generous support from local contributors so far, there would be no quality program for our youth.

The Havasu for Youth is now offering an after school club, which allows many great activities for those in need of after school care. There are a variety of clubs to choose from that will appeal to all students. Clubs include cooking, tennis, science, physical fitness, music and more. Best of all, club fees are only $50 per semester with access to four days a week worth of fun. Clubs are held Monday through Thursday on the campus of Thunderbolt Middle School from 3:30 to 5:00pm.

It’s clubs like these in the evening hours that help prevent our youth from getting mixed up with crime, alcohol, drugs, sex, cigarettes and more. Studies show that teens who are not actively involved in afterschool programs are three time more likely to become problem children. Programs like Havasu for Youth actually improve grades, self esteem, social skills, and testing scores.

You can help promote a positive influence in your child by signing them up for Havasu for Youth today. Registration is online at: www.havasuforyouth.org. And, if you are looking to relocate to Lake Havasu, we can fill you in on all the local school information in the area. We know the importance of choosing a home near quality education.

This blog was originally posted on Word Press at the following link: http://havasufrank.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/havasu-for-youth-on-a-mission-for-the-youth-of-lake-havasu-city.

Fall is just around the corner and in Lake Havasu but that does not mean the end of the boating season. Labor Day signals Regatta September, which has no fewer than five regattas. The beginning of the month is started off with Campbell Boats, followed by Dana Performance Boats, Playcraft Boats, Laveycraft and Advantage Boats. October is the month for regattas by Moomba Supra Boats and the absolute Speed & Marine Regatta.

Lake Havasu City is actually known as the Personal Watercraft Racing Capital of the World and in September the annual IJSBA World Finals begins and runs into October. At the World’s Finals each year, competitors from all over the world vie for the right to say they are the best on the water. The event is held along the beach of Crazy Horse Campgrounds and contenders from ages 10 to 68 get to compete. Lake Havasu has 87 Bureau of Land Management campsites that are only accessible by boat and over 100 sites on the Arizona side of the waterway.

Arizona Parks has a cluster of 36 boating campsites that have amenities that include shade structures, boat mooring points, picnic tables, trash cans and more than half of them have restrooms. Lake Havasu is also very popular with fishing and it’s no wonder with the fishery program that took place over the past decade. The quality of fish that are being caught has brought angling on the lake to a new level.

When the water lovers come ashore, there are a vast number of restaurants, hotels and attractions to be enjoyed. There is golfing, hiking, shopping and a whole assortment of places to see and things to do. However, people usually end up back at the lake where the sparking blue water calls. It’s no wonder why this lake sees more boat use days than any other in the state.

Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation Department will host their first Zumba Fitness Party at the Aquatic Center on Saturday, August 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to help raise funds for the after school program. A local Zumba instructor is donating her time and has enlisted six other instructors to donate their time as well to help out with the event. All proceeds benefit the Park and Recreation’s after school program. The funds will provide attendance scholarships for needy youth in the community.

Zumba is a cardio fitness program that is designed for all ages and every fitness level. This program is made up of Latin inspired dances and music. The dances include the Merengue, Salsa and Mambo to name a few. It’s fun and makes people laugh. People don’t even realize they are working out. Zumba is exercise in disguise. The event will hold 300 people and tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased in advance or at the door. So far, 120 tickets have been sold.

The doors open at 5:15 p.m. and every ticket holder will receive a raffle ticket. Raffle tickets will also be sold to increase your chances to win. Tickets for the raffle are $1 each or seven for $5.00. Wal-Mart and JC Penney gift certificates as well as other local restaurant packages, plus a one year membership to Needles (a California based Vessel Assist boat-related service) are some of the prizes included at the fundraiser.

Everyone must purchase a ticket to get in the door. They are asking that everyone please wear workout clothing and make arrangements for very young children to be supervised. Purse and car key check will be available.

Tickets are available at the front desk of the Aquatic Center, 100 Park Avenue in Lake Havasu. Contact Webber at 928-727-0539 for more information or e-mail nmotionfitness@hotmail.com.

All across the country, including Lake Havasu residents, are becoming much more aware of their finances because of the topsy-turvy ride the economy has taken over the last few years.  Recently, consumer financial resource Bill.com completed its biannual money survey, with the results showing more awareness of credit scores due to the recession.  This survey studied consumer money attitudes and behaviors.  There was a wide range of financial topics studied, including credit, debt, budgeting, and retirement.  They gather more information by using the Bill’s IQ tool to pose questions and get answers needed to process the information correctly for their survey usage.

The Consumer Money Survey has 28 questions that are detailed to help define a respondent’s knowledge of financial topics, behaviors and categories.  The collected information is then compiled and reported every six months.

For the first half of 2011, survey results showed:

* 48% of those surveyed currently keep a budget to track monthly expenses and cash flow, while 52% kept a budget and tracked monthly expenses in 2010.

* 64% of people with children do not have savings for an education fund at this time.

* 25% have been late at least once on their monthly bills in the past year.

* 28% say they are behind on their bills and don’t think they will be able to catch up.

* 6% do not know their credit scores.

* 20% are more than $10,000 in debt from credit cards alone.

* 39% of those surveyed are afraid of their prospects for retirement.

* 50% plan to retire between the ages of 60 to 65.

* 16% don’t believe they will ever be able to retire.

You may contact Bills.com for a complete list of questions and percentages for the first six months of 2011.  This survey represents a sample set of 500 users in the average age bracket of 35.  Lake Havasu real estate is still a great investment.  Contact us today to find out more about what’s available for sale in Lake Havasu City right now.

Frank and Linda Novosel, Your Best Resource for Lake Havasu City Real Estate

A desert oasis in Lake Havasu comes from a vision that Robert P. McCulloch once had. An Oasis in Lake Havasu CityHis vision came rising out of the heat waves across an abandoned military airfield in the desert. Soon, people from all over the country came to see his vision of a planned community and buy a piece of his dream. When he purchased the London Bridge in 1968, he made international news, making Lake Havasu even more appealing to newcomers.

Currently, Lake Havasu City, Arizona has well over 50,000 residents enjoying the vision that McCulloch once had. However, he seemed to have thought of everything except parks for families to enjoy. So, when the Lake Havasu City Neighborhood Parks Foundation created a plan, they contacted the Lake Havasu Association of Realtors® for assistance in getting support from civic organizations, personal donations and business sponsors. And, in 2002, the Lake Havasu Association of Realtors® agreed with the citizens and voted to accept the city’s “General Plan” to bring more “green space” to Lake Havasu City.

Today, when you visit the park, you will find a special area with statues of a group of children playing. The story behind the statues stems from an 8-year-old boy who helped during the ground breaking ceremony and succumbed to brain cancer two short weeks later. While park construction was underway, volunteers placed the statues and a plaque in this special area in his honor. When people see the shadows of the statues, it’s like Tyler is playing in the midst of the other children. On National Arbor Day 2006, the park was featured by the city and an area of seedlings was planted by children, family and friends.

On those extremely hot days when the temperatures rise to 90-120, you can enjoy standing under the shade topper, hitting the button for a light mist to spray and you’ll be able to cool down. The Lake Havasu City Neighborhood Parks Foundation gave much thanks to the Lake Havasu Association of REALTORS® for their group effort to afford this neighborhood park for the residents of Lake Havasu City.

The Mohave Law Enforcement Explorer Academy is hosting its fourth annual session for 37 Explorers and 13 instructors for students ages 14 to 20 years in Lake Havasu City. The session ran from July 9th until July 16th at Lake Havasu High School. Although it is over for this session, you will know what to expect at next years session. It’s a tough experience but fun, too. Three participants dropped out for various reasons, including physical challenges and injury. Each group was required to tidy their respected areas or the group pays with extra physical fitness challenges. And, for a small extra challenge, instructors and students bunked in the school’s locker rooms.

Each day began at 5 a.m. with lots of physical training. The recruits went through sprinklers, mud and test the furthest reaches of their minds. The instructors kept them sharp and on their toes. They were required to do pushups, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, crabwalks and run for over an hour each day. So far, the highest ranking activities were, of course, the less physical such as downtime, eating, defensive tactics and showers. The academy trainees were shuffled between classroom training, hands-on learning and up-close demonstrations. The week long training included marching drills, nutrition education, DUI investigation, first aid, traffic stops, building search operations, arson investigations, emotional-preparation and ethics. At lunch, each table had wait by standing until their entire group is together before sitting down to eat.

Respective agencies of Mohave Law Enforcement Explorer Academy include Lake Havasu City Police Department, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, the Hualapai Nation Tribal Police Department, the Kingman Police Department, Arizona Department of Safety and Chandler Police Department. There are four individuals currently employed by Lake Havasu Police Department who have participated in the Explorers program as well as three who are employed by Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.

To participate in the program there is a $230.00 fee per person. Staff of the Explorer’s are paid by their agencies. Each agency raises funds with fundraisers. However, each student’s fee covers uniforms and food for the week.

The selection process for participants is based on age, grades and background. While in the program, ethics are important because criminal actions while in the program could lead to suspension or exclusion.

The Explorers meet monthly at the high school and more information may be obtained through the club while school is in session or you can contact Officer Mitchell at 928-855-7717.

Today’s buyers are unsure about putting their Lake Havasu home on the market.  So, when you do get ready to list, you want the best value for your home and we can help you get it.  There are many viable reasons to be nervous about jumping into the market.  However, a strategic sales plan with a smart buy in your new location can maximize the value of your home.

A Strategic Sales Plan:

Use a real-estate agent because they are an expert in ensuring your Havasu home is priced competitively and staged for a fast sale. You have three factors to consider in selling your home.  Location is first, then price and condition.  Only two of these are under your control.  The most significant is price.  Therefore, be open-minded when it comes to selling your home.

The best price you will get in today’s market is the one you get now, meaning act fast. If you wait too long, the potential buyer may lower their offer.  Every month your home sits on the market causes a decrease in its value.  Homes placed with a RE/MAX agent were sold over 30 days faster by listing their Lake Havasu City homes at the price the agent recommended. Remember, faster is better because, if you had a home that cost $200.000, a 20% down payment and 6.5 % interest, selling a month sooner saves you $1101.00 on the mortgage, not including taxes and insurance that you would have to pay during the time the house is still on the market.

Keep your focus on where the market is going, not where it’s been. Your local Lake Havasu RE/MAX agent will help you to decide how to price your home correctly.  The neighbor down the street that bought six months ago is not relevant in where your house is competing with others.  Pinpoint your price correctly and with precision.  Using a real-estate agent can help with that process.  So, contact us today!

Frank and Linda Novosel, Your Resource for Lake Havasu Real Estate

There are World Championship dreams in Lake Havasu City as the beginning of the USBA Quakysense World Finals comes in less than 90 days. Each athlete is vying for the title of World Champion. One such athlete is 16 year old Toshi “Samuai” Ohara, a national of Japan.

Ohara came to Lake Havasu City and competed in his first World Finals in 2006 at the age of 11 and he managed to place 11th. He has practiced whenever possible and with lots of dedication and hard work. He even walked away as World Champion in the junior ski class and took the checkered flag in amateur ski lites.

He is working hard on getting another world title this year at the week long festivities that will be held during the world finals in Lake Havasu City. This year, he is competing in the Amateur and Expert class of the ski division and the Runabout division. The race will be October 1st through 9th at Crazy Horse Campgrounds.

Admission is free to the public and more information on this year’s World Finals can be found on the USBA website. www.ijsba.com.

So, come out and see Ohara and many others compete in Lake Havasu City this year for the USBA Quakysense World Finals. And, if you’re from out of town visiting and want to tour some of Lake Havasu City homes for sale, give us a call while you’re here.

The Journey of Hope Cyclists recently arrived after a short stay in California.  They pedaled their way into Lake Havasu through triple digit temperatures.  They arrived on Sunday and will stay through today.  The Wal-Mart Supercenter has given a $500 donation to provide sports drinks, first aid kits, spare tires and supplies that will help keep this event going through Lake Havasu until they all reach their destination.

Riders are selected through an application process.  You must have a 3.0 GPA and must raise at least $5000 prior to being considered.  The Journey of Hope continues to spread the message of acceptance and understanding of people with disabilities each year throughout Lake Havasu and other areas of the nation.

Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report” provides a look at the percentage of a home improvement project’s cost that will be recouped at resale, making these projects the best for your money.  Not all remodeling jobs are created equal, according to the report.  Therefore, when considering a project, you need to take a moment and consider the return.

The 5 Best Remodels

Entry Door Replacement……Owners that install a steel front door will see an average return of 129%.  A new door makes a great first impression and steel is a fraction of the cost of other door types.  A steel door also adds to the energy efficiency of the home.

Attic Bedroom….. Turning your dusty old attic into a bedroom recoups an average of about 83%.  Making an extra bedroom out of the attic costs a lot less than a family room addition.  The cost of converting an attic into a bedroom is $49,000 versus $83,000 for the family room, plus the fact when you add to the footprint of the home, you have a lot of extra cost, including adding to the foundation. Therefore, the attic bedroom is far more practical.

Wood Deck Addition…… New wooden decks recoup an average of 81% at the sale of the home.  For today’s more thrift-conscious buyers who are looking to save as much as possible on the project, using composite materials would cost you 50% more.  Stick with the wood to save the extra funds.

Vinyl Siding…. Homeowners who replace vinyl siding can recoup an average of 80% at the sale of the home.  The curb appeal makes a big impact with buyers and new siding makes the house look brand new, too.  Vinyl siding is low maintenance and lasts up to 25 years.

Wood Windows…..Replacing wood windows recoups on average of 77% of the cost at the sale of your home.  Window replacement projects can be appealing because they are more attractive and energy efficient.  However, unless the windows need to be replaced, don’t do it.  The expense takes too long to recoup, even with the federal tax credits and the lower energy cost.