New Home

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!

The process of moving into a home can be a daunting task. With New Home Resource, the process becomes much less daunting. Prior to choosing the right color scheme for your master bedroom or whether or not to maintain a media room, you must get Homeowners insurance before you close escrow. Natural Disasters are rare occurrences, but you will have the coverage you need when you need to build, repair, or even relocate. Individual coverage can be pricy, so it may make more sense to combine home coverage with your car insurance coverage

A security system will grant you the peace of mind you need to sleep at night. Protect your family and your most valuable asset with a security system that will contact the police, fire department or private security team. At the very least, invest in sturdy deadbolt locks for your doors and solid latches for your windows. Man’s best friend, particularly if he’s big, won’t hurt either.

Obtain a list of recommended handymen who are helpful in emergency situations. Having a helpful, reliable, plumber, electrician, or security tech, handy will be there in moments when you least expect the need to arise.

A set of garden tools, a lawnmower, plants for the backyard or front lawn for landscaping. Whether you’re an expert gardener or not, there are tools you need for the general maintenance of your yard: a sprinkler system, hose and rake. If you’ve considered growing an herb garden, maybe now would be good time.

Whether you’re into outdoor entertaining, family gatherings or if you simply want to take that steak to a whole new level, the right barbecue can bring out the spring spirit in all of us.

Your new home information should contain warranty information on all the home appliances within the home. The first few months in your home should not be spent worrying about whether the stove, water softener or heater will work. The general maintenance of appliances are the most common things overlooked.

Without ruining the joy of moving into a new home, a disaster kit that includes flashlight, non-perishable items, bottles of water, blankets, batteries, and portable radio, and even a first aid kit will be helpful in any emergency situation.

Once the important items have been covered, you can consider investing in simple high quality furniture that will endure your lifestyle for years to come like a cozy transitional couch, a frat-like futon, or a cozy recliner you can look forward to sitting in after a hard day’s work. Let your new home reflect your style, lifestyle and the comfort level you deserve.

If you are looking for a new home or things to buy for your new home, 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!

You’ve found the right house, made the deal and finished moving all of your old belongings. As you look out among all the boxes and disorganized furniture, you come to a realization: decorating a new home is going be laborious task.

Don’t worry. The process of decorating a new home always seems daunting at first. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Home decoration allows you to be creative and show off your personality. Interior design should reflect the owners’ persona. If you’re a first-time homeowner, chances are you’ve moved into a larger space and you’re on a budget. Consider these five tips to help you along.

1. Start the process early. In fact, you should be thinking about where furniture, paintings, etc. should go before you make the purchase. When you’re house hunting, try to think about space and how your belongings will fit within the layout.

2. Once you buy the property, sketch out a floor plan. You can do this by hand or via various programs available on the web. This activity will allow you to see the layout from a different perspective.

3. Hand-me-downs are your friend. Sure, these dusty old decorations may not have that crisp new look, but it all depends on how you present them. Unwanted items are also a great way to save money.

4. Don’t worry about matching everything. The idea that everything in your home must be one of three colors is, well, a bad idea. Sure, you don’t want a kaleidoscope of a living room, but try using your instincts when it comes to color.

The Las Vegas housing market is finally on the way up after being labeled the “Foreclosure Capital”.

With rock bottom prices, Las Vegas is seeing an influx of cash buyers as investors are grasping the opportunity for rental properties.

With over 59% of homes sold in February purchased by cash buyers, the market made a new record for Southern Nevada.

How should you play this fast-paced market to ensure the best price?

1. Cash offers are more likely to be accepted by home sellers, due to quick closings and no appraisal valuation issues.
2. Those with financing should not be discouraged, however, overbidding and guaranteeing the seller your offered price (regardless of appraisal) seems to be the way offers from financed buyers are being considered.
3. The answer is not to be the ‘first’ offer, but the ‘best’ offer.
4. Get aligned with a New Home Resource agent who is at the pulse of the market and knows how to get in the game!

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