In this season of History Channel's American Restoration, you'll be seeing Rick Dale's new Las Vegas home for Rick's Restorations. The new shop is at 1112 S. Commerce St. , just off Charleston Blvd and between the Las Vegas Strip and downtown, in what is known as part of the 'Arts District' of Las Vegas. It's a perfect fit, as this areas has become a hub for artists and craftsmen, as well as eclectic shops and dining. It's also become part of the new urban core evolving in Las Vegas, with Zappos founder Tony Hsieh not only spearheading the movement by expanding into the former Las Vegas City Hall, but multiple investments he's made in the area, including the First Fridays events held in the district each month.

I had wanted to post about this some time ago, but ironically so much of my 'free time' has been taken for my own restoration project of sorts. My project was also the reason I happened to be in the arts district when Rick's new shop opened. I had purchased another home, a brand new custom home that was built just as the financial markets collapsed, and hadn't sold. So a stop at Rick's would also help to give me a few ideas for the new gameroom and theater room I have to furnish. After all, my Tim Arnold Pinball Hall of Fame machine would be pretty lonely in the big new gameroom!

The shop is open for tours, Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. You'll be able to see some of the projects that have been shown on TV, or will be. Above is the golf cart restored for 'The Old Man' of Pawn Stars, and below it is the 1965 Chevy pickup restoration for Kelly's son Brettly.

You'll find a variety of historic items that have been beautifully restored, and some of them that weren't seen on air. It really is amazing to see the detail put into these pieces of Americana, and the tour offers an even more in depth look at what it takes to bring these back to life.

Yes, you'll even get to watch Rick's guys as they work their magic. You can sneak a peek at them hard at work tearing things apart to rebuild them as new.

You can even get a chance to meet the newest Las Vegas 'Stars' of the show. We had a great chat with Rick's brother Ron, discussing a variety of common topics including their trips to Lonnie Hammargren's unusual collection that has been on the show twice. We also saw Rick and Kelly come in as they tried to break away from the fans for a moment so they could eat their lunch. While they were very accommodating to everyone, I didn't want to interrupt their brief down-time. Besides, I was able to get the ever grumpy 'Kowboy' to stop for a moment to take a picture...and of course he complained, but he did it anyway!

If you're a fan of the show, or know someone who is, there's also a gift shop at the new location. Everything from logo T-shirts, glasses and mugs, to Rick's cutoff sleeveless shirts and more can be found here.

As you head out the door, you might also want to take a peek at the new boneyard. As you look at some of those rusty hulks you have to wonder which ones may end up on TV, and you can say you saw them when they weren't quite so pretty.

In addition to the Wednesday night shows on History, if you want to catch some more of Rick's Restorations from behind the scenes, and you can tune into their Friday Webcasts, at 5:30 PM PST, 8:30 PM EST. Of course you can also get more of the inside scoop from their Facebook Fan Page.

While we were originally headed to some other stops in the Arts District, including Artistic Iron Works next door that custom built my new courtyard railings and gate, I'm really glad we made a stop at Rick's Restoration's new home. It was interesting to see the history and artistry, and have a friendly chat with some of our latest celebrity neighbors. With the latest reality show twist added to 'The Entertainment Capital of the World', it's unique experiences like this that make Las Vegas such a great place to call home.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas Real Estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

Las Vegas has one of the most recognizable, and brightest, skylines in the world. Las Vegas strip views are popular with visitors as well as home and luxury condominium buyers. With the normally great visibility the views and activity of the entire valley are amazing.

That's why, when I saw this time lapse video, I knew it was something to share. It was shot by Phillip Bloom from one location, in one of the three tower condos of MGM Signature, just off the famed Las Vegas Strip next to MGM Grand. Titled '24 Hours of Neon', this stunning photography gives you a look of the resort, the boulevard, and the valley as day turns into night, and Las Vegas shines.

If unable to view the video player in the current syndicated post location, Click Here to watch on Vimeo

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas Real Estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

My last post was about Las Vegas local Domenick Allen's 'Vinyl' Rock Show at Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip. The event, sponsored by Cadillac of Las Vegas, benefited the USMC Toys for Tots. It was an absolutely amazing show, and for such a great cause. It even had this thumbs up from Broadway World the day before, so I'd have to say they already knew the quality of the performance to come. The show was also webcast live by Tour TV and you can watch it here with Part 1 and Part 2.

There was a rare Saturday Vegas Strip lane closure permitted for this very special night, with Cadillacs filling with toy donations and a Marine 6x6, as well as coverage throughout the night by KLAS TV. A number of celebrities attended, including guests such as America's Got Talent Fire Performer and Illusionist Antonio Restivo and Recycled Percussion, the Las Vegas Hilton's 'Triumph' magicians 'LaRaf', band members from Imagine Dragons and Moshaka, Mrs. Nevada Deborah Ashston-Cooke, and of course members of the Marine Corps, just to name a slight few who attended.

More entertainers were there to perform, including Billy Hinsche of the Beach Boys, Sonny Turner of The Platters, Workin' at the "Car Wash" Regi Brown of Rose Royce, Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie, singer, musician, producer, arranger Gene Sironen and his wife, the premier Cher Tribute Artist Heidi Thompson. Of course Las Vegas drummer LJ Harness, formerly of Sarasota's 'The Arch Band', and who has played with many music greats like Patty LaBelle and for 'Hoochie' that had opened for the classic rock bands Aerosmith, Journey, Cheap Trick, and many more.

Of course Domenick Allen was amazing. High energy and so versatile, going from vocals and guitar to sax or clarinet, and with moves that were unreal. Yet with all that unstoppable effort his warmth and smiles come shining through to let you know he really loves what he does...and why he does it so well. It's no wonder his shows are so popular and have sellout crowds, just like 'Vocal Soup' where he teams up with Clint Holmes, Susan Anton, and the Philippines singing sensation Martin Nievera.

As you can see, for Domenick, he really lives "It's all about the Music", which just happens to be his other Las Vegas sellout show. His next performance is Jan 29 & 30, 2011 at the Suncoast Resort and Casino, with tickets already on sale to meet the demand. This show has something for everyone as it incorporates, swing, jazz, and Rat Pack to Classic Rock. It is a reflection of his own career that began at age 3, his starring roll as Liberace's protégé, performing with Buddy Rich, Foreigner, and so many of the great musicians, this show is the evolution of music through this era and how these sounds and styles are all intertwined.

Even though I didn't have any shots of myself with Domenick at his Hard Rock show, I did get time to chat with him a bit. Strangely enough, I made a stop at Cadillac of Las Vegas late this week, and while it may look like we planned our wardrobe color coordination, it really was purely by chance that Domenick also dropped in. How could I resist his charming offer to take our 'makeup' picture right there on the showroom floor... and of course since it was totally unexpected and a quick stop, I didn't even have any makeup on! :)

Las Vegas has so many shows and so much incredible talent, and Domenick is a perfect example of exactly that. What is even more amazing about living here is that you can not only enjoy fantastic entertainers on the stage, but may do so on a personal level as part of helping others in our community, and as our friends and neighbors. It's getting to know and interact with such gifted and giving performers like Domenick that just adds yet another reason to why Las Vegas is a such a great place to call home.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas Real Estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

This coming Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, 8 pm to midnight, the fabulous 3 story Flagship Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip will be rocking to Domenick Allen's 'Vinyl Rock Show'. Domenick's personal invitation is in the above video. The show is by this former member of Foreigner and his 10 piece band, plus special celebrity guests dropping by, benefits the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Donation is $20 or a new unwrapped toy, all of which will be used here in the Las Vegas Valley. Tickets are available online, and at the door.

You may also know of the multi talented and multi instrumental Domenick outside of the rock world. His long Las Vegas history includes performing with some of the music legends of of all time. He was a featured performer with Liberace at the Las Vegas Hilton, performed with Buddy Rich and the great headliners of the Vegas Strip. Check out the video trailer for his show, "It's All About the Music", that will be returning to the Suncoast Jan 29 & 30, 2011. I think you'll be amazed by the depth of his musical talent.

Of course you may also know of Domenick from both screen and stage from all over the world. He portrayed Simon Prescott on 'Days of Our Lives', starred in Disney films, was on Star Search, and appeared on stage from Carnegie Hall, to Broadway, to London's famed West End. This is just the tip of the iceberg for Domenick, as he's been performing since age 3.

Domenick is also a Las Vegas 'local', and pictured above he dropped in to enjoy a another local, Bobby Brooks Hamilton and his show at the intimate Chianti Cafe in Summerlin. Domenick and his wife, Leigh Zimmerman, also a star of stage and screen, live here with their young daughter.

Another musician involved in this Toys for Tots is drummer LJ Harness, who has played with many of the greats of the rock world, and has performed in the Tangerine Bowl. LJ relocated to Las Vegas from Florida, and has become part of the local music scene.

You'll find LJ playing around town and at this Toys for Tots concert, but as Marketing Manager for Cadillac of Las Vegas, his company is sponsoring this event as well as others in the community. I met LJ while shopping for a new Cadillac for my dad, and he was great to work with and quickly became a friend. He tells me there's an Escalade in the showroom that's filling up with toys, and he received approval for it and Marine vehicles to be parked on the Strip in front of the Hard Rock Cafe Saturday night.

This a great event for a worthy cause, and it shows once again the unique Las Vegas community. Even with it's relatively small size, it has international city status and amenities often only offered in packed metropolitan areas. It's been a draw to not only the artists and entertainers that work here, but has become a home to many more, and it's not unusual to catch these performers not only on the Strip, but just about anywhere in the valley. Our Las Vegas celebrities are 'neighbors', and are often involved in the community. It's one of the many interesting things that makes Las Vegas a great place to call home.

Oh, and while I'd suggest anyone in Las Vegas dropping in Saturday night and helping the USMC Toys for Tots, there's a way for those that won't be here to still catch the show. It will be webcast live on TourTV.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas Real Estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

Located in the heart of downtown, you could say that Symphony Park is setting the tone for the future of Las Vegas, NV. It has become the center for orchestrating the diversification of the local economy, a new base for arts and culture, and a showcase for conservation and green building in a state already poised to become a leader in renewable energy, at the newly titled Nevada National Security Site that may also have additional future uses for energy, technology experimentation and jobs.

This project was originally named Union Park, after the former Union Pacific rail yards that had been on this location. In what seems a twist of fate, the railroads are what originally gave birth to the city, with land auctions in 1905 that led to the incorporation of the City of Las Vegas in 1911. Now nearly 100 years later, this same land in the shadow of the historic downtown with it's world famous Fremont Street, appears to once again play a highly important role in the Las Vegas of tomorrow.

Is this a building that melted in the desert sun? No this is the work of internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry. His style is a blend of contemporary architecture and sculpture that turns into a flowing work of aesthetic space, and a fitting gateway into this project centered around art and culture.

The building houses the new world center for the treatment of Alzheimer's and other brain disorders, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The center is a partnership of Cleveland Clinic and the Las Vegas Keep Memory Alive Foundation that began this quest for research and treatment of these disorders. KMA was founded by local businessman Larry Ruvo, who had watched his own father, Lou, suffer with the disease.

The back of the Center reveals a look at the contemporary styling lurking beneath the stainless steel facade. The interior of the building, shown here, is just as flowing and unique as the front, appearing to simulate the complexity and connectivity of the human mind.

The efforts to fundraise and build such a structure, through events like their annual star studded Power of Love Gala, and the support it has received from both the community and outside sources are what helped to inspire the partnership with Cleveland Clinic. It has even led them to explore expanding their presence in Symphony Park, as they currently hold exclusive negotiating rights to several adjoining parcels for expanded medical services, as shown on this Newland Community Map of the project.

Of course it's hard to show a panorama of Symphony Park's 61 acres in the size limits I have here in my blog. Clicking the image above will load into a Google Maps API, so that you can zoom in or out and drag to see the details, including the side view of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center and the under construction Smith Center for the Performing Arts. This $470 million center will house 3 theaters for everything ranging from Broadway and performing artist shows and concerts, to intimate local productions. A recent addition to the complex will be the $43 million Discovery Children's Museum, with a larger footprint and new exhibits for families to enjoy.

Smith Center will also become the permanent home of the Nevada Ballet Theater and Las Vegas Philharmonic, as well as other local theater, dance, music, and educational groups. For a sneak peek at these fabulous new facilities coming on line in 2012, there's a virtual fly over and through, along with a video presentation, found here.

You may have noticed in the Lou Ruvo Center pictures or panorama, that there was a rather large building hiding just behind it. That is just one of the 3 current buildings that make up the 5,000,000 square feet of the World Market Center, a furniture showplace for manufacturers and buyers from around the world. While the center has felt the squeeze of the global financial slowdown, hopes are that it can be a catalyst for export manufacturing in an economic rebound. You'd have to imagine that this facility played some role in the recent opening of Foliot Furniture's west cost manufacturing operations and showroom near McCarran airport.

In the panorama you may also notice another crane to the right of the Symphony Park sign and behind the Bank of America building. That is the construction of another Cleveland based company, Forest City, and their LiveWork project that will contain the new Las Vegas City Hall and a new Transit Terminal as part of that complex. This is one of several proposed and soon to begin projects in the downtown area that includes the CIM Group Lady Luck starting later this year, as seen on this map. It also shows the land swap arrangement between the city and Forest City, trading the City Hall parcel when completed in 2012 for one in Symphony Park for a 1000 room hotel and casino as shown in this rendering.

Symphony Park also has another unique architectural and cultural center in place just across the street. The Clark County Government Center and it's amphitheater where many community concerts and performances are held. If you thought the Luxor on the Las Vegas Strip was the only pyramid in Las Vegas, you'll discover there's one also found here. It houses the 400 seat cafeteria that service this nearly 400,000 square foot facility built on almost 39 acres.

The other existing neighbor on the last corner of Bonneville is the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. This 150 store outdoor outlet mall opened in late 2003 and as the name implies it features many designer brands. If the foot and vehicle traffic of my recent mid-week visit is any indicator, consumer spending here must be on the rise. The surface lot I was in didn't have a space, the one parking garage I was in was near full, and there was a constant line of cabs and limos adding to the crowds at the stores.

There is something else to notice in that panorama, other than it's in sight of the Las Vegas Strip. If you look at that red center lane on Grand Central Parkway, it's the new dedicated lane for the Regional Transportation Commission's new Gold Line. It connects the Symphony Park area with downtown, the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Strip. These diesel - electric hybrids are busses, but with the level entry of light rail. It's part of the future mass transit system connecting the Las Vegas Valley, with the Boulder Highway corridor under construction to connect downtown Las Vegas with Henderson. At a much lower cost per mile to build when compared with light rail, this transit system represents an affordable way to expand future transportation needs.

In the relatively short history of Las Vegas, it has been the fastest growing city of the past century. Much of this is due to it being able to reinvent itself over the years. It's beginnings in rail and mining, pioneering in gaming, it's WWII military base and manufacturing followed by cold war testing and development, to today's world class resort destinations with entertainment, shopping, and dining, and it's air and ground tours to the many natural wonders of the southwest, the city has always evolved.

Part of it's ability to recover has been it's forward thinking that you see here with Symphony Park, combined with it's business friendly environment and low tax burden. These incentives have inspired creative thinking and the ability to more easily absorb the risks of fresh ideas, while also offering employees more take home pay in a city that offers the amenities often found only in much larger and expensive urban areas.

Even now as we all inch toward a recovery, the groundwork laid out in Symphony Park offers Las Vegas a leg up on any potential the future may hold. It is part of the reason so many home buyers and investors have been absorbing the local home inventory, putting their money on a turnaround for the city with the can - do attitude.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas Real Estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

Mountain's Edge in the southwest Las Vegas Valley has been ranked by RCLCO as one of the top selling Master Planned Communities for several years, and as you'll soon see for yourself, Pardee Homes Serrano is part of the reason why it's held near the very top.

The 3500 acre build-out for this master planned community offers some incredible values. Combining this with record low interest rates makes these new homes even more affordable, in many cases less than the cost of renting, and with any added tax deduction benefits of home ownership.

In 2007 Mountain's Edge opened Exploration Park, one of many green spaces and trails that are planned and built as the community grows. Country in the Park is one of the community events held annually, and year round it is a place to play, hike, and enjoy the outdoors. I've included a small glimpse of the park in the Serrano tour.

In today's home market there is so much focus and media attention to foreclosures and short sales, often creating the impression they offer the best 'deal'. That may be true, or not, depending on the individual home, it's condition, and the buyer's individual wants and needs. A home buyer must also consider that there are risks involved in foreclosures that are sold as-is, and some uncertainty involved in short sales. It's also quite possible that maintenance may have been neglected by owners choosing not to invest more into a home they are going to lose.

This was a consideration I myself had to make when purchasing my own home, a rare to be found bank owned foreclosure during the housing boom. At that time, the wide price differential between it and new made the decision much easier. Today in the Las Vegas home market new homes are often very competitively priced when compared to foreclosures, short sales, and resale homes. Add the builder's new home warranty, any customization you may chose, and any discrepancies typically corrected from the final walk-through, and these truly move-in ready homes can be worth considering.

At Serrano, you'll find may standard features included that are often considered as additional cost upgrades. Granite Kitchen Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances and Kitchen Sink, Beech Cabinets, GE washer and Dryer, Garage Door Opener, and Energy Efficient Radiant Barriers are currently being offered. These items, along with other potential incentives, add to the value you would receive for your investment.

At the moment, Serrano offers 3 home models each offering a choice of 3 different floor plans to chose from, with some optional room changes available at additional cost. The homes range from 1850 sf to 2682 sf, with base pricing currently listed from $203,950 to $230,450, or a range of roughly $85 to $110 per square foot.

A report earlier this year indicated that banks were making $80 per sf on foreclosures and $130 per sf on short sales, placing these new homes within that range. This is why I feel my clients should explore all their options before making their home buying decision, instead of assuming what offers the best value and fits their lifestyle.

I must also add this caveat about new homes: Always shop for YOUR best Buyer's Agent FIRST. By requesting information or registering online, or by making your first visit to any builder's homesite without your agent present, you will be giving up YOUR RIGHT to having YOUR own representation in the transaction. As with the majority of home purchases including foreclosures, short-sales, and resales, these services are at no additional cost to the home buyer, as any fees are typically paid by the seller. I'd also suggest reading my blog series about why you need a Las Vegas Home Buyer's Agent. to assist you with any home purchase decisions.

Now on to the photo tour of Serrano by Pardee Homes at Mountain's Edge. It can be viewed full screen and volume adjusted by using the controls on the bottom of the player. If the XML Flash player isn't embedded in a syndicated location where you may be viewing this post, Click Here. You can also see the rest of my Las Vegas Photoshows Here, that covers a variety of communities, events, and recreational opportunities that are hidden away here in the Las Vegas Valley.

This photo tour is also available on my Real Estate Las Vegas Living Channel on YouTube, and the pictures on my Google Picasa Album as Enlargeable Stills or as a Slideshow. This provides you with a variety of media options, and you can decide which format suits you the best. I hope the tour gives you a better understanding of what Serrano and Mountain's Edge may have to offer you, and a small sample of what home and life styles can be found here in Las Vegas.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas Real Estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

It was time to update my Search4LasVegasHomes.com website. Besides making it more compatible with newer browsers and larger monitors, I also added something that's been very important to my clients... photography.

Working with so many out of town home buyers and investors, being able to provide quality images has been a very valuable service for them. Not only for the homes, since many of the listing photos leave a lot to be desired in either or both size or quality, but to also give them a better feel of the neighborhood where the homes are located.

There are so many beautiful homes and wonderful communities in Las Vegas, but finding which one will be the best choice for any individual lifestyle or business plan is the difficult part. You surely don't want to discover what other communities, activities, and amenities could be out there after you've made your purchase. That is why I chose to present my clients with all the options that Las Vegas has to offer, and why I don't 'specialize' in a specific master plan, which I feel could be limiting to them.

While Las Vegas has been getting nearly 40 million visitors each year, most really know little about what lies in the other 600 square miles of the Las Vegas Valley. As I mentioned in my recent blog series, Las Vegas New Homes, Resales, or Foreclosures - Why You Need a Buyer's Agent, it's not even unusual for those that live here to not know about everything to be found, since people often stay in their own realm of work, friends and neighborhood.

I often get calls asking about some of the better known Las Vegas master plans, only because 'they've heard' they are a good place to live. While they can be, I find it's impossible for them to make their best individual decision without having an idea of what other areas have to offer.

Rather than cluttering my site with hundreds of snippets on communities, that would be time consuming to sift through, I use photography to introduce them to the Las Vegas Valley. As they say, a picture is worth 1000 words, and it's amazing when they discover it in those "That's in Vegas?" images.

The new Media Button on the Navigation Bar makes it easier to find my public photo collections. The first is the Las Vegas Photo Page, with a group of pictures and links to many more at my Google Picasa Album and at Twitpic.

I did include a few Las Vegas celebrity pictures, since yes, this is part of living in Las Vegas. While you might not always have a good camera handy, or feel it's appropriate, it is fairly common for me to rub elbows with any number of them. From social or community events, to casual encounters around town, with so many celebrities and performers living here as your neighbors, it isn't that unusual.

Even when you know them you may not notice at first glance, since it becomes commonplace and they are being more casual to fit in with the rest of us natives. Of course for someone like Scott Thompson, otherwise known as Luxor comedian Carrot Top, it's pretty easy to spot him even in a crowded room. Just the other day I ran into Mike Tyson at the DMV, of all places... AND I still have both my ears! :)

The next page is the Las Vegas Photo and Video Tours. These are a quick snapshot of both PhotoShow and YouTube, and link to my collections on those sites. While I've posted these individually here in my blog, they're scattered over pages of posts. Having them located and linked all in one spot makes them a bit more convenient.

Of course the Las Vegas Strip still plays a huge role in wanting to live here. Having such an impressive collection of world class resorts and all the amenities they offer right in your own backyard, makes a vacation escape just a short drive away. The wide variety of accommodations are combined with so many shows, custom built multimillion dollar theaters, dining, shopping, spas, and nightlife, and is all right at your fingertips.

The unique and often changing skyline is recognized the world over and why so many are drawn to our oasis, even for a visit. That's why I included the 1920x1080 Las Vegas HD Backgrounds Page, as individually these images have been very popular. They directly reduce to 1600x900, and some other widescreen resolutions, for those that want to keep a little bit of Las Vegas on their desktop or laptop.

On that page I've also included another important aspect of Las Vegas...aviation. Of course travel is important to a resort destination, and McCarran's large flight and destination count allows for Las Vegas Locals to have easy and reasonable international access. Terminal 3 expansion is currently said to be 70% completed, and the proposed second Ivanpah Airport has environmental and airspace studies underway.

There are also the other local airlines, like the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours and Flights, that often include flyovers of other local attractions such as Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Valley of Fire. These all combine with the active business and private general aviation that's found at North Las Vegas, Henderson Executive, Jean, and Boulder City airports.

Then there's Nellis Air Force Base, that is not only home to the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team and the annual Aviation Nation Air Show, but it plays a major role in our nation's defense. The Nelllis Range is used for all types of training, not only all branches of the military, but our international allies, as well. There is also all that technology developed and tested in the range...well if those Top Secret places like Groom Lake's Area 51 actually existed. :) Creech AFB is another base here in Clark Co., where not only do they fly the pilotless Raptor and Predator aircraft all over the globe, it is also the training facility for these drones.

So in addition to the Las Vegas Home Search for foreclosures, resales, and short sales, along with a Las Vegas New Home Search, and general Home Buyers or Home Sellers information, the addition of these images provides a quick overview of what Las Vegas really has to offer. Armed with this visual, my clients can then begin to focus on their areas of interest, and I can provide any specific data for those areas, instead of trying to sift through all the clutter of pasting it into my website or my blog. My clients have found this streamlining of the real estate process makes their life much easier, realizing that self-service internet real estate shopping can be both misdirected and overwhelming. It really makes no sense to go it alone when experienced help is available to you.

So feel free to explore Las Vegas through my updated website, with the tools and the pictures I provide. When you're ready for the next step, I'm right here to lend you a hand to make your entire experience as easy and beneficial for you, as possible.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

Part 3 of a Series, Las Vegas Buyer's Agent vs. Self Service Internet Home Buying - Part 1 Click Here

The internet is a wonderful tool, but unfortunately it's far from perfect. There are hoaxes, spam, scams, and misinformation that you have to endure and must sort out good from bad. Real Estate information isn't exempt, no matter how well known a website may be, and let's face it, these days it appears everyone and their uncle has some sort of online real estate search.

The big question is how accurate is this information. If you live in a market that is slow moving, it may not be as much of an issue. If you've read the first parts of this series you already know Las Vegas is fast paced, especially at the lower end of the pricing scale.

I constantly get contacts from buyers with homes they've found online at any number of the 'top' real estate sites, only to tell them the home is sold, under contract, isn't listed, or at a totally different price. This adds confusion and often distrust toward the agent or their ability. After all they see a listing for it. Unfortunately they can't purchase the home if it isn't available for sale.

These sites draw their information from local MLS databases, or in the case of 'foreclosure listings', raw data from the local recorder's office. For the MLS data, it's often not updated fast enough as these megasites have the entire country to acquire. They also normally won't include 'listing' details such as the property already being under contract and that it is still considered 'listed' until the sale actually closes.

The foreclosure sites' pricing can often be skewed by taking any title action for any amount and labeling it as a 'foreclosure', even the settlement amounts for asset management companies or liens. In some cases the foreclosure sales 'price' they list is from the Trustee sale, and because the homeowner owed more than the market value, the listing price may end up being lower when the home is actually listed for sale.

If you want to avoid the middleman confusion, simply use a local REALTOR® search. It's tied directly into the original database that these megasites periodically update from. I have several places online to find them and you can decide which one is easiest for you to use. They are at my sites RobertaLaRocca.com, Search4LasVegasHomes.com, and a slightly different formatted search at my Greater Las Vegas Assn. of REALTORS® hosted website, as well as my direct search link page.

Each of these free online searches includes Las Vegas Foreclosures, resales, short sales...anything listed for sale on the multilist service, including some new construction if you check that box. Not only that, but these listing are marked ACTIVE if they are probably still accepting offers. I say probably because I still call the listing agent to verify, as homes are often selling so quickly. They may not have updated it's status at GLVAR. The homes marked Pending or Contingent are already under contract and no longer accepting offers. The exception to those under contract, and why they continue to be listed, is if by some chance they should fall out of esrow. I think you'll find these home searches will be more productive and waste less of your time by not chasing after homes that are 'listed' online, but not actually available or accepting offers.

Of course this is still self-service real estate. It may even give some the impression that this is all a Buyer's Agent does, a quickie search that you can do yourself. There's actually much more to home buying than just these simple home searches with very limited information. They are alright for 'window shopping', but if you're ready to look seriously, you'll need much more information and guidance.

If you're a smart shopper, you'll start out knowing how much you can afford to spend. After all, it makes no sense to look at homes you can't afford. Offers won't be accepted without proof of funds or loan qualification.

If you're financing your purchase, you should have pre-qualified for a mortgage and have an idea of not only the amount you qualify, but what monthly payment you'll find affordable. If you haven't looked into financing, a REALTOR® can explain your options and put you in touch with financial professionals, and of course you can shop your best rates for yourself.

If you've run those numbers, you're all set to shop online, right? Well what about other costs that may not be shown in online listings? Property taxes? Homeowners Assn or Master Plan fees, LIDS or SIDS. Do you know what these fees are, and if every home has them or how much they can vary? These are potential added expenses that you may have to allow for in your budget, whether you're a homeowner or investor. A home can be gorgeous, but if it doesn't fit you budget, there's no sense in pursuing it any further.

When I'm contacted by a client, I can put them on a search that delivers only those homes that meet their particular needs, eliminating the need to search on their own. These results are sent directly to their email with new listings forwarded as they are entered. They will include property taxes and any other related fees or assessments. Above and beyond that, I can add some very specific search criteria, much more than you can do online, to narrow your search even further. Why run all over town looking at homes that aren't really what you're looking for?

During this time both buyers and investors may want additional community information or nearby amenities. For buyers, what they want where they live, for investors, what marketing advantage they may offer over the competition. Either may want local market statistics, and investors local rental data, so that their investment isn't lost in a sea of rental properties or rents in the area not matching their estimates, effecting their anticipated cashflow.

Let's face it, when you do find homes you want to look at, you'll need to contact a real estate agent. As I mentioned in Part 2 of this series, calling the listing agent may not be your best choice. Not only will you most likely be dealing with a different agent for each property, you don't have an agent representing you, as they become a neutral 3rd. party if you chose to make an offer.

Writing an offer is where you'll want even more information. Is the home listed at or above market price, or priced low to attract multiple offers. Here is where you'll want to make a decision on what is a fair price. Too low, and chances are it won't be accepted, and in this competitive market you most likely won't have the opportunity to negotiate. Too high, and not only will you overpay, but if financing the home may not appraise high enough for you to get the loan.

Then there are any contingencies and terms to consider, and if or how they may effect your chances of acceptance. With a bank owned foreclosure, a 'clean' offer, or asking only minimal and standard contingencies or terms, may increase your chances of success. A resale may possibly offer more options, particularly if the seller is eager. The signing of these documents can be made much easier with the recent official acceptance of Electronic Signatures by the FHA, an additional service I can provide for my clients.

With foreclosures, even if your offer is 'accepted', you will typically get a counter offer on the bank's specific contracts. Counters may also happen with resales and short sales. This is the time you need your Buyer's Agent to review before you sign. They may notice anything that is out of the ordinary that you may not want to accept or will counter, or possibly advise you to seek legal council before proceeding if something appears to be to your disadvantage. You never want to agree to terms without an understanding of how they will affect you.

If the contract is agreed upon, escrow is opened by your agent with a title company, and your due diligence period begins. For a resale or a foreclosure this is 5 days by Nevada law. You can ask for more in your offer, but with foreclosures I have yet to see a bank agree to go beyond it. During this time you'll need to arrange a home inspection and review the findings. Your Buyer's Agent can assist you with this process. Should anything found by the inspector raise questions, typically marked as 'further inspection needed', you'll have to determine if this is a deal breaker or if you'd want to get estimates or opinions from other qualified professionals. This must be completed within the agreed period, or you will forfeit your earnest money deposit.

As the sale proceeds beyond this point, typically the only issue to be settled is the appraisal and loan approval. Unfortunately there are also the possibilities of delays of closing, either from a lender taking longer than expected, or the seller having a problem providing clear title. Any delays may require additional negotiation and addendums written to the original contract.

After the closing and the official funding, your Buyer's Agent will present you with the keys to your new home. Of course, their work for you may still not be done. You may need more guidance on the "where to find", or the "how do I's" that may turn up as you begin settling in. This can range from anything such as government and community services to vendors and contractors, and beyond.

I hope that my series on Las Vegas Home Buying has been informative and gives you a better understanding of why having your own Buyer's Agent representation is so important, and how having one can help to streamline the process. Self-service may work for purchasing a standardized product at your big box retailer or online, but real estate is much more involved, as each transaction and home is unique. I believe you'll also realize that knowledgeable REALTORS® offer much more than providing a few listings and unlocking a few doors.

The most productive online real estate search you can do is NOT to hunt for a home, but to search for the agent who will best represent you. Blogs like mine here at Active Rain are a great place to start, giving you an understanding of the agent's knowledge and level of service they may provide.

From there, you can test the water a little further. Do they return calls or emails? Are they providing you with useful information? Will they make themselves reasonably available to you, or do you have to fit their office hours schedule of Monday thru Friday from 9 to 5...or less? Quality service, availability, and solid communication are all key to you best representation.

Also keep in mind that you want to develop a solid business relationship with this person, and that honest and open communication works both ways. If you expect a commitment from your Buyer's Agent, you should offer them the same. Remember, until you actually close on your home, you'll be operating on the agent's time and at their expense. A quality REALTOR® will be in demand, so if you've found one you're comfortable with, play fair if you hope to take advantage of their service and expertise.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

Part 2 - New Homes, Resales and Foreclosures - Part 1 Click Here

New Homes in Las Vegas, just as resale homes, have had prices drop due to the competition from foreclosures and short sales. In some cases these new homes in standing inventory can be priced at roughly $100 a square foot or less, offering a tremendous value. Not only because they have a builder's warranty versus the as-is of a foreclosure, they may also have added upgrades, and in some cases can be finished to the buyer's preferences. They also tend to have less competition involved than foreclosures and not the wait time or uncertainty of a short sale acceptance.

So why would you need a Buyer's Agent for a new home? They have their own sales staff, so just walk in the door and pick out your home, and get the best deal, right? Well, maybe not, there can be more to it than that.

Let me relate an experience of one of my recent clients, a great couple from the east who have been planning their relocation for the past 4 years, and visitors for many more. The past year's winter with record snowfall had really helped persuade them to finally make their move to Las Vegas. Being from that part of the country, I can relate. During their many visits they had initiated a new home purchase on their own. Without going into the gory details, they had a bad experience with one of the major builders. That is what led them to me, something I always include in my blogs and website about new home sales in Nevada:

New Home Buyers Please Note:

Registering online, requesting more information, or a first visit to a home builder without your agent present will eliminate your right to have your own agent representation.

Typically when you walk into a builder's sales office, if you look hard enough, you'll see a small sign somewhere that will say something to the effect that buyer's agents must register their clients on the first visit to be able to earn a referral fee or broker commission. Yes, that's true, REALTORS® don't collect a paycheck, we are paid by commission and only if a buyer's sale is completed. We have our own time and expenses invested in a client, and for whatever reason they should not close, that's our loss to absorb. So just like everyone else we do have to be paid for our work, only ours is performance based rather than a weekly paycheck. It's not really much different than most any small business, your success or failure is based on your service quality, business sense, and efficiency.

What the sign doesn't say is that builders are offering this as a cooperative commission, just as a homeowner would do with a resale or a bank with a foreclosure. This amount is predetermined by the seller and divided between the selling agent and the buyer's agent, or in the case of one agent handling both sides of the transaction, known as dual agency, the agent retains both portions of the cooperative. In this situation they go from an agent representing one party or the other, to what is supposed to be a neutral third party.

While this is legal in Nevada and some other states, in my own personal opinion this is like walking into a courtroom and asking a prosecuting attorney to defend you. At best, they could become an arbitrator, not representing you to the best of their ability. In any type of real estate purchase or sale I would personally recommend having your own agent. As I include myself in this recommendation, I don't do this to put down any agents, but to offer home buyers the added comfort layer of knowing they have their own representative and avoid any questions of a conflict of interest.

While some may be under the impression from these signs, sales reps, or from 'tales on the internet', that they can score a better price by 'dealing direct', I believe they're mistaken. Why? Something that effects future sales...appraisal value. Builders already have very competitive pricing, and by cutting special deals, they'll cut their own throats. Future sales will have trouble getting financing.

All sales are recorded, and those comparable sales prices effect future appraisal values for home loans. I've provided my clients with that comparative data and it was something they hadn't even considered looking at. Needless to say, in addition to the thousands in upgrades and other perks they received, their per square foot cost was also slightly lower than all other recent comparable home sales in this community. Without that information, that buying direct 'good deal' you may think you're getting, is nothing more than a guess, at best.

What other advantages did my new home couple receive in shifting from self-service to selecting me as their buyer's agent? Let's back up to their home buying process. After giving me the details of what they wanted in a new home and the price range they were comfortable with, I was able to present them with a larger and more diverse selection than they were able to find on their own. This, even though both are Internet and tech savvy with laptops, smartphones, and kindle. I was able to introduce them to communities and builders they had overlooked. Why? Simply because I work in this business daily and have access to even more resources, contacts, and research.

As your Buyer's Agent, I don't represent any specific builder, home seller, or bank. I represent you, my client. My purpose is to find the best available home selections that affordably fit your personal choices. I can do that without any limitations.

A sales agent representing a builder and quite possibly a specific community, doesn't have that luxury. Chances are they won't recommend looking at other communities or builders, no more than you'd expect a Lexus dealer to recommend a Cadillac or other competitor. As a Real Estate Agent, Federal Fair Housing Laws prohibit me from steering you to or from any area. I can only present all available choices that fit your housing or real estate investment needs. In addition to this, I personally don't claim to 'specialise' in a neighborhood or type of home, so that I can equally present all your available options throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

By offering my clients this selection of homes that would be available in various communities, they were able to begin to narrow their search even before they arrived. This allowed them to use their time here more effectively. They weren't overwhelmed or confused by having too many to chose from in a relatively short time. While some of the homes were located in those 'more often named' communities I listed in Part 1 of this series, their actual choice came down to one of the communities, and builders, they had overlooked in their own several year long search. They were actually torn between two different communities from this builder, but my suggestion of driving around each of these neighborhoods to get their own feel of them, was a big help in making their final decision.

Buying foreclosures are a different situation. Particularly under $200k, cash is king, competition is high, and it moves at a much faster pace. The home pictured above was one for another investor I'm working with, and is just one example. This home was on the market 14 days before being under contract, had multiple offers, sold at list price and closed within 28 days of listing as a cash sale. Generally speaking from a cosmetic point of view, the home was in relatively good condition, but there were a few visible items that appeared to need addressed. A home inspection could potentially uncover more, or not, and there is always the possibility of any lack of maintenance items cropping up. These are considerations when purchasing a foreclosure that will be sold as-is and without any condition disclosures that you would have in a normal resale.

If you think that foreclosure sale was fast, you're wrong. I often come across homes that have only been listed a few days and offers are no longer being accepted. It's also not uncommon when submitting an offer to receive a multiple offer form in reply, notifying potential buyers of this situation so that they can submit their highest and best offer.

To give you a further idea of how competitive the Las Vegas home market has become, let me give you just one more example. I've written around 25 and counting, very clean cash offers at or above listing price for a Canadian investor. Of those, only 3 were accepted, the rest beat by higher offers. Don't be misled by news reports of the Las Vegas Foreclosure Crisis or Las Vegas Foreclosure Rates. Yes, there are foreclosures and there continues to be, but there is also a lot of buyer competition out there, as well.

Las Vegas home inventory has been shrinking and sales have been hitting near boom year record highs during the past year. You will need to be persistent and creative if you want to be successful, but of course you don't want to overbid, particularly beyond your personal comfort zone. Here again, comparable sales statistics from your buyer's agent provide you with guidance for your offer price decisions.

Short sales are another aspect of the market. This is where a homeowner facing foreclosure is attempting to sell their home for less than is owed, and must be accepted by the lender, or lenders. This can possibly offer the opportunity to purchase a home left in better condition than a foreclosure. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that the lenders will agree to the price the buyer has accepted. The bank approval process can take weeks to months, can result in them accepting, refusing, or countering either your offer or possibly requiring the homeowner to sign a note for the difference owed.

A new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) incentive program has been put into place by the Treasury. Hopes are that it will help streamline and speed the acceptance process, and allow for more short sales to avoid foreclosure. As it was put in effect April 5, 2010 and is voluntary, it's too soon to tell what real effect these incentives will have at this point.

Resales are often overlooked in today's market and may have less competition as so many have caught 'foreclosure fever', thinking that they are the only good deals to be found. I often get contacts for free Las Vegas foreclosure lists, and they want to shut out resale homes completely. Personally I recommend looking at all your options, and if a resale is competitively priced, it can offer good value. Unlike foreclosures, with a normal resale you'll receive disclosures from the homeowner, may have recourse if known faults aren't disclosed vs the as-is of bank owned, and have the potential to possibly negotiate any issues found during your due diligence / inspection period. Of course I also see resales that can be unrealistically priced, well above market values. Here again, a REALTOR® can provide you with comparative sales data to help you make that determination.

Part 3 - Las Vegas Buyer's Agent vs. Self Service Internet Home Buying

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

Part 1 of a Series

The image above may look like just a shot of Mandalay Bay and Luxor Las Vegas, but if you click on it for my 1920x1080 HD screen background, you'll see thousands of rooftops behind them. That is just a sliver of the Las Vegas Valley, only one section to the west. While Summerlin takes up 22,500 acres on that side of the valley, and to the north and south of this shot, it only includes an area closest to the Spring Mountains. There are so many other communities lying in between.

Yes, Summerlin, Green Valley, Rhodes Ranch, Tuscany Village, MacDonald Highlands, Anthem, Aliante, Madeira Canyon, Mountains Edge, Inspirada, Providence, Centennial Hills, Sun City, Lake Las Vegas... these are just several of the better advertised, or commonly mentioned community names that I'll often hear when contacted by a client. They've 'heard', either online or 'asking around' that these are good areas to buy or live. While that may be true, the Las Vegas Valley covers approximately 600 square miles, and these communities represent only a small portion of the area.

While they are great master planned communities, there are questions that need to be answered for the individual home buyer's benefit. "Is it is a good place for them to live or invest?" "What best fits their budget and lifestyle?" "Do they prefer select access to work, schools, shopping, recreation, highways, airports?" "Do they want something with an urban, suburban, or more rural residential feel?"

These are just some of the questions that need to be answered, and where having a knowledgeable REALTOR® as your buyer's agent is invaluable. Real estate, whether buying for your own home or as an investment, isn't something that fits well into the self service / DIY category. Sure, there may be a few who can defend themselves in court, or perform their own surgery or dentistry, but I think the vast majority would much prefer the services of a professional on their side. :)

For the home buyer or real estate investor, the services of a Buyer's Agent are typically paid for by the seller, with rare exceptions. This makes it pretty silly to go it on your own or use the 'advise' of others that don't work in the industry on a day to day basis.

While Las Vegas has had nearly 40 million visitors a year, the majority don't know much about it as a place to live. As far as that goes, I've met numerous people living here that don't know exactly where they live in the Las Vegas Valley, let alone what lies beyond their own realm.

I recently worked with an investor from Tel Aviv that found this to very true. He fell in love with the beauty of Lake Las Vegas, and it's Mediterranean style. He was shocked when he asked opinions of it from various workers around town, from hourly to management levels, only to get typical responses of "I've heard it was nice." "WHAT?" He exclaimed, "They've never been there? Even if they don't live there, they must visit it, it's gorgeous!" I explained to him that this isn't really that unusual, that often people develop their own circle of work, neighborhood, and recreation, and don't often go much past it. While that is true in most areas, Las Vegas has so much to offer, it's very easy to miss so much of what is 'hidden in plain sight'.

Click for Larger Image

Even though he had been a regular Las Vegas visitor over the years, especially since he had lived in California for some time, he was still surprised by what I next told him. There are other lake front communities in the Las Vegas Valley. There is also an orchard with pick your own fruits and vegetables. Snowboarding, skiing, and sleigh rides at Mt Charleston, just 45 minutes or so away, and an amazing array of recreation to be found here. His reaction to these and my other surprises was similar to the reaction I get from so many Las Vegas locals and visitors...."What? Here in Las Vegas?"

I've at times been surprised by what I've seen written online, even from media sources, that could give one the wrong impression of Las Vegas. Just one simple example was a local journalist, blogger, and podcaster that has become known for his accuracy and objectiveness in his writing. He was shocked to see a NV Dept. of Wildlife ad at the airport to promote fishing in Las Vegas. He commented something to the effect of... 'Who comes to Vegas and says dang I should have brought my pole, and can't you think of better places for a fishing expedition than this land of manmade catfish stocked lakes."

While I don't fish, I do know there are manmade urban lakes, that are stocked with trout. There's also the largest manmade lake in the country, Lake Mead, just next door. You can see just a portion of the Boulder Basin in the picture above, and that's just small piece of the over 500 miles of shoreline the lake offers...and holds an estimated 15 million fish, nearly 10 million believed to be striped bass, along with largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, green sunfish and rainbow trout. As a matter of fact, the very first Bassmaster Tournament was held at Lake Mead in 1971.

Yes, when you know that they've pulled some large fish, like this one, from the lake and the Colorado River below the dam that flows into Lake Mojave, you might just be saying 'Dang, I should have brought my pole'. At the very least, you might want to Google fishing Las Vegas, NV for gear, bait, charters, guides, and more. A lot to be found in these parts, even if some don't see Las Vegas as a fishing destination that it is.

So why are details like this important to a Las Vegas home buyer or investor? Simple....PERSPECTIVE. A buyer may not consider purchasing a home with extra garage space or parking if they're lead to believe there's no fishing or boating to be had. It would be a shame for them to find out afterward and say "Dang, I wish I had that space." For the investor, it may be difficult for them to see any potential marketing value in a home that has that extra parking and could possibly offer them and edge on competition of other rentals.

Local information of all types and valley wide is what a good REALTOR® can provide. As your Buyer's Agent, I become your source of the whats and wheres of Las Vegas, in addition to valuable statistical market information and transaction procedures. As a Nevada permitted Property Manager not only I can offer those services, but lists of vendors I've used that may be handy for your new home. It's this service and experience that will benefit you, by provinding you with the facts you need to know to make your best home buying decisions.

Part 2 of this Series - Buying New Las Vegas Homes, Resales and Foreclosures

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, at Roberta@RobertaLaRocca.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!