house-hunting

Late spring and early summer have traditionally been popular home-selling months in Las Vegas (think: kids are out of school, vacations are taken, etc.). But we’d like to share a little secret with you: If you’re planning to sell your home this year – the months of January, February and March may be the better option. Why? Competition.

It may sound counterintuitive – after all, if more people are out shopping for homes in the summer, you have a better chance of getting a buyer, right? Ah – But there’s also this little fact to remember: more houses are on the market for sale, too.

That could mean that your listing gets caught up in in the ‘avalanche’ of homes available for sale, and it could be entirely missed in the process. In fact, it’s easier than you might think for that to happen. As we revealed in a previous blog post, (“Three Universal Tips Every Home Seller Should Know”) – according to studies, 80% of prospective buyers know if a home is right for them within seconds of stepping inside.

Only seconds. Let that sink in a moment. And then you’ll probably think this: Yikes! (Of course, that also stresses how important it is for your home to be presented in as appealing a manner as possible – with attention paid to the smallest of details.)

But even just having those few seconds to grab a buyer’s attention is making the assumption that your home even made the short-list on their tour. That’s also easier said than done, because all those extra homes for sale mean more marketing, more ads, more Realtors® doing their best to highlight their client’s home over the competition. The truth is, if you’re selling during the height of the ‘buying season,’ your home is first being compared just on paper to the many, many other homes for sale also trying to take advantage of the increased buyer market.

On the other hand, if you’re selling your home in competition with fewer available listings – such as during the first quarter of the year, as we mentioned above – it actually has a better chance of making a memorable impression with shoppers because they have fewer options; there are simply fewer homes for them to choose from.

Plus, people that are looking to buy a home during this time are often more motivated. They might have a pressing matter that is pushing them to want to close on a house quickly – such as job relocation or some kind of major life change that is forcing them to move. This can work in your favor in another important way, too: Lower inventory also means you might be able to sell your house at a more favorable price – again, since buyers have less to choose from.

All things considered, there are many factors that can affect your decision on when to sell your home. One more reason it’s important to have an experience and knowledgeable Realtor® that you can rely upon to help you evaluate all the factors involved, so you can make the most favorable decision for your situation.

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!

Wow. You’re about to be a first-time home buyer. That is a really, really big deal – and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

It’s a commitment – that’s for sure – of both your time and your money. But there’s something inherently different and satisfying about spending time working on your own home, and after all – we all have to live somewhere, so why not invest in yourself instead of a landlord’s real estate portfolio?

There is a lot to think about before you decide to buy, of course. For example: Is this the city you plan to stay for a few years? Do you know how much you can comfortably afford? Do you have enough down payment? (To find out more about that, we recommend you visit Premier Mortgage Lending to learn about their new 1% Down Loan Program.)

A while back, we talked here about many other things to consider before making the move from “Renter” to “ Home Buyer.” But if you’ve already reached the decision to start shopping for the perfect place to call your own, there are a few things about the process itself. Read on.

STEP 1: Get Your Finances and Credit in Order

In today’s rapid-fire real estate market, the last thing you want to happen when you find “The One” is to lose-out on it because you don’t have – or can’t get – mortgage loan approval. That’s why your first step should be to get a copy of your credit report. (You’re entitled by law to get a free updated credit report each year.)

STEP 2: Visit at Least Two Mortgage Lenders

Getting your credit report is great, but knowing how to evaluate it is something else. And there are many more steps in the mortgage loan process than just credit. You need to find out what those steps are, how your circumstances measure-up, if there are any things you need to fix or change, and discover how much of a mortgage loan you can qualify for. That last detail will also let you know the price range of homes you should be considering. (Trust us, there are few things worse than falling in love with a home that’s out of your price range!)

But why visit two lenders? Read our lips: So you can compare fees and interest rates. Not all lenders are the same – nor are all mortgage loans. Their fees can vary widely – from $0 to as much as 4-5% of your purchase price. If the interest rates are equal, you can see just how much your get-in-the-door / cash out of pocket will be. You’d be surprised how big the difference in cost can be. (And remember, just getting a loan estimate does not commit you to anything. You’re free to shop around as much as you want!)

STEP 3: Find the Right Realtor®.

Everyone has “a friend” who sells real estate. Or maybe it just seems like it. But our experience has been that once you reveal you’re in the market to being a home buyer, suddenly you discover that your cousin’s ex-husband’s sister-in-law’s best friend’s dog, Lulubelle, sells real estate – you should call her! We hate to be blunt, but here’s our take on that suggestion: W.R.O.N.G.

Why, you ask? (while thinking that we have an ulterior motive – which we don’t, but how do you know that?) Well, that’s precisely the point. You don’t know that. And you don’t know Lulubelle, either. Having a relative or friend that sells real estate is no way to choose your Realtor®.

First of all, if they have the experience, reputation and knowledge that you need in a Realtor®, you would already know about them. Those agents have spent long hours, days, months, and years building that reputation and gaining that knowledge. And they don’t typically need to go searching for new clients – because clients seek them for their expertise.

So, decide what area you want to live. And then do your homework to find out which Realtors® really know those neighborhoods. Interview them. Meet their team, because you’ll be working with them through this process, too. Ask questions and then listen to their answers. Your instincts will take you far in finding the right agent. The right Realtor® will be active in finding properties for you to consider, and help make the entire experience as seamless for you as possible.

Like we said in the beginning, buying your first home is no small decision. Plus, it’s the first of many, many decisions you’ll be making – especially in finding the home you love and getting a mortgage loan. Make it easy on yourself by putting a little effort into finding the best people for the job. Then – you just let them do their job, and you’ll have much smoother sailing.

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!

Been out looking at homes lately? Thinking that it might be time for you to make the leap? Stop renting, set down some roots, and grow your family? Those are all great ideas, if you ask us. (First, because we hate to see people waste money on rent when they can invest in themselves. Second – because we think Las Vegas is awesome. And third, because we love kids and animals. But, we digress.)

As we mentioned in our last post, going into the home-buying process with a good Credit Score is truly important. Why? Because as we explained, it will help you get a better interest rate, allow you to pay fewer fees, and it will give you more loan options.

Of course, it’s easy for us to say that – but credit can be a complicated thing. (That’s probably why there are books, magazines, websites, and experts out there that make that make explaining how credit works their sole purpose in life.)

There are, however, some basics to keep in mind when you’re trying to improve your own credit history that apply to everyone across the board. So we’re going to try to take a little bit of the “mystery” out of credit! Maybe then you can have a better idea of how to evaluate your own. Then you can make decisions that will help increase your “borrow-ability” (hey look! a new word!) when it’s time for you to make an offer on that house you absolutely love – then apply for your mortgage loan, confident it will make your dream of homeownership come true. Ready?

Not Paying as Agreed. (35% of Credit Score) The first red flag for a lender will focus on any late payments, charged-off accounts, bankruptcies, liens, judgment and other derogatory items on your Credit Report. However, since life isn’t necessarily black-and-white, there may be extenuating circumstances that caused these things to show up on your Credit Report. (An all-too-common and unfortunate one can be identity theft. Another may be an illness with extensive medical bills, or perhaps the millions of people adversely affected by the economic crisis.) Many people aren’t aware that mortgage lenders will consider some of these circumstances when evaluating your loan application. So remember that just because those things are on your report, if there’s a good reason and explanation for them, you may still be able to qualify for a loan.

Poor Credit Management. (30% of Credit Score) Are your credit cards maxed-out to their limit? That’s going to have a big effect on your Credit Score. It’s not that just owing money on your credit accounts makes you a higher credit risk, though. What lowers your score is having high balances, and having balances on several accounts. It’s a sign you may have spread yourself too thin. Start working toward paying those balances down, pay off the ones you can, and before long – you’ll see that score begin to rise.

The Length of Your Credit History. (15% of Credit Score) There’s no hard and fast rule for how long a credit history is required to get a mortgage loan. But as a guide, keep in mind that lenders like to see several months of a good payment history. If you have zero credit history as you read this, then now is the time to start building one. Here are some tips on how to get that ball rolling.

The Type of Credit You Have. (10% of Credit Score) One thing that can help improve your Credit Score is having a variety of credit types on your report. These can be credit cards, store cards and installment loans or credit. So, for example, an auto loan and a few credit cards would be a better credit mix than having only credit cards on your report. Just remember that while having a mix of credit can help, you shouldn’t take out any credit you won’t use. Because…..

New Credit. (10% of Credit Score) Opening multiple new lines of credit too quickly can create a drop in your credit score. (So that part about not taking out credit you don’t need – this is why.) The exception to this is if you’re shopping around for the best credit or loan terms. Multiple credit inquiries over a short period of time will be grouped together as one inquiry – so they won’t “ding” your credit each time one comes through.

Two other things to keep in mind when it comes to your credit – that can both have a tremendous impact on your creditworthiness – are these:

• Errors on your Credit Report. It’s estimated that 1 in 5 Americans have at least one error on their credit report. That’s a huge number – so it bears saying you should review yours with a fine-tooth comb to see if yours is one of them. The good news is that today, it’s possible to submit a dispute for incorrect information online directly to the credit agency reporting the mistake. Although as this creditcards.com blog explains, sometimes better results are achieved through the USPS regular mail.
• Are You Buying Your Home with a Spouse? Remember that both of your credit histories will play a role in your mortgage loan application. That means – don’t review only your own report – get your partner to review theirs, too!

Now you’ve got your homework assignment. It’s time to dig in and take the steps to raise your credit score as high as possible! That one number will help you save money in more places than you can imagine – and not only on your mortgage loan rates.

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!

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who hit that lottery jackpot or your MegaBucks dreams have come true, the odds are when the time comes that you want to buy a home, you’re going to need to get a mortgage loan to do it. (By the way, when it gets to that point, the most important rule to know is this: SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST LOAN! Our friends at Premier Mortgage Lending help explain exactly why in this article.)

While it’s true that your Credit Score is only one element (of many) that a mortgage lender considers (in addition to your income, expenses, and other items) – it’s one of the most important when it comes to getting a more cost-effective and affordable loan.

And by that, we mean a good Credit Score gives you more options and saves you money when it comes to getting a mortgage.

How? It can play a role in getting you a better interest rate, in qualifying for a loan with a lower down-payment requirement, and can even help you to pay less in loan fees – such as Loan Origination, Underwriting, Document, and more. (Wondering how much can those fees can add up to? Take a look here.)

Mortgage Loan Rules of Thumb:

A Credit Score of 740 and above will get you the best mortgage interest rate.
A Credit Score between 620-739 may add from .25% to 1% or even more to your interest rate.
A Credit Score lower than 620 will generally require a significantly larger down payment, additional fees, a higher interest rate, and possibly stricter loan terms.

That’s Why It’s Important to Know What Your Credit Says About You.

If you’re considering making a home purchase in the future, the first thing you should do is check to see what information shows up on your Credit Report – and to find out your Credit Score, too – because those are two completely different things:

• Your Credit Report will show your Credit History – including information such as who has extended credit to you, if you made your payments on-time, how much you have borrowed, and what your total debt obligation is – along with personal information about previous names and addresses associated with your Social Security number.

• Your Credit Score is a numerical value applied to you (between 300 and 850) that is based on an analysis of your credit files. This helps lenders determine how credit-worthy you are, and there are 3 main agencies (although there are many others) who provide them to consumers: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

While everyone is entitled by law to receive a free Credit Report annually (you can get it at www.annualcreditreport.com) – Credit Scores are not free, but are available to purchase.

Potential buyers should be checking their credit score regularly, and at least six to 12 months before applying for a mortgage.

The bottom line is this: The higher your credit score, the more trustworthy you are to borrow, and the less interest you will pay on future loans (and not only mortgage loans, either).

The key to getting a low-interest rate on a mortgage or car loan is having a high credit score and solid credit history of paying off your debt. Start working on your credit today and nurture it for the future. Your reward? Saving money in the Business of Life down the road.

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!

Homes out here in the Western U.S. are different, as many mid-Western or East-coast transplants have discovered. One reason, of course, is simply climate-related. Especially in Las Vegas, we certainly don’t need to plan for months of snow-covered landscapes. Another reason is that the West just has more room than those Atlantic coast states. (That’s a big reason for the “Go West, Young Man” part of our history.)

But while to some people it seems that all the construction in the western states is pretty “new” (although to be fair, compared to the 13 colonies, we suppose it is) – that doesn’t mean that the home features out west haven’t evolved. In fact, over the past 10-30 years right here in Las Vegas, things have changed quite a bit when it comes to floorplans and lifestyle – which means there are a wide range of home design options available, both for new and resale homes.

So when you begin your home-shopping, give some thought about where the following home features fall on your “Must-Have” or “Eh-Not-So-Much” list.

Laundry Room

We live fast, busy lives today – and where once upon a time we could live with a laundry area in our garage, or better yet, inside an interior closet – today it’s different. Now, one of the most popular home features buyers seek (up to 92%) is a separate laundry room, complete with cabinets, surfaces for folding, space for ironing – and just basically, a place to keep the mess out of living areas and contained in an area in a room for all things laundry. (And a laundry sink: Big plus!)

Exterior Lighting

Once considered the domain of the well-heeled to showcase acres of gardens and landscape features around high-priced estates – now, exterior lighting has become a necessity for 90% of homebuyers. Any home in a typical neighborhood is going to benefit from illuminating not only important landscape features, but also the walkways and the exterior of the home. These days, it’s actually become a necessary combination of style, appeal, and safety. Highlight those landscape elements you’ve installed that you’re most proud of, grab potential buyers’ attention with expertly placed spotlights, provide safe walkway paths, enjoy the benefit of security motion sensor lighting, and add pendants or other decorative illumination in outdoor entertaining areas. Better yet, you can take it solar – so all the added beauty, drama, and function is eco-friendly, too.

Energy Efficiency

It used to be that windows like this in a Las Vegas home meant sky-high energy costs (or lots of drapery!). But with the use of today’s more energy-efficient window design and insulating features, along with dual or even triple sealed panes and UV-ray reducing coatings – this is a style that can be enjoyed by many. But windows are just one way of cutting energy costs while adding beauty and more home features. Today’s appliances are Energy Star-rated – offering more size and capabilities at lower annual utility costs. In fact, many homes built in Las Vegas today include energy-efficient standards in a number of areas that are highly rated in the industry – from insulation and roofing, to quick hot water delivery systems and more. Of home buyers out there searching for their next residence – or looking to upgrade their existing home – as much as 90% want included energy-saving features like these.

Garage Storage Space

No doubt about it – buyers with growing families need lots of storage space (81% of buyers agree with that statement.) For that matter, it’s even possible for a single person to need that space, too. So many people work from home these days, or have a second job as a sideline, that the need for extra places to keep things orderly and accessible grows all the time. (Just think about your seasonal decorations!) A well-designed garage with storage units and shelving makes it possible to easily keep these things out of your main living areas well-organized, to boot. Unlike an attic, or a backyard shed – or worst of all, an off-site storage space you’ve had to rent – the garage is just a few steps away from your living areas, making it easy to transport items from there to other parts of the home when needed. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of increasing the space in your home.

Kitchen with Eating & Work Spaces

Perhaps the one area of the home that’s changed more than any other is the kitchen. What was often considered simply a place to prepare meals and then retire to the dining room to enjoy them has truly taken its place as the “heart of the home.” Now, when people create meals, it’s a communal process. The cook enjoys the space to craft healthy meals, try new recipes – and guests enjoy the homey feeling of being part of the process. It’s warm, it’s familiar, it’s entertaining. It’s our favorite place to gather – near the food! So it’s no wonder that over 80% of buyers want lots of cabinets and surfaces to work with – and a generous kitchen island with seating for the family or guests. The kitchen has become the place to congregate, keep up to date with everyone, and share your daily news.

These are just a few of the home features you’ll want to consider before you start your home search and begin whittling-away at your selections. While it’s always possible to rehab your home to include these items, some of them can be a costly proposition, and that investment might be better made in simply buying the home that already includes them.

And unless you plan on this being your very last home purchase, you’ll always want to keep the resale value in mind –along with the fact that other buyers just like you will be wanting these same features, too! The team at New Home Resource will be happy to help you identify those homes on the market that include the things most important to your unique lifestyle. Give us a call and we can make it happen!

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!

A few weeks back, we wrote a short list of the five most important housing pitfalls buyers should avoid when shopping for a home. As we said at the time, there were several other things to watch out for, and we’d fill you in on more of them soon. Well look! It’s already “Soon”! Let’s continue on with our ‘Home Buying 101’ recommendations that cover topics you may not be aware of – but definitely want to consider in your search for the right home to buy.

First, a little refresher course on the first five housing pitfalls we shared with you back in April, 2016:

1. Not Letting Your REALTOR® Do Their Job
2. Decide What You’re Looking for in Your New Home
3. Stay IN Your Budget
4. Get Pre-Approved for Your Mortgage Loan Before You Go House Hunting
5. Choosing The Right Lender

All of these are truly critical points that can make a difference in being happy with your choice of home and being able to afford it after the closing. Feel free to take a refresher course/walk down memory lane by reviewing the reasons why in that previous article here.

But what else could there be that you might not have thought of? How about . . .

6. Letting the Home Staging Distract You
Sellers are pretty savvy these days – and if they’re not, their Realtors® often are. One of the top priorities is to do all they can to make their home appealing to potential buyers. At the minimum, that might mean just getting rid of clutter and keeping it clean. But there’s a reason that “professional home staging” is now a career option. This is when buyers will manipulate the scene with the intent of appealing to your emotions (rather than logic). Because once that tug starts on your heart, you may not notice that the furniture is just a bit smaller than normal (which makes the room look bigger); you didn’t catch the condition or style of windows because they’ve been dressed up with attractive coverings; and that rug on the floor is just gorgeous – until you lift it up to see the damaged floor beneath it. The point of good home staging is to make it easier for you to envision yourself in that home, but once that love affair begins, sometimes people have a tendency to minimize what are legitimate objections to justify their ardor for a property. There’s nothing wrong with falling in love with your home – just be sure you get to see it for what it actually is, not just the good parts it presents to you (with a little help, that is).

7. What About Cosmetic Issues?
This one is sort of a double-edged sword. By their very nature, cosmetic issues (nails in the wall, nicks in the doorway, a chipped counter tile, poor choice of paint color, etc.) – are relatively easy to address, not too expensive to fix, and aren’t indication of any major mechanical or structural problems. Or are they? While minor cosmetic issues shouldn’t be the cause for you to automatically say ‘no’ to a home, you do want to be aware. How can you know the difference? If superficial problems are also paired with signs of neglect – such as a lawn that hasn’t been cared for over a long period, unusual odors in the home, or if these “minor” issues could theoretically have led to problems if left untended for too long. Sometimes, people just didn’t get around to touching up the little things . . . but then again, as a seller, they should be putting their best foot forward, so really give some thought to the types of minor items you discover when viewing a home. Just in case.

8. Stop Watching Home Repair Shows on TV Before You Start Home Shopping
No – really. Stop it! Those HGTV home makeovers you love to watch come complete with a whole staff behind the scenes to make it all happen. For the most part, you’re not going to have your own crew of minions to do the same bidding for you (although if you do, we need to talk!). Besides that, you know it takes more than 30 minutes and $500 to tear out a kitchen and rebuild it with new cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, etc. The thing is, these shows give you the feeling that major projects are a lot easier (and cheaper), than they really are. So don’t start your search for a home by thinking you can save a few bucks and just add electrical, plumbing, and load bearing walls on your own. Read our lips: It ain’t gonna turn out that way. Besides – are you buying a home so you can enjoy living in it, or one that will be in permanent tear-out mode as you try all the DIY fixes you’ve watched on TV (while still holding down your day job, by the way)?

9. Make Sure to Research Your Neighborhood
You have a preference for where you want to live – most people do. Whether it’s near your work, an urban center, or to be in the best school district for your kids – we all start with a wish list. (Like, “Why don’t the people in that house just move and let us buy it?” Yeah, we’ve thought that before, too.) The thing to remember is that you can change your house to fit your lifestyle by upgrading or remodeling – but you can’t change the neighborhood. (Seriously – it’s no fun to be living in your dream home in a nightmare neighborhood!) So do your due diligence – and this is something you can do on your own: If schools matter, speak with the principals or the parents of other kids who attend. Find out what sort of community events take place in your vicinity. Safety is an issue – and now there are plenty of online resources where you can check crime reports nearby (Trulia is a good source for that). Visit the stores and places you would plan to shop if you lived there and make sure they feel comfortable to you. (There can be a lot of reasons they do or don’t, but those would all be personal assessments you should make yourself.) Drive up and down the streets in your immediate area to make sure houses are well-tended; check property records to see if there are any trends of foreclosures; look for signs of vacant homes. As information continues to become more readily available, it’s just a matter of using the resources that are out there. Reassure yourself that THIS “Dream Home” is where you’ll be doing a lot of happy dreaming!

10. Don’t Make a Purchase Out of Desperation
This one might be a little harder to enforce, because people have many different reasons for wanting or needing to purchase a home within a certain time frame. The only thing we’d like to suggest is that you keep that ‘desperation’ in mind when you consider making an offer on a home. When prices are rising, buyers get anxious and sellers get greedy (human nature or capitalism, take your pick!). When a buyer has been losing out on home after home because it’s a seller’s market, it can be easy just to get tired of looking and tell yourself “I don’t care – just buy it.” That may put you over-budget (leaving you with long-term financial distress)… in the wrong area… , or just plain in the wrong house. Or, you may end up paying far more than you should for the marketplace. If at all possible, we recommend creating a back-up plan. Your New Home Resource Realtor® can recommend options for short-term or corporate rentals to help ease you into a soft landing while you make the right decision about which home to buy.

As we’ve mentioned many times before, buying a home is a bigger process than many people consider. Working with the right Realtor® can make all the difference in making a smart purchase that you’ll love for years to come, or letting too many other factors influence the most important thing: This is to be your home. It needs to be right. New Home Resource can help you with that. Just give us a call to find out how. 702.365.1000.

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!

As Richard Florida notes in a recent CityLab article, “There are three big decisions we make in life: What we choose to do for a living, who we choose for a life partner, and where we choose to live.”

In all the rush and hurry of living our lives every day, it’s a bit compelling to read a statement like that, let it soak in, and suddenly realize well, yeah – those really are the three most important things (assuming children and pets are lumped in with the “life partner” choice, of course.) So why do we spend so much time worrying about a million-and-one other things – and often doing it at the expense of those three priorities that matter to us the most?

We agree with Florida’s assessment that the most important of those three items may very well be where we choose to live. Your home base is where all your energy, hopes, dreams, and ambitions come to rest every night. In addition, it only makes sense that you’re going to be working nearby and developing relationships with those who share your geographic location.

However, being happy where you live doesn’t simply depend on the house, neighborhood, city, or state you choose, as many people can attest. Many discover, after making multiple moves to places they thought they always wanted to live – that ‘happiness’ isn’t an enforceable clause in the mortgage documents.

Really, though – the ability to enjoy your environment can be affected more by your state of mind than the space you’re occupying. Now, don’t get us wrong – we’re not going all “woo-woo” on you here. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that – because we’ve been known to do it on occasion!) We’re not saying that all you have to do is “think” yourself happy. But we will say that even for those who feel they’re living in the wrong place and their true happiness lies in some distant locale, there are things we can all do to help ourselves invest emotionally in where we are right now.

Some people may call the ability to love where we live a form of “place attachment” – where an emotional bond is created between a person and a place. It’s a concept rooted in environmental psychology, and often displayed when a person chooses a certain city as a destination to live in, based on their personal experience and lifestyle preferences.

But life can lead us in unanticipated directions, as we all know. (John Lennon was right – “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”) So it’s not at all unusual that for many of us, where we’re living at the moment is not our first choice for this point in our life.

Rather than railing against the universe about it, though, it’s far better for us (both mentally and physically) to actively seek out some specific things that we can learn to love about our current place on the planet. By stepping outside your comfort zone (or in this case, your dis-comfort zone) – it’s entirely possible to create new experiences and memories that you consider as plusses or positive aspects and that you can look forward to repeating. (Some things stay pretty much the same from city to city, you know – like yoga, or exercising, or hobbies, etc.)

In doing so, whether those engagements are with individuals, like-minded groups, landscapes, or even spent in solitude – in many cases, by altering our behavior we, in turn, alter our perception of our environment. Or at least a little part of it. That alone can make a huge mental shift in our outlook. Coincidentally (and happily!) – that also makes it a whole lot easier to improve our attitude, our relationships, and even our health.

It’s a fact of human nature that most of us can find both good and bad in things, places, and situations. But it’s our frame of mind that often guides us more toward one direction than the other.

In the same CityLab article, the author of This Is Where You Belong, Melody Warnick concludes that, “My theory is that cities don’t make us happy. We make ourselves happy in our cities. The really good news is that place attachment doesn’t care if you live in the objectively best city on the planet. (Not that one even exists.) Contentment comes from being passionate about where you live, no matter what.”

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!

You know how sometimes you just need a change? And not just a personal change – but sometimes for your business, too. Especially if your business is in Las Vegas, because there’s always something new happening in this city – and the real estate market is no exception. At New Home Resource, we thought it was time for us to mix things up a bit– and the next thing you know, “Voila!” We have a whole new look for our website!

But not just a new look – a whole new way to navigate to find the things you need. Like what? Well, we thought you’d never ask! Allow us to give you a guided tour:

Easier to Find Exactly What You’re Looking For

• Search our gorgeous current New Home Resource property listings
• Search the MLS listings through our site
• Inquire about the value of your existing home
• Learn more about our stellar Property Management Services

Easier to Learn About Us

• You should want to know more about the people you’re doing business with. Fortunately, we’re not shy – we’re happy to tell you who we are, our experience, how to contact us, and let you know where to find us on Facebook, too.
• See what our customers have to say about New Home Resource on our Testimonials page. (May as well put your feet up, because there’s lots of reading to do!)

Helpful Information About Buying, Selling, Leasing, Owning, and Enjoying Your Home

• In our blog articles, we cover pretty much every topic from the local housing market to what to look for in a Realtor, how to shop for a mortgage lender, information for keeping your home maintained, insider tips for both buyers and sellers, statistics, interior design, landscaping, holiday décor, great recipes . . . you name it, and we’ve probably written about it. (Anything you’d like to see that we don’t have? Just send your topic suggestion to Joanna@NewHomeResource.com – we’ll be happy to explore it!)

Our goal – as always – is to make reaching your real estate goals – whether buying, selling, or renting – as smooth and worry-free as possible. We think our website now does a better job of reflecting that goal, too.

For more information about how New Home Resource may be the perfect match for your real estate needs, give us a call as 702.365.1000. Or <nudge/wink!> – you can visit our new website, 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 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!

There are a lot of landlords in Las Vegas these days. In fact, ever since the Great Recession when investors took advantage of great opportunities in our city, the number of rental properties in Las Vegas has risen rapidly.

What hasn’t risen as rapidly is the number of quality property management companies. Notice our use of the word “quality.” Because as you know, when any new need in the market is filled – there are usually choices of great, good, so-so, and ‘stay-away-from-these-guys’ options for that service.

That’s why we would like to remind our Las Vegas clients and friends that New Home Resource Property Management is among one of the best choices that Las Vegas property owners can make – that is, if they want their rental homes to be managed professionally and cost-efficiently. And, all that while building a reputation that makes their homes the first choice of qualified renters.

Why hire New Home Resource as your Property Managers?

If any of the following reasons sound familiar, then we should talk:

• You have multiple rental properties.
• You don’t live near your rental property.
• Your time is limited.
• Hands-on management is not your preference.
• You’re inundated with too many tenant issues.
• You don’t want to hire “employees”, thus an independent contractor is your preferred option.

We’re in it for the long-term on your behalf, and we make it possible for you to rest easy knowing that virtually every detail of managing your rental home is being handled by experts. Even better, we provide a personal touch with dedicated software to stay on top of the details and allows you to be in the loop at all times.

That’s why you can rely on us to take care of it all – from marketing to finding and properly vetting new tenants, checking references, collecting rents, handling repairs, taking care of tenant complaints – even pursuing evictions, if necessary. We have the resources and the expertise to make sure it all happens smoothly, without a hitch.

The only thing you need to ask yourself is this: “How valuable is my time?” Let New Home Resource Property Management take the ‘tasks’ off your To-Do list and put them on ours.

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!

How exciting! You’ve decided to start your search for a home of your own! You’ve looked around at neighborhoods and schools; you know pretty much which part of town you want to live in. You’ve interviewed with different Realtors™ to make sure you’ve found someone who is experienced, familiar with that area, and has a great reputation. You’ve even gotten in touch with a mortgage lender to find out what you can realistically afford – and scored bonus points for getting loan pre-approval!

Your Realtor™ is preparing a list of available homes for you to visit. So now is the time for you to stop and re-assess what, exactly, you’re going to look for.

That may sound silly. You’re probably thinking that certainly by now you’ve put a lot of thought into this and you know what you want in a home. But whether you’re searching to buy a new or used home, you should be aware that some sellers are experts at highlighting the good stuff – and minimizing some things that could be, er, “better.”

Our point is to be prepared by arming yourself with a little knowledge ahead of time. It might even be a good idea to put together a little checklist to refer to as you visit each home. Because you want to make sure you’re not just dazzled by what they want you to see – you want to look closely at the things you know are important to you, and will make your living in that home as comfortable for you as possible.

And you know us – we’re always here for you! So we thought we’d put together a little “cheat sheet” list of some of the things you may want to remind yourself while the ‘dazzling’ is going on. Some things matter more to certain people than others, of course – and certainly, this list is just a start. But we figure it will get you thinking in the right direction. So pick those that matter to you, add some others you have in mind, and then toss the rest.

1. Rooms and alternative spaces. Do you really need 5 bedrooms? Or would 4 bedrooms plus a loft for your home office work? Today’s floorplans are often flexible and multi-purpose in many areas, so view with an open mind, but specific to your needs.

2. Downstairs bed and bath. Is this something you need for frequent guests, or perhaps an elderly relative? Or would you rather discourage the frequent out-of-town guest who uses your home as a free hotel? (Yeah – we’ve all been there. This is Vegas, baby.)

3. Closet space. If your heart is set on having room for your currently overflowing closet, this matters!

4. Low maintenance landscaping. If gardening isn’t your passion, this will make a big difference in how you spend your weekends!

5. The Kitchen. Hardly used? Or your Dream Room? Walk-in pantry? Work island? Counter seating? Picture yourself in this ‘heart of the home’ night after night and make sure it will meet your lifestyle.

6. Electrical Outlets and Wiring. Today’s buyers are wired, wireless, and connected to many different devices. While this might not be a deal-killer, you want to be aware of what’s available to you before you move in so that any changes needed can be budgeted for ahead of time.

7. Yard and fencing. Some people put their pets high on the list of features wanted in a home, and some things are simply non-negotiable. (If you’re one of them, we don’t even need to remind you of this!)

8. Parking. Two or more cars? How does that work with the size of your garage? What about street parking? Do you need to use part of your garage for a workshop? Without considering these things ahead of time, you might end up with a hornet’s nest of a (neighbor) problem after moving in.

9. Insulation. Not just for energy-saving purposes, but can you hear people speaking in the next room? Ooooh. That could get uncomfortable quickly!

10. Water Pressure. For some, this is huge. For others, no biggie. But definitely something to know ahead of time.

11. Neighbors and Traffic Areas. Make sure you take a good look at the surrounding homes, and pay attention to the amount of traffic that the street gets. Best to look at different times of day – daytime, after work, and at night – to make sure you get an accurate image of the total environment.

That’s a start, at least. And your Realtor™ should also be asking important things about whether there currently are any offers, have there been any major repairs (which will be on the Seller’s Disclosure, too), cost of utilities, the Seller’s timeline, etc. Actually, there’s a lot more your agent will be doing on your behalf – but keep in mind, you’re the one who will be living in the home, not your Realtor™. So you know best what you can live with, or not.

For us, the important thing is that you keep your eye on the prize, so when the choice is made and you’re handed the keys, you don’t have any reason to kick yourself because you fell for the “show” they put on while the home was on display. Of course, trading out extra linen space for a fantastic view or a killer back yard is always going to be smart – and your Realtor™ will help you determine the relative value (both emotionally and financially) in a situation like that. We just want you to make sure you’re starting from a point that includes all your “wants” so you’re making that decision yourself (instead of letting them make it for you – when you weren’t paying attention!).

Ready to go shopping now? Let’s get together and Do It!

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!