Tag Archives: Real Estate

Real Estate

Online real estate firm Purplebricks to Leave US

As I mentioned in my recent post about Amazons’ entrance into real estate, it really is a lot more than just taking a few pictures and putting a home online.

Just as one wouldn’t try to be their own doctor or lawyer, one should always at least get some advice from a professional.

Purplebricks, a British-based online real estate service that marketed itself as a disrupter of the traditional home-sale process, is ending its United States business after less than two years.

The company, which was founded in the United Kingdom in 2014, announced earlier this month that it was leaving the American market. When it started its American operations in September 2017, it said that Southern California would be its prime target.

Purplebricks informed the California Employment Development Department in a July 12 letter that the company would close its offices on Spectrum Center Drive in Irvine by Sept, 13. Fifth-five employees there and 68 additional people, referred to as “independent sales agents,” will be let go by the closure date.A company official, who co-signed the notification letter to the state, declined to comment on the situation.

The shutdown of all American operations is expected to be completed by the end of the year.  Earlier this year, Purplebricks also announced it was leaving Australia’s real estate market and would focus on only the UK and Canada.

“The problem is, you attract Realtors that are not of the highest caliber,”  Drake said. “A lot of people think it’s easy to sell real estate, that you just put up a sign, take photos and put them online. A good agent has relationships in the industry and knows the process.

Source: Online real estate firm Purplebricks leaving the United States

Arizona, Land, Real Estate

Real Estate Update July 2019

The days are getting hotter, but June was nicer than most. Calls and emails have continued at a brisk pace, and we’re seeing many residential sales in Kingman, Lake Havasu City, and all of Mohave Valley/Bullhead City. It’s become a sellers market for homes, as we’re seeing an influx of new residents.

Meanwhile, land sales have picked up. The prices are still extremely attractive, but little by little the values are disappearing, and we’re seeing the beginnings of price appreciation in the Yucca area. The sellers here could sure use some relief.

It’s a mixed blessing though. We love our solitude & the remoteness, but it is welcome to see so many new faces. Shhh, don’t tell too many people!

 

 

Odds & Ends, Off Grid Living, Real Estate

Tiny Houses from None Other than Amazon

We all know you can find almost anything on Amazon, but did you know that includes a house? A dive into the online shopping giant shows that they actually have a fairly wide range of kits and prefabricated tiny homes for sale. What could be better than getting the tiny house of your dreams with free shipping?

From basic shipping container homes to rustic cabins, prices range from just over $5,000 to more than $50,000, allowing you to select the kit that fits into your budget. A quick search for “garden house” or “cabin kit” will pull up most options, with these tiny dwellings perfect for guest houses or extra office space if you aren’t looking to permanently downsize.It’s worth noting that many of the kits are sold through third-party vendors, and most will need you to get inventive when it comes to a bathroom and installing insulation, but isn’t improvising part of the fun with a tiny home? You’ll also want to check local building codes, as laws vary state by state about acceptable structures. Once you’ve done your research, it’s just click and go.

Source: Prefabricated Tiny Homes Available for Sale on Amazon

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!