backyard

A reminder to everyone – because this is one of our favorite annual charitable events – that PEDAL 4 POOCHES is happening this coming Saturday, October 1! The New Home Resource team will be taking part in this ride for the animals – won’t you join us?

Created to benefit local animal rescue organizations, this is the third year Barry and Karen Lasko are hosting this family-friendly bike ride event to raise awareness, funds, and gather much-needed items for those pets who don’t yet have their “forever home.”

This year, donations will be given to the NSPCA and Heaven Can Wait Animal Sanctuary. Riders and non-riders alike are invited to join the fun and bring their donations of:

• Pet food
• Blankets
• Beds
• Towels / Linen
• Animal supplies
• Cleaning supplies
• Grooming items
• Leashes / collars
• Money (always desperately needed for medical and other care)
• And you can even check out the NSPCA Amazon Wishlist and Heaven Can Wait’s Amazon Wishlist to purchase items online directly

All of these items and all the funds – as always – will be donated in their entirety to these rescue organizations. We invite you to help us set a new record and let’s just overwhelm these great animal charities with kindness this year!

It all begins at 8:00am on Saturday October 1 at 1226 Kover Court Henderson, Nevada, 89002. And after the ride – the event wraps up at the same place with a Potluck Dinner at the Lasko’s farm.

It’s your chance to “wow” your fellow pet-loving do-gooders and bring your crowd-pleasing special Potluck Dish!
If your last name starts with A-L, bring a salad or side dish. If it starts with M-Z – bring a dessert!

So join us this Saturday – and if you’d like to play an important role in helping homeless animals, too – contact our office at (702) 365-1000 to find out how you can participate in the ride, make a donation, or maybe even do just a little bit more! (If you also happen to have time to volunteer to these organizations, they can surely use it!) Remember – all those furry little paws are counting on you! ☺

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!

ANYone can throw some burgers on the grill and have a back yard bbq (well, if they have a back yard, that is). Are we right?

But you – you’re better than that. You’re proud of your get-togethers, whether they’re impromptu or long-planned events. It doesn’t matter if you do it all yourself, or share the duties. Maybe one is working the grill and the other is at the margarita machine. The point is, like any good host or hostess, you want your guests to have a great and memorable time.

Because these casual gatherings are precisely what make up the memories we carry with us through life. They’re why we work so hard all week, why we wanted a home of our own – so we can have these amazing, laid-back events where the line between family and friends is a little more blurred than usual (and we don’t mean because of the margaritas, either!)

Towards that end – of helping you make your cookout fall into the “Remember that great time we had at _______’s house?” category – we’ve gathered a few suggestions together that might already be just perfect for you, or will be if you tweak them a bit your way. Party on, Dudes & Dudettes!

FOR THOSE EARLY ARRIVALS

There’s no better solution for early arrivals – or even the post-lunch slump – than a collection of “no skills required” lawn games. Set out a basket of Frisbees, Wiffle balls, and badminton rackets, or pull that croquet set out of the garage. Then set them up in easy view. (It’ll be a hit with the kids, too!)

KEEPING THE FOOD FRESH . . .

It’s all about the food. Seriously – did you ever notice that when the food starts trailing off (or not looking too fresh from sitting out too long) – the party starts to wind down? (And don’t even get us started on the drinks!) Take a look around the house and see what you have handy to multi-purpose – like this kids’ swimming pool that keeps it all fresh for hours. (Don’t like the little painted animals appearance? Line it first with a couple of inexpensive plastic tablecloths to match your party theme!)

AND THE DAY ORGANIZED (SORTA)

Juggling plates, napkins, and silverware. We all know how that works out. At your next event, help your guests avoid that conundrum! Punch a hole into your disposable plates, tie up your utensils and napkin with twine, and loop it through the plate. They’ll have a free hand as they tackle the buffet (and it will move things along much faster, too).

SHOW YOUR GUESTS THEIR COMFORT MATTERS

Help them keep cool (or at least keep the scorching sun at bay) by providing a supply of fans and sunblock. Bug spray is an especially nice touch. Even handy bowls of ice cubes around with some heavy paper towels is a great idea (for here in Las Vegas, anyway!).

DID SOMEONE SAY DESSERT?

Take a page from a rustic wedding, and prepare a fun way for your guests to build their own S’Mores. (Think of all the time you’ll save worrying about what to serve for dessert!) Shish kabab skewers and cans of sterno make this idea a blast for everyone.

HERE, FIDO!

Don’t forget the dogs! Hot summer days with lots of friends around can get them excited – so calm them down with a little planned-ahead of time treat cooler for them. Throw some smaller-sized treats into an ice tray with water and stick them in the freezer overnight to keep tails wagging (and maybe not always underfoot!).

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, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

We know how it goes. You move into your new home – and there’s a million and one things that need to be done. If you’re like most people, you’ll start with what’s right before your eyes: the inside of your home. Furniture, window coverings, paint colors and interior decor. It’s a lot to do, we know. And just when you’ve got everything the way you want it and can stop to sit back and admire it . . . you see it. Right there – outside the window. And that’s when so many homes hear that plaintive cry: “Honey, what are we going to do about the landscaping?!”

Creature comforts being what they are, you may have gone a little bit overboard with your home’s interior (at least, that’s what your budget may be telling you). But that’s okay – because adding new – or redesigning your existing – home landscaping is one of those things you can plan to do in phases. And even better, there’s plenty of budget-friendly ways to tackle making the outside of your home look as inviting as the inside. Here’s just a few tips we’ve gathered together to get your imagination stirred.

1. Plan & Prioritize Your Outdoor Space.

Before you head out there to spread a bunch of grass seed (or in the case of Las Vegas, artificial sod) – spend some time thinking about how you really plan to use your yard. Do you have pets – and will you want them in a separate area? Is there a patio cover or gazebo in your future that you want to use for entertaining? Sometimes, making the right use of your space is simply a matter of repositioning your existing outdoor furniture or accessories. Or adding a small tool shed to collect and keep all the outdoor toys out of site (but still easily accessible). However, if you are going to want to add some larger elements (such as concrete, fencing, or large living elements in certain areas) – prioritize them. That way – you’ll be able to make progress in smaller steps, as your time and finances allow.

2. Consider Alternative Resources.

For many people, “landscaping” means to either hire an expensive planner or gardener, or head down to the nearest home improvement store or nursery to load up the pallets with items at retail prices. That’s great for you – because you think outside the box! Instead of making a bee-line for those places, head to your local rock quarry to see what options are available to you for only a few dollars a ton that will take care of your hard surface groundcover needs. Or better yet, keep your eyes peeled for demolition sites – because broken concrete can also be an inexpensive alternative that serves the same purpose. Here in Las Vegas, well – it’s a rocky place. And that means lots of opportunity to seek sources for large, native rocks. (There’s no shortage of development in town any longer . . . so find those places who are trying to remove those big rocks from their construction sites and play Let’s Make A Deal!) If you want to add definition to the design, pick up some affordable bender boards and stakes from a garden supply store to create pathways and/or contained areas of rock.

3. Go Native.

There are few things worse than falling in love with the look of a tree or plant first, planting it, and trying to nurse it through an environment that it’s not prepared to survive in. Even if you know nothing about what growth zone you live in or what the local native plants are – you can learn a lot just by ‘window shopping’ at local nurseries. (Read the tags – you’d be amazed how informative they are!). One more way to find out what’s going to thrive in your area? Visit The Arbor Day Foundation online. (www.arborday.org). Not only is there a wealth of information to be had – but when you sign up for membership, you’ll also receive 10 free trees that are meant to grow in your Zone. (We’ll admit, they’re not big trees – but hey, free is free – and these are the people who know trees better than anyone!)

4. Start Your “Green” With The Trees.

Because it’s around the trees that the rest of your landscaping will take shape. And if they’re your first investment, you can opt to buy and plant smaller trees that will just keep growing and adding interest to your landscaping – all while you’re taking your time getting all the other elements in place. It’s better to spend money on a small, quality tree – because in a few short years (in Las Vegas, make that a very few short years, thanks to our long growing season) you probably won’t be able to tell the difference in size (and you won’t have to kick yourself because your neighbor spent half the money on a tree that’s now the same size as yours!).

5. Groundcover Plants. (also known as: It Doesn’t All Have To Be Rock And Lawn Mowers.)

Groundcovers. Ahhhh…..those lovely little inexpensive groupings you see in vast expanses on commercial grounds or residential common areas. They can be planted sparsely in your yard, and grow quickly into beautiful rows or sections of color. (They’re also really great at helping you deal with dead spots in your yard.) Many require little to no maintenance (yaaay!) – and the available varieties give you an amazing number of options, colors, heights and textures from which to choose.

6. Remember This Word: Perennials.

Those sweet flats of colorful annuals you see when you head to the store (pretty much any store during the season) are sure bright and enticing, aren’t they? But “annuals” mean just that. You’ll have to replace them every year – and that is definitely not kind to your budget. Perennials, on the other hand, will amaze you with their longevity – and are great reminders of the cycle of life itself. As they go through their growth, blooming and dormant seasons, not only will they continue to get larger and more beautiful each year – it’s like having an unexpected surprise greet you at the door (and you didn’t have to do much to make it happen).

7. Know Someone Who Loves To Garden?

If you have a friend with a passion for gardening, it’s like having the holy grail on speed-dial. Because they love to share both their ‘green children’ and their knowledge – which will help you not only learn what living elements you want in your yard and where to plant them, but these friends will often divide some of their most beautiful successes for you to replant in your own yard. (It’s okay – you can start mentally tabulating all the money you’re NOT spending at the nursery now!)

8. Pinterest.

Need we say more?

Most important to remember is that you’re creating an outdoor haven for you and your family. Maybe it’s time to re-think what we’ve always done before in a back yard. Switch things up, plan it for your enjoyment – both visual and physical. Only a few minutes a day of looking at something natural and green has been proven to make a huge difference in our mental well-being. At the end of the day, you want your landscaping to be refreshing to your eyes. So we recommend you read, listen, learn – and then follow your heart.

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!

Summer has arrived, and with it all the desire to ramp up our outdoor socializing. What better way to do that than with an event centered around your own backyard BBQ? With Memorial Day and the 4th of July fast approaching, it’s time for family and friends to gather, kick back, and catch up with everyone’s goings-on these past few months. And that’s all the more reason that this is the perfect time to perform your ‘Gas BBQ Due Diligence” checkup (hey, we’re Realtors, after all!) – as the last thing you want are safety concerns, or (gack!) last season’s flavors mucking up the taste of this summer’s new grilling creations.

So we’ve gathered together a few tips for you to get your BBQ on the straight and narrow to make sure that your great char-broiled dishes are always the star of the show.

1. Safety First.

You can easily check that the connections of your gas line are sealed and secure by mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid with water in a spray bottle. (Remember how they check your tires for leaks at the mechanic’s shop? Same concept.) With the hose from the BBQ connected to the fuel supply (propane tank or gas line) – spray the hose and connections, then turn on the gas. If bubbles begin to appear, a repair is needed. Either replace the hose or tighten any loose connections.

2. Safety Second.

Really – can you be too safe? We don’t think so. If you turn on the grill and your flame is yellow instead of blue, you could have some clogged air inlets or obstructions in the tubes or lines that feed your BBQ’s flame. It’s not uncommon for spiders and small insects to build nests in these areas, which can cause blockages and make grills difficult to ignite – plus make the flame uneven and dangerous. (We doubt it does a whole lot of good for the insects, either.) Find the obstructions and clear them with a pipe cleaner or similar tool. Then, to coin a phrase – Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Test your flame. Then keep testing it until it is steady and blue.

3. Get Rid of the “Old Stuff.”

It’s not our favorite thing to do, either, but there’s no getting around it. It’s time to clean those grates! Just don’t use soap on that fabulous culinary device (nothing like a Dawn-flavored steak. blech!). Instead, start by loosening the caked-on grime by soaking them in a pan filled with a mixture of water and white vinegar. Afterwards, this is where the elbow grease comes in. (There’s a reason they’ve got all those stiff brushes at Home Depot and Lowe’s for this purpose, because that’s what’s needed for a job this tough!) For porcelain-coated grates, you’ll want to use a nylon brush; for others, a stiff wire model will do the job well.

4. Get Ready for the Next Great BBQ! (isn’t that a reality show?)

Okay – the fuel source is secure, the grills are clean – and you’re about ready to whip out that BBQ apron you just had to have, along your gold-plated BBQ tongs. (Okay – maybe that last part is just us.) But if you’re a BBQ Master, you’ve got the tools and you’re ready to go . . . after one last step: Oil those grates. Create some ‘pads’ out of a few folded paper towels, dip them into a bowl of neutral-flavored oil (like Canola) – then drag the pads across your heated grates. Your next awesome meal off the grill will thank you.

We’re not even going to get into the “my-BBQ-recipe-is-better-than-yours’ debate. (We can’t afford to pay off the judges this month.) But just a few more tips about – did we mention it before? – Safety, while operating your grill:

• Place the grill at least 10 feet away from your home.

• Keep children at a safe distance from the grill (and make sure your lighter is secure, too!).

• Never light a BBQ inside – even in a garage with the door open. Not only is it a fire hazard, but it can also cause high levels of carbon monoxide in a short period of time.

• Open the grill lid before you light it.

• Never leave a grill unattended.

• For blowing sparks, keep a hose or have a fire extinguisher handy.

• For a grease fire, know where your baking soda is – because that’s what you’ll need to put out the flames (not water!).

Give us a shout when you’ve got all of your pre-BBQ preparation done – and let us know when the next party starts – because all of us at New Home Resource are true BBQ fans, too!

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!

Just like every season or holiday, new decorations bring new life into your home. Even if the decorations are not actually new, they seem to be! You begin to see pumpkins, leaves and gourds to put you in the autumn mood! Click Here are a few decorating ideas we added to our pinterest page! We also did a little research on a few other activities that happen this time of year and how they came about. What are your some of your family traditions?

Apple Picking
Apple trees were a staple for Colonial Americans, relying on the apples for butter, cider and pies. Since the fall season is the time of year that the fruit is at its peak, the ritual of apple picking has become a tradition.

Pumpkin Carving
Carving pumpkins dates back in time to Celtic traditions. To welcome good spirits and scare away bad ones, they would leave the “jack-o-lanterns” on a window or porch being lit by lumps of coal. Now we post pumpkins on our porches for decorations each year!

Caramel Apples
Back on the topic of apples… Candied apples or caramel apples as they are referred to these days, have existed for over 100 years. A candy maker was inventing a cinnamon hard candy when he got the idea of dipping apples into the mixture.

Bobbing for Apples
In you have ever been present at a Halloween party as a child, you may remember the nearly impossible bobbing for apples game! Little did we know that young unmarried individuals use to bob for apples to determine who would be married next.

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!

A buyer’s home search these days is usually started online. They want to get a feel for what is out there, put a visual to their ideal homes and to check prices. Then the serious buyers with get in touch with a Realtor®. By this time the buyer usually has an idea of what they want, price they can afford and way too much Internet knowledge about the housing market! Some buyers will have a certain standard but they will all most likely be concerned about the following amenities:

Location is a given…

There is a reason everyone knows the saying “Location, Location, Location”! It matters on so many different levels, where your home is located for selling, renovating, expanding, etc. in the future. If a home is in a “can’t beat it” area, it will not take long to sell. Even some of the least attractive homes tend to be scooped up, as a “fixer-upper” or a work in progress, just for the location alone.

Where can we walk to?

Is there a Walgreens on your corner? How close is the nearest Target or Walmart? Everyone will want to know where the closest grocery store is located and how far you are from the main street, highway or interstate. Is there a dog park nearby? How about a workout facility? If you anticipate these questions, as a Realtor®, your buyers will be at ease, confident and satisfied!

The School District…

The school district is by far one of the most important attributes to buyers, whether they already have children or if they eventually plan to. It is not out of the ordinary for a buyer to start searching for a home strictly based around different school districts.

Fees and Taxes…

Monthly fees are often overlooked for buyers when they are searching for a home. Since the price of the home is a main concern sometimes other costs are not top of mind. As a Realtor®, be open about fees and other charges they may encounter living in different areas. If you are up front with your clients and truly interested in providing them with the best service, they will greatly appreciate it.

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!

Every year home designs change in size, style and price. Listed here are a few “hot” trends that have become more common in the buyer’s eye… 

1. Automated Controls: With automation becoming the way weorganize things why not include it in the home? Buyers are now more and more interested in automating their home. With just one system, from a phone, computer, etc., they want to be able to control the lights, fans, air conditioning, alarm system and more.

2. Outdoor Living Area: This trend has been around for a while but still makes the list. Having an outdoor living space is just as comfortable as indoor with furnishings, curtains, televisions and the addition of fire pits.

3. Energy and Water Efficiency: Appliances, lighting and furnaces that are energy efficient are very important to some buyers. Sometimes the amount of energy a home can conserve could make or break the buy.

4. Going Green: Interests in sustainable products and materials is always attracting attention. Now companies offer at least one item or line that fits the “going green” movement.

5. Kitchen and Bathroom Styles: Usually buyers have a kitchen and bathroom style in mind before they actually look at homes to buy. Trending now are the more “transitional’ looks – middle ground between traditional and contemporary styles.

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.

City of Sin, What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and many other ‘not so appealing’ sayings have accumulated over the years about our Las Vegas home! Many people don’t realize, but Vegas has much more to offer now-a-days than it has in the past. It is no longer just the home for gambling and girls.

This article goes into detail about things you didn’t know about Las Vegas and where to find them! 

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!