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Looking to sell your home soon? Or maybe you’d just like to give it some curb appeal for spring. Whatever your reason (oh – we forgot about family coming to visit, too!) — we’ve got just the thing for you: Five ways to spruce up your home’s curb appeal that will go a long way toward extending a welcoming impression. An inspiring list to freshen things up that won’t break the bank (or require a planning commission to get under way).

1. Paint or stain your front door. A brightly colored door is a great way to draw attention to your house and make it feel modern and inviting. Not quite sure which color to choose? Hey – there’s an app for that – literally! You can download it here, and it will show you just how your door will look in different colors – before you do the shopping and labor. Just make sure your HOA approves any paint selections!

2. Don’t you just love the look of kickplates? Most people do (not to mention they actually have a purpose!). It might be just the boost your door needs to take it to the next level of awesome.

3. What about that door hardware? Well, you can replace it – or polish it – or even spray paint it to get an exciting new look. (Just don’t forget about coordinating the doorbell and hinges!)

4. Tile your porch. Sometimes, a picture says a thousand words. Two pictures practically scream at you – – at least, we think these before-and-after images do that. Just think of it as one way to take your front porch from” b-o-r-i-n-g” to” filled with caché!”

5. Exterior light fixtures are always changing in style. Dress them up! Just look at how great your door, hardware and porch look now! Coordinate with your new door hardware colors, or go with something fresh, bold and beautiful.

These five ideas are just to get you started – but there’s no reason you need to stop there. New house numbers, planters, symmetrical pots or décor – the list can go on for ages. Seriously, isn’t that one of the reason you buy a home anyway? Because stuff like this is fun – because when all is said and done, your home looks fabulous!

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!

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!

One of the things that homebuyers seem to take for granted is that every real estate agent knows how to negotiate. It’s much more than simply extending an offer and writing up a contract, and it’s something that not every agent knows how to do well. Of course, it’s important that every step of the home buying process is handled properly, which is why we recommend always choosing an experienced Realtor® with a great reputation.

But it’s not unusual for buyers to be so happy they’ve found the right home, that they forget how critical it is to have an experienced negotiator on their side. In fact, it’s not only the agent’s negotiating experience that matters – but also their knowledge of the area, the neighborhood, the history of the home, and even the Seller’s agent (and then some!). Having all this information not only allows your agent to exude an air of confidence, but it also means they’ll be able to be creative, flexible, and “read the room” – making sure they get the best deal possible on your behalf.

Once you’ve found the home that you love, it’s time to move on to the next step: Negotiating the deal and writing the sales contract. The contract will put all the details in writing, but the negotiation is where the competency of your Realtor® will play a major role through this process. If you have an experienced real estate agent who has written hundreds of sales contracts, you should be in good hands. Make sure that you take your time and ask any questions you may have (because we promise you, there are no dumb questions during this stage of the home buying process!).

Buyers in hot, or even warm, markets need to remember that no one gives anything away in real estate. Sellers may very likely have multiple offers on their home, and they get to pick and choose. If your agent makes a lowball offer while others are offering list price (or even more, which is common), you very likely receive a firm, “No.” – – And just like that, the home of your dreams is gone ☹

Agreeing on a price is just the beginning. Because even if you’re thinking you got a ‘smokin’ deal’ – remember how true this is: The devil is in the details. Some of those details that can end up putting you on the receiving end of a bad transaction include the appraisal, time frame, property inspection, who pays for needed repairs, costs and fees, seller incentives – – and the list goes on. There’s no point in buying a home for a great purchase price if you’re responsible for massive repair costs due to the inspection results. Or if the buyer doesn’t have to move for 8 months. Or, … well, you get the picture.

Don’t be the buyer that an inexperienced agent uses as their “Guinea Pig” to learn what not to do. Your time, money, and life are too important for that. Make sure your Realtor® knows their stuff, because it will save you much frustration, anxiety, and grief 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!

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!

When it’s a seller’s market, competition among buyers is just a(n unfortunate) given. It’s great for the owner, of course – but frustrating when one home after another escapes your grasp because another buyer’s offer is accepted over yours.

Maybe that’s why just sometimes, a little out-of-the-box thinking can come in handy. Sure, money talks – but it’s not the only language a seller speaks. And if a buyer can be creative enough, they might just find a way to turn the tide in their favor. Don’t believe us? Here’s a few examples where going off the beaten path made all the difference for these buyers and sellers.

Pizza, Anyone?

As most people know, the real estate market in Portland, Oregon has been hot for a while now. So when Donna DeNicola found the home she wanted to buy last summer, she wasn’t surprised there were four other offers on the table ahead of her. In order to catch a break, her offer was above the asking price, she threw in free rent for the owners, and added one unusual clause: She would provide the seller with a free pizza every month for life. (By the way, Donna just happens to own an Italian Restaurant in Portland.) It ended up being just enough to make the difference for the sellers, because her offer was accepted over all the others.

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

Emily Reuter and Kyle Skellchock had spent months searching for a home in Washington, D.C. – and perhaps it was serendipity that led them to fall in love with a home that would bring a happy (and furry) ending to their search, and tremendous peace of mind to their sellers. The owners were selling their D.C. home to move to Florida, and weren’t able to take their dog, Buddy, with them. But as it turns out, Emily and Kyle fell in love with both the home AND Buddy, and when they discovered the seller’s predicament, were more than happy to offer Buddy continued permanent residence in his current home . . . as their new pet. The offer they made for the home was nearly identical to another potential buyer’s – but their willingness to take in Buddy made the difference to the seller. End result: They got the home, and the wagging tail, too.

The point, as we mentioned above, is that it’s not always about the money. As emotional as a home purchase is for the buyers, in many cases it’s even more so for the sellers. They’ve lovingly cared for it through the years and enjoyed many happy and loving memories there. And it’s not that uncommon for a seller to choose an offer (even if it’s the lowest) because they felt a kinship with the new owners-to-be.

We don’t deny that sometimes a little craziness can help convince a seller you’re the best choice. But when you’re starting out on your search for a home, be sure to get all of these ducks in a row first. They’re easy to do, and they give you just that much more of an edge when you might need it the most:

• Use a great Realtor™ and a lender who both have excellent reputations.

• Get your financing in place with a formal pre-approval letter in hand.

• Be prepared to put down a large earnest money deposit.

And when you do find the home you love, it won’t hurt to write a compelling letter to the sellers. Explain what you love about their home, why you want to live there, and perhaps share a bit about yourself. (And then maybe think about throwing a few pizzas into the deal, too!)

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!

When dealing with buying or selling a home, we’ve always maintained that it’s a good idea to over-prepare. For example, we’ve mentioned in several of our previous articles that one smart move not everyone is smart enough to do is to get your loan pre-approval in hand before even starting to shop for a home. Why? Because if a seller has multiple offers to consider, you’ll tip the scales considerably in your favor by having proof that you’re capable of “sealing the deal” – and that’s a big plus for any seller.

But for those thinking of selling their home, thinking ahead is sage advice for them, too. And one of the smartest steps a seller can take before putting their home on the market is to obtain their own certified home pre-inspection.

Right about now, you’re saying – “Wait a minute – the buyer is going to do that anyway, aren’t they?”

Yes, that’s going to be true in nearly every real estate transaction. But there are often some savvy reasons for a seller to have it done first, and here are a few of them:

It justifies your listing price.

By laying all the cards out on the table, sellers gain bargaining power with potential buyers. When you have certifiable proof on paper of the condition and systems in your home, it makes it harder for buyers to (reasonably) lowball their offers. (And if they unreasonably lowball you, you’ll know they’re not worth spending your time and effort on.) The fact that your home has no underlying issues of concern tangibly translates to the fact that there’s no need for a price cut to be entertained.

It builds trust with potential buyers.

By offering a home with a clean bill of health, it gives buyers more assurance and helps to reduce any apprehensions they may have. Many buyers have legitimate concerns about buying a “Money Pit” – so they often start their home-buying search with that bias in mind. But when you’ve shown you have nothing to hide by sharing the details of the pre-inspection up-front, they’ll look at your home more realistically and be able to realize its true value.

It may help you move faster to closing.

Really, there’s no easier way to build trust than to show them your home has been well-maintained and you have the documents to prove it. That trust can go a long way towards achieving a smooth transaction and a seamless closing.

In some cases, however, it might make sense to skip this step and allow your buyer to pursue the inspection after an offer has been made. If you’re wondering if a home inspection would be a wise choice before putting your home on the market, it’s a good query to add to your list of “Realtor™ Interview” questions. When you’re interviewing potential Realtors™ to work with in selling your home – that answer can help give you a bit of insight to the methods that each agent will use to help sell your home – for the best price and in the shortest time possible. (Go ahead, ask us about it. You know you want to!)

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!

The supply and demand for real estate has been doing some odd things for a while now. The effect of the Great Recession has created a somewhat unusual flow of homes coming onto the market for sale largely based on the actions of large banks intermittently releasing parts of their inventories of foreclosures on their books.

Whether their actions are good or bad for the market isn’t the topic here, though. What we’d like to do is help buyers understand what, exactly, they may be up against as they go shopping for their next home in Southern Nevada. Because one thing we see often is the seller having a choice of which offer they want to accept. And when you have just fallen head-over-heels for a home, it’s scary to think that the final decision of who gets it is completely out of your hands.

Or is it?

While there may be some things that can’t be overcome (for example, when a buyer makes a financial offer much higher than you can afford to pay) – for the most part, people tend to start out on a relatively equal footing. Most people will work with realistic appraisal estimates, most will need to obtain mortgage financing, etc. But there are a few things you can do that might help tip the scales in your favor.

First thing to remember: Sellers are people, too.

Okay, okay – we know that sounds obvious. But what we want to convey is that in being ‘human’ – their opinions and feelings can often be swayed with the smallest of issues; and if all things are equal financially in the multiple offers they received, then what will they base their final decision on?

We like to think that the numerous tips we’re about to give you all fall under one basic umbrella: Respect.

When you have gone out of your way to show a seller respect – for their time, their hospitality, their consideration, and their privacy – those are awfully easy (and free) things you can do in your interactions with that seller to build a bond of sorts that could just get you that purchase contract you’re longing for. Let’s get started, shall we?

Get Your Mortgage Loan Pre-Approved

We tend to harp on this topic in many of our posts – but that’s because it is such an important thing to do for so many reasons. In this particular context – when you’re trying to convince a seller that you are their best choice among many offers – you want to be able to clearly demonstrate these three things:

(a) You can afford to buy this home;

(b) Your financing has already been reviewed and approved by a reputable mortgage lender; and

(c) You are ready, willing, and able to get to closing

Having that ace up your sleeve – especially when many other buyers haven’t taken the same steps already – can easily move your name to the top of that “Consideration” list.

Be On Time

And if you can’t be on time, let everyone know that as quickly as possible.

Acknowledge the fact that selling a home can be a real time-suck. Sellers need to keep things neat, clean, and tidy at all times, rearrange their schedules to meet with Realtors™ and potential buyers, perhaps they’re meeting workmen to get minor repairs done – there’s a lot of work involved for the seller, alone.

So if you’ve made an appointment to view a home, be punctual. Running late? Call ahead and ask if they would prefer to reschedule – and definitely don’t let that happen more than once. Late appointments or no-call/no-shows until after one was scheduled can leave a bad taste in a seller’s mouth – about you. (insert demerit point for that!)

Show Courtesy for Their Home and Space

This is far from being an exhaustive list, since every home and seller will have its own special circumstances. But start with these items as your rule of thumb – and remember, it is simply not possible to be TOO courteous. So when in doubt, impress them with your consideration.

• Be respectful of parking. Don’t inconvenience the neighbors, and don’t block the seller’s cars in the driveway. If you need to walk from down the street a few houses, that’s a small price to pay to avoid making a poorly-timed bad impression.

• Remove your shoes. This may not make a difference to all sellers – but it may make a huge difference to YOUR seller. Stay on the safe side. In many cultures, it is a huge faux pas to wear shoes inside at all. It’s a whole lot easier just to not risk it at all.

• Don’t overwhelm them with a huge group of people to view their home. Try to minimize to just the heads of the household – at least for the initial visit. Forego the parents and best friends accompanying you; and on the first visit, it’s wise to skip bringing the kids. There is a liability that the seller assumes having people in their home – and think about it from their point of view. It’s uncomfortable to have people wander off from the group and then having to wonder/worry what someone is doing in the bedroom when you’re all in the kitchen, etc. If you decide this is the home for you – schedule a time to bring the rest of the household with you to view it at a later date.

• Don’t take photos without asking permission. Especially in this day and age – with the potential for an image to go literally from non-existent to a media sensation in mere moments. Many people go to great lengths to protect their privacy specifically from this possibility. If you’d like some images to help you plan and remember specific things – ask the owner if they would mind if you take a photo, and frame the image it in a way that they will be comfortable with.

Certainly there are many other thoughtful considerations you can put into play during your interactions with a seller – but remember this: You don’t know until you see a home if it may be “The One” that you simply must own. That means you want to practice these particular etiquettes – and perhaps others that your Realtor™ will recommend – with every home you visit in your search. Do that, and you’re going to be miles ahead of your potential competition to be the new owner!

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!

Made the decision to go find yourself another home, did ya? Wow. Now THAT’S exciting! Congratulations!

As we all know by now, buying a home is a pretty emotional experience. You’re excited, you’re amped up, you’re viewing listing photos via online sites several times a day, and you’re rarin’ to get out there and find the one that’s just perfect for you. Yep – that’s how it’s supposed to be.

Knowing what to do when you start home-shopping is important . . . in fact, it’s almost as important as knowing what NOT to do. The job of an experienced REALTOR® is to guide you down the right path for both of those fronts. But we figured it wouldn’t hurt to give you a little ‘heads-up’ about some of the larger pitfalls you’ll really want to avoid in the process. So read on, dear house hunter!

Not Letting Your REALTOR® Do Their Job

Funny thing – sometimes people complain about having to pay a REALTOR® at all – and then they fail to actually let them do the job they were hired for. We know part of that is the excitement and enthusiasm that comes with searching for a home, but it’s easy for buyers to jump the gun about certain things – which might ultimately end up costing them money, or even to have regrets about “the one that got away.” So – let your REALTOR® do their job. If you drive by an interesting property they haven’t mentioned to you, call them with the property address and phone number from the sign, and let them research the asking price and property details. (You’ll probably discover that 9 times out of 10, they didn’t mention it because it doesn’t meet your search criteria.)

Decide What You’re Looking For In Your New Home

This actually covers a range of topics, and it will be wildly different for every family. Do you have kids? Then the schools will be an important issue. How many bedrooms and bathrooms; what square footage; 3-car garage; a big back yard to play in, or a low-maintenance patio home; one- or two-stories; a specific neighborhood; close to your work; a multi-generational suite; a gourmet kitchen; new; used . . . as you can see, the list can go on and on. Your REALTOR® will help you nail down the specifics based on your needs and your budget. And then they’ll get to work on your behalf.

Stay In Your Budget

As critical as knowing what you’re looking for in a home (or perhaps even more critical) – is determining what your budget is. It’s not simply a matter of “How much of a mortgage loan can I get?” – because often, people will be able to qualify for a larger loan than they may truly be comfortable with. That’s not to say the lender is over-selling you – what it means is that you may have the income, but want to apply it to other priorities – and perhaps not all of it to your home mortgage payment. If you’re planning to start a business, have more children, saving for college tuition – these are all reasons (and many more) to take into consideration when deciding how much of a loan to get. And that – combined with your down payment needs – will help you determine the price range of the home you should be searching for. Few things are worse than shopping outside that range, falling madly in love with a home, and making the (incredibly long-term) decision to overextend yourself, or have to give up on your future plans because of an impulsive past decision. Just avoid that problem entirely – and stick with your planned budget.

Get Pre-Approved For Your Mortgage Loan

The old-school mindset used to be: Shop for home, Find home, Make offer, Get mortgage loan. Yeah – not so much anymore. There’s a new first step that any reputable REALTOR® is going to strongly recommend – or in fact, may even require before they’ll begin working with you: Getting pre-approval for a mortgage loan. And there’s a very good reason for that – in fact, more than one.

First, you don’t want to be wasting your time, going out and looking at homes that you can’t buy. It’s frustrating (and potentially heartbreaking) for you, and trust us – your REALTOR® certainly doesn’t have extra time lying around to waste, either. Getting a pre-approval for your loan removes the “wish” factor and gives you more confidence to shop wisely for the home of your dreams.

Second, while the market is always changing – it’s not all that uncommon any more for a seller to get multiple offers to buy their home. So put yourself in their shoes: You’re the seller, and you’re looking at offers from three different buyers. All things being equal (assuming they all offered the same price and the same general terms) – you’re going to be far more interested in choosing the buyers who have their loan pre-approval letter in hand, which proves they have the financial wherewithal to actually close escrow successfully. And since you were smart enough to get that pre-approval – you’ve got a good chance of beating those other two buyers to become the new owner.

Choosing The Right Lender

Let us just say this: All mortgage lenders are not the same. Actually, it wasn’t all that long ago that they were all more alike in how they made, processed, and charged borrowers for their mortgage loan. But those days are gone. (A little thing called The Great Recession made that necessary.) Now, many home buyers don’t realize that simply by not doing their due diligence – and shopping their loan around to multiple lenders – they can end up paying thousands of dollars more for their loan than they should. You read that right: Thousands.

Why? Because different regulations apply to different types of lenders. Mortgage Brokers (like Las Vegas’ locally-owned Premier Mortgage Lending) are regulated in how much they can charge for a mortgage loan – and they must fully disclose all charges to the borrower. Banks and Mortgage Bankers do not have the same restrictions; they can earn more from the borrower and not even have to disclose that information (so basically, they’re spending your money without even telling you about it). And you know what else? That extra few thousand dollars you’ll save by shopping around is money that can help you qualify for a larger loan, a different home, buy new furniture, or just put in your pocket. (Which all sounds a lot more fun to us than just handing it over to a bank – but that could just be us. ;-))

Actually, those five steps are just the beginning – because there are many other house hunting pitfalls that buyers can easily avoid, as long as they’re aware of them. We’ll help out with some more of those in a future post. But for now – remember these as you set out on your home-buying adventure, and you’re more likely to get the perfect home at the perfect price! Woo-hoo!

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!