future homeowners

Last week, we shared some helpful tips and contact information for those who are moving to Las Vegas from other cities. But that got us to thinking, perhaps we should back-up that train a stop, and discuss some of the things you should consider BEFORE making that big move.

Moving is big business. It’s estimated that about 40 million people in the U.S. move each year, and more than 7.6 million of them are moving to another state. Because of the proximity of Las Vegas, and the fact that it’s a top Sunbelt destination, we may perhaps have a higher percentage of those out-of-state moves than other places – considering our weather, recreation and entertainment, services, and all the conveniences offered in a major metropolitan area.

For those who choose to move to Southern Nevada to be near family or for work opportunities, those two factors will most certainly weigh heavier on the “Pro” reasons to come to Las Vegas, of course.

But if you’re simply trying to decide between one of several different cities to start out in life, find a new start, or in search of a place to wind down after a long career – here is a list of things to consider when comparing one city/state to another. (Because every little bit helps, right?)

1. Where Will You Live?

Whether you plan to rent or buy a home, there are resources that can help give you a fair idea of the cost of the housing market where you choose to move. Check around online at websites like Zillow.com or Realtor.com – as they can both offer some information about both the rental and buying markets. But don’t depend on them as your sole source of information. (And by the way, just beware of the numerous scam listings for both on Craigslist.org.) Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or the website for the city you’re interested in learning about – because they will often have “Moving to …..?” packages they can send to you that include a great deal of helpful information.

Of course, if buying a home is at the top of your list, it makes sense to find an experienced and reputable Realtor® in that city that you can work and communicate with. They’ll be able to help you pinpoint the most important features about your home and the area you wish to live, and as your ‘boots-on-the-ground,’ their assistance can be invaluable.

2. Where Will You Work?

Sometimes the job is what brings you to a new city. Sometimes knowing friends, family, or associates in an area will help you find employment more quickly when you move. But if you’re starting from scratch, research the types of jobs that are available in your field online at places like Indeed.com, or Monster.com – or any number of job-seeking/job-placement websites. It used to be that scanning the Want Ads in the local newspaper was the method to get a feel for employment in another area; but with the move to digital and the efficiency that offers to employers – your best bet is going to be starting with your search through the internet.

That’s not to say that once you arrive, it should still all be done “online.” Quite the contrary, employers are impressed with those who make the effort to present themselves in person for many positions – especially small businesses (of which there are many in Southern Nevada – because we’re not all about huge hotels and casinos, you know!).

3. Weather and Location.

Most people have a pretty good idea if they want to head for a place where the sun shines all the time, or where they can experience the four seasons. What they often fail to consider, though, is the proximity to those “life conveniences” that you’re used to, but may not be available in some places.

For example, if you’re in Las Vegas – the convenience of a major international airport within 30 minutes of virtually any point in the valley is something you get used to quickly – whether you’re the one traveling, or you’re picking up friends and family at the airport. On the other hand, if you’re used to that convenience and move to Vermont, you may not realize you’re going to be a 3-hour drive (one-way) to the Boston airport. The same thing applies to shopping, culture, entertainment, and many other everyday things that you may take for granted now, but might be giving up in your new city. A list of what you can – and can’t – live without can be very helpful in narrowing down your choices.

Those three things are only the beginning, of course. There’s also a need to give serious consideration to several other circumstances – some may affect your life, some may not– but could in the future, and some may not matter at all. But that list continues with such topics as:

• Taxes. State income tax can take a huge chunk of your income (except in places like Las Vegas, since Nevada has no state income tax at all!). Be sure to add this to your financial considerations.

• Quality Health Care. With the changing health care climate in the country, this has become a more important issue than ever before for many people. Don’t simply assume you’ll have easy access to the care you need – confirm it. (By the way, Las Vegas has many – and some of the best – hospitals and health care providers in the country – and resources are growing all the time.)

• Education. If there’s the slightest chance you may want to continue your education now or in the future, be sure to look into universities and college opportunities nearby. A quick look at each city’s Wikipedia page can be helpful to show what schools are available. (Las Vegas is the home of UNLV, CSN, and Nevada State College, along with a number of special trade schools from Touro University to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.)

• Transportation. Moving to an urban area? Then do you really need the expense of a vehicle? (Given Uber and Lyft and other options available these days.) On the other hand, the West is a bit of a different animal. Planned and developed during the heyday of the U.S. automobile, contrary to what people think – you can’t just pick up a friend at the Reno airport when you live in Las Vegas. Things are a bit more spread out here, and the public transportation that’s so available in the East isn’t really on display out West. So plan accordingly.

We figure that should be enough to get you started. A move is a big thing – and exciting time – and fills the future with unlimited possibilities. And if Las Vegas should become your moving-destination-of-choice, know that the crew at New Home Resource is here to help you find just the right new or resale home for your family’s needs. We love this place – and we’ll be happy to show you why!

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!

Devoting the time and effort involved in making sure we provide our customers with dependable, market-specific information to help them buy or sell real estate – it’s just our nature. Going the extra mile to make sure they receive the best possible service from knowledgeable experts on the subject of all things “Las Vegas” – that’s just how we roll. The bottom line is this: We’re in this business because we love it – and we love working with customers and others in our industry who really ‘get’ how great this city is.

But it’s always a thrill to have that dedication acknowledged – and when we discovered that our Fearless Leader – Broker Joanna Piette – was chosen as one of the Top 25 Women in Real Estate in Las Vegas for the 3rd year in a row – well, it just seemed like it was something worth mentioning.

New Home Resource Broker, Joanna Piette

Why? Because we know that the company she’s in is pretty darn amazing. Being able to share this honor with two dozen exceptional women who work throughout our industry is something to be both proud of – and grateful for.

Each of the women listed – that will be recognized at next month’s event at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino – is a leader in her field, and we’re awfully proud that the Women’s Council of Realtors considers Joanna Piette to be among this list that represents the best of the best. (We’ve always known it around here!)

Members of The Women’s Council of Realtors exemplify the highest standard of industry professionalism and it is a recognized source of leadership development and the businesswoman’s perspective in Las Vegas. To learn more about the vision, values, and impact this organization promotes in our great city, click here for further information.

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!