Playa Del Rey Estates-Ski Lake

Gilbert Lake Community – Playa Del Rey EstatesPlaya Del Rey Kayaking

One of the three water ski lakes in Gilbert is Playa Del Rey Estates,  a short 20 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport.  Another reason to give this lake community further consideration is it offers a wide range of recreational water activities.  While other ski lake communities are specifically designed for slalom skiing, Playa Del Rey Estates allows jet skis, wake boarding, kayaks and paddle boards.  It is the shortest ski lake community in the Phoenix area.

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Spring Mountain Ski Ranch -Water ski community

Spring  Mountain  Ski  Ranch  in  the  west  valley

Hidden in the west valley are two water ski communities; Spring Mountain Ski Ranch and  Lakeside Ski Village.  Spring Mountain Ski Ranch was established in 2005 with initial sales of the one acre lots between $250K – $385K.   After surviving the real estate down turn along with  recent improvements, SMSR  is a water ski community that has become a community that is attracting a lot of attention.

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Best residential boating lakes in Phoenix

Boating on Phoenix Residential Lakes

A common question I receive about waterfront property is,”Can I boat on the lake?”   Many waterfront owners want to use a pontoon boat or a kayak and enjoy boating from a dock in their backyard in the desert!  Some may not. A previous post discussed how to determine if a lake allows boating.  Now let’s take it a step further and  list the best residential lakes in Phoenix for boating.

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Gilbert Waterfront Homes & Lake Communities

 

The Islands Lake at SunsetGilbert Waterfront and Lake Communities

Gilbert Arizona continually ranks high as a preferred Phoenix suburb.  For those with an eye for waterfront homes, it also draws their attention since Gilbert has more lake communities than any other Phoenix city except Chandler.  Gilbert offers a range of waterfront opportunities that includes townhouses, single family dwellings, water ski and wake board property and lakes that allow pontoon boats and canoes.

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Does this Phoenix Residential Lake Allow Boating?

Pecos-Ranch-boating-in-waterfront-community-in-Chandler1-300x207

Determining if a Phoenix lake community allows boating

One of the most frequently asked questions I recieve is “Does this lake community allow boating?”  The second most frequent question is “How big is the lake?”  We’re going to answer both of these questions.  Previously, I’ve attempted to make a list of lakes where boating, kayaking, and canoeing are permitted and which lakes are larger and more conducive to boating.     I’m going to share some tools with you so that you can answer these questions.

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Waterfront lots and land for sale in Phoenix area – Gilbert, Chandler,

Waterfront land and lots in Phoenix

Sometimes a resale is just not what a waterfront home buyer is looking for. This leads to the question, “What waterfront lots are available?” There are two paths to go down.  Find a waterfront lot that allows a custom home or look for a newer lake community that still has lots available and find out  if the builder has any lakefront lots available to build one of their floor plans.

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Boating in Phoenix Lake Communities

Waterfront Homes and communities that allow boating

As with a search for any home, Phoenix area waterfront property buyers have their criteria that best describes their dream home.  When describing Phoenix real estate waterfront homes, there is an additional parameter that is often important; a lake that allows boats. Instead of going to a park, a waterfront home owner may decide to go “crusing” around the lake.   Some communities allow boats and some do not.  Most lake communities only allow pontoon boats that are powered by electric motors.  To enjoy a true motor boat ride you’ll have to choose from one of the six water ski communities in the valley.  Even if the community does allow boating, make sure and verify that the body of water to which you’ll have access is large enough for that occasional boat ride. For an updated post on this subject, go to  residential lake communities that allow boating.

Distressed Sales and Phoenix Water Ski Homes and Communities

2010 Phoenix Water Ski Community Sales

In any given month, distressed sales (foreclosures,short sales, or trustee sales) account for over 50%  of the total sales in most all of the Phoenix valley cities.   Ski lake properties have been somewhat insulated from this type of transaction,  but during 2010 distressed sales have increased in these unique waterfront communities.  Three of the Phoenix ski communities had no recorded sales of any kind in 2010.  All sales during the year ocurred in Gilbert ski lake communities; Crystal Point, Santan Lakeside and Playa del Rey Estates.  33% of those were distressed sales.

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Pricey Monthly HOA Fees

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.

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