Tag Archives: land

Real Estate

A Look at RVs Benefits and Costs

If you dream of hitting the open road with a house on wheels, you may be thinking about buying an RV, or recreational vehicle. It’s an especially alluring idea these days.

According to the RV Industry Association, between 9 million and 10 million people in the United States own RVs—1 million live in them full time. And the demand for RVs has substantially increased in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Not only are we hearing from RV dealers across the country that their sales are up compared to last spring, but new research shows that 1 in 4 Americans intends to take some kind of RV-related action in the next 12 months—such as taking an RV trip, buying or renting an RV, even visiting an RV dealership,” says Craig Kirby, president of RVIA.

Part of the draw of RVs is that they allow people to vacation with their families without risking exposure to COVID-19 by boarding a plane or entering a hotel.

Source: Want an RV as a Home This Summer? The Benefits and Costs of Recreational Vehicles, Revealed

We are seeing more and more folks that want to have a desert getaway in case things get dicey again. There really is a rush to Mohave County, and to places away from the big cities. Anecdotally, around the country we are hearing of homes that had languished before being out and away from town, but suddenly there were three offers.

It bodes well for sales, and we welcome the new “refugees;” welcome to our world. Please be careful out there, the desert is unforgiving.

We’ve dreamed of having an RV for years, and almost came close to pulling the trigger in 2005, but happily waited.

I think of RVs as a hot potato, that is, you buy it when you need it, and sell it if for any reason you’re not going to use it. The depreciation curve is steep, and waiting a year can make a difference.

On the other hand, it seems that after 20 years, the value has plunged enough so that if one is diligent, one can encounter some real low mileage gems for under $10,000. What’s not to love?

Leaving your RV out on the dirt in the desert is not advised for long term without at least occasional inspections to prevent pack rats, mice, and other varmints form moving in to your lovely “homestead.” Get to know your neighbors, and with any luck they can stop in every once in a while and keep an eye. Often, just a well worn driveway will discourage thieves.

and don’t forget the septic… Ben

 

Real Estate

Real Estate Update April 2020

We started off April, very concerned about the coronavirus, and here at the end of the month, we’re still concerned, but ever more hopeful as it appears that the lockdown will probably do more damage than the virus. Only time will tell, but we sure have all been stunned at the rapid change to every aspect of our lives, and not just here, but world wide.

Real estate has continued at a brisk pace in Mohave County with some slowing in residential sales, but overall still very strong.  I believe that once our economy is opened from its’ current strangled state that we’ll see a surge of pent up demand, especially from southern California.

Meanwhile, suddenly Yucca Arizona land is a hot item. We’ve seen a big uptick in land sales from everyone who actively works here. For the first time in many years, we are seeing the inventory begin to clear a bit, and finally some price appreciation. One can only hope…

It makes sense to me, as I feel a sense of security here on 40 acres that I wouldn’t have in a locked down city. While its somewhat tedious to have virtually no personal social contact, it’s pleasant here, and I don’t feel boxed in at all. The garden keeps every spare moment occupied (and sometimes the guitar does too!)

Solar power is liberating from the grid. Decentralization allows one to adjust to changing conditions whether it be cloudy days, extra power needs for the hot days etc.  It’s challenging to adjust your lifestyle to your power production, but having redundant systems brings a peace of mind that being dependent on government or utility companies can never give.

Besides the natural beauty that we experience here on a daily basis, there’s the knowing that my neighbors and friends here are for the most part, very independent and self sufficient. Many are far more prepared than us, but more importantly, helpful and supportive.

April is ending on a hot note, and by hot, I mean the actual temperature. We’re seeing an early heat wave going from pleasant 70s to warm 90s virtually overnight. Yucca will see 100 degrees this week. Often, the hot weather signals a big slowdown in land activity. We’ll see if this year is different. – Ben

Real Estate

Real Estate Update March 2020

My how the year has changed from what I had expected in early January.

We were first aware of the Coronavirus in late January, and although it was alarming even at the early stages, life pretty much went on in the same way. Sales were brisk, and the New Year appeared to be very bright indeed with residential sales soaring in the tri-city area , and even Yucca seeing a good revival.

We were in like a lion at the beginning of March, but now an ominous quiet has appeared with residential showings dropping off during the massive lock-down as many potential buyers come from nearby California.

Yesterday, two cases were confirmed in Mohave County, breaking our streak of zero, and popping our comfort bubble here. We have friends in the medical community, and we’re worried as well for their safety.

Land interest has happily continued, and while we won’t show anyone in our own vehicle now, many buyers opt to go out on their own anyway. We’re happy to have them follow us if they prefer a live agent. I’ve been making the rounds to see that corners are marked, and everything is fairly easy to find. We’re still getting calls and emails every day.

It is comforting to live on 40 acres. We feel somewhat removed from the craziness in the cities. Having our own power source (solar) and our own well/septic, as well as amply prepared soil for a garden is a decidedly good thing when sheltering in place.

We’ve always been modestly prepared, and we were picking up a few things weeks ago before all of the panic buying began. Sadly, I didn’t manage to get my hands on masks, but we did have a couple on hand.

We’ve managed to keep our human contact to a minimum, but have relented to a weekly trip to town for mail, groceries, and garden supplies. I have a vehicle in town that has been repaired, and I will have to go in with someone to reclaim and return it here over the weekend. It may be the last trip for a while. Wash your hands!

Real Estate

Real Estate Update September 2019

It’s been an unusually busy summer in Mohave County, with brisk activity in the cities, and even renewed activity in the land market such as Yucca and Golden Valley.

While we’re not selling raw land like hotcakes, we are at least seeing more interest. The sales unfortunately seem to belong mostly to the under-priced and those with either power, septic, or even a basic structure such as a shed.

The weather has cooled (it’s in the 60s today!) As the weather becomes cold up north, but pleasant here, we expect quite a bit more activity as we move into fall and into the first quarter of next year.

Pending home sales jumped nationally in August, perhaps as many buyers took advantage of today’s historically low interest rates.

Pending home sales August 2019 (Source Bloomberg)

I believe that all of the long term dynamics of Arizona and Mohave County will continue to drive more residents to this area. Those dynamics being: low taxes, lower housing costs, good quality of life, and rural yet near Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Southern California.

Continue reading Real Estate Update September 2019 →

Arizona, Land, Real Estate

Real Estate Update June 2019

We’ve had an extraordinary year, both in terms of rainfall, and also in terms of just nice weather. Instead of suffering through days of 100 plus degrees, it’s been pleasant 80s & low 90s. Everything is so green and beautiful this year.

People have discovered that Yucca is not only an inexpensive destination, but a high quality of life place too.

It’s all meant a big uptick in interest in the Yucca area. We’re putting in long days answering questions ranging from costs of solar systems to wells and septic systems. Between showings, emails, and a steady stream of calls, our days are fully occupied.

Blah blah blah, the travails of a land guy. Anyways, back to work…

Have a great June!