Las Vegas Real Estate Team - 's Blog

Las Vegas Market Conditions

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:21 -0500

As more and more frustrated homeowners turn to renting thier Las Vegas Homes we are seeing a greater inventory of rentals on the market. The ones who will be taking advantage of this will be the renters themselves. As the inventory increases, as explained on RealtyTimes, there will be more competition and incentives to get people into thier homes and that means lower rent prices. If you are considering a home to rent let us remind you also that there are a great deal of homes right now that are extremely affordable and you might just find something for the same amount that you could purchase a Las Vegas home. Contact your Las Vegas Real Estate Agents and ask them for some advice.

Las Vegas Homes Sales UP as Prices go DOWN

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:22:27 -0500

According to CNNmoney.com pending sales are up but home prices are still heading south. This is not more prevelant then in the Las Vegas real estate market were 1800sqft homes are going for $120,000. Las Vegas real estate agents are busier now then they have been for years scrambling around searching for the next best deal. There are even indications of a "Floor" being hit. We will see if the prices can flatten out before we call over. Las Vegas Real Estate is much like the Stock Market. You never know when its going to turn the other way, you just know its going to and you just have to be the judge to determine when to start buying.

Why Do Lenders Accept Short Sales in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:16:05 -0500

In the Las Vegas real estate market right now we are seeing a great deal of short sales on the market. Short sales are different then foreclosures in Las Vegas. a Short sale is when a lender agrees to take a home that they have a loan on back that is actually less then what the loan amount is for. They would do this in hopes of actually saving money in the long run. Lenders have a great deal of fees and costs for taking a home on a short sale. They have to turn around and sell the home themselves. Ideally a lender would not take back a home however they will consider this option if they can see that by allowing the homeowner to go into foreclosure status it would actually cost them more then just taking it up front and turning around and selling it.

Doing a Short sale in Las Vegas is a complicated process for the average homeowner. Fortunately there are qualified Las Vegas real estate agents that specialize in Short sales and Foreclosures that you can contact to help explain the process and give you the best options.

If you are looking to buy a foreclosure or short sale you too need to contact a Las Vegas real estate agent because there are processes and procedures that you need to be aware of as well.

New home sales rise unexpectedly in April

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:44:34 -0500

"New home sales rise unexpectedly in April" is an article posted on MSNBC's website highlighting the silver lining in the housing market. Though housing prices in Las Vegas remain at an all time low there is great news on the horizon that home sales will get better. Though much of the nation is seeing the worst of this housing issue Las Vegas real estate is doing its best to prove that this market can turn around. Right now new homes in Las Vegas are lower then many of us have ever seen and is a great time to take advantage of all of the great deals and incentives. Contact your Las Vegas real estate agents and ask them which new home developements have the best offers right now. Take advantage of this buyers market!

What is Happening to the Las Vegas Luxury Condo Market?

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:47:26 -0500

Statistically speaking the Las Vegas real estate market for Luxury Condos is all but diminished. Recently there was a report in the Las Vegas Review Journal about the Vegas Grand Condos searching out Las Vegas Realtors to market and sell the property for them. Unfortunately many who have placed their hopes on making it big in the high rise condo business in Las Vegas may be on the stall for a little while longer.

The good news for all of you Luxury seekers is that there are some phenomenal properties at even more impressive prices. If you ever wanted to be able to really afford luxury now is the time! If you want to find the absolute best deals on Luxury homes in Las Vegas give us, The Luxury Las Vegas Real Estate Agents, a call.

Foreclosure Frauds Abroad

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:41:50 -0500

Nevada is one of the leading foreclosure markets in the world and when there are desperate people there are those there to take advantage. Las Vegas real estate foreclosures are primarily causing much of the real estate slump in Nevada which means that you must be most careful and aware of the frauds going on. Forbes.com uncovers some of the most recent frauds facing homeowners who are in default headed for foreclosure.

These frauds range from companies promising services to save you, getting a service fee upfront, and then disappearing, to even getting homeowners to turn over the title to their homes and then being evicted. The article wisely states that there are never any guarantees or miracle fixes to your situation. You are strongly advised to talk with your local Las Vegas real estate agents to get a real idea of what your options are. There are a great many things that you can do to save your home and lessen the trauma of the situation. Confide in a Realtor who you know will give you sound advice and explain the benefits of their services.

Get Educated! Read Activerain

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:31:53 -0500

One of the best things that you can do as a home buyer or sellers is to get educated. One of the greatest things about the internet is the freedom of information. Not only can we get information from the net but the real beauty is that we can also share information with others. Pay attention home buyers and sellers, ACTIVERAIN real estate network!

On Activerain you will find thousands of agents from Realtors in Las Vegas, NV to Realtors in New York, NY sharing thier success techniques, stratagies, opinions, and services. Not only will you find great real estate information by real estate agents on activerain you will also find just as many Mortgage Lenders, Interior Designers, Builders, and so on. The best thing of all is that this information is absolutely free! Come join one of the fastest growing real estate networks in the world.

Home Will Get Smaller and Prices Will Go UP!

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:28:50 -0500

I just got through reading a great article on Realtytimes.com that all homebuyers should be aware of. If you've got a sweet deal on a Las Vegas home right now you had better make a jump on it right now. The future holds for Las Vegas less square footage in homes and higher construction costs. What does that mean?

After this excess inventory is absorbed in the next year new homes that are going to be built will be built smaller, due to increased construction costs, and the builders need to compete in the market. For the price of the size of home you can get now you will be lucky to get 3/4 of that in the coming years. With all of the other population and job growth projections I am sure you can see the need to call up your Las Vegas Realtor and get in the car now!

Selling Las Vegas Real Estate Fast!

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:55:42 -0500

Now, more then ever you need to be competitive and aggressive in the sale of your Las Vegas house. With more and more competition popping up everyday you need to find a way to stand out in the crowd. Here are a few ideas to talk to your Las Vegas real estate agents about...

1. Offer Incentives - Home buyers in Las Vegas are looking for more then a "DEAL" they are looking for a "STEAL"! As a home seller you want to help the buyers feel that way. Offer to cover buyers closing costs. These costs can be as much as 2%-3% of the buyer's loan amount. At the rate that home prices are declining that $6,000-$10,000 could be considered an investment as it will save you more money in the long run.

2. Pay Loan Points - Not only is getting into a home at a great price attractive to buyers but doing so on a great loan is very enticing. Instead of paying for someone's closing costs, offer to pay that money towards the buyers loan to help bring down their rate. Better yet, offer any buyer a 5% loan. You can decide ahead of time with your own preapproved lender and Las Vegas Realtor what the costs are going to be and advertise this to homeowners. That will generate some serious buyers.

3. Home Warranty - Having a home warranty is pretty common in a Las Vegas real estate transaction. We just want to remind you of the importance of providing your buyers with that kind of security.

4. No Gimmicks - Get away from offering cars, T.V.'s, vacations, or anything else that breaths gimmicks. People in Las Vegas that are home shopping are doing just that, shopping for a home. Help them get into YOUR home with incentives that benefit that transaction. Instead of spending money on that T.V. how bout doing a little crown molding or a couple hundred dollars of landscaping to increase the curb appeal.

Selling Las Vegas homes is really an art. Your Las Vegas Realtor will have some great ideas as to what can help you. If you would like to see a video about tips that can help you, check out "Top Tips: Selling your home" on CNNmoney.com

Las Vegas Real Estate Buyers Don't Get Caught!

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:51:02 -0500

Don't get caught doing what you may ask! Unaware nearly 40% of homebuyers are driving prices higher according to an MSNBC report, "No-money-down mortgages are still happening". Many cash poor homebuyers are still buying homes with no money down. How do the do that you may ask? Well, it is very simple you see; sellers are now paying the cost of homebuyer's down payment and the lenders are still letting it happen. This is no different then the no-money-down mortgages that buyers were getting themselves into before that has brought on this onslaught of foreclosures we see today.

We must brake the cycle and be responsible buyers and Las Vegas Real Estate Agents. Talk to your Las Vegas Realtor and make sure that you are really qualified to get into a home. This is one of, if not, the largest investment you will ever make in your life. We can help you get into the right Las Vegas home for you and your pocket book.

Las Vegas 1 of 10 Top Outdoor Cities

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:54:59 -0500

Forbes announced the Top Outdoor Cities in the United States and our Las Vegas ranked number 8. It's hard to argue this point considering over 350 days of sunlight and numerous activities for all ages and sizes.

Part of the joy of being a Las Vegas real estate agent is the opportunity we have to gloat about the wonderful city and its surrounding amenities that really add to the value of Las Vegas real estate. Due to Las Vegas' location residents are only a few hours away from any activity imaginable. There is a reason that millions of people travel from all of the world to visit Las Vegas and it's not just for the gambling. Come check out Las Vegas for yourself and, HEY! Stay for a while!

Home Sales in Las Vegas Increase

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Sat, 10 May 2008 08:57:15 -0500

We have some great news to report about the Las Vegas Real Estate Market! The BUYERS ARE OUT! THE BUYERS ARE OUT! For the fourth consecutive month home sales in Las Vegas are up. This time about 20%-30%. The even better news is that home prices are continuing to drop.

With the glut of foreclosures and desperate sellers, buyers now have a smorgasbord of homes to choose from at very affordable prices. Now is not the time to diddle around if you are a buyer. Several Las Vegas Real Estate Agents and their buyers have missed out on great deals because of hesitation or extremely low "Lowball offers". Believe it or not, there are bidding wars going on right now on many homes in Las Vegas.

Foreclosures will most likely continue to happen at a steady rate through '09 meaning that Las Vegas right now is the place to buy. As for those who wish to sell their Las Vegas homes that are not going into foreclosure... Either talk to a property management company or let a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent help you determine what the best price and strategy would be for you and yours.

Auctoning: The Latest Las Vegas Real Estate Trend

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:57:46 -0500

Have you considered selling your Las Vegas Home on the Auction? Imagine! 20, 30, 40 people stampeding through your home clamoring over each other in a bidding war. All this for the same home that has sat on the market for the past 6mo with only two visitors, you and your agent. What changed?

Las Vegas Real Estate Auctions have convincingly proven effective time and time again. Do you remember the mass auctions that were held at the end of last year at the Sun Coast Casino in Summerlin Las Vegas, where they sold hundreds of homes in an afternoon on the auction block? This happens in thousands of living rooms, just like yours, every day.

Great news for you! With Hildreth Barnhill Las Vegas Real Estate Agents our Las Vegas Realtors have the experience, connections, and willingness to sell your home! There are a great deal of factors to having a successful auction: marketing, strategizing for the greatest crowds, staging, gathering, and of course running the auction. Let us know if you would like us to help you get your home sold.

Buying Real Estate in Las Vegas for the First Time

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:19:24 -0500

Who doesn't love to window shop, especially on the Las Vegas Strip? Have you ever gone down to the Wynn Hotel and checked out their jewelry selection? The 32carrot diamonds are absolutely amazing to look at as they sparkle back at you while encased in the finest metals of the world. Even more amazing is the price tag on much of this Bling-Bling! But that's window shopping for you. Eventually we all come back to earth and settle in to reality.

This blog is to catch the attention of the all you first time real estate buyers here in Las Vegas. Right now Las Vegas real estate is one of the hardest hit cities in the nation for foreclosures. There is one fundamental reason why this is the case, unwise extension of our families finances. In layman's terms, "Spending more on a house then what we can afford!" I found an article on Yahoo! Real Estate that gives great advice on how to manage your debt to income ratios. You know; the amount of debt you have compared to your bring home income.

Without meeting with a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent to discuss what cost are involved in a home purchase and ownership many first time buyers get blindsided by reality. It's oft times like walking out of the Wynn Hotel and realizing that there are homeless people right there on the street in front of it. Don't let this happen to you. Visit Las Vegas Real Estate Agents and this article "How Much Can You Afford?" to get a head start on this journey.

Las Vegas home ownership is a great feeling and privilege and you can do it, we just want to make sure that you don't end up like the other millions of families in the nation without home. Apply these same financial principles throughout your life and you will experience a great deal of success!

The Catch 22 of Selling Las Vegas Real Estate

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:00:10 -0500

Many of our Las Vegas real estate sellers are in quite a conundrum these days. As explained in this article So Many Homes, So Few Buyers, real estate sellers are finding it very difficult to get out of their homes right now because there is such a glut of foreclosures on the market that are oft time less expensive then the home that the person wants to sell.

This leaves Las Vegas Homeowners in a very sticky situation. It almost requires real estate owners to hold on to property longer then they wish, knowing that if they were to sell now they would have a very difficult and even impossible time trying to afford selling.

Fortunately for homeowners there are Las Vegas real estate agents that are very keen on the market in Las Vegas. They have resources to help you find out if you can get your home sold for a price that will benefit you and your family. Maybe selling isn't the answer for you right now. There is a very strong rental market in Las Vegas right with rents on the rise. Explore these options with your Realtor to determine which of these works best for you.

Lower Mortgage Rates Sure to Help Las Vegas Real Estate Market

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:24:32 -0500

According to CNNMoney.com mortgage rates continue to drop. With the Las Vegas real estate feeling the "Heat" of record foreclosures this is bound to help the market find a little hidration. For a 30yr loan mortgage rates currently average 6.03%.

For those of you looking to take advantage of these historically low mortgage rates now is a great time to contact a Las Vegas Realtor. Las Vegas Realtors have great resources to help you take advantage of the skyrocketing foreclosures in Las Vegas.

Is Your Las Vegas Home Priced Correctly?

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:24:44 -0500

The market will determine how much your house will sell for. Your emotion and what you think your home is worth don't necessarily equate to the selling price. What is your Las Vegas real estate agent doing to show you the evidence of what the home is worth? Work with your realtor to set a realistic price. They should remain objective as they compare homes in the area to yours. The Hildreth Barnhill Team of Professional Las Vegas Real Estate Agents understand the current market for your area and will help you adjust the terms based on whether it is a buyer's or seller's market.

Get the Best Value for Your Las Vegas Home - Use a Las Vegas Realtor

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:01:05 -0500

It is critical that you set your Las Vegas home's price correctly. Most buyer activity occurs during the first 4 to 8 weeks that a home is on the market. The last thing you want is for your overpriced home to grow stale on the market. You may have to sell it for even less than if you would have priced it correctly in the first place.
Las Vegas real estate agents compete for the right to help you sell your property. Many of them will over promise and under deliver. They will promise you whatever price you want to hear so they can get the listing and then they will convince you later once you are under contract that it is too high when no one has seen the property. Many homes will finally sell for less than what the seller is lead to believe.The Hildreth Barnhill Team Real Estate Team is clear and upfront when setting expectation and listing prices.

Another factor regarding your Las Vegas homes sale is the amount of exposure it gets. Executing an effective marketing plan will put the house in front of as many people as are needed to get it sold quickly and for the highest possible price. The proper plan will help you avoid committing to a lowball offer.
Your Las Vegas Realtor will be key in helping your determine the right price and the right marketing strategy. We will set realistic expectations and work with you to achieve your goals.

Choosing a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent
Interview your Las Vegas real estate agents before you hire them on. Ask them about past sales, their marketing plan, and their background. Use an agent that comes highly referred if possible.

Las Vegas Home Selling Tips

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:07:19 -0500

Your Las Vegas home may likely be your largest, most valuable asset. You decision to sell it is a big step. These tips will help you know what you must do to prepare for the sale. As you begin the home-selling process seek for ways to protect yourself, save money, reduce stress, and stay in control of your situation.

1.Understand Why You Are Selling Your Las Vegas Home
Determine what is motivating your home sale because it will affect the marketing plan and schedule as well as decisions down the line in the negotiation. A quick sale will usually not net quite as much money while a high yielding sale will provide higher profit but take more time.

2.Don't Reveal Your Hand
Don't show all your cards when you are negotiating. If you reveal your motives you may lose at some step of the deal making process. Remain objective and show only the cards you need.

3.Do Your Research Before You Establish a Price
It is key that your real estate agent do the correct analysis on your Las Vegas property to establish the right price. Your listing price is likely the highest someone will pay you for your home. You have adjusted for costs and understand what you net amount will be. If you have done the homework correctly you will know what you can negotiate based on true market value.

4.Visit Homes for Sale in Las Vegas

Ask your Las Vegas real estate agent to take you to some of the comparable homes in the area. Get a good feel for what is selling and for what price.

5.Consider a Las Vegas Appraisal
If you are confident you can get a good appraisal from someone before the sale you may consider it. It will cost you money and it may not be reusable for the buyer's loan but you will have a good idea of what your house will appraise for and you can adjust your price accordingly.

6.Using Tax Assessments
A number of factors go into determining your Las Vegas property taxes. The assessed value is not necessarily a representation of current market value.

7.Choosing a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent
Not all real estate agents are the same. Good ones often come highly referred and have considerable experience in the field. Interview them and ensure their marketing plan is tailored to getting you the highest possible price in the quickest amount of time.

8.Leave Room to Negotiate
Your asking price should have a little wiggle room. While you need to get the best price you need to stay competitive and when the negotiations are on the table you won't want to give up a great opportunity because you are too firm on the price. Set the initial price such that you know you can move a bit if needed.

9.Invite Opinions
Your point of view is important. When selling your Las Vegas home the point of view of the buyer is the key. Request the opinion of others. Have them view your home and provide feedback on selling features or items that deter potential buyers.

10.Clean Everything
A Las Vegas buyer wants to do as little work as possible when they move in. They want to feel their new home is clean and sanitary. Be diligent in cleaning all aspects of the house. Hire help if necessary to get the job done well. You don't want to send any message that the home isn't fit and clean.

11.Manage Smells and Odors
You may not realize but odd smells like traces of food, pets and smoking odors can kill deals quickly. If prospective buyers know you have a dog, or that you smoke, they'll start being aware of odors and seeing stains that may not even exist. Don't leave any clues.

12.Great Curb Appeal Makes a Huge Difference
Homes are sold emotionally. People buy when they feel the home suits them and first impressions make a huge difference. Do the necessary to set the stage.

13.Catering to the Las Vegas Buyer's Imagination
Buyers are like artists. They want to begin with their own blank canvass and they want to paint their own home. Keep the decor simple and friendly. Allow for their imaginations to place them in the home. Take care that religious items and family pictures are not the focus of any one room. Use soothing, neutral, and brighter colors.

14.Disclose Everything
Smart Las Vegas sellers are proactive in disclosing all known defects to their buyers in writing. This can reduce liability and prevent lawsuits later on.

15.Manage Your Emotions
The Las Vegas home will sell itself. Do not let you emotions drive you during the sale. Manage it like a business and handle it objectively. Don't take low offers personally. They will likely come. Some people make it their job to submit low offers on many homes. They will eventually get a few. If you are not ultra motivated then simple reject these offers. If you feel there may be some true negotiation then counter the offer such that it turns the tables.

16.Understand Your Las Vegas Buyer
The more you can find out about your buyer the better off you are at the time of negotiations. You want to see as many of their cards as possible to understand their motives. The timeliness of the close, the amount of money down, their qualifications all make a difference. If the buyer is simply not qualified move on to the next buyer. Don't play Russian Roulette with your home.

17.Protect Yourself with a Complete Contract
Spell out everything. Avoid problems and minimize liability by taking proper care of your contract. It will have many items you will need to review. Once you are in contract stick to it. Stay on target of getting the escrow to close.

Las Vegas Home Seller's Cost

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:49:34 -0500

The following list will give you an idea of what items are typically included in closing costs (not the specific amounts, as fees can vary). The Hildreth Barnhill Team of Las Vegas Realtors will negotiate for you who will pay what BEFORE you sign a purchase contract. Nothing is standard and most everything is negotiable in the sell of a Las Vegas Home. Once you have signed, you have agreed. The instructions cannot be changed unless mutually agreed by all parties, again in writing! Upon closing, make sure each service was actually performed and completed to your satisfaction. This includes everything from pest inspections, attorney fees, etc. Should you have any disagreement on closing costs, don't sign estimated closing statements until you are satisfied that all fees are valid and correctly calculated.

1.Commission - When a Las Vegas home is listed or sold by a Las Vegas real estate agent, there will be a commission to pay. Always make sure it is calculated correctly (usually 3-7%) on the closing statement.

2.Taxes - The Las Vegas home seller is required to pay the property taxes through the last day of ownership. It will be prorated in escrow.

3.Las Vegas Home owner's Insurance - Normally the buyer gets a new homeowner's policy (fire/hazard insurance). Sometimes the lender requires the first year's insurance premium be paid at close of escrow.

4.Assessments and Liens - Liens or assessments against individuals and/or the property need to be paid off before the close of escrow. This could be a back tax lien or judgment. Always make sure to double-check the figures so that these are not overpaid.

5.Escrow and Title Insurance - The seller or the buyer can pay the title insurance fee that is referred to as the "Owner's Policy" covering the new owner's interest and "title" to his new property. The buyer typically pays for his "Lender's Policy" that will cover his new lender's interest in the "title" to the property. The base escrow fee is negotiable, but typically split between the buyer and the seller (except VA Loans).

6.Inspection Fees/Other - There are several types of inspection and miscellaneous fees. Carefully check all charges on your closing statement. Make sure the service was provided before you agree to pay for it. Make sure the charges are fair and not excessive.

Pest Inspection
Pest Correction Costs
Deed Recording Charges
Loan Fees
Home Warranty
Attorney's Fees
Document Preparation Fees
Tax Service Fees (if giving 2nd mortgage)
Other

We want to ensure that when you sell your Las Vegas home that you have a very clear understanding of the process and most importantly the costs. As mentioned above, just about every thing is negotiable. This may either work for you or against you depending on the market conditions. By using the professional services of Las Vegas Realtors like The Hildreth Barnhill Team you can be assured that you will get the most money from the sell of your Las Vegas home.

The Las Vegas Home Selling Schedule

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:55:45 -0500

You can help your Las Vegas real estate agent and escrow officer bring the sale of your Las Vegas home to a successful conclusion by acting promptly to answer any requests for information and by following these helpful hints:

After accepting an offer to purchase your home, Completely fill out and sign all paperwork sent to you from your escrow officer as quickly as possible. There also may be other real estate disclosures that need to be signed as well. Make sure you have in order all pertinent information about your Las Vegas home (i.e. receipts for repairs, any warranties on the home, any permits for additions, etc...).The buyer wil be putting thier insurancein order whivh is required before the lender will fund their loan on a new home as well as providing all of the important information to their lenders.

Discuss them with your tax attorney or CPA the tax ramifications for selling your home. This is an important choice that catches many sellers by surprise. Be prepared so that you may make the best decision when it comes to the proceeds of the sell. During the course of your escrow, you may have questions or concerns. It helps to know who to call! In general, you may:Call the buyers lender if you have questions about the quality of thier loan (rates, terms, costs, time frames, etc)Call us your Las Vegas real estate agent if you have questions about the sale of your Las Vegas home or the propertyCall your escrow officer if you have questions about the escrow process. Be sure to bring your valid photo ID with you to the document signing appointment. You (and anyone signing with you) should bring a current driver's license, passport or valid state-issued ID card. Please keep in mind that your escrow officer is a neutral third party who follows mutual instructions from the parties to the transaction. Your escrow officer cannot give you advice, and you are encouraged to seek the advice of your tax attorney, Realtor, or legal counsel if necessary. This is only part of the process for selling your Las Vegas home. There are several other aspects to the actual selling process, thus the need for professional Las Vegas Realtor advice. Contact The Hildreth Barnhill Real Estate Agent Team to help you make the right decisions when it comes to selling your Las Vegas Home.

There are several key factors in selling a Las Vegas home in a timely manner. Your Las Vegas Realtor will help you determine the value of your Las Vegas home based on location, comparables, condition, etc. When all is said and done it will be price that determines whether the home sells or not. The price of other homes that have sold in your area will help you determine what price your home will sell for. If you need a quick sale, price your home under the current market value of homes in your area. If you don't care if the home takes a few months then you can price it a bit higher.

Be careful that your home doesn't age too much on the Las Vegas real estate market. Other Las Vegas real estate agents can see how long your house has been on the market and red flags may come up when they consider showing the house because they may think something is wrong with the house and for what reason it has remained on the market so long.

Sold Period Percentage of Homes

1 Month 40%

2 Months 7%

3 Months 7%

4 Months 20%

5 Months 10%

6 Months 7%

7 Months 9%

If your property isn't sold within 30 days, a price adjustment should be made!Statistics are based on National average of homes sold.

If you are looking to sell your home in the Las Vegas valley give us a call or drop us a message. We will help you determine the price of your Las Vegas home. In the end the decision is yours but we can give you some pointers and guidelines to make sure the price is in the right range.

Las Vegas House Appraisals vs. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:59:21 -0500

Surprisingly enough there is a difference between an appraisal and a CMA in Las Vegas. A CMA is a Las Vegas Realtors professional opinion of the current market value of a Las Vegas house. The numbers should be based off of comparable homes in an area as nice or nicer, similar type homes (i.e. single story or two stories. Single story homes are generally valued at a higher price), condition of the home, current market conditions as well as perceived future market, etc. We say etcetera for a reason; there is a whole process to finding the appropriate listing price for your home. Our objective is to find a price that will get your home sold the quickest while still maintaining the equity that you deserve as a Las Vegas homeowner.

An appraisal is done by either a bank or a third party individual whom a homeowner has requested. The Appraisers generally follow the same process as due real estate agents in Las Vegas however; when the market is a little shaky they are typically very conservative in their appraisal. Banks and mortgage lenders use appraisers to determine whether or not the home's value is congruent with today's market. This is to help the banks and lenders feel secure in lending the monies requested by the homebuyer.

How Las Vegas Realtors Can Help
When looking to sell your Las Vegas house it is very important to price your home correctly. Typically a home will get the majority of its showings in the first month. The last thing you want to do as a home seller is chase the market, get ahead and do it for the most money possible. A major role in pricing your home correctly is the understanding of a typical Las Vegas house shopper. A free bit of advice to all home sellers in Las Vegas: Be in the Top 10 of your competition! The closer you are to #1 the quicker you sell.

The last thing that you want to happen is to find a buyer and then have the banks appraisal come back short. This happens all too often with most Las Vegas real estate agents who do not have the experience or know how to located your competition and advise you on how to be in the Top 10. Appraisals come up short for even the best at times and this is when you want a Las Vegas Realtor to show what they are made of. Las Vegas Realtors can make a huge difference in helping an appraiser understand the value of home. Pricing a home is not an exact science and oft times an appraisers opinion can be changed by the right Las Vegas Realtor.

To find out how to get your Las Vegas home in the Top 10 contact The Hildreth Barnhill Real Estate Team.

Las Vegas Real Estate Prices

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:23:56 -0500

Keeping track of the price of real estate in Las Vegas is truly a full time job. Even as Las Vegas Realtors, pin pointing the correct value of a home is quite the process. Prices of homes vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and from one side of the city to another. Las Vegas home prices have seen both the peaks and lows of appreciation. Real Estate traditionally is very much a roller coaster and can vary dramatically from month to month. Las Vegas, however is a little more secure in its home values due to its amazing growth and job potential.

Getting Started - Las Vegas Home Inspections

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:20:00 -0500

Las Vegas home buyers are usually very cautious shoppers. They will be investing a lot of money in a Las Vegas real estate and don't want to move in to a lemon house with a lot of problems. Most home purchasers will hire a professional inspector to come in and identify trouble spots before the due diligence period is up. Inspectors may flag many different things. There are 50+ physical home problems that are scrutinized during a home inspection. 10 of these things are most common and major. Double check these items ahead of the inspection and have them repaired to pass the inspection before they are flagged.

1.Damaged Roof
Water leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons such as physical deterioration of the asphalt shingles (e.g. curling or splitting), or mechanical damage from a wind storm. When gutters leak and downspouts allow water to run down and through the exterior walls, this external problem becomes a major internal one.

2.Structural Problems
Walls, ceilings, and floors that bow, crack, or dip indicate structural stress. A foundation may have settled or may still be settling. Wet wood may have been used to build the house. Any number of issues may indicate stress and an inspector will recommend that a professional engineer or contractor review the structure for safety factors.

3.Defective Plumbing
Defective plumbing is identified in two ways: leaking, and clogging. Leaks are detected either visually or with a damp rag. Clogging is determined using pressure tests by turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet. If you hear the sound of running water, it indicates that the pipes are undersized. Dirty water running from a faucet indicates the pipes may be rusted, resulting in potential severe water quality problems.

4.Inadequate Wiring and Electrical
Your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, and this should be clearly marked. Wire should be copper or aluminum. Home inspectors will look at octopus plugs as indicative of inadequate circuits and a potential fire hazard. A fire hazard is created when more amperage is drawn on the circuit than was intended. 15 amp circuits are the most common in a typical Las Vegas house, with larger service for large appliances such as stoves and dryers. It can cost several hundred dollars to replace your fuse panel with a circuit panel.

5.Antiquated Heating and Cooling Systems
Insufficient insulation, and an inadequate or a poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating. While an adequately clean furnace, without rust on the heat exchanger, usually has life left in it, an inspector will be asking and checking to see if your furnace is over its typical life span of 15-25 yrs. For a forced air gas system, a heat exchanger will come under particular scrutiny since one that is cracked can emit deadly carbon monoxide into the home. These heat exchangers must be replaced if damaged - they cannot be repaired.

6.Foundation Issues
An inspector will certainly investigate the underlying footing and foundation of your home as structural integrity is fundamental to your home. He/she will check for cracks, chips, and signs of water entry.

7.Aged Water Heater
A water heater can go out at any time depending on how it has been maintained. If it begins to leak it can cause quite a mess. An inspector will indicate if there are any immediate visual issues and will raise a flag if it is too old.

8.Masonry Work
Re-bricking can be costly, but, left unattended, these repairs can cause problems with water and moisture penetration into the home which in turn could lead to a chimney being clogged by fallen bricks or even a chimney which falls onto the roof. It can be costly to rebuild a chimney or to have it repainted.

9.Dry-rotted wood
This can occur in many places (door or window frames, trim, siding, decks and fences). The building inspector will sometimes probe the wood to see if this is present - especially when wood has been freshly painted.

10.Pest Infestation
Termites and other pests may scare off many buyers. Inspectors will notice if there are any visible signs. They will not be able to see within the wood but any weak wood or other common signs will raise flags concerning the whole house regardless if the issue is localized or not.
Other issues are also important. We can point out things that will help you prep your Las Vegas homes for sale. You will need some time before you begin to market your home to make repairs. Contact us in advance so we can help you identify issues, refer repairmen, outline a schedule, and get your home marketed for what it is worth.

Las Vegas Home Seller Q&A

Las Vegas Real Estate Team - Hildreth Barnhill (Specialists Real Estate) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:54:14 -0500

As you prepare to sell your Las Vegas home many questions arise. We hope to address some of the questions we have been asked by clients to help you get started. If you find there are questions you have in addition to the ones we present please feel free to contact you real estate agent.

What is Escrow?
Escrow is a 3rd party who is loyal to a real estate transaction. They aren't necessarily interested in either party, but instead their instructions are the contract that has been agreed upon by all parties. In a simple view, a buyer brings the money and the seller brings the house. There is more to it but in the end both parties sign off and the escrow company, which is usually the title company in Las Vegas, takes the documents down to the courthouse to file them. Once they have been filed the transaction is complete.

How do I price my home correctly?
The primary way to price a home is to take the home sales (not current listings) from the recent past. Their sale amount (again, not listing amount) is the comparable to be used. Real estate agents have tools with most of the sales in an area. They can narrow down the criteria until they home is priced correctly. The type of market a home is in makes a big difference. If there is a great deal of listings on the market it will affect the pricing. If few homes are for sale and demand is high the pricing will fluxuate. The best way to price a home is to find a competent Las Vegas real estate agent to aid you.

What do I do to market my home?
The type of market a seller is in makes a lot of difference in how it is marketed. A seller can spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on marketing. If they're not astute at what is needed for the specific market and if they don't have ties to the right networking group a lot of time and energy can be spent finding a buyer. You can use yard signs, newspaper ads, flyers, internet websites, MLS tools, etc. Really, the best way to sell a home is to hire a Realtor and make use of their expertise.

What paperwork is involved?
There are key documents that need to be signed and filled out correctly to sell a home. From tax forms to purchase agreements to seller's real property disclosures, there are many documents to be aware of and sign. A title company helps a great deal once the home is under contract but up until that point a Las Vegas Realtor really is the best resource for protecting your assets and time.

How can I maximize the price?
A home will sell for what a buyer will pay for it. Appearance and location are the most critical aspects to getting top dollar. If a home is overpriced no one will want it and it will sit. So, finding out the true value of a home is the first step to setting the price. Next, the seller must have a strategy to manage price adjustments as long as the home is on the market.

Is it stressful?
For some, selling a home is a very emotional process. They see it as the sale of memories and other intangible value. Really, a buyer will see the house as a house. Sellers allow their emotions to grow during the process. Packing, negotiating, moving, managing people, etc. can add up. It is a great benefit for a seller to use an agent to manage and diminish that stress.

How much do Las Vegas real estate agents charge?
There is no set amount. There are averages but some agents are better than others and in the end will get more money for a home. They are certainly worth more than an agent without the appropriate skills. A listing contract is an agreement with a brokerage, not the agent himself. The broker may have a required amount the agent must charge in order to maintain a healthy business. Often the amount that is charged is split on a "co-op" with another broker if the other broker represents the buyer. If the listing broker represents both sides they will retain the whole amount because of the increased amount of work.

How do I qualify a Las Vegas real estate agent?
Hold an interview. Ask questions about marketing efforts and practices. Ask about previous experience. Contact one of their previous clients if possible.

Is it the best time to sell?
A number of factors determine when it is best to sell a home. Different markets provide more or less for a home. Understand the market if you have time before you must sell. Find out if the market seems to be peaked, growing, or shrinking. Ask an agent to help you.

How do I qualify a buyer?
Talk to the lender a buyer is going to use. Interview them and find out their intentions. Ask them what their financial situation is like. There are great questions an agent will ask each buyer so you don't go under contract with a buyer who is not qualified only to waste time. Agents want your home to sell just as you do.