Competing Against Multiple Offers For Your Dream Home

If you’re a home buyer, then you should learns some tricks on how to out rival multiple offers for your dream home in today’s real estate market. Home buyers everywhere are bemoaning the lack of inventory and if you happen to be in the market to buy your dream home.

When you find the perfect home, make an offer.

Don’t wait, don’t bargain.

How to Compete with Multiple Offers for your Dream Home

Keep in mind what you’ll be contending with. Offer your best possible price and a high deposit with all your personal details, including a fantastic story about why you NEED that house to be your home!

You see, the offer you write may be your ONLY chance to win the home, your home, and you want to give it your best shot.

In a housing market, like ours, where inventory is low and homes are only staying on the market for a short amount of time, multiple offers are being submitted on each home. Most are near or at asking price and some are beyond it.

Home sellers need to evaluate several offers and if yours is one of many (your agent should be able to tell you if other parties have indicated interest), it needs to stand out. That’s where your story comes in (along with your best price offer and earnest deposit).

3 Steps to Writing the Best Offer For Your Home

1. Offer up as much cash as you can in the form of an earnest deposit with the best possible price you can pay.
2. If you need lending, get pre-approved and formalize it by including a letter from your lender as part of your offer.
3. Write a from the heart appeal that explains your feelings about the house and why you need their home to be your home. If you have a good personal story, share it as well. Some home sellers are motivated by more than price and if they can “see” you in the home, it could make a difference.

If you’re currently in the position of packaging an offer to rival with multiple offers for your dream home then let us help you with that. We have a team of experienced professionals who are aces in packaging offers that just grab the sellers attention. Call us today!

Stratosphere Tower Looks Over The Strip in Style

• Name: Stratosphere Tower
• Location: 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV, 89104
• Phone:(702) 380-7777
• Website: http://www.stratospherehotel.com

The Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas is one impressive tower, casino, and hotel. It is situated on the famous Las Vegas Boulevard. Likewise, it is the tallest observation tower, and the 9^th tallest self-supporting construction in America.

Introducing the Stratosphere Tower

This magnificent structure is 1,149 feet tall.  It’s also one of the most fascinating landmarks of the city. It attracts numerous tourists every day. Visitors come to enjoy the incredible views, fancy casinos, and the glamorous hotels.

From the top of the tower one can admire the glitzy Las Vegas Strip, and Valley, along with the whole city and surrounding areas. Apart from being incredibly tall, the tower also offers the highest thrill rides in the world. It has several glamorous nightlife venues, and elegant restaurants. And, if you want to relax after a long night, you can enjoy a famous treatment at the spa. You can also go shopping or get a sip or refreshing lemonades on the 113^th floor.

Attractions near the Stratosphere Tower

If you come to Las Vegas, and you book a room at the Stratosphere Tower, you cannot leave without enjoying the famous rides. Right on the top of the tower there are observation decks and astounding rides. It also houses a lovely restaurant-commonly referred to as “Top of the World.”

The Big Shot is the highest thrill ride on the globe, it’s 329m high. It is closely followed by Insanity, which has 270m, and is the second highest.  Likewise, there is SkyJump Las Vegas, a spectacular Bungee jumping-like ride. It reaches an incredible speed and will surely blow your mind. And last but not least, we have X-Scream, the third largest ride in the world with a height of 264m.

The Shopping Experience at the Stratosphere

Among other attractions offered by the Stratosphere Tower we should also mention the glamorous shops and chic boutiques situated at the second level. They’re positioned in the proximity of the casinos. These shops are a real paradise for any shopaholic. You can find here anything starting from sparkling jewelry to designer clothes, and astonishing shoes.

Gambling at the Stratosphere

We cannot mention Las Vegas without including its posh casinos. The gaming and gambling facilities are really impressive at the Stratosphere. You can find all types of casino games starting from the classic ones like poker, slot machines, roulette, and blackjack. They also have some other special games that the tower has inherited from its predecessor. For instance, one of these special games is the “crapless craps.” It’s an unusual game that you will surely enjoy playing.

The casino extends on 80,000 sq. ft. and it includes over 50 table games, 1,500 video and slot machines, a fully-equipped poker room, and even a sports book.

All in all, the Stratosphere Tower is a truly remarkable venue. It will amaze you with its infinite amenities, breathtaking sceneries, nerve-wracking rides, and numerous gambling opportunities. While in Vegas, make sure to check it out and you’ll definitely have the greatest time.

When was the last time you visited the Strip and went up the Stratosphere Tower? Do share your experiences us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

Market Pulse Update – May 2013 – Homes for Sale in The Vistas & The Paseos of Summerlin West

Important Stat’s

Choosing to Improve Your Home

If you want to improve your home, you may want to take a second look at Houzz.com. Cited as a source for inspiration, collaboration, and research for home owners everywhere, Houzz is also a source for hiring local contracting professionals, too.

It has more than sixty categories of projects on how to improve your home. You can choose from interior remodeling contractors and outdoor living space professionals. Houzz is more than just a place to get great ideas for your home. Houzz is also a great source for you to find the interior designers, architects, and landscapers to improve your home.

Why Improve Your Home?

Increased home values often result in homeowners deciding to make changes in their homes. Whether you’re looking forward to a potential sale or just a quality of life improvement, technology makes this process so much easier.

“Homeowners and professionals alike are telling us that they are moving forward with more building, renovation and design projects this year,” said Liza Hausman, VP Community at Houzz. “Houzz provides homeowners with the absolute best resource to find the right professional for their project.”

As a homeowner, ideas for improving your home may come in many forms.  Houzz.com is just one of the great tools you should consider when you decide to improve your home.

Another person to consult is your local real estate expert. This is ultimately important, especially if you are thinking of selling your property in the near future. Real estate experts can see specific areas where you should improve your home.

So if you’re highly  interested to get a professional’s advice on how to improve your home – do reach out to us! We’ll be more than happy to talk to you about it. Contact us today, by clicking here.

How Location Influences Home Market Value

Ever wondered about how home market value is affected by your location? Before we answer this question, let us take a look at what the statistics are saying.

Just recently NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) reported decreases from April’s 273 to 258. This is the news echoing throughout the United States and it continues to bode well.

The NAHB even feels confident about the future of the housing market and your home market value. Do you feel the same?

In fact in a newly released, “Housing Now” video, shown here, Jeff Blankert explains the recent rise in single family home. Statistics are stating that the current 1.2% rise in the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices is at an all time best since 2006.

“The fact that over 70 percent of all U.S. metros are holding onto their spots on the improving list is definitely good news, and representative of the generally brightening outlook for housing markets nationwide,” said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, who builds homes in Charlotte, N.C.

Your Home Market Value and Value of your Location

Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Company, echoed that sentiment, saying, “Today’s report shows that the majority of U.S. metros are experiencing strengthening house prices, employment and permitting activity, which is a much more positive picture than the one we were seeing a year ago,” he said . “That’s the big picture on which consumers need to focus.”

The IMI tracks housing trends throughout the United States, analysing signs of improving economic health. Studying employment growth, house price appreciation, and single-family home permits in various areas, the IMI requires gain in all three instances for at least six consecutive months in order for an area to be placed on the improving markets list.  Have you seen improvements in your neighborhood in the last few months? Keep your eyes open for that. Positive activity in your area will have a rippling effect on your property value. You can view all 258 metropolitan areas listed on the IMI by visiting the NAHB website.

Curious about the current market value of your home? Let us help you with that!  We’ll be happy to answer your questions, so contact today!

Buying and Selling Strategies for Your Property

Whether you’re househunting or putting up your property in the market, you need to have effective buying and selling strategies to come out successful on both endeavors.

Current market conditions may be tempting you to sell your home while demand is high and interest rates are low. However, before jumping into the sale of your home, you may want to spend a few minutes consulting with a local real estate professional, like me, to make sure you understand contingencies and what they mean in terms of the order in which you sell your home and purchase another.

Effective Buying and Selling Strategies for Your Property

You may have several choices, from an early listing and rent back option to a quick sale or placement of a contingency.  A trusted real estate agent can explain the differences between each and determine which is the best alternative for your home sale.

No matter what you decide to do, many decisions will need to be made. Plan for higher than usual expenses as you navigate through dual transactions, since you could be supporting both households for a brief amount of time. Knowing housing market trends and comparable neighborhood sales  will help you to feel more comfortable with the process of selling your home and also give you a ballpark estimate on possible proceeds.

Deciding To Buy Your Next Home

Once you have an estimate on the sale of your house, you can start looking for your new one. You’ll need to determine where you want to live and the size home you are seeking, as well as put together a wish list for your new home. If you are relocating to an area far away, seek a real estate agent and/or mortgage lender referral from friends or family or ask me for suggestions, as well.  Different areas require varied strategies in home buying, so a local expert is always your best bet for finding the right home when you are making a big move.

Are you considering buying or selling your home? Then let us help you with your buying and selling strategies. We have a pool of experts who are simply aces in these area. Please feel free to reach out to us today.

Top Home Buying Strategies for 2013

Home buying strategies are important in today’s market. We are sitting in the sellers market, which means that almost all offers are being packaged “cash,” with a ribbon on top.

The low mortgage rates and increasing demands have attracted buyers back into the market. The homeowners who have listed their homes are already seeing more traffic. The bidding war for homes have started to resurface in some of the cities today.

Looking at the evidence suggests that the real estate nightmare is over. In the past year, home prices have increased in 92 of the country’s 100 biggest metropolitan areas. This is according to CoreLogic. With the prices increasing as high as 23% in Phoenix and 17% in San Francisco, a lot of people are indeed full of hope. Sales volume also rose in 69 out of the top 100 markets. And 35 of these show a double-digit gain.

Most economists believe that the bottom is way behind us. The five-year outlook for the housing market is already on solid footing. The years 2013 and 2014 are going to be the transition years for the market. That is exactly what Mark Fleming believes, the Chief Economist of CoreLogic. Although the market is not totally healed from the damage, it is indeed improving in many ways than one. And this is why buyers in today’s market need these home buying strategies to grab the property they want.

Successful Buyers’ Home Buying Strategies

Considering buying a home? For the first time in many years, the economics of the market are working against you in several places in the United States. That’s why you need some home buying strategies.

Inventory is pretty tight and bidding wars are back in the game in most parts of the country. To get your hands on your dream home, you’ll have to pay up and abide with the strict loan requirements. But on the bright side, despite of the increasing prices of homes, buying a home is actually still cheaper than renting one.

The days when you could get a home for 20 percent less than the list price are way long gone. Usually, homes on the list today sell very close to the listing price. In Detroit, the median sales-to-list price ratio is at 98%, and the national figure is at 97%.

To get the home you really want, you really have to apply some home buying strategies. For homes located in areas that are still selling below the listed price yet deals are made in less than two months, offer 2 to 3% below the asking price. This is according a realtor in Birmingham, Ala. But in places where homes are selling above the listing price, your first offer must be the asking price.

Home Buying Strategies During a Bidding War

From January to February of the current year, 73% of the agents  said that their clients offer faced rival bids, up from 56% in the fall of 2011. Of course, the only way to win a bidding war is to raise your price. Few contingencies can be helpful as well since sellers at this time no longer want multiple go-rounds. It’s simple ladies and gentlemen; just make your best offer. You either step up to the plate or walk away.

If you need help with your home buying strategies, then call us today! We’ll be glad to help you package your offers to get you the home of your dreams.

Dynamic Home Sales Seen, Highest in 3 Years

A rippling effect caused by the rising home sales is already being felt in the real estate market. A lot of people are hopeful that this will start the curve to an improving housing market.

Although many players in the real estate market remain cautious about the overall health of the national market, some recent sales increases show signs of renewed life and recovery.  In fact, sales for March of 2013 have reached a 3 year high.  Figures released by the National Association of Realtors show monthly increases, including February’s home sales at 10.2% higher than the same time last year.

Interestingly, home sales could possibly go higher if there were more inventory available.  There is very little new inventory due to low levels of construction.  Plus, existing homeowners seem to be holding off on selling waiting for their homes to earn a higher equity.  However, the usual seasonal increases should create a little inventory jump for the summer months.  There are good signs pointing toward increased inventory.  After many months of decrease, total inventory did rise 9.6% at the end of February with 1.94 million homes listed.  But overall, inventory is still down from recent years when there were so many foreclosures on the market.  The foreclosure crisis seems to be lessening considering current listing numbers are 19% lower than last year.  There are significantly fewer distressed homes being sold.  In February of 2012, foreclosure and short sale homes accounted for 34% of total home sales.  In February of 2013, distressed home sales were down at 25% of total sales.

Home Sales Prices

Sale prices have shown a slow but steady upward increase over the last 16 months.  February was up .1% from January and almost 6% up from the same time last year.  30 of the largest metro areas in the country have shown appreciation monthly and annually.

As prices continue to rise, it should encourage more owners to sell.  Those factors will play an important part in a longterm “cure” for the ailing national market. It is this balance of price gains and healthy inventory levels that will really prove a complete recovery.  Home sale projections for the year are expected to be at about 5 million, but a truly thriving market would be closer to 6 million.

Lower priced inventory and sales are still lacking.  Sales of homes priced below $300,000 are down 27% from last year.  On the other hand, single family homes listed above $500,000 are up.  Sales for half-million plus homes were up 31% from last year.  An increase in the sales of lower priced homes will show that the market is stable for all.

Nonetheless, signs are still good for recovery.  Interest rates have had small increases, but are still low.  Homes aren’t sitting on the market for long, selling at an average of 74 days.  Overall, there is a momentum growing that looks promising.

If you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing in today’s market, and you need an expert’s opinion on this -then call us today! We’ll be happy to help find the best plan of action for you.

AB 284 Update with David Wedemeyer – May 2013 Video

Assembly Bill 284, or what’s better known as simply AB-284, really made an impact in the real estate market. This bill slowed down foreclosure proceedings almost to a halt. In this video, I dive into the details of this bill with David Wedemeyer and we give our perspective on what’s going on with it today.

In this video, you’ll see:

• David’s breakdown of AB-284.

• Dale’s pulse on where AB-284 is going in the near future.

• A quick differentiation of the judicial and non-judicial foreclosure processes for Nevada.

• Effects of AB-284 on the standpoint of the consumers, homeowners, and lenders (or the banks).

• Advice to homeowners who are considering doing a short sale.

• The real score behind the so-called “shadow inventory.”

Watch the Video

Free Video Transcription AB 284 Update with David Wedemeyer – May 2013 Transcript

This law has impacted many different aspects of the market.

Effects of AB 284

For homeowners, especially those who are under financial difficulty, it’s been like an answer to prayer. They were given more time to stay in their homes when they normally would have been foreclosed on.

To the banks, AB 284 has put them neck-deep in paperwork, thus slowing down the foreclosure process.

Lastly, the buyers have been forced to endure sky-rocketing prices because there’s very little inventory in the market to meet the demand.

Some of the effects are starting to level out as the banks are figuring out how to get the foreclosure process rolling again. There is at least some hope that the drought in the real estate market may be coming to an end.

If you want to hear more details from this very enlightening discussion then be sure to watch the video.

If you’re looking for free legal consultation on what’s the best course of action on your real estate situation then give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.

Items mentioned in the video and other useful resources:

• AB 284 Update – April 2013

• Real Estate Shadow Inventory Update – February 2013

Interesting Hoover Dam Facts and Information

Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It is on the border between the United States of Arizona and Nevada. It was once known as the Boulder Dam. Its construction was from 1931 to 1936, during the time of Great Depression. The dedication was made on September 30, 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt. The completion of the dam involved thousands of workers, and about a hundred of them lost their lives. For a time, it was also controversially named after President Herbert Hoover.

The Dam Construction

In the 1900, the Black Canyon and the Boulder Canyon had been reviewed for their potential to support a dam that can help in controlling floods, providing irrigation water, as well as giving hydroelectric power. It was in 1928 when the Congress finally authorized the project. The large concrete construction back then had never been built; thus, some of the techniques used during the construction were yet to be proven. There were few facilities near the site and the summer weather presented much difficulty. Nonetheless, it was completed two years ahead of schedule.

Hoover Dam as a Tourist Attraction

Hoover Dam is known to impound the Lake Mead. The dam’s generator also provides power for both public and private utilities in Nevada, Arizona, and even in California. Today, Hoover Dam is a major tourist attraction and millions tour throughout the dam every year.

The dam is indeed a testimony of a country’s ability to construct monolithic projects, despite many adverse conditions. Built at the time of the Depression, many men and their families came to the Black Canyon to tame the Colorado River. It took less than five years to build the largest dam at that time. And after decades, Hoover Dam still stands today and is already known as a world-renowned structure. It is even a National Historic Landmark and recognized as America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders.

Hoover Dam Details

• Location: The dam can be found 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Take the U.S. Highway 93 to Nevada State Route 172. The dam is on the Nevada-Arizona border.
• Parking Garage: Open from 8 am to 6:15 pm, with a parking fee of $7.
• Visitor Center: Open from 9 am to 6 pm.
• A number of Tours are available. The guided Powerplant Tour lasts for about 30 minutes, while the Dam Tour lasts for about an hour. The price ranges from $11 to $30, depending on the kind of tour you want.
• Open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Amenities

• Restrooms can be found on Level 1 of the Parking Garage, on the Theatre and Exhibit Levels of the Visitor Center, adjacent to the Old Exhibit Building, and also downstream face towers on top of the dam.
• Food can be bought through a concession service, at the base of the Parking Garage.
• A gift shop is also available at the Parking Garage.

When was the last time you visited the Hoover Dam? Let us know in the comments below!