Last weekend was a great weekend to be in Lake Havasu City and business owners were loving it, too.  The Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout was a huge success once again this year.  The concrete data will not be available for a few weeks.  But, if you were there, you saw just how successful the event was.  The street party was wall-to-wall people and the lake was packed. The event was awesome.  Hotels were filled, restaurants were extremely busy and everyone was having a great time.  There were even vendors and participants from two dozen states that came to join in the fun. There are several events held throughout the year in Lake Havasu City that many residents get to enjoy and business owners are able to benefit from. Lake Havasu City has seen a surge in visitors this year in record... 05/05/2009

Many of Lake Havasu's streets will be resurfaced in the next two weeks.  In fact, over 10 miles of the city's streets will be resurfaced beginning next Tuesday (May 5th).  If your street is scheduled for resurfacing, you should have already received an advance notice from the City.  A second notice will be sent 24 hours before the resurfacing work begins on your street. Resurfacing streets means delayed travel for all of us, so add a little extra time for any commutes you are planning in the next two weeks.  There are over 425 miles of streets in Lake Havasu City, so planning an alternate route should not be too difficult if you are familiar with the city. All of the streets being resurfaced will be open to traffic.  Construction zones will be marked, so look for the signs.  Slow down i... 05/01/2009

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 large variety of materials. For scrapbook lovers, there is a scrapbook group, "Scrappin 9 to 9", that meets each month at the St. Michaels United Methodist Church.  There are around 50 ladies that currently meet.  Meetings are n... 04/30/2009

It's great! Everywhere I turn someone is talking about "going green."  Now the Lake Havasu City school district is exploring the idea of turning the Lake Havasu City High School parking lots into the largest array of solar energy in Arizona, generating 100% of the school's electricity.  I already knew that Lake Havasu City had great schools, but now they just got better.  Helping our kids become the next leaders of America and helping our planet.  How great is that? The Lake Havasu Unified School District recently approved the request to install shade structures over most of the school's parking areas.  Each shade structure will be topped with solar photovoltaic panels.  They are also considering the installation of shade structure over school walkways to enhance electricity production ... 04/30/2009

The Relay For Life walkathon will take place tonight at the Lee Barnes Stadium (Lake Havasu High School). Tonight's Relay For Life is in its 25th year nationwide and in its 5th year in Lake Havasu City. Relay For Life is one man's vision, showing once again that the power of one can change the world for the better.  The vision has gone global, with 18 countries participating in Relay For Life Events.  Celebrating the vision here in Lake Havasu City will be 29 teams of over 433 walkers and runners that helps raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life is a celebration of life for those who have fought the battle and won.  It is a time of remembrance for those who did not.  Relay For Life brings hope to those fighting and who will fight the dreaded disease by funds for can... 04/17/2009

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 visitors in January and 12,953 tourists coming through their door in March of this year.  This is very positive news considering the current condition of the economy.  It looks like thi... 04/16/2009

So, you want to be a movie star?  Well, your opportunity is right here in Lake Havasu!  You may not be the star in the movie (Piranha 3D), but more than one actor started their career in movies as an extra.  If you are between 18 and 25 and look great in a bathing suit, then head on down to Good Faith Casting offices at the London Bridge Resort on Saturday, April 18th.  Good Faith Casting has announced an open casting call for extras" to appear in the movie Piranha 3D.  Speaking parts and non-speaking parts are available.  Although the majority of extras will be the younger set, there are openings for a actors beyond the 25 year age group. Casting director Faith Hibbs-Clark will be attending the April 18th interviews.  It is not required but suggested that actors wear swimwear (girls, g... 04/10/2009

It will be an exciting time this weekend in Lake Havasu as the now famous Havasu Half Marathon will be taking place on Saturday, April 4th.  The marathon has grown from a local event to become a regional event and Arizona's premier Western Arizona marathon run.  Not only is the Havasu Half Marathon a premier event, but it is now an international one.  Travelling all the way from Gateshead, England to participate in the marathon are Neale and Julie Brown. 1500 runners will be participating in the marathon aided by more than 100 volunteers.  Runners will gather at the world renown London Bridge Beach Park, which overlooks beautiful Lake Havasu.  Participants will begin running the course at 7:30 a.m.  Spectators can cheer the runners at the London Bridge Park or along the route at design... 04/03/2009

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 free. ·         XDL Sport Bike Freestyle Championship Season Opener - April 4th, join the premier national stunt riding circuit with over 100 different competitors as they show their stuff for the $50,000 grand prize. ·         U.S. Angler's C... 04/02/2009

Saint Patrick's Day has just passed, Spring is just around the corner and April is on its way.  These things put me in mind of the color green, which led to thinking green living, which then reminded me of the new tax credit available to homeowners in Lake Havasu. Lake Havasu homeowners can tax advantage of a new tax credit which is a part of the stimulus program.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 changed and extended the tax credits for energy home improvements.     *      The tax credit was increased from a $500 maximum to a $1,500 cap.    *      The tax credit was extended to include the year 2010.    *      The tax credit was increased from 10% to 30%.    *      The tax credit of 30% now applies to items which previously had a specific dollar amount. A tax credit i... 03/20/2009

Buyers seem to be getting off the fence and taking advantage of affordable home prices and low interest rates here in Lake Havasu City.  The Lake Havasu Association of Realtors reported 105 sales in February, with another 153 sales pending escrow.  It was also reported that the number of active listings in Lake Havasu has decreased.  Foreclosures are still driving the market here in Lake Havasu as well as other parts of the nation.  More foreclosure properties will be hitting the market and that trend will most likely continue for another year. Many lenders placed a moratorium on foreclosure proceedings until the Obama administration announced its plan to help distressed homeowners.  The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP) was announced last week.  The plan gave banks guid... 03/13/2009

Good times abound for families and music lovers in Lake Havasu City this weekend.  From now until Sunday (March 5-8), take the family down to the area between Big 5 and Quality Inn to enjoy the Lake Havasu Carnival.  Kids of all ages get to enjoy the carnival rides, food and drinks throughout the event.  The carnival is open from 3-10pm on Thursday, 3-11pm on Friday, 11am-11pm on Saturday and 12-10pm on Sunday. Also happening in Havasu this weekend is the Lake Havasu City Bluegrass on the Beach festival taking place from Friday, March 6, to Sunday, March 8.  Throughout the three day festival, you will get to enjoy great bluegrass music by artists from all over the country.  In addition to the fabulous music, arts and crafts will be on display, food and drinks are available and band work... 03/05/2009

Residents of and visitors to Lake Havasu City have been enjoying Mardi Gras week, which began on Monday, February 23rd and continues through Sunday, March 1st.  Havasu Mardi Gras is a carnival celebration that is completely FREE to the public.  Festivities to be enjoyed during Mardi Gras week include: Main Street Carnival Parade - Fat Tuesday, February 24 Boat Parade Under the Bridge - Saturday, February 28 Fireman Chili Cook-Off - Thursday, February 26 Mardis Gras Food Court - Every day Vender Alley - Every day London Bridge Beer Garden - Every day For those adventurous types, Saturday brings an Off-Road Poker Run hosted by the Tri-State Wheelers and sponsored by R&R Products.  Sign-up begins at 8am in Craggy Wash and the event begins at 10am.  Poker hands are just $5 each and a BBQ wi... 02/26/2009

Today and tomorrow (February 20th & 21st), vendors will be gathering on Main Street, from Smoketree to Mulberry, in Lake Havasu City to show off all the toys for all the big girls and boys.  These toys include boats, motorcycles, ATVs, 4 wheelers and stereo equipment.  This fun event will be taking place from 4-9pm on Friday, February 20th, and 9am-4pm on Saturday, February 21st.  Come to Lake Havasu to check out the latest in big boy fun! 02/20/2009

For the 5th month in a row, sales of single-family homes in Lake Havasu City have increased from the same time period last year.  According to the Lake Havasu City Association of Reators®, there was a 25% increase in homes sold in January 2009 from homes sold in January 2008 (87 vs 65).  Vacant land and multi-family units remained pretty close.  Prices have decreased approximately 30% since January 2008 as well.  Partnered with lower interest rates, these lower prices have allowed more people to purchase a Lake Havasu City home.  Foreclosures make up approximately 20% of the Lake Havasu City market.  However, over half of these foreclosures are currently pending escrow.  This is a good sign for homeowners looking to sell their home, since lower inventories of bargain basement foreclosur... 02/19/2009

It's good news for Lake Havasu home buyers.  Sales of single-family homes in Lake Havasu City in January 2009 were up over 25% from the same time last year (87 homes sold in January 2009 compared to 65 in January 2008). T he median price of a Lake Havasu home has decreased considerably from a year ago as well (from $283,980 to $196,279).  The returning snowbirds looking for property have helped fuel the real estate fire and approximately 20% of the listings currently on the market are foreclosures (247 of 1339 homes).  However, of the 247 foreclosures, 119 of them are currently pending escrow.  This is good news for Lake Havasu homeowners looking to sell because it indicates that the glut of foreclosures in the market seems to be receding, creating a demand for traditional home sales.  ... 02/13/2009

Yep, that's right!  Valentine's Day is this Saturday...only two days away.  But, never fear.  There is plenty to do throughout the entire weekend in Lake Havasu City. The Western Pyrotechnics Annual Winter Blast began yesterday, February 11th, and continues on until Sunday, February 15th, at SARA Park.  This family fun is open to the public, but there is a parking fee of $5 per car required.  Lake Havasu City Visitor's Bureau will be holding a public pyrotechnic display on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm.  For more info, please call 928-453-3444. Lake Havasu hosts the Rockabilly Reunion this Friday through Sunday.  On Friday, enjoy a throwback to the 50's in an old fashioned Cruise Night.  Other festivities throughout the weekend include a Pre '68 Car Show, Pin-Up Girl Contest, Kust... 02/12/2009

This weekend, as many as 40,000 people are expected to descend upon the Uptown Main Street district of Lake Havasu to view, sample and buy goods from over 260 vendors.  Jewelry, custom clothing, body care products and home decor are just a few of the items that will be for sale Saturday, February 7th, and Sunday, February 8th.  Kids will have the opportunity to ride ponies, play video games and laser tag, climb the rock wall, slide down a big inflatable slide and even play on the bungee trampoline in the "Thrill Zone".  Of course, there will be food items for sale to tantalize your tastebuds that range from the traditional (hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes) to the more exotic (curried goat).  Lake Havasu will have its very own "Havasu Idol" contest, open to kids ages 5-18, on Saturday... 02/06/2009

February 7th and 8th marks the 24th annual Winterfest Festival sponsored by the Havasu Chamber of Commerce along Main Street/McCulloch Boulevard, between Acoma and Smoketree.  Along with the hundreds of vendors, food for sale, live entertainment and youth talent contest, you have the opportunity to win a grand prize of $2500 cash during the festival's "WinterCash at Winterfest" contest.  There will also be $500 and $250 runner-up prizes offered up.  Tickets for the WinterCash contest can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce before Winterfest and at the Chamber of Commerce's Winterfest booth (on the corner of McCulloch and Scott Drive) during the festivities.  Every year, the Winterfest helps the Lake Havasu economy by increasing the amount of foot traffic brought to Havasu's restaura... 02/05/2009

Lake Havasu City, Arizona will celebrate its 24th Winterfest this Saturday and Sunday, February 7th and February 8th.  There will be over 250 vendors along McCulloch Boulevard serving the expected 40,000 visitors.  The Winterfest celebration is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Make your way to the city's Uptown Main Street district between Smoketree Avenue and Acoma Boulevard and you will find all the fun.  There will be the usual artisans and purveyors that are there, along with live entertainment, food and refreshments.  A variety of food will be served from the traditional hamburgers, hotdogs and funnel cakes to exotic cuisine, including Jamaican curried goat.  Specialty items will also be for sale, which include home décor, ceramics, body care... 02/03/2009