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A while back, we wrote an article about some of the “Things to Love About Living in Las Vegas,” (including the amazing weather, we really are all normal people here, and there’s never a reason to be bored in this town!). But with all the excitement going on here lately, it seemed like as good a time as any to expand on that list.

So for those who might be wondering what it is that draws people to – and makes them want to stay in – Las Vegas, read on!

NHL HOCKEY!

This one has been a long time coming, and for those of us who have seen the Las Vegas Thunder come and go (loved those guys!) and the Las Vegas Wranglers do the same (loved them, too) – this is like a dream come true. On top of that, it’s the first professional sports franchise to call Las Vegas its home – and that is saying something! (Will the Raiders be next? Who knows!) But come 2017, the Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena is going to be the site of some serious celebrations, and you can bet that this is one town that knows how to throw a par-tay!

Speaking of the T-Mobile Arena . . .

We’ve got a brand new 20,000-seat capacity arena in Las Vegas right on the Strip that opened this past April and it is THE hot place to be. Between major concerts, sporting events, and awards shows – the immediate success of this state-of-the-art facility is (you guess it) – just one more thing to love about this town. No slouch on entertainment value, just take a look at the events calendar to see what’s coming next.

Lots of New Things Are Coming (Once Again!) to the Las Vegas Valley

Memo to all those people who said that “Las Vegas would never come back” after The Great Recession:

We can say that because there are new projects both big and small that are joining the valley’s ranks – from the new Seasons Market at The Village in Lake Las Vegas (not to mention the several new home communities that have recently opened there), to the up-and-coming Resorts World Las Vegas, a new Chinese-themed resort on the Las Vegas Strip that’s scheduled to begin construction this fall with plans to open in 2019. The Las Vegas Convention Center is undergoing a new expansion, new schools are under way, and new home builders are enjoying a great year. Those examples are just the tip of the iceberg – but we’re pretty sure they make our point. 😉 All told, there are more than $9 billion in projects planned or under construction in Las Vegas during the next few years – including a 5,000-seat theater at the Monte Carlo, Wynn Paradise Park, Alon, and the Lucky Dragon (which is now hiring, by the way!).

Anyone who’s looking for something to do in Las Vegas can always seem to find something just a step above the norm – whether it’s the National Finals Rodeo, NASCAR Weekend, or how about this one: The final 2016 Presidential Debate that will take place at UNLV in October – just days before the vote.

Oh yeah, there are plenty of reasons people love living in Las Vegas. Just think – all that, and we’re also #2 on the list of Top Cities for Dogs in the country. (Which means, even the dogs know this is a great place to be!)

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!

Life wasn’t meant to be all about work. At least, that’s what the team at New Home Resource agrees on. If you’re going to work hard, you want to play just as hard – and they do. But they also have one other very closely held belief: To give back to the community that’s been good to you.

Led by Broker Joanna Piette, taking the time to give back to Southern Nevada charities is simply built right into the schedule at New Home Resource.

“All of our agents and staff care deeply about different organizations in our city – so when there’s an event that we want to volunteer our time and efforts to help make it a success – we love to get involved,” Piette explains. “We’ll close the office, turn on our voice mail, set up our email auto-reply – and for that day, we’re all fully focused on doing our part for the community.

And that’s precisely what’s going to be taking place this week – Thursday, April 7. The New Home Resource team is taking their show on the road, so to speak – to lend a hand at the “Backpack For Kids” program at the Three Square Food Bank.

Here in Southern Nevada, Three Square works year-round to help the over 300,000 people who are food-insecure – meaning they’re not able to secure enough food for a healthy diet at least some point during the year. 125,000 of those are children – and this particular event is geared toward the kids.

Joanna Piette goes on to add, “It’s an important and often overlooked topic. We believe Three Square is providing a much-needed service, but they need everyone’s help to reach their goals. We’re pitching in because we want to be part of the solution for our city. It’s a real passion for us; we’re honored to be in a position where we can help – and our hope is that more businesses in the Las Vegas valley will recognize that together, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Actually, for the New Home Resource team, it’s not just about people – because the many needy animals in Las Vegas tug at their hearts, too. During the 6 or more events that New Home Resources actively participates in throughout the year, supporting animal rescue organizations is a big part of their calendar, too.

“Our involvement in our community comes from the sincere belief that there are things we can do to help others in need – and we know so many people who feel the same. There are a lot of very dedicated, very committed individuals in Las Vegas who take the time to make a difference outside of their work,” Piette reveals.

“As far as all of us are concerned at New Home Resource, we get as twice as much in return from these events as we give – so in one way, it’s almost a selfish thing for us to do. The truth is that giving not only directly benefits others in need; studies show that it also boosts the physical and mental health of the giver, too. Perhaps that’s why knowing that our time and efforts can make a difference in the quality of life for a child, an adult, or an animal – makes us aware that it’s all time well spent. We invite others to join the spirit of giving where it affects them personally, too. If our experience is any indication, we know they’ll be glad they did.”

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!

By Jennifer Riner, Trulia

Suffering through a long morning and evening commute is intrusive and can consume hours of your life every year. Unfortunately, work-related travel rose to 27.2 minutes in 2014 from 26.4 minutes in 2009 in the largest U.S. metro areas. Many Americans have taken the necessary steps to shorten their commute times, opting for apartments closer to work and placing low commute times at the top of their must-have lists, according to a Trulia study.

Renters have shorter commute times compared to homeowners in 43 out of 50 major metros, which adds up to one-and-half minutes per day, or 8.7 hours annually.

Cities with the Best Commute Times

Note: Census’ 2014 American Community Survey

While in some cities, renters fare better when it comes to getting to work efficiently, both renters and homeowners in Las Vegas benefit from low commute times. The average commute time for all Las Vegas residents is just 22.5 minutes, the fifth best out of all U.S. cities.

Las Vegas lessees have an average commute of 23 minutes, which is equivalent to Las Vegas homeowners’ commutes. If you’re searching for a home in Las Vegas, you’re likely to receive the same rapid work-related travel apartment dwellers get, as long as you choose a well-positioned neighborhood that’s not overly far from your place of employment.

How important are commute times to Americans?

According to Trulia’s analysis of Census data contrasted with an online survey by Harris Poll, Americans rank short commute times to work and access to public transportation second on their must-have lists – whether they opt for buying or renting in Las Vegas and beyond.

Millennial Americans are more inclined to search for apartments closer to work and worry about low crime rates after the fact. In the study, 22 percent of 18 to 34 year olds remarked that “shorter commutes to work” or “nearby public transportation” were more important than living in a neighborhood with low crime rates, while 14 percent opted for the latter as more pressing.

In Las Vegas, 95 percent of residents commute by car, while just 4 percent opt for public transportation. However, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) offers 38 routes and carried over 60 million passengers in 2015 alone. So if you don’t have a car in Las Vegas, you can still benefit from a low commute by taking advantage of public transportation options. Opt for apartments within close proximity of bus stops to make your morning and evening schedule a little less stressful each day.

Few things are more exciting than the adventure of moving to a new city. The possibilities are endless: There are new opportunities, discoveries to make, new friends, activities, exploring – it’s a big deal and a huge lifestyle change for most people.

One of the things that we’ve learned in our years of playing a role in helping people relocate to Las Vegas is that knowing who to call to set up your initial services, or who to contact for information about moving your business – or even just to know where you’re at (physically) in the Great Scheme of All Things Las Vegas – can be a challenge. Most folks are so busy with the “moving from” part that – once they land at their new home and are standing amid piles of boxes and the oh-so-necessary take-out food containers because you can’t find your dishes yet – that even if you were smart enough to make a list of local services, you probably won’t be able to find that, either.

So we wanted to lend a hand with a brief list of phone numbers and website links to services and agencies that will hopefully come in handy and make your landing in Las Vegas just a little bit softer. Enjoy! (then start unpacking!)

Where Is THAT?

This may be “home” now – but you might not be familiar with general areas of town, at least as it applies to major street names. For example, if you’ve just moved to the area of Wigwam/Pecos in Henderson – you’re not going to want to make a quick trip to the Trader Joe’s on Summa Drive in Summerlin (30 minutes+)

Smartphones and tablets will, of course, make the actual navigating easier – but few things compare to a visual image in your head of the general lay of the land. So here’s a map of neighborhoods/districts in Las Vegas you can click on to download (for everyone’s use).

My Internet Isn’t Working!

You planned ahead and got all those services turned on for your arrival – but argh – something’s not working right. No worries – here are a few handy phone numbers to help out with that:

Electric:

NV Energy – (702) 402-5555

Gas:

Southwest Gas – (877) 860-6020

Water:

Las Vegas Valley Water District – (702) 870-4194

City of Henderson – (702) 267-5900

Trash Pick-up and Recycling

Republic Services – (877) 692-9729

Telephone

AT&T – (800) 288-2020

CenturyLink – (855) 524-0369

Cox Communications – (866) 961-0027

Equiinet – (702) 789-6001

Nextiva – (800) 799-0600

Sprint – (866) 275-1411

Verizon Wireless – (800) 922-0204

Internet / Cable TV / Satellite TV

CenturyLink – (855) 524-0369

Cox Communications – (866) 961-0027

DirecTV – (855) 838-4388

Dish TV – (855) 839-589

You’ve Got 30 Days . . .

To get your new resident driver’s license and vehicle registration transferred. So – where do you go and what do you need for THAT? Here’s a hint:

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles

Office locations

Driver’s License Information

Vehicle Registration Information

Forms

Business Contact Information

Are you planning to run a business in Clark County? Or Henderson? Or Las Vegas? Or North Las Vegas? Most people think you move to Las Vegas, and it’s a simple one-stop process to get your company up and running – but it’s a bit more confusing than that. So we’ll start you off with some basic information – and depending on your specific needs, these entities should be able to point you in the right direction and help you get the ball in motion.

Determine Your Business Jurisdiction for Licensing

Nevada State Business License

Secretary of State – Visit their website here for a list of FAQ’s

City of Las Vegas

Starting a business in Nevada

City of Henderson

Business License General Description

City of North Las Vegas

Business License

Clark County, Nevada

Fictitious Firm Name Registration

Business License FAQ’s

Nevada Department of Taxation

Information about Nevada’s Taxes and The Department

Goodness knows there are going to be many more adventures and plenty of errands to run – so enjoy the journey. You’re about to explore all the things that we Nevadans already know make Las Vegas a great place to live. Welcome home!

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!

The times, they are a changin’. Boy, Bob Dylan had that right. And it’s a mantra that continues today, especially with the evolution of manufacturing technology and our changing lifestyles. But there’s one thing that is never going to go out of style: We want our homes to be a reflection of “us.”

That brings us to a few up-and-coming trends that will be entering the new home builder’s consciousness. Some of these are available now – some will be joining the party in the future. But all of them are designed to allow us to express ourselves and make our home environment just that-much-more-unique. Enjoy!

Pet Suites

Are ya KIDDING us? Why didn’t someone come up with this about a gajillion years ago? How many of us have aching knees and backs from trying to wash Fido in the tub? This is just like heading to your nearest favorite pet boutique’s self-wash areas, and bringing one of their tubs home with you. A hot new feature that many builders are now offering, these suites are often incorporated into the laundry room and include a dog wash, designated bedding space, plenty of storage, filtered water access, a widescreen television (DogTV anyone?). They may even include wireless cameras so you can check on your pet while you’re away. (There’s a reason pets are a $60 billion a year business. But hey, they’re worth it!)

Interior Carriage Doors

Think: Barn. Big, impressive, sliding barn doors that can be used in any number of creative pursuits in your home. From space dividers to storage disguisers, this new look is one that home builders are all over (at least, if the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas is any indication). The look can be simple or ornate, colorful or monochromatic. These are definitely open to interpretation for your unique tastes.

Personalized Appliances

We don’t know about you, but we’d leapfrog over grandma for a crack at these custom range grates and knobs. (Maybe it’s because they call this color “Cupcake Blue”?) From what we can tell, they’re not available just yet – but GE’s FirstBuild Studio is in the process of developing 3D-printed accessories for its older model kitchen appliances. When it’s in place, you’ll be able to order new knobs, grill plates, and handles in fun colors like this. The best part? Did you catch that “older model” comment? You won’t even have to fork over the dough for new appliances to dress of your home with this one. Score!

Colored Stainless Steel Appliances

Speaking of new appliances, if you’re on board for that – colored stainless steel is the newest hot-button for buyers. In a recent Houzz poll, nearly two-thirds say they’d consider the new dark stainless to shiny silver metal. (Well, “Duh.” We all want what’s new!) And just in case black isn’t exciting enough for you (LG’s new Black Stainless collection) – head to the light with Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze finish.

Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

Some things, you just wonder why it’s never happened before. Two-tone kitchen cabinets – with upper cabinets white or neutral to maintain a sense of spaciousness, and lower cabinets in deep colors or various wood tones – well, it’s just brilliant. Or not, depending on your taste. For those who prefer the eclectic look, though, we think this is an excellent option.

Copper is Chic (Again)

Yes, copper can add a sparkle and a certain 1940’s Hollywood glamour to your home – but that’s not the full driving force behind the resurgence of copper in sinks, tools, and surfaces. With antibiotic-resistant superbugs on the rise, The Copper Development Association has proven that copper reduces more than 99.9% of bacteria in between routine cleanings. (Seems that your grandparents and Julia Child had it right!)

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!

Are we all tired of hearing yet that “It’s a New Year! Time to Keep Resolutions! Set Goals! Make Changes!” Yeah, we are, too. So in the interests of ‘moving-right-along,’ we’d like to touch on a subject that seems to make all the “What to do in 2016” lists a lot, but in reality requires diligence to keep in line. Day in and day out, year after year after year.

Yes – we’re talking about your credit score.

The reason we bring it up is because “in the old days” (i.e., sort of before the internet) – your credit used to work like this:

• You pay your bills on time.

• You develop a good credit score.

• You can get a loan or line of credit when you need one.

These days, not so much. There are more things that can actually affect your credit score – both good and bad – than ever before. In fact, there are a lot of things that you probably feel shouldn’t rely on your credit score – but they can still end up costing you money (from higher credit card and mortgage loan charges to auto insurance and more).

The fact is, the state of your credit history can have a huge affect on the things you’re able to do in life. From job opportunities to owning a home. So we’d like to point out a few things you may not know about what does – and doesn’t – make a difference to your credit score.

Whaaaaat?!!! (aka “These Things Matter To My Credit?”)

Renting a car with a debit card can affect your credit. How? Some car rental agencies might see it as a red flag that you aren’t using a credit card, so they’re going to check and see if you can be trusted. It’ll count as a hard inquiry and could cost a few points on your score

Not paying a parking ticket. You might think you pulled a fast one on the local municipality by not paying a parking ticket, but they might have the last laugh. Some cities send your unpaid tickets to collections agencies, and your credit score can take a beating if you have an account in collections. So, while you might think you saved $65 on a parking ticket, you could be paying hundreds of dollars more on a new loan because you might not get favorable terms based on the decrease in your credit score. The same for utility bills, back rent and other expenses.

Getting a New Cell Phone. Opening a new mobile account could also initiate a hard credit inquiry. Although each hard inquiry shouldn’t drop your score too drastically, you’ll want to be careful not to initiate too many in too short a time, or else these little actions can really add up.

Things You Think Should Matter – But Don’t

How much money you make. Now seriously, of anything that affects your financial status, what could possible matter more? And yet, nowhere on your credit report is your income reflected. That’s not to say that anyone you’ve asked to extend you credit won’t make that inquiry, or that the results of a high or low income may ultimately show up in other ways on your report. But as far as your credit history alone – it makes no difference.

Your Debit Card History. For those who were raised with the theory “If you can’t pay cash, don’t get it” – they’re probably more quick to pull out the debit card than the credit card at the purchase counter. But in doing so – you’re using cash you already have (another thing that doesn’t show up on your credit report: Your net worth or cash in the bank). So it’s not demonstrating your ability to utilize and responsibly manage credit. In fact, many people have zero information on their credit history because they chose not to borrow money or pay for things with credit. So literally, by staying out of debt – you’re working against your own credit score.

Spent time in prison? Your credit history won’t show it. However, while it’s true your criminal record is typically ignored, civil judgments can and do appear on your credit report. This includes everything from bankruptcies and tax liens to monetary judgments and overdue child support payments in some states.

The Things That Really Do Matter To Your Credit Score

1. The best thing you can do is pay your bills on-time. 35% of your credit score is your payment history.

2. If you can’t pay them on-time, make sure you pay something each month. Completely ignoring your bills is much worse than paying late. And having an account charged off gives potential lenders historic proof that a company lent you money and you didn’t pay it back, (Need we point out that’s not a good thing?)

3. Help your score by keeping your credit card balances low in relation to your credit limit.

4. Avoid tax liens, bankruptcies and foreclosures.

If buying a home is on your list of things to do anytime soon – or even in the distant future – it is literally never too early to start focusing on building your credit history and credit score. For more tips on what you can do to help improve your ability to get a mortgage loan, take a look at this blog post from Premier Mortgage Lending. (Seven Things To Do To Improve Your Credit Score.)

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!

Getting organized. Are there any other words that cause more angst or heart palpitations when they’re spoken? (All you “Monica Geller-Bing” types can probably skip this article. You’d probably write it better, anyway.)

Maybe that’s why they decided to dedicate an entire month to the task. Fun Fact: The first “Get Organized Month” was in 2005 and was started by – surprise – the National Association of Professional Organizers. Actually, it says something about us as a society that such an organization needs to exist in the first place. But we digress.

In truth, research shows that people waste as much as an hour a day, on average, looking for things they’ve misplaced. That means that many of us waste as much as 15 days every year because of disorganization. Clearly then, it would pay for us to get more organized – because time is the one commodity none of us can ever recover.

So enough dilly-dallying! Procrastination now goes out the window as we present to you our best guesses about how to begin the daunting process of getting home and work environments in order. And if you have some more suggestions you’d like to toss onto the pile, let us have ’em. We’ll be sure to add them to our “To-Do” list . . . as soon as we find it.

1. Identify the Benefits That Getting Organized Will Bring You

Starting with that 15 days we just carelessly toss away every year. Yikes! And that’s only the beginning. Being organized contributes to a higher quality of life, too. Organized people experience lower stress, a greater sense of control, and even higher pay (although we think this is somehow sneakily connected to those 15 days again).

But in truth, you’ll have more time to do the things in life that matter most to you – like spending quality time with friends and children, enjoying hobbies, and gloating about your Organized Life to those of your friends who didn’t follow our suggestions. And don’t forget about that stress level. (Think of the money you’ll save on Xanax.)

2. Decide What Needs Organizing

Which area of your life is the most chaotic? Is it your desk at work? Is it the stack of mail, bills, or reading material that has taken over your dining room? What things are you always looking for? (For that matter, what things have you still not been able to find yet? Haha! Just kidding on that one.)

What we’re trying to say with this step is: Identify the area of your life that is causing you the greatest amount of stress. Start there. Start only there.

3. What Tools Do You Need?

If this is something you’ve never ever tried before – there’s no shame in getting help. No, we don’t mean a therapist (which in truth, you probably already see because you’re so stressed out about being DIS-organized). We’re referring to the plethora of great organizing books available. And yes! This part means you can procrastinate a little bit longer while hopping onto Amazon.com to read book reviews.

But actually, these books (or even many online articles you can peruse for free) can help you identify a process for getting organized and give you tips and solutions to get started. Want us to break down and tell you “The Trick” to the whole process? Breaking it down into manageable pieces. (Yes, just like all those other things in life where we have to learn to do that.)

Once you’ve figured out what needs organizing, it’s even okay to spend a little time online to find suggestions or images showing how other people solved the same storage or organization dilemmas – and that will help you create a list of what you need to get the job done right. All we recommend is – if you’re going to steal, do it like an artist. Find the easiest, best, or most appealing method that will inspire you to keep it in shape once it’s done.

4. Dedicate (and Schedule) Time To Work On This Project.

Unless you’re going to take a week or so off to dedicate that time to getting it all done in one fell swoop, it’s best to: a) Tackle it in segments; and b) Dedicate a set period of time to work on it. (daily, weekly – whatever works with your schedule)

You may be thinking that’s a bit of a risk. After all, there’s no guarantee that once you walk away from this project you’ll ever come back to it. Right?

Oh – but wait. We already determined the reasons WHY you want to get organized – and to put it gently: It’s all about YOU. Your time, your energy, your frustration, your anxiety. So sure, you can walk away and never look back. But in the back of your mind, you’ll know. And you’ll be back. Just like Arnold.

And so you should return! Because it’s a new year, and anything’s possible. After all, setting a schedule to return and dedicate 30 minutes, an hour, or an afternoon towards getting this one single area of your life in order will be a piece of cake. (It’s not like we’re asking you to go to the gym every day! And by the way, we think “Organizing With Cake” is a great name for a blog.) Happy organizing!

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!

The end of 2015 is here. Ack! If you’re anything like us, you’re wondering just where in the world it went – and how did it do it so fast? Even so, these last few days before we turn the calendar on a new year always cause us to look back over the past 12 months – and wonder what the next 12 have in store for us.

It’s also pretty natural right about now to start thinking of that list of New Year’s resolutions you want to put in motion. In theory, it sounds like a good idea, right? But in reality (oh come on, you can admit it) – most of them usually last about as long as it takes to put the ink on the paper (or at least hit “save” on that Word document). In fact, 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail, according to a 2007 survey of over 3,000 people. Ouch.

Almost before you know it, you find yourself busy trying to remember to make it “/16” instead of “/15” when you type the date. Next, you find yourself several days into month and the magic of that “January 1” milestone becomes a distant memory. And ultimately – life just keeps marching on day after day – just like always, oblivious to all your wonderful intentions.

Happens every year, doesn’t it?

But that’s not to say you shouldn’t make an effort. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” We just happen to think some ways to achieve that progress are more effective than others.

Because really, it’s not so much about “January 1” being the start of a miraculous, new lifestyle – as much as it is to recognize this: That if something needs changing or improvement, it needs it to happen “now” – not wait for a date on the calendar to appear.

Just to give you an idea of what we mean, we’d like to share three of the “resolutions” that we put into practice every year (and every day, for that matter). And while we’re by no means claiming a perfect record, we do our best. And sometimes, we even make progress . . . a single step and a single day at a time.

1) Run toward something, not away from something.

There is a significant difference between the two. When you spend your life running from dissatisfaction, it will follow you everywhere. Running from discomfort is not a life strategy. We need to make certain that we’re making our choices based upon what we’re moving toward rather than what we’re moving away from.

2) See yourself as if you were already there.

State your goal, and make every decision with that mindset. (And here’s a little hint: If you can’t clearly envision yourself doing your goal, don’t even bother. Your “resolve” isn’t going to get you there…..only your mindset and subsequent actions will.)

3) Focus on “diligence” not “discipline.”

You’ve heard the saying that “anything can become a habit after 21 days”? Ummm, not so much. Pretty much anybody can have the discipline to do something for 21 days. But few people will have the diligence to continue doing it for the rest of the year. With diligence, you’ll do the right thing a little bit every day, and it will add up to something big down the road. (Here’s your pithy saying of the day: “Diligence rules; discipline drools.”)

Our suggestion? Just start living every day the way you know will make you a happier, more successful person. And by the way, it’s okay to cheat on your New Year’s Resolution and start it a few days early. That is, if you actually want to change. But whatever your goals for the coming new year, we hope you make it one to remember!

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!

Everyone enjoys the holidays, and each of us does it in our own way. But with all the hustle and bustle going on during the season, it’s also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared, or too aware. So we’d like to share the following tips with you to help ensure you’ll get through the season happy – and most of all, safe.

While Out Shopping

• Try to shop during daylight hour. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

• Dress casually and comfortably – and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

• In parking lots – even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – and carry the cash you do have in your front pocket.

• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located in a well-lit location – and withdraw only the amount of cash you need.

• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.

• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in the event they are separated from you.

• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.

• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.

• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.

• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security.

• Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. (Not on your cell phone!)

• Wallets and purses are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, and especially in tourist locations (of which Las Vegas has many!).

• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Take two trips to your vehicle if you have to – or better yet, ask the store clerk for help. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists will try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings – or even worse.

Driving Safe – Before, During & After Your Trip

• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.

• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car, and set your alarm or use an anti-theft device if you have one.

• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area.

• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.

• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.

• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.

• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.

• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.

• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car – or leave it in the shopping cart – in order to open the door or load your packages.

• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.

Keeping Things Safe At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.

• When leaving home for an extended time, ask a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.

• Put both indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer.

• When not at home, leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.

• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts or flowers.

• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.

Enjoy Those Holiday Parties, But . . .

• Arrange for an official designated driver who will not drink at all.

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages and know your safe limit.

• Never drink and drive.

With extra attention paid to what is going on around you, you’re more than likely to NOT be the target of criminals – they tend to focus on those who are distracted or unaware of their immediate surroundings. So stay aware and stay safe this season – because there’s way too much to celebrate (and to eat)!

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!

If there’s one thing that Baby Boomers are used to, it’s going through life’s changes as a group. One of those changes includes addressing the issue of aging parents who reached the point where daily assistance with living is often necessary. Fortunately, others have been there before you and have shared solutions, and there are many organizations and facilities available to help both parties prepare for these transitions.

It’s not an easy thing for seniors – or anyone, for that matter – to face the thought of losing their independence due to age or health matters. Most often, the burden of easing people into these necessary transitions falls to their children. It’s a challenging process that brings out the best and the worst in everyone involved – primarily because there are so many factors to deal with. It can seem overwhelming. We’d like to suggest some methods to help prepare for this change if it may be coming up in your near future.

1. PLAN AHEAD.

One of the biggest mistakes that many families make is putting off discussions until it becomes an urgent matter and then decisions must be made rapidly – such as after a major medical crisis. Many seniors unrealistically believe they will be able to care for themselves for the rest of their lives. And that’s where their children or other family members can be instrumental – to identify current or potential future problems, and then open ongoing discussions.

No matter what the age of your parent, it is never too early to begin communicating about the future. Decisions can be made together about how your parents will wish to proceed when (or if) certain aging or health benchmarks occur. This can include taking steps to document wills or health directives. And planning ahead is also a valuable tool to secure their peace of mind regarding any concerns they may have about catastrophic illness or end-of-life preferences they have. (It’s always easier to talk about it when it’s not actually happening!)

By opening the lines of communication early, it allows for long-term dialog and planning that can remove the sudden shock of going from independence one day – to being fully dependent the next.

2. ENLIST HELP.

a) Involve the Family. This will undoubtedly be a big job, so enlist help from your family. It is especially crucial that all the adult siblings are giving their parents the same general message.

b) Form a Caregiving Team. Gather brothers, sisters, children and uncles and aunts together to address an ailing loved ones needs. Have a meeting and discuss the problem and suggested solutions without the parent present. Having the input of a professional to guide the family through the transition’s emotional and physical aspects would be helpful, too.

c) Power of Attorney. One of the most important things is to decide is “Who will make the critical decisions?” Typically, experts recommend that one capable person be appointed as the primary advocate. This person should be in charge of financial decisions and act as the durable power of attorney for health care.

1. PREPARING FOR THE MOVE.

a. Plan Effectively. Before families begin the sorting and organizing process, it will help to have a visual representation of where they will be living. What rooms need to be furnished? How many square feet is the new residence? Having a say in what will be included in their immediate surroundings will help provide your parents with a sense of empowerment.

b. Sort and Organize. Downsize and categorize everything: Items to be moved, keepsakes to be left with family, to be sold or donated, and what to throw out. But don’t allow yourself to become a packing robot lacking feelings. Honor the emotional attachment to personal belongings and allow your parents to reminisce as you help sort out their possessions. Remember, these are not just things you’re moving; they’re memories.

c. Clean and Repair. Whether the house is going to be sold, rented or passed on to another relative — the general requirements are the same. The house should be cleaned, and required repairs should be made. It’s better to take care of maintenance issues all at once rather than dealing with them later while the house is for sale.

d. Moving Day. Decide if you’re doing it yourself, hiring help, or using a full-service mover. Then pack accordingly.

e. Ensure Their Comfort. Take care to ensure the most precious cargo of all: your loved ones. If a long-distance move, keep in mind that 18-hour driving days probably aren’t the best choice for them. If possible, arrange to have them moved by air or comfortably by car, and to stay with relatives or in a hotel until their belongings have been unpacked at their new residence. Helping them to avoid confusion, worry, and fatigue will go a long way to creating optimum circumstances for the transition.

It can’t be said often enough that by far, the most important tool you have at your disposal is communication. By having regular conversations with your parents about future plans – and sharing your concerns about wanting to ensure their health and safety – it allows them to take an active role in the decision-making process. One great way to see if from your parents’ point of view: Ask yourself how you would want your kids to address this topic with you!

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!