Posts in category: Home Care

When you first move into a home of your own, it’s a little bit like taking a trip to a foreign land. After all, up until now, you either lived with your parents, or at school, or rented a place – and the odds are you never gave real home maintenance a thought. Things just somehow magically got done. It had nothing to do with your dad’s “Honey-Do” list, right? You just lived in a place, and it stayed nice, and after all, you had other things to do with your time than worry about all that.

But now, you’ve bought a home of your own – and Surprise! You’re the one with the honey-do list. But if no one ever explained to you what, exactly, home maintenance is all about, how are you supposed to make sure you’re getting it all done? Exactly. You won’t. That’s why we thought we’d help you out with some of the most basic-of-basic home maintenance information. We’re pretty sure after this list, you’ll discover a few other things that you’d like to pay special attention to – because as a smart homeowner, you want to protect the value of your investment. But this short list should be enough to prime the pump, so to speak!

What: HVAC filters need to be changed about every 30 days in Las Vegas (desert, dust, wind – you get it.)
Why: It will help your air conditioner run more efficiently and avoid wasting energy and money. Plus, it won’t only extend the life of this (very expensive to replace) unit, but clogged filters can also trap harmful pollutants and allergens that you don’t want lurking around your home.
How: Just turn off your system, pull out your filters and inspect them for dirt and grime. If they’re dark and look dirty, get suitable replacements from the local hardware store. When replacing them, turn the unit back on first – as this will hold the filters in place while you’re fastening the vent cover back on. (Just don’t leave the unit running without filters in place for more than a few seconds.)

What: Get your air conditioning system serviced before the heat of summer starts.
Why: Just as with a vehicle, maintaining a complex A/C system can go a long way towards extending its life. And if you’ve ever had your A/C break down mid-summer in Las Vegas, you already know repair companies are busy and not likely to get to your problem the same day. Sweat, sweat, sweat.
How: If possible, contact the company that installed the unit for a quote on their maintenance service call. Or make inquiries about reputable HVAC contractors that you can trust to come out and give your system a tune-up.

What: Test your smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors.
Why: Safety, for sure – and also, there’s nothing worse than a beeping ‘low battery’ signal that goes off in the middle of the night and the ceiling is 12’ high.
How: Follow the “test” instructions (there’s usually a button on the unit for this), and many brands also have a light to indicate that batteries are getting low, so you can change them out before they wake you up at 2am. Rule of thumb: Change these batteries every time you change your clock for Daylight Savings Time.

What: Test your fire extinguishers.
Why: Being prepared always beats being sorry.
How: Ensure it has easy access (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear. Most fire extinguishers have a life cycle of from 5-15 years – but if you don’t know how old yours is, just be sure to check the pressure gauge each month. If the needle is in the green area, it’s functional.

What: Recaulk your windows.
Why: It’s estimated that 80 percent of winter heat loss occurs due to cracks in a home – so just imagine how much you might be paying to air condition the outside! Sealing the spaces around windows with caulk goes a long way toward solving this problem.
How: First, do some research on the type of windows you have and recommended caulking products, methods, and how often they should be done. When applying the caulk, make sure all surfaces are clean and dry, and pay attention to the temperature specifications in the product information. Since temperatures change most in the morning, it’s smart to start your project after they have leveled out.

What: Speaking of caulking – check the bathtub, shower, and toilet seal caulking, too.
Why: Intact caulk and seals prevent water from leeching into the rest of your bathroom, causing mold and other damage.
How: Inspect the caulk that seals the tub to the floor, as well as the caulk around the edge of the tub, and the points where tub faucets come out of the wall or tub surround. If the caulk is cracked or peeling, replace it with polyurethane bathroom caulk. When checking your toilet seal, look for condensation or discoloration of the flooring around the seam where the toilet meets the floor. If you see either, call a plumber to help determine the source of the leak.

What: Clean your kitchen sink garbage disposal every 60-90 days.
Why: Waste particles can collect on your blades and inside the drain – which cannot only get smelly, but can clog your disposal.
How: Freeze an ice cube tray of vinegar, put the frozen cubes in the disposal, and then turn it on.

This is just a quick list of things to keep the basics running smoothly, but as a new homeowner, you should take the time to walk through your house and prepare a list of things that will need attention over time – depending on the features and finishes in the house you purchased. For example, if you have granite countertops in your kitchen – educate yourself about their proper care and treatment for cleaning and sealing (sealing finishes don’t last forever!), and marble flooring and baths surfaces also require specific care treatments. Testing water pressure from time to time will help you discover any in-wall or landscaping leaks that could be causing damage over the long-term – not to mention that we don’t like wasting water in Las Vegas.

For new homeowners, there’s definitely a learning curve – but by making a calendar to remind you when to take care of certain tasks each year, it can go a long way towards retaining (or growing) your home’s value.

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, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

It doesn’t matter if you own your own home or rent, there are some things that may affect our lives that cross that ‘homeowner’ barrier. Two of those things can be serious health hazards, so we believe everyone should be aware of them: Radon and Carbon Monoxide.

Actually, most people have probably heard far more about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning than they have about radon. (This unfortunate death from carbon monoxide poisoning that occurred last December in Las Vegas springs to mind.) But they both pose risks to occupants, which is why officials recommend testing your residence for both.

Carbon Monoxide

In the case of carbon monoxide, the simplest solution can be found by purchasing detectors that are easily plugged into outlets in your home and will set off an alarm when raised levels are detected. They work a lot like the fire alarms on your ceilings – and in fact, many fire alarms may also include carbon monoxide detectors. This website from Kidde – a leading manufacturer of such alarm systems – offers a lot of helpful information about why, where, and how to use these detectors.

A few important things to know:

• According to the CDC, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America.
• Even if you use your appliances and vehicles properly, malfunctions can occur. And you may also be exposed to such issues from the homes of neighbors who live above or below you.
• Low-level, long-term exposure to carbon monoxide can cause a variety of health issues that may not be recognized as caused from this source, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea, among others.

Radon

Radon, on the other hand, is a different story. While there is a commonality between the two – in that they are invisible, odorless, and tasteless – the Surgeon General states that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally occurring from the ground, and it can easily be accumulated inside the home. As radon decays, it emits particles that can cause lung cancer. And while it has become a common item for testing inside homes on the East Coast, it’s important to know that it is found throughout the entire country. In fact, it is becoming more common to request a radon test as a condition of purchasing a home in Las Vegas.

Here in Clark County, it is estimated that 8-9% of homes harbor radon exposure – which is one of the reasons that the State of Nevada is attempting to educate the public about this potential danger. The Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program recently sent representatives to various Las Vegas libraries to speak on this issue, and offer residents radon testing kits (both short-term and long-term testing) through their offices.

The designated “action level” for radon exposure is 4 picocurie (pCi) – which in itself, offers a surprising statistic:

“A family whose home has radon levels of 4 pCi/L is exposed to approximately 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow if that family was standing next to the fence of a radioactive waste site. (25 mrem limit, 800 mrem exposure)” –radon.com

Over 500 homes in throughout Nevada have tested above 4 pCi/L, with the highest level found in Clark County to be 66 – more than 15 times the action level. Testing becomes all the more important as two homes next to each other can have far differing levels of radon exposure – meaning that this isn’t one of those things you can simply tell yourself – “Hey, my neighbors don’t have it, so my home is fine.”

Testing matters. And if radon is found in your residence, a mitigation process should immediately be undertaken.

Worth noting:

• There are no “safe” levels of radon gas exposure.
• The alpha radiation emitted by radon is the same alpha radiation emitted by other alpha generating radiation sources such as plutonium.
• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 22,000 U.S. residents die annually from lung cancer brought on by radon.

The bottom line we’d like to share this information, that in the case of both of these potential ‘silent killers’, it is far better to err on the side of caution. Take the necessary steps referenced above to keep yourself and your family safe and reduce the chances of exposure to either carbon monoxide or radon exposure in your home.

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, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

There are a lot of landlords in Las Vegas these days. In fact, ever since the Great Recession when investors took advantage of great opportunities in our city, the number of rental properties in Las Vegas has risen rapidly.

What hasn’t risen as rapidly is the number of quality property management companies. Notice our use of the word “quality.” Because as you know, when any new need in the market is filled – there are usually choices of great, good, so-so, and ‘stay-away-from-these-guys’ options for that service.

That’s why we would like to remind our Las Vegas clients and friends that New Home Resource Property Management is among one of the best choices that Las Vegas property owners can make – that is, if they want their rental homes to be managed professionally and cost-efficiently. And, all that while building a reputation that makes their homes the first choice of qualified renters.

Why hire New Home Resource as your Property Managers?

If any of the following reasons sound familiar, then we should talk:

• You have multiple rental properties.
• You don’t live near your rental property.
• Your time is limited.
• Hands-on management is not your preference.
• You’re inundated with too many tenant issues.
• You don’t want to hire “employees”, thus an independent contractor is your preferred option.

We’re in it for the long-term on your behalf, and we make it possible for you to rest easy knowing that virtually every detail of managing your rental home is being handled by experts. Even better, we provide a personal touch with dedicated software to stay on top of the details and allows you to be in the loop at all times.

That’s why you can rely on us to take care of it all – from marketing to finding and properly vetting new tenants, checking references, collecting rents, handling repairs, taking care of tenant complaints – even pursuing evictions, if necessary. We have the resources and the expertise to make sure it all happens smoothly, without a hitch.

The only thing you need to ask yourself is this: “How valuable is my time?” Let New Home Resource Property Management take the ‘tasks’ off your To-Do list and put them on ours.

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!

Homes out here in the Western U.S. are different, as many mid-Western or East-coast transplants have discovered. One reason, of course, is simply climate-related. Especially in Las Vegas, we certainly don’t need to plan for months of snow-covered landscapes. Another reason is that the West just has more room than those Atlantic coast states. (That’s a big reason for the “Go West, Young Man” part of our history.)

But while to some people it seems that all the construction in the western states is pretty “new” (although to be fair, compared to the 13 colonies, we suppose it is) – that doesn’t mean that the home features out west haven’t evolved. In fact, over the past 10-30 years right here in Las Vegas, things have changed quite a bit when it comes to floorplans and lifestyle – which means there are a wide range of home design options available, both for new and resale homes.

So when you begin your home-shopping, give some thought about where the following home features fall on your “Must-Have” or “Eh-Not-So-Much” list.

Laundry Room

We live fast, busy lives today – and where once upon a time we could live with a laundry area in our garage, or better yet, inside an interior closet – today it’s different. Now, one of the most popular home features buyers seek (up to 92%) is a separate laundry room, complete with cabinets, surfaces for folding, space for ironing – and just basically, a place to keep the mess out of living areas and contained in an area in a room for all things laundry. (And a laundry sink: Big plus!)

Exterior Lighting

Once considered the domain of the well-heeled to showcase acres of gardens and landscape features around high-priced estates – now, exterior lighting has become a necessity for 90% of homebuyers. Any home in a typical neighborhood is going to benefit from illuminating not only important landscape features, but also the walkways and the exterior of the home. These days, it’s actually become a necessary combination of style, appeal, and safety. Highlight those landscape elements you’ve installed that you’re most proud of, grab potential buyers’ attention with expertly placed spotlights, provide safe walkway paths, enjoy the benefit of security motion sensor lighting, and add pendants or other decorative illumination in outdoor entertaining areas. Better yet, you can take it solar – so all the added beauty, drama, and function is eco-friendly, too.

Energy Efficiency

It used to be that windows like this in a Las Vegas home meant sky-high energy costs (or lots of drapery!). But with the use of today’s more energy-efficient window design and insulating features, along with dual or even triple sealed panes and UV-ray reducing coatings – this is a style that can be enjoyed by many. But windows are just one way of cutting energy costs while adding beauty and more home features. Today’s appliances are Energy Star-rated – offering more size and capabilities at lower annual utility costs. In fact, many homes built in Las Vegas today include energy-efficient standards in a number of areas that are highly rated in the industry – from insulation and roofing, to quick hot water delivery systems and more. Of home buyers out there searching for their next residence – or looking to upgrade their existing home – as much as 90% want included energy-saving features like these.

Garage Storage Space

No doubt about it – buyers with growing families need lots of storage space (81% of buyers agree with that statement.) For that matter, it’s even possible for a single person to need that space, too. So many people work from home these days, or have a second job as a sideline, that the need for extra places to keep things orderly and accessible grows all the time. (Just think about your seasonal decorations!) A well-designed garage with storage units and shelving makes it possible to easily keep these things out of your main living areas well-organized, to boot. Unlike an attic, or a backyard shed – or worst of all, an off-site storage space you’ve had to rent – the garage is just a few steps away from your living areas, making it easy to transport items from there to other parts of the home when needed. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of increasing the space in your home.

Kitchen with Eating & Work Spaces

Perhaps the one area of the home that’s changed more than any other is the kitchen. What was often considered simply a place to prepare meals and then retire to the dining room to enjoy them has truly taken its place as the “heart of the home.” Now, when people create meals, it’s a communal process. The cook enjoys the space to craft healthy meals, try new recipes – and guests enjoy the homey feeling of being part of the process. It’s warm, it’s familiar, it’s entertaining. It’s our favorite place to gather – near the food! So it’s no wonder that over 80% of buyers want lots of cabinets and surfaces to work with – and a generous kitchen island with seating for the family or guests. The kitchen has become the place to congregate, keep up to date with everyone, and share your daily news.

These are just a few of the home features you’ll want to consider before you start your home search and begin whittling-away at your selections. While it’s always possible to rehab your home to include these items, some of them can be a costly proposition, and that investment might be better made in simply buying the home that already includes them.

And unless you plan on this being your very last home purchase, you’ll always want to keep the resale value in mind –along with the fact that other buyers just like you will be wanting these same features, too! The team at New Home Resource will be happy to help you identify those homes on the market that include the things most important to your unique lifestyle. Give us a call and we can make it happen!

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!

You bought a home – yay! Oh wait, no – maybe a friend of yours bought a home. Or a family member just moved back to town. Heck – whoever is the one that just moved into a new home or a first home – the point is there are a lot of things they could use to help them take care of it.

So while a bottle of champagne or a houseplant might seem like a nice “Congratulations on your new digs!” gift – let’s get real. That champagne will probably sit in the refrigerator for six months while they wait for the perfect occasion to pop the cork, and the plant – well, okay, it might look nice for a while (unless the recipient suffers from “Black Thumb”).

What these people really need (or if anyone asks what they can get you for your new home) – is the basics. All those little things that you know you reach for as you’re unpacking boxes, only to discover that uh, you don’t have one of those (whatever it was you were looking for). Damn. Back in the box until later. More work. Less done. Not-as-happy-as-you-could-be Homeowner.

We’re here to help solve that. So in our very best Joan Crawford voice, we want you to hear us say this: “No. More. Useless. Housewarming. Gifts. !!!” (you’re probably creeped out just thinking about those hangers right now, but you’ll get over it.)

So here we go, with our “Authoritative Gift List O’ Things People With New Homes Probably Need Or Even If They Already Have It They Can’t Find Theirs Anyway So They’ll Love It Just The Same”:

Essentials

Showing up to visit “The Day Of” moving in? Then think smart. Stop by the grocery store and put together a care package of things they’ll want to kiss you for: Toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, disposable plates and cutlery, WATER, sodas, coffee, snacks, frozen pizza, a corkscrew (not kidding!), fresh fruit (the kind you can eat with your hands), a loaf of bread, and thou. Well, you get the picture. Hey – they’re your friends; you should have a good idea of what they’d like to chow down on. The point is, when people are in the midst of a move – easy-to-grab-sustenance is one of the most appreciated things you can gift. Go crazy – get the Macadamia nuts and the dried cranberries, too. Oh – and most important, don’t forget the Chocolate!!

Tools

Maybe they have their own, and maybe they don’t. Maybe he’s a maintenance-master, or maybe he hires out his DIY jobs. Either way it doesn’t matter, because the odds are they’re going to be rummaging through boxes and stacking them one on top of the other to find that stupid jar of nails. Or that screwdriver that will let them put their dining table back together, so they can sit down and relax for cryin’ out loud! Want to show them just how thoughtful you are? Allen wrenches. They’ll probably name their next child after you for that. Even if you just head to the Dollar Store to pick up cheap versions of it all – a hammer, a multi-head screwdriver, a level, an extension cord, scissors, PLUMBER’S TAPE (seriously appreciated!) – then just toss them all into a $1 bucket – when you hand that over on your arrival (along with, again, W-A-T-E-R), not only will they never forget you, they’ll probably even pass on this helpful wisdom the next time THEY have to get someone else a housewarming gift. (And perhaps the cycle of crystal vases as move-in gifts will finally end, and move onto the wedding gift list where they belong.)

“You Know They’ll Get Used Eventually” Items

• New Return Address Labels. You can do this one at home. Buy a package of blank Avery labels and use an easy-to-read font – and they’ll bless you every time they have to mail out an envelope. (Or even fill out a form.)
• Eco-friendly collection of cleaning supplies. (We just like to encourage the eco-part whenever we can – but you can get the Clorox and the Tide, too.)
• Fire extinguisher. Sexy, no. Pretty damn useful when you need one? You bet. Something that should be in every home? Absolutely. (Also something that’s usually ‘expired’ by the time they pack up and leave their old home. Trust us, no one’s ever going to complain about having a fresh, new fire extinguisher.)
• Command Hooks, Tape, and Hangers. When you’re just moving in, you might think twice about putting a nail there – how do you know for sure where you’re going to want to put everything? No one doesn’t love Command products (and no, we’re not shilling for 3M, either). The luxury of knowing you’re not damaging a wall by hanging something on it can’t be overstated when you’re just settling in.
• Start Their Junk Drawer for Them. Sounds weird, huh? Well think about it – by the very nature of moving, theirs is history! So pull together some of the crazy things that you have in your own – glue, push pins, stapler, mini screwdriver, nail files, safety pins, batteries, scotch tape, Krazy Glue, duct tape, multi-plug adapter – let your brain go crazy. (Or just look in your junk drawer for ideas!) Come on, you know there’s a reason you kept that single bolt and washer. They may need one, too.

Actually, we could probably go on for pages with brilliant gift ideas, but we’re hoping you get the gist of it . . . which is: MOVING SUCKS. But that’s why we have friends…to make it easier on us all. So skip the crystal department at Macy’s and head to Home Depot and the grocery store instead!

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!

There are a lot of landlords in Las Vegas these days. In fact, ever since the Great Recession when investors took advantage of great opportunities in our city, the number of rental properties in Las Vegas has risen rapidly.

What hasn’t risen as rapidly is the number of quality property management companies. Notice our use of the word “quality.” Because as you know, when any new need in the market is filled – there are usually choices of great, good, so-so, and ‘stay-away-from-these-guys’ options for that service.

That’s why we would like to remind our Las Vegas clients and friends that New Home Resource Property Management is among one of the best choices that Las Vegas property owners can make – that is, if they want their rental homes to be managed professionally and cost-efficiently. And, all that while building a reputation that makes their homes the first choice of qualified renters.

Why hire New Home Resource as your Property Managers?

If any of the following reasons sound familiar, then we should talk:

• You have multiple rental properties.
• You don’t live near your rental property.
• Your time is limited.
• Hands-on management is not your preference.
• You’re inundated with too many tenant issues.
• You don’t want to hire “employees”, thus an independent contractor is your preferred option.

We’re in it for the long-term on your behalf, and we make it possible for you to rest easy knowing that virtually every detail of managing your rental home is being handled by experts. Even better, we provide a personal touch with dedicated software to stay on top of the details and allows you to be in the loop at all times.

That’s why you can rely on us to take care of it all – from marketing to finding and properly vetting new tenants, checking references, collecting rents, handling repairs, taking care of tenant complaints – even pursuing evictions, if necessary. We have the resources and the expertise to make sure it all happens smoothly, without a hitch.

The only thing you need to ask yourself is this: “How valuable is my time?” Let New Home Resource Property Management take the ‘tasks’ off your To-Do list and put them on ours.

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!

In Las Vegas, it’s often a given that the home you buy in a new or established neighborhood is going to include a Home Owners Association (HOA). Yay! Or….not so much? You might have an opinion on that.

One thing that we’ve noticed you rarely see in the headlines, though, are things like “HOA Adds Value to Our Homes” – or “No Trash On Our Streets, Thanks to the HOA!” Nah – most of the reason that an HOA gets into the news is due to complaints, because it’s rare for people to take the time to deliver compliments.

Now, we’re not going to lie and say that we haven’t heard a number of HOA Horror Stories, because we have. But because we deal with the entire Las Vegas real estate market, we also know that their existence is, for the most part, a good thing. Often the reason that HOA’s run into trouble is when reasonable neighborhood residents fail to take an interest in playing a role on the board – and they leave it all to someone else, just assuming that it doesn’t really require their attention because “doesn’t everyone think like me?” Sometimes, that doesn’t work out so well.

Whether you like or hate the rules that come with life in a community association, once you buy that property – you’ve signed on. But those rules are designed to protect property values, and studies show that 70% of people believe they do.

(HUGE DISCLAIMER: Read your HOA documents before you close escrow. Know the rules before you move in – because by moving in, you’ve accepted them all.)

But it’s important to realize that communities with HOA’s are dependent upon the skills and personalities that residents and board members bring to the table. Good communication and transparency are crucial elements of a harmonious relationship between the HOA and its residents. Clarifying where the money goes, sharing information about how decisions are made, and encouraging homeowner participation in rules and expenditures are all part of the responsibilities that the board should take seriously. Think of it as a non-stop process of building and maintaining trust – with a big helping of give-and-take (sort of like having to deal with your extended family at Thanksgiving dinner!).

So we’d just like to remind homeowners that there are reasons you bought your home in that neighborhood – and some of those reasons may not even exist without the covenants and bylaws of the Home Owners Association that govern that community.

If you want to make sure that the HOA you live under is run properly and fairly – then exercise your voice, attend meetings, read the newsletters, stay informed, take advantage of your right to vote and even run for office. Because the only way to keep the bad eggs off the board is to make sure that it’s filled up with good eggs instead!

(One last reminder: HOAs now have the power to report to credit agencies – so even if you have a dispute with yours, stay current on your dues, or your credit may take an unnecessary hit!)

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for 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 find the perfect property for you. 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!

“I’ll do it myself, honey.. We’ll save money and it’ll be a piece of cake!”

How many do-it-yourself home improvement stories start like that – and end with total frustration? Actually a lot more than you would think. In spite of all the great “DIY” shows on television about flipping homes and rehabbing houses, it’s not as easy as it appears – especially if you’re not a handyman by trade. (Seriously, when is the last time you ever saw the star of one of those shows working up a sweat? Yep – they’ve got a whole crew of folks that take care of the details so they can look good on-camera!)

As this is the time of year most people start thinking of making some long-awaited changes, or if you just want to get your home dressed up and ready to sell – here’s a few questions you should ask yourself- BEFORE you dig in.

1. Are you overestimating your skills?

Some people are handy, and some just think they are. Especially if you’re making repairs in an effort to sell your home, remember this: Buyers can tell when things aren’t right (and they hire inspectors to help them with that, too). If a job isn’t done right, you may have to bite the bullet and hire a pro after the fact, too. Talk about frustrating.

2. What is your time worth?

It sounds easy, right? Remove the vinyl, lay some tile, get a little grout . . . and voila! And there’s probably no reason that you can’t actually get it done. But what other things will you have to set aside to make that happen? Work? The kids’ football games? Add to that the unsettling experience of having a room you use regularly torn up and unavailable – and the pressure is on you to perform in a hurry.

3. What’s your budget?

Whatever you think it’s going to cost – double it. Many times, people forget to add in the details, and it ends up costing a lot more than they expected. For example, you may be able to buy that flooring for $2.00/square foot – but what about the: glue, backing, underlayment, grout, tape, joint compound . . . and the list goes on. If you don’t have the necessary tools to do the job right, there’s another expense you weren’t counting on. By the time you calculate for overage and wasted material, repairs and touch-up when you’re done – that professional installer is starting to look much more appealing.

4. Do you have the right safety training?

Of the 43 million do-it-yourselfers who take on home projects, 20% of them wind up in the hospital each year due to accidents that occurred during those projects.

5. Do you need to get any building permits?

It may not seem like a big deal to you, but failure to have the necessary permits for certain improvements or repairs can actually kill a deal years after the fact. Home inspectors will look for them on record for the property, and if you can’t produce them, it can cause you big problems down the road.

6. They’re right when they say “the devil is in the details.” Do you know how to follow-through to the end of the project?

Some of the biggest complaints that buyers have is repairs or upgrades undertaken by the do-it-yourself homeowner – because they didn’t finish it as a professional would. Fudging the baseboard trim, failing to cut materials to the right size (and thinking that ‘caulking’ is your new best friend). They’re the signs of a job half-done, and you wouldn’t want to see that in your home, either.

In short, there’s a reason that people work in their trades – because very few of us can “do it all” – and their years of experience bring you a quality product that’s done right, done quickly, and best of all – includes a warranty (something do-it-yourselfers don’t have to rely on).

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for 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 find the perfect property for you. 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 waaaaay too nice outside to be spending your time cleaning and organizing. (Right?) Oh – but that’s one of the reasons you wanted a home in the first place, so you could have your own space decorated and organized exactly as you wanted it. Well then, if it has to be, maybe we can share a few shortcuts to help you get that unpleasant stuff done – then you can head out to enjoy some summer fun and leave your cleaning cares behind.

Plan Your Attack

Do a little each day. It may sound simple, but not every part of your home needs regular cleaning. Some areas can go months without a deep clean – such as window coverings or even the oven (unless roast turkeys are your dog’s best friend). For some people, it’s also easier to think about the job to be done if you handle the everyday maintenance regularly and plan just one big cleaning project each week. (And for those of you who “live to clean” – like Monica Geller-Bing on Friends – go away, this post is not for you!) After all, it’s not really procrastination if it’s on your schedule, right?

Gather Your Supplies

The keyword here is: Multi-function. Oh, and cost-effective, too. In fact, just make that “effective.” Because it doesn’t take a small fortune to accumulate the best cleaning supplies. With simple household products – like baking soda and vinegar – you’ll not only achieve great results, you’ll also do it with less toxic chemicals and odors. Talk about a win-win situation!

Here’s a couple of homemade cleaning supplies you can whip up yourself (and you’ll find plenty more with a quick Google search): Make your own cleaning wipes from dishwashing soap, vinegar and paper towels. (Just store them in a recycled coffee can and cut a pop-up slit in the lid!) A great all-purpose cleaning solution can be made from water, baking soda, castile soap, witch hazel and tea tree oil. (Just put it all in a spray bottle and you’re good to go.) A great make-your-own grout cleaner can be mixed up from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, with a dash of liquid dish soap. Lookie there – a clean house for less than you ever imagined!

For cleaning tools, a collection of microfiber cloths, or guess what – cloth baby diapers make great buffing pads! Be creative – look around and what’s already in your home and you’ll save both money and the planet (newspapers leave great, streak-free windows shining and clear). Oh – and one other thing that we love: Steam cleaners. Ever watched a burst of hot steam clean a countertop – or a yucky range? Less elbow grease, and eco-friendly. It will be your new best friend.

Start At The Top

One thing that you’ll learn from any cleaning pro is to always start at the top and work your way down. It might sound like a no-brainer, but let’s be honest. How many times did you vacuum the carpet first – and then clean the ceiling fan? We got ya, right? So we just think it’s worth a little reminder.

Also – plan your cleaning in grid-fashion. Not only will you work faster and more efficiently by not wasting ‘travel time’ across the house, but you also won’t be tracking dirt over areas you’ve already cleaned.

Keep It Tidy (aka, Sorta Organized)

Few things are more unsettling to an orderly mind than papers and “stuff” spread out all over the tops of counters or tables. Our suggestion? Gather it all up – yep, all of it – you heard us. Then put it all in one neat little pile. It doesn’t matter if the report cards are underneath the grocery store receipts, or if the dog’s toy is on top of it all. What does matter is that in just a few quick seconds, your living space has gone from “Oy – I have to clean this place up!” to “Hey – that’s not so bad. I CAN go to the pool!” The truth is, it’s easier to sort and toss and organize your things when they’re all together in one place. And for many people, it’s also much easier to be decisive about what to keep and what to jettison. Give it a shot next time, and let us know how it works for you.

Life is too short to spend it all cleaning and organizing. (On the other hand, a clean and organized life is pretty cool.) The good news is, there are ways to achieve both without making yourself crazy, or going broke. Or smelling harsh chemicals. Or having toxic things around your kids. Our suggestion? Go natural, and go easy on yourself!

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!

When your days start to get shorter it is a sign that Fall is coming! Coffee houses are selling their seasonal pumpkin collections, hot chocolate becomes more popular at the grocery stores and it is rare to walk through a store without seeing a witch, giant bag of candy or a seasonal candle.

Now along with all the goodies comes time to clear out the collections of summer! Here is a checklist of chores that will help organize and prepare your home for the winter season.

• Wash all windows and mirrors in the house with glass cleaner. Take your time to minimize streaks.
• Vacuum EVERYTHING. By everything we mean couches, stairs, closets and of course the usual living, dining and bedroom floors.
• Give your painted or wood-paneled walls a nice wash/dust.
• Dust off the ceiling fans. We know those collect an unbelievable amount of dust!
• Take the kitchen and make a garbage sweep. Clean out the cabinets, pantry and refrigerator! You know there are items that you will never eat or use. Consider donating!
• Tackling the closets might be a day of adventure in itself. Start storing clothing that won’t be worn until May and start digging out the boots, coats and other winter clothing you haven’t seen since last October!
• When you walk around your living room, kitchen, bedroom and really any place in your home that seems to have clutter, take a moment and decide, “Do I really need to keep this?”

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