Sunday, March 16, 2014

Las Vegas New Construction Home Buyers Get Answers


For most of us, the appeal of new construction—a brand new home which your family is first to own—is undeniable. The idea of being able to select your own floor plan with a layout you like and upgrades built to order is hard to beat. 
But home shoppers looking for new construction in Las Vegas should be particular. If their future home is to meet expectations, some sophisticated questions should be asked and answered before any agreements are reached. 
Home models are usually decked out with the best and most expensive furnishings and finishes, unlike more modest packages, where the unadorned dwelling is delivered without any fancy stuff. When you are viewing a home in a Las Vegas new construction development, be sure to ask how much that specific model costs—as-is. You can bet that the figure will be substantially higher than the most widely-advertised low-end price…and when you question what features create the price differences, you’ll readily determine if those are features you consider indispensable. A little arithmetic, and you’ll know how much your home will run. 
Some developers have better reputations than others, and you’ll want to work with the very best. Ask for references, of course, and do your own online investigation. Look at the previous new construction projects the developer has worked on and check whether they’ve had numerous complaints filed against them. Don’t necessarily trust every grumpy comment; but you can tell from the general level of satisfaction what you’re likely to experience.
Las Vegas new construction proceeds as a complex process—one where it pays to monitor progress to confirm that you’re getting exactly what you want (with no changes or alterations accidentally slipping through). Before signing on the dotted line, be sure you understand exactly what the construction process entails, and when and how often you’ll be able to enter the site to monitor progress.
Asking the right questions and monitoring finishing work is key in preventing unwanted surprises when it comes to new construction. If you’re interested in learning more about new homes and developments in Las Vegas, I’m just a phone call away!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
#themayolrealtygroup

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Las Vegas Real Estate Values: The Outlook for 2014


If there is one question that homeowners and prospective shoppers have in common as we enter the New Year, it’s about the direction of Las Vegas real estate values in 2014. Small wonder: the financial market meltdown of the last decade had such a profound impact on all forms of real estate that it still has many people looking nervously over their shoulders. How likely is another tumble in the coming 12 months? Will real estate values in Las Vegas continue to rise? Knowing the answer could make a big difference to anyone planning to buy or sell a home in Las Vegas this year.
Of course, absolute certainty on that score is not possible for anyone without a time machine in their basement. But, as we look back over last year, we might gain a little bit more confidence by hearing from the experts who got it right in 2013.
Foremost among them was Dr. Lawrence Yun, the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors®. Last year, he was dead-on.  
Dr. Yun is calling for a continued rise in prices—pretty much in line with the past year’s gains. To compensate for expected mortgage interest rate gains—the likely effect of the Federal Reserve’s easing of policies that fueled 2013’s financial markets—he suspects that lending institutions will ease borrowing strictures. That’s something we can all applaud!
Overall, if Las Vegas real estate values in 2014 follow the NAR’s national prognostications, we would expect real estate value increases either like the Wall Street Journal’s quoted prediction of 6%, or of Dr. Yun’s 5%. Either would not be surprising, given last year’s Las Vegas real estate values numbers. What the NAR experts and the Journal also agree upon is a flattening of residential housing sales volume in line with 2013 levels.
How much credence can we give to what the seers predict? Perhaps a little more than usual. “The NAR forecast could be viewed as restrained in light of the housing market’s gains in the past two years,” says the Journal; and “…other 2014 forecasts are fairly close to Mr. Yun’s predictions.”

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

First-Time Buyers Should Check Credit Scores Early

It can take years for Las Vegas first-time buyers to save up for their first home’s down payment, but even after that hurdle has been cleared, it can take even more time to secure a mortgage -- if they have neglected the other part of the equation. Their credit rating.
Before first-time buyers in Las Vegas will be able to move forward with that initial home purchase, they need to ensure that their credit score does not raise the kind of questions that sometimes derails an otherwise well-qualified home loan applicant. This has always been true, but may become even more likely as lending limitations grow increasingly strict.  
But it’s the occasional recording error or misstatement that is most easily preventable. Ironically, those often affect perfectly well-qualified buyers—precisely because they have no reason to suspect that a problem could crop up. 
The upshot: Las Vegas first time buyers should start reviewing their credit history one year to six months before they intend to buy a home. Since the credit agencies provide upon request free copies of every individual’s report once each year, the only hassle is having to check the details line-by-line (a single reporting error can have a big impact on an overall score). And since it’s not unusual to take 90 days or more to cure a disputed entry, the earlier a first-time buyer begins the process, the better. Individuals can file a dispute online with the credit bureaus, or can hire a credit repair company to assist with disputes. In all cases, claims should be documented and correct information provided immediately.   
Once a Las Vegas first-time buyer is certain that his or her reports are accurate, is it time to relax? Hardly. It’s important to continue to monitor those scores to ensure against accidental surprises. Especially recently, after wholesale credit card thefts sowed confusion and disruption throughout the system, it’s probably wise to assume nothing. Several online services offer credit monitoring (and it’s possible that your bank might provide free monitoring).
From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, I’m here to help my clients every step of the way. Call me today!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Friday, January 31, 2014

Three Simple Tips Increase Your Las Vegas Home’s Perceived Value


Even when it is clearly necessary, if you’re like most of us, you feel a built-in reluctance to sell your Las Vegas property. Those four walls (okay, I know there are more like 40 or 80, but bear with me) contain all the furnishings and other possessions we gather through the years to create our family’s unique environment. When we come through that front door, we feel more comfortable than anywhere else on Earth.
But your home is also an investment (and what a colossal one it is!). That’s why the decision to sell your Las Vegas property—disconcerting though it may be—ought to be much more a business proposition than an emotional one. 
When you choose me as your Las Vegas real estate agent, it becomes part of my job to point out the smart business decisions that will help you sell your property—even when that means altering some of what has always made the place feel like home to you. 
Fortunately, sometimes there are really simple things that increase a home’s perceived value: 
The front door is frequently absent from renovation lists, but as the point of entry, it does much to influence potential home buyers. Installing a bright, shiny new brass doorknob, giving the door a fresh coat of paint, or adding a traditional mailbox out at the curb can make your entire home seem more inviting.
Buyers are attracted to spacious rooms. If you have a cramped hall or dining area, think “mirror. Adding one or two large wall mirrors automatically make any home that much more expansive. 
If you enjoy your oversized television, you’re part of a not-so-silent American majority. That’s all well and fine, but unless the room is a man-cave, it’s likely that a television which overpowers the space will make buyers feel that the room is too small. Consider swapping for a size-appropriate set to help you sell your Las Vegas property. 
Even on a miniscule budget, minor changes like these can attract interested buyers in this winter’s market. Looking for more creative ideas to sell your Las Vegas property?  Why not call me today?

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Searching for Homes has Never Been Easier...

Searching for Homes has Never Been Easier.

Text 1ZRL to 87778 to download your FREE Realty ONE Group Mobile App for 24/7 Access to Las Vegas Real Estate Listings. It puts the Power to search right in your hands. Also, with the touch of a button, you can reach me directly with any Real Estate Questions. Realty ONE Group - Marcelo V Mayol

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Surprising Las Vegas Rental Home Advantage: Allow Pets

Many Las Vegas landlords are automatically less than enthusiastic when they hear a prospective tenant’s question, “Do you allow pets?” Small wonder. The specter of damage from unsupervised four-footed co-inhabitants is a real possibility (despite the assurances of their doting masters).  
Yet that kind of automatic landlord reaction might turn out to actually result in a questionable business decision. Some undeniably real benefits can accrue to those who open their Las Vegas rental home to tenants who own pets. 
Don’t believe it? Here are just some of the reasons why renting a home to a strong applicant with a well-cared-for, healthy pet can benefit both parties:

1. Widens the Number of Potential Candidates   
Allowing pets into a rental home materially increases the eligible applicant pool, giving a Las Vegas rental home owner more latitude to select the best applicant. How many more become eligible? I checked this, and came up with jaw-dropping numbers. 47% of households own at least one dog (not to mention the 95,000,000 million that owned cats). The numbers prove what we know already: a huge number of Americans are ga-ga over their pets.  

2. Respectful Tenants     A Firepaw.org survey comparing pet owners with non-animal-owning tenants showed that, on average, damage done to rental properties is about equal between the two groups. The takeaway from that is the biggest surprise: just because pets are living in your rental home in Las Vegas doesn’t mean that the property will suffer. It seems that grateful pet-loving renters just try harder to keep the property in good condition. They do the worrying for you.

3. Higher Rent     Renters with pets can be willing to pay some additional rent for the privilege of keeping their furry loved ones with them. Pet-owning renters are not likely to shy away from Las Vegas rental home listings that specifically allow pets — even when a “pet rent” or other fee is part of the bargain.
If you are considering buying an income property next year, I provide resources for my clients every step of the way. I hope you’ll feel free to contact me anytime with your Las Vegas real estate questions.

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Saturday, January 25, 2014

One Decision Las Vegas Home Sellers May Not Even Consider…


When you put your home on the market, one of the decisions it’s easy to overlook is whether to engage a Las Vegas home stager. Especially if you know you have a good eye for décor or have experience in the visual arts, it may not seem necessary to call in a heavy-duty home staging pro to get your place in shape to sell.
It’s certainly not a requirement for listing, but using a professional home staging company can be invaluable for a number of practical reasons:
Your home is lived-in
That does give it a warm, comfortable feeling, but that’s seldom as saleable as a home that presents itself as open and slightly under-furnished. Prospective buyers react favorably when they can easily picture their own belongings in the living spaces. A Las Vegas home stager is expert at knowing how to achieve a clean, less lived-in atmosphere with a minimum of disruption. 
Save on unnecessary repairs and renovations
Most are necessarily so close to the product (their home) that it’s next to impossible to see it with fresh eyes—the way the prospects will. One of the costly fallouts can be decisions to make repairs and renovations that don’t increase the home’s value by as much as they cost. Some such improvements (like over-painting interior or exterior areas) actually comprise décor choices best left to the future owners. A professional stager has field experience and a good sense for which updates are cost-efficient—and which could be counter-productive. 
You stand to earn back more than you spend
Engaging a Las Vegas home stager can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. That might seem like an iffy decision since you can’t know that it will ultimately pay off…but it’s tempting when you realize that successful pros are in business because of their track record of making Las Vegas houses look great—great enough to become worth more money to buyers!  
Using a professional Las Vegas home stager is just one of the ways we create successful home sales.  If you are looking to list your Las Vegas home in the New Year, do give me a call to get started!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Make Relocating to Las Vegas an Invigorating Fresh Start


Relocating to Las Vegas can be an invigorating fresh start: an opening to unexplored opportunities and a brand new community filled with tomorrow’s life-long friends. Then again, faced with a sudden onslaught of details and decisions, it can be an experience that falls just short of overwhelming. Every year, 43,000,000 Americans move to a new home, yet the Employee Relocation Council says that moving is the third most stressful event in a person’s life. 
If you are relocating to Las Vegas anytime soon, there is much that you can do to ensure the more positive outcome. Whether you will move for professional reasons or just to take advantage of the lifestyle Las Vegas offers, you will cut down on anxiety when you take positive steps to orient yourself ahead of time. 
If at all possible, make a few excursions to Las Vegas well in advance of your move. Make them mini-vacations: when you check into a local hotel or motel for a few days with no pressing agenda, you’ll be free to learn a lot about your new town, discover some of what will become your new favorite place, and just plain get familiar with what is where (and how to get there). Later, when you’re in the midst of relocating to Las Vegas, there won’t be any free time for that kind of leisurely investigation. 
Be sure to visit our Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce early during your first stay. You’ll find loads of resources to help you familiarize yourself with the whole region. From welcome packets that include coupons and a list of things to do, to specific question-answering advice and help, the C of C is a great free resource for future residents.
Even further in advance, once relocating to Las Vegas looks likely, whether you plan to buy or lease, get in touch with a Las Vegas Realtor®.  There is no better source for insider guidance on schools, which neighborhoods are the best for your needs, and invaluable help in finding and landing your new residence. 
Advance planning will make relocating to Las Vegas a positive and efficient experience— and it’s my business to help that happen for my clients. Contemplating relocating to town in 2014? A call to me now is a great way to get started!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Buying a Home in Las Vegas If the Inspection Goes South


You’re nearing your goal of buying a home in Las Vegas! You have zeroed in on a property, submitted your offer, and heeded your agent’s advice and ordered a home inspection.  
Soooo…what if the inspector finds major issues nobody expected? While most home inspections only uncover small problems that can be fixed easily, some do turn up serious issues. In 2013, 16% of Realtors® reported sales that went off track due to the inspector’s findings. What’s your best course of action if that happens?
Buying a home after major problems have been identified should only proceed after you know how much time and money it will take to solve them. Whether you are dealing with foundation, roofing, electrical, HVAC or plumbing issues, call a few Las Vegas companies that specialize in dealing with structural home repairs, and gather some free quotes. Depending on what you hear, you can then decide to move to modifying your offer or you can walk away and look for another home.
Your agent will be able to assist you in modifying the original offer to the seller. If the issues are truly major and expensive, you may need to negotiate back and forth with the seller to see what they are willing to do. Be prepared to make some concessions, and don’t get frustrated with the process. It may take some time to come to an agreement that satisfies both parties.
As everywhere, buying a home in Las Vegas is peculiarly both a heavy-duty financial decision as well as one fraught with emotion. People can find themselves tempted to ignore thorny issues simply because they have fallen in love with the home. But since you could end up spending tens of thousands of dollars on repairs, it’s vital to isolate your emotions from the decision.
If the bids you’ve received are astronomical, it could be time to find a better house. But you needn’t despair. This is all part of the process of buying a Las Vegas home—and a big part of why I’m here to help my clients.  If you’re buying a home this winter, I’ll look for your call!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Buying a Las Vegas Condo is a True Lifestyle Decision


Existing home sales rose nationally throughout 2013 – and included in those numbers were a good many condominiums. If 2014 will find you investigating the market for a new home, it may be time to give condo living a serious thought.  Buying a condo in Las Vegas can provide many of the benefits of home ownership minus much of the worry that goes with keeping your property. Of course, whether buying a condo is the right housing solution depends on the buyer as well as the particular condo itself – but there are some generalities usually hold true.
Most condominiums include a variety of amenities for the owners. There may be an on-site fitness center, or a pool. Owners may also have access to a club room, or even other features that some of the larger upscale developments offer, such as on-site shopping, hair salons and concierge services.
Whether you call it an ‘amenity’ or not, never having to shovel snow, mow the lawn or worry about property upkeep is certainly welcomed by many. If you are buying a condo in Las Vegas, you’re usually buying everything from the drywall inwards – the rest is owned by the development.
Those amenities don’t come for free. Typically, you’ll be required to make payments to the Homeowner’s Association, or HOA. These fees can be tiny or considerable: ranging from a couple hundred dollars a year to as much as four figures a month. The variation in those numbers make it mandatory to include the HOA fees in your budget when you’re shopping for a condo. Your savings on home insurance and property taxes can be given back in HOA fees.
Many people are drawn to condo living principally because of the accompanying worry-free lifestyle. You get your own living space, are free to modify it, and are working towards owning it rather than just paying rent. However, this lifestyle isn’t right for everyone: you sacrifice a degree of privacy, and don’t have your own yard.
The luxury of condo living will only be enjoyed if you’re comfortable with the lifestyle that goes with buying a condo. Then, if you do think you might be a buying a condo in Las Vegas this winter, call me to review today’s best inventory!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Friday, January 17, 2014

Disclosing Las Vegas Property Flaws Improves Buyers’ Confidence


Imagine that you have just moved into your new Las Vegas property, and suddenly you are up against some serious flaw you knew nothing about. Added on top of the normal moving turmoil: now there’s this! You didn’t have a chance to fix things up before you moved in because you were totally in the dark concerning the problem.  Imagine the frustration, disappointment, and anger… Enter: lawsuit. 
In other words, for you as a seller, there are some pretty convincing reasons to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
A disclosure is a written statement describing your obligations under state and local laws regarding property flaws you know about. Your disclosure might include structural defects—like leaking windows or cracks in the foundation. It might include landscaping problems, like a branch that endangers a power line; and in some areas could even include air pollution or other environmental factors beyond your control. Any Las Vegas property issues that the law specifies must be disclosed before the sale is finalized.
The consequences for not following the law can be serious: they could mean a lawsuit seeking the cost of repairs and other damages. In any case, you will want to insulate yourself from these risks by making sure you’re informed about the state of your property in Las Vegas and by disclosing issues whether or not they are discovered during inspection.
Full disclosure isn’t just the surest way to protect yourself from future legal action — it also lets you rest easy knowing you’ve done the right thing. Don’t assume a buyer will lose interest in your property because there are flaws. All properties have them, and by helping your buyers make informed decisions on what they want to do before they move in, chances are you’ll boost their confidence about the transaction. You’ll feel good knowing that you treated your buyer as you’d want them to treat you, and you’ll feel even better knowing that some non-disclosed property issue won’t come back to haunt you. 
Preparing to sell this winter?  Call me today to get your home listed and sold!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Is It Time to Move On from Your Las Vegas Empty Nest?


The kids are gone. Your big house seems either dreadfully empty or just plain wasteful.  Congrats: you are officially in possession of a Las Vegas empty nest! Now it’s time to consider where and how you want to live next.
When Do You Sell?
It's not a bad time to be selling in Las Vegas—but since you will be buying, too, you would have to deduce that it might not be the perfect time to be on that side of the table. When you are swapping your full-sized family home for a snug nest for two, you want to get full value for your old home without paying too much for the new one. If you can swing it, you may want to buy before you sell. That puts you in control of the time factor, providing freedom to hold out for a prime offer while you find new digs at a reasonable price.
What Will You Need?
Another challenge that goes with the Las Vegas empty nest situation is the need to accurately foresee future needs. One of the great things about downsizing is the possibility of trading size for features that used to be impractical. According to the Des Moines Register, developers there had rushed to lay new home foundations before winter set in. Anticipating a strong spring buying season, they were building townhome communities—smaller homes with maintenance packages and ranch-style designs ideal for empty nesters and retirees who favor more accessible layouts and community amenities. 
How Do You “Dispose” of Your Stuff?
When you think about saying goodbye to your Las Vegas empty nest, you soon realize it’s not quite empty enough. You just don’t need all that accumulated stuff—so after you’ve offered the kids the opportunity to take what they’d like, the best strategies usually combine charitable giving and auctions or yard sales. There’s a lot of utility left in many of the things you don’t need any more, and it would be a shame for it to end up in a landfill. 
If you're considering buying or selling in Las Vegas in the coming year, it's not too early to contact me for a consultation. Good luck…and happy nesting!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Buying a Home in Las Vegas is No Do-It-Yourself Project!


Buying a home in Las Vegas is hardly a do-it-yourself kind of project. Having confidence that all the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed requires the input of professionals whose daily dealings keeps them in touch with the current legal and financial arenas. 
Call them the “Fundamental Four” — the four groups of professionals you will want to have on your team when buying a home in Las Vegas this winter.
First and foremost, you need to be sure the money factor is handled in an advantageous way. By far the most popular route is via a mortgage: a home loan. Your specialist here is the professional mortgage broker. He or she will advise you on the types of mortgages available this winter; will work with you to determine the amount you qualify for, the different payment plans you can choose, and guide you through the maze of paperwork. 
A real estate agent does more than just sparing you the trouble of going through the listings to find a suitable home. Yes, your agent will help you identify Las Vegas homes for sale that suit your budget and preferences, but will also be a vital part of the negotiating process and the disclosure and associated paperwork. Your agent is actually the professional who ties together the work of all your other consultants. 
The inspector is your expert when it comes to verifying the quality of the property itself. He will inspect and prepare a comprehensive report on every critical physical aspect. Buying a home can’t be a guessing game when it comes to the state of the structure itself: your inspector will help you determine if it fits the price tag.
The title/escrow company facilitates the actual transaction itself, which can be a bit more complicated than you might think. They will prepare all the legal documents after inspecting the title of the property, and, via contract, oversee the timing as the home is transferred from the seller to you.
Thinking of buying a home in Las Vegas this winter?  Start with the information that’s just a phone call away.  Contact me today!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Positive Language Makes a Las Vegas Real Estate Listing Pop

Sometimes what you don’t say in your Las Vegas real estate listing can be as important as what you do. Your marketing will necessarily include all sorts of numerical info your agent enters for Las Vegas' MLS – but the main text itself is every bit as crucial. That paragraph has to be more than a summary of structure and land because it’s actually your most important ad. Your agent must accurately describe the home while simultaneously reaching out to appeal to the corps of potential buyers. 
Certainly, the most glaring shortcomings will always sour a real estate listing (bad photos, misspellings, etc.). But there are more subtle points that can slip by.
Phrasing should avoid negative-sounding words. “Dark” can perfectly describe a comfortable décor approach, but on paper, the word is a downer. “Old” is another one of those, while it's first cousins “quaint” and “historic” are positive substitutes. “Needs work” will dynamite the perceived value of any home (who want to pay to have to do “work”?) — while “perfect canvas for your design touches” leaves a more positive impression. 
The right language gives buyers a chance to form their own opinions once they’ve seen the property. Negatives stand a good chance of preventing that from happening in the first place.
Your Las Vegas real estate listing is your first chance to sell, so don’t neglect to mention less-obvious features: any unseen attributes that numbers alone don’t convey. The number of bedrooms, square footage, etc., can’t help a listing’s reader know that there is a finished basement. An extra-big garage or astonishingly beautiful window views need to be pointed out (but only if the adjectives are on-target). 
In any case, be sure your home is prepared to show and sell before your Las Vegas real estate listing appears. Buyers can see how long a home has been on the market, and the more days and weeks that tick by, the less appealing a property can seem. But the fact is, a well-marketed property is most likely to become a quickly sold property. 
As your home closes in on its marketing debut, contact me to schedule a no-obligation consultation. I’m here to make sure that listing pops!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

How a Las Vegas Home Warranty Lessens Buyer Uncertainty


Consumer confidence certainly seems to wax and wane in a not-totally-predictable manner. What does seem clear is that when the future is cloudy, Las Vegas homebuyers tend to tighten up their purse strings. It’s logical: if you can plan ahead with a greater degree of certainty, you feel better about making the kind of commitment buying a Las Vegas home entails. 
If you plan on selling your home in Las Vegas this winter, you may not be able to do much about whether the economy grows or tanks, or the Federal Reserve expands or shrinks the money supply. But there IS at least one thing you can do to remove uncertainty from the minds of your prospective buyers. Just offer a home warranty! 
A home warranty in Las Vegas is an inexpensive plan that provides coverage for items that typically fall outside a traditional home insurance plan. The major kitchen appliances are generally only covered by your home policy if they are damaged in a fire, stolen, or suffer damage resulting from some other covered peril. A home warranty provides reassurance for a much broader scope of damage and mechanical breakdown. Warrantee buyers can also opt to include other large items in the home — like the HVAC system, boilers, water softeners and water heaters.
H.U.D. points out that a home warranty is an increasingly popular inclusion because it offers protection during the period immediately following a home’s purchase — the time when most local home buyers know they will “find themselves cash-strapped.” Although payment can be monthly or annual, most home sellers choose a one-time payment option.
In an uncertain world, are homebuyers reassured when a home warranty is part of your offer? Statistics from the National Home Warranty Association provide their own reassurance: they show that including a home warranty as part of the sale can help a home sell for up to 50% faster.  
Even though a Las Vegas home warranty is an added expense, it’s an investment that can pay off in helping your home sell faster — possibly at a higher price, as well. Thinking of selling this winter? Call me today to discuss this and many other ways we can make it happen!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Easy Mistakes For First-Time Las Vegas Home Buyers To Make


According to the National Association of Realtors®, nearly 40% of home buyers will be first-timers this year. In other words, if you are new to the housing market you are certainly not alone. Since first-time home buyers in Las Vegas experience the same learning curve as anyone everywhere, reviewing some of the more common missteps can spare them some of the angst those common mistakes cause. Some examples: 
 1) They Don’t Check Their Credit Score
New home buyers focus on the seller’s asking price, but don’t realize how greatly their credit score will affect how much they actually pay. They know their score is important to qualify for a home loan, but not how a low credit score can result in a higher down payment and interest rate. A single percentage point of higher interest over a 30-year timeframe is…you get the picture! The takeaway? Start improving your credit score as soon as possible.
2) They Don’t Lay Out a Budget  
Las Vegas first-time home buyers frequently don’t realize the impact of secondary costs. In addition to administrative, insurance and legal costs, there are also closing and other fees which can add 2%-5% to the purchase price. Add in property taxes and possibly monthly neighborhood homeowner’s association fees, and you can see why experienced home buyers first determine their maximum monthly budget figure — then stick to it. 
3) They Don’t Double-Check the Neighborhood
Once you’ve set your sights on an exciting new home, it’s natural to quickly proceed to the purchasing details without second-guessing your choice. That’s all well and good — unless you have only visited it a few times, and all at the same time of day or day of the week. Make several return trips to the neighborhood on weekdays and weekends, daytime and nighttime: you want to be sure that your family will be comfortable with the neighborhood (and your future neighbors).
If this winter will find you searching for your new house, I want you to know that I’m here to help my clients every step of the way. Calling me for a consultation is your first step!

Marcelo V. Mayol
The Mayol Realty Group
Realty One Group
702-812-9990
www.ShortSaleInfoLV.com