Phoenix Arizona Waterfront Homes

Half acre waterfront lot on Buchli Ski Lake in San Tan Valley, AZ

Welcome to Phoenix’s most secluded and private tournament ski lakes, Buchli Lake.  This 1/2 acre waterfront lot is just one of  a few lots whose owners  have essentially unlimited ski time.  The east side of the lake has no lots or homes so the number of skiers is less than half that of a normal water ski lake community. With such a small number of lots, it is very rare that these waterfront lots come available.  From this lake community,  residents enjoy scenic views of the Superstition mountains to the northeast and the Santan mountains to the south.

Read the rest of this entry

Sometimes you swear at them and sometimes you swear by them

Let’s face it, if you are considering purchasing a home in the Phoenix area; whether it be Avondale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, or Gold Canyon, you will have to come to terms about buying a home that is part of a Home Owners Association.   When a buyer purchases property that has an HOA, they  automatically agree to abide by the governing documents which are the CC&R’s; Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions.   While many CC&R’s are typically very boiler plate, it is a good idea to review them and make sure there are no hidden surprises.  Even better, talk to your future neighbors and inquire about their experience.

If you are looking to speak out against HOAs, you’ll have plenty of company because at times they do some pretty dumb stuff and deserve the criticism.  At the same time, attend any of the regularly scheduled meetings and see how many residents come to participate, offer suggestions and be involved.  That number is in the single digits and I’m estimating on the high side. If residents are concerned or upset, they should get involved, contribute, and help shape the neighborhood.   I’ve gotten a little upset over a couple of letters I received that I thought were unneccesary, but I also remember being thankful when a neighbor’s mother came to visit for a while in her aged travel trailer that was definitely an eye sore!  I’m glad they did the dirty work of letting the neighbhor know that is not allowed.  Like I said, sometime you swear at them and sometimes you swear by them. For a more legalistic viewpoint, here’s a link to a website explaining homeowner’s rights.

Read the rest of this entry

 Recent water ski lake property sales activity

A Phoenix water ski home or lot is a unique type of Arizona real estate.  Man made with one of Arizona’s most precious resources there are only 6  water ski communities in the valley.  Ready for some Phoenix water ski real estate trivia?  How many water ski homes / lots are there in Phoenix?  See the answer at the end of this post.  Right now we’re going to look at a recap of the activity and sales of homes and lots during 2009 and year to date in 2010.

Read the rest of this entry

New REO lot comes on the market in Santan Lakeside Estates and sells in 1 month

Lot 17 on the west side of the ski lake at Santan Lakeside Estates just came on the market  the last week of February bringing the total lots for sale to 3. The other available lots are 3 and 17.   Many water ski enthusiasts and owners will be watching this specific  transaction as it will aid in determining the current market value of a Phoenix valley water ski lot.  So how did they set the list price for this ski lake lot at $340,000?  My opinon? You have to go back to 2009 when lot 13, previously a bank owned lot was initially listed for $480K.  After periodic price reductions that are consistent with bank owned property, the list price eventually reached $399K,  an offer for $340K was accepted and closed in August 2009.  When that is the only comparable sale, it makes sense to use it!  Getting back to lot 17;  a couple of early offers were received within days of  being listed, but considered too low by the bank.  Time will tell as the ski season approaches and the bank watches the days on market increase , and  periodically considers price reductions.  See sales update further down in article.

Read the rest of this entry

Water Ski Lake Water Quality Level in Gilbert Az Ski Lake Communities

Phoenix area water ski homes and communities are attractive and unique because they offer residents an opportunity to enjoy water skiing and wakeboarding in their own backyard.  When buyers are considering water ski homes for sale, they should understand the added cost and maintenance involved with maintaining a ski lake since it has to operate at a higher “full body contact” level.  The maintenance and upkeep of the lake are extremely important and any neglect could cause health problems for those that use the lake.  This ongoing task will  most likely be contracted out to a company that specializes in monitoring and maintaining urban lakes including ski lakes.

Read the rest of this entry

Waterfront homes in Gilbert are some of  the best in

Phoenix

In your quest for Phoenix lake communities that have waterfronthomes, any search would be incomplete if you didn’t consider the eight waterfront communities in Gilbert.  I’m not counting  subdivisions that have a community lake at the entrance or near the clubhouse.  These are communities in which some of the homes are on waterfront lots.  Specifically, these Gilbert waterfront lake communities are Val Vista Lakes, The Islands, Crystal Point, Santan Lakeside Estates, Playa del Rey,  Lago Estancia, Stonebridge Estates, and Wind Drift.

Read the rest of this entry

Two slalom course water ski lakes – A Skier’s Paradise

Unless you  have very detailed directions, this ski lake subdivision is virtually hidden from public view.   From the pictures,  you’d never guess this well kept secret is in the state of Arizona. The peripheral barrier of  lush trees disguises what lies within, and helps create  glass like water conditions.   However, those who have heard of the Lakeside Turn and Burn, or the Lu Lus Big Dog Open know exactly where 21 property owners  enjoy almost limitless ski time on two side by side water ski lakes.

Read the rest of this entry

The next time you turn on the faucet or take a shower, take time to realize that you live in a desert where the average rainfall in the Phoenix valley is less than 9 inches/year but  the average person uses 150 gallons of water PER day.  So how do we satisfy our “thirst” for water that exceeds our natural supply  in the valley? Read the rest of this entry

Water ski lot in Crystal Point Estates Luxury Lake Community

Here’s your chance to join this luxury lake community that has a passion for water skiing, with a waterfront lot offering 165 feet of lakefront on this tournament slalom water ski lake.   The ski lake measures approximately 2,250 ft in length and includes a ramp and turn arounds at each end.  This prime waterfront lot is perfect for someone searching for that perfect spot upon which to build their custom dreamhouse and be able to water ski at a moment’s notice.

Read the rest of this entry

Phoenix Water ski lake communities overview

Instead of focusing exclusively on one water ski lake community,  let’s take a quick look at an overview of  lakes that allow water skiing and wake boarding in the Phoenix valley.  These are different from the majority of lake communities because the water has to be “full body contact” quality.  The HOA may also require the owner to become a member of the AWSA and the community ski club.  It may be the equivalent of taking a sleep aid pill, but read the CC&R’s so you’re not surprised when you learn you are required to carry $1,000,000 of  comprehensive personal liability insurance related to the lake and the activities thereon.

Read the rest of this entry