Guide helps fulltimers decide on an RV homebase

For anyone considering the fulltime RV lifestyle, a state to establish a home base can be vitally important. For these RVers, the new 2008 guide "Selecting An RV Home Base" from the editors of Trailer Life and Motorhome magazines is a "must-have" planning tool for selecting a state to call "home." Among the most important issues for RVers are taxes and RV fees. Which states have the best income tax advantages? Which states offer the best rates on RV registration? The fact is, picking the wrong state to establish an official residence could result in spending thousands of dollars a year that could be saved by establishing a home base elsewhere. And just how does a full-time RVer establish an official residency? Is it enough to simply rent a post office box? Probably not. In this annual guide you will learn: financial liability by state, Federal taxes for fulltime RVers, state retirement exemptions, tax advantages of each state, vehicle licensing registration specifics, voting rules and requirements. This is a little book but the information is valuable and almost impossible to find elsewhere without countless hours of research. The book can be ordered at RVbookstore.com.

Looking for a Southwest Fulltiming Base? Watch the Market

Some fulltimers or fulltime wannabes feel more comfortable having a "fall back" position: A piece of property or another home where, if and when they need to, they can go and get off the road. Many snowbirds and fulltimers have found the desert southwest an ideal place for their home base.

We've watched the prices of land and homes in Arizona skyrocket over the last few years, but it seems that 'the fat lady has sung.' A real estate agent friend in Lake Havasu City tells us that the market has definitely taken a hit--many real estate sales folks are taking on second jobs to support themselves while the market holds its breath.

We have to agree with many that greed got the better of the market. People bought properties, many holding them only for a short time, then put them back up on the market looking for huge profits. For a while, it worked. But the whole game has come to a screeching halt. In Quartzsite, Arizona, we've watched real estate signs go up all over town--and stay up--until the desert sun has faded the lettering, or disgusted owners have simply taken them down.

What do the pundits say? Real estate insiders tell us that if you're thinking about buying southwest property, hold onto your cash for a while. They don't look to see things turn around until the presidential election. Meantime, like the Burma Shave advertising representatives used to say, "A minute of your patience," "A moment of your time," "Pardon me buddy," "But can you spare a dime?" Roll up those Versachi shirt sleeves fellas, washing dishes ain't good on real estate salesmen's cuffs.