summertime

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!

ANYone can throw some burgers on the grill and have a back yard bbq (well, if they have a back yard, that is). Are we right?

But you – you’re better than that. You’re proud of your get-togethers, whether they’re impromptu or long-planned events. It doesn’t matter if you do it all yourself, or share the duties. Maybe one is working the grill and the other is at the margarita machine. The point is, like any good host or hostess, you want your guests to have a great and memorable time.

Because these casual gatherings are precisely what make up the memories we carry with us through life. They’re why we work so hard all week, why we wanted a home of our own – so we can have these amazing, laid-back events where the line between family and friends is a little more blurred than usual (and we don’t mean because of the margaritas, either!)

Towards that end – of helping you make your cookout fall into the “Remember that great time we had at _______’s house?” category – we’ve gathered a few suggestions together that might already be just perfect for you, or will be if you tweak them a bit your way. Party on, Dudes & Dudettes!

FOR THOSE EARLY ARRIVALS

There’s no better solution for early arrivals – or even the post-lunch slump – than a collection of “no skills required” lawn games. Set out a basket of Frisbees, Wiffle balls, and badminton rackets, or pull that croquet set out of the garage. Then set them up in easy view. (It’ll be a hit with the kids, too!)

KEEPING THE FOOD FRESH . . .

It’s all about the food. Seriously – did you ever notice that when the food starts trailing off (or not looking too fresh from sitting out too long) – the party starts to wind down? (And don’t even get us started on the drinks!) Take a look around the house and see what you have handy to multi-purpose – like this kids’ swimming pool that keeps it all fresh for hours. (Don’t like the little painted animals appearance? Line it first with a couple of inexpensive plastic tablecloths to match your party theme!)

AND THE DAY ORGANIZED (SORTA)

Juggling plates, napkins, and silverware. We all know how that works out. At your next event, help your guests avoid that conundrum! Punch a hole into your disposable plates, tie up your utensils and napkin with twine, and loop it through the plate. They’ll have a free hand as they tackle the buffet (and it will move things along much faster, too).

SHOW YOUR GUESTS THEIR COMFORT MATTERS

Help them keep cool (or at least keep the scorching sun at bay) by providing a supply of fans and sunblock. Bug spray is an especially nice touch. Even handy bowls of ice cubes around with some heavy paper towels is a great idea (for here in Las Vegas, anyway!).

DID SOMEONE SAY DESSERT?

Take a page from a rustic wedding, and prepare a fun way for your guests to build their own S’Mores. (Think of all the time you’ll save worrying about what to serve for dessert!) Shish kabab skewers and cans of sterno make this idea a blast for everyone.

HERE, FIDO!

Don’t forget the dogs! Hot summer days with lots of friends around can get them excited – so calm them down with a little planned-ahead of time treat cooler for them. Throw some smaller-sized treats into an ice tray with water and stick them in the freezer overnight to keep tails wagging (and maybe not always underfoot!).

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!

Summer’s arrived – and with it comes everything that implies. Whether you’re headed to the lake for some serious watersports or hanging out at the pool – taking the casinos up on all their (free?) air conditioning or just headed to the movies – we’re all looking for ways to stay cool and have a good time. Friends are visiting, school is out (for some), vacations are all the rage – and there are few places that offer more opportunities to enjoy the season than Las Vegas. (We should write a book about how much we love this place!)

But it seems like the one thing we don’t want to do much of is spend our time in a hot kitchen preparing meals. So our solution to that? Spend it in a cool kitchen – making fresh and seasonal dishes that are great for feeding the family – or whipping up to take to the neighborhood BBQ. So we wanted to share some of our old favorites and fabulous finds to help you navigate your way beyond the heat without the “I’m hungry but I don’t feel like cooking anything” drag.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Edamame, Cilantro, Chipotle, and Lime

from Kalyn’s Kitchen

We are not gonna lie: This salad R.O.C.K.S. Filling yet refreshing, and a little tiny bit spicy. We have never failed to receive a multitude of compliments whether we’re serving this at home or taking to a pot-luck event. And there is NEVER anything left to toss out. The trick lies in timing your avocados so that they’re ripe on the day you want to make this dish. (You do know the “avocado-ripening trick” – right? They ripen more quickly in a closed paper bag!) But omygosh, this is one salad you’re going to add to your regular repertoire.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

from The Creativity Exchange

Okay – we know what you’re saying. “But I have to cook the chicken and the pasta!” Well, not exactly. Pick up one of those nice rotisserie chickens at the grocery store, and then you can handle boiling a little water to cook the Penne pasta to a nice al dente. Then toss the 7 (total) ingredients together, and you’re all set. (The only thing we’d add is some nice fresh avocado – but then again, we add that to everything!)

Southwestern Barley Salad

by Chew Out Loud

You can go do the quinoa tango all you want, but as far as we’re concerned, this barley salad puts all those trendy seeds to shame. Could be we just like the texture or the size of pearl barley – or that it’s more flavorful – or hey, it’s just not quinoa! Granted, it’s a grain, so that grain-free label doesn’t apply. But that might also be why we love it. (Always a rebel is this one, Obi-wan.)

Apple Gouda Walnut Salad

from Green Valley Kitchen

Actually, this recipe is in the category of “fall salads” (with the Braeburn apples and all). But the truth is, this simple collection of wholesome ingredients will work well with many other apples types, too. Easy to prep, easy to toss together, and a mix of white wine vinegar and olive oil make this an easy and go-to recipe almost anytime.

BLT RANCH PASTA SALAD

by Pumpkin Spice

Who. Doesn’t. Love. Bacon. ? Let’s put it this way, we’re suckers for it. There are plenty of great recipes out there that include bits of freshly-cooked bacon, that’s for sure. And this one is up there on the list for us. (Although the “Broccoli Madness” salad from the Sweet Tomatoes salad bar is another one that rocks our world! You can get that recipe here.)

When you think about it, it’s amazing how using a limited, select collection of fresh ingredients can so easily turn into a meal-most-tasty. Skip the fast food and the preservatives when you can this summer – and try keeping a variety of lettuce, vegetables, nuts, and other of your favorite ‘snacking foods’ around the house this summer. No reason at all you can’t create a masterpiece of your own! (And it leaves just that much more room for those frilly cocktails you’ll enjoy by the pool!)

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!

Here in Las Vegas, it doesn’t always count what the calendar says…..our “summer” has a habit of showing up a bit early compared to the rest of the country. (One of the many reasons we love it here!) Las Vegans are already enjoying pool parties, visiting the lake, going hiking, and taking road trips. And many of us are also in the habit of taking our furry best friends along for whichever adventure we’re undertaking at the moment, because – let’s be honest – who doesn’t like bringing someone along who simply wants to adore us?

But there are some very important things to remember about “Adventuring with your Pet” in the desert Southwest, and we’d just like to remind long-time residents and newcomers alike, what to know so you BOTH have a safe and happy summer season!

NEVER, EVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR!

Sorry for the all-caps, but it’s worth yelling about – because sometimes, people just don’t realize how FAST and how hot it can get in a car in Las Vegas. Here’s how hot:

On an 85-degree day, even with the car windows slightly opened, the temperature inside a car will reach 102-degrees in just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will reach 120-degrees. That is hot enough for your pet to suffer brain and other organ damage – and die. It’s an excruciating condition for your pet, and not a pretty sight to behold. So PLEASE – don’t take that chance. (And be forewarned, there are plenty of people in this city who – if they see a pet in a parked car during the summer – will do whatever it takes to rescue that animal.)

If Your Pet Is Exposed To High Temperatures

Even as careful as we can be with our pets, accidents do happen. (Water bowls get knocked over, even your home air conditioner going-out while you’re at work.) So here are the signs to look for and the steps to follow if you have concerns about your pet’s condition:

1. Look for signs of heat stress – such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

2. If your pet is overheated – move him to a cooler area and take these emergency steps:

a. Gradually lower his body temperature by applying COOL (not cold) water all over his body, or soaking him in a cool bath.

b. Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin area. Also wet the earflaps and paws with cool water. Direct a fan on the wet areas to speed cooling.

c. Offer your pet fresh, cool water if it wants to drink – but don’t force them to.

3. Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. It could quite literally save his life. Call ahead if you can to let them know the circumstances so they can begin preparing before you arrive.

Is the Pavement Too Hot For Your Dog’s Paws?

It might seem a little unusual for people in other parts of the country that we have to worry about this – but it is a serious concern for pets in Las Vegas. On a typical summer day with our higher temps, the asphalt outside can easily reach temperatures of 160-degrees and higher. Seriously. To avoid literally burning his foot-pads off, you need to be aware of this possibility – and if necessary, use pet boots or other protective gear to keep them safe. How do you know if it’s too hot? Try one of these tests: Can you walk on the asphalt barefoot? If it hurts you, it’s going to hurt them. Or – put the back of your hand on the asphalt. If you can’t hold it there for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog, too.

Taking a Trip? Be Sure to Pack for Your Pet, Too

If you’ve got a pet, then the odds are you have a favorite pet store, too. So if you have plans to hit the road and take your pet along for some outdoor adventures, be sure you bring along the necessities they’ll need, too. These include:

• IDENTIFICATION! 10 million pets get lost every year, and without identification – 90% of them never return home. Let that sink in. Then get some updated pet tags made, pronto!

• Water & Water Bowls. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so ‘nuff said on that. But you’d be surprised how often people forget these very basic items.

• Pet sunscreen. Especially important for pets with light skin tones – but noses of all colors can get easily sunburned!

• Pet boots. Not only to protect against hot pavement, but if you’re on the trail, it will keep their paws safe there, too.

• Leash and/or Harness. Even if your pet is the most well-behaved and obedient animal in the world – there are some places they simply won’t be allowed to go without these items. Make sure your pet gets included in ALL the fun!

• Life Vests – if you’re hitting the lake, river, or ocean.

• Doggles. Yes – protection goggles for dog are necessary if you’re going to be doing anything at high speeds.

• Cooling Bandana or other cooling apparel. It’s not just a matter of keeping them safe – you want them to be comfortable, too. For those times when you don’t have access to necessary resources, items like this can be a real benefit.

We might be letting our passion for pets show through in this post, but we know we’re not alone. The loss or injury, or even worse, the death of a pet is hard enough – without knowing you didn’t do all you could to keep it from happening in the first place. Plan ahead to keep your pet safe this summer, and you’ll both enjoy the season a whole lot more!

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!

Have you ever seen photos of outdoor living spaces that seemed to be calling your name? The ones that make you sigh and think “What would I give for THAT?!” Well, you’re not alone. But the good thing is there are plenty of ways to get your back yard there, whether you’re looking to meet a budget or if money is no object. That’s one of the advantages of our digital age – you can see it all and choose what you like to create your own personal oasis.

Outdoor entertaining and lounging isn’t exactly a new idea, but the design, technology and mechanics of it all have given us opportunities our parents never had. Rather than a cooler and a few lawn chairs, now we’re seeing entire kitchens, waterproof electronics, flat-screen TVs, and cozy fireplaces utilized in these inviting retreats.

With the shelter of a roof overhead and less weather extremes than many other parts of the country, dressing up your back yard and patio in Las Vegas is an affordable way to expand your living space without the expense of adding a room onto your home. Being attached to the home gives it a more fluid, continuous feel, creating the perfect environment for relaxation or entertaining – from a gathering to watch a football game, to hosting a sophisticated cocktail party.

But where do you begin? One source is the internet, where Pinterest and Google will provide inspiration; and visiting model homes for ideas and to see the space live and in person are excellent options, as well. These visuals will help you in selecting your own design and colors, and determine which elements are a must for your environment. Then, consider the following suggestions to help you create space that reflects your personal sense of style.

1. Deciding how to use your outdoor space

Your first decision is to determine if this is a space for quiet, intimate conversation – or a gathering spot for family-friendly BBQs? Do you see Game Days being spent out with your feet up and a cold one in your hand (enter: electronics) – or would a table-based fire and gourmet appliances give you the opportunity to entertain at the next level? The fact is, your options have no limit (your budget might, but not your options!). Once you know what you plan to use your outdoor living space for, you’ll know how to lay out your features -and where to shop first.

2. Consider the mood with lighting options

Lighting is going to set your tone, so you want to give some serious thought to this. Today, options for outdoor lighting are virtually limitless – from chandeliers to torchiers, they range in style from traditional and formal to sleek and modern. You can string globe lights around the perimeter for a festive air, or opt for artificial flameless candles. Adding a fireplace or a fire pit can not only add atmosphere but also be a source of sensual lighting and add drama to your environment.

3. Have a seat.

Look for furniture that invites you to virtually sink into it. The more welcoming and comfortable, the better. Lounges, wide chairs, and love seats that have thick cushions (in fabrics that are weather and fade-resistant) will make your guests want to kick off their shoes, relax, and stay awhile. Swings – whether on stands or ceiling mounted – are most definitely fun and attractive seating in any outdoor space (and you might even want to entertain the idea of a hammock.) Whatever you choose, ensure that you have plenty of seating available, as well as places for guests to place drinks and plates of food.

4. Remember that details are key.

One of the best ways things to define an actual living room from other outdoor areas is something most people don’t even think about: a rug. Why? Because it creates a physical anchor point and sets the tone for the entire aesthetic of the room with warmth and intimacy. Its color and design also has the power to accent the rest of the décor. Drapes and shades are another often overlooked element – not only can they cut the harsh glare of the sun, they can add softness and color, providing a sense of privacy – and when pulled aside, they give access to breathtaking views to remind us of what we love about being outdoors. Planters and lovely green plants continue the theme of blending indoor and outdoor spaces, too.

The bottom line is: Be daring! An outdoor living room can be your creative sandbox – a place to express your true self. Less expensive to build and furnish, it’s easy to see why they are so popular. If a little thought is put into it, the rewards can be gratifying. (You might even find yourself spending more time outdoors than in!) And time spent outdoors surrounded by nature is proven to refresh and invigorate us , both physically and emotionally. What better payoff can you possibly imagine?

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!

It is waaaaay too nice outside to be spending your time cleaning and organizing. (Right?) Oh – but that’s one of the reasons you wanted a home in the first place, so you could have your own space decorated and organized exactly as you wanted it. Well then, if it has to be, maybe we can share a few shortcuts to help you get that unpleasant stuff done – then you can head out to enjoy some summer fun and leave your cleaning cares behind.

Plan Your Attack

Do a little each day. It may sound simple, but not every part of your home needs regular cleaning. Some areas can go months without a deep clean – such as window coverings or even the oven (unless roast turkeys are your dog’s best friend). For some people, it’s also easier to think about the job to be done if you handle the everyday maintenance regularly and plan just one big cleaning project each week. (And for those of you who “live to clean” – like Monica Geller-Bing on Friends – go away, this post is not for you!) After all, it’s not really procrastination if it’s on your schedule, right?

Gather Your Supplies

The keyword here is: Multi-function. Oh, and cost-effective, too. In fact, just make that “effective.” Because it doesn’t take a small fortune to accumulate the best cleaning supplies. With simple household products – like baking soda and vinegar – you’ll not only achieve great results, you’ll also do it with less toxic chemicals and odors. Talk about a win-win situation!

Here’s a couple of homemade cleaning supplies you can whip up yourself (and you’ll find plenty more with a quick Google search): Make your own cleaning wipes from dishwashing soap, vinegar and paper towels. (Just store them in a recycled coffee can and cut a pop-up slit in the lid!) A great all-purpose cleaning solution can be made from water, baking soda, castile soap, witch hazel and tea tree oil. (Just put it all in a spray bottle and you’re good to go.) A great make-your-own grout cleaner can be mixed up from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, with a dash of liquid dish soap. Lookie there – a clean house for less than you ever imagined!

For cleaning tools, a collection of microfiber cloths, or guess what – cloth baby diapers make great buffing pads! Be creative – look around and what’s already in your home and you’ll save both money and the planet (newspapers leave great, streak-free windows shining and clear). Oh – and one other thing that we love: Steam cleaners. Ever watched a burst of hot steam clean a countertop – or a yucky range? Less elbow grease, and eco-friendly. It will be your new best friend.

Start At The Top

One thing that you’ll learn from any cleaning pro is to always start at the top and work your way down. It might sound like a no-brainer, but let’s be honest. How many times did you vacuum the carpet first – and then clean the ceiling fan? We got ya, right? So we just think it’s worth a little reminder.

Also – plan your cleaning in grid-fashion. Not only will you work faster and more efficiently by not wasting ‘travel time’ across the house, but you also won’t be tracking dirt over areas you’ve already cleaned.

Keep It Tidy (aka, Sorta Organized)

Few things are more unsettling to an orderly mind than papers and “stuff” spread out all over the tops of counters or tables. Our suggestion? Gather it all up – yep, all of it – you heard us. Then put it all in one neat little pile. It doesn’t matter if the report cards are underneath the grocery store receipts, or if the dog’s toy is on top of it all. What does matter is that in just a few quick seconds, your living space has gone from “Oy – I have to clean this place up!” to “Hey – that’s not so bad. I CAN go to the pool!” The truth is, it’s easier to sort and toss and organize your things when they’re all together in one place. And for many people, it’s also much easier to be decisive about what to keep and what to jettison. Give it a shot next time, and let us know how it works for you.

Life is too short to spend it all cleaning and organizing. (On the other hand, a clean and organized life is pretty cool.) The good news is, there are ways to achieve both without making yourself crazy, or going broke. Or smelling harsh chemicals. Or having toxic things around your kids. Our suggestion? Go natural, and go easy on yourself!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. 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!

They call them “accidents” for a reason, but when it comes to pool safety, injuries or tragic outcomes are more often a matter of “inattention” than unexpected occurrences.

The fact is, most of us are already aware of what care needs to be taken around bodies of water. But familiarity and complacency often cause us to drop our guards and take safety for granted. That can not only cause an unpleasant occurrence to happen during an outing – it can also result in unfortunate life-changing events.

Let’s not let that happen this year.

If pool fun or other outdoor water sports are part of your summer experience, take the time to review these safety tips. And even better, make the time in your schedule to learn CPR and basic lifesaving skills. It’s one of the few things that can actually make the difference between life and death.

Constant Supervision

Can we say this enough? Probably not. But it is the simplest and easiest way to prevent swimming injuries or drowning. Kids can’t yell for help when they’re face down. So pay attention to your kids and don’t allow yourself to get distracted (be especially wary of cell phones for this).

Swimming Lessons & Flotation Devices

Statistics tell us that only 35% of Americans know how to swim, and only 2-7% of them do it well. It’s time to change those numbers – so why not enroll your kids in a swimming school? They’ll learn a skill that will serve them all their lives, and may even save someone else down the road (who knows?). You can enroll your kids in swimming lessons when they’re as young as 3 or 4, and there are other programs that will teach them other water exercises at an earlier age. Keep in mind, though, that teaching your kids to swim is not a foolproof method to prevent them from drowning.

Until you’re comfortable that they ‘know their stuff,’ be sure to keep proper flotation devices available for them. Don’t just shop for what’s cute or popular – do your research when buying “floaties” or swimsuits with built-in flotation devices. Make sure that they are appropriate for your child’s age and skill level – but again – and we can’t say this enough – never use them as a substitute for supervision.

Secure the Area

Ensuring that your pool is secured on all sides isn’t just a safety issue for your children, but pools are known to be ‘attractive nuisances’ and often children who shouldn’t even be in your yard will find their way to a pool. Because of this, it’s difficult to say that you can take precautions too far. In fact, we also recommend a pool cover that’s tight and secure, and surface or underwater alarms to alert you when there are waves or disturbances in the pool. And check the condition of these things often! Wear and tear can cause pool covers to loosen, for example. Keep gates locked when not in use, and even the door from your home to the pool area. Also, make sure toys aren’t left in or around the pool so children aren’t tempted to play with them and accidentally fall in.

Be Prepared

If a pool accident did happen – what would you do? Prepare yourself to be in a position to help, not just a bystander. Learn CPR so you can offer assistance while waiting for the EMT’s to arrive. And you can also learn the basics about handling emergency wounds until a professional can take over. These are life-saving skills that can make a difference in any injury outcome, and you’ll never regret acquiring them. Check with your local Red Cross or city/county agencies for training. (And keep a First-Aid Kit nearby, too!)

Educate Your Kids About Safety Rules

No doubt, we’re all at the pool to have a good time – but what’s “fun” for one person can be a hazard for someone else. Pushing friends into the pool or “cannonballs” can be dangerous, and children may not realize just how dangerous until you say it out loud. Don’t assume ‘everyone knows that’ — play it safe, not sorry.

By following just these few suggestions, the odds are in your favor that you (and your kids) will never have to deal with a serious injury around your pool. You’ll be able to enjoy your summer with peace of mind. Now – off to the water!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. 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!

Summer has arrived, and with it all the desire to ramp up our outdoor socializing. What better way to do that than with an event centered around your own backyard BBQ? With Memorial Day and the 4th of July fast approaching, it’s time for family and friends to gather, kick back, and catch up with everyone’s goings-on these past few months. And that’s all the more reason that this is the perfect time to perform your ‘Gas BBQ Due Diligence” checkup (hey, we’re Realtors, after all!) – as the last thing you want are safety concerns, or (gack!) last season’s flavors mucking up the taste of this summer’s new grilling creations.

So we’ve gathered together a few tips for you to get your BBQ on the straight and narrow to make sure that your great char-broiled dishes are always the star of the show.

1. Safety First.

You can easily check that the connections of your gas line are sealed and secure by mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid with water in a spray bottle. (Remember how they check your tires for leaks at the mechanic’s shop? Same concept.) With the hose from the BBQ connected to the fuel supply (propane tank or gas line) – spray the hose and connections, then turn on the gas. If bubbles begin to appear, a repair is needed. Either replace the hose or tighten any loose connections.

2. Safety Second.

Really – can you be too safe? We don’t think so. If you turn on the grill and your flame is yellow instead of blue, you could have some clogged air inlets or obstructions in the tubes or lines that feed your BBQ’s flame. It’s not uncommon for spiders and small insects to build nests in these areas, which can cause blockages and make grills difficult to ignite – plus make the flame uneven and dangerous. (We doubt it does a whole lot of good for the insects, either.) Find the obstructions and clear them with a pipe cleaner or similar tool. Then, to coin a phrase – Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Test your flame. Then keep testing it until it is steady and blue.

3. Get Rid of the “Old Stuff.”

It’s not our favorite thing to do, either, but there’s no getting around it. It’s time to clean those grates! Just don’t use soap on that fabulous culinary device (nothing like a Dawn-flavored steak. blech!). Instead, start by loosening the caked-on grime by soaking them in a pan filled with a mixture of water and white vinegar. Afterwards, this is where the elbow grease comes in. (There’s a reason they’ve got all those stiff brushes at Home Depot and Lowe’s for this purpose, because that’s what’s needed for a job this tough!) For porcelain-coated grates, you’ll want to use a nylon brush; for others, a stiff wire model will do the job well.

4. Get Ready for the Next Great BBQ! (isn’t that a reality show?)

Okay – the fuel source is secure, the grills are clean – and you’re about ready to whip out that BBQ apron you just had to have, along your gold-plated BBQ tongs. (Okay – maybe that last part is just us.) But if you’re a BBQ Master, you’ve got the tools and you’re ready to go . . . after one last step: Oil those grates. Create some ‘pads’ out of a few folded paper towels, dip them into a bowl of neutral-flavored oil (like Canola) – then drag the pads across your heated grates. Your next awesome meal off the grill will thank you.

We’re not even going to get into the “my-BBQ-recipe-is-better-than-yours’ debate. (We can’t afford to pay off the judges this month.) But just a few more tips about – did we mention it before? – Safety, while operating your grill:

• Place the grill at least 10 feet away from your home.

• Keep children at a safe distance from the grill (and make sure your lighter is secure, too!).

• Never light a BBQ inside – even in a garage with the door open. Not only is it a fire hazard, but it can also cause high levels of carbon monoxide in a short period of time.

• Open the grill lid before you light it.

• Never leave a grill unattended.

• For blowing sparks, keep a hose or have a fire extinguisher handy.

• For a grease fire, know where your baking soda is – because that’s what you’ll need to put out the flames (not water!).

Give us a shout when you’ve got all of your pre-BBQ preparation done – and let us know when the next party starts – because all of us at New Home Resource are true BBQ fans, too!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. 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!

To overstate the obvious, purchasing a new home is a big deal. No one should rush into a deal without thoroughly thinking it through first. For most people, a house will be the biggest asset they have. That being said, many potential homeowners have a nasty habit of waiting too long to make a decision. This caution could have the unintended consequence of letting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip vanish. Consider the following tips to avoid getting “decision fatigue” when you’re trying to decide whether or not to buy a home.

Understand the consequences: Why is waiting such a bad decision? Simply put, it’s a buyer’s market out there. Say, you’ve found the home of your dreams but you hesitate to pull the trigger on the deal. Perhaps you want to get the price down just a little more. Well, chances are that there’s someone out there willing to make that deal right away.

Leave emotion out of the process: Sure this is easier said than done, but you can’t let stress consume you when you’re considering a new home. Take a deep breath and talk with your significant other about the options. Ask friends or family for their opinions, but be careful not get overwhelmed with everyone’s point of view. The decision comes down to you.

Stick to the plan: Hopefully you did some preparation before beginning your search for a new home. This could include a specific price range, location, property size, etc. If the house in question falls within your parameters, then make the deal. Having a wonderful new home will be much better than wondering about what could have been.

When your days start to get shorter it is a sign that Fall is coming! Coffee houses are selling their seasonal pumpkin collections, hot chocolate becomes more popular at the grocery stores and it is rare to walk through a store without seeing a witch, giant bag of candy or a seasonal candle.

Now along with all the goodies comes time to clear out the collections of summer! Here is a checklist of chores that will help organize and prepare your home for the winter season.

• Wash all windows and mirrors in the house with glass cleaner. Take your time to minimize streaks.
• Vacuum EVERYTHING. By everything we mean couches, stairs, closets and of course the usual living, dining and bedroom floors.
• Give your painted or wood-paneled walls a nice wash/dust.
• Dust off the ceiling fans. We know those collect an unbelievable amount of dust!
• Take the kitchen and make a garbage sweep. Clean out the cabinets, pantry and refrigerator! You know there are items that you will never eat or use. Consider donating!
• Tackling the closets might be a day of adventure in itself. Start storing clothing that won’t be worn until May and start digging out the boots, coats and other winter clothing you haven’t seen since last October!
• When you walk around your living room, kitchen, bedroom and really any place in your home that seems to have clutter, take a moment and decide, “Do I really need to keep this?”

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!