Water Options in the Desert

Hello, this is Rachel Gibson, REALTOR®. A couple days ago I told you about how water hauling works and how easy it really is to haul your own water. Today I would like to talk about the use of water wells on properties. A water well is a hole drilled into the ground to access water from an aquifer, a layer of water-bearing rock or sediment. Wells can be dug, driven, or drilled, and they come in different shapes and sizes depending on the material and how much water is being pumped.

More than 42 million people in the United States use individual or private wells to supply water for their families every day.

I often have people ask me about how much it costs to dig a well. The first consideration is how deep is the well going to have to be…the deeper the well, the more costly, the more shallow the well, the less expense. The price of a well install has gone up significantly in the last few years. The last well quote I got was for $58k to dig about 1000 feet…another quote I just heard about was for $40k to dig a well about 600 feet. Just like with anything else, you need to shop around to find the best prices. Brown Drilling is well known around Kingman for drilling wells. Search “water well installers” to find more options and to get multiple quotes.

Wells are the ideal way to go when it comes to living in the desert. With your own well you can literally create an oasis in the desert. I live on water haul myself so I really appreciate what a well has to offer. Water is life. Without water you won’t be living in the desert long. With a well at your disposal, the sky is the limit. Unlimited water supply of your own with no water bills? Who could beat it? Grow trees, grow food, build a swimming pool! What can’t you do with a well?!

If you can afford the $30k plus price tag to install the well, I highly recommend it! Water in the desert is life! Signing off.

Hello, everyone. I'm Rachel Gibson, REALTOR® here in Kingman, Arizona. Today, I'm excited to bring you a land market update. Today is August 7, 2024.

Let's dive into the numbers. Currently, we have a 12.98 Months Supply of Inventory in Kingman. This means that it would take approximately 12.98 months to sell all the homes on the market if no new listings were added. Over the last 12 months, we have seen a decrease of -7.42% in Months Supply of Inventory, indicating a more competitive market for buyers.

The List to Sold Price percentage in Kingman is 89.1%, showing that sellers are able to negotiate prices closer to their listing price. The Median days on market is 60, meaning that land is selling relatively quickly in our area.

the Median Sold Price. In Kingman, the Median Sold Price for land is $16,750. This number does not really tell you much b/c land comes in all sizes. I can tell you though in the last 30 days, Kingman sold 42 lots as low as $200 per acre up to $2600 per acre. It depends on lot size and location but you can see the price per acre is all over the map. The key indicators are does it have power, water, and paved roads? That makes all the difference!

Whether you're a buyer or a seller, it's important to stay informed about the real estate market in Kingman. If you're thinking about buying or selling land or a home, now is a great time to make a move.

Stay tuned for more updates from me, Rachel Gibson, REALTOR® in Kingman, Arizona.

Hello and welcome to my podcast. This is Rachel Gibson, REALTOR®.

Today I want to talk about the land buying process in AZ. It’s fairly simple so I wanted to give you the step by step process.

Once you find a lot you want to buy the first thing you need to do is contact your real estate agent. It does not have to be the listing agent selling the land. You can talk to any licensed agent in the state you are looking to purchase but I am talking specifically about Arizona.

Is there water access? Electricity nearby for hook up? Legal road access? Etc…these are the basic questions you want to find out. Also, what is the zoning? Is it residential or commercial?

Once it passes your basic criteria you want to put in an offer. Never feel like you have to offer full asking price. It is always better to put in a lower asking price offer and allow the seller to counter you. This will help you get a better idea of their bottom dollar amount.

Once your offer is accepted by the seller you will pay your earnest money, usually $1000 for land, to show your seriousness about purchasing. Now Your “inspection period” or “due diligence” period begins. This can be anywhere from 10 to 30 days at the buyers request. Standard time is usually 10 days for the inspection period. In this time you want to confirm the lot has legal access and any other items on your list you deem as important. This is actually your job as the buyer and not the real estate agent so be warned not to rely on your agent to confirm utilities or any other criteria that is of importance to you.

Regarding surveys, this always comes up… Buyers ask if they should get a survey done. In general the answer is no…it all depends on your intended use for the property. Most people do NOT get a survey until they begin construction in which the builder is more likely to include the survey costs into the building fees.

Once your inspection period is almost up, you need to sign a document whether you accept or reject the property. This is very important b/c if for any reason you do not accept the property during this inspection period, you simply sign the document and your earnest money will be returned to you. If you accept the property, your earnest money will now be applied to the balance due at time of closing.

Assuming all has gone as planned and you accept the property, now you have given the green light to the title company to finish closing the deal. You will pay the rest of your money or down payment, depending whether or not you did an owner will carry purchase agreement or a straight cash agreement. The title company will transfer the property into your name at the county level and now the property is owned by you, the buyer. It’s really that simple to purchase land in Arizona.

If you have questions or would like to start the land buying process here in Mohave County Arizona please feel free to reach out to me any time. Thank You, Signing off Rachel Gibson REALTOR®.

Welcome back to the Rachel Gibson, REALTOR® podcast series. Todays' topic is about hauling water.

Living in the Mohave Desert presents unique challenges, but managing water doesn't have to be one of them. Hauling water here is straightforward, affordable, and incredibly efficient.

For just 50 cents, you can fill 60 gallons of water. With a 250-gallon tank, you can easily collect a significant amount each trip. Whether you use a truck or other creative methods, this solution fits seamlessly into your routine.

Once home, transfer the water into your 2,500-gallon holding tank. This tank is connected to your plumbing and watering systems, providing filtered water that’s even better than standard tap water.

With this setup, you can use the water for bathing, drinking, and even filling your pool. It’s a versatile solution that ensures you always have access to clean water for various needs.

If hauling water yourself isn’t an option, private companies can deliver around 2,000 gallons for approximately $120 to $150, depending on your location. This service adds convenience for those who prefer not to handle it personally.

A person demonstrating water-saving practices—turning off the shower while shampooing, using efficient toilets, and avoiding letting the sink run.]**

Living with hauled water teaches you to be efficient with your usage. Simple changes, like turning off the shower while lathering up or using low-flow toilets, can save thousands of gallons annually.

Avoid letting water run unnecessarily and be mindful of your consumption. With a 2,500-gallon tank, thoughtful water management ensures that every drop goes a long way.

In the Mohave Desert, managing water efficiently is key to thriving in this environment. By hauling water affordably and practicing smart water use, you can make every drop count.

Today, we're exploring the rich history of Kingman, Arizona—a town with a fascinating past nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert."

Kingman, located in northwestern Arizona, was officially established in 1882. It was named after a prominent railroad executive, Lewis Kingman, who played a crucial role in the development of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.

The town’s strategic location along the railroad helped it grow quickly. Kingman became a vital hub for travelers and freight moving between major cities, making it an important stop on the historic Route 66.

Route 66, often called the ‘Main Street of America,’ runs right through Kingman. It brought a surge of travelers and tourists, turning Kingman into a vibrant roadside attraction and a gateway to the Grand Canyon and other wonders of the Southwest.

Kingman is also known for its rich history and local culture. The town hosts the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, where you can explore exhibits on Native American artifacts, pioneer history, and Route 66 memorabilia.

During World War II, Kingman was home to a significant military base—the Kingman Army Airfield. The base played a key role in aircraft training and maintenance, and today, the Kingman Army Airfield Museum preserves this important chapter of Kingman’s history.

Today, Kingman thrives as a historic town with a charming blend of old and new. It continues to attract visitors with its rich heritage, vibrant community events, and its role as a gateway to the scenic wonders of Arizona. If you are ready to buy or sell in Kingman, AZ please reach out to me, thank you. Signing off, Rachel Gibson REALTOR

"Welcome to Rachel Gibson, REALTOR® podcast series! Today, we're diving into a crucial part of the home-buying process: the earnest money deposit. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or just brushing up on your real estate knowledge, understanding earnest money is key. So, let’s break it down."

"Alright, let’s get to the basics. An earnest money deposit is a sum of money a buyer puts down to show they're serious about purchasing a property. Think of it as a good faith gesture."

"Usually, this deposit is made when the buyer and seller sign a purchase agreement. The amount can vary, but it often ranges from 1% to 3% of the purchase price. In some markets, it can be more or less." In the Kingman, AZ market it tends to be a standard $1000 in land and in housing it's between $1000 and $5000 depending on how competitive the house in question might be...high demand, higeher earnest money, so to speak.

"So why is it important? The earnest money deposit serves as a financial commitment from the buyer. It shows the seller that you’re serious and that you’re willing to back up your offer with a tangible investment."

"If the deal goes through, the earnest money is usually applied towards the down payment or closing costs. However, if the deal falls apart due to issues covered by contingencies in the contract, like failing a home inspection or financing problems, the earnest money is generally returned to the buyer."

"But if the buyer decides to back out of the deal without a valid reason, the seller may keep the earnest money as compensation for taking the property off the market."

"So, it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your earnest money deposit. Make sure your real estate agent explains the contingencies and any scenarios that could affect your deposit."

"Remember, earnest money is a small but important part of the home-buying process. It demonstrates your commitment and helps secure your place in the buying process. If you have any more questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to a real estate professional."

"Thanks for listening to this quick guide on earnest money deposits. Be sure to subscribe for more Mohave Desert Real Estate InformationSee you next time! Signing off

Rachel Gibson, REALTOR®

Click play to listen! Hello, everyone! I'm Rachel Gibson, a REALTOR® here in Kingman, Arizona. Today, I am excited to bring you a market update about manufactured homes here in Kingman.Let's dive into the numbers. Currently, we have a 2.86 Months Supply of Manufactured Homes . Over the last 12 months, we have seen an increase of 8.75% in Months' Supply of Inventory, indicating a slight shift in the market.Our List to Sold Price for manufactured homes percentage is sitting at a strong 94.2%, showing that sellers are still able to command a competitive price for their homes. The median days on market is 24, indicating that homes are selling relatively quickly in our area.Now, let's talk about the numbers that everyone wants to know - the median sold price. In Kingman, the median sold price for manufactured homes is currently $153,950. This is essential information for both buyers and sellers as they navigate the real estate market.Whether you are looking to buy or sell in Kingman, understanding the current market trends is crucial. As a REALTOR® with Chambers Realty Group], I am here to help you navigate the market and achieve your real estate goals.Rachel: Thank you for tuning in to today's market update regarding manufactured homes. If you have any questions or are ready to make a move in the Kingman real estate market, don't hesitate to reach out to me.email me at rachel@rachelsrealestate.com

Click to play. We currently have a 2.58 Months Supply of Inventory in Kingman. This means that if no new homes were listed, it would take 2.58 months to sell out all the existing inventory. Over the last 12 months, we've seen a 30.3% increase in the Months Supply of Inventory, indicating a shifting market. Our List to Sold Price percentage is holding strong at 98.4%, showing that sellers are able to get close to their asking price in this market. The median days on market is 32, meaning that homes are selling relatively quickly in Kingman. And finally, the median sold price for homes in Kingman is currently $282,304. This is important information for both buyers and sellers to keep in mind when considering their options in the market.