Making the Winning Offer for Luxury Homes in Las Vegas

Like most other parts of the real estate market, luxury homes in Las Vegas are expected to show a rise in demand going forward. Certain luxury homes have inherently superior marketability: luxury homes that both make a ‘statement’ and are priced competitively within their category are the most likely to attract competition between buyers. If you are among those looking for your perfect luxury home in Las Vegas, you could face that kind of competition this summer. Here are three stalwart factors shown to help beat the crowd:

1.            Money Talks

Have your finances ready before you start your home search. If you’re a cash buyer, prepare the qualifying documentation. If needed, get your current home sold, or secure an appropriate mortgage commitment before making your offer. Whether your offer is the highest or not, being able to verify that you have the ability to close on the deal can be a powerful persuader.  At the price point where multi-million dollar lending can be a stumbling block, a verified offer automatically becomes a most attractive feature.

2.            Align Yourself with a Connected Buyers' Agent

Buyers' agents who specialize in Las Vegas’s luxury homes can sometimes make a decisive difference. Being better connected to gain access to off-market or exclusive listings, the right agent may be able to alert you to emerging properties before they hit the broader market. Important because —

3.            Moving Fast Can Seal the Deal

If you are ready to buy and know what you are looking for, as soon as you find the right property, be mentally prepared to make your offer. Every moment you dawdle invites a multiple-offer situation — and though you may still get the house, you can also end up paying more than you should have. Sometimes it just depends on how quickly you are prepared to move.

Luxury homes in Las Vegas can sell more quickly than many of today’s buyers expect. Especially in a changing market, it’s important to have the most adept representation possible. Contact me today if you’d like to discuss this summer’s offerings of luxury homes in Las Vegas.

Selling Your Home in Las Vegas This Summer?

The graduations are just finishing up, most summer getaway are booked, and with the end of June soon to be coming our way, many homeowners may be thinking more about holiday weekends and BBQs than home maintenance. But for those selling a home in town this summer, keeping ahead of upkeep issues will become an important part of the project. Some items that bear watching:  

The best time to clean air conditioners is before you fire them up for the first time…but since the AC always seem to be needed sooner than expected, few of us do. Never mind: sooner is better than later — and if you're selling your home in Las Vegas this summer, you'll want to keep the home comfortable at all times for potential buyers. Your owner's manual should explain how to change filters and clean coils and fins. 

Everyone knows how important clearing clutter is for selling your Summerlin home, but don't forget to stash the winter's heating paraphernalia. While you’re storing any portable heaters, pull the filters from the central furnace and pick up replacements next time you’re at the hardware store. When potential buyers see the new replacements neatly placed where they’ll be handy come winter, they are likely to register that this is one property owner who is well ahead of maintenance issues.

Cleaning the windows and window coverings is a chore none of us looks forward to. But when you're selling your home in Las Vegas this summer, few touches pay off like windows that shine, shine, shine! Choose one of our sunny days and see if you can get someone to work with you — and if you can spare an extra hour or so, hose off the screens and lay them out in the sun to dry. 

Selling your home in Las Vegas is less taxing when you put yourself a step ahead on maintenance. Then call a hard-working agent like me to put the rest of a well thought-out marketing plan into action. I’ll be working all summer to help bring you top dollar for your Las Vegas home.

Common Beginner Mistakes When Renting a Las Vegas Home

With housing prices on the rebound, it’s easy to see why some Summerlin homeowners find buying an additional property an increasingly attractive possibility. Getting into the landlord business offers the appeal of a growth investment coupled with the possibility of a favorable cash flow situation.    

That said, make no mistake about it: renting a home in Las Vegas is its own business enterprise. Becoming a landlord means making business decisions that carry elements of risk as well as reward. When renting a home in Las Vegas there are a number of common — but avoidable — first-time landlord mistakes:

Fair Housing Violations

From the moment you begin marketing your income property, the language in your ad can easily run afoul of the fair housing rules that prohibit discrimination. Avoid phrases that single out any particular group or profile, such as “family-friendly,” “suitable for a couple,” or “singles only.” Since violations can run up to six figures, make sure your ad simply describes the property and the neighborhood in generic terms — and be prepared to accept the first qualified applicant who meets your terms. 

Credit Report Mistakes

Another common mistake when renting a home in Las Vegas is to fail to adequately qualify applicants. Today, accepting credit reports supplied by the applicants themselves is a gamble. Run credit reports yourself (including an eviction check for every applicant over the age of 18). You want to see the history of ALL applicants who will be living in your Summerlin income property.

Security Deposit Mistakes

When it comes to the security deposit, taking too much – or not enough – is another common first-timer misstep. Too little and you won’t have enough protection; too much, and you risk violating state regulations (with the possibility of jeopardizing your right to use any of the funds!). 

Renting a Las Vegas home can be an outstanding wealth-building venture, but your responsibilities as landlord must be taken seriously. For anyone unsure about legal requirements, hiring a professional property management agency can make good business sense. I’m here with recommendations for my clients on these and all other matters that accompany your Summerlin real estate opportunities.

Are you contemplating a Short Sale?

#LasVegasShortSales

Homeowners, if you're contemplating a Short Sale the time to act is now! The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 was just extended for one more year, it now expires on 12/31/13. Some Short Sales can take up to 6 months to complete, so don't wait!

CONTACT ME TODAY and get rid of that upside down/sinking house!

Marcelo V. Mayol

702-812-9990

www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Open House Planning In Las Vegas Should Include Safety

Holding an open house is a great sales tool when your home is on the market, but it also exposes your property to total strangers. As agents, my colleagues and I are trained to red flag suspicious activities, but during an open house, multiple parties will be coming and going at the same time. Choosing to take proactive steps is good practice for keeping your home safe during your open house in Las Vegas.

For openers, it’s a good idea to let neighbors know about the event. Since you are likely to be gone, let them know who your agent is and the open house schedule. Particularly after it ends, in case you aren’t back immediately, ask if they will keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.

Keep pets secured – a dog should never be left on the property during an open house, and cats (especially if they are indoor-only) should be secured in an escape-proof area or kitty crate. 

Remove and secure small and breakable items around the house, as well as things prospective buyers might step on, break, or trip over. Remember to ‘child-proof’ by removing items a prospect’s child might be tempted to ingest.

Of course, put away the valuables. The exposure your property will receive during an open house in Las Vegas is invaluable, but removing temptation (including prescription medications) will make it much more likely that results are 100% positive.

After your return, be sure to double-check the entire property to be ensure the doors, gates, and windows are properly locked. Thieves have been known to use open houses to scout for valuables and points of entry. The valuables were already removed; now, foiling the easy entrance will thwart that possibility.  

An open house in Las Vegas is a powerful marketing tool in any agent’s toolbox. We are already safety-conscious — and by taking these few extra steps, you can help ensure the event comes off without a hitch. I’m here to help clients succeed in all departments – call me today if you’d like to discuss a marketing plan for your home this Summer!

My New Home Workshop 6/27/13

Please join us for a My New Home Workshop, being held on Thursday 6/27/13 @ 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Location is at the Chase Branch on W Flamingo & the 215 (4125 S Grand Canyon Dr Las Vegas, NV 89147).

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make and as with any big decision, you want to be sure you know your facts and options first.

Expert guidance. Real life examples. In depth explanations.

The My New Home Workshop offers everything you need to know as you prepare to buy a home.

This educational workshop will help you to:

- Understand your costs up front.

- Determine a price range that's realistic and comfortable for you.

- Know more about how a real estate agent can help you.

- Learn how your credit score can impact your loan.

- Identify the paperwork you need for a smooth loan process.

Visit www.chase.com/MyNewHome/learn for more information, online tools and resources.

Getting a Mortgage in Las Vegas

Getting a mortgage in Las Vegas these days can be more involved than in years past, not least because their historically low rates make them so desirable. That loan can make or break a fantastic deal — the kind of deal you don’t want to lose when you come across it! Central to the process of getting a mortgage is your mortgage broker…but how do you know when you’ve found a great one? 

These are some of the qualities I believe most often point to the answer:  

• Truly outstanding mortgage brokers get tons of referrals from previous clients and their real estate agents…while other less well-appreciated or experienced brokers must constantly solicit new business. BUT (a very important ‘but’) that is not to say that a mortgage broker who solicits isn’t perfectly well qualified; simply, if you have selected a broker through his marketing, be sure to ask for a few recent references — and speak with them! 

• Getting a mortgage often obligates as much as a third of a household’s income, so it’s vital that it fit properly into the overall financial picture. A great mortgage broker asks the right questions to find a product that best fits your long-term goals, even when they aren’t the easiest ones to ask.

• The rules governing mortgage transactions have changed significantly in the last few years — and they were plenty complicated to begin with. Learning much of the process on the fly is part of the challenge facing brokers who are new to the field. When you are getting a mortgage in Las Vegas, if you suspect yours will be anything other than a straightforward process, it may be best to look past a newly licensed broker. An easy way to learn how much experience your broker has is to inquire about his work experience over the last 10 years.

Getting a mortgage in Las Vegas can be complicated, but it’s often decisive for your real estate transaction. I’ll be happy to introduce you to some of my proven local favorites. It’s one way we’ll be ready to go when we find you the perfect house!