Sunday, December 15, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100
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11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100
Wouldn’t it be nice to approach your home’s entrance with a grin instead of a grimace? Take our tips for beating a clear, safe, and stylish path to your front door. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Monday, November 4, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
What’s the No. 1 Thing People Want in Their Bathroom?
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(New!)
What’s the No. 1 Thing People Want in Their Bathroom?
Bathroom exhaust fans make air smell (much!) sweeter, paint last longer, and mold grow slower — or not at all. If you don’t have one, you’re missing out. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Experts Predict Annual Home Value Appreciation to Exceed 6 Percent in 2013
More than 100 real estate and economic experts predict home values
will end 2013 up 6.7 percent from the end of 2012, as the housing market
recovery continues to widen and accelerate, according to the latest
Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey. A majority of the panel also said
that while rising mortgage rates don’t pose a threat if they stay
within the 4 to 5 percent range, they could derail the recovery if they
reach 6 percent or higher.
The survey of 106 economists, real estate experts and investment and market strategists was sponsored by leading real estate information marketplace Zillow, Inc. and is conducted quarterly by Pulsenomics LLC. Panelists said they expected median U.S. home values to rise to $167,490 by the end of this year, up from $156,900 at the end of 2012 and $161,100 currently. Based on current expectations for home value appreciation over the next five years, the panelists on average predicted that U.S. home values could approach new record highs by the end of 2017, coming very close to the previous peak level of $194,600 set in May 2007.
The expectations for a 6.7 percent year-over-year increase in home values was up significantly from expectations of a 5.4 percent bump predicted the last time the survey was conducted.
Panelists expect annual home value appreciation rates this year to end on a strong note, before slowing considerably from 2014 through 2017. Panelists said they expected appreciation rates to slow to roughly 4.4 percent in 2014, on average, unchanged from the previous survey. This rate is expected to slow further to 3.6 percent, 3.5 percent and 3.4 percent in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Cumulatively, survey respondents predicted home values to rise 23.7 percent through 2017, on average, up from 22.3 percent in the last survey.
“Short-term expectations for home value appreciation through the end
of this year are consistent with a nationwide housing market recovery
that is both strengthening and widening, but still coping with high
levels of negative equity, high demand and low inventory. Combined,
these factors will continue putting upward pressure on home values for
the next few months,” said Zillow Senior Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell.
“But the days are numbered for these kinds of market dynamics, as
investors begin to pull out of some markets, mortgage interest rates
rise and more inventory becomes available. Over the next few years,
these trends will help the market stabilize and will bring home value
appreciation more in line with historic norms. As long as mortgage
interest rates don’t rise too far and too fast, most markets should be
able to absorb these changing dynamics while still remaining healthy.”
Panelists were also asked if recent increases in mortgage rates presented a significant threat to the ongoing housing market recovery. Among those expressing an opinion, 88 percent said no. Those panelists who responded “no” or “not sure” were then asked what minimum mortgage interest rate (on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage) would pose a significant threat to the housing recovery. Among these respondents, 61 percent said interest rates would have to rise to at least 6 percent to create a significant threat.
For full survey results and graphics, please visit Zillow Real Estate Research or www.pulsenomics.com.
The survey of 106 economists, real estate experts and investment and market strategists was sponsored by leading real estate information marketplace Zillow, Inc. and is conducted quarterly by Pulsenomics LLC. Panelists said they expected median U.S. home values to rise to $167,490 by the end of this year, up from $156,900 at the end of 2012 and $161,100 currently. Based on current expectations for home value appreciation over the next five years, the panelists on average predicted that U.S. home values could approach new record highs by the end of 2017, coming very close to the previous peak level of $194,600 set in May 2007.
The expectations for a 6.7 percent year-over-year increase in home values was up significantly from expectations of a 5.4 percent bump predicted the last time the survey was conducted.
Panelists expect annual home value appreciation rates this year to end on a strong note, before slowing considerably from 2014 through 2017. Panelists said they expected appreciation rates to slow to roughly 4.4 percent in 2014, on average, unchanged from the previous survey. This rate is expected to slow further to 3.6 percent, 3.5 percent and 3.4 percent in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Cumulatively, survey respondents predicted home values to rise 23.7 percent through 2017, on average, up from 22.3 percent in the last survey.
“Short-term expectations for home value appreciation through the end
of this year are consistent with a nationwide housing market recovery
that is both strengthening and widening, but still coping with high
levels of negative equity, high demand and low inventory. Combined,
these factors will continue putting upward pressure on home values for
the next few months,” said Zillow Senior Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell.
“But the days are numbered for these kinds of market dynamics, as
investors begin to pull out of some markets, mortgage interest rates
rise and more inventory becomes available. Over the next few years,
these trends will help the market stabilize and will bring home value
appreciation more in line with historic norms. As long as mortgage
interest rates don’t rise too far and too fast, most markets should be
able to absorb these changing dynamics while still remaining healthy.”Panelists were also asked if recent increases in mortgage rates presented a significant threat to the ongoing housing market recovery. Among those expressing an opinion, 88 percent said no. Those panelists who responded “no” or “not sure” were then asked what minimum mortgage interest rate (on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage) would pose a significant threat to the housing recovery. Among these respondents, 61 percent said interest rates would have to rise to at least 6 percent to create a significant threat.
For full survey results and graphics, please visit Zillow Real Estate Research or www.pulsenomics.com.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Las Vegas Golf Lifestyle has it All
- Skyline from the Links
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From Golf to Strip in Minutes
If you like your Las Vegas golf living practically on the Strip, then nothing beats Las Vegas Country Club. Only two blocks from Center Strip, choose from private homes, condos, and a high-rise tower here at the original golf and country club community in town. Trivia buffs may recall how it was featured in the movie "Casino." For another classic take on the golf-to-Strip style of living try Spanish Trail, the granddaddy of modern master-planned Vegas golf course communities offers ountry club surroundings practically minutes from Center Strip. Choose from detached homes and townhomes, moderately priced to mansions. A little further down, within easy access to the southern end of the Strip, family friendly Southern Highlands offers custom and semi-custom homes around a members only golf course—one of only four courses in the world designed by both Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Security
While most LV golf course communities offer security features, Canyon Gate puts a premium on it, with most neighborhoods featuring gated 24/7 security. This smaller enclave contains moderately priced homes all the way up to the millions. And with all custom homes priced in the millions and designed to complement their desert environs, The Ridges has received Forbes magazine recognition as the third most exclusive gated community in the country. Need we say more??
Red Rock in Your Backyard Means Stunning Views
For a unique choice of luxury homes, luxury condos and high rise condos, Queensridge provides them all with European architectural elegance amidst the stunning natural backdrop of Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountain range. And for a Las Vegas golf community the kids will especially like: Red Rock Country Club includes two Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses, a clubhouse, sports center and…its own private water park! Even grown-ups may have a tough choice between golf and water play here.
Protected Wildlife
For the environmentally conscious, TPC Summerlin is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program. This Las Vegas golf community provides the perfect protective haven for native wildlife and habitats, as well as residents here.
Age Restricted
Los Prados offers residents a community center, restaurant and 18-hole golf course, as well as some of the most affordable golf course community homes in town. Approximately half the neighborhoods here are age restricted with adult only swimming pools and other amenities. Located just 12 miles from center Strip, this guard gated community has it all for the active retiree. More age restricted options exist at Siena in Summerlin, or one of the Sun City neighborhoods with locations at Anthem, Aliante and Summerlin.
On the Lake
The truly unique Lake Las Vegas features: custom homes, courtyard villas, waterfront and golf villas, resort condominiums, luxury executive homes and courtyard town homes, two luxury hotels, a casino and the picturesque European-style lakeside Monte Lago Village with its exclusive shops, dining and entertainment. Also check out the adjacent Las Vegas golf community of Tuscany.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
A Las Vegas Dog Park Helps Unleash the Fun
Large Places to Play
For a little slice of doggie heaven in a generously sized facility try Dog Fancier's Park (5800 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, open til 11 p.m. daily). This park features plenty of both fenced and unfenced grassy areas for dogs that love to run, and run…and run. All the standard amenities, such as a water spigot and abundant shady spots, can be found here. Dog etiquette classes are also held on a regular basis. To the northwest, another of the Valley's larger dog parks, Barkin Basin at Bunker Park provides an eight-acre oasis of green amidst desert surroundings. The park offers three long rectangular runs for small and large breeds, doggie drinking fountains, plus pavilion seating where weary owners can rest. Barking Basin is located at the intersection of Alexander Road and Tenaya Way, open til 9 p.m. daily until lighting is installed to accommodate longer hours.
Tried and True
Sunset Dog Park at Sunset Park (off Eastern Avenue at Warm Springs Road, open til 11 p.m. daily) has been around a long time, much to the delight of Las Vegas dogs and their owners. This ever-popular puppy playground remains a classic favorite amongst the four-legged, furry crowd. Separate runs for small and large dogs help keep the peace. Trees and boulders accent the space.
More than Just your Average Dog Park
The Valley being well, the Valley, most parks consist of generally flat terrain. This makes the grassy slopes of Kellogg-Zaher Sports Complex (Washington Avenue near Durango, open til 9 p.m. daily) a somewhat more interesting expanse for doggie recreating Located between the soccer fields and playgrounds at the complex, a trip here offers ample activities for non-canines as well. Separate small and large dog areas feature three generously sized runs. And out in Henderson, the 18-foot-long "Barkules" (rhymes with Hercules) dog statue greets visitors to the Bark Park at Heritage Park (Racetrack Road at Burkholder Boulevard, Henderson, open til 10 p.m. daily). This whimsically designed award-winning dog park includes three dog runs, an agility course, canine drinking fountains, shaded dog bone-shaped benches, drought-resistant grass areas and gravel beds.
Neighborhood Favorites
Many dogs and their families also enjoy some of the smaller parks around town such as Esselmont Dog Park (off Anthem Highlands Drive, Henderson) and the equally popular park at Cactus Wren (2900 Ivanpah Drive, Henderson). Esselmont has two grassy runs, gravel paths and stays open until 10 p.m. daily. Cactus Wren is also open until 10 p.m. and offers separate space for smaller breeds, benches and doggie drinking fountains.
No doubt about it. Las Vegas dog lovers and their pets can find plenty to love about the many recreational spots around the Valley designed for and dedicated to man's best friend. And please don't forget to celebrate National Dog Day each year on August 26th!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Home remodeling: A slightly better value in 2013
Remodeling for some its like a pastime, and for others it strictly a way to increase the value of their property….no matter what the reason, 2013 is a better year to be doing it….
Friday, July 12, 2013
Listing of the Week: Howard Hughes' Tahoe retreat
Nevada is full of some really interesting pieces of real estate. This one is certainly at the top of the lists. Another interesting fact or person people often forget is Howard Hughes. He had a major impact on the development of the northwest section of Las Vegas more commonly known as Summerlin. Trivia time: Where did the name Summerlin come from?
Give up? Howard Hughes mothers name.....
Sunday, July 7, 2013
12 cities where home prices have increased the most
I honestly expected this survey to be identical to the others I have seen recently where Las Vegas has been ranked #1. No matter what, Las Vegas has been in the top 3 of almost any survey recently.....NOW is the perfect time....
12 cities where home prices have increased the most - MSN Real Estate
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
The Las Vegas Housing Market 2013; A More Cautious Market Rebound?
This is an interesting article via the Real Estate website Trulia. Will the market, in its recovery, be more cautious or will there be a lot of speculators?
http://trends.truliablog.com/2013/05/trulia-bubble-watch/
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Las Vegas Housing Market 2013
We’ve all seen the dramatic real
estate bubble roller coaster and its specific effects on the Las Vegas housing
market, which grew exponentially during the boom, and came crashing down
equally hard throughout the bust. But
where are property values now and where might they be headed in the
future? Let’s first examine some data
for the national big picture, before zeroing back in on the Las Vegas housing
market.
Experts Believe Real Estate has Reached a Major Turning Point
Beginning with the 3rd
and 4th quarter of 2011, a modest but distinct increase in property
prices and sales foreshadowed a continuing upward momentum. Since October 2012 the real estate market has
shown steady progress. According to the Wall Street Journal in April 2012, the Real Estate market showed all the signs
of healthy recovery including:
- Increased housing starts
- Rebounding sales for existing homes
- Renewed interest in home-builders from Wall St investors
Real Estate Investment Outlook Highly Favorable in 2013
All the upward trends as of 4th quarter 2012 continued into 2013. In the Las Vegas housing market, the strong
upsurge in sales has significantly impacted the number of vacant homes
available, increasing tenants’ demand for rental homes, which in turn triggers
greater interest from investors looking for income property.
Top Housing Markets Trending Upward
From February 2013 to February
2013 home values across the U.S. rose 5.1% according to Zillow data. In 10 of the 30 largest housing markets with
Zillow data records, home prices rose over 13%, and in five of those markets
prices actually rose more than 20%! In
many of these markets unemployment levels have decreased and construction
employment has risen – both indicators of an improved economy.
The Las Vegas Housing Market is Second on Hot Housing Markets List
In the most recent quarter
alone, home values here rose over 7%.
Given the deep plunge (59%!) that prices took between the peak in 1st
quarter 2006 to the bottom in 3rd quarter 2012, values have
not returned to pre-recession levels.
This means there is ample affordability in the market, where current
average home value is $138,800. With
growth of 7.5% expected from 1st quarter 2013 to 1st
quarter 2014 the home or income property you purchase today makes a smart
investment for the future. Retreating
unemployment rates in the market also bode well for the outlook on real estate.
The
Las Vegas housing market, while full of new bright spots, can prove challenging
for both Buyers and Sellers. The amount
of activity requires expert guidance from an experienced Realtor in order to
navigate bidding wars, appraisal obstacles, proper pricing guidelines and many
other key components for successful transactions. With the right guidance and assistance,
however, there is every reason to move forward in marketing or purchasing in
the current market.
Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a Las Vegas
home, now is the time to stop sitting on the sidelines. After reviewing,
the case is clear that the positive signs outweigh the negatives.
Call or email
Eric D'Richards today and receive a free customized Market Analysis of your
home and Always Look for the Silver
Lining!!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Foreclosure activity for Las Vegas Homes sends mixed signals
In April 2013 national foreclosure activity fell to its lowest level since 2007! But before breaking out the champagne, lets
consider other indicators in the Las Vegas homes market, as well as the nation
and see if this good news could be a “false positive” reading of conditions
overall.
In 26 states where foreclosures go through the
courts, the activity in foreclosures actually increased. States where the push for new laws to protect
homeowners dramatically slowed foreclosures now see lender processes coming
back up to speed, resulting in a fresh increase of foreclosure activity.
But is the inevitable continuation of the
foreclosure cycle all bad? Not
necessarily. According to RealtyTrac, Las Vegas home foreclosures as of March 2013 still ranked in the top
ten for the nation. However, the same report also cited, foreclosure rates down
59% from the year prior for the state of Nevada.
·
For buyers, foreclosure properties
often come in poor condition, making risky as well as costly investments for
new homeowners
·
For sellers, the advantage of no
longer competing against a glut of homes on the market is clear.
·
For buyers, the more favorable
conditions for sellers as well as continued release of foreclosure properties
provides new inventories to choose from.
·
For sellers, many Las Vegas homes
remain underwater, making short sale the best
option. On the bright side, as banks see less
dramatic losses as their foreclosure sale prices rise, they become more willing
to negotiate with homeowners on short sales
For those buyers waiting for the right time to buy,
that moment has arrived. For sellers,
there is certainly less reason to hesitate in deciding to put their home on the
market. The proverbial stars have moved
into alignment.
You needn’t (and shouldn’t) take
the plunge alone. Your realtor has the
most up to date listing information, and sales tools for navigating current
market conditions. The Las Vegas homes
market has seen a 30% increase in pricing over the past year, making it more
important than ever to have an expert help price your home for sale or
negotiate your purchase successfully.
According to the Greater Las Vegas
Association of Realtors the
median price of a single family home is still half of what it was at the peak
in 2006. The prevailing wisdom also
advises not to expect a glut of bank-owned shadow inventory to flood the market
and deflate prices. Instead, banks are
expected to implement a strategic release cycle that allows pricing to remain
stable.
Whether
you’re thinking of buying or selling a Las Vegas home, now is the time to stop
sitting on the sidelines. After
reviewing, the case is clear that the positive signs outweigh the negatives.
Call or email Eric D'Richards today and receive a free customized Market Analysis of your home and Always Look for the Silver Lining!!
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