Recently on a trip to visit our daughter in Arizona we drove through Hoover Dam.  Hoover Dam is about a 35 mile drive from Las Vegas.  It was sad to see how far down the water level was...the white in the picture above denotes how far down it is...it's several feet.  Water shortage in Las Vegas in not a myth.  Las Vegas is on mandatory water rationing year round.                                      This second picture is of the new highway going in over the dam linking Nevada to Arizona without having to fight the tourist at the dam. Driving through the dam can take a couple hours.  We were stuck there one Christmas day coming home from Arizona, for over 2 hours because of an accident...it's currently a two lane road currently. This is expected to o... 05/28/2007

Pardee Homes is proud of the many awards they have won. They claim to be America's best builder. They tout beautiful design, quality construction, fair business practices, among other qualities. Headquartered in Los Angeles Pardee has several offices located throughout the southwestern portion of the country.J.D. Powers and Associates ranks them toward the top in customer satisfaction and service. They are environmentally sensitive and energy conscious. They prove a home can be smart, comfortable, and good looking.Pardee understands that improving community is important. They participate philanthropically in many ways. They have built a strong, generous culture.Las Vegas Realtors® can help you find a great new Pardee Home. 05/28/2007

This may be the best time in history to buy a home in Las Vegas.April's housing data for Las Vegas, as expected, was a continuation of the housing bottom we have been scraping along for nearly six months.  But, for the first time, there appeared to be some minute improvements worth noting.Despite the negativity of national reports - particularly Fiserv Lending Solutions which has predicted that Las Vegas will be the worst market in the US for housing appreciation this year - pricing in the market remained very stable. ----->In fact, prices for existing homes remained above last year's levels and were an improvement on March's median ($284,900 median).----->And despite very weak sales, the new home sector also maintained relative price stability ($323,990 median).Another improvement in t... 05/26/2007

Home sales activity in Cortona Hills, a neighborhood in the master-planned community of Southern Highlands in Las Vegas, NV is about even so far in 2007. Four homes closed in the first quarter, compared to 5 in the same period in 2006.Existing resale inventory of 8 homes (plus 2 homes with accepted offers) indicates there is about a six to seven month supply. In order to get homes sold, it is important that they are priced correctly and in top showing condition. Homes in Cortona Hills at Southern Highlands are close to schools, parks and shopping, as well as the south Las Vegas Strip.Here are the details of the first quarter sales:AddressSq Ft Bed/BathList PriceSale PriceDOMClosing Date10702 La Crescenta30154/4$585,000$555,00029203/21/0710606 Eagle Nest27625/3$490,000$460,8003201/31/075... 05/26/2007

Home sales activity in Toscana Vineyards, a neighborhood in the master-planned community of Southern Highlands in Las Vegas, NV is up so far in 2007. Five homes closed in the first quarter, compared to 3 in the same period in 2006.Existing resale inventory of 14 homes gives buyers a variety to choose from. In this competitive market, it is important that homes are priced correctly and in top showing condition to get them sold. Homes in Toscana Vineyards at Southern Highlands are close to schools, parks and shopping, as well as the south Las Vegas Strip,Here are the details of the first quarter sales:AddressSq Ft Bed/BathList PriceSale PriceDOMClosing Date11082 Ducale39304/4$712,500$712,5003002/26/0711103 Crosseto23253/3$529,999$515,000203/27/0711144 Crosseto28553/3$499,000$496,0001101/3... 05/26/2007

Home sales activity in Bella Terra, a neighborhood in the master-planned community of Southern Highlands in Las Vegas, NV is even so far in 2007. Fifteen homes closed in the first quarter, compared to 15 in the same period in 2006.Existing resale inventory of 37 homes (plus 9 homes with accepted offers) indicates there is about a nine month supply. Competitive pricing and great showing condition are keys to success in this market. Homes in Bella Terra at Southern Highlands are close to schools, parks and shopping, as well as the south Las Vegas Strip.Here are the details of the first quarter sales:AddressSq Ft Bed/BathList PriceSale PriceDOMClosing Date3659 Patrolina23203/3$348,900$344,5004803/14/0711246 Accademia20194/3$339,900$322,3001603/30/0711255 Tuscolana20194/3$329,900$320,000130... 05/26/2007

Saturday, June 16th the Clark County Amphitheater will be hosting the Reggae in the Desert concert, featuring the Wallers and Third World and Don Carlos. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show. There is also a t-shirt package available for $28. The concert is open to all ages and the doors "open" at 2 p.m. For online ticket sales visit www.ticketweb.com This message brought you by Jacqulyn Richey, Realtor. 702-493-8033 -cr 05/26/2007

This summer Clark County is hosting some outdoor concerts at the Clark County Ampthitheater.  Coming up next month is Jazz in the Park, featuring two free concerts. Jimmy Scott on June 2Bill Frisell on June 9The concerts will be held outdoors with seating starting at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m.  Food and beverages will be available onsite but concert goers may bring their own picnic items. Blankets and low chairs are also welcome.   The amphitheater is located at 500 S Grand Central Parkway, across from the World Market and Outdoor outlet mall. This public service message brought to you by Jacqulyn Richey, Prudential realtor. 702-493-8033 -cr 05/26/2007

Home sales activity in Blue Diamond Springs, a neighborhood in southwest Las Vegas, NV is off to a good start so far in 2007. Seven homes closed in the first quarter.Existing resale inventory of 17 homes (plus 3 with accepted offers) means there is about a nine-month supply. Price and condition will be the determining factors on which homes buyers prefer. Homes in Blue Diamond Springs are close to all of the amenities of the growing southwest area of the valley, as well as the south Las Vegas Strip.Here are the details of the first quarter sales:AddressSq Ft Bed/BathList PriceSale PriceDOMClosing Date8309 Brilliant Ruby18583/3$299,990$299,990702/14/074849 Eureka Diamond18563/3$299,999$299,00012103/15/078317 Brilliant Ruby15233/3$273,500$273,5002102/03/078320 Transvaal Blue16963/3$279,90... 05/26/2007

Home sales activity in Blue Diamond Ranch, a community in southwest Las Vegas, NV is up slightly so far in 2007. Ten homes closed in the first quarter, compared to 8 in the same period in 2006.Existing resale inventory of 22 homes means there is about a six to seven month supply. With so much competition, it is crucial to price competitively and have the home in its best showing condition. Homes in Blue Diamond Ranch are close to all of the amenities of the growing southwest area of the valley, as well as the south Las Vegas Strip.Here are the details of the first quarter sales:AddressSq Ft Bed/BathList PriceSale PriceDOMClosing Date4856 Englewood18185/3$328,000$328,0001502/12/074620 Pagosa Springs18185/3$324,000$315,000803/31/077739 Whitesboro16744/2$324,900$310,0004602/13/07 7721 Bosw... 05/26/2007

  A street view, an aerial view and a courtyard view of the planned VERGE LIVING condominium complex.  Located near Fremont Street, and part of the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas.  Verge Living is a mid-rise condominum complex located in the downtown area, close to Fremont Street (see blog posted May 25th, titled Verge - Las Vegas for further details).  For additional information feel free to e-mail me. 05/26/2007

Of course we're all looking for alternatives with gas prices in some places at over $4.00 per gallon in some areas.  In Las Vegas today, May 24th the price of gas is $3.25. Over the Memorial Day weekend all Las Vegas residents can ride the monorail unlimited for FREE!  That's a GREAT way to conserve energy and save gas! As we search for alternatives though I have to wonder: Is Ethanol worth it?  According to this article it is not:   The Many Myths of Ethanol  Worse pollution cost more to produce major impact on the production of food government subsidies (wow, no wonder all the candidates like it, more government) I am not giving my opinion as to whether this is correct or not, I'm just researching and sharing with you the alternatives.  You decide! 05/25/2007

Home sales in Maryland Pebble, a neighborhood in the Silverado Ranch master plan in Las Vegas, NV are down over 40% so far in 2007. Thirteen homes closed in the first quarter, compared to 23 in the same period in 2006.Existing resale inventory of 44 homes (plus 10 with accepted offers) indicates a one-year supply of inventory. In this highly competitve market, it is vital to price competitively and have the home in its best showing condition. Homes in Maryland Pebble are close to the I-215 Beltway and the south end of the Las Vegas Strip.Here are the details of the first quarter sales:AddressSq Ft Bed/BathList PriceSale PriceDOMClosing Date9139 Cedeno22214/3$439,900$417,5006001/23/079131 Nomo22213/3$425,000$412,5008702/26/078745 New Mountain21183/3$410,000$398,75017801/25/07 1077 Coral ... 05/25/2007

Here's the latest and greatest happenings in Summerlin ... okay it's not Summerlin ... but close enough!  ManhattanWest had its groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 22nd - and yours truly was there.  Despite the 5 mile trek, in heels no less, to get to the red carpet for the ceremony ... it was a great event.  With County Commissioner, Susan Brager and  Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce President, Kara Kelly participating at the ManhattanWest site in a ceremonial dig, the cameras were all around.  A wine-tasting reception with food and live entertainment followed at the ManhattanWest sales center, where guests sampled wine from Rock and Roll Wines, took model tours, and learned more about the community.The development company, Gemstone Development, is one of Las Vegas' largest condo buil... 05/25/2007

The Mesa is currently selling with builders such as KB Homes, Engle Homes & Richmond American Homes.  This is the newest and most southern community developed to date in Summerlin. Future plans for The Mesa Village include a high school, elementary school and signature community park. Summerlin real estate at The Mesa also benefits from easy access to the I-215 Beltway and Summerlin Parkway for convenient travel throughout the valley. In addition, a wide variety of shopping and dining choices are available within minutes of new Summerlin homes at The Mesa.Ladera Terrace by Engle Homes features two-story designs from 2,031 to 2,574 square feet, priced from the upper $300,000s.Ladera Crest by KB Home offers two-story homes ranging from 2,388 to 2,883 square feet and are priced from the mi... 05/25/2007

 Who are these guys? The talk about who is to blame for the subprime jolt is going around as strong as ever. Consumer advocates are leaning hard on the mortgage industry. Washington is probing into the practices of the secondary mortgage market that packages loans for investors. Lenders are pointing the finger at real estate speculators. And so it goes. Oh, wait, why don't we take a look at the speculators, or investors.Let's examine unscientifically how human nature and a market economy interact? To me one large reason to the current real estate mess is the adverse impact caused by the speculator. I can indentify two kinds of them. One is the professional speculator. He's often called a flipper. He's knowledgeable about property values and mortgage financing and how to smooth-talk. He ... 05/25/2007

Weekly Snapshot 5.7.2007Las Vegas Inside Information!  Headline After 2 weeks of slowing in overall inventory growth, the market added more to the mix in the last 7 days. That is the bad news. The good news is Pending sales increased as well moving the pending sale index up 2 points to 132. Where are we really in this market? We have more inventory than ever in the history of our mls and our market activity is not keeping pace. The month's supply extended to more than 14 months in the last seven days.  The last 7 days of the Las Vegas valley marketplace...  Active Listings ALL 24536 ::: SFR 19033 CN/TH 5503 ~up 399 from last week || condos actually decreased in inventory - first this year || up 5436 (30.8%) since 1/1  Henderson 4095 ::: SFR 3297 CN/TH 798 High-rise & Loft 700  Vacant un... 05/25/2007

Las Vegas is a prosperous and vital city. Population growth is amongst the highest in the nation. Population is expected to double between the years 2006 & 2016 to nearly 3 million people. It would be no surprise to hear of the unprecedented growth of the number of Las Vegas houses built each year and the increase of home prices. Since the settlement of Las Vegas the city has always had a thriving housing development. When viewing the homes of Las Vegas you could potentially see a century of style from one local to another throughout the valley. 05/25/2007

In order for someone to become a Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas, NV one must attend at least 90 hours of approved real estate training. These courses teach the federal and State real estate law. One must pass a series of two tests with a score of at least 75% before becoming a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent. After passing the two required tests most agents subscribe to the MLS provided by the GLVAR (Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors®) as a tool to advertise homes for sale. Most Agents also go on to fulfill the requirements to become a member of the Board of Realtors and achieve the title of Realtor®. 05/25/2007

Las Vegas Real Estate Agents have a series of steps to take in order to obtain a real estate license. There are several requirements that must be achieved and this is for the protection of the Agent themselves as well as the consumer. Obtaining a real estate license is only the first step and most Agents find out very quickly that there are many challenges ahead due to the nature of the business. Las Vegas Real Estate Agents have a great service to provide and is utilized by many in the Las Vegas real estate market. 05/25/2007