Posts in category: Home Buying

As a Realtor®, have you ever wondered what keeps customers coming back to you every time they move or refer their friends and family to your services? Have you ever broken it down to see what they really wanted and what you delivered? It is very important in the real estate profession to keep your customers happy and meeting the needs and desires that they have expressed in their ideal home!

Here are a few qualities to present when you are talking with new and returning customers:

• Make sure you are representing your client’s best interest. Fight for what they are looking for and don’t push them into a house that is convenient. Make sure the house they are looking for is the house they end up purchasing. They will be very grateful for your loyalty.
• Be sure they know that you love your job and you are enjoying the process of helping them find their home. When the buyers see the excitement in you it will make them appreciate your efforts that much more.
• Take away the stress of the buyers by educating, guiding and answering their questions. If you don’t seem to know the answer, find it for them and provide results the next time you meet. When it comes to signing papers they will know you have their best interest and trust that they have made the right decision.

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

With everything in life, there are actual rules and there are common courtesies that aren’t set “rules” but appropriate behaviors. In Real Estate, there are some things that are not hard-core rules, but are absolutely the best practices to consider.

1. Don’t make an offer without pre-approval: Be sure you have talked with a lender and have been through the pre-approval process. You don’t want to get stuck making an offer you cannot afford.

2. Use a real estate agent: Real Estate agents are an integral part of the buying process. Since they negotiate, show homes and close deals every month, it’s critical to have them to help make your important buying decisions. No one better understands the process than a licensed real estate professional.

3.Put down a deposit: Talk with your real estate agent and decide on an appropriate amount when you make an offer on a home. Be sure your agent includes contingencies in the contract for a refund if the deal falls apart!

4. Sell Yourself: If you are shopping in a competitive market you want to take every opportunity to tell the seller how much the house means to you! Your agent can help draft a letter to present along with your offer.

5. Tour homes in person: Technology has made it so much easier to tour homes online, especially if you are moving to a new state. These tools are great for ideas and impressions but nothing quite compares to the actual experience and for this, you need a real estate professional!

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

The Las Vegas housing market is continuing to climb while the percentage of buyers who are willing to pay cash hits its lowest point in 4 years.

“Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors (GLVAR) reported the median price of existing single-family homes sold in Southern Nevada during June was $199,900, up 2.5 percent from $195,000 in May and up 14.2 percent from June of 2013. That’s the highest median home price GLVAR has reported since September of 2008. The median price of existing condominiums and townhomes sold in June was $109,000, up 6.9 percent from $102,000 in May and up 26.7 percent from one year ago.”

Read more about the Las Vegas local home buyers and the ever so entertaining housing market…

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home, please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Every year home designs change in size, style and price. Listed here are a few “hot” trends that have become more common in the buyer’s eye… 

1. Automated Controls: With automation becoming the way weorganize things why not include it in the home? Buyers are now more and more interested in automating their home. With just one system, from a phone, computer, etc., they want to be able to control the lights, fans, air conditioning, alarm system and more.

2. Outdoor Living Area: This trend has been around for a while but still makes the list. Having an outdoor living space is just as comfortable as indoor with furnishings, curtains, televisions and the addition of fire pits.

3. Energy and Water Efficiency: Appliances, lighting and furnaces that are energy efficient are very important to some buyers. Sometimes the amount of energy a home can conserve could make or break the buy.

4. Going Green: Interests in sustainable products and materials is always attracting attention. Now companies offer at least one item or line that fits the “going green” movement.

5. Kitchen and Bathroom Styles: Usually buyers have a kitchen and bathroom style in mind before they actually look at homes to buy. Trending now are the more “transitional’ looks – middle ground between traditional and contemporary styles.

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home,  please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Home prices have soared, dropped and then climbed again all in the last few years. It is hard to predict and assess the housing market in Las Vegas when it is more of a roller coaster than a joy ride. We have finally reached a point, in almost a decade, where prices have shown signs of being “normal”. Property value is still expected to climb in the coming months but at a very slow rate. Short Sales and Foreclosures are no longer addressed as common and forecasts of a slowdown in home values are showing to be wrong.

With all of this insight and the unpredictable market how do you know when to sell? How about when to buy? It depends mostly on your priorities and goals. If you wait until you’re ready to buy or sell a home you will most likely never do it!

Why it might be a good time to Buy a home:

Affordability – Houses in Las Vegas are still more affordable than in other large cities around the United States. It is very likely that as a 2-income household you will be able to afford a home that is large enough for you and your family.

Choices – There are almost double the number of houses for sale now as there was last year at this time and the prices of homes are only expected to rise.

Why it might be a good time to Sell your home:

Better odds of finding a buyer – As the economy improves Las Vegas jobs are opening up which means people could be moving or hunting for a home, which greatly improves your odds of selling.

Cutting your losses – If you bought when the market was low, this may be your chance to make a nice profit by selling your home.

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home,  please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

The Top Agent Magazine is a real estate magazine that features some of the best agents in the United States, Europe and Canada. This month, New Home Resource’s own, Joanna Piette, is the Top Nevada Agent and is featured on the cover! This story shows her accomplishments in the Nevada real estate industry and proves that hard work really pays off! Read the May cover story of Top Agent Magazine featuring Joanna Piette!

“Buying a home is still the American Dream. There is nothing more satisfying than handing someone the keys to the house, except for maybe giving a seven year old a bicycle. It’s kind of like the same thing if you really think about it.”

There are many things that are obvious when you decide to host an open house: Make sure things are cleaned extremely well, clear out clutter and fix damages or to the house. Here are a couple other things to think about when you are ready to sell your home and host an open house:

Take advantage of Technology – Most people start their housing search online so it is crucial to have your home front and center!

Put a sign in the yard that says “open house”! It may seem “out of date” but people driving by are more intrigued to stop in or come back during the open house because you have made it easy and obvious to them.

Invite your neighbors. Even if they seem to be snooping, they’ll have good things to say about the location; schools, shopping, neighborhood, etc.

Create a neutral environment: You want buyers to feel at home but not like they are invading someone else’s home. Pictures and decorations are great but avoid drawings on the refrigerator or overflowing closets. Storage is important so they will be looking in the closets!

Since it is still your home it is ok to have some rules such as, bathrooms are just for showing, remove accessible medication, and just make sure valuables are out of sight. Everyone will be chaperoned but you should always be prepared.

The outside of your home should be just as well put together as the inside. Make sure the garage is cleaned out, the grass is trimmed, weeds are pulled and toys/objects are out of sight.

Your agent will take care of the actual open house. For the most successful events, the homeowner and pets should be absent!

An open house can be a lot of work but it can also be exciting and is very important for making a sale. Entrust in your agent to steer you in the right direction and you will have a smooth experience!

PLEASE Click Here to VOTE FOR ME as 2014 BEST OF SILVER STATE AWARDS/BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT! 

Many people are nervous, anxious and distracted when looking to buy a home. What location? What is our budget? What if we buy the wrong one? Research and asking questions will kick start your process, along with these seven secrets for buying your next house…

1. When you are looking to buy your next home, avoid moving large amounts of money around or making uncommon, large purchases. Lenders need to see your stable and risk-free financial lifestyle so that you get the best loan possible.

2. Get pre-approved for your home loan before you start seriously looking to buy a home. Knowing how much you can afford and how much a lender will loan to you is crucial so you aren’t looking at houses you cannot afford.

3. There is no such thing as “the perfect time to buy”. The market is a constant, changing cycle and the right time to buy is when you find a house you love and can afford.

4. Don’t allow yourself to settle when buying a house, but bigger isn’t always better. The value of a larger home will continue to rise so don’t let your eyes be the guide. Think about living within your means.

5. Be sure to recognize when you’re getting a great house for a great value and try not to let your emotions overpower your instincts.

6. Hire a home inspector to look into your new potential home. Spending a few hundred in the beginning is better than wasting away thousands later on. Fixer upper areas are also good for bargaining,

7. Make sure you like the neighborhood. How far is it from schools, grocery shopping, work, etc? Drive around the neighborhood before buying into it so you don’t find out a little too late that the neighbors are loud or the area isn’t safe.

New Home Resource’s, Joanna Piette, winner of the 2013 Best of Silver State Award, Best Real Estate Agent Category has been nominated once again. She needs your vote this year via Facebook Voting App, which closes April 12.

On Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014, TMG Entertainment will present the highly anticipated ”The Best of Silver State Awards” hosted by Emmy Award winning news anchors, Nina Radetich, Dayna Roselli, and Robin Leach recognizing excellence and exemplary achievement by individuals & companies in 34 categories.

Tickets to the awards show are available for purchase from The Best of Silver State Awards.

The winter months mean celebrating the holidays, reconnecting with family and friends and planning your resolutions for the New Year. They can also mean a sharp increase to your monthly heating bill in order to stay warm and comfortable. If you’re interested in controlling your energy expenses while maintaining comfort, the tips below will help you make sure more of your money is put towards presents than power.

* Close the doors to rooms that are not in use. Most of us remember to turn off the lights in a room we’re not using but we rarely shut the door. And we end up wasting energy because of it. Don’t waste heat on rooms that aren’t in use. Instead, close those doors and allow the heat to circulate within a smaller area. Your furnace will have an easier time maintaining the temperature and you’ll notice the benefit on your energy bill.

* Invest in a heat pump. Some rooms are simply too important to keep the door closed all of the time. If it’s a child’s play area or your office, then chances are you’re looking for a way to add a little more heat. Investing in a duct-free heat pump system is the perfect solution.

* Check for cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Today’s homes are more airtight than ever before but there is still the potential for cold air to enter your home via your doors and windows. Inspect each of these openings and seal or insulate any gaps you find to prevent the loss of warm air. You should also check for cracks and gaps around the door to the attic and at any locations where outside pipes or cords enter your home.

* Cover your windows. Small cracks or gaps in your windows can create drafts and cold air hits your windows and leaves them cold to the touch, transferring those frigid temperatures inside. Prevent that cold from coming into your home by sealing your windows. This simple procedure takes only minutes and will have a dramatic effect on your heating bill. And don’t forget that heavy weight curtains can also help keep drafts out.

* Check your insulation. Many homes, especially older homes, are vulnerable to cold temperatures because they lack sufficient insulation. Insulation is commonly found in the attic but it also exists in any outer wall. If you are concerned your home may be poorly insulated, you can check the insulation levels yourself or you can hire a qualified home energy auditor who will check your insulation as part of his overall energy assessment.

The colder months are coming but that doesn’t mean you have to feel it inside your own home. Prepare for winter with the tips included here and you’ll be ready to enjoy a warm and festive winter holiday season.

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home,  please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2013. All rights reserved.