Just as there were more questions than answers in the first few days of the original tax credit, it will take a few days for the industry to digest it, and really figure it out. For example, I’ve read conflicting reports today as to whether a move-up buyer actually has to sell the current property, or whether it has to sell before the new purchase takes place, or if he can rent out the old house and buy the new one.

From the National Association of Realtors, Here’s a link to the side by side comparison of the current tax credit and the newly extended and revised tax credit.

In the meanwhile, everyone who’s eligible thinks it’s a good thing. The real estate Industry certainly does, as well.  

Here’s an article from AP on the subject:

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writer Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer – WASHINGTON – Missed out on Cash for Clunkers? Congress has another deal for you: Buy a home before May 1 and collect up to $6,500 from the government. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, get up to $8,000.
As part of the government’s efforts to encourage people to spend money to help revive the economy, the House voted 403-12 Thursday to expand a popular tax credit for homebuyers. The bill, which also extends unemployment benefits and expands a tax break for money-losing businesses, now goes to President Barack Obama, who plans to sign it Friday.

First-time homebuyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package. But with that housing program scheduled to expire at the end of November, the House voted to extend it into the spring — and to expand it to many people who already own homes.
Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible, subject to income limits, for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers — or people who haven’t owned homes in the previous three years — could get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers have to sign purchase agreements before May 1 and close before July 1.

“It’s huge. I think it’s going to have a big impact,” said Patti Ketcham, who owns a real estate firm in Tallahassee, Fla. “I hope I’m right. Golly, I hope I’m right.”

Like housing markets across the country, Tallahassee’s has been depressed since even before the nation’s economy plunged into recession. There was no huge boom and bust like there was in many coastal areas, Ketcham said, “but ask anybody trying to sell a house and they’ll tell you it’s been no fun.”
The credit is available for the purchase of principal homes costing $800,000 or less, meaning vacation homes are ineligible. The credit would be phased out for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 and for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.

Real estate agents say the first-time homebuyers’ tax credit that’s already in effect has boosted sales, much in the same way the Cash for Clunkers program increased auto sales last summer by paying car buyers as much as $4,500 for exchanging their old gas guzzlers for new, more fuel efficient models.
The agents hope the expanded housing credit will help stabilize housing markets during typically slow sales months in the winter. Today, many would-be buyers are still worried that home values could drop further, said Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors.
“

Once the consumer fear factor disappears, then housing can move into a sustainable recovery,” Yun said. “I think we will be there by the middle of next year. “Yun said the tax credit has helped to increase demand and reduce inventory, enabling sellers to get higher prices than they would have otherwise.

About 1.4 million first-time homebuyers had qualified for the credit through August. The Realtors estimate that 350,000 of those buyers would not have purchased their homes without the credit.
The real estate industry, including Realtors, home builders and mortgage bankers, have lobbied hard for the expanded tax credit. Lawmakers said the program will not be extended again.
Critics say the tax credit is poorly targeted because the vast majority of people receiving it would have bought homes anyway.
…….

It’s at 1412 Maria Elena Drive in the custom homes section of Downtown Las Vegas. Maria Elena is a fabulous street of diverse styles. It’s practically everyone’s favorite street in Downtown Las Vegas. You can get there by going north on 15^th from Oakey, take a right on Bracken, and the first street on the left is Maria Elena.

This A-Frame and several others are pure Mid Century Modern. The only other property for sale is my listing at 1400 Maria Elena, at the end of the long cul-de-sac street.

The two homes couldn’t be more different, not only in style, but in how they’ve been taken care of. The A-Frame has been beat to death. I’ve been asked many times over the years about what it looks like inside.

Other than the grand space of living room and family room, it’s such a major fixer upper that there’s no way to get a decent picture. None of the 5 bathrooms are worth salvaging, the kitchen was replaced 20 or 30 years ago and is so used and abused that it’s no worth saving. I couldn’t figure out how many different additions have been made to the house. All told, they add up to 4671 Square Feet. It’s listed for 196,000, which is $42/sf. An ambitious person will need a couple hundred thousand to make this one right again. I’m really hoping there’s someone out there that will do it over properly.

The one fabulous and fun feature that could be worked around is the massive lava rock fireplace wall that mirrors the shape of the a frame front of the house.

The back side of it is in the family room. Both the living room and family room have exposed beam, tongue and groove ceilings. Other than that, it’s totally a gut job.

Fun Features Found In Foreclosures – John S. Park Historic Neighborhood In Downtown Las Vegas

I’m tracking most of the vacant homes in Vintage Vegas, and am watching and waiting for them to come to market.

I’ve usually got one or more of my clients waiting to find out what the price will be and what condition it’s in. This one wasn’t even listed as a short sale, and no one told me that the owners had moved out. It just “popped up” out of the blue yesterday. Listed for 85,000, but offered for cash or conventional only due to problems with the roof, electric, heat/air and plumbing.

(If you see a house suddenly go vacant….please, give me a call so I can put it on my radar)

I just had to show you the great fireplace and one of the classic “pink bathrooms” in this home in the John S. Park Historic Neighborhood of Downtown Las Vegas.

For now, there’s three of them: The Bow and Arrow, The Silver Slipper, and The Binions Horseshoe that are installed and ready for dedication this Monday, November 9^th, 4:45 pm.

The signs being installed on Las Vegas Boulevard are in the heart of Las Vegas’ Cultural Corridor. The corridor is made up of the highest concentration of cultural institutions in Las Vegas and includes Cashman Center, the Las Vegas Library, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, The Neon Museum, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, and the Reed Whipple Cultural Center.

That’s going to be the opening line if I ever get around to writing that novel (or not).  As much as I whine about not having enough hours in the day, I still read an hour or 2 each day. I particularly love long epic sword and sorcery novels and serials. I do Sci-Fi. Any hero with super powers will strike my fancy. I even read an occasional Biography.

I’m not into poetry, or children’s books, or horror. Comic books on the other hand were a passion in my youth and 20’s. I phased out of the comics and into the fantasy realm, but still love all the movies based on my childhood heros – especially Superman and X-Men.

There’s something at the Vegas Valley Book Festival for just about every genre. There’s more events than I’ll have time for. If I had kids, I wouldn’t want to miss the Children’s Festival.  

I received this little email from my friend Richard Hooker, who is officially the “Sr. Cultural Specialist” for the City of Las Vegas. In that capacity, he’s primarily responsible for creating and scheduling the festival. He deserves a huge round of applause for a terrific line-up.

Hi Jack,

If you are updating your arts news, it’s the big week for the Vegas Valley Book Festival! 

 

There are 5 evening  events, Wednesday thru Sunday. Plus, there’s the book festival sessions, the Children’s festival, and the comic book festival, all on Saturday — it really is the biggest day for literature in Las Vegas, or Nevada.

 

Check out the Wednesday  evening talk about the spectacular museums that have built around the world –and how Las Vegas measures up. How often do you get to meet and hear Kay Ryan, the Poet Laureate of the United States reading her own works? You can do that on Thursday night.

 

Friday night, in conjunction with First Friday,  you can jump on the double decker bus  as it becomes the “sonateer poetry express”. Tool around the arts district on First Friday with a team of poets led by Jarret Keene. It begins with Mayor Goodman and Dayvid Figler reading  haiku poems at 6 pm on the Book Festival stage on Casino Center south of Charleston.

 

Who says Las Vegas has no culture?

 

Hope all is well in the world of commerce and arts.

 

Richard Hooker

 

I’m surprised that Richard didn’t mention E.L. Doctorow – The closing Keynote Speaker  on Sunday night.

Make sure to say hello if you see me at one of the events.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF ALL EVENTS

Most days, I’m so overwhelmed with appointments and paperwork that should have been done the day before, to the exclusion of lots of things I’m missing. Blogging is one of them. Attending every function is another. I used to spend way too much time each day blogging. Things were a little slower then, however. Now-a-days there doesn’t seem to be enough time for it, for which I’m truly regretful.

I don’t regret that I’m helping so many people now to get great buys. I don’t even have to put my listings in the MLS anymore. Usually, all I have to do is tell a client about it, and it’s gone.

That’s not the case with a little house I have listed on 11th Street. I actually don’t have a single first time buyer on my list who’s shopping for a home under 65,000. Unfortunately for the seller it’s a short sale. Fortunately for the future buyer, there’s a real live owner who can decide who to sell it to.

We’re trying a little experiment with it. Every agent I know has a similar story to tell. “I know my client’s offer was the highest, but they took a lower (all cash) offer.” So the seller agreed to make it off limits to the cash investors.

Here’s the remarks, right out of the MLS:

Socially conscious seller says “FHA, VA OR OWNER OCCUPIED BUYER ONLY” Cash offers WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. This could be the cutest little place with some new landscaping and some minor TLC. Real hardwood floors. Seller will even agree to 3% towards buyers closing costs. Subject to Shortsale Lender Approval.

Fortunately, Cash Buyers are NOT a protected class under the fair housing laws. OH, HOW I WISH THAT THIS WOULD BECOME A TREND. How about it all you other Realtors who are regular readers of VVV.

Who do you know that would be right for a little 2 bedroom 1 bath? Give me a call, or drop me an email at jack@unclejack.com. All referrals are welcome and appreciated.

In the meanwhile:

Lee got his keys yesterday on a short sale deal in Metropolitan Homes off Mohave and DI,

Zane and Jenny are moving in this weekend after doing a paint job and new flooring on their Palmer and Krisel designed home in Paradise Palms. It was bank owned, and somehow, we got them to accept an FHA offer!

Brandee’s all snuggled in for the winter in her adorable home in Westleigh. It was a short sale, also.

Suzanne and Gary snagged a great deal on a HUD owned townhouse in the Very Mid Century Modern community of Villa Hermosa. Having the Government as the seller has been a particularly interesting game, but all the issues have been resolved and they’ll get keys next week.

JB’s waiting for short sale approval on one of the Huntridge Homes. Scott’s waiting for short sale approval in Paradise Palms, and Bob & Alisa are waiting for approval in Southridge.  

Carlos is closing on his short sale purchase out in the suburbs next week. He regrets leaving downtown, but needs to be walking distance to work.   

Terry jumped in quick and landed a terrific mid modern in Beverly Green. A few inspection surprises caused us to re-negotiate the deal, and we’re moving ahead for a closing next month.

Dan, David, Hart, Frank and Alison, and Becky are all playing the waiting game of “will our offer be accepted”.

And finally, since I’m “supposed” to put a a picture or a graphic in every post……

A totally cool front door on a Huntridge Home that came on the market yesterday. It’s already got many cash offers at over the list price, of course. It’s a shame they’re refusing to accept FHA financing.

A Sports Arena For Downtown Las Vegas? Again.

Another Sports Arena proposal from Mayor Oscar Goodman, who’s just back from his trip to London. I’m presuming the 18 acres that the city owns is just to the east of City Hall at Stewart and Las Vegas Boulevard, where the Helldorado Rodeo was held. According to Fox 5 news, the 18 acres INCLUDES THE SITE OF CITY HALL, which is part of the great Zick and Sharp Architectural Legacy of Mid Century Modernism.

Dr. Lonnie Hammargren And The Hammargren Home Of Nevada History

I’m being asked a lot lately if Dr. Lonnie Hammargren will be holding his traditional Nevada Day Open House at his private “Home Of Nevada History”.

SADLY, the answer is NO.

However, Dr. Lonnie,  is applying to the County for a special use permit for occasional functions. He’ll be asking for our help and support when he goes before the county commission on that. We’ll keep you posted on how you can help.

TIE ONE ON

Fifi LaBooshnik, Las Vegas’s First Lady of Vintage Couture presents some of her fabulous collection of wearable and frame-able ties, scarves, and gloves and jewelry from the 1920’s through the 1970’s, at Retro Vegas.

First Friday – Nov. 6, 6pm-10pm

Dress for success, stay warm, be stylish, colorful, and daring by wearing highly crafted vintage accessories for men and women.
Average prices from $5-$10 (tie bars, clips, pins, cuff links, and collar pins too!) Vintage is “green”, inexpensive, a good investment, and great for giving!
For more info call Fifi at 702-234-3269

And what better place for Fifi to show her fabulous stuff than our favorite Mid Mod Home Furnishings Store? www.retro-vegas.com
1211 S. Main St.  Las Vegas, NV 89104  702.384.2700

She’s got a few special ties picked out for me. Fifi’s responsible for my collection of Vintage Sport Coats, and I’m anxious to score some new vintage ties to match. I don’t think I’ll go so far as buying shirts that require cufflinks, however. There’s only so far that I’m willing to go to play dress-up.   

NV ENERGY Offers Free Thermostat Upgrade Through The Cool Share Program

This is a really cool program to install web based thermostats that NV ENERGY can control on the hottest of summer days. The program is called “Cool Share”. It allows them to raise the temperature in your house by 4 degrees to help reduce the overall energy demand.

There’s several contractors who will install them absolutely free if you have a ground mounted AC unit. 702AC is one of them that I’ve used before. Their website tells all about it. For the other contractors, visit the NV ENERGY website, for the Cool Share program FAQ.

I’ve been told, but have not confirmed that they’re also available for rooftop units. I’ve tried several times today to get thru to the NV ENERGY phone number for the program, but it’s always busy. 702–402–1111

In trying to change at least one small part of that….I’m taking swing dance lessons most every Wednesday night at Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant in the Commercial Center. There’s a free beginner lesson from 7 to 8 pm, and then open dancing till about 10

There’s a huge social-dancing underground going on right under our noses. I wasn’t aware of it till a few weeks ago, and I’m betting lots of you don’t know about it either. We were at Don’t Tell Mama one evening and this young couple got up to dance. They knocked our socks off! After they finished, they filled us in on another “there’s no culture” cultural scene that I knew nothing about.

Wednesday is SWING, and Tuesday is Salsa and Thursday is Tango. That’s just at Las Palmas.

Friday is Swing Night at the ARUBA. Every night during the school year there’s the UNLV Lindy Hop club. There’s a lot of other venues and events that I haven’t attended, but they’re all listed on the calendar of the Swing Dance Las Vegas website.  

There’s also: “El Corazon del Tango”  FRIDAY NIGHT TANGO at the SOUTHERN NEVADA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 1310 S. 3RD Street, Between Colorado & Imperial from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. It’s The Only Milonga held in an Arts Center. Refreshments Provided, Bring a friend $10/Person or $18/Couple (Cash Only). Check it out after first Friday. Our friend Sharon Linam is the hostess. Email her for more info tangomama_la@yahoo.com

This is something for everyone of all ages. Last night was their Halloween costume contest. About half of the 50 attendees were in costume. Ages last night ranged from 18 to 80, (well, maybe 70).

I’ve met all kinds of interesting people at the few events I’ve attended. They’re all dedicated to having fun. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to dance, there’s a whole bunch of people out there willing teach you and to dance with you.

LAS VEGAS – October 23, 2009 – Fremont Street Experience welcomes “Las Vegas Car Stars” on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. The event, produced by Paul Casey Entertainment, will host some of the best automobiles from popular television and motion picture films for all car enthusiasts, owners and fans.
 
Las Vegas Car Stars will pay homage to original television and movies recognized worldwide and features cars from the following hit shows and films: Magnum P.I. Ferrari 308, Star Wars Transporter, Fast & Furious Dodge Charger, Herbie from The Love Bug, Transformers 2010 Camaro, Elvis’s 1959 Cadillac and more. The event will also host a special meet and greet with various celebrities including Joe Esposito, Elvis’s personal manager; Catherine Hickland, daytime actress and Knight Rider cast member; Mike “Movie Mike” Walsh, racing legend and movie car customizer and Doug Lovegrove, car builder of the Love Bug.
 
Las Vegas Car Stars and vintage, hotrod and classic car owners participating in the event will be raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network, a nationally recognized charity that assists children and their families in need.
 
The schedule of events is as follows:
 
Las Vegas Car Stars Press Conference – Friday, Oct. 23
·     4-7pm – Press Conference (1st Street Stage); Meet and greet with celebrities


Las Vegas Car Stars Day – Saturday, Oct. 24
·     10am – Opening ceremony with Las Vegas City Council, Nellis AFB Honor Guard Presentation and Las Vegas Car Stars

·     10am-5pm – Celebrity cars on display, celebrity appearance Q&A and autographs (11 a.m.-1 p.m.), vintage/classic/hotrod and muscle car show


For more information on Las Vegas Car Stars visit www.LasVegasCarStars.com. For more information on other Fremont Street Experience events, visit www.vegasexperience.com.

The agent cracked so hard when I told him, he’s going to leave it there just for fun.

Tell you what…. A 10.00 starbucks gift card for the first reader who sends me the address or MLS number.

UPDATE: we have a winner already.

Gary and Suzanne found it first. They’re in contract on on one of the Villa Hermosa Townhomes at Eastern and Desert Inn. Should be moving in mid November!

This week he’s in London. You’ll just have to read it for yourself!

We’ve seen this before. Misinformation campaigns designed to stop a neighborhood from achieving “Historic Neighborhood” designation. It happened when John S. Park Neighborhood was applying, and it’s happening again…..this time at the Westleigh Neighborhood.

Westleigh was built between 1952 and 1955, and was labeled at the time (see the ad) as “Las Vegas’ LARGEST subdivision – 252 homes”. Westleigh is the 4 north south streets to the east of Valley View, between Oakey and Charleston.

The Westleigh Neighborhood Association has spent 3 years working on obtaining Historic Neighborhood Designation. One of their representatives sent me this note, and asked me and my readers for some help.

Specifically, we’d like to hear from those of you in John S. Park Historic Neighborhood. Will you use the comments section for this post to tell us your experience with living in a designated Historic Neighborhood. We need your comments to share with the Westleigh Homeowners that are being manipulated with fear tactics from the opposition.

Dear Jack

In September the Westleigh neighborhood was before the Planning Commission to become a historic district.  Some opposition to this showed up and the Planning Commission asked that more meetings be held to get information out in the neighborhood. 

 

This Thursday night is the Westleigh neighborhood meeting for the historic designation.  It is at 6 p.m. at Vegas Verdes Elementary School (4000 El Parque Ave. on Oakey, west of Valley View).  A front porch meeting will also be held on October 31 at the intersection of Melville and Ashby from 9 a.m. to noon.  A petition in support of this designation will be available for everyone to sign.

 

The Planning Commission told the Westleigh neighborhood to have these meetings in order to correct some misinformation that has spread throughout the neighborhood. People were told having a historic designation would lower their property values, the Historic Commission would act as an HOA and residents would need approval just to plant a rose bush. In fact, many papers have been written showing that values don’t decrease and in most cases, they increase.  The Historic Commission would not be an HOA, no dues would be paid. Alterations not requiring a permit are allowed so you can still plant a rose bush. 

 

The Westleigh Historic designation will be heard at the Planning Commission’s November 5, 2009 meeting. The Westleigh neighborhood needs your support. Please try to attend any of the meetings, call or email your City Council members (http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Government/council.htm), post comments on Jack’s blog, etc. to support the hard work the Westleigh neighborhood has done over the past three years to achieve this historic designation.  I’ve also attached some information about what the historic designation would mean to the Westleigh neighborhood.

 

Thanks,

Nick Bennett

 

Southridge, Beverly Green and other neighborhood associations are currently in the planning stages for Historic Designation as well. Let’s build the case now, and keep this from happening in the future as well.

If you want a really good read, here’s the Westleigh Neighborhood Historic Resource Survey that was conducted to guide the city as to whether Westleigh should be eligible. Here’s the actual City of Las Vegas Historic Designation ordinance and the official FAQ brochure on Historic Preservation from the City of Las Vegas.

Here’s a flyer that’s being sent to Westleigh residents to help get out the truth. Hearing it from John S. Park residents as well, would be a big help.

GET THE FACTS

on

HISTORIC DESIGNATION

Have you heard things you’re not sure are accurate?

Are you concerned about the effects an historic designation may have?

Do you have questions you’d like answered from an official source?

Please join Westleigh Neighborhood along with the

City of Las Vegas Planning and Development Department

October 22, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Vegas Verdes Elementary School Cafeteria

4000 El Parque Avenue

Also visit the official HISTORIC PRESERVATON site at:

http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/information/17473.htm

A HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION FAQ Brochure at:

http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/files/FAQ_HistoricDistrictDesigation.pdf

TRUE . . . . .

·         May maintain or increase property value

·         May add an extra layer of protection against encroachment

·         Will provide design guidelines

·         Will designate a property owner to be a representative on the Historic Preservation Commission contingent upon interest and availability

·         Will maintain the original intrinsic integrity and value of the homes

·         Will only affect changes requiring a permit

·         Will be able to landscape

FALSE . . . . .

·         There will be Dire Consequences! (this will not be comparable to a bomb/missile going off)

·         Rental property control

·         Retroactive (no one will be required to make changes to their home or repaint)

·         Create a homeowner association (there are no fees or regulations/rules aka CC&Rs)

·         Prevent homeowners from making any changes to their home (Alterations not requiring a permit will not be affected.  Changes which require a building permit will be subject to review by the Historic Preservation Commission for compatibility with significant historic architectural features of the neighborhood.)

Historic buildings are protected by the Las Vegas Zoning Code Chapter 19.06.090 see:  http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/files/Chapter_19.06.pdf

[Chapter 19.06.090 is on page 19 of the document and page 25 in “pdf” format]

See Sept 24th Planning Commission Agenda Item #25 DIR-35476 at:

http://www5.lasvegasnevada.gov/sirepub/pubmtgframe.aspx?meetid=608&doctype=agenda

Visit Westleigh Neighborhood Association website and follow the “Discussions” at: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/vegas/westleigh

It’s not easy to buy a home now-a-days. The headlines may say the opposite, but the evil banks who control the inventory are making it difficult when they consistently take the lower cash offers for the sake of expediency. Loan guidelines seem to change daily. It’s not an easy game, but as I’ve said so many times before, it’s a game worth playing, since home prices are now 40 to 50% below fair market, historical values.

During the last year and a half, one of the things that helped make it worth while to play the frustrating game of buying a house was the FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT. It’s scheduled to expire on November 30th. Unless you are a cash buyer, it’s now too late to start the process if you’re counting on receiving the tax credit.

There’s lots of reasons that Congress needs to EXTEND and even EXPAND the credit. I personally have many buyers who have been trying to buy, and have been shut out. The number of new inquiries has slowed down dramatically since October 1^st. Those that I did talk to wanted first to ask me my opinion of whether the tax credit would be extended. Those buyers are once again going to sit on the sidelines and wait to see what happens with the tax credit. I believe it will be EXTENDED AND EXPANDED, but as you will read below, we’re going to need your help to get it done.

In his testimony before the Senate Finance and Housing Committee, National Association of Realtors Vice President  Ron Phipps said:

The $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit expires as of December 1, 2009. But the usefulness of the credit diminishes daily if the credit is not extended well before that date. A homebuyer is eligible for the tax credit only if the home is ―purchased‖ before December 1, 2009. That means that buyers have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by November 30. Accomplishing those tasks by November 30 will become more difficult with every passing day. In today’s market, it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing.

Without Congressional action now, the market may freeze again – possibly as soon as this month. NAR’s research suggests that as many as 350,000 sales this year can be directly attributed to the availability of the credit. The tax credit stimulated market activity. The volume of housing sales has improved steadily every month since the credit was enacted. The credit pulled people from the sidelines and created some momentum that had been absent.

The housing market remains fragile. The market has improved and prices have stabilized in many areas, but the market has not fully corrected. Retaining the tax credit sustains that recovery. Inventory may remain unusually high. The waves of foreclosures attributable to subprime and other improper lending practices are working themselves through the system. Presently, high unemployment rates pose a threat to homeowners and could set another round of foreclosures in motion. If foreclosure rates were to spike again, inventories could become bloated again. Incentives are still needed to keep the market moving.

Home sales continue to stimulate economic activity. The economy will never fully recover until housing markets fully recover. Thus, the stimulus the credit provides is still needed. NAR estimates that every sale generates approximately $60,000 of additional economic activity. And expanding the credit beyond first-time homebuyers would give the economy a much needed kick. We continue to need the homebuyer credit. Congress must act now to be sure that the credit is available through 2010.

Here’s a video Call For Action that was put out to the Realtor Community.  

Shelley Berkley, Dina Titus, John Ensign and Harry Reid need to hear from you. Even if you’re not planning on buying, you or someone you knows owns a house that’s woefully upside down. The tax credit is the best way to keep the momentum going that bring house values back to their historic REAL value.

Preferably, you’ll cut and a paste (AND SNAIL MAIL) the following letter to our Senators and Representatives. You can also email them, or at the minimum, call their office and tell them to EXTEND AND EXPAND the homebuyer tax credit. Addresses, phone numbers and email address are at the bottom.

Dear ( FILL IN THE BLANK)

The first-time homebuyer tax credit has definitely been a success. Homebuyer interest and housing sales increased almost as soon as the ink was dry on the tax credit legislation. Today’s lower prices and interest rates appeal to consumers, but it’s been the tax credit that has attracted people to open houses and to homeownership.

That progress could grind to a halt sooner than you think. Congress must act NOW to extend the credit through 2010. Otherwise, uncertainty will return and the market might again be frozen — possibly as soon as October.

A homebuyer is eligible for the tax credit only if the home is “purchased” before December 1, 2009. That means that buyers have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by November 30. Accomplishing those tasks by November 30 will become more difficult with every passing day. In today’s market, it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing.

The market has improved, but it has not yet fully corrected itself. The credit needs to be extended for an additional period of time and expanded in order to build upon the progress that’s been made. Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand. The best way to assure continued housing activity is to extend and expand the credit and to do that NOW.

We can’t wait until late in the year to see what happens. Consumers will drop out soon if they can’t predict what’s in their future. Please act NOW to extend and expand the credit through 2010.

 
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

I thank you for taking the effort, and so does the economy, and future home values.

Preferably SNAIL MAIL, or EMAIL or CALL your Senators and Representatives:

Senator John Ensign EMAIL LINK 

119 Russell Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6244
Fax: (202) 228-2193
TTY: (202) 228-3364

Senator Harry Reid EMAIL LINK

522 Hart Senate Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-3542
Fax: 202-224-7327
Toll Free for Nevadans:
1-866-SEN-REID (736-7343)

Congresswoman Shelley Berkely EMAIL LINK

U.S. House of Representatives
405 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-4708
Phone:(202) 225-5965
Fax: (202) 225-3119
Toll free: (877) 409-2488

Congresswoman Dina Titus EMAIL LINK

319 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-3252 or (702) 387-4941

The Morelli House is THE ICONIC Mid Century Modern Preservation project in Las Vegas. It’s the 1959 home of Antonio Morelli, the fabled house band leader from the Sands Hotel.

There’s plenty of pictures and lots history on the house and Antonio Morelli himself on the Junior League Of Las Vegas website.

Here’s the text of the historical overview from the Junior Leage website and a few pictures I’ve taken during my many visits:

The Morelli House, a classic example of Las Vegas mid-century residential architecture, was built in 1959 at 52 Country Club Drive in the prestigious Desert Inn Country Club Estates that overlooked the world-class Desert Inn Golf Course. In September 2001, Junior League moved the house to a parcel at Ninth and Bridger Avenue in order to save it from demolition so it could become a community historical cultural resource and the headquarters for the organization.

This was funded with the assistance of the State of Nevada Commission for Cultural Affairs and by generous community and member support. The Morelli House is listed on the State and City Registers of Historic Places and has been awarded the State Preservation Award(2007), the City Preservation Award(2007) and the Mayor’s Urban Design Award for Historical Preservation (2008).
Antonio Morelli, original owner and builder of the house, was the former Sands Hotel’s orchestra conductor and musical director. As a classically trained musician, he brought classical music to the area. He organized the first pops concerts in the early 1960’s and in 1969 initiated the “Antonio Morelli Friends of Music Scholarship” to assist UNLV music students, As the music director at the Sands, he came into contact with the top entertainers of the day including the famous Rat Pack. It has been reported that singers like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Nat King Cole rehearsed in Morelli’s music room at the house.

Antonio Morelli chose a mid-century modernistic design for the house. He approached the Sand’s carpenter foreman, Richard Small, with his ideas. Together, over the course of two years, the two men designed and built the house. Las Vegas architect, Hugh E. Taylor, was engaged to draw the plans.

Mr. Kay G. Glenn purchased the home in 1978 from Antonio’s widow, Helen Morelli. Glenn had been Howard Hughes’ press secretary from 1951 until the millionaire’s death in l976. Mr. Glenn made only two changes to the house in the 22 years he owned it, and that was to change the paint color in two places. His excellent care and preservation of the home in its near original condition created a perfect historically unaltered example of mid century residential architecture.

On July 25, 2000, the Junior League had been in the midst of preparing to relocate and restore the historical Whitehead House to land it had purchased through state grants when it was burned down to the ground by vagrants. The League was then given a period of time to find another suitable historical structure before it had to sell the land and return the funds to the state. Knowing about the Junior League’s dilemma, Steve Wynn, who was buying the homes on the Desert Inn Country Club to make way for his new Wynn Resort, had The Molasky Group contact the Junior League about the Morelli House. The Morelli House had been identified by the UNLV School of Architecture as the house most worthy of saving in the Desert Inn Country Club Estates due to its classic mid century architectural design, superior workmanship and materials and historical provenance. The Junior League accepted the Morelli House donated by Mr. Glenn and it was moved to the land at 9th and Bridger that was originally purchased for the Whitehead House on September 30, 2001.

Over the course of several years, the Junior League raised more funds to rectify an expansive soil problem and settle the house on its new foundation and also applied for and received a final grant from the Nevada Commission on Cultural Affairs to complete the restoration. Once most of the critical and cosmetic repairs were made, the League held a public debut of the Morelli House on April 9, 2007. In January 2009, the League officially completed the restorations in accordance with the US Secretary of the Interior’s historical preservation requirements.

The Junior League provides public access to the Morelli House through pre-arranged group tours and through public open house and educational events throughout the year. For more information call (702-822-6536 or email jrleagueoflv@aol.com

Not only is CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER my favorite non-profit arts organization……..

Most of my favorite downtown “characters” are involved in putting this 20th Anniversary Celebration.

For example, this is the email Princess Anne put out to her peeps:

Hello Fabulous Friends…..Please pass this along to everyone you know!  Its going to be a fantastic night full of incredible works of Fashion Art…and YES!…it IS going to be a real RUNWAY Fashion Show ……..

(move over Tim Gunn!) to celebrate the 20th birthday of Contemporary Arts Center of Las Vegas

LOCATION:   16th floor of Building B at the World Market Center Las Vegas…Food by Firefly (downtowns’ favorite!)….and a veritable plethora of beverages that will make you want to buy more ART! 

Get your tickets online at caclasvegas.com  so you wont have to stand in line…see you at the party

xos P.A. 

PS:  Bring your Posse!

What a great opportunity to help a great organization, and if you’ve never been inside the WORLD MARKET CENTER, this is a great opportunity!

Here’s the official press release:

Wearable Art Runway Show and Auction /Gala

The World Market Center, 16th floor, Bldg. “B”

495 S Grand Central Parkway
Las Vegas, NV  89106

On October 24, 2009, at 7:30 pm The Contemporary Arts Center is presenting its second Hot Hot Haute wearable art auction to celebrate its 20^th Anniversary by presenting the art / fashion benefit event of the year. CAC members will be asked to donate $20, and non-members will be asked to donate $30 to have the privilege to sample wine, food, and fashion, while mingling with a wild variety of art /fashion  afficianados and practicioners, celebrities and wannabes.

Artists, both visual and performing (Cirque du Soleil) will be creating one of a kind wearable creations that will be presented and worn by the artists or agile models, to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Music, food, and adult beverages will round out the experience of seeing painted bodies, haughty hats, gorgeous gowns, bizarre bustiers, sultry smoking jackets, and wearable art made of any and all materials known to man.

 A plethora of celebrities and well-knowns will be competing for under and over garments, and the possibility of buying body painting services by the talented Mary Warner UNLV painting professor, whose talents will be modeled by exquisite physiques celebrating the merger of nature and art.

The Contemporary Arts Collective is a significant resource in Las Vegas representing new contemporary art by emerging and established artists. The C.A.C.’s goal is to provide a venue for artists, collectors, and all art enthusiasts to meet, get engaged with and enjoy contemporary art.  Numerous creations have been submitted by local and far away artists, and the CAC Exhibition committee will soon be selecting between 40-50 works to be auctioned.

This event is an important fundraiser for the 20 year old arts organization, now the only surviving independent, non-profit art gallery organization dedicated to contemporary art in Las Vegas.

Tickets for this event will be $20 for all CAC members and $30 for non-members. For ticket information contact office@amsinclv.com or call 702-798-1819.

If interested in exhibiting work for this event you may still contact Wes Myles at     studiowest@lvcm.com

The Las Vegas Girl Festival 

WWW.lasvegasgirlfestival.com I think the name speaks for itself:

A Showcase of female musicians, artists, dancers, poets, comedians and filmmakers for all ages and genres.

October 22 to 26th

Satin Saddle Jazz Orchestra

My client and friend Soeren has been secretly building a Jazz Orchestra for the last few years. They’ve been doing it for fun, but are ready for their first gig.

Presenting: The Satin Saddle Jazz Orchestra. Saturday October 17^th from 2 to 5pm at The Black Label Restaurant Lounge at Spring Mountain and Decatur.

Love their slogan – “Fun Band – Serious Jazz”

Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Movie Bash

3 Nights ONLY on Halloween Weekend

(AND every first and third Saturday of the month, as well)

At the Onxy Theatre.

More at DivineDecadence

The Mary Ellen Span Quintet

A benefit concert for the Winchester Cultural Center

The Mary Ellen Spann Quintet performs the evening of Friday, October 16 in “Starlight and Strings,” a benefit for the Friends of Winchester Park presented by the Guitar Society of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Jazz Society at Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. The event begins at 6:00 p.m.

Mary Ellen Spann is an extraordinary jazz singer who ventures into rock and other musical genres with her band: Woody Woods, piano; John Wedemeyer, guitar; Chris Gordan, bass; and Joel Richman, drums. She has appeared at the last two editions of Starlight and Strings, drawing such raves from the audience that she is back once again.

The Friends of Winchester Park support not only the park, but Winchester Cultural Center and its programs. The Friends created the Winchester desert demonstration gardens in two phases over the last eight years.

Admission: Adults $20, Seniors/Students $15
Garden Wine & Cheese Reception at 6:00pm Dessert & Coffee at intermissionSilent Auction Items Being Offered For more info call: 455.7340

The Las Vegas Valley Book Festival

So many events and speakers! Please visit the official Las Vegas Valley Book Festival website for the complete schedule.

The Vegas Valley Book Festival, the largest literature event in Las Vegas, will be held November 4?–?8, 2009, with most events taking place at the historic Fifth Street School downtown. Now in its eighth year, this annual community festival was founded on the simple premise of bringing together those who write books and those who love to read them. The five-day festival is presented by the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Nevada Humanities and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Keynote Speakers for the Vegas Valley Book Festival are:

U.S. Poet Laureate, Kay Ryan, and Author E.L. Doctorow

The Genius Of Mark Twain

There’s also some pre-festival events, including the Mark Twain Lecture that I mentioned the other day. It’s OCTOBER 22! RSVP’s are required.

On the flyer for the Mark Twain event, they let the cat out of the bag about the Golden Anniversary Open House 2 days later at the Morelli House. It’s OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

If you’ve never taken the tour of the Morelli House…..make it a point to take the tour. It’s the Crown Jewel of Mid Century Modern Historic Preservation in Las Vegas.

It deserves your time. You deserve to see it.

The Vegas Valley COMIC BOOK Festival

And a special treat as part of the Book Festival is the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival!

Saturday November 7^th at the Clark County Library at 1401 E. Flamingo. 11am to 4pm

Besides the panel discussions and exhibit hall, there will be screenings of:

THE LEGENDS BEHIND THE COMIC BOOKS (2008, 56 min, NR)
THOR AT THE BUS STOP (2009, 99 min, NR)
Adventures in Voice Acting: The Bang Zoom! Guide to Voice Acting (2008; rated NR; 108 min)
   (I’m especially interested in this one since everyone tells me I should be doing voice-over)
XMEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (2009, 107 min, PG-13)