Thinking about moving to Vegas - thoughts?
Quote: DieterQuote: rxwineUsing Google maps "street view" you can wander through prospective neighborhoods.
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This does not give the same insight as walking around from an hour before dusk until an hour after dusk.
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The freaks come out at night.
Quote: DieterQuote: rxwineUsing Google maps "street view" you can wander through prospective neighborhoods.
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This does not give the same insight as walking around from an hour before dusk until an hour after dusk.
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The freaks come out at night.
Quote: ThatDonGuyQuote: DRich
If you like the Green Valley area I would search Zillow for 3+ bedroom houses, condos, and townhomes under $550k in the zip code 89074 and see if anything catches your eye.
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That's what I am doing, but the question is, are there some parts of Green Valley that are, er, "better" than others?
For example, here are three that come up:
One just south of Pittman Wash, just east of Valle Verde Drive
Another that's just north of that one, on the other side of the Wash; it appears to be near some railroad tracks - how active are they?
A third near the SE corner of Windmill and Eastern
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I prefer south of Pittman wash, between Pecos and Valle Verde.. I would be comfortable in all of the area between south of Windmill and North of I-215 between Valle Verde and Pecos. Things south of I215 are also fine but may be a little more expensive as you get closer to Green Valley Ranch casino. I believe Green Valley Parkway had bus service if that is a consideration. I lived pretty much in the center of those boundaries on Wigwam and Green Valley Parkway for eight years and liked that area.
If and when you get some leads feel free to PM me addresses or cross streets and I will give you an opinion if I have one.
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Quote: billryanQuote: DieterQuote: rxwineUsing Google maps "street view" you can wander through prospective neighborhoods.
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This does not give the same insight as walking around from an hour before dusk until an hour after dusk.
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The freaks come out at night.
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About two decades ago, I neglected to do some dusk research on a home purchase. Accordingly, I didn't realize that the neighborhood independent pharmaceutical sales representatives parked just beyond the penumbra of the streetlight and took meetings most of the night.
Fortunately, they were fairly courteous neighbors.
Real estate agents won't mention that.
Quote: billryanI noticed in the Valley that there are so many HOAs that all the group homes, sober houses, and independent living houses are bunched in relatively small areas.
Real estate agents won't mention that.
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When I bought my last house in Green Valley it had a $30 HOA fee. I thought, wow that is cheap and it turns out even better. It was $30 for the quarter, so $10 a month. It did go up to $11 a month over the eight years that I was there.
Quote: DRichQuote: billryanI noticed in the Valley that there are so many HOAs that all the group homes, sober houses, and independent living houses are bunched in relatively small areas.
Real estate agents won't mention that.
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When I bought my last house in Green Valley it had a $30 HOA fee. I thought, wow that is cheap and it turns out even better. It was $30 for the quarter, so $10 a month. It did go up to $11 a month over the eight years that I was there.
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I've nothing against HOAs. Many people don't want to live in one, and it limits where you can live in the Vegas Valley.
Quote: billryanQuote: DRichQuote: billryanI noticed in the Valley that there are so many HOAs that all the group homes, sober houses, and independent living houses are bunched in relatively small areas.
Real estate agents won't mention that.
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When I bought my last house in Green Valley it had a $30 HOA fee. I thought, wow that is cheap and it turns out even better. It was $30 for the quarter, so $10 a month. It did go up to $11 a month over the eight years that I was there.
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I've nothing against HOAs. Many people don't want to live in one, and it limits where you can live in the Vegas Valley.
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My HOA was very minimalistic and really seemed to only groom the road dividers and parks. I also think it was huge, thousands of houses maybe even 10,000.
Quote: calwatchThose kind of HOAs are the ones which will prevent you from painting your house purple but otherwise don't do much. But if you want your house to remain stock, will pay for the same landscaper that everyone else on the block uses, and generally don't have loud late night parties HOAs are fine. I would want to be on the condo or HOA board though to protect my investment, although for associations of hundreds or thousands of properties that gets impractical.
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I've owned a condo and been on the condo board, as an officer.
It was one of the most distressing and stomach-turning experiences I have ever had. We had to coax people to join, nobody wanted to be on the board, but the people who gravitated to it were the least qualified, most fascistic, (Literally, in the case of two members. I spent a lot of time worrying about them saying or doing something to get us sued and they eventually did.) least intelligent and most dishonest people you could imagine. Violated laws and ethics in meetings and considered falsifying the minutes to be an acceptable remedy. Was challenged to a fight by another member and I had to leave the meeting and call the police because I was armed and must avoid being in a fight at all costs in that state. Talked to a lawyer about it and he told me don't quit the board or I will be a target for everything, and I ended up selling with no warning to anyone just to get myself out of that mess.
That experience has left me with a dim view of anything with any kind of a HOA. They can't all be that bad, but the fact that any are that bad is enough to make me very cautious.
I don't participate in most activities, so I tend not to get into the park's politics.
We recently had an election, and a seasonal resident was elected President in a four-way race. The person elected to VP and Treasurer refused to take office, arguing that a part-time President would mean they would have to pick up extra duties. The remaining two board members resigned the week the President left for the summer.- Supposedly for personal reasons unrelated to the park.
Quite a few people are upset about the recent developments, but none have volunteered to step up.
Quote: billryanWe don't have an HOA, but a residents' board sets activities and works with the ownership on repairs and projects.
I don't participate in most activities, so I tend not to get into the park's politics.
We recently had an election, and a seasonal resident was elected President in a four-way race. The person elected to VP and Treasurer refused to take office, arguing that a part-time President would mean they would have to pick up extra duties. The remaining two board members resigned the week the President left for the summer.- Supposedly for personal reasons unrelated to the park.
Quite a few people are upset about the recent developments, but none have volunteered to step up.
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The President of the HOA is on vacation, the people voted in to VP and Treasurer do not want the job and the two other board members quit. So in a nutshell, you have potential total chaos and a huge fiasco. 😱😳
Quote: NathanQuote: billryanWe don't have an HOA, but a residents' board sets activities and works with the ownership on repairs and projects.
I don't participate in most activities, so I tend not to get into the park's politics.
We recently had an election, and a seasonal resident was elected President in a four-way race. The person elected to VP and Treasurer refused to take office, arguing that a part-time President would mean they would have to pick up extra duties. The remaining two board members resigned the week the President left for the summer.- Supposedly for personal reasons unrelated to the park.
Quite a few people are upset about the recent developments, but none have volunteered to step up.
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The President of the HOA is on vacation, the people voted in to VP and Treasurer do not want the job and the two other board members quit. So in a nutshell, you have potential total chaos and a huge fiasco. 😱😳
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Out of chaos comes opportunity
I noticed a couple of "features" in the house:
First, one of the bathrooms does not have a door separating it from the connecting hallway, except for one to the toilet. This is not usually something to point out, except that the bathroom's "open area" includes a shower.
Second, one of the light switches is marked "911." Apparently, if this is turned on, the exterior lights start flashing on and off, as a signal to EMTs that this is the house that called 911.
Am I correct in thinking that you bought a place in a mobile park or something like that?Quote: billryanWe don't have an HOA, but a residents' board sets activities and works with the ownership on repairs and projects.
I don't participate in most activities, so I tend not to get into the park's politics.
We recently had an election, and a seasonal resident was elected President in a four-way race. The person elected to VP and Treasurer refused to take office, arguing that a part-time President would mean they would have to pick up extra duties. The remaining two board members resigned the week the President left for the summer.- Supposedly for personal reasons unrelated to the park.
Quite a few people are upset about the recent developments, but none have volunteered to step up.
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If so, do you pay lot rent?
Quote: ThatDonGuyI closed on a house in Henderson (in the Anthem area) in mid-June - 2 bedroom, 2 bath, about 1700 square feet, $500,000. I expect to move in around August 1.
I noticed a couple of "features" in the house:
First, one of the bathrooms does not have a door separating it from the connecting hallway, except for one to the toilet. This is not usually something to point out, except that the bathroom's "open area" includes a shower.
Second, one of the light switches is marked "911." Apparently, if this is turned on, the exterior lights start flashing on and off, as a signal to EMTs that this is the house that called 911.
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Sounds as if the former owner needed accessibility features like my former owner did—my house has a walk-in shower with a hand rail and a tiled seat built in.
Quote: ThatDonGuyI closed on a house in Henderson (in the Anthem area) in mid-June - 2 bedroom, 2 bath, about 1700 square feet, $500,000. I expect to move in around August 1.
The Anthem area of Green Valley is very nice. I think you made a good decision and will be happy.
Quote: AxelWolfAm I correct in thinking that you bought a place in a mobile park or something like that?Quote: billryanWe don't have an HOA, but a residents' board sets activities and works with the ownership on repairs and projects.
I don't participate in most activities, so I tend not to get into the park's politics.
We recently had an election, and a seasonal resident was elected President in a four-way race. The person elected to VP and Treasurer refused to take office, arguing that a part-time President would mean they would have to pick up extra duties. The remaining two board members resigned the week the President left for the summer.- Supposedly for personal reasons unrelated to the park.
Quite a few people are upset about the recent developments, but none have volunteered to step up.
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If so, do you pay lot rent?
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Yes, I pay $600 a month for ground rent, which includes the two clubhouses, the pools, the two gyms and the other facilities,24 hour gate guards and a random night patrol.
Quote: billryanQuote: AxelWolfAm I correct in thinking that you bought a place in a mobile park or something like that?Quote: billryanWe don't have an HOA, but a residents' board sets activities and works with the ownership on repairs and projects.
I don't participate in most activities, so I tend not to get into the park's politics.
We recently had an election, and a seasonal resident was elected President in a four-way race. The person elected to VP and Treasurer refused to take office, arguing that a part-time President would mean they would have to pick up extra duties. The remaining two board members resigned the week the President left for the summer.- Supposedly for personal reasons unrelated to the park.
Quite a few people are upset about the recent developments, but none have volunteered to step up.
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If so, do you pay lot rent?
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Yes, I pay $600 a month for ground rent, which includes the two clubhouses, the pools, the two gyms and the other facilities,24 hour gate guards and a random night patrol.
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In Vegas most of the lot rents are more than that, and have been going up to the point where people have been abandoning their mobiles.
I put a down payment on one, figured I couldn't go wrong at the price, then I met the people who managed the park. They told on themselves the moment I walked in the door. Attitude like you wouldn't believe, and all I heard was "You're TRAILER TRASH! Well I have a high school diploma, so I'm going to show you who's boss!"
I walked out and cancelled the sale. Once they have you, they have you, and there's practically nothing you can do about it, and if you have people there who are going to treat you like Kipling's "Servant Reigneth" would you are walking into a life-changing trap.
Quote: smoothgrh
Sounds as if the former owner needed accessibility features like my former owner did—my house has a walk-in shower with a hand rail and a tiled seat built in.
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I know my grandparents insisted on a pocket door for the master bathroom when they built their last house.
Even if someone collapses against a pocket door, it can be slid open.
My park, and most 55 and over communities, has some limited protections but there is a chance of getting screwed. I bought this with the knowledge I might walk away with little to nothing
So-called family parks offer little protection, even for seniors and veterans.
Quote: ThatDonGuyI closed on a house in Henderson (in the Anthem area) in mid-June - 2 bedroom, 2 bath, about 1700 square feet, $500,000. I expect to move in around August 1.
I noticed a couple of "features" in the house:
First, one of the bathrooms does not have a door separating it from the connecting hallway, except for one to the toilet. This is not usually something to point out, except that the bathroom's "open area" includes a shower.
Second, one of the light switches is marked "911." Apparently, if this is turned on, the exterior lights start flashing on and off, as a signal to EMTs that this is the house that called 911.
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Congratulations on closing! Best of luck with the new house (and vehicle)!
Do you mind me asking approximately how much you paid for approximately how many square feet?Quote: billryanQuote: AxelWolfAm I correct in thinking that you bought a place in a mobile park or something like that?Quote: billryanWe don't have an HOA, but a residents' board sets activities and works with the ownership on repairs and projects.
I don't participate in most activities, so I tend not to get into the park's politics.
We recently had an election, and a seasonal resident was elected President in a four-way race. The person elected to VP and Treasurer refused to take office, arguing that a part-time President would mean they would have to pick up extra duties. The remaining two board members resigned the week the President left for the summer.- Supposedly for personal reasons unrelated to the park.
Quite a few people are upset about the recent developments, but none have volunteered to step up.
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If so, do you pay lot rent?
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Yes, I pay $600 a month for ground rent, which includes the two clubhouses, the pools, the two gyms and the other facilities,24 hour gate guards and a random night patrol.
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Quote: AxelWolfDo you mind me asking approximately how much you paid for approximately how many square feet?Quote: billryanQuote: AxelWolfAm I correct in thinking that you bought a place in a mobile park or something like that?Quote: billryanWe don't have an HOA, but a residents' board sets activities and works with the ownership on repairs and projects.
I don't participate in most activities, so I tend not to get into the park's politics.
We recently had an election, and a seasonal resident was elected President in a four-way race. The person elected to VP and Treasurer refused to take office, arguing that a part-time President would mean they would have to pick up extra duties. The remaining two board members resigned the week the President left for the summer.- Supposedly for personal reasons unrelated to the park.
Quite a few people are upset about the recent developments, but none have volunteered to step up.
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If so, do you pay lot rent?
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Yes, I pay $600 a month for ground rent, which includes the two clubhouses, the pools, the two gyms and the other facilities,24 hour gate guards and a random night patrol.
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I looked at the house before COVID, and they were asking $29,000. It sat for almost two years when they dropped it to $19,000.
I offered $16,000, and they accepted; however, it failed the home inspection. It needed a new HVAC, which is $7500-$9,000, and some cosmetic work. I offered $10K and we agreed on 11K. and spent 8K on the HVAC, water heater and new plastic piping, so all in I'm at about 20K. Similar homes are going in the mid-30s. Mine is 14X72 with a screened-in porch roughly 9X18 that I want to enclose.
There are a few models for sale over 200K and currently there are two AS IS models for $19K
My figures might be slightly off, but I put $25,000 in an account for purchase and repairs and have almost 5,000 left
Quote: billryanMany of the parks around Vegas, as well as in other cities, have become property plays as the value of the land exceeds the income generated by the park. The owners do as little maintenance as possible because there is no long-term plan.
My park, and most 55 and over communities, has some limited protections but there is a chance of getting screwed. I bought this with the knowledge I might walk away with little to nothing
So-called family parks offer little protection, even for seniors and veterans.
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Thanks for that information. Yeah I kind of got the feeling it was something going on like that, that as soon as I move in it's going to be all about fleecing me. I think I might avoid mobile parks in Vegas.
I also worry a bit about being able to sell as all these places retain the right to veto a sale. When I bought and moved into a park in the Northeast, they had a policy where they need to see everyone who was going to be living in the home. I wasn't born yesterday and I know what was going on there. That doesn't affect me directly, but then when I want to sell and the nice family offers me my price, the park management can raise their pinky and say "We don't want any of that here" and I'm the one who's screwed.
As it was, they tried to bag me on the way out with a bunch of chickencrap repairs before they would approve the sale, and they kind of expect you to let their people do it, but it turns out the realtor's husband is a licensed contractor who does exactly that kind of work as part of his wife's practice and he did it very cheap. The park wasn't happy but there was nothing they could do about it.
