Las Vegas, NV Real Estate, Denise Willer's Informative Web Log

Feds SEIZE Washington Mutual!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:37:09 -0500

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26893612

You heard it here, it's absolutely true.

JP Morgan bought up 1.9 BILLION in WaMu Assets

Account holders will be experiencing a "seamless" transition - and they are protected by FDIC Insurance up to $100K per account.

How does this change things?

Discuss

Homeless People Need Your Help in Las Vegas

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:59:25 -0500

If you have any free time or any skilled trade abilites related to building a home, Habitat for Humanity of Las Vegas is in dire need of volunteers.

The jobsite needs workers in closed-toe shoes, hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to help out every Tuesday through Friday.

They also have the ReStore, where you can get discount appliances and other items for your home. Proceeds benefit the home-building projects.

If you would like to sign up for the ReStore or the jobsite, please visit Habitat's website:

http://www.habitatlasvegas.org

Happy House Hunting!

Habitat for Humanity NEEDS HELP

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:40:08 -0500

Habitat for Humanity of Las Vegas is in need of construction site volunteers every Tuesday -Friday from 7:30am to 2:30pm. They have numerous projects that they need help with so that their annual "Home for the Holidays" event is a success!

Please visit their website for the liability waiver and the calendar to see what's available. If you have closed toe shoes, some sunscreen and helping hands, they can use you! If you can paint, you can help!

If you have previous construction experience in any facet of home building, please, please try to find some time in your busy life to help them out! All good deeds come back to you.

Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas website: http://www.habitatlasvegas.org

Give a little, get a little peace in your heart, a little hope to someone else. It's not the holidays yet, but they are soon upon us. Pay your dues now.

Fall is coming to Las Vegas and Green Valley! Hooray!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:42:51 -0500

I can feel it in the air. Last night was gorgeous. The heat's "edge" has died down and right now's the "dog days" as far as I'm concerned. Fall is my absolute FAVORITE time of year.

It will be here in just 20 days!

Las Vegas Valley Water District wants you to change your clocks now, though.

Mandatory watering restrictions have been adjusted to just three days a week for fall, you can go to http://www.changeyourclock.com to see what days you are scheduled to water.

They have a great commercial of a mid-40's man whooping it up in someone's grassy front lawn, wearing just a speedo, hollering and rolling around in the sprinklers like little kids do! Then it says "Don't make us ask you again" You can view the commericals on their website as well.

So change your clocks, get out your harvest decor and don't forget to bust out that American flag on Patriot Day next Thursday, the 11th.

Happy, happy fall!

Amazing Sale at WHITE HORSE by Lennar Homes in Las Vegas

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:13:45 -0500

I spent all day out at White Horse by Lennar, in Area 102 - in the Estate Section of the valley - off of Elkhorn and Torrey Pines

My friends signed a SMOKING deal for a 5,000 square foot home for about $100 per square foot, and that included $12,500 towards flooring as well as $10,000 for closing costs with their lender

If you are not familiar with Lennar and their way of working, they make the process SIMPLE from start to finish - EVERYTHING is included - granite countertops, gorgeous cabinetry, architectural detail inside and out, you name the feature, it's included in the cost of the home. Go to White Horse - if you don't have a Realtor with you, then you should call yours now! Meet them out there. You won't be disappointed.

Another Reason Why I Love Las Vegas!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:09:08 -0500

Las Vegas has one of the BEST mayors in the US!

Mayor Oscar Goodman, a former mob attorney, has been our mayor since 1999 - he is serving his third and final term and I think the city will be very sad to see him go come 2011.

Mayor Goodman portrayed himself in the movie Casino, proclaims himself to be "The Happiest Mayor in the Universe" and has proven his love of Las Vegas by his driven, continued investment in our great city.

The region of "Las Vegas Proper" was becoming run down and during Mr. Goodman's term, has seen a huge revitalization in the downtown region, including the revamping of Fremont Street; the original "Strip", and the tremendous projects underway in Union Park, including the Lou Ruvo Brain Center, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, as well as The World Market Design Center and Showrooms, The World Jewelry Center, oh the list goes on!

Some residential areas that I am passionate about, like the John S. Park District, have become historic districts in the last few years during Mayor Goodman's presence.

Las Vegas proper will absolutely miss this man who has given so much to one little city in the desert. I hope his successor will bring just as much passion for Las Vegas to the table.

Have a great day! It's sunny and toasty in Las Vegas!

Photographers in Illinois

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:53:16 -0500

Southern Illinois is speckled with a lot of small towns, and the largest area for shopping, college and any sort of urban needs is Carbondale, IL.

I grew up in a much smaller town, in Wabash County, called Fairfield, IL. Population 5,400. Fairfield is "fancy" because they have a Super Wal Mart AND a Mc Donald's!

Anyhow, Carbondale is now my youngest sister's home. She is beginning her career in photography and has what they call "the eye". She can capture the most amazing moments and express personality through a photograph beautifully.

If you are in need of photographs of your listing, or want a photo of yourself for professional marketing purposes, AiméeFrances Photography can help you out! You will receive the highest quality service for probably the best price you can find. She considers the world to be her canvas. Why don't you try out being the paint?

Feel free to visit her website aimeefrances.com and check out her portfolio. She is looking to expand her body of work beyond families and teens to include a broad array of styles.

A big "hey y'all" to all my childhood friends in Fairfield, Mill Shoals and Burnt Prairie!

Make it a great day!

UNLV Goes Brown, not Green

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:02:25 -0500

This is a group I believe strongly in, ATOMIC AGE ALLIANCE in Las Vegas

Celebrating Mid-Century Design and Architecture

As of this week, Maude Frazier Hall on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is surrounded by chain link fence. UNLV in the face of highly publicized budgetary cutbacks wants to waste more money by tearing down its first historic building and plant a lawn in the desert.

College officials keep reporting that the building will cost too much to renovate, but as of this date no financial feasibility study has ever been made public.

Scarce Las Vegas History

Frazier Hall (1957) qualifies on numerous counts for National Register Status. The pickings for such an honor in Las Vegas are incredibly slim. Maude Frasier Hall was built by an award winning architecture firm, Zick and Sharp, who have few buildings left standing. It was dedicated to a pioneering woman, Maude Frazier, the first female Lieutenant Governor of Nevada and the person responsible for bringing educational facilities to Southern Nevada. And finally, it is the first and oldest building on a State University campus.

In some strange way, it seems oddly understandable that Las Vegas reinvents the Strip with demolitions. But for a city with no overwhelming evidence of its past, to tamper with its educational heritage is plain perverted. It certainly sets UNLV apart from almost every other respected major educational institution in the country.

The nation is full of universities proud to flaunt their first buildings, knowing it engenders a prestige that nothing new can ever bestow.

In November 2007 the Clark County Planning Commission voted unanimously to preserve Maude Frazier Hall. A majority of university regents showed support for looking at the possibility of preserving Maude Frazier Hall. The Atomic Age Alliance online petition showed overwhelming local and nationwide support for this building.

Yet before the year is over, UNLV will demolish its first building to put in grass and an arch? Something doesn't add up.

Ivy League History by Comparison

At Harvard, oldest institution of higher learning in the , the university president has his offices in Massachusetts Hall (1720). Founding fathers who walked through Massachusetts Hall include John Adams, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. One may ask, what notable Las Vegas citizens walked through the halls of Maude Frazier over the past fifty years?

At Yale the oldest building on campus, Connecticut Hall (1750), was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965. Princeton honors its oldest building on campus, Nassau Hall (1756) by making it the central administrative building. Cornell University's simple but elegant oldest buildings located on the Arts Quad are affectionately known as Stone Row. Columbia puts its first building, Earl Hall (1902) to use as the spiritual headquarters of campus!

And lastly, the City of Brotherly Love knows how to love its history, not lose it. The University of Pennsylvania relocated College Hall (1873) and listed it on the National Register in 1978. The University of Pennsylvania president also chooses this building for his offices. A far cry from UNLV President David B. Ashley, who, although it was within his rights to do so, was not even willing to review the master campus plan to demolish the first UNLV building drawn up years before he took the job. Something doesn't add up.

Campus and Identity

Historic university buildings are revered not just on Ivy League campuses. Stanford University, preserved what it could of the original 1891 quad as part of its core identity.

When University of Southern California underwent a landscape transformation in 2001, the resulting Hoover Corridor includes a pedestrian mall, green space and a landscaped garden court adjacent to the very first building on campus, the 1880 Widney Alumni House, a California landmark, which was not demolished, but moved to accommodate the new campus plan.

And not all universities have the advantage of being 200 years old. The 1949 International Modern Style Merrick Building on University of Florida, Miami's campus is preserved and the Anthropology Department resides there now!

Whereas Ivy League schools honor their history, UNLV President David Ashley and Regent Chair Michael Wixom are willing to trash it without a second thought. They do not care to showcase UNLV a context that will last beyond today's instant gratification. They prefer to teach their students that culture is disposable and history is unimportant. They also don't mind future UNLV donors knowing that whatever legacy they bequest to UNLV may be gone in 40 or 50 years.

Sustainability

In light of the global warming world we live in, the "green" thing to do would be to reassess the plan and consider how to adaptively reuse existing buildings.

The Atomic Age Alliance put together an adaptive reuse plan for the University that was never responded to. http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/maudefrazier.htm

Adaptive reuse is not the expensive proposition that it is made out to be by some college officials. And besides, where is the restoration financial feasibility study?

On November 29 and 30, 2007, The Board of Regents addressed this issue (items 18 and 19 on their agenda) and VOTED that Dr. Ashley should form a task force to look into the future historical preservation of buildings on campus. As far as we know, this has never happened. Something does not add up.

Private Benefit from Civic Demolition

ALL that exists to promote demolition is an out-of-date Midtown plan from 2004 submitted by Michael Saltman and the Vista Group who own the property directly across the street on Maryland Parkway. They believe their private property will benefit from the demolition of Maude Frazier Hall.

What adds up? Saltman is on the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees and has donated millions to the university.

UNLV proves that it does not care about spending money they supposedly don't have. UNLV proves it does not care about its surrounding community's sustainability. And UNLV proves it does not plan to be in the big leagues with its cavalier attitude towards its own history.

Mary-Margaret Stratton
Executive Director, Atomic Age Alliance

Visit a farm and pick your produce, in Las Vegas!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:41:28 -0500

Yes, Las Vegans, there is actually a farm in the north part of the valley where you can pick fresh fruit from the trees.

It's called Gilcrease Orchard and you may need a map to get there, but you will be pleased with the outcome. It's over 50 acres with 6,000 trees.

They make their own cider from the apples they grow! Open Tuesday through Sunday. You can call them at (702) 645-1126

The website for Gilcrease Orchard can be found by clicking on the blue letters.

Happy Picking!

Rentals are still smoking HOT!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:40:30 -0500

Due to the large amount of homes in foreclosure, it seems the rental market just keeps picking up. As more home owners revert to renting, the rental market moves faster and faster!

Here in Las Vegas, there are presently 3,612 properties available for rent in the MLS.

281 properties were leased in the last 30 days - Mid June through Mid-July

30 days prior to that, 947 homes were rented! - Mid May through Mid-June (the ides of May)

30 days before then, 1,341! The season to move is now, before the school year starts again for many 9 month schools.

For those not concerned with schools, wait to move until after the hub-bub dies down. Renting in December or January can yield a lower rental amount -as much as $200 in the case of my client.

MSN has a fantastic article that just proves that this is a national concern - feel free to read it here.

Happy house hunting!

"I'm DONE with this house" Should I walk away?

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:02:35 -0500

For many, the home ownership dream has become an albatross around the neck, a cross to bear or a nightmare. Don't feel alone. Please don't "walk away" from the obligations, either. Here are options, the basics are underlined:

First, please call the bank! Many banks are willing to work out new terms or payment reduction plans for customers. A forbearance agreement is a repayment plan between the mortgage servicing company and the homeowner.

After speaking with the bank, remember that time can weigh on the bank, too. Sometimes the bank plays hardball until the home owner has reached the 3-month mark for no payments. Remember the bank does not have a heart. The bank is in business to make money.

If the bank will not budge, call a reputable lender, ASAP. Try to get refinanced, especially if the loan is reaching a position of negative amortization. (Option ARM, anyone?) A lot of loans that were not in the borrower's best interest were issued, and some of these loans can be refinanced into fixed rate loans. Rates are still reasonable.

Speak to an attorney about filing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy may allow a homeowner to stay in the property and have a debt repayment plan. Consult with a reputable lawyer if the mortgage cannot be refinanced or renegotiated.

If you are in a financial situation where you cannot qualify for a new loan or work out a repayment plan, then a short sale may be a good option. Especially if the market is down in the area. The bank may request documentation including:

2 months or more of bank statements
Recent paycheck stubs
A hardship letter of why you cannot repay
Statement of financials - including all income, assets and liabilites, retirement, etc.
Last two year's tax returns

To facilitate a short sale, the home owner must "un-qualify" for the loan. This is the easiest way to explain it. The shorted sale is also known as a pre-foreclosure sale or short payoff. The disposition of the shorted amount is worthy of a separate article, to be written tomorrow.

Sometimes the short sale process is not the best option, and in those cases a deed in lieu of foreclosure may be completed. This means the home is given back to the bank, with some paperwork signed.

The last option a home owner should consider is to walk away. This can be the most devastating in the long run for ramifications of tax, legal, wage garnishment and credit.

The best thing to do if the loan cannot be repaid or refinanced is to speak to a reputable lawyer, a financial planner and an accountant immediately. The key to all of these horrible situations that many people face is to remember that it is much, much more than a "right now" kind of problem. It is a major financial decision, no matter what the outcome.

*Denise Willer is not a lawyer or legal expert. Please consult with a qualified accountant, attorney and financial planner to decide the best option for your situation.

My home just sold short sale, now what?

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:00:27 -0500

"Things didn't work out with our home purchase." The market dropped and the payments adjusted and it is happening to everyone, don't feel alone.

You discussed it with a Realtor, decided that a short sale was the best option for the situation, and now, finally, escrow is going to close. If the short sale was completed right, no money is brought to the table, as the hardship suffered made it impossible to pay. (A lost job, injury or disability)

Now what?

Please, please go speak to a lawyer. Bankruptcy may be the best option. A few questions to ask:

When is the best time for me to file? Before or after the short sale is completed?
What about the IRS? I've heard that I will be getting a form 1099-G for income from forgiven debt. What should I do?
I haven't received a "Notice of Default" from the bank, but I can't make my payments, is bankruptcy right for me?
A Notice of Default came from my bank, how much time do I have?
(110 days from the NOD filing date to rectify your account or lose your home)
Can I keep my home?
(If you haven't started the short sale process, already.)
Can I keep my car?
What about repayment plans?
What about my retirement funds and savings accounts?
(If you sell "short" of what you owe, you will be expected to pony up any extra cash you have, in order of liquidity, pronto in order to get the bank to say "ok")
What about my pension?
How much will this cost?
(The filing fee is $299 in Nevada for Bankruptcy. This does not include the attorney's fees.)

Also, please don't forget that new laws were enacted and a pre-bankruptcy course must be completed by all parties filing. A post-bankruptcy class must also be completed prior to the case being discharged. Expect to pay about $100 per course, per couple for these classes.

Some people who may be able to help you:

Rodney Okano - 566-8600 -is a bankruptcy attorney in the Southwest who provides free consultations. His site provides a wealth of information and answers many questions regarding the bankruptcy process.

Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors and the Real Estate Division

Albright, Stoddard, Warnick & Albright -384-7111 - Real Estate Law Attorneys - for those that have been "wronged" by some part of the home buying or selling process.

Southern Nevada Mortgage Fraud Task Force - 584-5555 - if you know of anyone who has purchased a new home with the intent of forclosing on their current home, or many other scenarios. QUICK return phone calls from your friendly local FBI agents!

*Denise Willer is not a lawyer, nor is she an expert in the field of law. Please meet with a qualified attorney, accountant or financial advisor to discuss your personal situation. If you would like free, no-pressure advice regarding your home or foreclosure, please feel free to contact me to discuss your options (702) 810-0082

SWPPP? SNWA? Information about water in Las Vegas, NV

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:50:52 -0500

Las Vegas has been my home for over 10 years now and one thing remains constant: CHANGE. With this wonderful population growth and strong economy comes one major byproduct: CONSTRUCTION. Construction of new casinos and Las Vegas homes are the lifeblood of our community. If you have ever driven in a Las Vegas new home development while they are building, you may have noticed these funny-looking log-like items near the street. Maybe you spotted some sandbags or a seemingly useless short black fabric fence amongst the bulldozers and freshly-paved streets.

All of those items are part of the SWPPP or Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program. It is enforced by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and is actually a program in many states implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency. Construction companies are given a 46 page manual on how to implement the SWPPP at their sites. Components that assist in this process include fiber rolls (those log-like mesh tubes filled with hay), silt fences (the black fabric fence about two feet high) and many other important elements.

It is imperative that the SWPPP is in place because construction sites erode 7 to 9 times more tons of sediment per acre than row farming, which is second in line for erosion rates. The EPA has implemented this system as a part of the Clean Water Act.

Las Vegas is part of the Mojave Desert and we rely upon our water source out at Lake Mead for much of our drinking water. Many conservation efforts have been put into place to retain our beautiful Lake Mead. Unfortunately, there are droughts that affect all of the Colorado River Valleys and we are a part of it. Lake Mead's water levels have dropped about 100 feet since January of 2000. By implementing the SWPPP, we reduce the amount of sediment that is dumped into our lake, which helps to protect our local wildlife and especially our native fish species like the endangered Moapa Dace.

If Las Vegas is to continue to thrive in the middle of the desert, it will take every citizen's effort to reduce our consumption of water and eliminate toxins and waste going into our storm water drains. Next time you see a hay log near the gutter, make sure you don't disturb its important job. By all means, feel free to check out these websites for more information about what days you can water your lawn, when it's ok to wash your car and best of all: INCENTIVE AND REBATE PROGRAMS from the Las Vegas Valley Water District for changing your landscaping to a more desert-friendly environment.

Southern Nevada Water Authority
Las Vegas Valley Water District
Environmental Protection Agency

*Content owned and created by Denise Willer, Realtor. If you are interested in more information about this article in particular, or Las Vegas real estate in general, please call Denise at (702)810-0082.

SID LID Las Vegas, not to mention HOA

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:03:05 -0500

Let's go back to a frequent subject with my buyers:

What is a SID and what is a LID?

A SID is a Special Improvement District

A LID is a Local Improvement District

These are assessments. You can expect to pay them in most master-planned communities like Summerlin, Mountain's Edge, Southern Highlands and Aliante, to name a few.

You can go to Assessment Management Group's Website, http://www.amgnv.com and enter an address or the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) to find out if the property in question does in fact have an assessment. SID or LID, whichever applies - does affect you.

My challenge with these assessments is that they are usually in addition to HOA or Home Owner's Association dues. When living in a "Master Planned Community" like Summerlin, where they have shopping, churches, schools, pretty pathways and parks and tree-lined streets, you can expect that you will have to pay $35-50 per month just to live in Summerlin. Forever. Plus you have to pay the SID/LID assessment for about the first 10-15 years of home ownership.

Then there are association dues for the subdivision itself, which can cover things like automatic gates and the cute flowers you drive past at the entrance to your neighborhood or sub. These can vary dramatically, from $30 per quarter to as much as several hundred dollars per month in the luxury high rise developments with full concierge services.

It can be a deterrent for some buyers when it comes to affordability; when you buy a $300K home in Summerlin, with a sub-HOA, master HOA and an Assessment of $250 twice a year to pay, you get a lot less house for the same mortgage payment. I guess you are just paying for the prestige of living in the neighborhood. (What is the big deal, here? Is it like wearing designer jeans?)

The neighborhoods that I feel offer the most value for the dues they charge are obviously the golf course communities, and my favorites are the active adult communities. When an active adult community is done right, it can be a wonderful place to live and worth every penny. My favorites are; Sun City Summerlin for price and unbeatable amenities, Los Prados for their affordability, Aliante for its location, Anthem Country Club for its spectacular views, and Siena for being just plain gorgeous.

So proceed with caution when going into a neighborhood that is just so NICE. There are many, many homes in the valley that do not have SID or LID or HOA dues tacked onto your monthly cost.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to see them! Enjoy the Las Vegas Sunshine! (702) 810-0082

Gas Grilling Tips for Summer

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:36:33 -0500

Summer is here! Turn on the grill, hop in the pool and call it a weekend!

Some great tips for those not hip on culinary skills outdoors. I'm not a charcoal person, as I think it creates a lot of waste. If you have serious time to kill, and love the flavor, then do charcoal, but don't look at me for advice!

Marinate! If you buy your meat in bulk and freeze it, marinate your food then, so it's frozen in the marinade. This is fantastic, because the meat marinates while it thaws! Be careful with citrus-based items, as citrus tends to freeze in shards, which can cut the best freezer bag! My favorite brands are McCormick's Mesquite and Weber makes a few good ones, too. . . Kickin' Chicken, anyone?
Get Cleaning! I like to clean my grill surface after I've pre-heated it, to ensure all the previous debris has cooked off or can be removed easily. I have a "Brush Hogg", it's great. If you are just starting for the season, you can use Easy-Off on a cool, flame-free grill to get it shining. Follow the instructions. Don't forget to clean underneath the grill - if your "catch" is too full, then it can "catch" fire and ruin dinner.
Get Low! Grandpa taught me one thing about making a beautiful piece of meat turn into a beautiful dinner - good food takes time! Once your grill is hot, turn those knobs down to LOW and keep them there. Do this always and you will always be pleased with the results - juicier, more tender pork loin, chicken, steak, you name it!
Get Hot! Buy a meat thermometer. Use it. Different meats need different internal temps. Keeps you safe from disease like salmonella, and tells you when things will be done.
Get 'er Done! Beef continues to cook a little after you take it off. If you want it medium, remove from heat at "medium rare" on your thermometer.
Get Lazy! Allow your meat to "rest" for five to ten minutes prior to carving or serving. Try to time your side dishes to be ready a little bit after you are done grilling. I like to start my grill, prep my veggies, start the meat cooking, get the veggies going, remove the meat, finish the sides and EAT.
Get Foiled! Place your fresh vegetables on some tin foil with seasonings and a splash of olive oil or even butter, fold the foil into a packet, set on grill, watch it steam nicely. Works great for corn on the cob.
Get Smoky! If you want to infuse more flavor into your meal, shoot an elk or deer! ha ha. I love venison, but it's not easy to find. Buy a smoker box for your grill and try out some mesquite or hickory wood chips to smoke flavor into your meat.
Get in Line! Once you've mastered the grill, this is all you need to say. Let me know if you want my Cilantro Chicken recipe - I think that chicken is what made my husband fall in love with me!

Be safe and happy grilling!

Easy Feng Shui Tips

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:36:44 -0500

EASY FENG SHUI TIPS. I underlined the actual tips, and the reasoning behind the advice follows.

Alternate using all four burners of your stove. This allows you to bring in energy from multiple sources, and the stove is the income center of your home. The fire burns on all four burners - you have money coming from all directions.

Close the lids to your toilets and close the doors to your bathrooms. This will buffer the energy being taken out of your home through the drains.

Get rid of things in your home that remind you of something negative or someone who makes you sad.

Remove clutter from your house. Box up things you don't use. Donate them to charity. By getting rid of old things that don't make you happy or that you don't use, you are removing old energy. By taking things out, you allow new opportunities to come into your life.

If you absolutely cannot throw some old things away, put them in a box and mark it "THROW AWAY AFTER (SIX MONTHS FROM TODAY)" If you don't go looking for anything in that box, then YOU DID NOT NEED IT! :)

Don't have a mirror facing directly across from your bed.

Cover all electronics in your bedroom. Create a peaceful space that is free from electrical energy. Anything natural to cover it is good. This is supposed to assist you in having a relaxing place to rest - the more electronic things you have, the more busy your mind can become when it's time to relax.

Do not have your bed placed so that your feet are pointing directly out the door. Energy flows into a room via the doorway (and windows). Same goes for heads under windows. You are essentially asking to be slammed with energy constantly as you lay in bed trying to rest.

The center of your home is the lifeblood of it. Place things that make you happy there.

I learned most of this from "Feng Shui Your Life" by Jayme Barrett and Mary Steenburgen- a wonderful way to bring enlightenment to your home, office and self!

Green Cleaning Tips

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:07:08 -0500

Going Green is the thing to do!

Cleaning your home is no exception.

1. Grandma's Lye Soap - the original soap, made with lye and tallow, is AMAZING at getting dingy socks bright and white again. I swear by it.

2. Clorox makes a line of wonderful green cleaning products. The glass and surface cleaner is astoundingly effective and leaves the subtle scent of lemon essential oil behind.

3. Windex has been re-formulated to be EPA approved. Still works streak-wonderfully-free

4. For a tough microwave, moisten a sponge and "cook" for 60 seconds, longer if really bad. This also cleans your sponge of all those nasty germs it spreads all over your countertops. Some germs are ok, but too much of anything is a bad thing!

5. Fashion your own products with these tips from Annie Bond

All you need:

SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Washing soda
White distilled vinegar
A good liquid soap or detergent
Tea tree oil
6 clean spray bottles
2 glass jars

Read the whole article, it provides instructions - although I don't recommend using baking soda on a black stovetop. From my own experience.

A Clean Home is a Happy Home!

10 Things to Do in HOT Weather in Las Vegas

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:59:56 -0500

Some helpful tips from someone who has seen literally a dozen summers in Las Vegas as well as a few in Palm Springs:

1. Apply sunblock 30 mins prior to sunlight exposure. I highly recommend as little sunshine as possible. I have had great success with the baby formulas of SPF 50 or higher! ha ha

2. Get in the pool. If you don't have a neighborhood pool or your own pool. . . I hope you have friends!

3. Become nocturnal. Then you can enjoy the 100 degree weather without all that sunshine in your eyes. There are plenty of great nightclubs if you like dancing.

4. Go to those awesome things called Redbox DVD and start your own marathon from the comfort of your couch.

5. Get out to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and see a play! Starting July 9 you can enjoy America's prize winning musical "1776" - July 9 is also a night to bring peanut butter or canned food as it's a preview night. Tickets are only $10 in advance for adults, $5 kids, 5 & under are free. Visit their website for more information (clicky the linky in blue above) Their production of Don Quixote made me cry!

6. Get up early and enjoy the sunrise. . . at Red Rock Canyon hiking - or on Mt. Charleston, Saturdays and Sundays at the Hotel on Mt. Charleston you can enjoy live music. It's euphoric - because it's 20 degrees cooler there! All the time!

7. Clark County Parks & Rec has a boatload of things to do - I love the Jazz in the Park - or Jazz under the Stars at the Government Center.

8. Clean your house. You know it's dusty! ha ha

9. Become a shut-in. It is really fun with the right company.

10. Travel. Mexico is extremely hot this time of year as well!

Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay inside!

Wait to Buy in Las Vegas, NV? Not SMART BUYERS!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:48:29 -0600

Ok, so a Realtor says "Don't wait to buy, buy now!" Big Surprise. The question you must ask yourself is why?

Low interest rates is the reason you should buy a home in Las Vegas right now. The higher the rates go, the less house you can afford in the payment range you want.

For example: Today's rate is around 5.875% APR for a 30-year, fixed rate loan.

For a $230,000 loan, your monthly payment would be $1,361 at the 5.8 rate.
That same loan of $230,000 would have a $1,511 payment at 6.875%!

I don't know about you, but I have a whole lot of other things I could do with an extra $150 every month!

Let's take it further. Let's say you want "more bang for your buck".

For a $270,000 loan, your monthly payment would be $1,598 at 5.875%
The same loan amount of $270,000 would put your payments at $1,775 at 6.875%

So you can get $40,000 more house for the same payment over a measly point difference. (that is, if you have strong representation by an experienced buyer's agent in the Las Vegas area, *ahem*)

Even with the market fluctuations, if you are planning to buy and hold, you need to position yourself in a manner that is best for you in your situation. So the basic math is:

For every 1/2 point increase in interest rates, you, the ever important buyer, lose $25,000 in purchasing power.

I don't know about you, but I hate to lose. I don't like to lose my keys, or my place in line, but especially I hate losing money.

Bottom Line: Prices in Las Vegas continue to become more affordable every day. If you find a home that is a DEAL for the neighborhood and the comparables in recent times, and you're going to get this house for close to 2003/2004 prices, ACT NOW, not later, to secure the home that you want at a price that is affordable to you.

The difference when it comes to entry-level buyers is the difference between qualifying and not.

Denise Willer is a Realtor in Las Vegas and can be reached at (702) 810-0082.

Great Schools in Las Vegas, NV

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:35:12 -0600

U.S. News and World Report has rated 2008 public schools across the nation and SIX High Schools in the Clark County School District (CCSD) have received a Silver or Bronze status! They collaborated with Schoolmatters.com to determine the best schools.

Clark High School, located in the City of Las Vegas, was the only non-magnet school to receive an award. The other five award-winners included some of our exemplary magnet schools that provide specialized education for children with goals beyond a general education.

For example, the two most popular magnet schools: ATech and The Academy. I have the pleasure of knowing two WONDERFUL young adults that attend these schools. Who says teenagers can't be amazing people?

ATech, or Advanced Technologies Academy is located near the city's public golf course and has eight program majors whose primary focus is, like its name, all about Technology. Students apply to attend these magnet programs during middle school. The acceptance process can be rigorous, to say the least. Of course, ATech has an amazing website that can be found here.

The Academy, or Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts is located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas in the former Las Vegas High School building. Not only is it the site of Las Vegas' oldest high school, it's also an historical district! If you're looking for an amazing play or would love more information, The Academy's site is located here.

If you would like more information about great Las Vegas schools or DEALS in Las Vegas Real Estate, feel free to contact Denise Willer at (702) 810-0082.

Update on Las Vegas Economy and Development

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:21:00 -0600

As always, Las Vegas is BOOMING with new projects! We go through these growth spurts like a child - we get chubby and fat (housing market swells) and then we shoot up a few inches higher (brand new casino projects)

With 250,000 jobs coming down the line in the next 5-10 years, it's no wonder I'm right here in the middle of where it's AT! Las Vegas real estate will rebound from these doldrums faster than most - and here's why!

March 31, 2008 - Trump International Hotel and Tower scheduled opening - 64 stories of 24-karat gold plated glass with 1,200 suites inside, will have amazing conference and meeting rooms and some of the most luxurious spa and concierge amenities possible. PLUS - Get this - IT IS A GAMING-FREE property! Unbelieveable! -Article
Las Vegas started with "The Strip" - it was Fremont Street Downtown, and over the years has migrated to "Las Vegas Blvd. South" - Get ready for "Strip" number three - "North-town" will have its own "Strip" location up near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway! -Article
2011 will bring the opening of the World Jewelry Center to round out the feature attractions growing in downtown Las Vegas (west of the original nine streets) in the 61-acre Union Park area. Union Park has been part of Mayor Oscar Goodman's vision for downtown for many years, and it's amazing to see it start to take on its massive shape, with the World Market Center's two behemoth design center and showcase buildings, the Molasky Group of Companies building sitting at the heart of the "Spaghetti Bowl", the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute under works and affordable high rise living slated with Juhl to name a few of the non-gaming projects that are shooting into the sky in the heart of our city!
Amidst all of this wonderful development is the WONDERFUL NEWS that Las Vegas' median home price has dropped BELOW $250,000! That means AFFORDABLE housing in Las Vegas is becoming more readily available by the day! (Two of the reasons for this -oversupply plus the credit crunch is eliminating many jumbo loan buyers, which means fewer jumbo loan sized houses are selling).
If you are thinking of buying a home in Las Vegas, read this article about the five reasons to buy (and not to buy) right now, no matter where you live!. -Article

If you would like more information about our booming economy, DEALS on new homes in Las Vegas, Las Vegas foreclosure deals, or are in need of a Las Vegas real estate buyer specialist, feel free to contact Denise Willer at (702) 810-0082.

LAS VEGAS is one of the best places to buy!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:13:25 -0600

An article today from Entrepreneur.com lists four great locations in the US to purchase a home, and one of them is Las Vegas real estate -

WHY, you ask?

Because we have a STRONG job market, which will pull us from these doom-and-gloom housing doldrums and bring us right back on track to where we truly are; on the cusp of being the next major metropolis.

Las Vegas is already an international destination, and now that we have major international players investing in our little piece of desert, things can only get better. If you aren't familiar with the 200,000 new jobs coming on line in the next five years or so, be forewarned that change is on the horizon. If you don't act soon to buy a Las Vegas home, you will probably be disappointed!

Here's a great example from the Las Vegas Sun:

"While the $7.8 billion CityCenter development may be the most ambitious project in the country, and more than $30 billion in hotel and condo projects will be built on the Strip over the next several years, Dubai is plowing as much as $50 billion into commercial projects by 2010 -an unprecedented growth rate for any tourism destination in the world."

If you want to learn more about great Las Vegas real estate deals, feel free to contact me!

The Ghosts of Las Vegas! BOO!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 23:56:04 -0600

Saturday through Thursday, starting at 9:30 each night, you can experience first hand some of the most haunted areas in the Las Vegas Valley.

Starting at the Greek Isles Casino, the tour takes you through two and a half hours of frightful scenes related to past deaths (through various means) and locations claimed to be haunted.

The Haunted Vegas Tours start with a light-hearted show to get you into a spooky mood, which is followed by a more serious tour that capitalizes on some of the points mentioned in Janice Oberding's books Las Vegas Haunted and Haunted Nevada.

A far cry from the boxcar "haunted houses" that pop up during the month of October, this tour shows you some locations that have been subject to serious investigation. Along with a show and a ride through Las Vegas, the tour provides the entertainment of ghost stories relevant to the area.

Though it's not intended to be a silly "ghosts & goblins amusement park ride", this tour is a lot of fun for everyone (well, everyone 13 and up), and whether you're fascinated by ghosts or you're just looking for a good time, the Haunted Vegas Tours is a fun, engaging, and perhaps even creepy way to pass the evening.

Denise Willer is an outdoor enthusiast and a member of the Michelle Sterling Team at Prudential Americana Group, REALTORS^®. In her free time she enjoys her family. If you are interested in more information about this article in particular, or Las Vegas real estate in general, please call Denise at (702)810-0082.

Get Motivated!

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:42:22 -0600

The end of the year is upon us, and it's what Todd Duncan, author of "High Trust Selling" would consider "Yellow Time" - time to organize your systems (if you have them) create systems (if you don't have any) and fine-tune your business so you can optimize your time. That way you can be sure to sprint along at a faster clip when it's time to "Green Light GO!"

I like all of those flowery motivational posters, even bought a calendar full of them yesterday!

In true motivational form, I found this website that lists links to some other sites that claim to move you.

Jan O'Brien's site for training and coaching.

If you would like to find out more about some great goal-setting tools, please feel free to get in touch with me.

25 BRAND NEW Homes for LESS THAN $200,000

Denise Willer 'Where There's a Willer There's a Way' Las Vegas (Elite Realty) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:54:31 -0600

I just stumbled upon this great article in the Las Vegas Review Journal about Las Vegas New Homes!

Richmond American and KB Home (Kaufman and Broad) lead the way with over five different developments all over the valley with base (initial) prices under $200,000.

This is tremendous news for Las Vegas, with our average annual income around $45,000, many residents had been "priced out" of the market and were unable to buy a "starter home" so that they could get into the market.

The many changes we have seen in the market in the last few years is finally coming to a happy place, where first time buyers are able to qualify for a home of their own. Not just any home, but a BRAND NEW home, some in gorgeous master-planned communities!

If you want to read more about this and see the list, click here. If you'd like to find out what specials are available in these neighborhoods, feel free to contact me!