Lake county >> Lake County is once again moving to sell Holiday Harbor in Nice, as well as the former Visitor Information Center in Lucerne.
The county is listing Holiday Harbor for $800,000, with a minimum bid of $650,000. The Visitor Center is priced at $365,000 and a minimum of $260,000. The county expects to open bidding on October 17.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said these properties will be completely appraised and the staff will have an accurate estimate later in the month, but they wanted to put a market value on the property now so it can be put out for sale with the estimated value.
“Selling public property is different than selling private property, and so what we have to do with public property is set a minimum bid and then establish a time frame while we are receiving bids,” Huchingson said.
Real Estate agency David Hughes and Associates will be responsible for marketing and selling the properties.
Hughes said when looking at county expectations, he reviewed past appraisals on the properties and estimated values to come up with the numbers.
“All we can do is get it comparable to as close as we can get it and then make adjustments,” Hughes said. “You take what’s out there and make adjustments. We do that with homes and other properties.”
Improvements, fluctuations in the average price of property per square foot and changes in appraisal values could cause adjustments on the offerings. The Visitor Center required roof repairs and an upgrade in appliances. However, it’s potential as both a business and living space adds to the value.
“I think the good thing is that it’s a good property and that somebody can live there and operate a business downstairs,” Hughes said.
District 3 Supervisor Jim Steele said he has gone through these properties and is impressed by the potential.
“I don’t think there’s any other property like it around there,” Steele said when talking about the Visitor Center. “I’m really in favor for pushing this forward and getting it back on the tax rolls. I think that’s what’s important here.”
There were some issues regarding Holiday Harbor that will be brought back to the Board of Supervisors for further review. Sale of the Visitor Center was approved and the county will begin the bid process.
The Visitor Center has been vacant since 2014. The county considered the sale of Holiday Harbor last year, as well.
