Mary's Musings

NV, Las Vegas: Market Stats

2008-07-26T11:37:56Z

The best time to buy Las Vegas Real Estate is NOW. There is currently less on the market but there is still MUCH for sale. Many bank owned properties are dealing with multiple offers, I'm seeing and dealing with it everyday. Sellers are becoming more realistic with their pricing, and not trying to get the money out of their home that they would have got a few years ago....property sales are currently just above what they were when the market went wild a few years ago and everything sold overnight. In my humble opinion the 'correcting' has been done.

Total number of single family homes/condos/townhouses between June 1 and July 26, 2008 is 4,697. That's almost 2,500 per month.
Lisings on houses, condos and townhouses have increased decreased 28,315 the first of June to 22,327 currently for sale
There are currently 7,266 homes currently in escrow
Many of these homes are REPO/REO (5,081), Short Sales (6,207), Foreclosures (720). That is HALF of the homes currently for sale (bullet point 2)
These figures do not take into account land, commercial, business opportunities, etc.

All information is per the GLVAR MLS service and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

For ALL your real estate needs be sure to call or e-mail me.

www.MaryWarren.com

Las Vegas NV: Angel Point Condo

2008-07-26T11:34:20Z

Photo Gallery

Angel Point	Angel Point	Front of Unit
Living Room with Fireplace/Ceiling Fan	Living Room/Dining Room	Kitchen
Kitchen off Dining Room	2 Master Bedrooms	Inside Laudry
Angel Point	Two Pools/Spas

Description

The 'creme de la creme' in the complex...you have to see this one to appreciate it. Vacant and always available for showings. This Home is Like New - Original Owner. Owner has Used as Vacation Home a Couple Weeks Out of Year. Covered Parking Directly in Front of Unit. Move-In Condition. All Existing Appliances Stay. Extra Storage Closet in Breezeway. Borders Summerlin (No Additional Fees). Angel Park Across Street - Tennis, Golf, More. Boca Park Shopping a Couple Blocks Away. Suncoast and J.W. Marriott Close By. Awesome Community Close to Freeways/Transaportation. Ideal for 1st time homebuyer, empty nester, investor. Community Touts 2 Swimming Pools.

Features

Bedrooms:	2
Bathrooms:	2
Parking:	1 Covered spaces
Year Built:	1996
Subdivision:	Angel Point Condo
Lot Size:	2,600 sqft
School District:	Las Vegas
Square Footage:	1016
Agent Name:	Mary Warren
Broker:	Realty One Group
MLS #:	763869

Location

350 S. Durango Drive #115 Las Vegas NV 89145

vFlyerId: 1323091

Unknown VA Benefits

2008-07-22T23:03:23Z

I subscribe to an e-mail newsletter provided by the National Care Planning Council. It is an awesome resource for information for senior citizens with everything from assisted living, to insurance options, medicare help, elder care law info, and VA benefits, to name just a few. Today I received this information from them on VA benefits for long term care....not just for the vet but for the spouse of the vet (even if he/she was never a veteran). It's great information to have to pass onto our senior clients.

A valuable government benefit is simply going to waste because hardly anyone is aware of it.

Very few people know that the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay a benefit for the long term care costs of a spouse who is married to a healthy veteran. As an example, suppose the wife of a veteran is paying the ongoing costs of assisted living. She is not a veteran and her veteran husband does not need care. If they meet the asset test and the income test because of her costs, her husband can receive up to $1,120 a month from VA to help cover her costs. This works for home care and nursing home costs as well.

Your local VA regional office will probably tell you this benefit doesn't exist. It does exist and with the proper documentation and evidence you can get a Pension benefit for a non-veteran spouse of a living veteran.

Please don't become confused. Everyone seems to know that VA will pay up to $1,843 a month for a veteran who is married and who himself is incurring the ongoing cost of long term care. Alternately, a single veteran can receive up to $1,555 a month to help pay for long term care. Everyone also knows that the single surviving spouse of a veteran could receive up to $999 a month. This program is called Improved Pension or Pension or is more commonly referred to as the aid and attendance benefit.

Unfortunately, most veterans benefits consultants have been telling veteran couples for years that the non-veteran spouse married to a living veteran cannot qualify for any benefit under Pension. There is no provision on the application form for the spouse to apply nor are there any instructions from VA about this benefit.

The National Care Planning Council through our veterans benefits package can help veteran households qualify for this seemingly unknown benefit for the non-veteran spouse. To learn more about our package and how to become a veterans benefits consultant call us at

800-989-8137 or go online at www.consultantspackage.com

www.MaryWarren.com

Who Will Be Our Next First Lady? Part 2

2008-07-22T11:23:27Z

Earlier this month I started a two-part series with a post entitled Who Will Be Our Next First First Lady? Part 1. In all fairness I now present the other side with a tribute to another smart woman who stands behind her man - Michelle Obama.

Michelle graduated from Princeton University with a BA in Social Studies and went on to Havard Law School graduating in 1988.
In 1993, she became the founding executive director of Public Allies - Chicago, a leadership training program and helped young adults develop skills for careers in the public sector.
She developed the University of Chicago's first community service program and served as executive director of community and external affairs until 2005,
She was appointed vice president external affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center in 2005.
Michelle has served as an honorary committee member on CARE events.
Barack and Michele have two daughters - 9-year old Maila and 6-year old Natasha (Sasha).

You be the judge - Who Will Be Our Next First Lady? No matter which one of their husbands you vote for the most important thing you do on November 4, 2008 is to VOTE!

Who Will Be Our Next First Lady? Part 1

2008-07-12T09:46:24Z

Bet you'd never guess this one! No matter your politics. The media will never tell of this.

GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!

There was an article in the Wall Street Journal on Cindy McCain, John's wife. All I ever saw was this attractive woman standing beside John. I was surprised how talented and involved with world problems she is. This is a summary of the article.

She graduated from Southern Cal and was a special-needs teacher.
After her Dad died she became involved with his beer distributing firm and is now the chairwoman. Sales have doubled since she has taken over from her father.
They have a marriage prenuptial agreement, her assets remain separate.
She is involved around the world clearing land mines - travels to these countries on a detonation team and serves on their board.
They have a 19 year old serving in Iraq, another son in the Naval Academy, a daughter recently graduated from Columbia University, an adopted daughter in high school, and a son who is the finance guy at the beer firm.
Raised kids in Phoenix, Az. rather than Washington DC. (better atmosphere). He commuted.
In 1991, Mrs. McCain came across a girl in an orphange in Bangladesh came across a girl in an Mother Teresa implored Mrs. McCain to take the baby with a severe cleft palate. She did so without first telling her husband. The couple adopted the girl who has had a dozen operations to repair her cleft palate and other medical problems. They have a Family Foundation for children's causes.
She is active with 'Halo Trust' to clear land mines, provide water and food in war ravaged and developing countries.
She will join an overseas mission of 'Operation Smile', a charity for corrective surgery on chrildren's faces.
She has had two back surgeries and become addicted to pain killers. She talks openly about it which she says is part of the recovery process.
Cindy McCain is on the CARE Board of Directors.

I'm surprised the media is so quiet about her attributes. She sounds more capable than John, Hillary or Obama.

We would really get two for the price of one. A person with business and international experience. John did work for the firm for awhile when he left the Navy. She, however, has the real business experience.

www.MaryWarren.com

For All of Us Who are Retired or Thinking of Retiring

2008-07-11T09:48:53Z

Thought those of you who are in the baby boomer stage, and either retired or working towards retirement, might enjoy a few of these 'bumper stickers'.....if we can't beat it we might as well enjoy it! I particularly like the one on Florida (especially if you're living and working there). I'd love to redesign it for Las Vegas! Hope you enjoy them all!

New AARP Bumper Stickers

www.MaryWarren.com

Won't You Help Brandon?

2008-07-09T23:58:06Z

Brandon Rayner is 10 years old and a patient at Sunrise Children's Hospital in Las Vegas, battling Leukemia. Brandon has had problems since he was 2 years old and has already survived not one but TWO brain surgeries....he is a REAL trooper! Currently there is a search on to match his bone marrow. I'm not sure where you would go for this testing - but it only takes about 30 seconds and involves putting a Q-tip like thingy in your mouth and taking some saliva.

Brandon is currently collecting business cards in an attempt to get his name in the Guinness Book of World Records. I plan on doing this and checking around for extra business cards other businesses in town.

The help he can use will cost you 42 cents and a couple minutes of your time. Won't you help Brandon out by sending him some of those business cards you have laying around the house or office? (FYI: a standard envelope, 1 piece of paper and 15 business cards is less than 1 ounce.)

If you're interested, here is where to send your business cards:

Brandon Rayner

c/o Sunrise Children's Hospital

Attention: Pediatric Oncology

3186 S. Maryland Pkwy

Las Vegas, NV 89109

I'm a firm believer in 'what goes around comes around' and this small investment will pay a big return...helping someone out.

Read the full story here: Brandon's Story

www.MaryWarren.com

Sunrise - Sunset

2008-07-09T11:14:57Z

Remember the song 'Sunrise - Sunset' from the movie "Fiddler on the Roof"? Born out of the early 70's (1971), before that it opened on Broadway in 1964, it was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and several Acadamy Awards.

The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. He must cope with both the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters—each daughter's choice of husband moves progressively further away from established customs—and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village. (from Wikipedia)

If you have not seen the movie I encourage you do it. We can really relate this to the 21st century and the family and values that are currently disappearing.

I always felt it was interesting that 'Sunrise' came first in the title of that song - life brings many 'Sunrises' to us. We all have our 'sunsets' in life but lets rise up again and watch the 'sunrise'.

We actually saw an intersection sign similiar to the one above in our travels during the last 44 years. I do not remember where or when - and I'm hoping maybe someone out there can help me place it. I remember there was a church near this intersection and I remember thinking how appropriate that was because of the theme of the movie.

www.MaryWarren.com

Fourth of July 2008 Ramblings

2008-07-05T09:59:52Z

My husband in his usual patriotic way dressed in the royal red, white and blue that he has dressed in every Independence Day since the 1970s. The material the pants are made out of is the old polyester double knit, which like the energizer bunny just keeps going and going and going. Our kids love to tell the stories of 4th of July parties, or 4th of July church functions, or working in fire works stands and their dad wore this outfit and it is one of their earliest memories (maybe he wore it the day they were born!)

Not only is this outfit like the energizer bunny but my hubby is also like the energizer bunny - at age 73 he just does not quit. He keeps going and going and going. He still works part time, he runs my real estate related errands, he is the first one to offer his hand if someone needs a helping one. He also volunteers at our church and the building program we have going on and he visits many of the older people from church when they are in rest homes, assisted living, hospice, or the hospital. He's my hero....thankfully our kids feel the same way about him. Anyone who does all this and still wears the same pair of pants after almost 40 years has to be my idol! Plus he's put up with me for over 44 years. HE ROCKS!

My husband who by the way looks much like Las Vegas' infamous mayor, Oscar Goodman. Oscar has a little colorful past having ties to the mafia a few years ago, and today falling off stages while giving a toast at some function, having a showgirl on each arm (he had apparently been wine tasting before the event to make sure the wine that he used to toast was just the right one). Howard HATES to be compared to him - but he does 'play' it for all it's worth.

On the 4th we had several ex-clients, turned into friends, to our house for a barbeque....7 kids under the age of 9 and this grandchild-less couple were in their glory - Howard is on the floor rolling and playing with the kids. They all call him grandpa Howard. What a wonderful time we had.

And that my friends is a tribute to MY #1 Uncle Sam!

NV, Las Vegas: Senator Reid's Thoughts on the Housing Crisis in Nevada

2008-07-01T00:42:47Z

I regularly contact my state senators in regards to issues brought forward on different subjects that might affect real estate, loans for real estate, and housing prices. I recently received the below reply to one of my e-mails from NV Senator and Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D). I posted it here as I thought in an election year this might be of interest to some. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments on it. When I hear back from NV Senator John Ensign (R) I will post his reply also.

I encourage everyone to take a proactive approach with your elected officials on the matters of interest to you. You may feel it does no good - but if you don't like what he/she has to say then you know who NOT to vote for in the next election. And if you do like what she/he has to says then you can vote with confidence next time.

Dear Ms. Warren,

Thank you for contacting me. I appreciate hearing from you.

As you know, Nevada has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. The number of foreclosures since August of 2006 has gone up more than 200 percent. After an earlier effort was blocked, I worked hard to have the Senate resume consideration of housing legislation on April 3, 2008, and again on June 19, 2008. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (H.R.3221, previously referred to as the Foreclosure Prevention Act) will modernize the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) by introducing a more flexible lending process and permanently raising loan limits 110% of area median home price with a cap of $625,500. While I understand that this limit does not address the needs of areas of the country where the median price is higher than this cap, these changes should make the FHA program a better option for families looking to refinance their mortgage.

The measure also reforms the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) by creating a new regulator and using assessments on Fannie and Freddie to create an affordable housing trust fund. The conforming loan limit was raised to 100 percent of the area median home price with a cap of $625,500, and a floor of $417,000 (preventing the loan limit from dipping below that amount).

H.R. 3221 is awaiting final approval by the Senate but has cleared several procedural hurdles with very large, bipartisan votes, so we expect the measure to pass. I have noted your support to make the $729,750 loan limits permanent, and as we work to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions, I will certainly keep your suggestions in mind.

As Nevada's senior senator and the Senate Majority Leader, I am committed to doing all I can to strengthen our nation's economy and make Nevada an even better place to live. I appreciate hearing your thoughts regarding this matter.

My best wishes to you.

Sincerely,

HARRY REID

United States Senator

Nevada

HR:cs

FOOT NOTE BY ME; I have NO clue why his signature shows this way...I just copied and pasted it the way it was in the e-mail. It may be the way he wants it, it may be a glitch in something.

www.MaryWarren.com

NV, Las Vegas: Let the Fireworks Begin!

2008-06-29T22:53:31Z

With fireworks stands opening on almost every street corner in Las Vegas this weekend, it's time to start thinking about what to do and where to go on Independence Day 2008.

Most of the casinos on the strip and off strip will be offering free firework displays....Some fun events you might be interested in are:

Las Vegas Motor Sweedway offers their Annual Night of Fire with fireworks on July 3rd.

Mandalay Bay - offers 4th of July Fireworks featuring Vertical Horizon. Concert begins at 9pm and fireworks show at 10:30pm.

Monte Lago Village @ Lake Las Vegas - Concert will begin at 8pm, fire works display following the concert at 10pm. For tickets visit www.starsonthelake.com.

Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade - Friday, July 4, 2008, 9 am to 11 am - Admission and parking for this event is free.

NV, LAS VEGAS: In Need of a New Owner!

2008-06-28T22:53:57Z

350 S. Durango Drive #115, Las Vegas, NV

Location: Angel Point

Information

Contact Information

Mary Warren

702-360-8165

Contact Reply Form

Forward to a Friend

View Other Flyers

Pricing

Asking Price: $165,000.00

Flexibility: Make Offer We Can't Refuse!

Additional Pricing Information: Price recently reduced and is at an AWESOME price.

Property Location

350 S. Durango Drive #115
Las Vegas, NV 89145
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: 1 Covered spaces

Year Built: 1996

Subdivision: Angel Point Condo

Lot Size: 2,600 sqft

School District: Las Vegas

Square Footage: 1016

Agent Name: Mary Warren

Broker: Realty One Group

MLS #: 763869

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Ceiling Fans

Mirrored Closet Doors

Wired for Alarm System

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (12 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1323091

Free Lunch Tomorrow @ Jack in the Box!

2008-06-25T19:08:48Z

I do not know if this is in effect all over the United Stats or if it's just a California/Nevada thing....but tomorrow, Thursday June 26, Jack in the Box, will be doing their part to help 'ease the pain' at the gas pumps. Fill up your vehicle's gas tank and then head on over to the nearest Jack in the Box for two free tacos (regular size). The promotion is going on from midnight tonight to midnight tomorrow night at participating Jack in the Box restaurants to any guest who brings in a valid gas receipt to any participating Jack in the Box(no duplicates or copies of gas receipts accepted). GO Jack!

Interesting Things To Know!

2008-06-23T10:26:48Z

Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to 
pick the little 'stringy things' off of it. That's how the 
primates do it. 

Take your bananas apart when you get home from 
the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they 
ripen faster. 



Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. 
It will stay fresh much longer and not mold! 



Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter 
and better for eating.

Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer 
and better for cooking. 





Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.
It will help pull the grease away from the meat 
while cooking. 





To really make scrambled eggs or omelet's rich add a
couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or 
heavy cream in and then beat them up.



For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as      
directed. Melt chocolate mint patties in double
broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for 
a wonderful minty frosting. 

 


Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet 
on top of the stove, set heat to med-low 
and heat till warm. This keeps the crust 
crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on 
the cooking channel and it really works. 


Easy Deviled Eggs - Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. 
Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of
ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly,
cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg.
Just throw bag away when done easy clean up. 

Expanding Frosting - When you buy a container of cake
frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few 
minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more 
cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less 
sugar and calories per serving. 


Reheating refrigerated bread - To warm biscuits, pancakes,
or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a 
microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture 
will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

Watch for more tips in the future! I've got many of them, both for cooking and cleaning, and will share as time allows.

For all your southern Nevada Real Estate needs please be sure to contact me via phone or e-mail!

www.MaryW.com or www.MaryWarren.com

NV, Las Vegas: Angel Point Update

2008-06-21T11:14:44Z

Angel Point is a charming little condo complex on the north west side of Las Vegas....centrally located to everything it's a quick 'shot' down the I-95 to downtown Las Vegas and the Strip. If one wants to stay away from the Las Vegas Strip...that's easy to do as golf courses abound, the Boca Park Shopping Center is just around the corner offering stores like the Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, Joseph Banks; Great eating close by....like P.F. Changs, The Melting Pot, and Cheesecake Factory just to name a few!; The Suncoast and Rampart casinos are nearby with lots of opportunity to eat, gamble, relax with a massage, lay out in the sun; Many big name entertainers often perform there for a special treat!

Angel Point is perfect for investors, second home buyers, first time home buyers, retirees, etc. They are a great buy for someone working close by at Boca Park....what a location!

There are 144 units with 6 currently for sale. If you have any questions on any of these please feel free to contact me using my contact info on the right hand side! If you would like to set up a viewing please let me know...I can arrange that for you to view the property. Lets find you a perfect place!

I specialize in Angel Point...and currently have one listed. You can see all the details on this specific unit by CLICKING HERE. It is a downstairs unit...in PRIMO condition. and although the unit is 10 years old the owner has only lived in it a couple of months out of each year. It is move-in ready, and priced to sell...you couldn't ask for a better location, with parking directly in front of the unit.

For all your Las Vegas Real Estate needs please be sure to call me.

STATUS	ADDRESS	LIST PRICE	SALE PRICE	BDRM	BATH	SQ FEET	LISTED SINCE	CLOSED	*	Original	*
											*
ACTIVE	DURANGO #115	$165,000	*	2	2	1016	11/21/2006	*	*	184,950	*
ACTIVE	DURANGO #123	$155,000	*	2	2	1016	6/20/2007	*	SHORT SALE	170,000	*
ACTIVE	DURANGO #117	$149,000	*	2	2	1016	7/18/2007	*	*	183,500	*
ACTIVE	DURANGO #211	$124,000	*	2	2	1188	1/16/2008	*	BANK OWN	159,900	*
ACTIVE	DURANGO #213	$109,000	*	2	2	1188	4/4/2007	*	BANK OWN	190,000	*
ACTIVE	DURANGO #223	$104,000	*	2	2	1016	5/23/2008	*	SHORT SALE	105,000	*
*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
SOLD	DURANGO #220	$134,900	106,000	2	2	1016	8/24/2007	6/16/2008	BANK OWN	192,500	272 DOM*
SOLD	ALTA #113	179,900	*	2	2	1188	12/14/2006	11/14/2007	*	*	*
SOLD	DURANGO #129	169,900	$169,900	2	2	1188	3/2/2007	8/3/2007	*	*	*
SOLD	DURANGO #224	182,000	$182,000	2	2	1188	6/4/2007	7/31/2007	*	*	*
SOLD	DURANGO #118	185,900	$176,100	2	2	1188	8/28/2006	6/30/2007	*	*	*



(GLVAR deems information reliable but not guaranteed. Properties listed and sold by various MLS participants. Sale Price adjusted for any seller contributions. DOM = Days on Market)

www.MaryW.com or www.MaryWarren.com

What Causes Migraines?

2008-06-17T01:37:13Z

From the time I was a teenager until I was about 50 years old I had constant migraines...the doctors did CAT scans and other tests but, as my husband loves to say, "they found nothing there" (he thinks he's such a clown!).

Migraines can be debiliating. They can totally put you out of commission for days on end, or they might just last a few hours. It seems the only thing that would help is a dark room and sleep.

So what really does cause Migraines? One theory is that certain events or substances (triggers) can set off an imbalance of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin. However, other investigators now believe that migraines may be caused by inherited abnormalities in certain cells in the brain. read article

Nevada and Real Property Transfer Tax

2008-06-14T08:42:43Z

The Real Property Transfer Tax is a tax collected when a home is sold in the state of Nevada. The County Recorder collects it at the time of recording and is part of the seller's closing costs. In Clark County NV (Las Vegas, Henderson, etc) the rate is $5.10 per $1000 of value. This is approximately 1/2 % of the sale price of a home. If a typical home sells for $250,000 the transfer tax would then be $1300. This cost is typically a seller cost but can be negotiated.

The basis for the tax is the actual selling price or the estimated market value of the property.

Who is affected: All parties who participate in transactions involving the transfer of real property. All of Nevada pays this tax...it varies as to the amount from county to county.

For all you southern Nevada real estate needs be sure to e-mail me or give me a call.

www.MaryW.com or www.MaryWarren.com

Las Vegas Market Stats

2008-06-12T13:35:20Z

According to Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors (GLVAR) stats, southern Nevada has seen four straight months of increaced home sales. A slight decrease in the median price of house, condos and townhouses, was also seen. The decrease is attributed to bank-owned properties and short sales. More than half the homes sold in southern Nevada are bank owned or short sale properties. The likelihood of it being a better buyer's market in the future is slim to none. If you are thinking of purchasing a home or investing in some property now is the time!

Total number of single family homes/condos/townhouses sold in April was 2,006. That's up almost 22% from March (1,478). These figures are UP almost 17% in one month!
The median price of a house is currently $235,875 a decrease of 3% since March 2008
The median price on a condo/townhouse has decreased 4.9% from March to April 2008 to $155,000.
Lisings on houses, condos and townhouses have increased approximately 1% with a total of 28,315 currently for sale

All information is per the GLVAR MLS service and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

www.MaryW.com or www.MaryWarren.com

Five Easy Ways to Improve Brain Power

2008-06-12T00:58:07Z

The other day when we were visiting our kids in Arizona I turned on Good Morning America (GMA)....now I very seldom watch daytime TV....but when I was a stay-at-home mom a gazillion years ago this was one show I did watch (remember Joan Lunden and David Hartman?). So I figured being on vacation I deserved a treat and turned it on. The subject that was being discussed was how to help improve our brain power. They made it quite clear this was not a 'cure all' but it could help delay the onset of Alzheimers. My brain has turned to total MUSH over the last several years...so I was all ears.

Of course I can't remember but two of the items they mentioned so I did some googling. Here are 5 tips to help improve your brain power...all are fairly easy and do not take a whole lot of energy!

Brush your teeth using the opposite hand than you normally use - in other words if you are left handed use your right hand to brush and vice versa. This was one of the GMA tips I did remember. I've been trying it ever since and although I'm not totally adapt at it I am improving - doing this is stimulates the neural connections between the left and right sides of your brain. (Another right handed/left handed thing to do is move your computer mouse to the opposite side of your desk and use it that way for awhile.)
Play games - cards, scrabble, crosswords - any game that makes you think a little. This was the other tip I remembered from the GMA show.
Names - force yourself to remember names (I'm getting terrible at this, although I was very good when I was younger). Repeat the persons name when you are introduced to them, use name several times in your initial conversation, relate their face to something or someone else.
Reduce stress - too much stress gives you too much else to think about thus not helping with remembering the things you really want to remember.
Tell yourself that your memory is improving - talking about how poor you feel your memory is only reinforces what you believe to be true. (OK, OK, my brain HAS NOT turned to MUSH, it's improving everyday).

For all your Las Vegas real estate needs REMEMBER to e-mail me or give me a phone call.