Las Vegas is more than gaming and entertainment!  One of the most popular and beautiful natural resources in the Las Vegas area is Lake Meade National Recreation Area.  Home to Hoover Dam, Lake Meade offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the west.

Black Canyon

Black Canyon is an 11 mile stretch of the Colorado River, and his one of the most stunning parts of Lake Meade.  Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes at Willow Beach Marina, while they enjoy the wildlife, beautiful scenery and historic sites.  It’s sometimes hard to believe that you can be just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, in this quiet, tranquil lake.

Nature Lovers Delight!

From the boat launch area, you might see all types of ducks, birds, blue herons, which are elegant burds with a wingspan of 5 to 6 feet.  This area is also home to bighorn sheep, who love the rocky and steep canyon walls, and herds of these creatures can be seen from the lake. 

Less than one mile from where your trip started, on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, you will see the historic river gauger’s house site.  From the river,  you can see the stone retaining walls and cliffs.  As you wind up the trail to the historic site, you will see the foundation of the river gauger’s house.  It was constructed by the U.S. Geoogic Survey in the 1920’s.  That is part of the history that visitors find intriguing about Lake Meade National Park.  This guaging system was used prior to and during the construction of the Boulder Dam, which is now known as Hoover Dam.  And Hoover Dam offers guided tours that are one of the top tourist destinations in Las Vegas and southern Nevada.

Las Vegas does offer some beautiful scenery, as well as a great place for water sports and relaxation.  And in only a few weeks, one can be boating on Lake Meade and skiing at Lee Canyon all in the same weekend.  How perfect of a climate do we have in southern Nevada?  If you would like more information about other tourist attractions or recreational activities, visit us at www.lasvegasproperties.com.

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Beautiful Short Sale in Summerlin!  This home features a beautiful Pool, Spa, and custom features thoughout.  It is situated on a large corner lot in the popular community of Summerlin….close to schools, shopping, houses of worship, Red Rock Canyon and all of Summerlin’s community activities.

SHORT SALE!

The Seller is offering this beautiful 4 bedroom home for less than what he paid!  This is a “Short Sale” transaction.  If you are interested in learning how a Short Sale works, and how you can purchase beautiful home in Las Vegas for much less than market value, call us today at 1-888-876-8383 or 702-379-6627.  Or, email Las Vegas Properties at terrilvp@cox.net.

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Palms Place Luxury Condo For Sale!        

Palms Place is the success story of the Las Vegas luxury condominium market.  If you would like to become part of the “lifestyes of the rich and famous” in Las Vegas, you can purchase this beautiful 1,200 square foot Palms Place condo that is listed at $775,000.  Many residents are celebrities, while some are local and international buyers who were looking for a Las Vegas vacation home or Las Vegas investment property.

Maloof Brothers Succeed at Palms Place!

Several Las Vegas luxury condo projects have been postponed or have cancelled, but the Maloof brothers seem to have what the luxury condo market requires — a celebrity audience, upscale amenities, name recognition and the financial ability to have built this beautiful property and opened on time.  The 47-story luxury high rise features 599 suites, and is attached to the famous Palms Casino by an enclosed, elevated “SkyTube” that moves residents to and from their condos on moving walkways.

Palms Place Amenities

The 520-foot tower offers 600 square foot studios, 1,200 square foot one-bedroom units and 21 penthouse condos ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 square feet.  The tower features a 50,000 square foot pool and spa complex, a Turkish bath treatment and Sunset Tan studio.  Sunset Tan will feature 8 treatment rooms, high-pressure European tanning beds and sunless spray tan rooms.  The 8,400 square foot Simon Restaurant, overlooking the pool area, will offer an upscale menu of steaks, seafood and sushi.  The restaurant will also offer room service for Palms Place residents.

There are still some brand new condos available.  And this 1,200 square foot “resale” condo is priced less than the original owner paid!  This is a great deal for Las Vegas luxury condo.  We can send you more details about this condo, as well as provide a list of other Palms Place condos that are currently available.  Call Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or more information, or email terrilvp@cox.net.

For the past several years, Las Vegas homebuyers have purchased most homes with conventional loan programs.  That has changed recently, and the FHA mortgages are the most popular loan programs being written by Las Vegas mortgage brokers and bankers.  The federal government has placed great emphasis on the FHA loans and hopes that these loans will help bring new life to the current real estate market.

Las Vegas is a great target for FHA borrowers.  Since home prices have decreased during the past 2 years, as FHA limits have increased, many homebuyers find these loan programs to be their ideal solution. 

The way that FHA loans works is:  FHA insures loans that are originated by approved lenders.  FHA does not purchase loans.  If a FHA insured loan become delinquent, FHA pays off the mortgage to the lender, takes ownership of the home and then sells it as a HUD home.

TYPES OF FHA LOANS

Fha loans are available for purchasing or single family, duplex, triplex or fourplex properties that are owner occupied homes.  The increase in FHA limits have made these loans more popular.  For example, the new limit for single family FHA loans in Clark County, Nevada is $400,512; the limit for a fourplex in Clark County is now $769,250. 

Other changes in FHA loans involve the concessions that are allowed by the Seller of a property.  Sellers can still contribute up to 6% of the loan amount, but down payment assistance from Sellers has been eliminated.  So, a Buyer must have a down payment of at least 3.5% for a FHA loan, effective January, 2009.  There are other underwriting qualifying standards, as with other loan programs.  It is important to deal with an approved and experienced FHA lender. Details about FHA loans can be found at www.hud.gov.  Las Vegas has many FHA approved lenders; if you would like a list of them, contact Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net. 

North Las Vegas Welcomes Aliante Station

North Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in the country.  The popular master planned community, Aliante, is home to the brand new Aliante Station Casino and Resort.  Residents of North Las Vegas are really excited about this new addition to the community.  This “destination resort” is a $662 million development that will offer 202 rooms, 14,000 square feet of convention space, beautiful casino, sports book, a 16-screen movie theatre and 650-seat multipurpose showroom.

Station Casinos Premier Properties

The owners of Aliante Station opened Red Rock Resort two years ago, and Aliante Station was designed to give patrons the same upscale feeling in a more family-oriented setting.  The property will have a TGI Friday’s, Dunkin Donuts, Johnny Rockets and a unique lounge that is a combination of a nightclub and video poker bar.  Among the guest rooms are 9 larger suites offering living rooms with marble countertops and 65-inch flat-screen TVs.  The Access Showroom will offer tabletop searing and deep-booth seating, reminiscent of the “old” Las Vegas showrooms.

Camacho’s Catina will open its first restaurant outside of California, and Pip’s Cucina & Wine Bar will be a unique restaurant and bar, offering wine tasting and moderately priced menu items.  This resort casino is a great addition to Aliante and North Las Vegas, with its blend of adult and family entertainment and dining choices.  It was interesting to note when the North Las Vegas City Council held hearings for North Las Vegas residents, almost all were in favor of this new property, as compared to some of the fierce opposition to casinos and resorts being built in other Las Vegas communities.  Aliante Station is sure to be a real success.

If you would like information about this property, or the surrounding homes and amenities of Aliante, contact Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.

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 Last weekend Summerlin and Las Vegas hosted the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open, formerly knows as the Las Vegas Invitational.  We are all proud of the community’s contribution to this great organization. 

Summerlin’s first golf course, TPC Summerlin, is the first PGA TOUR Tournament Players Club stadium golf course in Nevada.  Opened in 1991, this 18-hole, private championship course was designed by golf course architect Bobby Weed, with play consultant Fuzzy Zoeller.   Tiger Woods had his first professional win at the Las Vegas Invitational in 1996.

 SUMMERLIN GOLF COURSES

The popular master planned community of Summerlin is home to nine golf courses, including Nevada’s only two PGa Tour Tournament Players Club (TPC) courses.  Six of Summerlin’s villages are designed around golf courses, including The Hills South, The Canyons, The Ridges, Sun City, Red Rock Country and Siena.  The golf courses were part of the design of Summerlin to add recreational interest and picturesque settings for its residents.  I have sold many homes to buyers in Summerlin who love golf, or who enjoy the unobstructed views of surrounding mountain ranges and the Las Vegas “strip.” 

The second and only other Nevada TPC stadium golf course is TPC Las Vegas, formerly TPC Canyons, also located in Summerlin.  This daily-fee course opened in 1996 and was designed by Bobby Weed, with consultant Raymond Floyd.

Summerlin’s other popular golf courses are Bear’s Best, located in The Ridges, high above the Las Vegas valley, designed by Jack Nicklaus.   Red Rock Country Club, a private country club in Summerlin, was designed by Arnold Palmer.  Both courses are surrounded by beautiful semi-custom and custom homes priced from the high $600,000’s to several millions. 

Sun City Summerlin offers its residents a choice of 3 public golf courses, while Siena features one very popular public golf course Sun City Summerlin and Siena are age-qualified communities in Summerlin.

Whether you are an avid golfer, or a looking for a home with beautiful views and open spaces, Summerlin is one of the top choices in Las Vegas.  Las Vegas Homes and Condos can provide you with current inventory, pricing and details of amenities offered at every golf course and country club community.  Please call us today at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.

Las Vegas Loves Summerlin!

For those of us who have been involved in the real estate industry in Las Vegas, we have appreciated the continuous success of the master planned community of Summerlin.  Summerlin was the concept of the Howard Hughes Corp, with development that began 20 years ago.  Summerlin’s master planned community model is one of the most successful in the country, for many good reasons.   Summerlin has won the award of “best selling master planned community in the country” for several years, and for good reason.

Summerlin’s Success

Summerlin has always emphasized recreational activities and outdoor facilities, having taken resident surveys to find out what is most important to its residents.  Of the 22,500 acres, Summerlin has 18 paks, several ball fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, community centers, miles of biking and hiking trails and other outdoor facilities.  These facilities fall under the oversight of the Summerlin Council, which serves as an umbrella over the 3 dependent associations that comprise the Summerlin villages.  There are also 3 independent associations that include Sun City Summerlin, Red Rock Country Club and Siena.  Sun City Summerlin and Siena are age-qualified communities, with golf courses and recreational activities for active adults. 

Summerlin Community Events

Annual art fairs, holiday celebrations, golf tournaments, cultural events and sporting events all contribute to the Summerlin lifestyle.  Summerlin is expected to be home to approximately 200,000 residents when the community is fully developed.  Home prices range from the $200,000’s to several millions.  There are new homes, resale homes, townhomes, condominiums and custom homesites within Summerlin.  If you would like more information about the fastest growing master planned community in the country, call Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.

 Las Vegas will be home to the new Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf.  DragonRidge Country at MacDonald Highlands is the site for this exciting new golf academy.  Scheduled to open in spring 2009, the Nicklaus Academy is the leading golf instruction academy in the world.  This is really exciting news for the both residents and visitors!

MacDonald Highlands has recently opened its newest custom homesite community for sales.  This beautiful community overlooks the McCullough mountain range, high above the valley in Henderson, Nevada.  Just minutes from McCarran International Airport,  the community is close to the nightlife and excitement of Las Vegas.  These beautiful homesites provide a secluded lifestyle surrounding the DragonRidge Country Club, with beautiful views of the Las Vegas strip.  The club offers a spectacular golf course, two dining rooms, cocktail lounge, grand ballroom and luxurious spa and fitness center.  Residents will also enjoy ten acres of parks that include tennis, volleyball and basketball counrts, as well as beautiful hiking trails.   Homesites start in the $700,000’s. 

Las Vegas and Henderson Golf Course Homes

Las Vegas is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the southwest.  Whether you are looking for a Country Club home, golf course home or home near a public golf course, there are several choices in Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas.  Among the golf course communities are Summerlin, Southern Highlands, Anthem, Aliante, Lake Las Vegas, to name just a few.

 If you would like to learn of availability, current pricing and the details of amenities and community features, call us at Las Vegas Properties - 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.

In the Las Vegas real estate market, we have noticed that VA loans have made a comeback in recent months.  We had not seen VA loans much during the Las Vegas real estate boom, when appreciation was strong and mortgages were readily available to most homebuyers. But, with recent mortgage problems and challenges for buyers trying to take advantate of our “buyers’ market,” VA loans are a great choice for qualified buyers.  VA loans offer advantages for both Buyers and Sellers, and to the improvement of the real estate market.  In today’s real estate market, with the inventory of resale homes to choose from, many Las Vegas home sellers are considering paying buyers’ closing costs; this has not been the case in the past several years, as the market was so strong that sellers did not have to consider these types of incentives.  Las Vegas new home builders are also accepting buyers with VA loans in today’s market, as they realize that so many home buyers who qualify for VA loans are looking at the builders’ standing inventory.  Especially during the last quarter of the year, Las Vegas home builders want to liquidate their standing inventory before the end of 2008.  In general, eligibility is limited to active and retired military personnel, as well as those who served in the National Guard or Reserves.  The loans can be used only for single family residences, multi-family properties of 1-4 units, condominiums and townhomes.  All income must be verified by W-2 forms, or, if self-employed, with full tax returns.  Employment records must be verified.  The Certificate Of Eligibility and a VA assigned appraisal are the major differences between VA and other loans.  The advantages to the veteran are several:  no down payment is required, no mortgage insurance premiums are needed and the buyer has a right to prepay without penalties or to assume an existing mortgage.  Seller concessions of up to 4% of the loan amount are allowed.  Loan amounts have increased to $417,000, and in higher priced areas like Hawaii and Alaska, the loan limit is up to $625,500.  For disabled veterans, property taxes may be reduced, as my VA funding fees.  The applicant’s actual credit score is not considered, as with conventional loans.  The VA looks at the last two years of payment history, judgments and tax liens and collection accounts.  Bankruptcies must have been discharged for 2 years.  The VA requires a funding fee of 2% of the loan amount, which can be rolled into the loans.  So, for eligible buyers, this is a great way to take advantage of today’s low home prices.  We have a lender who specializes in VA loans, and you can talk with her with no obligation.  Just call us at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.  Las Vegas Properties

North Las Vegas Announces New Projects

The City of North Las Vegas has announced several new projects in its effort to continue growing.  North Las Vegas has been popular for its residential development, such as the master planned community of Aliante and the community of Eldorado.  These newest plans involve commercial and industrial development that will add to the city’s popularity.  Aliante Station, the newest resort casino is due to open next month, and will employ more than 1,000. 

Downtown Redevelopment Plans

The North Las Vegas downtown redevelopment plan has achieved real progress this year.  The city spent $16 million for 12 acres for the new City Hall, while the Silver Nugget Casino serves ad the “showplace” of the city’s downtown redevelopment plans.  The Silver Nugget will add a 200-room hotel, movie theatres, upgraded gaming floor and restaurants, all designed to cater to local residents.  The city will also start on the Fifth Street Corridor, which will improve traffic flow and bring more people to the downtown area of the city.  Plans are under way for the Las Flores shopping center, which will include 350,000 square feet of retail space.  According to Mijewski, North Las Vegas economic development director, said that private developers have shown plans for at least $1 billion in new projects for downtown North Las Vegas, which is very exciting to all of us in the Las Vegas valley.

New VA Hospital

The new Veterans Affairs Medical Center will be built in North Las Vegas; plans include 90 acute-care hospital beds, 120 long-term nursing beds and an adjacent Veterans Benefits Administration building.  The center will also include beds for veterans in need of physical rehabilitation, or who suffer from other conditions.  The goal of this VA Medical Center is to bring together several treatment regimens and administrative support, improving overall patient care.  A federal advisory commission reported in 2004 was instrumental in the decision to build a new VA medical facility in North Las Vegas, so that VA patients can receive quality care in Nevada, as rather than going to California for care.  The location of this new facility was arranged  by a no-cost land transfer from the federal Bureau of Land Management.

North Las Vegas Industrial Park

Apex is a master planned industrial park that will create new jobs and business opportunities in North Las Vegas.  Apex will be a 20,000-acre master planned area that is starting with Industrial Properties Development’s industrial building of 475,000 sqauare feet.  The developer anticipates a total of 10 phases, totaling 20 million square feet of industrial space.  Apex is also trying to become a Foreigh Trade Zone, with the help of the Nevada Development Authority and Nevada International Trade Corp.  This designation would allow park tenants to receive raw materials without customs or duty fees until distributed.  This is a great benefit to distribution companies and will draw many companies to reloate to North Las Vegas.

If you are interested in the details of any of these projects, or are looking for commercial or residential properties in North Las Vegas, contact Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.  Las Vegas Properties is a proud member of the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce!