North Las Vegas

Oh what a thrill! You sold your home! Now there are Big Plans to follow through, decisions to make, people to notify, boxes to pack, addresses to change……..oh, wait just a minute. What was that the appraiser told your Realtor®? Your home didn’t appraise for the full sales price?

Gaaaahhhhhh!

Okay. Now that you’ve had a chance to sit down and get over the initial shock of that news, let’s take a look at how to deal with it – and more importantly, some ways you can avoid it happening in the first place.

#1 – Heeding Advice.

You’re probably not going to like this part, but think back . . . when it was time to set the sales price for your home, did you insist on a figure that your Realtor® felt was too high? We’re not trying to say we told you so – but rather, provide some helpful advice for those who are planning to sell a home soon.

Your real estate professional knows the market, has pulled the comparable sales, and is aware of other homes that are currently listed. In other words, they’re providing their recommendation for a listing price based on facts – the same information that the appraiser will use to set the value. Most of the time, a homeowner is basing their opinion of the value of their home on how much they paid for it, how much work and money they’ve put into it, how much money they “want or need to get out of it”, and many other reasons that can’t really be calculated. The takeaway: Trust your real estate professional’s opinion on this matter. After all, you hired them specifically because of their skills. This is one of them.

#2: Frustration. (aka, “But the buyer is willing to PAY that price – so that makes it WORTH that amount!”)

If only. On one hand, it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? We’ve all heard the term: “The Buyer sets the market.” But when it comes to real estate, that’s not necessarily the case. Homes, after all, are not Cabbage Patch Dolls. There are many more factors involved in real estate transactions that have to be taken into account – not the least of which is the amount of the mortgage loan. Lenders have a fiduciary responsibility to secure their real property loans, and that means we head straight back to (you guessed it) – the actual value of a home based on the market and comparable sales. The takeaway: The market sets the sales price when it comes to real estate.

#3: A Hot (or Cold) Market

Your market may be very active. In a rising market, low valuations are fairly common because appraisals are based upon sales that closed when prices were lower – and the reverse is true in a declining market. In other words: Sometimes appraisals can’t keep up with how quickly homes are selling in a hot market, so you’re bound to see lower-than-expected values placed on homes.

#4: Can You Do Anything to Avoid This Problem?

There are some steps you can take after the fact – but first we’d like to address a few things that you should do before the appraisal (and your Realtor® can help you with these).

• Get your paperwork in order.

o Before the appraisal takes place, gather all the information you have about your home and send it to your Realtor®.

o List all the major improvements you’ve made – along with details about the age and condition of the major systems – roof, HVAC, appliances, plumbing, etc.

o Provide the original permits for any do-it-yourself projects you did for the home.

o The takeaway: Hand every bit of helpful information you can to the appraiser ahead of time to ensure they have all the facts in their possession from the start.

• Prepare your home for company. Okay – that might sound a bit over-the-top, but we’ve said it before and we’ll keep on saying it: Your home never gets a second chance to make a good first impression.

o Think about it like this: A good appraiser isn’t going to devalue your home because it’s messy – but you know what? They’re human, too! A clean, tidy, dust-free environment is one extra way you can impress them with the (even if it’s subconscious) message that “this home has been taken care of and is in great shape.”

o The takeaway: It. Can’t. Hurt. Can we say this again? It. Can’t. Hurt.

#5: Is There Anything You Can Do After The Appraisal To Fix It?

After the appraisal has come back too low, discuss all the possibilities with your Realtor®. These can include (but aren’t necessarily limited to) the following – because every transaction has different details (and possibilities):

• Appeal the appraisal (referred to as a “Rebuttal of Value”). This is when the homeowner, the loan officer, and often the real estate agent work together to find better comparable market data to justify a higher valuation. Everyone gets to work looking for anything that helps the claim for higher valuation. It’s possible that perhaps the appraiser overlooked some comps that support your purchase value. The takeaway: It’s a hard fight – and if there is any way to avoid having to make it (like the steps listed above before the appraisal occurs) – do it.

• Order a second appraisal. But it will cost you. You’re not only paying for the first appraisal (in your closing costs), but you’ll pony up for any additional appraisals as well. They can range between a few hundred dollars and $1,000 depending on the area. If you find evidence supporting a different valuation and the original appraiser won’t consider it, this may be your next best option. The takeaway: It can be worth it – especially if the difference in valuation is considerable. Spending $1,000 to gain $10,000 is a good investment – but have your ducks in a row to ensure your chances.

• Negotiate. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of budging on both sides. If you’re lucky, that solves the problem. Your Realtor® may be able to arrange splitting the difference between both parties, or it may be necessary to renegotiate the agreement completely. The takeaway: Cooperation is key – and if there were negotiation issues where you gained up-front, consider revisiting those as persuading factors now.

• Let them walk away. It can hurt – but there are times that no meeting of the minds is possible. The takeaway: Again, make sure you’ve explored all the options with your Realtor®, and let their instincts guide you on this decision. It’s not personal, it’s business. One thing to keep in mind is that appraisals remain valid for 6+ months on certain loan types, so if you should get a new buyer using the same type of financing… you got it – – the previous appraisal amount prevails. This in itself should be a compelling factor to negotiate the deal you’ve got.

Just keep in mind; most appraisal companies offer a step-by-step procedure to follow if anyone involved in the deal thinks the valuation is off base. But this is one situation where following the Boy Scout motto to “Be Prepared” can help you head off a lot of frustration and disappointment after the fact.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

By Jennifer Riner, Trulia

Suffering through a long morning and evening commute is intrusive and can consume hours of your life every year. Unfortunately, work-related travel rose to 27.2 minutes in 2014 from 26.4 minutes in 2009 in the largest U.S. metro areas. Many Americans have taken the necessary steps to shorten their commute times, opting for apartments closer to work and placing low commute times at the top of their must-have lists, according to a Trulia study.

Renters have shorter commute times compared to homeowners in 43 out of 50 major metros, which adds up to one-and-half minutes per day, or 8.7 hours annually.

Cities with the Best Commute Times

Note: Census’ 2014 American Community Survey

While in some cities, renters fare better when it comes to getting to work efficiently, both renters and homeowners in Las Vegas benefit from low commute times. The average commute time for all Las Vegas residents is just 22.5 minutes, the fifth best out of all U.S. cities.

Las Vegas lessees have an average commute of 23 minutes, which is equivalent to Las Vegas homeowners’ commutes. If you’re searching for a home in Las Vegas, you’re likely to receive the same rapid work-related travel apartment dwellers get, as long as you choose a well-positioned neighborhood that’s not overly far from your place of employment.

How important are commute times to Americans?

According to Trulia’s analysis of Census data contrasted with an online survey by Harris Poll, Americans rank short commute times to work and access to public transportation second on their must-have lists – whether they opt for buying or renting in Las Vegas and beyond.

Millennial Americans are more inclined to search for apartments closer to work and worry about low crime rates after the fact. In the study, 22 percent of 18 to 34 year olds remarked that “shorter commutes to work” or “nearby public transportation” were more important than living in a neighborhood with low crime rates, while 14 percent opted for the latter as more pressing.

In Las Vegas, 95 percent of residents commute by car, while just 4 percent opt for public transportation. However, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) offers 38 routes and carried over 60 million passengers in 2015 alone. So if you don’t have a car in Las Vegas, you can still benefit from a low commute by taking advantage of public transportation options. Opt for apartments within close proximity of bus stops to make your morning and evening schedule a little less stressful each day.

Few things are more exciting than the adventure of moving to a new city. The possibilities are endless: There are new opportunities, discoveries to make, new friends, activities, exploring – it’s a big deal and a huge lifestyle change for most people.

One of the things that we’ve learned in our years of playing a role in helping people relocate to Las Vegas is that knowing who to call to set up your initial services, or who to contact for information about moving your business – or even just to know where you’re at (physically) in the Great Scheme of All Things Las Vegas – can be a challenge. Most folks are so busy with the “moving from” part that – once they land at their new home and are standing amid piles of boxes and the oh-so-necessary take-out food containers because you can’t find your dishes yet – that even if you were smart enough to make a list of local services, you probably won’t be able to find that, either.

So we wanted to lend a hand with a brief list of phone numbers and website links to services and agencies that will hopefully come in handy and make your landing in Las Vegas just a little bit softer. Enjoy! (then start unpacking!)

Where Is THAT?

This may be “home” now – but you might not be familiar with general areas of town, at least as it applies to major street names. For example, if you’ve just moved to the area of Wigwam/Pecos in Henderson – you’re not going to want to make a quick trip to the Trader Joe’s on Summa Drive in Summerlin (30 minutes+)

Smartphones and tablets will, of course, make the actual navigating easier – but few things compare to a visual image in your head of the general lay of the land. So here’s a map of neighborhoods/districts in Las Vegas you can click on to download (for everyone’s use).

My Internet Isn’t Working!

You planned ahead and got all those services turned on for your arrival – but argh – something’s not working right. No worries – here are a few handy phone numbers to help out with that:

Electric:

NV Energy – (702) 402-5555

Gas:

Southwest Gas – (877) 860-6020

Water:

Las Vegas Valley Water District – (702) 870-4194

City of Henderson – (702) 267-5900

Trash Pick-up and Recycling

Republic Services – (877) 692-9729

Telephone

AT&T – (800) 288-2020

CenturyLink – (855) 524-0369

Cox Communications – (866) 961-0027

Equiinet – (702) 789-6001

Nextiva – (800) 799-0600

Sprint – (866) 275-1411

Verizon Wireless – (800) 922-0204

Internet / Cable TV / Satellite TV

CenturyLink – (855) 524-0369

Cox Communications – (866) 961-0027

DirecTV – (855) 838-4388

Dish TV – (855) 839-589

You’ve Got 30 Days . . .

To get your new resident driver’s license and vehicle registration transferred. So – where do you go and what do you need for THAT? Here’s a hint:

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles

Office locations

Driver’s License Information

Vehicle Registration Information

Forms

Business Contact Information

Are you planning to run a business in Clark County? Or Henderson? Or Las Vegas? Or North Las Vegas? Most people think you move to Las Vegas, and it’s a simple one-stop process to get your company up and running – but it’s a bit more confusing than that. So we’ll start you off with some basic information – and depending on your specific needs, these entities should be able to point you in the right direction and help you get the ball in motion.

Determine Your Business Jurisdiction for Licensing

Nevada State Business License

Secretary of State – Visit their website here for a list of FAQ’s

City of Las Vegas

Starting a business in Nevada

City of Henderson

Business License General Description

City of North Las Vegas

Business License

Clark County, Nevada

Fictitious Firm Name Registration

Business License FAQ’s

Nevada Department of Taxation

Information about Nevada’s Taxes and The Department

Goodness knows there are going to be many more adventures and plenty of errands to run – so enjoy the journey. You’re about to explore all the things that we Nevadans already know make Las Vegas a great place to live. Welcome home!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Devoting the time and effort involved in making sure we provide our customers with dependable, market-specific information to help them buy or sell real estate – it’s just our nature. Going the extra mile to make sure they receive the best possible service from knowledgeable experts on the subject of all things “Las Vegas” – that’s just how we roll. The bottom line is this: We’re in this business because we love it – and we love working with customers and others in our industry who really ‘get’ how great this city is.

But it’s always a thrill to have that dedication acknowledged – and when we discovered that our Fearless Leader – Broker Joanna Piette – was chosen as one of the Top 25 Women in Real Estate in Las Vegas for the 3rd year in a row – well, it just seemed like it was something worth mentioning.

New Home Resource Broker, Joanna Piette

Why? Because we know that the company she’s in is pretty darn amazing. Being able to share this honor with two dozen exceptional women who work throughout our industry is something to be both proud of – and grateful for.

Each of the women listed – that will be recognized at next month’s event at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino – is a leader in her field, and we’re awfully proud that the Women’s Council of Realtors considers Joanna Piette to be among this list that represents the best of the best. (We’ve always known it around here!)

Members of The Women’s Council of Realtors exemplify the highest standard of industry professionalism and it is a recognized source of leadership development and the businesswoman’s perspective in Las Vegas. To learn more about the vision, values, and impact this organization promotes in our great city, click here for further information.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

“What’s the big deal? A Realtor® lists your home for sale, and then earns a big paycheck just for punching a few keys into MLS. I can sell it myself for cheaper!”

Been there? Said that? And if you’ve ever actually tried it, you know (to coin a phrase) “it just ain’t so.” But for those looking to sell a home who don’t know any better (yet), here’s a little peek behind the scenes of what goes on after your real estate agent accepts your listing.

1. This is important, so read it twice: Your agent doesn’t get paid unless your home sells. Let’s try that again. Your agent doesn’t get paid unless your home sells.

It’s easy to forget this part – but Realtors® don’t get paid by the hour. In fact, you might consider them the original gamblers, because if your home doesn’t sell – all their time, work, and energy doesn’t net them a dime. The rule of thumb is pretty much that for every 1 hour your agent spends with you, they’re spending 9 more hours working on behalf of your listing. “Working on what?” you ask? We thought you might say that, so read on.

2. They’re researching.

Arriving at the optimum listing price for your property takes time and research. It’s not enough to simply look at online listings to compare the square footage and price of other homes currently on the market. Your agent will often take the time to visit the current listings in person because it’s the only way to truly compare the characteristics of each home. Just because two homes have the exact same floorplan doesn’t mean they possess the same value. If your home is in a quiet cul-de-sac location and another listing is on a busy avenue – that is going to make your listing more desirable to potential buyers. And that’s only one example among dozens that can make a difference not only in whether you sell your home, but for how much. Plus, listings come and go fast in the real estate world, so agents need to check their multiple listing service database constantly or they can miss opportunities that could provide benefit to your listing.

3. They’re marketing your property.

Remember that part about ‘not getting paid unless a home sells’? That’s one reason your selling agent will also put their money into multiple avenues of marketing your home to potential buyers. Even the best home in the world isn’t going to sell if people don’t know it’s available. So the more exposure your agent can get for your listing, the better the odds that you receive an offer, or even multiple offers (and who doesn’t love that!?). Once again, it takes time to prepare ads and list them– whether online, in magazines and newspapers, fliers, direct mail postcards, premium placements on listing sites, and more. In fact, depending on the property, these efforts can run into thousands of dollars. All paid from their own pocket before ever earning a dime.

4. They deal with buyers and their agents.

Your home is on the market – and people are going to want to know about it. That means phone calls, emails, and correspondence from buyers and other agents – and knowing how to sort through the ‘qualified’ from the ‘not-so-much-qualified’ takes time (and skill, if you want the truth). Without a listing agent, there’s a good chance that you can get within days of the closing ‘finish line’ only to discover your buyers can’t seal the deal (bummer – you just lost 3-6 more months of valuable time). So – not only are they saving you all the time of dealing with buyers – they’re also making sure when you do have a buyer, they’re for real.

5. Paperwork. Lots of paperwork.

It starts with the listing itself, and following up to make sure every obligation required in your state is met with regard to real estate laws. If you try to do it yourself and miss even one single disclosure or timeline, you are leaving yourself open for lawsuits for years to come. Seriously.

And, of course, offers – obviously the most exciting and important part of the transaction. How they’re handled can save or net you thousands of dollars on a sale. Yet getting to the right price requires written offers and counteroffers every step of the way. It’s time-consuming, meticulous, and detailed – and your listing agent addresses every part of the transaction with an eye to your benefit. Not to the buyer’s; and certainly not their own. This is one time in your life you can be assured you’re the “Star” of the show.

6. The Best Part? They make it all look easy.

Not every sale goes smoothly—buyers and sellers (and even other agents) get difficult all the time—but good agents try to shield their clients from the high drama unless there’s a reason to fill them in. It’s a talent – putting out fires (many times, before buyers and sellers are even aware of them). And when the drama does rear its head, they know the steps to resolve it – all the while helping to keep you calm when the pressure is on. People get emotional about their home, so being a problem-solver and keeping a step ahead of potential issues is more important than either buyers or sellers realize.

So the next time you hear someone say “Why get a Realtor®?” I’m just going to sell my house myself!” – you’ll know just how to reply to that. With either: “Hey, take a look at this article!” – or, “I hope you have a lot of free time on your hands, then.”

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. 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 times, they are a changin’. Boy, Bob Dylan had that right. And it’s a mantra that continues today, especially with the evolution of manufacturing technology and our changing lifestyles. But there’s one thing that is never going to go out of style: We want our homes to be a reflection of “us.”

That brings us to a few up-and-coming trends that will be entering the new home builder’s consciousness. Some of these are available now – some will be joining the party in the future. But all of them are designed to allow us to express ourselves and make our home environment just that-much-more-unique. Enjoy!

Pet Suites

Are ya KIDDING us? Why didn’t someone come up with this about a gajillion years ago? How many of us have aching knees and backs from trying to wash Fido in the tub? This is just like heading to your nearest favorite pet boutique’s self-wash areas, and bringing one of their tubs home with you. A hot new feature that many builders are now offering, these suites are often incorporated into the laundry room and include a dog wash, designated bedding space, plenty of storage, filtered water access, a widescreen television (DogTV anyone?). They may even include wireless cameras so you can check on your pet while you’re away. (There’s a reason pets are a $60 billion a year business. But hey, they’re worth it!)

Interior Carriage Doors

Think: Barn. Big, impressive, sliding barn doors that can be used in any number of creative pursuits in your home. From space dividers to storage disguisers, this new look is one that home builders are all over (at least, if the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas is any indication). The look can be simple or ornate, colorful or monochromatic. These are definitely open to interpretation for your unique tastes.

Personalized Appliances

We don’t know about you, but we’d leapfrog over grandma for a crack at these custom range grates and knobs. (Maybe it’s because they call this color “Cupcake Blue”?) From what we can tell, they’re not available just yet – but GE’s FirstBuild Studio is in the process of developing 3D-printed accessories for its older model kitchen appliances. When it’s in place, you’ll be able to order new knobs, grill plates, and handles in fun colors like this. The best part? Did you catch that “older model” comment? You won’t even have to fork over the dough for new appliances to dress of your home with this one. Score!

Colored Stainless Steel Appliances

Speaking of new appliances, if you’re on board for that – colored stainless steel is the newest hot-button for buyers. In a recent Houzz poll, nearly two-thirds say they’d consider the new dark stainless to shiny silver metal. (Well, “Duh.” We all want what’s new!) And just in case black isn’t exciting enough for you (LG’s new Black Stainless collection) – head to the light with Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze finish.

Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

Some things, you just wonder why it’s never happened before. Two-tone kitchen cabinets – with upper cabinets white or neutral to maintain a sense of spaciousness, and lower cabinets in deep colors or various wood tones – well, it’s just brilliant. Or not, depending on your taste. For those who prefer the eclectic look, though, we think this is an excellent option.

Copper is Chic (Again)

Yes, copper can add a sparkle and a certain 1940’s Hollywood glamour to your home – but that’s not the full driving force behind the resurgence of copper in sinks, tools, and surfaces. With antibiotic-resistant superbugs on the rise, The Copper Development Association has proven that copper reduces more than 99.9% of bacteria in between routine cleanings. (Seems that your grandparents and Julia Child had it right!)

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Yes – you really do need to seek advice on this topic. Why? Because it’s one thing to decide you need to find a new home for your family’s needs. It’s quite another to know how much home you’re actually qualified to buy. So before you start house-hunting online and looking at pretty house pictures, and before you give your favorite New Home Resource Realtor® a call. . . you should do one very important thing first:

Contact a mortgage lender to find out how much home you’re qualified to purchase.

And here are four very good reasons this should be the very FIRST step you take.

1) DON’T FALL IN LOVE – ONLY TO GET DUMPED!

Few things are worse than falling in love with “the perfect home” – only to discover that you can’t afford it. It’s a huge emotional let-down. For one thing, every home you look at after this will be compared to ‘the-one-that-got-away.’ So partly, by not knowing your buying parameters, you’ve set yourself up for disappointment at the very time when excitement and enthusiasm should be happening! Also, by aiming higher than you can afford – even if it happens unintentionally – let’s face it, can be a blow to your ego (whether you blame yourself or it’s just your ego taking a hit). But having the facts available about your financial capabilities before you begin shopping is the best way to avoid all of these (rather unpleasant) circumstances.

2) HOW MUCH MONEY DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOUSE ANYWAY?

The required down payment can vary greatly from loan type to loan type, your personal income, and your credit history. This is something you absolutely need – and want – to know before you dive into this project. Do you have enough money saved? PLUS – in addition to your required down payment, there are closing costs and expenses added to the bottom line that can equate to several thousand dollars more at the closing table. To greatly minimize these closing expenses, visit the “No Fee” lender at http://www.premiermortgagelending.com/

3) YOUR REALTOR® IS A PERSON TOO!

When you’re in the process of buying a home, it might seem like everyone is out to get something from you. But in reality, there is one person who is required both ethically and legally to put your best interests first: Your professional Realtor®. Of course, others you meet throughout the process may also choose to function that way. But for your real estate professional, it’s not an option (and truth be told, we prefer it that way).

That being said, you should also remember one very important thing: Your Realtor® is a person, too. Actually, we know you know that (in theory, at least) – but let us explain why it matters in this context.

Most real estate professionals are more than happy to go above and beyond on your behalf, and if you think about all the service they bring to the table, that can mean a lot. Doing extensive research to find properties in your preferred neighborhood, style, price range; with the right schools or proximity to your work. Getting all the property background and communicating with the seller and their agent to secure appointments – all that happens before even taking you to view it. It’s a lot of work up-front on your Realtor’s part – but this is what they do. You’re their client and they’re happy to do it because helping you make the right choice is the best part of their job.

But if you’re home shopping without knowing what your budget will allow you to buy – your Realtor® is going to expend a lot of unnecessary time and energy doing all those functions for properties that are literally just not an option for you. (And this is where the “person” part comes in.)

Just like anyone else, your Realtor® has limited and valuable time, energy, and resources. So you need to make sure that you don’t burn them out by using up those resources on homes that are outside your reach. Because if you do, there’s that much less of everything to devote to finding the right home that fits all your needs – and your budget – too.

4) SOMEONE ELSE WANTS MY HOUSE!

These days, it’s not as easy as viewing a home, making an offer, and opening escrow. Often, sellers have several buyers interested in their home at the same time, and they are able to pick and choose the buyer they want. Who they choose (assuming the sales price is a constant) will many times depend on which buyer can get to the closing table the fastest – and with the best terms.

Getting pre-approved and knowing exactly how much house you can afford before shopping for a home is key to winning-over a home-seller. Be the buyer who is prepared.

By having a pre-qualification letter from a mortgage lender in-hand, the seller knows you’re not only serious about buying, but you also have a good chance of getting to a successful closing. Even better, start taking the steps NOW to begin the pre-approval loan process. Given a choice, sellers will choose the “pre-approved” buyer over the “pre-qualified” buyer, any day.

What’s the difference between a pre-qualification letter and a pre-approval letter? It’s a HUGE difference!! (Click on this link to find out: “What are the steps to getting a mortgage loan”)

A pre-qualification letter is not a commitment from a lender to make your loan. In fact, it doesn’t include necessary information about their costs or their interest rate, either. Any reputable real estate professional will always recommend you start the formal loan process now, as opposed to just being pre-qualified. For more information about just how important this step is, we refer you to this article from Las Vegas-based Premier Mortgage Lending.

While most people are used to finding the right home and then seeking a mortgage loan – by turning those steps around and beginning the documentation process with your lender first, you can speed up the process considerably. Getting many of the necessary documents to your lender early and becoming a pre-approved buyer can ultimately put your offer at the front of the line! You become the best buyer, in the right place, at the right time – and BINGO! That house is yours.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Are we all tired of hearing yet that “It’s a New Year! Time to Keep Resolutions! Set Goals! Make Changes!” Yeah, we are, too. So in the interests of ‘moving-right-along,’ we’d like to touch on a subject that seems to make all the “What to do in 2016” lists a lot, but in reality requires diligence to keep in line. Day in and day out, year after year after year.

Yes – we’re talking about your credit score.

The reason we bring it up is because “in the old days” (i.e., sort of before the internet) – your credit used to work like this:

• You pay your bills on time.

• You develop a good credit score.

• You can get a loan or line of credit when you need one.

These days, not so much. There are more things that can actually affect your credit score – both good and bad – than ever before. In fact, there are a lot of things that you probably feel shouldn’t rely on your credit score – but they can still end up costing you money (from higher credit card and mortgage loan charges to auto insurance and more).

The fact is, the state of your credit history can have a huge affect on the things you’re able to do in life. From job opportunities to owning a home. So we’d like to point out a few things you may not know about what does – and doesn’t – make a difference to your credit score.

Whaaaaat?!!! (aka “These Things Matter To My Credit?”)

Renting a car with a debit card can affect your credit. How? Some car rental agencies might see it as a red flag that you aren’t using a credit card, so they’re going to check and see if you can be trusted. It’ll count as a hard inquiry and could cost a few points on your score

Not paying a parking ticket. You might think you pulled a fast one on the local municipality by not paying a parking ticket, but they might have the last laugh. Some cities send your unpaid tickets to collections agencies, and your credit score can take a beating if you have an account in collections. So, while you might think you saved $65 on a parking ticket, you could be paying hundreds of dollars more on a new loan because you might not get favorable terms based on the decrease in your credit score. The same for utility bills, back rent and other expenses.

Getting a New Cell Phone. Opening a new mobile account could also initiate a hard credit inquiry. Although each hard inquiry shouldn’t drop your score too drastically, you’ll want to be careful not to initiate too many in too short a time, or else these little actions can really add up.

Things You Think Should Matter – But Don’t

How much money you make. Now seriously, of anything that affects your financial status, what could possible matter more? And yet, nowhere on your credit report is your income reflected. That’s not to say that anyone you’ve asked to extend you credit won’t make that inquiry, or that the results of a high or low income may ultimately show up in other ways on your report. But as far as your credit history alone – it makes no difference.

Your Debit Card History. For those who were raised with the theory “If you can’t pay cash, don’t get it” – they’re probably more quick to pull out the debit card than the credit card at the purchase counter. But in doing so – you’re using cash you already have (another thing that doesn’t show up on your credit report: Your net worth or cash in the bank). So it’s not demonstrating your ability to utilize and responsibly manage credit. In fact, many people have zero information on their credit history because they chose not to borrow money or pay for things with credit. So literally, by staying out of debt – you’re working against your own credit score.

Spent time in prison? Your credit history won’t show it. However, while it’s true your criminal record is typically ignored, civil judgments can and do appear on your credit report. This includes everything from bankruptcies and tax liens to monetary judgments and overdue child support payments in some states.

The Things That Really Do Matter To Your Credit Score

1. The best thing you can do is pay your bills on-time. 35% of your credit score is your payment history.

2. If you can’t pay them on-time, make sure you pay something each month. Completely ignoring your bills is much worse than paying late. And having an account charged off gives potential lenders historic proof that a company lent you money and you didn’t pay it back, (Need we point out that’s not a good thing?)

3. Help your score by keeping your credit card balances low in relation to your credit limit.

4. Avoid tax liens, bankruptcies and foreclosures.

If buying a home is on your list of things to do anytime soon – or even in the distant future – it is literally never too early to start focusing on building your credit history and credit score. For more tips on what you can do to help improve your ability to get a mortgage loan, take a look at this blog post from Premier Mortgage Lending. (Seven Things To Do To Improve Your Credit Score.)

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Getting organized. Are there any other words that cause more angst or heart palpitations when they’re spoken? (All you “Monica Geller-Bing” types can probably skip this article. You’d probably write it better, anyway.)

Maybe that’s why they decided to dedicate an entire month to the task. Fun Fact: The first “Get Organized Month” was in 2005 and was started by – surprise – the National Association of Professional Organizers. Actually, it says something about us as a society that such an organization needs to exist in the first place. But we digress.

In truth, research shows that people waste as much as an hour a day, on average, looking for things they’ve misplaced. That means that many of us waste as much as 15 days every year because of disorganization. Clearly then, it would pay for us to get more organized – because time is the one commodity none of us can ever recover.

So enough dilly-dallying! Procrastination now goes out the window as we present to you our best guesses about how to begin the daunting process of getting home and work environments in order. And if you have some more suggestions you’d like to toss onto the pile, let us have ’em. We’ll be sure to add them to our “To-Do” list . . . as soon as we find it.

1. Identify the Benefits That Getting Organized Will Bring You

Starting with that 15 days we just carelessly toss away every year. Yikes! And that’s only the beginning. Being organized contributes to a higher quality of life, too. Organized people experience lower stress, a greater sense of control, and even higher pay (although we think this is somehow sneakily connected to those 15 days again).

But in truth, you’ll have more time to do the things in life that matter most to you – like spending quality time with friends and children, enjoying hobbies, and gloating about your Organized Life to those of your friends who didn’t follow our suggestions. And don’t forget about that stress level. (Think of the money you’ll save on Xanax.)

2. Decide What Needs Organizing

Which area of your life is the most chaotic? Is it your desk at work? Is it the stack of mail, bills, or reading material that has taken over your dining room? What things are you always looking for? (For that matter, what things have you still not been able to find yet? Haha! Just kidding on that one.)

What we’re trying to say with this step is: Identify the area of your life that is causing you the greatest amount of stress. Start there. Start only there.

3. What Tools Do You Need?

If this is something you’ve never ever tried before – there’s no shame in getting help. No, we don’t mean a therapist (which in truth, you probably already see because you’re so stressed out about being DIS-organized). We’re referring to the plethora of great organizing books available. And yes! This part means you can procrastinate a little bit longer while hopping onto Amazon.com to read book reviews.

But actually, these books (or even many online articles you can peruse for free) can help you identify a process for getting organized and give you tips and solutions to get started. Want us to break down and tell you “The Trick” to the whole process? Breaking it down into manageable pieces. (Yes, just like all those other things in life where we have to learn to do that.)

Once you’ve figured out what needs organizing, it’s even okay to spend a little time online to find suggestions or images showing how other people solved the same storage or organization dilemmas – and that will help you create a list of what you need to get the job done right. All we recommend is – if you’re going to steal, do it like an artist. Find the easiest, best, or most appealing method that will inspire you to keep it in shape once it’s done.

4. Dedicate (and Schedule) Time To Work On This Project.

Unless you’re going to take a week or so off to dedicate that time to getting it all done in one fell swoop, it’s best to: a) Tackle it in segments; and b) Dedicate a set period of time to work on it. (daily, weekly – whatever works with your schedule)

You may be thinking that’s a bit of a risk. After all, there’s no guarantee that once you walk away from this project you’ll ever come back to it. Right?

Oh – but wait. We already determined the reasons WHY you want to get organized – and to put it gently: It’s all about YOU. Your time, your energy, your frustration, your anxiety. So sure, you can walk away and never look back. But in the back of your mind, you’ll know. And you’ll be back. Just like Arnold.

And so you should return! Because it’s a new year, and anything’s possible. After all, setting a schedule to return and dedicate 30 minutes, an hour, or an afternoon towards getting this one single area of your life in order will be a piece of cake. (It’s not like we’re asking you to go to the gym every day! And by the way, we think “Organizing With Cake” is a great name for a blog.) Happy organizing!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. 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 end of 2015 is here. Ack! If you’re anything like us, you’re wondering just where in the world it went – and how did it do it so fast? Even so, these last few days before we turn the calendar on a new year always cause us to look back over the past 12 months – and wonder what the next 12 have in store for us.

It’s also pretty natural right about now to start thinking of that list of New Year’s resolutions you want to put in motion. In theory, it sounds like a good idea, right? But in reality (oh come on, you can admit it) – most of them usually last about as long as it takes to put the ink on the paper (or at least hit “save” on that Word document). In fact, 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail, according to a 2007 survey of over 3,000 people. Ouch.

Almost before you know it, you find yourself busy trying to remember to make it “/16” instead of “/15” when you type the date. Next, you find yourself several days into month and the magic of that “January 1” milestone becomes a distant memory. And ultimately – life just keeps marching on day after day – just like always, oblivious to all your wonderful intentions.

Happens every year, doesn’t it?

But that’s not to say you shouldn’t make an effort. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” We just happen to think some ways to achieve that progress are more effective than others.

Because really, it’s not so much about “January 1” being the start of a miraculous, new lifestyle – as much as it is to recognize this: That if something needs changing or improvement, it needs it to happen “now” – not wait for a date on the calendar to appear.

Just to give you an idea of what we mean, we’d like to share three of the “resolutions” that we put into practice every year (and every day, for that matter). And while we’re by no means claiming a perfect record, we do our best. And sometimes, we even make progress . . . a single step and a single day at a time.

1) Run toward something, not away from something.

There is a significant difference between the two. When you spend your life running from dissatisfaction, it will follow you everywhere. Running from discomfort is not a life strategy. We need to make certain that we’re making our choices based upon what we’re moving toward rather than what we’re moving away from.

2) See yourself as if you were already there.

State your goal, and make every decision with that mindset. (And here’s a little hint: If you can’t clearly envision yourself doing your goal, don’t even bother. Your “resolve” isn’t going to get you there…..only your mindset and subsequent actions will.)

3) Focus on “diligence” not “discipline.”

You’ve heard the saying that “anything can become a habit after 21 days”? Ummm, not so much. Pretty much anybody can have the discipline to do something for 21 days. But few people will have the diligence to continue doing it for the rest of the year. With diligence, you’ll do the right thing a little bit every day, and it will add up to something big down the road. (Here’s your pithy saying of the day: “Diligence rules; discipline drools.”)

Our suggestion? Just start living every day the way you know will make you a happier, more successful person. And by the way, it’s okay to cheat on your New Year’s Resolution and start it a few days early. That is, if you actually want to change. But whatever your goals for the coming new year, we hope you make it one to remember!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!