Posts in category: Housing Market

A woman of many talents, Broker/Owner Joanna Piette of New Home Resource, has built one of the top-performing real estate firms in the state of Nevada. Located in the historic city of Las Vegas, Joanna and her team of agents primarily serve the west side of Las Vegas, more commonly known as Summerlin. Over the years Joanna’s business has excelled by relying on a unique set of skills to set her apart from other real estate agents.

Prior to her real estate career, Joanna lived in Salt Lake City, where she worked in the mortgage lending business. When Florida based company Suncoast Savings approached Joanna about opening a new office in Las Vegas, she jumped on the opportunity. “I moved to Nevada to help them open their office, and 104 days later they were out of business. I didn’t know anybody, and was without a job, so it was pretty overwhelming.” Joanna then interviewed with Pulte Homes, which offered to put her through real estate school if she came to work for them. “That did not materialize, but it planted a seed of going to real estate school on my own. I worked in the mortgage business since I was 17, so it was just kind of a natural progression into real estate.” In January of 1999 New Home Resource was created, and the rest is history.

Now 15 years later, Joanna’s passion for real estate has endured, and her business has flourished. Based just outside of Summerlin, New Home Resource maintains a team of five agents. “I like to keep the business small, which in result creates a very family-like atmosphere. We are all very close and tight knit. Working with us is seamless. You’re not being cast around if you’re working with me. I’ve shown up at a property in my gym clothes, because it’s more important for me to show this property right now than for you to see me in a business suit.” Always looking to improve herself, Joanna became a certified broker in 2009, and carries designations as a Certified Distressed Property Expert and Accredited Buyer Representative. Several years ago, Joanna also earned her RRG from a Las Vegas Risk Reduction Course through the Board of REALTORS®. “I take courses that teach us the law, keeps us out of trouble. I’ve never once had any issue with Real Estate Division or with the Board of Professional Standards, and I have never had a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. We operate on the up and up, and this particular designation that I retain keeps us all on the straight and narrow.”

So what else separates Joanna from other REALTORS®? “I don’t sleep, I’ve just given up on sleep,” laughs Joanna, “We are customer service driven to the 10^th power, and all of our Internet reviews reflect that we truly do provide incredible customer service.” Due to this fierce commitment to her clients, the majority of Joanna’s business comes from client referrals.

For all her efforts, Joanna was the recipient of Best of Silver State Awards, Best Real Estate Agent in 2013. She is currently up for nomination again in 2014, selected out of 15,000 licensed agents. “There are only four people on the ballot and I’m one of them, so I am pretty proud of that.” In May, Joanna is also being named as one of the top 25 women in real estate in Las Vegas. “That will be a very big accomplishment for me. I am a single woman that owns her own brokerage, and I am very proud to run my own ship.”

Outside of her career, Joanna enjoys exercise and is an avid road cyclist. Due to this passion, Joanna’s company sponsors, promotes and gives a portion of their closings each month to the charitable organization called Every Kid a Bike. “This organization helps underprivileged children by providing them with bicycles and helmets. We’re often present at many of their events, and support them financially because we believe in that particular kind of work in our community.” Taking her community service work a step further, Joanna and New Home Resource sponsor Pedal for Pooches through their cycling team Vegas Woman’s Racing. “We cycle to raise money, awareness and donations for the Animal Foundation which is a non-profit organization operating Nevada’s largest animal shelter and adoption center. Founded in 1978 as a small low cost spay and neuter clinic, today the Animal Foundation operates and manages an 8-acre campus that provides a refuge for the approximately 45,000 homeless, lost, neglected, unwanted and abused animals received each and every year.” As a result of their hard work, the Vegas Women’s Racing team was also recognized as a Safe Routes to School Partner by the Clark Count School District Board of Trustees. “We participate with the Clark County School District and Las Vegas Metro Police to teach bicycle safety to elementary children, usually in the underprivileged districts. We donate brand new bicycles, helmets and a lock (to protect their bikes) to the children at the ‘Rodeo’s’, as we call them.”

At the end of the day, it’s helping others that mean the most to Joanna. “Buying a home is still the American Dream. There is nothing more satisfying than handing someone the keys to the house, except for maybe giving a seven year old a bicycle. It’s kind of like the same thing if you really think about it.” It’s this giving attitude that will continue to make Joanna and New Home Resource a powerful real estate presence.

See the story on the Top Agent Magazine website here…

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!

Do you ever get the feeling that your rooms are too cluttered but you have tried so many different options and nothing seems to work? Haven’t we all! Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration! We have gathered some cute and clutter free design ideas from HGTV. If you like what you read, take a look at some of the pictures along with a few more design ideas!

Kitchen Storage: Open up your kitchen cupboards by replacing them with storage shelves. This allows rooms to be divided in a tasteful, helpful way.

Desk Space: Small bedrooms sometimes don’t allow enough space for multiple large items. Instead of adding a desk, build a shelf between small spaces to create your own workspace.

Bathroom Storage: Do you have a small space between your sink and your bathroom wall? Fill it with narrow wall shelves.

Light and Bright: Avoid dark colors to make smaller spaces open up and seem more “roomie”.

Divider: Try using a sheer curtain as a divider instead or boxing off rooms with a bulky bookcase.

Beneath the Stairs: Add a unit under the stairs to take care of the extra space. Create a space for picture frames, a lamp to bring light to a dark space or other accessories.

The Top Agent Magazine is a real estate magazine that features some of the best agents in the United States, Europe and Canada. This month, New Home Resource’s own, Joanna Piette, is the Top Nevada Agent and is featured on the cover! This story shows her accomplishments in the Nevada real estate industry and proves that hard work really pays off! Read the May cover story of Top Agent Magazine featuring Joanna Piette!

“Buying a home is still the American Dream. There is nothing more satisfying than handing someone the keys to the house, except for maybe giving a seven year old a bicycle. It’s kind of like the same thing if you really think about it.”

There is always more to things than meets the eye and that includes selling your home. Since the market fluctuates so often, it is important to know what kind of a process you will have to go through before you decide to sell your home. Here is a checklist of how the usual house selling process will be laid out…

New Home Resource is happy to walk you through this process whenever you are ready. Our agents work hard every day to make sure that we are doing our best to get you the very best. Whether you are looking to sell your house or looking for a new house, New Home Resource will make it happen! 

How much do you expect to pay monthly for your house? How much will the closing costs actually be? How much is the down payment? Can you qualify for a loan? These are all crucial questions you should be asking a lender before you even start searching for a house!

What is your actual budget?

There is a difference between the maximum payment a buyer can qualify for and the amount a buyer is comfortable paying. Tax deductions, property taxes and many other things can help offset a mortgage payment that is higher than previous rent. Talking with a lender can help you lay out a plan where you are not drowning in payments.

What is a closing cost?

Closing costs are fees charged by lenders and third parties for paperwork, credit reports, etc. that vary based on where you live and the property you buy. Typically homebuyers pay closing costs between 2 and 5 percent of the price of their home. Closing cost fees are explained in more depth in this article. 

What will the down payment be?

Your own money (in addition to your loan) that you provide up front when buying a home is considered a down payment. Usually homebuyers are required to contribute 3-20% of the selling price of the home. The importance of the down payment amount varies but can majorly affect how much you need to borrow. A good rule to remember is the bigger the down payment (money up front); the less you have to borrow making your monthly payments lower. If you aren’t able to save for a minimal down payment (3-5%), you might want to reconsider whether you are financially ready to own a home.

The first step to getting these questions answered is finding a lender that you trust. New Home Resource recommends Premier Mortgage Lending using Cheryll Acevedo as the “go-to person” to talk to. It is important to know your options because there are many qualifications you need to meet and processes to go through when you are buying a house, especially for the first time!

There are many things that are obvious when you decide to host an open house: Make sure things are cleaned extremely well, clear out clutter and fix damages or to the house. Here are a couple other things to think about when you are ready to sell your home and host an open house:

Take advantage of Technology – Most people start their housing search online so it is crucial to have your home front and center!

Put a sign in the yard that says “open house”! It may seem “out of date” but people driving by are more intrigued to stop in or come back during the open house because you have made it easy and obvious to them.

Invite your neighbors. Even if they seem to be snooping, they’ll have good things to say about the location; schools, shopping, neighborhood, etc.

Create a neutral environment: You want buyers to feel at home but not like they are invading someone else’s home. Pictures and decorations are great but avoid drawings on the refrigerator or overflowing closets. Storage is important so they will be looking in the closets!

Since it is still your home it is ok to have some rules such as, bathrooms are just for showing, remove accessible medication, and just make sure valuables are out of sight. Everyone will be chaperoned but you should always be prepared.

The outside of your home should be just as well put together as the inside. Make sure the garage is cleaned out, the grass is trimmed, weeds are pulled and toys/objects are out of sight.

Your agent will take care of the actual open house. For the most successful events, the homeowner and pets should be absent!

An open house can be a lot of work but it can also be exciting and is very important for making a sale. Entrust in your agent to steer you in the right direction and you will have a smooth experience!

PLEASE Click Here to VOTE FOR ME as 2014 BEST OF SILVER STATE AWARDS/BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT! 

No one wants to live next to the dirtiest house on the block, and no one wants to be the one to complain, but we don’t always have a choice at who our neighbors are and first impressions are subject to change! So the million-dollar question is “How can we prevent living next to bad neighbors?” and “How do we live peacefully when we have bad neighbors?”

Gathered below is a list of how to try and prevent bad neighbors and if you are already in the situation, some suggestions on how to handle it…

How to Prevent “Bad Neighbors”:

• Drive around your potential neighborhood at different times of the day. What is the noise level? How many people are on the sidewalk? Are there dogs barking?
• Look on “Google Street View” for a good idea of the surrounding homes, parks, schools, etc.
• Visit the nearest grocery store or coffee shop and ask an employee what they think of the neighborhood you are thinking about moving into. Sometimes they have the best insight or they might even live there themselves.
• It is best to avoid buying the house right next to the basketball court or skate park. The noise level will probably never be controlled. If you have children those attractions are nice to have close by, just not next door.

Already Have “Bad Neighbors”? How to handle the situation:

• Try to avoid problems, before they are problems. If you notice something that bothers you, address it with your neighbor in a friendly way.
• Make sure you are being reasonable. If there is something you could change in order to avoid a problem with a neighbor, try that first.
• If issues start building up, document what and when the un-neighborly activity was taking place.
• Take advantage of being outside at the same time as your neighbor. This gives you an opening to politely confront the issue without thinking too much about it beforehand.
• Check with other neighbors, are they having the same issues you are?
• If the problem is not being resolved call and set up a time to talk or get together. They may not be aware that what they are doing is bothersome.
• Contact the non-emergent line for noise or call the HOA for trash or overgrown yard problems. If someone of authority acknowledges the problem it is more of an incentive to fix the problem.
• If things don’t get resolved and the “bad neighbors” aren’t working to make things better you can always file a complaint in court. This should be your last resort because no one really wants to go to court!

Always remember you can never be too prepared and speaking out of anger is better left unsaid. If you’ve had it up to your ears in filth, call a professional New Home Resource agent today – Broker Joanna Piette and Realtors Jessica, Kathy and Beng are ready to help 702-365-1000!

Many people are nervous, anxious and distracted when looking to buy a home. What location? What is our budget? What if we buy the wrong one? Research and asking questions will kick start your process, along with these seven secrets for buying your next house…

1. When you are looking to buy your next home, avoid moving large amounts of money around or making uncommon, large purchases. Lenders need to see your stable and risk-free financial lifestyle so that you get the best loan possible.

2. Get pre-approved for your home loan before you start seriously looking to buy a home. Knowing how much you can afford and how much a lender will loan to you is crucial so you aren’t looking at houses you cannot afford.

3. There is no such thing as “the perfect time to buy”. The market is a constant, changing cycle and the right time to buy is when you find a house you love and can afford.

4. Don’t allow yourself to settle when buying a house, but bigger isn’t always better. The value of a larger home will continue to rise so don’t let your eyes be the guide. Think about living within your means.

5. Be sure to recognize when you’re getting a great house for a great value and try not to let your emotions overpower your instincts.

6. Hire a home inspector to look into your new potential home. Spending a few hundred in the beginning is better than wasting away thousands later on. Fixer upper areas are also good for bargaining,

7. Make sure you like the neighborhood. How far is it from schools, grocery shopping, work, etc? Drive around the neighborhood before buying into it so you don’t find out a little too late that the neighbors are loud or the area isn’t safe.

New Home Resource’s, Joanna Piette, winner of the 2013 Best of Silver State Award, Best Real Estate Agent Category has been nominated once again. She needs your vote this year via Facebook Voting App, which closes April 12.

On Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014, TMG Entertainment will present the highly anticipated ”The Best of Silver State Awards” hosted by Emmy Award winning news anchors, Nina Radetich, Dayna Roselli, and Robin Leach recognizing excellence and exemplary achievement by individuals & companies in 34 categories.

Tickets to the awards show are available for purchase from The Best of Silver State Awards.

 Many of the critical factors for a recovery in housing prices are in place. The drop in housing prices, coupled with the current low mortgage interest rates has brought affordability back into alignment with historical ranges in most markets. Unemployment levels appear to have bottomed out, and a growing number of real estate economic indicators also suggest that, on a national level, we’re also at, near, or just past the bottom of housing prices. Mortgage interest rates remain near all time lows. In many areas, today’s buyers have the best opportunity to choose from a very large home inventory at the lowest prices. Nonetheless, there is a great variance among local housing markets, and some may be looking at further declines in home values, perhaps even double digit drops, before prices hit bottom.

Consumer confidence will play a big role in any housing recovery. According to a June and July survey by Fannie Mae, 70% of Americans think it is a good time to buy a house, an increase of 6% responding to the same question in a similar survey conducted in January 2010. Not surprisingly, 83% also think now is a bad time to sell. Those surveyed are also becoming more optimistic about home values-78% think that home prices will either remain stable or increase next year-a 5% increase over the January survey.

Mortgage rates will also play a big role in the housing recovery. They are very low by historic standards today. Importantly, Federal Reserve policies intended to prevent a double dip recession are helping to keep mortgage interest rates low, and are likely to remain in place for some time. The slow recovery of the business sector, while not encouraging from an employment standpoint, also means that there will be less upward pressure on interest rates in the near future.

On the downside, the share of consumers who think housing is a safe investment has dropped from 83% in 2003 to 67% today. Delinquent borrowers and renters still think a home is a safe investment (57% and 54% respectively). More optimistic about the safety of a home investment were those with mortgages (74%) and even those with negative equity (69%). Minorities were also more optimistic on this question than the general population. Also not a big surprise, more people (33%) say they will be more likely to rent their next home, up from 30% in the January survey.

Recent forecasts about home sales and home prices have varied. Most suggest stabilization or near stabilization of housing prices this year, followed by a slight increase next year. On a national level, actual sales and price results have been mixed from one month to the next, suggesting that we may be at or near the bottom of home values.

Most important to your own home purchase decision is the current status of your local market. While at the national level there are many indicators that suggest that now is a good time to buy, the current state of your local market is the most critical consideration. In many areas there is even significant variance from one neighborhood to another. Some markets never got badly hurt by the real estate bubble and are still stable. Others, whether they suffered from price declines or not, are already showing signs of a healthy recovery.

Unfortunately, some of the hardest hit markets and/or neighborhoods are likely to face still more declines in housing prices. Mortgage insurer The PMI Group Inc. estimated recently that just over half of the 384 markets they follow, including 70% of the 50 largest metro areas, face a high risk of declines in housing prices over the next two years. Particularly in those markets, the size of the “shadow inventory”(foreclosed homes and nonperforming mortgages owned by lenders), could delay housing recovery, as could the growth in “strategic defaults” (homeowners who can afford to make their mortgage payments but who choose instead to walk away because they owe so much more than the home is worth).

Since homes tend to appreciate only 2-4% annually over the long term, it doesn’t make sense to buy right now if your area is at risk of dropping another 10-20% in value when you could rent the same home today for less than mortgage payments. The short term direction of housing values for current homeowners who are moving up or downsizing buyers is of far less consequence, because their homes market value will be similarly affected whether they stay in their current home or replace it with another. For them, current mortgage interest rates are far more important, and they strongly favor buying now.

While you may want to defer your purchase for any of these reasons, buying a home remains a wise long term economic decision for most of us:

1. Homes can provide an excellent return on investment (ROI). Although historic annual home appreciation rates are modest, the purchase is usually highly leveraged. If you put 10% down, a modest 3% annual increase in your home’s value represents a 30% ROI.

2. There are many opportunities to gain sweat equity. For example, a well landscaped home can be worth thousands more than a home with a barren landscape. You don’t have to spend that much to get such a return. Buy a shovel and a bunch of small $5-$20 shrubs and trees, and wait a few years. Do your own remodeling (or some of the finish work, such as painting and trim) and those projects can add more to your home’s value than they cost.

3. A landlord can (and will) raise your rent, but a lender can’t raise your mortgage interest rate (assuming that it is a fixed rate mortgage).

4. Many people pay off their mortgage by the time they retire. With no more mortgage payments, they are able to live comfortably on modest retirement income sources. The equity is also transferrable-many homeowners who move to different locales after retirement simply roll the equity from their old home into a paid off retirement home. A lifelong renter may well have paid more in aggregate for housing over their career, but they will still have to pay rent and many find that this additional expense severely cramps their retirement lifestyle.

5. Most owner-occupied neighborhoods have a sense of community that results from a relatively stable set of residents. That rarely happens in rental environments, where the residents of the neighboring apartments may come and go before you even meet them.

Key to a smart decision on whether or not to buy a home now is research into your current market outlook. There is plenty of research data on the Internet regarding the likely market direction of your area. Experienced real estate agents can also provide very useful local market insight.

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!

Courtesy of the American Homeowners Foundation and the American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance, www.AmericanHomeowners.org.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.