Is the Sky Really Falling? or are Journalists Simply Trying to Get Published?

It's been fun to watch the news recently regarding the real estate market, among other topics and then contrast what I see with blog posts on AR. Something doesn't add up. Journalists seem to be crying, "the sky is falling" while agents express that we are simply returning to a normal healthy market. Sure, inventories have climbed, prices are settling some, and buyers are skittish, but only a bit. Recent news coverage has likely done more for any slowing of the market than any other factors.

"We're on a bubble - watch out, it's gonna burst!" The headline: On housing front, it's beginning to get ugly and Weakest home sales since '03 hit valuesI think many agents are experiencing a slow down from recent red hot years. Does that mean a bubble will or has burst? In fact, if there wasn't so much negative spin in the news arena wouldn't the market likely chug along at a more healthy rate.

"The sub-prime loan market has gone to pot - run for cover!" The headline: Housing advocates warn of default ‘tsunami'The reality: "So the most serious damage is confined to a fraction of a sliver of the overall mortgage market. Christopher L. Cagan, chief economist at Santa Ana, Calif.-based First American CoreLogic, projects mortgage defaults of about $300 billion through 2010, just a flea on the nation's $10 trillion housing elephant. And about two-thirds of the losses will be recovered when lenders repossess homes." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17692498/ Sure, some people lost their shorts because they didn't protect their business but those issues happen all the time when businesses make unsavvy decisions. And, much of what is lost will be recovered. Why does the press feel the need to magnify the sub-prime issue? to get a story run? Address the issue, fine, but tsunami?!?!

"Inventories at an all time high - to the bomb shelter everyone!" Who hasn't seen the headlines?

"Buyers are few and far between - dig in and wait it out!" ...and more headlines...

I don't mean to take lightly some of the events affecting what is going on in the market along with interest rates changes. We have seen an adjustment - common to any market. The stock market oscillates, the money market oscillates, the price of gasoline/oil does (check out the oscillations in Las Vegas gasoline prices (see bottom graph) - bet we see a down turn soon), and so does the price on a heifer. And then, we get titles like these: How much higher can stocks go? that cause a little fear and people start reacting. Of course there are fewer home buyers than months ago. They are scared to death every time they open the newspaper.

A recent article in our local news paper showed the title: "COMMUNITY BANKS: Bad-loan percentages climb - Housing-market downturn linked to rising count of past-due lendings." Later, in the same article the content: "So far, net loan losses remained too small to measure, the FDIC said. "We're coming off a historic low (for bad loans)," Jamison of Community Bank said. Therefore, he said, any uptick looks bad."

What!?!? So, what is the big deal? People are scared out of their britches over something that is "too small to measure"? Sounds like there is barely a story there.

An interesting side to this journalism manipulation is that wise investors are in tune with the news before it is released. An investor recently mentioned how he made considerable amounts of money in the stock market. He focused primarily on the activities of large funds who, for a large part, control the oscillations of the stock market. He watches for their trends and makes his move just before the upswing or downswing in the market (it takes time for these huge funds to make the transactions). These huge funds can create news at the right time and they make their money on the reactions of emotional investors. They buy low and then the news is released about how much stock a group bought so investors (in this case, driven by greed) want in on this "great stock". Buyers buy and the wave rises and the fund manager makes his money. Near the top of the trend, the fund manager sells a ton of shares. Investors (driven by fear) now sell like crazy. The fund manager already had his stock sold (likely for a profit). The stock trends into the trough and the manager repeats the process.

Obviously, there is a lot more detail to this stock market process but the point is that the news about a purchase or sale creates the waves. Participants move on greed or fear and the wise make the dough.

News affects the housing market greatly too. Journalists put their spin on their story and cause emotion. In recent history, I feel the negative press about our industry has been more exaggerated than reality would show. I'm glad every time I make a post to AR about some positive market event to see others support the idea with their comments. And, when I make a negative post about the market I get, "Uh, the sky isn't falling" from several commenters.

I am also finding that the authors on AR blogs can make a stir in the market. I think we can be responsible journalists in presenting a realistic view of the market while we help ourselves and our clients by also presenting the positives. Journalists who must await approval from an editor before a story gets published don't have the freedom to publish as we do in a huge network that draws so much traffic. With the ease of internet publishing it will be interesting to see where people get their news in the future, from thousands of realistic/positive real estate professionals or from newspaper journalists trying to get published writing whatever stirs the pot.

Happy blogging!

New Home Builder: Astoria Homes in Las Vegas

Astoria Homes seeks to understand the home buyer and owner. They claim to provide attainable homes in the most desired locations. They offer prices below the typical sales price in the best parts of town.

They tout the ability to maximize living area by getting the most square footage out of every room. The trim expenses by building with energy smart materials and methods. Their appliances and materials are top-of-the-line and quality rich. They hire qualified teams for design and construction. They offer a 10-year warranty on their craftsmanship.

They have a design center where buyers can choose features, options, and upgrades. Astoria strives to tailor a home to the new owner.

As a builder they focus on a great community with great amenities. Some include swimming pools, parks, ball courts, etc.

From great designs to financing options to great customer care Astoria offers some great housing benefits. Ask an agent in Las Vegas to help you get started.

Listing a Las Vegas Home

The number of home listings in Las Vegas has continued to grow since the beginning of the year. More and more homes have been put on the market. Local authorities in the valley suggest this increase will create a new norm. Expect the current number of homes to remain steady. Many believe this 6-7 months of inventory still represents a very healthy market. Steady prices support that theory.

So, what is a listing? Getting back to basics for all potential sellers, a listing is a contract. A home seller agrees to allow a brokerage (and respective agent) to market a home to find a buyer for it. The seller may pay the representing broker/agent in a number of ways. A common method of payment is to pay a percentage once the home has successfully sold and escrow has closed meaning there is a new owner of the home. The contract between seller and brokerage has a period of time associated with it. This period gives the brokerage a fair time to put a marketing program in place. They will spend money out of pocket to provide exposure. They provide professional services and knowledge that helps to protect a seller during the process.

In Las Vegas, it is common to find an agent who specializes in listing properties. Working with a team will usually provide a seller with a handful of professionals whose collective experience will make the process smoother, with less hiccups.

In a market with a growing number of homes for sale, it is important to choose agents who will help price the home correctly and take care of all of the details involved.

Jamie Foxx Buys Big in Thousand Oaks

I enjoy watching the purchase of large real estate. Jamie Foxx reportedly purchased a $10.5 million home in Thousand Oaks. The Hidden Valley purchase felt "right".

The home is located on 40 acres, has 10 bd, 12 ba, a library, and a whole slew of other rooms.

Purchases like this shed light on the recently reported "slow market." There are still many purchases happening in luxury homes, especially in Las Vegas. Those who can afford the highend homes are not as fearful of the downturn.

Las Vegas Interest Rates Run Up

In the middle of all of the loan program issues the Las Vegas interest rates jumped up considerably.

The RJ reports:

"The benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rose 10 basis points to 6.42
percent, a Bankrate.com national survey of large lenders found. A basis point is
one-hundredth of 1 percentage point.

The 30-year rate hasn't been this high since the last week of January, when
it was 6.42 percent."

There are few predictions whether or not rates will continue to rise or drop. Enough factors have been shaken up recently to have a good gauge. We'll continue to watch the rate trends to see where they go.

Teachers Seek Best Options in Las Vegas Housing Market

Important as teachers are their pay seems not to match up with the standard of living in the Las Vegas Valley. Teachers have to get creative when finding financing that makes sense for them.

Married teachers often find both spouses in the work place. Single teachers will find roommates to split the costs to own a home. We worked with one teacher who just made it part of her plan to consistently share her home with a renting roommate. One young man actually made a profit on his home by renting out to 4 others. The house was large enough to cater to a larger group.

Some teachers will buy only what they need and find they can afford it. Some consider condos while others look for rehab projects as investments. Over a summer they will fix up the home and roll the equity into the next house they buy.

There are options out there. It just takes finding the right one. A Las Vegas Realtor® can help a lot to sort through the posibilities.

About Nevada: State Bird, State Tree, State Flower

Information about Nevada


State Bird
The Nevada State Bird is the Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides). It was selected in a 1967 session of the legislature.
NRS 235.060



State Flower
The Sagebrush (Artemisia tridenta), an enduring plant occupying vast areas of the Great Basin serves as Nevada’s official state flower and emblem. It was adopted March 17, 1917.
NRS 235.050



State Tree
Both the Single-Leaf Piñon and the Bristlecone Pine share the state tree title.
NRS 235.040

Las Vegas Lenders

Part of being qualified to purchase Las Vegas real estate or sell to someone who is qualified is to make sure you (they) can pay for the property. Most Las Vegas buyers will be leveraging their finances by securing a loan to finance the purchase. Finding the right Las Vegas lender is an absolute must or your transaction is at great risk.

If there is one part of a real estate transaction that can get sticky and eventually kill a deal it is the financing. It is easy to find a home. The right agent will help you negotiate the terms. However, it is not as easy to line up the funds. It would shock many people to learn how often a transaction falls apart because the lender or person securing the financing could not get his/her job done.

Without question make sure your lender can perform and fulfill the commitment to get a great loan for your situation. Fees for a great lender will depend on your credit, how well you know the lender, etc. You will likely pay 2-3% of the overall sales price to acquire the loan.

It is a great idea to find a lender you like and get pre-qualified before looking for a property. If your real estate agent is savvy he/she will require you to be pre-qualified before beginning the search. A great seller's agent will also investigate the buyers qualification when an offer is made.

Las Vegas financing Information

Contact us so we can refer a great Las Vegas lender to you.

Update: Trump Tower One

The New Trump Tower luxury condo-hotel is one step closer to completion. Trump and his new Apprentice winner were in town as they hoisted the American flag to the top, which topped off tower 1.

The tower is 64 stories tall, the largest residential building in Nevada. The building is scheduled for completion for 2008.

There are several high rise projects going up in Las Vegas. Trump expressed the risks involved in today's market. Surprisingly, Trump and multiple of the other projects have had units sell at decent rates. As the buildings draw near completion it will be exciting to watch the units close escrow.

One thing for investors to consider: there will be many units on the market at the time of close so selling as soon as possible may not bring an initial profit. Plan to hold the units for some time. Get in touch with a Las Vegas Realtor who knows the market before jumping in.

New Home Builder: Pardee Homes in Las Vegas

Pardee Homes is proud of the many awards they have won. They claim to be America's best builder. They tout beautiful design, quality construction, fair business practices, among other qualities. Headquartered in Los Angeles Pardee has several offices located throughout the southwestern portion of the country.

J.D. Powers and Associates ranks them toward the top in customer satisfaction and service. They are environmentally sensitive and energy conscious. They prove a home can be smart, comfortable, and good looking.

Pardee understands that improving community is important. They participate philanthropically in many ways. They have built a strong, generous culture.

Las Vegas Realtors® can help you find a great new Pardee Home.

Home Improvement: Kitchen Cabinets

Older homes tend to need a facelift and other improvements, especially in some of the high traffic areas. One place we notice often has needs of a touch up especially when preparing to sell a home: kitchen cabinets.

New kitchen cabinets can be expensive so we sought out tips on resurfacing existing cabinets and doors. We found a couple of articles with tips and advice on what to do to repair/improve the old surfaces preparing for a home sale:

It seems there is quite abit of effort that goes into restaining cabinets but the sweat equity can pay off.

Home Seller Incentives: Danger?

Business Week recently ran an article about the dangers of selling a home and offering incentives. The article suggests that selling a home while maintaining high prices and offering incentives masks the true story about the current housing market.

New home builders commonly sell homes in a troubled market with huge incentives to keep the appraisals high. In the Las Vegas market a well known company got itself in trouble with recent buyers when it dropped the prices on its homes overnight. Buyers who had just closed and those in contract bought at one price and the next day new buyers were paying $20-30k less for the same home. It put a black mark on the company for months.

As agents we have seen homes sell with cars included, furniture packages, and all sorts of closing cost options. Some sellers are desperate and need to unload their home. To many potential buyers the incentives of less cash out of pocket is appealing.

The danger may lie in the fact that buyers and sellers don't have a real view on the market. Homes are really selling for less even though the prices don't reflect the margin. Other than the potential misinformation there are clients getting some great deals on some great homes. Pays to know the market and negotiate for a great position.

New Home Builder: Beazer Homes in Las Vegas

Beazer Homes is in some 40 markets across the US. They are listed in the NYSE and consistently rank as one of the top ten single family home builders. They hire local professionals to serve as experts in the particular market and they are backed by a nationwide company with financial strength.

Beazer also provides mortgage options as well as title and insurance. Their goal is to make home purchase as pleasant as possible.

Beazer believes homes should be more than just a home. Many owners use them as offices, gyms, spas, etc. They design their homes with experts to enhance comfort and function.

Own Your Home Sooner

There are several ways to pay off a mortgage sooner than scheduled to become the actual home owner. One is simply paying more toward the principle each month. Another is to make an extra payment per month or quarter.

Our local news reported on another way to pay down the principle. They suggest using the debt as the checking account instead of a standard checking account. They concluded there are 3 things that must be in order for it to work:
  • You have to get control of your finances. It only works if you have more money coming in than going out.
  • You need to carefully track what you're spending your money on and when those payments are due.
  • You have to qualify for a home equity line of credit.

Las Vegas Real Estate Brokers

By Definition, a Las Vegas real estate broker is "any person, copartnership, association or corporation who, for a compensation or valuable consideration, sells or offers for sale, buys or offers to buy, or negotiates the purchase, sale, or exchange of real estate, or who leases or offers to lease or rents or offers for rent any real estate or the improvements thereon for others. Such a broker must secure a state license. For a license to be issued to a firm, it is usually required that all active partners and officers must be licensed real estate brokers."

Simply put, a broker is licensed to help you buy, sell, or rent real estate. Often a broker may own a company but have agents and a staff to sell and coordinate transactions. Agents work on behalf of the broker and become the "face" of the brokerage.

Hiring the right Las Vegas broker to help buy or sell your property is very important. They will be responsible to help negotiate the terms and price with the other party, represent you in the transaction, coordinate all of the moving parts, and help protect you legally. It is wise to find someone you trust or someone who comes referred. Find time to interview them and then remain committed to them so you don't hop from broker to broker.

Brokers are held to a high standard in the Las Vegas valley. If they are associated with the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors (GLVAR) then they have guidelines and a code of ethics to adhere to. A great broker will save you time, effort, and money in the long run.

New Home Builder: D.R. Horton in Las Vegas

D.R Horton is dedicated to building quality homes throughout the country. Flexible designs, affordable pricing and high feature standards are character of this Las Vegas builder. Homes are typically priced under $1,000,000.

D.R. Horton builds homes designed by award winning architects. They build thousands of homes per years. Great customer service creates return and referral business.

D.R. Horton was established as a family business. Since, it has successfully grown into several markets. It is now listed on the NYSE and is very financially sound.

Upsizing Las Vegas Real Estate

Moving up is exciting. New family additions or higher income usually accompany a move to a larger Las Vegas home. It is important to determine what you want. Let us help you narrow down your needs. You will want a smooth transition from one Las Vegas home to the next. Ask yourself questions about privacy, where family members will go, how close you need to be to schools, work, parks, etc. Upgrading to a new home means your budget will likely change. Go through your finances to get all straightened out.

Build Your Real Estate Team
Your Las Vegas real estate team should consist of several different professionals depending on your needs. It is critical that you have a qualified team who is experienced and astute at negotiations. You will want someone on your side to help guide and council you throughout the process. Start with a quality Las Vegas real estate agent. Make sure he/she is a Realtor®. A good agent will have connections with the right people to build your team.

Determine how large you need to go versus how large you want to go. Certain communities have great options because you get more house for your money.

Las Vegas Real Estate Landscapers

A Las Vegas landscaper is the guy (or gal) who takes care of the repairs and maintenance on your property grounds. From lawn mowing to hedge trimming, from rock delivery to lighting you want the right licensed landscaper to do the work.

Find someone who is a licensed contractor or subcontractor. Make sure they are bonded and insured. Ask them their fees upfront and request a formal bid for the work to be done. Remember, they have a license so make sure they remain honest and do the work to a professional grade. A good landscaper will be busy but will be able to get to your needs in a timely manner.

Fees for a good Las Vegas landscaper will vary. You may pay anywhere from $10-60 per hour. Likely you will be looking at $15-30 per hour. It all depends on the demand for the landscaper's time, how soon you need the work done, and the type of job to be accomplished.
Your local real estate agent can refer a great Las Vegas landscaper to you.

Las Vegas Short Sales

A short sale is when a seller convinces their lender to let them sell the home for less than they owe. Say they owe $200,000 and the bank lets them sell it for $180,000. They have sold it for $20,000 short of what they owe.

Selling short may allow a seller to avoid foreclosure or just get out of a really tough situation. The process is typically longer than the normal home sale. Agents will negotiate with the lender(s). The lender has to approve the fact they will loose the money owed them.

Buyers must be patient during the process. The stronger their position is the easier it is for the bank to make a decision. A bank makes a decsion to let a property go short because they realize it will already cost them money to resell the property if they have to foreclose. A buyer's strong position ensures them they will not have to lose more money if the deal falls out.

Short sale opportunities come up all the time. Currently, banks are a little more strict because they want sellers to reflect a foreclosure on their record since they have to take a loss on so many properties. Many factors go into determining whether or not a bank will approve the sale. Contact your agent today to see if the short sale market is for you.

New Home Builder: KB Home in Las Vegas

KB Home has been around for over 50 years. They consider themselves a premier home builder focused on innovation, quality and customer service. They strive to provide a great home buying experience for new home buyers.

Countrywide KB Home Loans is the KB Home financial option. They offer competitive financing and program options. They are one of several financing programs to consider.

KB Home is a national company. They are listed in the NYSE as a Forturne 500 company. They are stable and entrenched. Many of their executives have been around for years and have a grasp on the real estate market and the company's role in it.

In Las Vegas KB Homes is well known. They have several communities. Many of their homes are affordable. However, they also offer higher end options. Have your real estate agent show you through a KB Home today.

Las Vegas New Frontier Hotel Casino to Be Sold

The New Frontier Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV will be sold and demolished to make way for a new condo hotel project on the Las Vegas Strip.

The owner of the Plaza hotel in New York is making the purchase for $1.2 billion claiming it to be buying one of the last great parcels on the Strip. His new development is estimated to cost $5 billion and projected to open in 2011.

Las Vegas real estate remains in demand. Builders are looking toward the skyline during this Manhattanization phase of down town. Indications, like this purchase and others similar, show the Las Vegas market to be strong. There is a bright outlook on the future for Las Vegas propery.

Organize that Home Office

While bumping around on howstuffworks.com I saw an article that might be useful to anyone (especially agents). I think we have all seen our share of disorganized and messy offices/desks.

Recently, during tax season I went to file and found a few of the documents I know I had set aside were missing. I'm pretty organized but that one blooper cost me a couple of hours in digging. I think that happens more than we would want.

Anyway, just thought I would share these tips on keeping our home (and other) office organized and effective.

A Good Handyman Can Be a Life Saver

A handyman is the guy (or gal) who takes care of the repairs and maintenance around your property. From Drywall patches to roof leak repairs, from plumbing fixes to electrical splices you want the right licensed handyman to do the work. When things go awry they quickly become life savers.

Find someone who is a licensed contractor or subcontractor. Make sure they are bonded and insured. Ask them their fees upfront and request a formal bid for the work to be done. Remember, they have a license so make sure they remain honest and do the work to a professional grade. A good handyman will be busy but will be able to get to your needs in a timely manner.

Realtors in Las Vegas will typically find a couple pros they like and refer them over and over. Typical of any market, just about every Las Vegas home has a handful of items that pop up in an inspection that need to be done to make the house just right before moving in. Talk to your agent about handyman options.

Fees for a good Las Vegas handyman will vary...read on about Las Vegas handymen...

Bienes Raíces Las Vegas

El mercado de bienes raíces en Las Vegas se ha explotado en recien años. Muchisima gente, sea inversionistas or gente quien quieren vivir en propia casa, se muda a Las Vegas cada mes. Al entrar al valle de Las Vegas es importante utilizar un profesional quien sepa su idioma y el inglés. Aun que sea comprador de casa or vendedor de casa aqui en Las Vegas, podemos ayudarle a lograr su meta.

Hemos ayudado a muchas familias. Aseguran sus casas para vivir cómodos. Hay casas para todos.

Es defícil encontrar a alguien quien sepa español y conozca al area de Las Vegas. Háble hoy para empezar el proceso de comprar o vender su casa con un agente.

1st Time Las Vegas Home Buyers

Welcome to Las Vegas and congradulations for being able to take advantage of the Las Vegas real estate market. Whether you are buying or selling for the first time it is an exciting experience and you will want to have a great team to help you get the job done. You need to know up front that the process is not always easy and there are many moving parts to a transaction. Your emotions will run high and there will be hickups along the way. Your responsibility is to be responsive, responsible, and decisive.

Las Vegas first-time home buyers are some of the funnest to work with. They are owning property for the first time and they are excited by the prospect. They have a lot of questions as they explore their options. It is crutial that they find a great lender who will take care of them. Being qualified is usually the biggest challenge. However, with the right people representing a buyer will be able to find solutions to those challenges.

Many first time home buyers will buy a smaller house or a condo as a "starter home" for their first investment. Once they understand what is involved they will consider other great options in future ventures.

Build Your Real Estate Team
Your Las Vegas real estate team should consist of several different professionals depending on your needs. It is critical that you have a qualified team who is experienced and astute at negotiations. You will want someone on your side to help guide and council you throughout the process. Start with a quality Las Vegas real estate agent. Make sure he/she is a Realtor®. A good agent will have connections with the right people to build your team so your first time isn't as daunting.

Las Vegas Home Builder: Pulte Homes

One of the fine home builders in Las Vegas is Pulte Homes. They have established a standard for quality and a reputation for fine craftsmanship. They are generally known in the Las Vegas Valley as a name to trust.

Pulte is listed on the NYSE and is a fortune 200 company. In 2006, they built more than 41,000 houses as a company. In nearly 60 years they have built nearly 500,000 homes. J.D. Power and Associates has recognized them for their customer satisfaction in the various markets they develop in.

In Las Vegas they currently have 12 developments. Prices start from around $180,000 and go up to around $630,000 before options and upgrades. Their homes are valuable and their customer service is great.

Their sales representatives have been great to work with from a Realtor's® perspective so get in touch with your real estate agent today and check out what Pulte has to offer.

Quick Las Vegas Market Outlook for the Summer

The GLVAR recently reported on the continued trend in Las Vegas inventory. They suggested that inventories will remain high for months to come but that the market should also remain stable.
"We're not expecting to see any significant increases in price or sales through
the summer months, but we should still see the kind of stable market we have
experienced lately. As for inventory, this may be the new reality for a while.
The bright side is that prices are holding steady
," said Devin Reiss, president
of the GLVAR.

Trends show an increase of some 300 to 400 new listings per week on average. Agents in the valley continue to pull out the stops to get properties sold.

The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

New comers to Las Vegas often wonders what activities are available. Many families come to the valley and seek family-friendly recreation. There are a ton of options.

One of my personal favorites is the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Casino Resort. For a minimal entrance fee explorers can see some of the most amazing fish including piranahs, pacu, salt water fish, jelly fish, etc. The favorites exhibits are usually the sharks (of course) and the sting ray petting pool.

If you are considering relocation to Las Vegas (ask for a relocation package) I would highly recommend a visit to the Shark Reef.

Las Vegas Real Estate Title Insurance and Escrow

In Las Vegas, escrows are held at title companies. A great escrow officer will help keep a deal together. They are responsive experts in the documentation required by the city, county, and state. They will serve as a 3rd party to the transaction to ensure the contract is executed properly and they will ensure that all moneys are distributed correctly.

Nevada Title describes escrow as:
The Title Company is a disinterested third party that collects and disburses
funds in a real estate transaction in accordance with the written agreement for
the sale (Offer & Acceptance) between a buyer and a seller. The Title
Company receives the Offer & Acceptance signed by the seller and buyer. The
earnest money from the buyer is also received at that time and escrow is then
officially opened. The earnest money is deposited and an escrow number is
assigned to the file...

In Nevada, title companies will insure that a home title is clear so a buyer doesn't end up in a scam by a renter or other non-owning party.

Again from Nevada Title regarding title insurance:
It is protection against loss if a covered defect is found in your title. When
you buy a home, you are given a title to the property, which generally means you
receive full legal ownership. Sometimes, however, there may be a hidden mistake
in a prior deed, will, mortgage etc. that may give someone else a valid legal
claim against your property...

Title and Escrow are key components to a home transaction. All parties benefit from a good title company. Contact a real estate agent for recommendations.

Learn more about title and escrow...

Las Vegas Home Builder: Toll Brothers


Home builders Toll Brothers tout themselves as "America's Luxury Home Builder." They are committed to quality and customer service and focus their attention on detail. They have won various awards centered around these goals.

Toll Brothers in Las Vegas, Nevada has built several fabulouos communities. These communities have quality features and amenities to combine beauty with convenience.

The commitment for quality keeps home buyers involved in the process all along the way. Newcomers can choose everything from layout to some of the finest details to ensure they are satisfied with their home.

Toll Brothers claim they have won multiple prestigious awards including: America's Best Builder, National Builder of the year, and the 1995 National Housing Quality Gold Award.

If you would like to explore Toll Brothers homes in Las Vegas please get in touch with a real estate agent who can answer your questions.

Real Estate for Las Vegas Individuals

Whether a bachelor or bachelorette, you have a ton of real estate options in Las Vegas. You can find or sell a Las Vegas home according to your needs and be comfortable with your lifestyle. Some individuals love the entertainment scene. There is no better place for entertainment than Las Vegas, Nevada. Some individuals enjoy the serenity associated with solitude. Regardless of your motives or situation there is a Las Vegas housing option that will fit you. There are homes, condos, flats, high rises, lofts, etc. and there are many price ranges to choose from. We certainly understand the life of a single adult and can help you get rolling.

- Other Las Vegas Lifestyles

The Nevada State Flag

The Nevada State Flag has a cobalt blue background and in the upper left quarter is a silver five-pointed star between two branches of sagebrush forming a half wreath. Across the top of wreath is a golden scroll with the words, in black letters "Battle Born." The name "Nevada" is below the star and above the sagebrush in golden letters.

Design modified June 8, 1991, original design approved on March 21, 1929.


NRS 235.020

Las Vegas Real Estate Owner Maintenance Schedule

Like an automobile a Las Vegas home requires maintenance to keep it safe and in good working order. Systems for heating, cooling, providing energy, protecting the home, etc. will weather and wear out with time and use.

Taking time and money to fix things as they come along will save you greatly down the line. As an example, if you see something wrong with the water heater get it fixed or replaced as needed so that you don't have to pay for new drywall, carpet, and other things that ruin if the heater develops a leak.

Use the suggestions below for ideas. Every month stash a little money so you can budget for repairs and enhancements.

View (and print out) the home owner's maintenance schedule...

Las Vegas Real Estate Qualified Intermediary

In a 1031 Exchange the net proceeds you make from the sale of a property must be held by a qualified 3rd party before they are allocated to the next identified property. The role of a Las Vegas qualified intermediary (QI) is to securely hold those funds.

Briefly About 1031 Exchanges
(as explained by The Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA): http://www.1031.org/about1031/index.htm)

In a typical transaction, the property owner is taxed on any gain realized from the sale. However, through a Section 1031 Exchange, the tax on the gain is deferred until some future date.

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business, or for investment. A tax-deferred exchange is a method by which a property owner trades one or more relinquished properties for one or more replacement properties of "like-kind", while deferring the payment of federal income taxes and some state taxes on the transaction...

If you are looking to do an exchange on a Las Vegas property you will want to have experienced agents helping you with the purchase or sale and a reputable QI to handle the exchange. Give us a call so we can help you get started.

Little League in Las Vegas

The Little League Baseball program is a huge success in the Las Vegas valley. Youth of many ages play throughout most of the year because of the great weather conditions. Baseball, tee-ball, and softball leagues are set up throughout the community. Ball fields are placed in great locations. Leaders within the program are usually attentive and responsive to team needs. The youth gets to participate in friendly competition and exercise.

If you are looking to move to Las Vegas please give us a ring and we'll help you with some contact numbers.

Las Vegas Market Watch (2007 April Month End)

Summary: The Las Vegas housing market remains flat. The overall number of listings has continued to grow weekly since January 1st. Of homes sold, the days on market decreased from last month.

Las Vegas Listings: (view chart)
For the fourth straight month the number of net listings has grown. More existing homes are consistently going on the market than are being sold. Story after story has been heard about sellers who bought with an ARM mortgage option needed to sell because they are in a tough situation. Buyers are picking up all sorts of deals across the valley.

Las Vegas Market Strength: (view chart)
The average days on market (DOM) for April decreased slightly affecting our market strength meter for positive. This factor is based on homes sold. The fact that the DOM was down while more listings were added to the market suggests that buyers are snatching up well priced homes. Astute, motivated sellers will price their home correctly from the start and not play around with a saturated market.

Las Vegas Resale Homes Sold: (view chart)
Homes sold since November of last year have flattened out around 1,700-2,000 per month. April is no different. A steady flow of buyers continues to enter the market, though lower than earlier last year.

Las Vegas Median Prices: (view chart)
There is simply a flat market at this point. No appreciation shown and no significant retreat in housing prices. It can be expected that with the number of listings continuing to grow buyers will continue to pick up great deals.

Las Vegas Real Estate Market Watch Conclusion: (view chart)
There is no better time to buy or sell Las Vegas real estate. If you are going to buy, do it now while the market is awaiting the next positive growth. If you are going to sell, do it now. Prices will likely remain flat so take advantage of the spring and summer selling season to make your transition.

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

Selling a Home in Las Vegas: Get it Priced Right

Properties in Las Vegas are valuable properties. However, the market determines the value...it always has and always will. If a home seller wants to cash out of a property for whatever reason (i.e. relocation, move funds within a portfolio, etc.) they need to get it priced right from the beginning.

The ability to test the Las Vegas housing market at this point is less flexible than in recent years. Every home seller wants the most amount of money for their property and they want it sold within the least amount of time. Well, what does every buyer want? They want the home as inexpensive as they can get it. The current housing market in Las Vegas is a buyer's market. Sellers had their shot at driving the deals a few years ago. Sellers ought to be very realistic when pricing their property so they don't sit for months with few to no showings or offers. There are just way too many houses out there for prospective buyers to choose from.

I don't suggest giving away the farm; there are still ways to test the market's demand. What I do suggest is choosing an agent who understands how to price a property correctly. Exposure is important in any market but most buyers understand that there are deals to be had and will pass over a property strictly on price knowing there is another property around the corner with similar features and location.

Find a Las Vegas agent to represent you in exposing the home to the market and pricing it correctly for sale. You will not want to pay months of mortgage payments only to have your listing expire and your home sit. Price it correctly and get it sold!

About Nevada: State Seal

The Nevada State Seal depicts the great mining industry. Many of the communities were established directly or indirectly because of the settlement of miners. The state slogan is "The Silver State".

Las Vegas history was impacted by many newcomers. Some were Mormon missionaries, some were miners, some were explorers.

Mines are visible in areas surrounding Las Vegas and other cities within the state. Some still operate and while many are abandoned.

The seal of Nevada was approved on November 29th, 1861.

Mojave Max: Desert Conservationist

Mojave Max is southern Nevada's representative desert tortoise. He resides at the Red Rock visitor's center in the state park.

Desert tortoises are a threatened species in the Mojave Desert. Their habitat is subject to development and climate changes.

Las Vegas housing is affected by the federal protection of this species. Builders pay some amount per acre developed to fund a program to educate residents about the reptiles. Supposedly, if a desert tortoise walks onto a construction site all construction must stop until the proper tortoise relocation authorities arrive to remove the tortoise. There is more to developing Las Vegas real estate than one may think.

There is a program to educate youth about the animals so citizens can care for the habitat.
In the program volunteers visit elementary schools and give presentations to the children (typically 3rd graders). The children are taught to respect the animals and environment of the desert.

About Nevada: Hunting and Fishing

Some Nevada residents like to hunt and fish. Restrictions on hunting within the state serve to produce some of the best hunting one can find. Animals are allowed to mature and survive. Annual special drawings allow for a finite number of hunters so herds can remain strong.

Fishing is also available to those who enjoy the sport. Many bodies of water are stocked to maintain successful fishing environments.

Nevada Hunting and Fishing Resources

As you plan to relocate to Nevada (particularly the Las Vegas area) look us up to help you hunt down the right home. We may even be able to point you towards valuable wildlife resources...

Boy Scouts of America in Las Vegas, NV

The Boy Scout program in Las Vegas thrives. Several districts cut up the valley. Regular Round Tables and other organizational meetings occur regularly and training meetings keep both boys and leaders up to speed.

In Utah I was a boy scout master. We had a ton of fun and learned a lot. Here in Nevada I have worked as the Venture Crew Chief. There are many places to camp, explore, and a ton of things to do. As you consider a move to Las Vegas let me know if you have interest in the Boy Scout program. There are other organizations in Las Vegas to be involved in as well.

About Clark County, Nevada

Clark County was established February 5, 1908 honoring the U.S. Senator, William A. Clark from Montana. He is also known famously for building the Railroads for San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake. The size of Clark County is 7,881 square miles, comparable to the area of Massachusetts.

Clark County is one of the fastest growing county in the nation, with an expanding population of over 1.9 million. Inhabitants of Clark County enjoy a low tax rate including no state income tax, a flourishing business climate, great weather, friendly people and many different types of recreational activities. Real Estate in Clark County has appreciated greatly in recent years.

Clark County contains Las Vegas, known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, and 14 of the nation's 15 largest hotels. The famous Las Vegas Strip hosts many of the 35 million tourists who come to the Las Vegas valley each year to enjoy world-class entertainment and hospitality, conventions, splendid casinos, fine restaurants and dazzling array of shopping venues.

...More about Clark County Nevada...

About Nevada: Climate

Nevada is home to mountainous and desert terrain. Winter snow falls at higher elevations as lower elevations stay warm (hot) year round. Some parts of the state offer an average 310 days of sunlight which can be healthy for some. However, if you like your seasons and snow you can find that too. The risk of damaging storms (hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, etc.) is less due to the climate. In fact, many data centers are located in Southern Nevada because of assessed risk levels of adverse weather and earthquakes.

Other sources of Nevada facts and details:

About Nevada: The Silver State

Nevada, known as "The Silver State", has a fabulous history. It is rich in culture and resources. Nevada, meaning "Snow Capped" in Spanish was named in 1861 when the territory was established. In 1851 Genoa and Dayton were settled by missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and miners and traders. On October 31, 1864 Nevada became a state during the Civil War and the motto "All for our Country" was adopted.

Other sources of Nevada facts and details:

Las Vegas Homes

Owning a Las Vegas home is a very proud moment for many people. Why is it a proud moment? The Las Vegas market has been one of the greatest markets to invest in over recent years. Many homeowners have been well pleased by the return on their investment in the Las Vegas Valley. Much of this appreciation can be attributed to the booming gaming industry, which provides a great deal of jobs for individuals who live out of state. With as many as 7,500 people a month moving into Las Vegas along with the growing population of investors Las Vegas has proven its worth to its homeowners.

A Las Vegas home is much more than just a house. Owning a Las Vegas home can be very rewarding. Homes in the valley are well known for the great appreciation they have received in recent years. New residents move to the valley in thousands per month. The demand for great homes and properties has caused the values to jump considerably.

New comers to Las Vegas find homes that fit their needs. As they move to Las Vegas they also find a place that fits their lifestyle. They research great communities and make a home out of great living opportunities. These communities offer amenities and features that provide comfort and accessibility. They live close to work, play, church, family, friends, and/or schools. It doesn't take long before people become accustomed to the climate, culture, and city. They find joy in calling Las Vegas their home.

Buying a Las Vegas Home
If you are qualified, buying a Las Vegas home can be a very rewarding adventure. The key is to determine what you need and then get qualified with a lender. Next, is to find a house that fits your needs and purchase it under the best terms possible. Last is to turn that house into a home of comfort. The process all begins by working with the right real estate agent. Contact a qualified agent today to get started and follow their advice and tips.