Las Vegas Homes and Communities

Real Estate - Interesting things around the Web

2008-07-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some interesting things that caught my eye on the Web this week:

How the Housing Rescue Bill can Help You - passed the House and is on track to be approved by the Senate.

Is It Ethical to Walk Out on a Mortgage? - What do you think?

How a feisty Florida town fends off malls - Everglades City tries to keep out condos and chain stores.

Seeking Approval: New Rule for Getting a Mortgage Today: Don't Assume Anything - even buyers with good credit scores are feeling the pinch.

Las Vegas New Homes: Builder News

2008-07-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Looking for Las Vegas new homes deals? Southern Nevada Realty has them. Here are a few items builders have notified us of over the past week.

Remember, the builder pays our fees and commissions. This allows you to be represented in the transaction without having to incur extra closing costs. We will be there to help you every step of the way.

Free Gas for One Year
Woodside Homes is offering home buyers free gas for one year. This promotion only lasts until July 31, 2008 and we have to give the Woodside sales associate the flyer that was e-mailed to our office.

Age Restricted Homes Available at Solera at Stallion Mountain Ranch
There are some quick close opportunities (from now until September) available with incentives. For example: There are two very popular Palomino floorplans available priced at $228,390 and $233,165. These quick close homes include washer/dryer/refrigerator, window coverings and front and back landscaping. Plus your closing costs (up to $6,000 are paid by the builder). There are more deals available. Click here to contact us for more information (don't forget to tell us which community interests you!)

New Lower Pricing
Okay, this really isn't new but, I haven't mentioned it here yet. Rhodes Homes has lowered their pricing in several communities in Rhodes Ranch and in Tuscany. Pricing on new homes now starts in the mid 200's. Plus, for a limited time, there is special low pricing (starting in the high 100's) in their newest community, The Greens in Rhodes Ranch. Time to contact us and let us take you out there to take advantage of this great deal.

Lennar offers great deals at Providence
July and August closings get great incentives including up to 3% towards a downpayment, up to $10,000 towards closing costs, and an locked in interest rate that is phenomenal. Homes start in the high 100's and go into the 300's. Click here to contact us for more details.

Las Vegas Housing Market - Condos - June 2008

2008-07-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Availability at End of Period:
# of available units listed: 5,537
Average list price of available units: $299,287

New Listings This Period:
# of new listings: 1,132
Average price of new listings: $252,496

Units Sold This Period:
# of units sold: 294
Change from previous month: +10.5%
Average price of units sold: $154,518
Change from June, 2007: -32.8%
Median price of units sold: $137,500
Change from June, 2007: -29.2%

Source: Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS.

Las Vegas Housing Market - Single Family Residential - June 2008

2008-07-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Availability at End of Period:
# of available units listed: 23,388
Average list price of available units: $382,167

New Listings This Period:
# of new listings: 5,322
Average price of new listings: $320,309

Units Sold This Period:
# of units sold: 2,226
Change from previous month: +9.9%
Average price of units sold: $268,626
Change from June, 2007: -37.4%
Median price of units sold: $225,000
Change from June, 2007: -26.2%

Source: Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS.

Las Vegas Bank Owned Properties

2008-07-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things to know when dealing with bank owned properties (also known as REO's).

1. Patience is required.
It can take a week or more before you get an answer to your offer. Remember, you are dealing with a bank (not an ordinary seller). Banks like to hold out for the best offer possible. They will often wait to receive multiple offers. You might put in your offer and find out a week later that you are being asked to re-submit your "highest and best" offer. Be patient and go along with the process.

2. There are how many offers on this property?
Banks price their properties below market and often get multiple offers. This is especially true of properties that are in decent shape. So, you may have to make several offers on several properties before you get what you want. Remember, patience, patience, patience.

3. Your rights? Read, read, read.
Once your offer is accepted the bank will send you an addendum to sign which generally negates all of the terms in your original offer. It is important to carefully read this document (or get an attorney to review it) to see what rights you are signing away.

4. How attractive are you?
Banks, like any other seller, want to make sure you are going to close. When you submit your offer most banks require that you provide a pre-approval letter from your lender or proof of funds (if you are paying cash). So, get to your lender and start the process as soon as you decide you want to purchase a home. Also, some bank owned properties will require that you get pre-approved with them. However, you are not required to use them as your lender.

5. It's not all bad news.
Not everything is dire when dealing with a bank owned property. There is room for negotiation. Banks (most) will still pay closing costs and for a home warranty. Yes, you can still do your due diligence - inspections, etc. Also, banks are required to give you a homeowner's package (although they may make you pay for it).

Any other questions?

Las Vegas Retirement Community

2008-07-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

I've re-designed the Solera at Anthem community page. This retirement community is located in Henderson, Nevada. It offers five floorplans with two and three bedrooms and pricing starting in the low 200's.

For more information about this active adult community click here.

I'm in the process of adding new Las Vegas community pages to our Web site with pictures and other information. I'll post all news here.

Ardiente Model Homes On Sale

2008-06-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

The models at the Las Vegas retirement community of Ardiente will go on sale soon. If you are interested give Cindy at call at 702-807-3339. For more information about Ardiente click here.

Henderson Nevada Neighborhood Pictures

2008-05-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

I've updated the Henderson Nevada picture page on one of our Web sites. I have added pictures of Tuscany and more Lake Las Vegas pictures.

Tuscany - Las Vegas Guard Gated Golf Course Community

2008-04-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Tuscany is located in Henderson Nevada. It is a guard gated, golf course community. Resale and new homes are available. Golf course frontage lots are also available. It has a very nice community center which features a gorgeous pool area, fitness center, basketball, tennis, playground, and much more. Here are some pictures of the community (click on any picture for a larger view):

Community Center - open to all Tuscany residents.

The pool area features a fantastic resort styled pool and a lap pool as well. It offers something for everyone.

Golf course frontage lots are available.

This Las Vegas golf course community offers wide open spaces and nice views:

Need more information? Contact us.

Las Vegas Foreclosures

2008-01-30T12:04:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for Las Vegas foreclosures, here is a link to some I have recently previewed or shown:

Las Vegas Foreclosures
(There are five pages - use the blue arrows at the bottom of the screen to scroll through the listings.)

If you want more information about any of these properties (such as condition, additional property details, etc.) please send me the property number or address. Unfortunately, the pictures shown are the only pictures available of the property.

Keep watch, I will be posting links on a regular basis of Las Vegas foreclosures.

If you want to search the Las Vegas MLS click here.

Cindy

Help Public School Kids by Funding my Challenge at DonorsChoose

Las Vegas Condos - Sunset Cliffs - SW

2008-01-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

Sunset Cliffs, a Las Vegas condo complex, is located in the SW part of the Las Vegas Valley.

Location:
This Las Vegas condo complex is conveniently located a few minutes away from the 215 Beltway, down the street from St. Rose Dominican Hospital, and only 30 mins. from The Strip and McCarren Airport.

Amenities:
Sunset Cliffs offers residents a gated entry, clubhouse, billiard room, fitness room, tanning booth, kitchen/bar area, lounge area, and two swimming pools/spas.

Each unit has a washer/dryer; low E windows; fireplace; and 10' ceilings (downstairs) and vaulted ceilings for upstairs units.

Pricing:
Two and three bedroom units (1123 sq. ft. - 1236 sq. ft.) are available with pricing starting in the high 100's. Some units come with detached garages.

If you would like to receive an e-mailed list of available Las Vegas condos in the SW area click here.

More pictures:

What is unique about this complex is it offers a few one story units. You get the feel of a single family home without the maintenance burdens.

The clubhouse is at the entrance of the community. It offers a lounge area, billiard room, fitness center, bar/kitchen area, conference area, and a tanning booth.

The complex has green space with tables and BBQ areas available.

The complex itself is nicely laid out. There is a sense of space and plenty of parking available.

If you would like to receive an e-mailed list of available condos in the SW area click here.

Help Public School Kids by Funding my Challenge at DonorsChoose

Las Vegas Schools Need Your Help

2007-12-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a great way to help out our local schools take a look at DonorsChoose.org. This organization allows teachers to post projects that need funding. Projects cover all areas including literacy, art and music, physical education, math and science, and much more.

You can also buy gift certificates which allow the recipient to pick their own project to support.

Many Las Vegas area schools have projects that need funding. Take a second and browse to find one that sparks your interest.

If you are not in Las Vegas, don't worry. Schools across the United States have posted projects in need of funding.

Solve your Real Estate Worries with Four Questions

2007-12-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

Are you worried about the current real estate market? Do you feel stuck in your home? You are not alone. Everyday I meet people who want to take advantage of the current market and purchase a bigger home. However, they need to sell their current home in order to afford the new home. Catch-22.

Will they be able to sell? Will they have enough money to purchase the new home? Should they wait and see if the market stabilizes? I wish I had a crystal ball. I don't. Honestly, no one knows what will happen to the Las Vegas real estate market (or any other real estate market). There are different opinions and everyone thinks they are correct. So, how can you make a decision when everything seems so up in the air?

Here are four questions you can ask yourself to help make your real estate decision:

What is it about this house or my situation that makes it not a fit for me right now?

Is it too small? Is it too big? Is the maintenance beginning to be too much of a burden? Is it the commute? List everything.

What are all the possible solutions to the problem?

Maybe you can add on to the home. Maybe you need some outside help. Maybe you need to organize and get rid of clutter. Maybe you need to look at rooms that are not being fully utilized and see if these can be converted to usable space. Of course, moving is also a solution on the list. List out all possible solutions. These don't have to be solutions that you will necessarily take. You are brainstorming possible solutions to see if any fit your situation.

Will any of these solutions work?

Next to each solution write out the pros, cons, and costs. This may take some research on your part. Solicit bids for possible remodeling jobs. Look up your homeowners association rules to see if an addition would be allowed. Get a comparative analysis of your home to see how much it could sell for and to see the average days on market. Also, look at the costs of selling the home.

Another thing to consider is whether your solution is a short term or long term solution.

What if .... ?

Ask yourself, what if ....? What if the market goes down further and I can't sell my home for what I think. What if the market goes up and the new home I want to buy will cost much more? What if I am transfered? What if I lose my job? What if I get sick? Don't just make a list. Make a list and write out how you would handle and feel about each situation.

Some people don't like to look at the what ifs of any situation. They feel this is negative thinking. However, I feel this type of thinking is very empowering. It reveals your strengths and weaknesses. It gives you an idea of those things you need to work on in your life.

Don't be pummeled back and forth by the current real estate news. Make your decision with a solid foundation of facts and a little bit of imagination. You may not be able to predict the future but you can certainly work your way through different scenarios and possibilities and know whether you would be able to handle these or not. Outside events do not take away your ability to make decisions.

Las Vegas Home Buyer - Avoid Errors in the Buying Process

2007-12-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

Avoid making an error when you buy your Las Vegas home by being informed about the home buying process. You are the person paying the mortgage, ultimately every decision will be up to you. Create a plan before you start looking at homes. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase.

Research the Market

You are ready to make an offer on your dream home. Now what? Do you offer list? Do you start really low? Is the list price even realistic? Now is the time to research the market. Your real estate agent should provide you all the factual market information you need prior to any offer being made on the home. The information provided should include neighborhood sales, neighborhood availability, overall market conditions, and the condition of the home and neighborhood. In addition, your agent will sit with you and identify other factors that could affect your offer price such as, how much you love the home or that great park that is just around the corner from the house. There are tangible and intangible factors involved in making your first offer. Knowledge allows you to make an intelligent decision on the offer you will make for your home.

Know What You Want

Before hopping into your real estate agent's car make a needs list. What do you need in your next home? Single story or two? Big kitchen or small? Is a short commute time important? Is there a specific school you want to be near? How far are you willing to drive to the grocery store? Write down everything that comes to mind. Don't forget to share this list with your agent. Often buyers feel they will come off as too difficult or picky if they have a long list of needs. That is not true. Pinpoint and share exactly what is a must in your next home. This will allow your agent to show you homes that will match your needs.

Unexpected Repairs

Nothing frustrates a buyer more than moving into their home and finding out that the water heater doesn't work. Avoid unpleasant repair surprises by hiring a professional home inspector. You should also be present for the inspection. This is a great time to get ideas from the inspector of future potential problems or helpful suggestions to increase energy efficiency. In addition, a contingency can be written into your contract that protects you should a major repair be needed to the home. This will allow you to bow out of the deal without losing your earnest money deposit.

Get the Loan

Often buyers will set their price range based upon an online calculator. While these calculators can give you a good idea of loan amounts, it is best to get to a lender and get a pre-approval. A pre-approved buyer has more power when making an offer. In addition, you can confidently shop for your home knowing that your are looking at homes within your budget.

Know the Costs

Buying a home takes money. Some of this money will be needed prior to closing - earnest money, inspection costs, appraisal fees. Other amounts will be needed at the closing table - lender fees, downpayment, interest fees, homeowner's assocation fees, taxes, insurance.

Make Sure It is all in Writing

If it is not in writing then it doesn't exist. If the seller says they will remove that eyesore shed from the backyard prior to you moving in make sure it is written somewhere and signed off by the seller. No paperwork means too bad for you. Don't rush to sign the documents - read them.

Nationwide 554 Households (out of 555) Didn't File for Foreclosure

2007-11-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

The latest foreclosure filings data is out. Nationwide for every 555 households there was only one household filing for foreclosure. Nevada is number one in foreclosure filings for the tenth month in a row. In Nevada for every 154 households there was only one household filing for foreclosure.

By the way, foreclosure filings include default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions.

You can read the entire story here.

Las Vegas Concert Series

2007-11-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Las Vegas St. Martin campus of St. Rose Domincan Hospitals is hosting Sights and Sounds of San Martin. This is a six week concert series featuring various Las Vegas area performers.

The series begins Wednesday, November 28th and continues through January 6, 2008.

For more information call: 702-492-8555.

Their Web site doesn't have concert information. So, here are a few of the upcoming performances. You should call ahead to confirm. All performances take place at St. Rose - San Martin Garden Level, 8280 W. Warm Springs Rd. (near S. Durango and 215).

November 28 at 3 p.m. - Earl Turner

December 1 at 3 p.m. - Pied Pipers (flute music)

December 3 at 3 p.m. - Alizma Violins

December 4 at 10:30 a.m. - Circus Circus Musical Clown

December 5 at 3 p.m. - Gary Anthony aka Frank Sinatra, with Dennis Mellon on piano.

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Las Vegas Retirement Communities

2007-11-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

There are many great Las Vegas active adult - retirement communities. All offer something for everyone. Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions regarding living in a Las Vegas 55 plus community.

Who can purchase a home in a Las Vegas active adult community?

Anyone can purchase a home in an active adult community. However, at least one person 50 or older (new homes) or 55 or older must live in the home. The other residents of the home must be 19 years old or older. Children are allowed to visit for a specified period of time (varies with the community).

What are the benefits of living in a Las Vegas active adult community?

Most people like the amenities offered especially the social activities (clubs and trips) which will give you the opportunity to meet like-minded seniors. These communities also tend to be very close knit. If you need to go away for a few days or months there is never a problem finding someone who will pick up your mail. Also, some of the communities (townhomes and condos) offer an opportunity to truly have a maintenance free lifestyle (no more yard work).

To view a list of Las Vegas retirement communities click here. This list includes condos, townhomes, and single family residential homes. Neighborhoods all over the Las Vegas valley are included.

What amenities can I expect from a Las Vegas retirement community?

These communities offer a variety of amenities such as pools, spas, tennis, golf, bocce ball, basketball, parks, clubs, gyms, putting greens, craft and sewing rooms, billiards, card rooms, and more. Some will have elaborate country club styled recreational facilities. Others offer the bare bones minimum. You will have no problem finding the type of community that fits your Las Vegas retirement needs.

What can I expect to pay each month to the homeowners association?

Your homeowners association dues will vary with each retirement community. Generally, dues in the Vegas area (including North Las Vegas and Henderson) run anywhere from $60 a month on up to just under $300 per month. Some dues are paid monthly, others quarterly. In addition, some communities have additional assessments called LIDs or SIDs which are paid twice a year.

To view a list of Las Vegas retirement communities click here. This list includes condos, townhomes, and single family residential homes. Neighborhoods all over the Las Vegas valley are included.

What is the range of prices for homes in an active adult community?

You can find homes starting in the mid 100's (generally condos) and pricing goes up into the millions. All ranges of square footage are available. In addition, homes are available with three car garages; pools and spas; golf course, Strip, or mountain views; oversized lots; and/or casitas (mother in law suites).

Are there any Las Vegas age restricted communities that are guard gated?

Yes, there are several guard gated communities available in the North and West part of town. Please remember that these communities tend to have higher monthly association dues because of the added security.

To view a list of Las Vegas retirement communities click here. This list includes condos, townhomes, and single family residential homes. Neighborhoods all over the Las Vegas valley are included.

Do homes in senior communities cost more than homes in non-55 plus communities?

No. Generally, when you compare homes in age restricted and non-age restricted communities you find that the homes in the age restricted communities are well priced.

If you have any questions about Las Vegas retirement communities, don't hesitate to send an e-mail or contact us.

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Las Vegas Housing Market - Condos - October 2007 Stats

2007-11-14T11:13:00.001-08:00

Availability at End of Period:
# of available units listed: 6,045
Average list price of available units: $315,004

New Listings This Period:
# of new listings: 1,145
Average price of new listings: $296,381

Units Sold This Period:
# of units sold: 197
Change from October, 2006: -44.8
Average price of units sold: $222,460
Change from October, 2006: +o.9%
Median price of units sold: $173,000
Change from October, 2006: -13.5%

The highest number of condos sold in MLS Area 503 (Las Vegas - W) - 25 condos sold with the median sold price of $167,900. The average sold price was $203,206.

Source: Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS.

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Las Vegas Housing Market - Single Family Residential - October 2007 Market Stats

2007-11-12T18:48:00.001-08:00

Availability at End of Period:
# of available units listed: 23,917
Average list price of available units: $447,752

New Listings This Period:
# of new listings: 5,202
Average price of new listings: $413,835

Units Sold This Period:
# of units sold: 974
Change from October, 2006: -42.3%
Average price of units sold: $374,625
Change from October, 2006: +1.5%
Median price of units sold: $274,725
Change from October, 2006: -11.4

The highest number of homes sold in MLS Area 103 (North Las Vegas) - 111 homes sold with the median sold price of $270,000. The average sold price was $422, 230.

The lowest number of homes sold in MLS Area 701 (Boulder City) - 2 homes sold with the median sold price of $427,500. The average sold price was $427,500.

Source: Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS.

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LasVegasHomesNevada.com

2007-11-10T01:38:00.000-08:00

We have moved this blog to LasVegasHomesNevada.com. Update your bookmarks and you may need to re-subscribe if you are reading this in a feed reader.

Otherwise, all will remain the same.

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Henderson Age Restricted Home for Sale

2007-11-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

This home for sale is a single story, three bedrooms, two car garage, with mountain views. It is located in Solera at Anthem, a Henderson 55 plus community. View the slideshow:

For more information about this home click here.

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The District at Green Valley Ranch

2007-10-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a slide show of The District at Green Valley Ranch:

For more information about this Henderson Nevada luxury condo community visit our District at Green Valley Ranch page.

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Las Vegas New Homes Price Reduction

2007-10-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ardiente, a Las Vegas age restricted community, has reduced their base price on homes. The price reductions range from $37,090 to $53,090. The builder is also paying for three years of homeowner association dues and are giving buyers $10,000 towards closing costs.

To view more information about this Las Vegas community (including a slide show) visit our Ardiente information page.

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Las Vegas Condos - Silverado Ranch

2007-10-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Antigua, is a Las Vegas condo complex located in the Silverado Ranch area.

View the video tour:

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Home Flipping Shows Continue To Be Popular

2007-09-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Despite the downturn in the housing market, television shows based on real estate continue to be popular with the public and lucrative for networks. In a recent LA Times article, an entertainment specialist voiced this concern:
... how "real" these shows would feel if the home-flippers on TV continued to reap gigantic profits at a time when home prices fell nationwide and "for sale" signs lingered for months in neighborhoods. If the shows begin to lack authenticity, Scardino said, viewers might not be so inclined to watch.
I don't think the real estate market will affect the ratings for these shows. Watching homes being remodeled (whether for resale or not) is always interesting. Also, it will be interesting to watch how these tv home-flippers deal with the new market.

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