Archives for the month of: April2015

The recent experience of a Realtor during an Open House event in Gilbert, Arizona is a fresh reminder to those in our industry that personal safety should always be at the top of our checklists. Because a real estate agent works so closely with the public, it is sometimes easy to forget how critical it is to follow common safety precautions. Let’s face it, we’re in this business because we love working with and helping people find their ‘forever’ home. But it’s always going to be most important to be aware of warning signs and remain diligent – because that’s the best protection we can provide ourselves – and it’s a duty we owe to our clients, as well.

While the agent’s experience, which occurred during an Open House event in Gilbert, Arizona last month, was a serious matter, thankfully she was ultimately successful in rebuffing her attacker and escaping serious, life-threatening injury. Perhaps more importantly, the suspect was recently arrested and is in custody (big sigh of relief for Realtors and homebuyers everywhere), and may also be the suspect in other similar events.

Just as important as our own safety is that of our clients. It is a critical part of our duty to do our best to ensure their well-being in our dealings and travels, too. There are many stories that have been written outlining fellow Realtors’ personal experiences on this topic – which include tips and recommendations about best safety practices we should all be using. At the top of the list are letting your colleagues know where you are at all times, gathering identification, and knowing the neighborhood and the home you will be showing.

Other safety measures should be followed as well – and this might be a good time for us to review those tips to make sure we’re doing all we should be to protect ourselves, our families, our colleagues, and our clients. (Take a few moments to review these stories on the topic: Realtor.org and Zillow articles, and this video announcement by the National Association of Realtors regarding a new NAR Safety Course to be presented next month in Washington, D.C.)

The Las Vegas market is heating up (and we’re not just talking about the weather!). So let’s make this coming summer selling season one of the best – and the safest – on record!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

It is taking a little bit longer for homeowners to break even on their investments. Overall, buyers can expect a relatively quick return according to a recent Las Vegas Review Journal article. “Home-sales website Zillow set the Las Vegas Valley’s ‘break-even horizon’ at 1.5 years in the fourth quarter, up from 1.2 years in the same period a year earlier, ” says Review Journal reporter Jennifer Robison.

According to Robison, Des Zillow found that it is much better to buy a house than rent by looking at a number of components, from maintenance costs to home-equity growth. Despite the quick return the majority of people are not buying due to financial reasons.

Although, the housing market is still picking up slightly, according to a recent Vegas Sun article. Median closing rates saw a 6% improvement. Builders were selling one home per week per subdivision in December, as claimed by Home Builders Research President Dennis Smith’s article: “That’s on par with early 2014 and ‘not at any type of record pace’ for the area, but it is a very positive turnaround from the lackluster activity during the last two quarters of 2014.”

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Having a lush, grassy yard is nice but when you live in a desert region like Las Vegas, it is impractical. Not only will you spend a fortune on your water bill, the upkeep poses a tough challenge that requires hours of time. Desert landscaping is a beautiful alternative to grass yards that are easy to maintain. Here are some desert landscaping tips that will make your yard rival any other.

Play around with scale:

There are lots of desert, plants, trees and shrub to choose from, ranging in all sizes and shapes. Juxtaposing smaller shrubs and plants with larger trees creates depth as well as movement making your yard more interesting.

Add color:

It is a misconception that the desert lacks color. Find slightly larger rocks or stones to line pathways  to add a distinction between your base rock. Many desert plants like Strawberry Pitaya Blooms and Damianita add a bright pop of accent color making your yard more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Bonus tip:

Create swirling pathways that you can walk through to enjoy your yard to the fullest.

There are many resources on desert landscaping ideas. Browse different ideas to see what plants and style you prefer.

To find a new home to create your own unique desert landscaping, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

The stress from work, having kids, paying bills, meeting your everyday needs and the needs of those you love can all add up, and while Las Vegas may seem like the ideal place to unwind, relax, many residents simply do not know where or how to alleviate the everyday pressures in life. New Home Resource can be your source for your dream home and much more.

Destress with a soothing bath with Eucalyptus steam, a dry sauna to finish and a lounge chair or comfy couch to finish it off. But, if you care to embrace the amenities that Las Vegas has to offer, reserve a spa day for you and a friend for a relaxing massage and facial.
Qua Bath Spas at Caesars Palace makes a great getaway for couples. Even men can indulge in the ultimate sports massage to soothe tired and sore muscles and gain greater flexibility.

Laugh a bit with a comedy show. Humor is necessary for good health and it has been shown to improve your immune system, actively relieve stress responses and release tension. A great comedy show will not only be entertaining but allow you to escape from your own busy life for while.

Spend a few hours walking the hiking trails of beautiful Red Rock Canyon. The fresh air will be reviving, and as you explore the sandstone cliffs, you will have a newfound appreciation for the unspoiled lands and how they add a raw and authentic beauty to the city of Las Vegas.

For a simple solution. Dance.

If you are looking for a relaxing new home or an enjoyable experience when buying a new home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

The process of moving into a home can be a daunting task. With New Home Resource, the process becomes much less daunting. Prior to choosing the right color scheme for your master bedroom or whether or not to maintain a media room, you must get Homeowners insurance before you close escrow. Natural Disasters are rare occurrences, but you will have the coverage you need when you need to build, repair, or even relocate. Individual coverage can be pricy, so it may make more sense to combine home coverage with your car insurance coverage

A security system will grant you the peace of mind you need to sleep at night. Protect your family and your most valuable asset with a security system that will contact the police, fire department or private security team. At the very least, invest in sturdy deadbolt locks for your doors and solid latches for your windows. Man’s best friend, particularly if he’s big, won’t hurt either.

Obtain a list of recommended handymen who are helpful in emergency situations. Having a helpful, reliable, plumber, electrician, or security tech, handy will be there in moments when you least expect the need to arise.

A set of garden tools, a lawnmower, plants for the backyard or front lawn for landscaping. Whether you’re an expert gardener or not, there are tools you need for the general maintenance of your yard: a sprinkler system, hose and rake. If you’ve considered growing an herb garden, maybe now would be good time.

Whether you’re into outdoor entertaining, family gatherings or if you simply want to take that steak to a whole new level, the right barbecue can bring out the spring spirit in all of us.

Your new home information should contain warranty information on all the home appliances within the home. The first few months in your home should not be spent worrying about whether the stove, water softener or heater will work. The general maintenance of appliances are the most common things overlooked.

Without ruining the joy of moving into a new home, a disaster kit that includes flashlight, non-perishable items, bottles of water, blankets, batteries, and portable radio, and even a first aid kit will be helpful in any emergency situation.

Once the important items have been covered, you can consider investing in simple high quality furniture that will endure your lifestyle for years to come like a cozy transitional couch, a frat-like futon, or a cozy recliner you can look forward to sitting in after a hard day’s work. Let your new home reflect your style, lifestyle and the comfort level you deserve.

If you are looking for a new home or things to buy for your new home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!