Sonny44
Sonny44
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March 27th, 2014 at 2:00:46 PM permalink
I know this is way OT, but am searching for advice from someone w/ experience re: the topic. WofV doesn't seem to have a place for topics like this. If there is, I'd appreciate the mods' moving it to appropriate place.

I'm considering buying a home in Laughlin, for obvious reasons. Anyone have any experience with this town? I've never been down there, but am considering going down some time this summer to scout out the situation.

I've looked at a few properties online & some look pretty good in my price range, about $130,000. Only a 10 min. drive to the casinos. BTW, would you recommend an apt., condo, or house? I've owned a home once & presently living in an apt., but monthly payments on a home are less than rent & I'm aware of other costs owning a home, but w/o yard work, etc., in that part of the country, I think the extra costs would be minimal.

If I can get a VA loan w/o down payment, that would be ideal. Don't know if I qualify, yet.

Also, I've been told to watch out for termites. Should I insist on a termite extermination certificate or some such? Would appreciate any advice.
pew
pew
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March 27th, 2014 at 2:46:38 PM permalink
Quote: Sonny44

I know this is way OT, but am searching for advice from someone w/ experience re: the topic. WofV doesn't seem to have a place for topics like this. If there is, I'd appreciate the mods' moving it to appropriate place.

I'm considering buying a home in Laughlin, for obvious reasons. Anyone have any experience with this town? I've never been down there, but am considering going down some time this summer to scout out the situation.

I've looked at a few properties online & some look pretty good in my price range, about $130,000. Only a 10 min. drive to the casinos. BTW, would you recommend an apt., condo, or house? I've owned a home once & presently living in an apt., but monthly payments on a home are less than rent & I'm aware of other costs owning a home, but w/o yard work, etc., in that part of the country, I think the extra costs would be minimal.

If I can get a VA loan w/o down payment, that would be ideal. Don't know if I qualify, yet.

Also, I've been told to watch out for termites. Should I insist on a termite extermination certificate or some such? Would appreciate any advice.

Bullhead City Arizona across the river is an actual little city. Laughlin is just casinos. Its ten degrees hotter than L.V.
kankan53
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March 27th, 2014 at 2:52:44 PM permalink
It is really, really hot in Laughlin from June to Sept. The first time we ever went was mid Sept about 3years ago and it was 108 degrees. We were told that was cool by the locals as it had ben in the 120's during the summer.
AxelWolf
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March 27th, 2014 at 3:08:54 PM permalink
Quote: Sonny44

I know this is way OT, but am searching for advice from someone w/ experience re: the topic. WofV doesn't seem to have a place for topics like this. If there is, I'd appreciate the mods' moving it to appropriate place.

I'm considering buying a home in Laughlin, for obvious reasons. Anyone have any experience with this town? I've never been down there, but am considering going down some time this summer to scout out the situation.

I've looked at a few properties online & some look pretty good in my price range, about $130,000. Only a 10 min. drive to the casinos. BTW, would you recommend an apt., condo, or house? I've owned a home once & presently living in an apt., but monthly payments on a home are less than rent & I'm aware of other costs owning a home, but w/o yard work, etc., in that part of the country, I think the extra costs would be minimal.

If I can get a VA loan w/o down payment, that would be ideal. Don't know if I qualify, yet.

Also, I've been told to watch out for termites. Should I insist on a termite extermination certificate or some such? Would appreciate any advice.

What will you be doing, as far as the casinos ?
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
AxelWolf
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March 27th, 2014 at 3:10:34 PM permalink
Quote: pew

Bullhead City Arizona across the river is an actual little city. Laughlin is just casinos. Its ten degrees hotter than L.V.

BHC is a drug haven
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
FleaStiff
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March 27th, 2014 at 3:11:05 PM permalink
I'm told Laughlin is where the Geritol Set gamble without the craziness of The Strip or any traffic jams. Years ago Bullhead City, AZ actually had only two traffic lights and everyone was selling real estate hoping for a casino boom.

It is hot and I'm told also windy. I suggest you read City Data for threads on Living in Vegas versus Living in Laughlin.

Good luck.

PS. Get a lawyer to help you.
Sonny44
Sonny44
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March 27th, 2014 at 3:15:25 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

What will you be doing, as far as the casinos ?


Well, you know, playing craps.
petroglyph
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March 27th, 2014 at 3:53:39 PM permalink
Quote: Sonny44

I know this is way OT, but am searching for advice from someone w/ experience re: the topic. WofV doesn't seem to have a place for topics like this. If there is, I'd appreciate the mods' moving it to appropriate place.

I'm considering buying a home in Laughlin, for obvious reasons. Anyone have any experience with this town? I've never been down there, but am considering going down some time this summer to scout out the situation.

I've looked at a few properties online & some look pretty good in my price range, about $130,000. Only a 10 min. drive to the casinos. BTW, would you recommend an apt., condo, or house? I've owned a home once & presently living in an apt., but monthly payments on a home are less than rent & I'm aware of other costs owning a home, but w/o yard work, etc., in that part of the country, I think the extra costs would be minimal.

If I can get a VA loan w/o down payment, that would be ideal. Don't know if I qualify, yet.

Also, I've been told to watch out for termites. Should I insist on a termite extermination certificate or some such? Would appreciate any advice.



A person needs a better reason to move to Laughlin than to play craps. Or for that matter anywhere in this desert. Man does not live on bread alone.

The craps atmosphere is I think more laid back than Vegas. Its more "homey", but once the games over there isn't much else. As other's have said there is a lot of other things to consider in the Vegas area. There are I believe 8 casino's [ in Laughlin] not all have craps and even those don't have a full table or the game isn't 24/7. Don't know your level of action but limits are different. Most don't have triple on the field.

Yep, they have termites in the desert. Also, there are many kinds. We had the little bastards, interesting in a bugs want to eat your house kind of way.

Buying does seem cheaper than renting but harder to get out of when you lose your buy in, unless you have a plan. Don't know your age or family status, some say they wouldn't want to raise their kids in this part of the world. I'll let Vegas natives way in on that.

Have you considered [if your childless] motorhoming it for a while? I think re is going to dive again personally.
Sonny44
Sonny44
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March 27th, 2014 at 4:26:19 PM permalink
Quote: petroglyph

A person needs a better reason to move to Laughlin than to play craps. Or for that matter anywhere in this desert. Man does not live on bread alone.

The craps atmosphere is I think more laid back than Vegas. Its more "homey", but once the games over there isn't much else. As other's have said there is a lot of other things to consider in the Vegas area. There are I believe 8 casino's [ in Laughlin] not all have craps and even those don't have a full table or the game isn't 24/7. Don't know your level of action but limits are different. Most don't have triple on the field.

Yep, they have termites in the desert. Also, there are many kinds. We had the little bastards, interesting in a bugs want to eat your house kind of way.

Buying does seem cheaper than renting but harder to get out of when you lose your buy in, unless you have a plan. Don't know your age or family status, some say they wouldn't want to raise their kids in this part of the world. I'll let Vegas natives way in on that.

Have you considered [if your childless] motorhoming it for a while? I think re is going to dive again personally.


This is not just for you, but for others, as well. I'm 77, divorced, no children. I can't afford to rent/buy two residences. (I live in MT, btw) Your idea of the RV route intrigues me & I'm thinking about that. There's been a lot of good info in this thread. I don't know what you mean by this: "Buying does seem cheaper than renting but harder to get out of when you lose your buy in, unless you have a plan."
TerribleTom
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March 27th, 2014 at 5:08:57 PM permalink
Quote: Sonny44

This is not just for you, but for others, as well. I'm 77, divorced, no children. I can't afford to rent/buy two residences. (I live in MT, btw) Your idea of the RV route intrigues me & I'm thinking about that. There's been a lot of good info in this thread. I don't know what you mean by this: "Buying does seem cheaper than renting but harder to get out of when you lose your buy in, unless you have a plan."



I think he means that when the bottom falls out of the LV RE market and the value of your house goes to shit that it might be expensive to sell.

You buy at $200K, financing $150K, then all of a sudden your place is worth $140K - you can't sell it for enough to pay the note.

I am under the impression that the LV rental market is very favorable for the tenant right now.
Sonny44
Sonny44
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March 27th, 2014 at 5:21:48 PM permalink
Quote: TerribleTom

I think he means that when the bottom falls out of the LV RE market and the value of your house goes to shit that it might be expensive to sell. You buy at $200K, financing $150K, then all of a sudden your place is worth $140K - you can't sell it for enough to pay the note. I am under the impression that the LV rental market is very favorable for the tenant right now.


You provide another option: rental in LV. LV is huge. Conveniently accessing LV casinos on the Strip & Downtown could be done by public transit, alright. I need, however, to check out crime rates in neighborhoods of LV. I've gotten a lot of good info in this thread. Thanks to all.
Tomspur
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March 27th, 2014 at 5:37:27 PM permalink
Quote: TerribleTom

I think he means that when the bottom falls out of the LV RE market and the value of your house goes to shit that it might be expensive to sell.

You buy at $200K, financing $150K, then all of a sudden your place is worth $140K - you can't sell it for enough to pay the note.

I am under the impression that the LV rental market is very favorable for the tenant right now.



But he is talking about Laughlin????

Anyway, here is my 2 cents worth. I have been a resident of Henderson for 4 years now and love it. I have been to Laughlin 4 times and it is a nice getaway from LV, just for something different. Now, there is NOTHING in Laughlin apart from casinos. There are some homes there but I got the impression they were more expensive places? Also the dealers and casino staff all live in Bullhead City on the other side of the river.

Rentals are great in Vegas right now as there is a ton of homes to rent due to the investors buying up every property they could get their hands on. Buying currently is a little on the high side, I would suggest renting in LV. I'm not sure what the position is in Laughlin but I doubt it would be similar to LV in any way.

Casinos in Laughlin aren't too bad, for what they are. A lot of older people but there is $5 craps wherever you go and my exprience with the dealers there is that they are nice and friendly!

For me the cons are the following: Nothing there, except the casinos, nothing else. Hot as hell.
Pro's: Decent enough games, ok dealers and much more cosy than Vegas.

I think I would think about the RV option.

All the best!
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” - Winston Churchill
Tomspur
Tomspur
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March 27th, 2014 at 5:39:49 PM permalink
Quote: Sonny44

You provide another option: rental in LV. LV is huge. Conveniently accessing LV casinos on the Strip & Downtown could be done by public transit, alright. I need, however, to check out crime rates in neighborhoods of LV. I've gotten a lot of good info in this thread. Thanks to all.



As far as crime rates go the only parts of town you really want to avoid is close to the strip as well as North Las Vegas. My opinion about the best areas to live in is as follows:

1) Henderson
2) South East valley - Seven Hills
3) Summerlin
4) South West valley. Loads of new builds here and community 2 bedroom townhouses for about $800 a month.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” - Winston Churchill
petroglyph
petroglyph
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March 27th, 2014 at 6:28:02 PM permalink
Quote: Sonny44

Quote: petroglyph

A person needs a better reason to move to Laughlin than to play craps. Or for that matter anywhere in this desert. Man does not live on bread alone.

The craps atmosphere is I think more laid back than Vegas. Its more "homey", but once the games over there isn't much else. As other's have said there is a lot of other things to consider in the Vegas area. There are I believe 8 casino's [ in Laughlin] not all have craps and even those don't have a full table or the game isn't 24/7. Don't know your level of action but limits are different. Most don't have triple on the field.

Yep, they have termites in the desert. Also, there are many kinds. We had the little bastards, interesting in a bugs want to eat your house kind of way.

Buying does seem cheaper than renting but harder to get out of when you lose your buy in, unless you have a plan. Don't know your age or family status, some say they wouldn't want to raise their kids in this part of the world. I'll let Vegas natives way in on that.

Have you considered [if your childless] motorhoming it for a while? I think re is going to dive again personally.


This is not just for you, but for others, as well. I'm 77, divorced, no children. I can't afford to rent/buy two residences. (I live in MT, btw) Your idea of the RV route intrigues me & I'm thinking about that. There's been a lot of good info in this thread. I don't know what you mean by this: "Buying does seem cheaper than renting but harder to get out of when you lose your buy in, unless you have a plan."



Apparently I have done something to anger the www digital gods? This is my third attempt. I am breaking in a new computer and it has W8 and it seems to hate me?

It's always been cheaper for me to purchase than rent. It matters what the long term plan is. I just want to be happy.

The comment about wanting to get out refers to myself having moved a lot in my life when I'm ready to go it takes too long to deal with real estate.

There are too few craps games for me in Laughlin. I'm choosey about the game I want and the crew I want to play with. I also don't like a crowded table. I'm at the table to play the game not wade through the bs, but that's me. A few knowledgeable non screaming, and preferably non smoking players is mostly my game. So the choices in L are limited. Also, what are you going to do when your not playing?

I really understand not affording two places so for me I do consider the RV route. It's not for everyone but I have done it and know what it is. There are it seems almost unlimited casinos to play at staying mobile. The rooms I get comped or am willing usually to pay for, I don't want to stay in. I seem to have some phobia about pathogens, especially after one night out in Mesquite.

Oh, what the heck I'll pitch for rv's here. I like knowing no one else has sat on my toilet. I like to eat what and when I want and knowing my own sheets are clean. I hate living out of suitcases. All the comforts of a real home anywhere I go. There's lots of stuff to look at out here in the desert besides casinos. Tons of stuff, ruins, trails, lakes and the weather is great most of the year. When it's not, go north. Wheel estate not real estate.

Come on down the weather is great, but I wouldn't buy in Laughlin.
beachbumbabs
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March 27th, 2014 at 6:41:40 PM permalink
I was offered a position in BHC a couple of years ago, and they highly recommended that I live in the mountains above the city. They said it was very convenient (I'm assuming with a car), very temperate, and there was a fair amount of affordable housing. Supposedly within 1/2 hour of both BHC and Laughlin. I don't know much more about it than that, but you might look into it.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
petroglyph
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March 27th, 2014 at 7:13:56 PM permalink
Quote: beachbumbabs

I was offered a position in BHC a couple of years ago, and they highly recommended that I live in the mountains above the city. They said it was very convenient (I'm assuming with a car), very temperate, and there was a fair amount of affordable housing. Supposedly within 1/2 hour of both BHC and Laughlin. I don't know much more about it than that, but you might look into it.



Temperate? Maybe if you exclude May through October. The chart said they only get to about a buck twelve in July, I guess that's almost chilly if your were from Lake Havasu.

What did I do to end up here? They say it isn't Hell, but you can,,,,see it from here. lol
EvenBob
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March 27th, 2014 at 7:17:19 PM permalink
Learn to love portable oxygen tanks before
you move to Laughlin, you'll see people hauling
a lot of them around. Hotter than Vegas? Not
possible.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
Tomspur
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March 27th, 2014 at 7:18:13 PM permalink
Quote: EvenBob

Learn to love portable oxygen tanks before
you move to Laughlin, you'll see people hauling
a lot of them around. Hotter than Vegas? Not
possible.



I would say 6 to 8 degrees hotter on any day of the year.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” - Winston Churchill
Mikey75
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March 27th, 2014 at 7:48:36 PM permalink
I've never been to Vegas or Laughlin but I've got to chime in here because I have lived in a motor home for several years before. I would definitely look into the motor home route. If I was by myself there is no doubt I would have a motor home. It's a awesome experience and you aren't tied down to any one place.
Tomspur
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March 27th, 2014 at 7:51:07 PM permalink
Quote: Mikey75

I've never been to Vegas or Laughlin but I've got to chime in here because I have lived in a motor home for several years before. I would definitely look into the motor home route. If I was by myself there is no doubt I would have a motor home. It's a awesome experience and you aren't tied down to any one place.



I don't own a motor home nor have I ever lived in one but this just seems like good advice to me. I think motor home living for a single guy with the open road as your companion......it just makes complete sense to me.

Just ask John Daly :)
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” - Winston Churchill
speedycrap
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March 27th, 2014 at 8:50:35 PM permalink
TOM, you are badddd. (Just ask John Daly :)))))))))))
AxelWolf
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March 27th, 2014 at 8:57:15 PM permalink
If you want a calm easy going place Don's is the place to be. It is very easy to get from casino to casino they have a walk way right along the river. You can also take water bus if you don't feel like walking. parking is fairly easy. The average age is probably 60. they have a Walmart in BHC for shopping. They do have a lot of homes and condos in Laughlin. However I to love the idea of buying a nice RV. They have a RV park at the riverside You could probably get that comped with a minimal amount of play. If you get sick of Laughlin you can drive to Vegas and do the same thing. If I could convince MY GF to do it I would like to try it for a few years.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
NokTang
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March 27th, 2014 at 10:48:07 PM permalink
Is there such a thing as an RV with a decent spacious bathroom in it?(I don't mean a bus for rock stars) Having made some truck driver friends, I learned real quick they use truck stops and rest areas for their bathroom requirements. There is a big difference between, well you get the point.
AxelWolf
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March 28th, 2014 at 3:35:38 AM permalink
Quote: NokTang

Is there such a thing as an RV with a decent spacious bathroom in it?(I don't mean a bus for rock stars) Having made some truck driver friends, I learned real quick they use truck stops and rest areas for their bathroom requirements. There is a big difference between, well you get the point.

The RV parks have showers and bathrooms this would be useful. If you're gambling you could take advantage of free room offers when you want a good scrubbing or you need a place to scrub a bad hooker.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
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