Las Vegas Properties Blog

FHA LOANS POPULAR

For the past several years, Las Vegas homebuyers have purchased most homes with conventional loan programs.  That has changed recently, and the FHA mortgages are the most popular loan programs being written by Las Vegas mortgage brokers and bankers.  The federal government has placed great emphasis on the FHA loans and hopes that these loans will help bring new life to the current real estate market.

Las Vegas is a great target for FHA borrowers.  Since home prices have decreased during the past 2 years, as FHA limits have increased, many homebuyers find these loan programs to be their ideal solution. 

The way that FHA loans works is:  FHA insures loans that are originated by approved lenders.  FHA does not purchase loans.  If a FHA insured loan become delinquent, FHA pays off the mortgage to the lender, takes ownership of the home and then sells it as a HUD home.

TYPES OF FHA LOANS

Fha loans are available for purchasing or single family, duplex, triplex or fourplex properties that are owner occupied homes.  The increase in FHA limits have made these loans more popular.  For example, the new limit for single family FHA loans in Clark County, Nevada is $400,512; the limit for a fourplex in Clark County is now $769,250. 

Other changes in FHA loans involve the concessions that are allowed by the Seller of a property.  Sellers can still contribute up to 6% of the loan amount, but down payment assistance from Sellers has been eliminated.  So, a Buyer must have a down payment of at least 3.5% for a FHA loan, effective January, 2009.  There are other underwriting qualifying standards, as with other loan programs.  It is important to deal with an approved and experienced FHA lender. Details about FHA loans can be found at www.hud.gov.  Las Vegas has many FHA approved lenders; if you would like a list of them, contact Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.  Read the rest of this entry

Las Vegas Loves Summerlin!

For those of us who have been involved in the real estate industry in Las Vegas, we have appreciated the continuous success of the master planned community of Summerlin.  Summerlin was the concept of the Howard Hughes Corp, with development that began 20 years ago.  Summerlin’s master planned community model is one of the most successful in the country, for many good reasons.   Summerlin has won the award of “best selling master planned community in the country” for several years, and for good reason.

Summerlin’s Success

Summerlin has always emphasized recreational activities and outdoor facilities, having taken resident surveys to find out what is most important to its residents.  Of the 22,500 acres, Summerlin has 18 paks, several ball fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, community centers, miles of biking and hiking trails and other outdoor facilities.  These facilities fall under the oversight of the Summerlin Council, which serves as an umbrella over the 3 dependent associations that comprise the Summerlin villages.  There are also 3 independent associations that include Sun City Summerlin, Red Rock Country Club and Siena.  Sun City Summerlin and Siena are age-qualified communities, with golf courses and recreational activities for active adults. 

Summerlin Community Events

Annual art fairs, holiday celebrations, golf tournaments, cultural events and sporting events all contribute to the Summerlin lifestyle.  Summerlin is expected to be home to approximately 200,000 residents when the community is fully developed.  Home prices range from the $200,000′s to several millions.  There are new homes, resale homes, townhomes, condominiums and custom homesites within Summerlin.  If you would like more information about the fastest growing master planned community in the country, call Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.

 Las Vegas will be home to the new Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf.  DragonRidge Country at MacDonald Highlands is the site for this exciting new golf academy.  Scheduled to open in spring 2009, the Nicklaus Academy is the leading golf instruction academy in the world.  This is really exciting news for the both residents and visitors!

MacDonald Highlands has recently opened its newest custom homesite community for sales.  This beautiful community overlooks the McCullough mountain range, high above the valley in Henderson, Nevada.  Just minutes from McCarran International Airport,  the community is close to the nightlife and excitement of Las Vegas.  These beautiful homesites provide a secluded lifestyle surrounding the DragonRidge Country Club, with beautiful views of the Las Vegas strip.  The club offers a spectacular golf course, two dining rooms, cocktail lounge, grand ballroom and luxurious spa and fitness center.  Residents will also enjoy ten acres of parks that include tennis, volleyball and basketball counrts, as well as beautiful hiking trails.   Homesites start in the $700,000′s. 

Las Vegas and Henderson Golf Course Homes

Las Vegas is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the southwest.  Whether you are looking for a Country Club home, golf course home or home near a public golf course, there are several choices in Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas.  Among the golf course communities are Summerlin, Southern Highlands, Anthem, Aliante, Lake Las Vegas, to name just a few.

 If you would like to learn of availability, current pricing and the details of amenities and community features, call us at Las Vegas Properties - 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.

In the Las Vegas real estate market, we have noticed that VA loans have made a comeback in recent months.  We had not seen VA loans much during the Las Vegas real estate boom, when appreciation was strong and mortgages were readily available to most homebuyers. But, with recent mortgage problems and challenges for buyers trying to take advantate of our “buyers’ market,” VA loans are a great choice for qualified buyers.  VA loans offer advantages for both Buyers and Sellers, and to the improvement of the real estate market.  In today’s real estate market, with the inventory of resale homes to choose from, many Las Vegas home sellers are considering paying buyers’ closing costs; this has not been the case in the past several years, as the market was so strong that sellers did not have to consider these types of incentives.  Las Vegas new home builders are also accepting buyers with VA loans in today’s market, as they realize that so many home buyers who qualify for VA loans are looking at the builders’ standing inventory.  Especially during the last quarter of the year, Las Vegas home builders want to liquidate their standing inventory before the end of 2008. Read the rest of this entry

North Las Vegas Announces New Projects

The City of North Las Vegas has announced several new projects in its effort to continue growing.  North Las Vegas has been popular for its residential development, such as the master planned community of Aliante and the community of Eldorado.  These newest plans involve commercial and industrial development that will add to the city’s popularity.  Aliante Station, the newest resort casino is due to open next month, and will employ more than 1,000. 

Downtown Redevelopment Plans

The North Las Vegas downtown redevelopment plan has achieved real progress this year.  The city spent $16 million for 12 acres for the new City Hall, while the Silver Nugget Casino serves ad the “showplace” of the city’s downtown redevelopment plans.  The Silver Nugget will add a 200-room hotel, movie theatres, upgraded gaming floor and restaurants, all designed to cater to local residents.  The city will also start on the Fifth Street Corridor, which will improve traffic flow and bring more people to the downtown area of the city.  Plans are under way for the Las Flores shopping center, which will include 350,000 square feet of retail space.  According to Mijewski, North Las Vegas economic development director, said that private developers have shown plans for at least $1 billion in new projects for downtown North Las Vegas, which is very exciting to all of us in the Las Vegas valley.

New VA Hospital

The new Veterans Affairs Medical Center will be built in North Las Vegas; plans include 90 acute-care hospital beds, 120 long-term nursing beds and an adjacent Veterans Benefits Administration building.  The center will also include beds for veterans in need of physical rehabilitation, or who suffer from other conditions.  The goal of this VA Medical Center is to bring together several treatment regimens and administrative support, improving overall patient care.  A federal advisory commission reported in 2004 was instrumental in the decision to build a new VA medical facility in North Las Vegas, so that VA patients can receive quality care in Nevada, as rather than going to California for care.  The location of this new facility was arranged  by a no-cost land transfer from the federal Bureau of Land Management.

North Las Vegas Industrial Park

Apex is a master planned industrial park that will create new jobs and business opportunities in North Las Vegas.  Apex will be a 20,000-acre master planned area that is starting with Industrial Properties Development’s industrial building of 475,000 sqauare feet.  The developer anticipates a total of 10 phases, totaling 20 million square feet of industrial space.  Apex is also trying to become a Foreigh Trade Zone, with the help of the Nevada Development Authority and Nevada International Trade Corp.  This designation would allow park tenants to receive raw materials without customs or duty fees until distributed.  This is a great benefit to distribution companies and will draw many companies to reloate to North Las Vegas.

If you are interested in the details of any of these projects, or are looking for commercial or residential properties in North Las Vegas, contact Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.  Las Vegas Properties is a proud member of the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce!

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Cosmopolitan Resort On Schedule!

The Cosmopolitan Resort and Luxury Condominium developent will be completed!  The development has encountered several challenges during the past several months, with its future uncertain.  But construction has continued to progress and the property will open, while several other Las Vegas strip condo projects have postponed or cancelled.  The $3.9 billion property was being developed by Bruce Eichner, who recently defaulted on his construction loans.  At that time, the future of the development was uncertain.  Hyatt Corp invested substantial money into the project, and the Global Hyatt brand of hotels will manage the Cosmo’s hotel rooms.

New Owner

Deutsche Bank took over the property and has hired The Related Cos., New York, as owner’s representative.  The original general contractor is still involved, and the property is scheduled to open in December, 2009.  Plans for the complex are much like the original scheme for two 600-foot towers with 2,998 hotel and condo-hotel units atop a four-level retail, casino and entertainment podium.  Approximately 80% of the 1,825 condos have been sold, with sales totaling more than $1.35 billion.

Deutsche Bank will most likely sell the property upon its completion.  The completion of The Cosmopolitan is great news for the Las Vegas economy, with so many of the Las Vegas Strip projects like Echelon Place and The Plaza being postponed or cancelled.   The Cosmopolitan is a great addition to the luxury high-rise resort and condominium market in Las Vegas.  If you would like floor plans, pricing and current availability, contact Las Vegas Homes and Condos at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.

Las Vegas Buyers’ Real Estate Market!

The daily “doom and gloom” of the national economy and real estate markets continue to bring us negative news.  But, there is one “bright light” that does not seem to warrant much media attention.  It is the Buyers’ Market in Las Vegas!  Having been involved in Las Vegas real estate for 18 years, I have never seen such great opportunities for home buyers and investors as I see now.  Investment advisors tell us to “buy low and sell high” and this is the time in Las Vegas to do just that!

Las Vegas Real Estate Auctions

I have experienced first hand the great buying opportunities offered at real estate auctions.  In addition to my traditional brokerage, Las Vegas Properties, I am the Nevada Corporate Broker for Real Estate Disposition Corporation (REDC).  REDC auctions foreclosed properties for lenders throughout the country.  In Las Vegas, REDC has sold several hundred Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson this year.  This weekend, more than 200 properties were sold to the highest bidder, and the buyers were really excited with the properties prices.  Most properties had financing available, while some were cash transactions with rehab loans available for renovation.  Some Las Vegas buyers who might have been unable to purchase a home until now had great success with auction properties.

Foreclosures and REO’s

Those of us in the Las Vegas real estate industry are hoping for a market turnaround in the near future, but, in the meantime, we recognize the value in finding and negotiating on Las Vegas foreclosures and REO (bank owned) properties for our buyers.  In many cases, the properties are in good condition; not all of them are “trashed.”  Last month I closed escrow on a beautiful home in a new community that was priced at least $100,000 less than the normal market value.  The house was in “move-in” condition and was a great buy for my clients.  There is more research and due diligence involved in foreclosures, but there are some properties that warrant the extra time and effort needed to complete a purchase.  The lenders and banks have become more realistic over the past 30 days, allowing some properties to sell at really low prices so that their inventory is reduced.

Motivated Sellers

During the past 18 months, we have all seen listings sit on the market for months with no offers because they were overpriced for these market conditions.  As the market has stabalized with the newly reduced market values, sellers who do not have a good reason to sell usually withdraw their properties from the market, waiting for prices to increase again.  The inventory still remaining among sellers is now priced correctly, sometimes less than what the seller originally paid.  These homes offer great opportunities to Las Vegas home buyers looking for particular communities or school districts.  Many of these homes have pools, upgrades and options that would have cost thousands more in a better market.  Sellers are offering incentives by way of buyers’ closing cost contributions, or reduced sales prices.

Las Vegas New Homes

I can remember buyers camping outside of sales offices to buy new homes, just a few years ago.  Now, new home builders are trying to liquidate their standing inventory and close out the phases in their developments before the end of this year.  I have not seen such great price reductions and buyers’ incentives in more than 8 years in the new home market!  New home buyers should always engage their own real estate broker to represent them in a new home purchase, as there are some developers who are might not be financially able to complete the development.    A broker is also able to do the necessary due diligence to check on future zoning, building codes and other factors that might affect the future value of a new home development.  The sales agent who works for the developer represents only the developer.  Having your own real estate broker does not cost you, as a buyer, anything, as the builder pays the broker’s fees.  There are some great new homes available in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson.  If you would like a list of inventory, special incentives and availability, contact Las Vegas Properties today at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.

Amazon.Com North Las Vegas   

We are all excited to learn that Amazon.com is opening a distribution center in North Las Vegas.  The online retail company signed a five year, $8.6 million lease to occupy more than 280,000 square feet of industrial space at the ProLogis Park North in North Las Vegas.  The cneter will be used to fulfill amazon.com Web orders throughout the southwestern United States.  The Seattle based company’s new plant will create 300 local full-time jobs and 200 seasonal positions.  This is great news at a time when unemployment is high among across the country! Read the rest of this entry

Las Vegas Housing Update

The Las Vegas Review Journal has published its monthly Market Report for the Las Vegas area.  It was reported that Clark County increased its population by about 5,500 residents in June, which is an increase of 18% from the previous month.  The number of people relocating to Clark County has declined 16% from 2007, but Las Vegas relocation is growing again.  With Las Vegas real estate prices still falling, this is a great time for homebuyers who are relocating to Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson!

According to the Center for Business and Economic Research, the number of existing home sales increased to 2,731, which is almost 5% higher than the previous month; new home sales totaled 777 for the month, which was also an increase.  The number of existing homes reflects the large inventory of foreclosure properties in Las Vegas; it is great to see some of that inventory being absorbed, which will help stabalize the real estate market in Las Vegas.  We do not anticipate the end of the foreclosure crisis until late 2009, or early 2010, at which time prices on resale homes will definitely begin to increase.

Business, Gaming and Tourism

The Nevada Dept of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reported that the unemployment rate for Las Vegas increased to 4.8%, which is still lower than many other large cities.  Natually, the construction industry’s loss of jobs in the real estate market decline has contributed to the unemployment numbers. The Center for Business and Economic Research Clark County Business Activity Index increased by .71% last quarter.  This index consists of indicators of the overall state of business in Clark County.  This index includes gross gaming revenue, nonfarm employment and taxable sales.  Gross gaming revenue declined due to the drop in tourism over the past quarter. 

The Review Journal “FUN FACT” –  The Consumer Confidence Index increased from the previous month.  The Expectations Index, which measures shoppers’ outlook over the next sx months increased by 2% last month.  This is a great indication of the overall economy in Las Vegas; it is still true that “when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!.”  We are all optomistic as to the Las Vegas economy.  We expect the real estate market to continue to improve, construction to resume on large mega resort properties and luxury condominiums…and for the Las Vegas economy to thrive!  For any further details from this or any other economic report for the Las Vegas area, call Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net. Read the rest of this entry

Las Vegas Industrial Park

Las Vegas topped 100 million square feet of industrial space, with the addition of more than 1.5 million square feet during the second quarter of this year, according to Applied Analysis, a Las Vegas business advisory company.

Great Las Vegas Industrial Spaces at Premium Prices!

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