The Lakes Homes and Real Estate

The Lakes community is located just east of Summerlin between Sahara and Desert Inn straddling Fort Apache. A large man-made lake is surrounded by lush green parks and private homes. Fabulous homes are available as lake front property. Though custom homes are built in the area, many of the homes are sold at prices comparable with other areas of town. Real estate in the area holds a great value.

Residents enjoy volleyball, tennis, and other recreational activities. The lake is available to fish and boat. Gorgeous ponds and falls lining much of the waterfront provide habitat for water foul and other water life. The community is truly a unique setting. Many walk and jog the parks and cycle nearby pathways. Mature landscaping and trees give the area a fresh retreat from the standard city living...learn more about The Lakes community in Las Vegas...

Anthem Homes and Real Estate

On the South end of Las Vegas, East of the I-15 is the community of Anthem. It was originally developed by the Del Webb Corporation. It consists of more than 4,750 acres at the foothills of the Black Mountain Range in Henderson. It is a quiet community with great views of Las Vegas and the surrounding mountains.

Good health is the foundation of a great lifestyle. The various Anthem developments have communities designed for opportunities for residents to enjoy optimum living. Well designed neighborhoods and homes built by quality home builders promote comfort and accessibility.

Anthem invites residents with its breath-taking landscape and waterfalls...learn more about Anthem real estate...

Las Vegas as a Community

Las Vegas real estate has seen a huge increase in appreciation in recent years. New home values and resale home values alike have gained tremendously. Land prices have increased a great deal as well. So, many ask, "what is Las Vegas like as a community?" Many imagine The Strip as the way of the city. Many picture glitz, glamour, gaming, and excitement 24x7, 365 days a year. For some, that is true. The Las Vegas community provides residents with whatever they look for. If a resident wants constant excitement there is plenty of it. On the other hand, if one wants a strong job market they will find it. If they want a quiet neighborhood to live in there are many. Schools, shopping centers, business centers, motor speed ways, desert mountains, social clubs, churches (some reports have suggested there are more churches per capita in Las Vegas than any other city), martial arts centers, etc. In Las Vegas, if you want something, you can find it...more on the Las Vegas community...

Average Home Size to Shrink in Future

Home owners generally are shifting their preferences in housing styles according to a local news blog. The size of a home by squarefootage is at a peak and will likely decrease in the future. People want larger master bedrooms and less living room. Personally, I don't agree with that reason but the idea may grow on me. I see the master bedroom as a place for bedroom activities and a living room for company and other non-bedroom activities. I don't understand the mixing of the two living spaces. Anyway, personal preference...

The blog post claimed, "Although the size of the average home has been on the rise, to 2,495 last year from 1,500 square feet in 1973, consumers are beginning to choosse higher quality living spaces over additional square footage, according to Ahluwalia, who spoke at the recent International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla."

I can see where home affordability is strained by increasing fuel costs. Residents, whether owners or renters, feel those burdens and if trends remain on pace I can see the trend to downsize.

An aging population will also tend to downsize. They like less stairs and need fewer rooms usually.

The whole idea provokes thought for those of us who want a large house. Will it be as sellable in five years or a decade as it is today? Many people on the five year plan may factor that into the decision as they look to buy this up and coming house. The best appreciation of the future will be for houses where demand will remain consistent or increase. Personally, I am on the five year plan and will be looking for a house that will build value as much as possible.

Using Solar Power to Run a Home

In response to a post I wrote earlier today about local power cost woes I tried to get a little creative and briefly explored the possibilities of using some other power source than our standard community power company. The Nellis Air Force Base announced it would be building a huge solar facility on its grounds and would produce 30% of the needed power with those panels. So, what does it take to power a home with solar panels? I turned to the clever How Stuff Works for the answer: http://home.howstuffworks.com/question418.htm

Currently, a resident would have to remain in a home for quite some time to recouperate the costs. I imagine that in some future the costs will decrease and power companies will be paying us for pushing power back into their grid. I look forward to that day.

The Price of Power Plants for the Future

Nevada Power has announced an increase in power costs on account of new power plants designed to make generating power more efficient. These facilities are said to be more efficient than others in the region and provide substantial benefits to customers.

News 3 reports:

"Is another increase in your power rates on the horizon? A two percent increase is already on the boards for June, but on Monday Nevada Power was before the Public Utilities Commission asking for another 7.4 percent.

"These power plants are highly efficient...In other words, they burn fuel more efficiently than existing power plants either in our system or in the region..."

Sierra Pacific resources claims benefits come from more efficient plants. I am curious as to why more efficient plants cause benefits including raised rates. More efficient would suggest lower costs to create the power leading to lower rates to consumers. It seems the benefits may be in the fact we have cutting edge power generation technology and that will cause lower rate hikes in the future as inflation naturally drives up prices. For now, southern Nevada home owners be prepared for a potential increase.

ABC 13 suggested a few tips:

  • Make sure your thermostat is level and set between 78 and 80 degrees. It will save you as much as 10% on your bill.
  • Cover windows and keep drapes closed during the day.
  • Use fans with the air conditioner to help circulate the cool air.
  • Get all of your chores done during cooler times of the day.

As a side note, fuel prices seem to rise all around us. Gasoline prices have shot up nationally. Las Vegas gasoline is currently at around $2.83 per gallon.

Boulder City Homes, Real Estate, and Property

Boulder City real estate offers amazing access to stunning features of Southern Nevada. It is a quiet community tucked just over the mountains southeast of Las Vegas. It is a short drive from Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam to the east and from the Las Vegas Strip to the northwest.

Several mountain ranges (McCullough Range, Black Hills, River Mountains, Eldorado Mountains) surround the communities couched at the northern tip of the Eldorado Valley. Great views and outdoor activities are a short drive away.

Boulder City homes may be difficult to purchase. The city has imposed narrow growth regulations. Its residents enjoy strong housing values and controlled building...more on Boulder City...

Resale Sales Up; New Home Sales Down

Two nationwide reports were recently released with very interesting information. One said that new home sales were off for the second month in a row while the other claimed that resale home sales were up in February.

According to MSNBC, resale homes "rose in February by the largest amount in nearly three years."

"The National Association of Realtors reported Friday that sales of existing homes rose by 3.9 percent last month, pushed higher by a sharp increase in sales activity in the Northeast. It was the biggest increase since a similar increase in March 2004.

The increase pushed sales up to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.69 million units, still 3.6 percent lower than a year ago. Sales fell by 8.5 percent for all of last year as housing hit a sharp slowdown after setting sales records for five straight years."

In many areas, including Las Vegas, resale inventories have continued to rise to record numbers. An increase in resale activity is welcome after months of slowdown.

On the other hand, new home sales are reported to be down for a second month. MSNBC writes, "Sales of new homes fell sharply for a second consecutive month in February...

"The Commerce Department reported Monday that sales of new single-family homes fell by 3.9 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 848,000, the slowest sales pace in nearly seven years. All regions of the country except the West experienced weakness last month.

The February decline followed an even larger 15.8 percent drop in sales in January, which had been the largest one-month plunge in 13 years. The back-to-back declines provided evidence that the housing market is continuing to struggle with lagging demand and a glut of unsold homes."

New homes sales are off which is what we have been told by several previous reports. Builders expect a flat year for 2007. That should signal to buyers and investors to keep their eyes out for great deals. It's often a good idea to buy when everyone else is selling.

Las Vegas Flight Patterns

It seems every few years a debate arises about the McCarran airport flight patterns. Recently that debate was sparked once again when the flight patterns were altered to pass over many communities across the valley. News channels covered the story posing the question as to whether or not the changes in the patterns affected real estate in Las Vegas. Several home owners and real estate agents were interviewed. Some claimed there would be a direct impact on home values while other suggested that there would be little if any impact.

Mayor Goodman among others oppose the change in flight patterns considerably. Some have created web sites to combat the changes.

Time will tell if any real affects will occur due to the changes. If history is any indicator changes are likely to occur in the future.

Mountains Edge Homes and Real Estate

Mountains Edge is located in the preserved desert landscape of southwest Las Vegas. The nearly 3000 acre development has been built to retain the natural atmosphere early settlers may have encountered when entering the valley. Some 12,000 homes are to be built through 2010 giving residence to over 30,000 people.

Many builders are involved in the master planned community. Over 500 acres have been dedicated to parks, trails, and open space. The "signature feature" of Mountains Edge is Exploration Peak, which is located at the community's entrance and Exploration Park located at the mountain's base. The lush desert landscaping provides a stong visual impact as it conserves the desert's most important resource: water...read more about Mountain's Edge and other communities...

Henderson Homes, Real Estate, and Property

At one time Henderson was its own community. With the rapid growth of Las Vegas real estate it has become part of the burgeoning city. Residents can find mature, settled neighborhoods or brand new housing. Comfortable well established communities and exciting contemporary new developments offer home buyers many options.

Amenities surround all parts of the Henderson area. From great views to easy access to The Strip and Lake Mead Henderson home owners can participate in just about any activity Vegas has to offer within a short drive.

The Green Valley community is located in the Henderson area on the southeast of Las Vegas. It is more than 8,000 acres of master- planned neighborhoods. Along with other communities located in Henderson, it has golf facilities, trails, and many other great amenities.

Housing values have increased in Henderson similar to those of Las Vegas real estate. Properties have been in great demand as home buyers seek out the popular homes and neighborhoods.

If you would like to see if Henderson is right for you contact an agent to give you a tour or provide more information on values, appreciation, and availability.

Rhodes Ranch Homes and Real Estate

Residents entering the gate at Rhodes Ranch find a tropical paradise away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. Rhodes Ranch, spreading more than 1,500 acres, is located in southwest Las Vegas. At the heart of the community is a beautiful golf course, with more than 6,900 yards of play. A wide variety of homes surround the course and its luxurious club house.

Real estate in several neighborhoods with a variety of home styles, some of which are custom built, are available to residents. Waterfalls, tropical palms, and golf greens contrast the natural desert landscape. In addition to the fabulous amenities the development is guard gated providing another level of comfort. It truly seems an oasis in the desert...learn more about Rhodes Ranch...

Aliante Homes and Real Estate

Located at the North end of Las Vegas, beyond the older "North Las Vegas" area, Aliante has access to some of the finest Las Vegas amenities. Occupying some 1,900 square-acres Aliante was designed around a dual-section plan that situates a traditional, family community along an age-restricted retirement village. These new developments provide a wide selection of housing options. The acreage encompasses an 18-hole golf course, city parks, a natural stream system and an extensive trail system that allows residents to move efficiently about the community. Beautiful mountains surround the area providing great views. Access to major valley road ways facilitates travel...read more about Aliante real estate and community information...

Las Vegas Luxury Living Communities

Las Vegas real estate has been at an all time premium. Las Vegas as a city has entered into a "Manhattanization" period and amazing luxury communities have become available. Exclusive homes available to those who just can't live without the best are for sale by builders and by relocating home owners. Large spreads near lakes, golf courses, horse property, mountains, and the famous Las Vegas Strip offer majestic, exciting scenic views.

Large, well-designed homes offer many rooms with many functions. Master suites are complete with designer bathrooms, closets, and entertainment areas. Exquisite flooring, lighting, technology, and design set many of these homes apart as unique residences. Some homes feature large waterfalls, entertainment rooms, exercise facilities, large garages and work spaces, formal dining and living areas, huge backyards with swimming pools and wet bars, pristine landscaping, substantial acreage, wine cellars and rooms, technology rooms, movie theaters, streams, indoor pools, putting greens...please continue - Luxury Las Vegas Living...

West Nile in Las Vegas

A Las Vegas news channel ran a short segment on the beginning of the bug season. They suggested that the West Nile Virus could be minimized in Las Vegas if real estate owners and residents treated their swimming pools and any other standing water. They claimed that it only takes a cup of water for a mosquito to breed. Several cases of west nile were reported last year which prompted the announcement. They recommended removing standing areas of water or contacting a professional to learn how to treat the water so mosquitos don't get a chance to breed.

Las Vegas City Descriptions

The Greater Las Vegas Valley is comprised of multiple cities. Each has its own set of distinct communities and amenities. They each are governed by a local body unless they are unincorporated, in which case they are governed by Clark County. Three primary cities fill the Las Vegas Valley. Boulder City, as well as some other smaller unincorporated communities, are often grouped in as "Las Vegas".

Las Vegas cities typically have a similar feel and culture. However, there are differences in each that provide residents with choices according to their housing and community preferences. Each city has its communities away from The Strip and each has communities with relatively quick access to The Strip. Each city has amenities like parks, golf courses, shopping centers, business parks, schools, and recreational facilities to enhance your standard of living.

Some of the community laws differ from city to city. Some deal with gaming differently than Las Vegas proper. Each has its own governing body and it is important to look into each as you prepare to move to the valley.

Real estate in Las Vegas cities has increased in value a great deal in recent years. Appreciation amounts in these cities have varied and future growth and appreciation will be affected by city planning and current trends. Contact a real estate agent to find out more about the cities in the Las Vegas valley and surrounding area.

The Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip, located on Las Vegas Boulevard, is not only a land mark for Las Vegas and Nevada, it is a global landmark. Over 30 million people per year visit Las Vegas. Most visitors will end up on The Strip to tour the casinos, gamble, catch a show, attend a convention, etc. Las Vegas hosts more than 124,000 hotel rooms of which most are on The Strip. Nine out of ten of the largest hotels in the world are located there.

In the early 1930s the first casino was licensed. Today, gaming revenue exceeds $9 billion annually for more than 1700 licensed places to gamble. Some 87% of all visitors will gamble during their stay.

The McCarran airport is located just off of the south end of The Strip. It handles an average 850 flights per day to transport 2.4 million visitors per month.

The Las Vegas Strip is known for its excitement, glamour, lights, shows...more about The Las Vegas Strip...

Las Vegas Stardust Casino Imploded

The everchanging Las Vegas skyline saw one of its landmarks tumble last night as the Stardust Casino and resort was imploded. It stood tall for some 48 years and was brought down in only seconds. The destruction followed a fireworks show along with a countdown.

Traditionally, casinos have aged and become unneeded leaving the valuable Las Vegas real estate for larger, more modern projects. Boyd Gaming's $4.4 billion megaresort complex, Echelon will replace it with some 5000 hotel rooms among other uses.

Las Vegas: always something bigger and better!

Major Las Vegas Streets and Roadways

Las Vegas streets and roadways have expanded to handle a large amount of traffic due to recent city growth and real estate purchases as home builders continue to develop great communities. Though some areas have their high-traffic times much of the Las Vegas road system handles traffic efficiently and commuters are able to quickly move about.

View a list of many of the Las Vegas roadways you will hear about when you move to the valley.

Man Saws House in Two

I found this new article to be hilarious! In a divorce a man measured his house, pulls out the chainsaw and goes to work. He cut it in two and hauled off his portion.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17545638/

The tag line fits suitably: "We can only hope there are no kids or pets".

Oddly enough I'm sure we can think of other situations where this might apply when things go south. I guess it's the "cut your losses" mentality.

Central Las Vegas Communities

Central Las Vegas Communities are at the core of the Las Vegas valley. Many of the homes and estates carry a great deal of Las Vegas History. Communities at the center of town tend to be more well established. Yards tend to be larger and the houses themselves tend to be more unique. Some have siding, brick, rock and varied types of roofing whereas contemporary houses are primarily stucco and tile.

Home buyers can find central Las Vegas real estate in many price ranges with many styles and sizes. Single family, condo/town house, apartment residences are commonly available for sale.
Some Las Vegas housing is located near casinos and hotels as well as business parks and
shopping centers. Some communities are more tucked away and exclusive...read more on central Las Vegas communities...

South West Las Vegas Communities

South West Las Vegas Communities are part of a strong developmental movement of new homes. For decades the area has been barren desert with an occasional home. Now, it is a thriving location for Las Vegas residents looking for a comfortable way of life. Communities like Rhodes Ranch and the expansive Mountains Edge master planned community offer home buyers a great variety of housing options. Styles, prices, and amenities vary considerably from community to community.

Hundreds of new homes are popping up in skillfully crafted neighborhoods. Trees and vegetation are imported turning the desert into an oasis. Some of the larger communities surround golf courses and some have access to community swimming pools and other recreational facilities...continue south west Las Vegas communities article...

West Las Vegas Communities

West Las Vegas Communities are typically synonymous with quality and comfort. Many people who relocate to Las Vegas are familiar with Summerlin, the most well renown master-planned community in the valley. Clients frequently request properties in Summerlin when they begin their real estate search. Many other high-quality and high end homes surround Summerlin in communities designed for comfort and function. The west side of Las Vegas is a great place to live and call home.

The west side of the Las Vegas valley boasts some of the best views. Panoramic vistas of the Strip to the east and Redrock and surrounding mountains are breathtaking from many homes. Building requirements by some of the associations preserve these views because they require building size restrictions. When the Redrock Casino was recently built the developers were instructed to keep it to a minimal number of stories an color it according to the association's approved pallets so the maximum number of great views of the valley could be preserved.

Read more about West Las Vegas...

National Housing for 2007 looks Bleak - Buyers listening?

D. R. Horton, the nations largest home builder said the 2007 home selling year looks bleak. The CEO Donald J. Tomnitz says the outlook "sucks" when referring to the current year. 2008 shows promise but new home builders continue to give discounts and incentives to drive sales of large inventories.

The silver lining then? Buyers should be eating this information up. What a great time to buy a home and take advantage of the great opportunity to negotiate a great price and get great incentives.

Real estate agents come across as heros when helping a client purchase a house at a discount from previous years knowing that a year from now builders see a light at the end of the tunnel.

South Las Vegas Communities

South Las Vegas Communities have been growing and expanding in recent years. Many new homes and real estate developments have popped up reforming the landscape of the south end of the valley. Thousands of houses in dozens of Las Vegas communities contribute to the great Las Vegas culture.

The I-15 dissects South Las Vegas as it leaves town toward California. Some residents who have family in California and enjoy the Las Vegas lifestyle live on the south end to cut down on travel time when making out of town visits. Casinos, hotels, and storefronts are popping up all along the I-15 in lieu of the popularity of the area as travelers come and go.

Huge master-planned communities have been built over the past couple of decades.
Las Vegas master-planned communities are developments that are coordinated with city planners well before any construction takes place...continue reading about South Las Vegas Communities...

South East Las Vegas Communities

South East Las Vegas Communities are known for their great access to many of the city's well-known amenities. Residents are typically a few miles from the strip. They are the closest of any to Lake Mead. They have quick access to the McCarran Airport. Many business centers are located on that end of the valley as well as station casinos.

The South East Las Vegas area is comprised of the southeastern corner of Las Vegas, Henderson, and Green Valley. We include Boulder City even though it is over the hill from the valley. Many of the homes in these areas are newer...continue to read about South East Las Vegas...

Las Vegas Market Watch (2007 February Month End)

The Las Vegas real estate market remains resilient even after so much talk of a national market slowdown. Buyers continue to move to the valley and sellers are selling their homes. Prices are steady and new home builders are calm.

Las Vegas Listings
After dropping several hundred listings (
view chart) in the months of November and December sellers have begun to list more homes as expected in January and February. Only in this first week of March have the listings leveled off since the first of the year.

Las Vegas Market Strength
The average days on market for homes has increased. Compared with a leveled out median home price the market appears soft. Compared to many areas of the united states, however, Las Vegas' market has not decreased below normal national levels.

Las Vegas Resale Homes Sold
January and February of this year have shown a decrease in the number of resale homes traditional with the selling season. The winter months of the year normally prove to sell fewer homes and this year even fewer homes have sold compared to recent years. However, compared to normal years previous to the boom, homes sold is at a fairly normal pace.

Las Vegas Median Prices
Homes, including single family, condos, and town houses, have remained very stable throughout the year of 2006 and remain leveled off at around $290,000-295,000 for the median home. Removing condos and townhomes shows the same trend at around $320,000.

Las Vegas Real Estate Market Watch Conclusion
Las Vegas is resilient. Great jobs, entertainment, and business keep the market strong. People continue to come to the valley to live and that trend is expected to continue for many years. Now is the time to buy. The market is not going to decrease much further if any at all so the only direction is up.

Author: Las Vegas real estate agent: Darren Hildreth, Realtor®Also Posted On: http://lasvegasrealestatenews.blogspot.com/

East Las Vegas Communities

East Las Vegas Communities are some of the most well established neighborhoods in the valley. The mountains on the eastern rim of the city overlook the strip and many of the residential areas. These areas boast a great deal of the cities history. Amazing spreads sit on hill sides and unique properties dot the landscape.

Some of the best views of the strip and the valley are found on the East side of town. The mountains are closer to the lights of the casinos and businesses than any others and those mountains are steeper creating a bleacher view instead of the steadily climbing theater view of the west and south. The LDS temple is perched on one of the highest streets on the east. At that level residents in the east share a spectacular Las Vegas view...more on East Las Vegas...

North East Las Vegas Communities

North Eastern Las Vegas Communities have a large mix of different types of housing. From affordable mobile homes and houses to high end mansions on the mountain side home buyers can select from the wide range. Some of the views of the strip are the best there are in the valley.

The area is near Nellis Air Force Base so military personnel will often set up stakes close by. Many jobs of industry are also located there so people find the housing that fits their needs and wants. People of many walks of life will build or buy homes in north east Las Vegas.

North east Las Vegas is a little distance from the strip. A drive of a few miles down the I-15 or surface streets puts a northeastern resident on the strip yet it is far enough away to avoid all of the excitement if desired. Some of the neighborhoods are older, well established, and mature while others are brand new and still growing. Open lots are available for investors or custom home builders. Land has is at premium so investors have done well and will continue to do well with wise investing in the area...read more about North East Las Vegas...

North West Las Vegas Communities

North West Las Vegas Communities are known for their quality and great locations. From Cheyenne, just north of Summerlin, to the north and from the I-95 to the west is generally considered north west Las Vegas. Many claim that it has the Summerlin feel without the Summerlin prices.

Communities like Iron Mountain Ranch or El Capitan Ranch offer very comfortable living. In fact, residents enjoy just about every style and price range of housing found in the valley. From starter homes to elaborate custom homes people can find what they want. The north west is one area where a lot of custom building is still happening. Huge homes spread over considerable acreage have been around for years as neighboring homes are being built. Many homes in Las Vegas look alike in style and feel but certain parts of the north west display new unique homes. Some of the communities are designed in conformity for those who enjoy the traditional neighborhood feel. Some of the newest communities developed in the valley can be found as ground is broken daily.

Many people decide to live in north west
Las Vegas because...read more about North West Las Vegas Communities...