Posts in category: Fun Stuff!

NEW HOME RESOURCE SUPPORTS MLB’S “SUMMER SLUGGER PROGRAM” TO CONTINUE LITERACY & MATH LEARNING DURING SUMMER MONTHS

Posted by New Home Resource on June 15, 2018 in

Fun Stuff!

It’s no secret that everyone at New Home Resource loves the Las Vegas community for more reasons than we can count. That’s why we’re so active in volunteering to work with a number of local charitable organizations – because it’s important to support causes that we truly believe can make a difference in people’s lives.

That’s especially true when it comes to kids – and bikes. Because we know from experience when you put the two together, it can help encourage kids to perform better in their education and physical fitness – and that’s a major win! As the founding President of Breakaway Cycling, Joanna Piette has been instrumental in guiding this non-profit toward some great achievements along those lines (and now, you’re about to see how this is the perfect segue into an upcoming event we’re thrilled to be involved with!).

Each summer, students lose critical math and literacy skills, widening the achievement gap and requiring substantial remediation at the start of each year. It’s known as the “summer slide,” often affecting low-income students the most, when the two months of summer vacation lead to a loss of learning in critical areas – especially reading and math skills.

achievement test scores

One notable effort to reverse this trend has been made by Major League Baseball and EVERFI – who have teamed up to fill in this critical learning gap through the Summer Slugger Program. It’s a free, fun and interactive, online course that uses the game of baseball to help kids from 8-11 (in 4th and 5th grades) maintain their math, literacy, and enrichment skills during the summer months.

And the summer of 2018 is the first year that Breakaway Cycling and New Home Resource are working together with the Las Vegas 51s to enhance this program even more. As an added incentive, Breakaway Cycling will be rewarding the top 50 kids who complete the Summer Slugger Program with new bikes, helmets, and locks. The bikes will be presented at a rodeo cycling event that takes place at Cashman this fall.

The program was launched on May 10th at Eva G. Simmons Elementary School by the Las Vegas 51s and Breakaway Cycling – in front of 240 children who had an opportunity to meet several 51s players and their mascot, Cosmo. A panel session also took place where the 51s players and Breakaway participants spoke with the kids about the importance of sharpening skills sets and training in the off-season – all in preparation for the coming baseball season and cycling events. Also discussed was the importance of helmet and biking safety, and the kids were given the chance to see the bikes they have an opportunity to win.

We’re all too excited and looking forward to the Bike Rodeo this fall, and the chance to support and congratulate all the kids who chose to participate in the Summer Slugger Program. If there’s only one thing these kids take away from this experience, it’s that learning really IS fun…especially when you can keep moving ahead (and don’t have to re-learn things every year).

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Kathy Paterniti and Heidi Colón are all here to help!

Cooler Weather Means Changing Wardrobes and Décor. (Yes, Even in Las Vegas!)

Posted by New Home Resource on October 3, 2017 in

Fun Stuff!

fall wardrobe

Here in Las Vegas – where the weather is awesome for most of the year (except for those annoying few days of summer) – we get used to the eye-rolls when we talk about the weather turning cooler. We know we’re not going out to shovel snow for the next 3 months, or keeping an eye out for nor’easters to make sure our storm doors are up in time.

But the change of seasons does happen here!! And in a totally awesome and enjoyable way. That’s why when it does, we like to make some seasonal changes in our home environment, too.

Even though it might not be -10° outside, we still want to put away the shorts and tank tops so we can finally pull out the comfy sweaters and jeans. (We don’t get to wear them often, you know.) Not to mention, with all of the autumn and winter outdoor activities there are to enjoy in Southern Nevada, yes – we all get into the spirit of the season, too! That means we’re also adding seasonal touches of décor in our homes that reflect the holidays and upcoming celebrations.

Besides, it’s also the perfect time to start getting organized and to rid yourself of that clutter and clothing that’s cramping your style. (Are we right?) So, ready for a few suggestions? Let’s get started!

Start with the Closets . . .

• Pull out the spring and summer clothes, and remove those items you haven’t worn in over a year. (Don’t lie to us, we know that you know – deep down inside – that you probably never will again).
• Replace them with your fall and winter clothing – but be sure to go through them all beforehand to discard anything that won’t fit or you won’t wear. (Ugly Christmas Sweaters have to stay, though. Contests….you know.)
• Go through any boxes and non-clothing items in your closet and throw away anything you don’t need.

Head to the Kitchen . . .

This may be the most daunting space, but hey – you’ve got holiday baking and party hosting to do! That means:

• It’s time to dig out that turkey platter, and maybe even your mom’s old china. (What are you saving it for? A “special occasion”? Well then, this is the time!)
• Go through your pantry and refrigerator and throw away any expired foods. (Don’t worry – you’ll be filling them up again with great things during the season.)
• And, if you have food items in your pantry that you know you won’t use before they expire, donate them to a local food bank.

Then Dress Up the Place!

The one thing we think should be absolutely stress-free is bringing out the holiday décor. After all, this is a happy, beautiful time of year (right?!) – let’s keep it that way by:

• Making holiday decorating an event and enlist the family to help.
• Before you decorate, give the house a good cleaning. That way, your house will be fresh smelling and sparkly, in more ways than one. (Enlist the family for this part, too ☺)
• Incorporate natural items that are readily available. (We think the loveliest seasonal looks are the ones that bring the surrounding environment inside.)
• Resist over-accumulation by purging unused decorations – or hey – maybe even trade decor with a friend! (Just for a year –it’s okay, you can trade back.)
• If you like to set up decorations the same way each year, don’t just leave it to memory. (Especially if you have “Monica Bing” syndrome.) By taking photos and notes, you never know – one year, someone may want to surprise you by doing it all for you – just how you love it!

We’re not going to pretend that this covers everything. Because if you’re anything like us, one good turn will bring up another and another and another . . . Somehow, before you know it, you’ve got the Pier One showroom on display in your gathering spaces. (Weird how that happens.)

But get started, because the weather’s cooling down, the leaves are turning (yes, we have leaves turn in Las Vegas – jeez!), and it’s time to start creating some family and holiday traditions.

8 Great Las Vegas Dog Parks

Posted by New Home Resource on August 17, 2017 in

Fun Stuff!

When the Sun Goes Down, It’s Time to Bring the Dogs Out!

At the moment, it might be a bit too crispy to take the dogs to the dog parks during the day, but one of the best things about Las Vegas is that we are definitely a dog-friendly town. No matter which side of the valley you live on, odds are, you’re not more than a few short minutes away from a dog park to enjoy with your four-legged friends 😊

Make the best of this valuable asset our neighborhoods have to offer! Here’s a list of 8 great dog parks throughout town to get you started.

SUMMERLIN

Kellogg Zaher Dog Park
7601 W. Washington Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89128

NORTHWEST

Barkin’ Basin Dog Park
Alexander & Tenaya, Las Vegas, NV 89129

Barkin’ Basin Dog Park

SPRING VALLEY

Desert Breeze Dog Park
8275 W. Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas, NV 89147

Desert Breeze Dog Park

Charlie Frias Park
4801 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89103

Charlie Frias Park

SOUTHWEST

CJ Dog Park (Cactus & Jones – Southern Highlands)
Corner of Jones & Cactus, Las Vegas, NV 89141

CJ Dog Park (Cactus & Jones – Southern Highlands)

Exploration Peak Park
9275 S. Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89178

Exploration Peak Park

SOUTHEAST

Sunset Park
2601 E. Sunset Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89120

Sunset Park

EAST

Horseman & Dog Fancier’s Park
5800 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89122

Horseman & Dog Fancier’s Park

(Just makes you want to go out and play fetch now, doesn’t it?)

Our 2017 Favorite Summer Salads

Posted by New Home Resource on July 7, 2017 in

summer salads

Once summer arrives, it seems like the last thing we want to do is standing around and cooking over a hot stove, right? (Although having someone else slaving over a hot grill in the back yard is another story entirely!) So we started putting together a new list of summer salads that we think look fabulous, and these photos just looked too good not to share. (Feel free to make an extra batch of any of these and send it over to our office, by the way!)

Chickpea Tex-Mex Salad
from DinnerThenDessert.com

Seriously? Does this not just scream of cool-and-spicy all at once? According to Sabrina at Dinner Then Dessert, this summer salad “has a ton of flavor like most Tex-Mex salads, but with far less of the heavier and more caloric ingredients that would weigh you down. Having this lunch option will help you avoid falling into the normal restaurant salad trap where similar Tex-Mex salads are filled with cheese and sour cream and mayonnaise based dressings.” We’re totally on board with the whole idea.

Grilled Vegetable Nicoise Salad With Salmon
from HummingbirdThyme.com

Okay – so let’s say we do have that guy out working the grill in the back yard. That’s perfect! All they need to do is grill us up some sliced eggplant and this amazing hunk of salmon, and we’re on our way to nirvana. Oh sure, a couple other items in this recipe might take a couple minutes on the stove (blanching green beans), and a few minutes in the oven (roasting beets) – but wouldn’t you say the end result is absolutely worth it? We would. We’d like to give a shout out to Laura at Hummingbird Thyme for sharing these mouthwatering photos along with her amazing summer salad recipe on her blog.

Sweet ‘n Savory Wild Rice Salad
from GreatEightFriends.com

Wild rice, grapes, cranberries and pecans (and Anna of Great Eight Friends says that adding some grilled chicken breast makes it even better). Seriously: YUM. Light, flavorful, savory, and sweet all in one dish – with a refreshing and simple dressing that is simply to die for. Bring it on.

Shaved Asparagus Spring Salad
from DelishKnowledge.com

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – just the way we like to prepare our meals. Alex of Delish Knowledge created this fabulous vegetarian recipe (just throwing that part in because, hey – it matters!) – and even though it’s got the word “spring” in the title, we’re pretty sure it’s good-to-go anytime around here. Some tips from Alex: “This salad works because of the layering of flavors. If it grows in the spring, I put it in this salad. Thinly sliced radishes, mint, slivered almonds, couscous and a lemon-mustard dressing. Cooked couscous almost clings to the shaved asparagus like pasta, so I don’t recommend subbing out another grain in its place.” This one is worth investing in a mandolin, if you ask us.

Purple Cabbage, Orange & Walnut Salad
from Teczcape

A huge part of our dining experience comes from the visuals, as we all know. And we think this summer salad recipe is simply perfection for the eyes. (Not a bad experience for the taste buds, either!) Quick to prep and pull together, it offers a simple, fresh, and light meal solution on its own, or makes a great accompaniment for whatever that guy has on the grill tonight. Presented on Hui Leng Tay’s blog, we’re happy just looking at this one for the moment!

If you have a favorite summer salad recipe that’s your Go-To meal, we’d love to hear about it! (And taste it – so hey, share, okay?) Summer Rules All!

Summer Pool Safety Reminders

Posted by New Home Resource on June 22, 2017 in

Fun Stuff!

pool safety

As summer heats up here in the Las Vegas valley, we’d just like to send out a little reminder to our friends and neighbors to consider the safety and well-being of your children when it comes to summertime pool fun.

According to the Southern Nevada Health District, 2016 saw 9 fatal drownings of children aged 0-14 years old in Clark County. That’s the highest number since 2008, and we think it’s important to note that nearly three-quarters of those deaths occurred in a residential pool.

Sadly, these losses could have been prevented. Just imagine – in the time it takes to turn and take a sip from a cold drink (about 10 seconds) or to take a quick trip to the bathroom (four to six minutes), a child can begin to drown when left unattended in a backyard pool. Within a minute without air, brain damage can occur – and lives can be forever changed by an avoidable accident.

That’s why it’s important that parents and guardians of little swimmers are reminded that pool safety should be a top priority for summer fun. So if you have a pool at your home, or there is one at a home your child frequents, you can plan ahead with some basic pool safety training:

• Ensure there is constant adult supervision – with no texting or other seemingly insignificant distractions.

• Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult, and make sure older children swim with a partner every time.

• Make sure your children learn to swim, and also develop these five water survival skills:

o Step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface;
o Float or tread water for one minute;
o Turn around in a full circle and find an exit;
o Swim 25 yards to exit the water; and
o Exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder.

• Put up secure fences.

• Remove elevated objects, such as chairs, tables and blow up toys from the pool area. This can play an important role in prohibiting a child from climbing over barriers and fences and inadvertently falling into a pool.

• Being CPR-educated and having lifesaving devices available (such as a shepherd’s hook and foam ring) can make a difference between a call to 911 or a brief scare.

Please remember and think ahead, so you don’t take unnecessary chances with the lives of your children when it comes to pool safety. We want to make sure 2017 has a big, fat ZERO in the column that counts Child Drowning Fatalities in Clark County!!

21 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About Las Vegas

Posted by New Home Resource on June 14, 2017 in

Fun Stuff!

Las Vegas

Oh, sure – people come to Las Vegas from all over the world. Many times, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip. And with all the things to do and experience in Las Vegas, there’s still plenty of history and tidbits that even locals never learn about. Unless someone decides to dig up a few and share them. Like we are right now!

We thought when we hit “21” – that was the place to stand. So tell us – how many of the following Las Vegas Trivia Facts are news to YOU?

FUN LAS VEGAS FACTS

1. In Nevada it is mandatory that video slot machines pay a minimum of 75 percent on average.
2. Vegas Vic, the enormous neon cowboy that towers over Fremont Street, is the world’s largest mechanical neon sign.
3. Howard Hughes stayed at the Desert Inn for so long that he was asked to leave. He bought the hotel.
4. Camels were used as pack animals in Nevada as late as 1870.
5. More than 41 million people visit Las Vegas each year.
6. Seventeen of the 20 biggest hotels in the U.S. are in Las Vegas.
7. The average age of a Vegas tourist is 47.7.
8. McCarran International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in the United States and North America.
9. California’s known as the Golden State, but most U.S. gold comes from Nevada. Not only is Nevada the largest gold producing state in the nation, it is second in the world behind South Africa.
10. The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign was created by 35-year-old graphic designer Betty Willis in 1959. She never trademarked the design, calling it her “gift to the city.” Willis continued working in neon signage until she was 77.
11. With fewer than 10 inches of rain per year, Nevada’s the driest state in the U.S.
12. Nevada’s the only U.S. state to legalize prostitution, but only in the form of regulated brothels in counties with populations under 400,000. So all that prostitution that occurs in bigger cities like Reno and Las Vegas is illegal… (But probably thriving).
13. Reno is farther west than Los Angeles.
14. Nevada’s location and mineral wealth made it an attractive potential Union state during the Civil War, and so it was. That’s why Nevada’s also known as the “Battle Born State.”
15. More than 300 weddings take place in a day in Las Vegas every year – making Las Vegas the top wedding destination in the U.S.
16. Casinos in Las Vegas never use dice having rounded corners – only dice with steep edges.
17. The Las Vegas Strip is the brightest place on Earth seen from space. The ‘City of Lights’ has over 15 miles of neon tubes and over 9,900,000 light bulbs on the strip alone.
18. The Statue of Liberty depicted on the US postage stamp is not the one you see entering the harbor in New York – but instead is the Las Vegas replica.
19. The Main Street Station Casino’s men’s bathroom is home to a section of the Berlin Wall.
20. Las Vegas has more hotel rooms than any other place on earth – and it would take 288 years to stay in all of them. (There are more than 150,000 rooms within 5 miles of McCarran Airport.
21. The Stratosphere is the tallest, freestanding, observation tower in the US and the tallest structure west of the Mississippi.

Now you can go out and win a few bar bets! Enjoy!

5 Ways to Add Curb Appeal at Your Front Door

Posted by New Home Resource on March 7, 2017 in

Looking to sell your home soon? Or maybe you’d just like to give it some curb appeal for spring. Whatever your reason (oh – we forgot about family coming to visit, too!) — we’ve got just the thing for you: Five ways to spruce up your home’s curb appeal that will go a long way toward extending a welcoming impression. An inspiring list to freshen things up that won’t break the bank (or require a planning commission to get under way).

1. Paint or stain your front door. A brightly colored door is a great way to draw attention to your house and make it feel modern and inviting. Not quite sure which color to choose? Hey – there’s an app for that – literally! You can download it here, and it will show you just how your door will look in different colors – before you do the shopping and labor. Just make sure your HOA approves any paint selections!

2. Don’t you just love the look of kickplates? Most people do (not to mention they actually have a purpose!). It might be just the boost your door needs to take it to the next level of awesome.

3. What about that door hardware? Well, you can replace it – or polish it – or even spray paint it to get an exciting new look. (Just don’t forget about coordinating the doorbell and hinges!)

4. Tile your porch. Sometimes, a picture says a thousand words. Two pictures practically scream at you – – at least, we think these before-and-after images do that. Just think of it as one way to take your front porch from” b-o-r-i-n-g” to” filled with caché!”

5. Exterior light fixtures are always changing in style. Dress them up! Just look at how great your door, hardware and porch look now! Coordinate with your new door hardware colors, or go with something fresh, bold and beautiful.

These five ideas are just to get you started – but there’s no reason you need to stop there. New house numbers, planters, symmetrical pots or décor – the list can go on for ages. Seriously, isn’t that one of the reason you buy a home anyway? Because stuff like this is fun – because when all is said and done, your home looks fabulous!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

8 Free Las Vegas Holiday Things to Do

Posted by New Home Resource on November 28, 2016 in

It’s that time of year when we’re all on the hunt for the best holiday light displays in town. But, until we find where they’re hiding, we thought we’d share the numerous fun holiday events that won’t cost you a cent (except for the stop at Starbucks afterwards for the Peppermint Hot Chocolate!)

One of the things we love about Las Vegas is how involved our local businesses are with the community. It’s a great show to behold in your travels around the city. If you’re putting together your Holiday Entertainment Schedule, you may just want to plan on adding these to your list. Enjoy!

WinterFest

The City of Henderson will host its annual WinterFest celebration, December 8-10, 2016 at the Henderson Events Plaza and Henderson Convention Center, both located at 200 Water Street, in the Water Street District. This year’s theme is Winter – Silver & Snowflakes and the event will feature a snow play area along with a variety of family-friendly activities, including an official tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Hafen and Santa Claus, gingerbread house displays, roaming performances, and an evening light parade. Event admission is complimentary. Some activities will require paid admission.

Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden

For a Southwest take on the holidays, head to the festive cactus garden at Ethel M Chocolates Factory, which features some three acres of cacti festooned with half a million lights. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the trip. 2 Cactus Garden Dr at Sunset Way, Henderson. November 15th – January 1st; Admission is Free and Open to the Public.
Holiday Lights: Nightly, 5pm to 10pm.
Factory & Chocolate Shoppe: Open daily 8:30am till 10pm.
Visits from Santa Claus: Friday – Sunday till Christmas 5pm to 9pm.
Performances by Local Choirs: Friday – Sunday 6pm to 8pm.

Cowboy Christmas

The Cowboy Christmas returns to Las Vegas with more wares to keep even the most avid shopper entertained! Conveniently located in the South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center at Paradise Road and Desert Inn, just one block east of the famous Las Vegas Strip. This year’s show promises to exceed expectations! Over 440,000 square feet of show-floor hosting! 400 plus vendors from across the United States and Canada will showcase their unique products which include: customized jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, original art, handmade crafts and pottery, as well as providing the best source for the Official Wrangler NFR and PRCA merchandise. 3150 Paradise Rd at Convention Center Dr. Dec 3–12, 9am–5pm; free.

Las Vegas Great Santa Run

It’s time for the running of the Santa’s! At this annual 5k fun run and one-mile walk to benefit local organization Opportunity Village, registration includes a five-piece Santa suit. Last year, over 9,000 Santa’s ran for charity (and to work off a few holiday cookies), but Las Vegas still lost the world record for the largest Santa run to Liverpool, England. This year, the event is hoping for 10,000 Santa’s and a chance to take the title. Third Street Stage at Fremont Street Experience, Fremont St between S Main St and S Casino Center Blvd. Dec 5, from 8am; free for spectators.

30th Annual Downtown Hoedown

Free Concerts on Nov 30, 2016 from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Old Dominion and Sawyer Brown headline the 30th Annual Downtown Hoedown, the official kick-off to Wrangler National Finals Rodeo week in Las Vegas. The free event happens Nov. 30, 2016 and features top country talent beginning at 4:30 p.m. and ending with headliner performances from Sawyer Brown at 8:40 p.m. on the 1st Street Stage (near Binion’s) and Old Dominion at 9:50 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage (between The D and Four Queens).

30th Annual Downtown Hoedown Schedule:

• Jackson Michelson on Main Street Stage – 4:30-5:30pm
• High Valley on 1st Street Stage – 5:40-6:25pm
• Aaron Watson on 3rd Street Stage – 6:35-7:20pm
• Craig Campbell on Main Street Stage – 7:30-8:30pm
• Sawyer Brown on 1st Street Stage – 8:40-9:40pm
• Old Dominion on 3rd Street Stage – 9:50-11:30pm

December to Remember at the Neon Museum

This year, families have a variety of festive reasons to attend the Neon Museum’s annual “December to Remember” holiday celebration, which takes place Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. It begins with ornament-making in the Boneyard Park and then families can snap their own photo with Santa in the North Gallery from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by hot chocolate and caroling by Las Vegas Academy choir in the colorfully illuminated Neon Museum Boneyard from 5 to 6 p.m. “December to Remember” is part of the City of Las Vegas Cultural Corridor’s holiday festival. This event is free and open to the public; reservations are not required. 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

Santa Photo’s at The District

The District at Green Valley Ranch | Starts Nov 22 – Ends Dec 24
Come Visit Santa at his house in The District in Henderson! Santa’s house is located off main Street, near Williams Sonoma. Santa’s Hours are:

• November 28 – December 11
• Monday – Friday: 11am-7pm (Break 2:30-3:30pm)
• Saturday: 11am-8pm (Break 3:00-4:00pm)
• Sunday: 11am-6pm (Break 3:00-3:30pm)
• December 12 – 23 – Daily: 11am-8pm (Break 1pm-1:30pm; 5pm-6pm)
• December 24 – 9am-4pm (Break 12:30pm-1:00pm)

Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town

A holiday tradition for over 19 years, Mystic Falls Park will be decked out for the holidays with beautiful new holiday decor, an exciting all-new laser light show and will be making it snow in Vegas every night through the new year beginning November 25, 2016. Plus… Santa will be here to welcome kids of all ages! November 25, 2016 – December 23, 2016 – Thursdays and Fridays, 4:00pm -8:30pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00pm – 8:30pm.

From all of us at New Home Resource, we wish you and yours the happiest of holidays this season!!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide just the service you’re looking for. 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, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

18 Steps to Being the Perfect House Guest

Posted by New Home Resource on November 10, 2016 in

As you may recall, our last post dealt with some suggestions about how you can cope with the reality of family and friends coming to stay at your home this season (or anytime, really). We’d like to add an “addendum” of sorts to that post as a reminder about how you, yourself, can be the “Dream House Guest” the next time you’re the one imposing on, er, we mean, staying in someone else’s home.

If you’re the one doing the traveling and visiting soon, here are some valuable rules of thumb to remember. (Because few things stick in our mind more clearly than having walked a mile in a host’s shoes.)

If You’re the House Guest, Then Here’s the Rules
The best way to teach others how to treat you is by example. By following these guidelines when you stay with a loved one, there’s a slightly better chance that they may return the favor the next time they’re in your neighborhood for a few days.

1) Let them know exactly when you’re going to arrive and depart. Some house guests stay too long, and some don’t stay long enough. Strike the perfect balance (our rule of thumb, “Always leave them wanting more”. It’s the best way to get invited back.

2) Ask about the house rules ahead of time. This will help them as much as it will inform you. Plus, it will clearly display that you respect their boundaries before you even get there. A good start to a visit, indeed.

3) Take an appropriate hostess gift. If you’re the house guest of a family with children, a small gift for the children is fitting, too (maybe a puzzle or book). Other gifts might include a book or a kitchen gadget. Wine (if that’s their thing) or flowers (but bring one already arranged – don’t just hand them a wrapped bouquet so they have to do the work!)

4) Check beforehand on available activities and pack accordingly. Not that this necessarily makes you the perfect house guest, it just shows that you’re smart.

5) Don’t ask if you can bring your animals. Arrange to have them cared-for at home while you’re gone. It’s an awkward conversation; don’t put your host in a state of an obligatory answer.

6) Don’t rely on your hosts for anything other than a free place to stay (and by that, we mean lodging – not free meals, too).

7) Buy your own groceries, and buy groceries for your host, too. (Especially if you’re eating meals together at home). We can’t stress this enough.

8) Lend a hand whenever you can. Help clean up after meals; offer to prep food, wash dishes, take out the trash, etc. Your hosts are not your personal concierge service – and you never want to make them feel as though they are. (Little resentments can become big ones very quickly, you know.)

9) Conserve towels. (That’s being kind to your hosts AND the planet.)

10) Be sure and let your hosts know ahead of time if you have any food allergies (but make it clear you’ll be happy to shop for groceries and even prepare foods to meet those needs).

11) Be on-time for meals and for whatever activities have been planned. Arrive when you say you will, or call if you’re running late.

12) Give your host personal time and space. They may be happy to see you, but it doesn’t mean they want to spend every minute of every day with you. You’ll enjoy your time together more if each of you has time apart.

13) Always offer to take your hosts out for a meal or two so they can enjoy an evening without cooking and cleaning – and simply bask in the glow of your company!

14) Keep your room tidy. Another one we cannot stress enough. All it takes is a glance into a messy room to create the impression you’re not caring for their property. And remember that just being there creates extra work for everyone – but little things like this demonstrate that you’re willing to pitch in and do what you can to help maintain a sense of order.

15) When you leave, strip the bed and clear the bathroom of used towels. Ask your host where the clean sheets and towels are kept so you can make the bed and replace used towels.

16) Before you leave, check for anything left behind so your host doesn’t have to package and mail things back to you.

17) Leave a parting gift. During your stay, you should have gotten a good sense of what your hosts want, like, or need. Use this information to purchase a small parting gift that shows your gratitude and decency as a human being.

18) ALWAYS send a written thank-you note as soon as you return home. It will matter more than you know.

House guests can be wonderful when they know and really understand the rules. Go the extra mile to make your visit as easy and pleasant as possible on your hosts. After all, who doesn’t love being invited to visit?

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide just the service you’re looking for. 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, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Hosting House Guests? Here’s How to Lower Your Stress Level

Posted by New Home Resource on November 7, 2016 in

We’ve found there are usually two common thoughts that run through the minds of most people when they live in Las Vegas, and we’re guessing during the holiday season, they happen more often than not.

The first is: “How can I accommodate all the family and friends who want to come stay with me?” (Because you live in Fabulous Las Vegas, silly! Two-birds/one-stone theory for them.)

The second is: “How come I can pick my friends, but I can’t pick my family?!” (Okay, that one may be more the result of remembering past holiday seasons – because, hey, what’s a Thanksgiving Dinner without a little family drama?) We can’t help you much with the second (if we could, we might try it ourselves! haha!). But the first can probably be managed a little better than in the past. (Let’s face it – we’re all so worried about hurting other’s feelings, we often don’t pay any attention to our own.)

That’s why we suggest a little forethought, some pre-planning, and actually setting the rules up-front – then saying them out-loud. It is, after all, your home – right? So even if you’ve had some difficult past experiences with certain house guests, we suggest you take that knowledge and turn it to your advantage. Let us get started with ideas by explaining how that can work.

Firm Up the Dates
Those open-ended visits can make you crazy. Admit it – you’ve been there. That’s why it’s critical that you lay out firm ground rules that start with the arrival and departure dates. That allows you to plan activities and know there is an end in sight. (You feel better already, don’t you?) This is probably the most important decision to make before your house guests arrive, and the three-day guideline is a good rule of thumb. (You know what they say about fish & guests.) The Added Benefit you get from this single step can also help to avoid difficult conversations between you, your spouse, and your kids. (Like: “When are they going to leave?!”)

Remember That Your Life Matters, Too
We all love visiting with people we don’t get to see often. Parents, grandparents, school chums – and the holiday season is one of the things that inspires us to gather, catch up, and reminisce. But then why – for some of us – is it a time of such stress and anxiety (and other emotions we won’t mention here, but you know what they are!)?

Part of the reason is that while your house guests may be on a carefree vacation – you’re still dealing with your day-to-day life. That might include work, school, your children’s activities, etc. Plus, the cleaning and shopping and cooking that as a host, you feel is required. And that’s not even counting rearranging the sleeping arrangements, lots of extra “stuff” around your house, more people to share bathrooms, who gets to choose what to watch on tv, and the list goes on.

Many hosts have a tendency to gloss over this by thinking: “it’s just for a few days – we’ll get through it.” But our response to that would be: “Why not just set the ground rules up-front?”

A lot of times, people are reluctant to take this step (those ‘hurt feelings’ again).

But in truth, most people are pretty understanding about this. Why? Because they’ve been in your shoes, and they remember how frustrating it can get! We suggest that at the time (or even before) confirming anyone’s visiting dates, you have an honest communication and say right up front that “I’m delighted you’re coming to visit! Here’s when I’ll be available to plan to do things with you – and when I’ll be working/taking kids to school or activities/etc.” (Even if you just want a couple of hours to yourself after a long workday.) If you have a baby or toddler, routine is important to maintaining household serenity – so invite them to be part of that, too. (They can always go to the casino after bedtime!) The point is to let them know what your schedule is like so they won’t just assume you’re the Local Las Vegas Entertainment Revue 24/7.

Let Them Know Your Home’s Boundaries and How Things Work
With some house guests, it’s hard to know if they don’t pitch in to help because they don’t want to be in your way or do things wrong – or if they’re just taking advantage of the Free Cook & Head Bottle-Washer services they can get out of you. Whichever it is, you can help out the first type, and give the lazier, er – latter ones – a not-so-subtle hint by letting them know how things in your home function. Such as:

• Out-of-bounds areas (like your personal computers, bedroom, etc.)
• Whether pets are welcome
• Where house guests can smoke
• Your WiFi password
• Where to find things (such as dishes, towels, toilet paper, etc.)
• Show them how to make the coffee
• Where should they put dirty laundry?
• Demonstrate how the dishwasher and washing machines work
• Show them where the trash goes
• ….and, well…… you get the gist of it.

Provide Special Touches They’ll Appreciate
This is just a short list of items that almost every house guest will appreciate. Your friends and family may have more specific needs – so we suggest you give them some thought, and surprise them with their visit with things they know only you would recognize – and that they would appreciate.

• Flowers – even tiny vases of fresh herbs or a single flower will clearly display you are thinking of their comfort.
• An extra power strip in their room for their devices (this one is almost mandatory anymore).
• Provide a collection of common bathroom amenities in a small basket.
• Set apart a stack of clean towels.
• Place some bottled water in their room.
• Provide a place to hang their clothes / set up their suitcase.
• Extra pillows.
• Clear off a nightstand and leave the lamp on for them.
• Written instructions about how to operate your television. Have Netflix or Roku? Tell them how to work that, too!
• A list with directions from your house to nearby stores, in case they need to purchase personal items.
• Do they enjoy a yoga or exercise class regularly? Provide a list of nearby facilities.

Will you be hosting elderly house guests? They also have some special needs to take into consideration.

• Keep extra blankets in their room in case they get a chill.
• Provide nightlights.
• Tub floor grippers and non-slip mats (might save everyone from a difficult situation)
• A clock and a calendar (in case they need to keep track of medications)
• Pen and notepad.
• Also, keep in mind that seniors eat smaller meals and snack more, and they may have certain dietary restrictions. Ask ahead of time about foods and drinks they normally eat, and make the extra effort to let them know you have them, where they are, and how to make them (explaining where utensils and dishes are, etc.)

See? It’s possible to make your house guests feel super-welcome AND not make your time during their visit a ride straight to Insanityville! Keep in mind, too – that after the first time you follow some of these tips, you’ll see that the benefits are worth the effort to speak up, and you’ll move forward with your next visitors accordingly. (Repetition will make it that much easier for you to do it with the next guests, and the ones after that!).

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide just the service you’re looking for. 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, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!