Hi Everyone,I would like to bring to your attention a new program targeted towards assisting the homeless in Las Vegas.  You can adopt a room which consists of providing cleaning, painting, redecorating and furnishing a room to be provided to qualified homeless individuals.  What a FANTASTIC way for us to give back to our community.  For more information, call New Genesis @ 702-215-5809.   04/15/2007

A Zestimate (TM) is NOT an appraisal. It is just computer analytics of tax records (in short.)With my last week of bumping around and posting four listings I have found that all Zestimates were off, three lower than they should be and one higher. Three were off by less than 10%, one was 26% off (that was the low end of the scale too!) Now I am not an appraiser nor do I play one on Active Rain, I am a Realtor with access to the same information that Zillow has. It appears that information still needs to be looked at with eyeballs and analyzed by a human brain and cannot be computer generated to arrive at a conclusion.Oddly enough the listing I have that Zillow ranks 26% under it's real value has two offers sitting on the table well above it's Zestimate (TM) in a category with 36 months i... 04/14/2007

Economic Conditions for the Las Vegas Valley March 2007Housing Conditions: Foreclosure/Short Sale Listings (4/14/2007):  Total Listings (4/14/2007)  23,675; Foreclosures Commenced: 806, 3.4% of all listings; Short Sales: 1104, 4.7% of all listings; Both Foreclosures Commenced AND Short Sales: 305, 1.2% of all listings. New Home Sales (February 2007, units sold):  1,142  Year Change -47.3% (excl condo conversions, highrises) New Home Sales (February 2007, median price):  $330,070  Year Change -4.4% (excl condo conversions, highrises) Existing Home Sales (February 2007, units sold):  2,332 Year Change -27.2% Existing Home Sales (February 2007, median price):  $289,000  Year Change:  2.5% Single Family Residential Permits (February 2007):  1170  Year Change -51.9% Apartment Rental Rate (4 ... 04/14/2007

Well, that was an interesting night!  We ended up at the LURE  lounge in the Wynn Las Vegas for a special event hosted by 944 magazine, PINK Vodka and Distinctive Real Estate & Investments, our real estate brokerage.  The house was packed by 11:00 p.m. and the DJ was great.  We had roughly 450 people there until 3:30 a.m. Thursday morning, dancing and having a great time.  As promised, there are several photos of the event for everyone to see. Needless to say, Thursday wasn't that productive - But at the event, all the reserved tables had our flyers and magazines out, and people were very interested so we'll see if we get new business! This event and others are part of our ever-growing campaign to showcase our real estate brokerage in Las Vegas, focusing on Las Vegas downtown real estat... 04/14/2007

Here's a 12-month forecast for housing values in the top 100 U.S. markets as reported by CNN Money. McAllen, Texas, leads the way with a predicted gain of 9.8%, followed by Tulsa and El Paso. Congratulations. On the opposite end of the scale, at the very end, sits Las Vegas. The annual decline is set at 8.9%. Our nearest competitors are Miami and Phoenix. I wonder what type of forecasting models were used to arrive at these figures, but what I keep reading in the local media gives you a somewhat different picture. Economic fundamentals in the valley seem pretty sound. Job growth was 3% in January, unemployment is under 5% and gaming revenue was off slightly. New home construction is the only major sector in the economy that is quite weak right now.  Still, 5,000 to 6,000 people  move he... 04/12/2007

Las Vegas High Rise Luxury Condos are a new addition to the Valley. Being as it is new it has had it's up's and down's much like a toddler. You live and learn. I often have Las Vegas High Rise Luxury Condo Agents coming into my office and give us this great spill on how wonderful their development is going to be then come to find out that their funding never came through or that it was not fully funded and now they have a structure that is only partially erect. It is hard when you have clients that looking to purchase these and having to tell them that they better put their money down on one that is already up. Let's hope that they can get this process figured out. 04/12/2007

For some time now Las Vegas has been one of the leading real estate markets in the world. even now in the slower time las Vegas  still has one of the strongest markets in the world. if you have taken note of what drastic changes have happened in other parts of the country you will agree. As for Las Vegas Realtors the field is white all ready to harvest. There is still a lot of business out there to be had. Keep up the good work and effort and you will reap the rewards. 04/12/2007

This Question was posed by Mitt Romney on a yahoo message board. the following is my response... Mitt,I don't have a great knowledge on taxes and the pros and cons of different codes but i do have a suggestion. I suggest that we be educated in the tax codes. I feel that there are so many practical topics to be educated in and that we are not getting them in our schools. Who teaches finance and financial planning to their high school students? Unless you take a finance class in college the majority miss out on that education. No wonder our society is so far in debt, we don't know any better. So now that I have successfully declared my "Soap Box" I believe that education on important subjects as taxes and finance is the answer. If we knew what financial implications our taxes had on us we... 04/12/2007

Spanish Trails is perched over a 27-hole golf course in southwest Las Vegas. As one of the first guard-gated communities in the valley, its privacy is shared by residents of some 1250 homes. The lush golf course meanders through the neighborhoods.Home prices range to fit many residential tastes and styles. Pathways and parkways connect residents as they stroll through the community. A clubhouse, tennis courts, and swimming pools are available for recreation.Built in the 1980's, the 11 neighborhoods encompass about 640 acres...explore Spanish Trail homes and property or view another Las Vegas community... 04/12/2007

Southern Highlands is an exceptionally well developed master-planned community located at the southern tip of the Las Vegas Valley. It consists of well laid-out roadways, schools, pathways, sports facilities, tennis courts, clubs and spas, and a fabulous members-only golf course. With a Tuscan style its near 2,300 acres charm any newcomer. Strict CC&Rs (homeowner's associations) provide guidelines to maintain consistent refined feel throughout the community.The community is secluded and yet offers easy access to the I-15 and is minutes away from the Strip. It offers some of the best recreational and residential options the valley has to offer.Neighborhoods each offer their own style and feel...learn more about Southern Highlands and other Las Vegas communities... 04/12/2007

I just read an article in the Las Vegas Review Journal about Las Vegas Realtors. It said that Las Vegas Realtors are at an all time high but that most of them are inactive. I heard a joke today that I think is relevant to Las Vegas Real Estate Agents." A cop pulls a lady over and asks, " Let me see your Real Estate License.... I'm sorry... I mean your Drivers license. I know everyone has a real estate license." 04/11/2007

Many homes in Las Vegas are not selling as much as they did two years ago. I know this may seem obvious but for some reason Las Vegas home owners just don't realize this yet. One of the most common conversations we have with our sellers is," I don't want to pay for his closing costs. I am already down twenty thousand from what I already listed it for!" Our response is always the same," Do you want to buy your house back for eight thousand dollars?" It helps them realize real quickly what they are saying. Even though they may be unreasonable we can do a lot to help them make the right decision. 04/11/2007

This Sunday, April 15, the 11th Annual Wag-A-Tail Walk-A-Thon will take place at Hills Park in Summerlin. The event raises much needed funds for the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society, and is supported by Pulte Homes, RealTech Realty, AB Printing & Mailing, Well Fargo, Nutro and Carrabba's Italian Grill.According to the LVVHS web site, the $30 registration fee includes:A 1 or 2 mile "fun walk" for dogs and their peopleT-shirtContinental breakfast AND catered lunch by Carrabba's Italian GrillFull morning of entertainment and musicThousands of dollars in raffle and pledge prizesSponsor booths with great giveawaysFree professional photos with your dog and much more!The Las Vegas Valley Humane Society is an all-volunteer organization, and receives no government funding. Events like this are cr... 04/11/2007

We have recently received an offer from another Las Vegas Real Estate Agent on a condo. She stated that they had made offers on five other Las Vegas Homes and was out bid. Tell me that that doesn't say something. Home Buyers in Las Vegas are hot to trot. We have also made an offer on a Las Vegas home and it too had a bidding war gong on with it, we got bid out. The Las Vegas market must be doing something right. 04/11/2007

I don't know if anyone is checking but the homes for sale in Las Vegas have hit a new high 18,050. These are single family homes in Las Vegas only, not any outlaying areas. I have to say that some areas of Las Vegas are doing much better than others though, we just sold a home in a week and several others are coming right along. 04/11/2007

If you would like to meet the people behind Distinctive Real Estate & Investments, come join us for a great night out! Tonight we are sponsoring a function in conjunction with 944 magazine and P.I.N.K. Vodka at the LURE nightclub at the Wynn Las Vegas. We've attended parties for new loft and high-rise condo project openings and numerous other functions as of late,  and have a big party at the WYNN tonight, Wednesday April 11th at the LURE nightclub with about 400 VIP's (other advertisers, business owners and more importantly, home owners and consumers). Doors Open at 9:00 PM. Not something your traditional brokerage would do, but we strive to be unique and explore new markets.  Sponsored by 944 Magazine, PINK Vodka, TyKu and us.  We save clients time and money, keeping them happy in the... 04/11/2007

Silverado Ranch is located on the south end of Las Vegas near the most southern tip of I-215. Its beautiful entrance features a unique bell tower clock. Home building began in the early 90's and still offers newer homes. It offers many different styles, sizes, and price ranges in its housing options.Several Schools are placed nearby along with popular shopping centers, fine restaurants, and a hospital. Parks with lush greenways thread the communities and residents have access to other recreational activities. Silverado Park is a 10,000 sqft recreational ground providing areas for skating, baseball, picnicking, biking, etc.American West, local to Las Vegas, is a key developer in the community. Their housing options include private, gated areas, views of the strip, and easy access to the ... 04/11/2007

The Siena retirement community is located in southwest Las Vegas. It is age restricted and has great commons facilities. It has an elegant 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a pool, and exercise area. It compares to the Del Webb Sun City communities.Fabulous landscaping includes lush greenbelts, waterfalls, water ways, and great city views. Active adults will love Siena as their active senior's community.Quick access to the 215 beltway results in a quick drive to many parts of the city. Residents can enjoy the amenities of Summerlin, the excitement of The Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock and mountain views all within a few minutes...ask a Las Vegas Realtor® about visiting a Siena property... 04/11/2007

Looking for a home in the city with the feel of a small town?  The master planned community of Summerlin is the answer. At build out, Summerlin will be composed of 30 "villages", each with its own architectural flair and lifestyle.  Developed by the Howard Hughes corporation, Summerlin has been one of the best selling master planned communities in Southern Nevada for the last decade.  Both new and pre-owned homes are available, as are condominiums and townhomes.For golf afficiandos, Summerlin real estate is a dream come true. Summerlin hosts Nevada only annual golf tournament, the Invenys Classic and has the only two Tournament Players Club courses in the valley. In addition, Summerlin has six other golf courses to choose from. Several communities offer homes and villas with views of th... 04/10/2007

Painted Desert is a guard gated community located in the southwest corner of Ann Road and I-95 on the northwest end of Las Vegas. It consists of a community of homes, town homes, and condos surrounding by the greens of the Painted Desert Golf Course. To the west, mountains form the skyline providing spectacular views.By crossing Ann Road residents have access to a great shopping plaza. Office stores, grocery stores, pet stores, auto service stores, etc. are all located in the business park. Freeway access is immediate from the gates of the community providing about a 25 minute commute from downtown Las Vegas depending on the traffic...a Las Vegas Realtor® can help you explore Painted Desert... 04/10/2007