Evelyn Beng Kern

It’s like winning the lottery, right? You’ve searched and searched, and finally found the house you love. You put in an offer, you hope it’s good enough, you prayed that the seller liked you best . . . and just like that, all your worries disappear! The seller accepted your offer and you’re thrilled! Woo-hoo! And then you think, “So, what do I do now?”

To be honest, you have a gajillion things to do. Okay, maybe not quite a gajillion, but between getting all the steps done to finish your home purchase – and having to pack and move – it may seem like that.

But the good news is, you went into this with an experienced Realtor®, and you have the comfort of knowing this very important thing: Your Realtor™ has your back for everything that comes next. After all, they are the ones who got your offer submitted and accepted!

Just to make sure you have a good idea of the next steps in your journey to becoming the new owner of this perfect home, we’ve got a quick checklist to get you prepared. (Keep in mind, though, that your specific transaction may have additional steps because every home purchase is different.) Many of these things will be automatically handled either by your Realtor™ or your mortgage lender – but it’s wise to be aware of the status of each item during this process. So always feel free to ask questions!

1. If you haven’t already, shop for your mortgage lender and choose which one you’ll be working with. (Although an experienced Realtor® should have made sure you did this before submitting your offer – just FYI.)
2. Ensure all the necessary “earnest money deposit” funds are paid into escrow.
3. Order the home inspection.
4. Ensure you know which documents and information your mortgage lender needs – and get that to them in a timely manner.
5. Review the home inspection report with your Realtor™ to discuss the findings and any repairs needed (as well any costs).
6. The lender will order the appraisal.
7. Get your closing funds ready, according to the instructions from your lender.
8. Select your home insurance company.
9. Schedule your walk-through.
10. Close escrow at the title company and get your keys!

Of course, in-between all of these steps, you also need to find time to notify your landlord that you’ll be moving, pack, schedule utilities to be turned off and then on again at your new home, change your mailing address and online account addresses – and make sure that someone is going to plan you a nice, big housewarming party! (Okay, that last part is optional, but it sure would be nice, huh?)

During this time of busy transition, you may get a little anxious, perhaps a little stressed, have a lot of questions, or need help finding solutions for some things. That’s part of the process and it happens to everyone. But always remember that your Realtor™ is there to help you and hold your hand through it all.

In fact, we know that’s actually a huge part of our job. Of course, it’s important that you have someone you can rely on that knows all the proper steps to take and the legalities involved – plus make sure that your interests are being looked out for.

Choosing the right Realtor® ensures you’ll have someone on your side who wants you to understand every step of the process, and makes sure that at the finish line, you’re happy with your purchase and with the service they provided to you, too.

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

The minute you start thinking it might be time to move into a new home – or at least “new” to you – how to choose between a home that’s “new” or “used”? How do you actually go about making that decision?

In our opinion as experienced Realtors®, there are definitely pros and cons to both choices. The final answer, of course, lies with you – the buyer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look for a little help along the way to make sure you’re considering it from the viewpoints that matter to you. We thought we’d lend you a hand with some of the benefits of each!

The Case for Choosing a New Home

We’ll start here, since the Las Vegas valley does have its share of new home builders to choose from. And you’ll certainly hear from them (and their supporters) all the benefits that new homes have over used ones. They include (but certainly aren’t limited to):

• You’re getting a new, blank slate. One that’s just waiting for your personal tastes and preferences to be applied. It’s a compelling argument, because fresh, clean and new can be very appealing to many people – especially if they’ve never lived in a new home before.
• Updated design and features. Floorplans, looks, and lifestyles change over time. For example, today, it’s not unusual to see multiple generations living in one home – and many new home builders design specifically to meet this need. If you’re in search of lots of light and an open floorplan, that’s probably not something you’re going to see in a typical resale home. Like we said, tastes change – and home designs change with them over time.
• Everything is under warranty. Whether it’s your homebuilder warranty, or the manufacturers of major items in your homes, from appliances to HVAC systems. Those warranties can be real money-savers – not to mention they offer you an opportunity to live frustration-free (for a time, anyway!) That’s more time for you to enjoy the new home and life you’re building, and less time to spend repairing things.
• Energy efficiency and the latest in building materials and construction codes. That can also include safety features, too – not a small consideration, really. More fire-retardant materials, hard-wired detectors, and mechanisms on garage doors or other items to help avoid injuries.
• Location. One of the biggest rules about real estate, as we all know. New homes are built in new communities, near new schools, shopping, and other conveniences. There are often more parks and recreational facilities nearby – because new home builders plan their communities to meet the needs and wants of today’s buyers.

Now let’s consider . . .

The Case for Choosing a Resale Home

• Character. This might sound like an odd reason at first, but the truth is not everyone is wild about brand new items. It’s like the difference between those who love classic cars and those who have to have the latest model every year. A resale home has been lived in and has acquired a personality from its surroundings and the people who live there. From the nearby community, and the people in the neighborhood. It’s individual and personal in a way that new homes aren’t.
• Appeal. Finding an older home may also mean you’re escaping the cookie-cutter appearance and floorplans of small, tightly-packed new home communities. Plus, you’re choosing an established neighborhood with a look and feel you prefer. (Not to mention, zoning changes are unlikely to occur in older areas. You know what’s around you and that it’s more likely to stay there.)
• Quality. New homes may be made with the latest materials – but older homes can offer a level of craftsmanship you’ll never find in a new one. Over the years, the previous owners may have remodeled, adding features and spaces that are unique to only this home, too. Artisans often play a role in these changes and that can result in stunning results that may just seal the deal for you.
• Larger property. Years ago, when land was cheaper, builders built on larger lot sizes, leaving room to accommodate spacious yards, pools, and more. You have the chance to stretch out and relax with some privacy. And, there’s something to be said for that huge, shady fruit tree out back (especially in Las Vegas.) Not to mention established gardens and huge tree canopies seen from the street – all of which add considerable beauty to your living environment.
• Longer-term neighbors. In Las Vegas, this might even be a bit of a rarity – but getting to know your neighbors and having that community nearby to rely upon is one of the reasons many of us enjoy putting down roots in the first place.

The one thing that we haven’t mentioned in either list, though, is the price. That’s primarily because it used to be that a resale home gave you more value for your money. But new home builders have evened the score a bit in that area. This includes walled yards (so you no longer have the expense of adding those yourself), included landscaping, and often perks or discounts for upgrades and options to be included in the deal.

So, when it comes down to the final choice – it can be a toss-up in cost…and the home you select is simply up to your personal preference. You just need to take into account which details matter the most to you and your family, and perhaps this list will help you start thinking along those lines. Although when it comes to getting your mortgage financing, one thing stands true for all homes – whether new or resale – and that’s to shop different lenders to make sure you’re working with the best! You can learn more about that from one of the best local mortgage brokers in Las Vegas, Premier Mortgage Lending.

And keep in mind that no matter which type of home you choose to buy – new or resale – it’s important to rely on the services of an experienced Realtor® to look out for your best interests. That’s the only person who will be working for you — not for the builder, and not for the seller. Only you. (And yes – that’s exactly what we do at New Home Resource!)

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

We all want to add value to our homes, however, most of us don’t know where to start. Before making any changes and expenditures on your home, you should contact New Home Resource today and have one of our fabulous Realtors® advise you on the monetary value of making changes to your home.

There are both small ways and big ways to add value to your home. Taking the time to go through your home with a Realtor® will help you to see where your money would be more wisely spent. Here are a few features that are attractive to prospective buyers:

1) Space & Light: Space and light is a key feature that nearly every home buyer wants. There are both less expensive and more expensive ways to get this in your home. The least expensive way is to enhance what is already existing with light color palettes and clever storage space. Utilize all existing built-in storage, and hide away any storage boxes from plain sight. Adding additional windows and knocking through walls to create open living spaces would be an alternative, although a more expensive one.

2) Curb Appeal: First impressions can make or break a home buyer’s decision to even step inside a property. Taking the time to trim the hedges, sweep the drive, and fix that squeaking gate can improve the chances of getting them through the door. Go one step further by giving the house a fresh coat of paint and paving a new driveway, if your Realtor® thinks it is worth the cost.

3) Create Extra Living Space: A great way to add value is to add-on to the existing property. One way is to add an extension or convert the attic into an extra room, but realistically that takes both time and money. A great way to create extra living space is to take advantage of Nevada’s weather conditions and create an outdoor kitchen and dining space. Adding a built-in grill with a designated patio space for dining is a cheaper way to create a desirable extra room.

4) Make it Fresh: It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do to a room. While the existing colors may seem OK, a fresh coat of paint can really brighten and change the way a space looks. Steer clear of those colors that are more ‘taste-specific’; select wisely, opting for lighter and more neutral hues to increase the value and marketability of the property.

5) Go Green: Adding plants and trees to the yard can really make a difference. A quick and easy way to add green to your yard is to buy potted plants. If you’re willing to spend the extra money, hire a landscaper to design a warm and engaging space.

6) Define Your Space: Many people have extra rooms they don’t use or that they use for multiple purposes. When you’re selling your home you need to show the buyer the purpose for each room, especially those smaller rooms. Defining spaces can actually give the illusion of a bigger home. Turn that small room that you use for storage into an office space with a sofa bed.

7) Make it Sparkle: You don’t have to go through each room and remodel. That would be expensive and pointless if what is existing is in good condition. Look at all the fixtures and fittings. Do they look dated and worn? It is cheaper to replace all the kitchen handles than it is the whole kitchen. Add brand new towels and shower curtain to a bathroom to change the look along with replacing the fixtures. This is a much cheaper way to really enhance what you have and create a new look.

If you are looking for a new home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Heather Brockhurst, and Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern are all here to help!