The Las Vegas Market is Hot

Ok, I should clarify that: Segments of our market are hot. I’ve been looking for some properties for my clients in a master plan community called Summerlin on the west side of Las Vegas. A lot of my clients are investors coming back into Las Vegas to capitalize on our down market. Properties that are listed around the $150 sq /ft price range in Summerlin, and under $350K are selling like hot cakes. Yes, we’re even seeing multiple offer situations on many of them. So contrary to frightening media report of a complete collapse of our market, there are still parts of town that are selling like crazy. In fact, I’ve personally seen banks intentionally price a property so under market in order to create an “unofficial” auction. Click on the picture below to see the recent sold properties since March 1, 2008. Take a look at the list price versus sales price. Many times the sales price is higher than the list. How is that possible in a down market? Foreclosures are ruling the market right now and banks want to get them off of their books. If you’d interested in foreclosures in Las Vegas, please give me a call directly at 702-683-2169 or email me with questions. Thanks!

Your Gay Realtor in Las Vegas

MLS Home Search Las Vegas

I have just found an AMAZING, FREE website that gives my clients CURRENT up-to-date listings from the Multiple Listing Service in Las Vegas.  This is a wonderful tool that I’ve had many of my clients use and enjoy.  It allows you to search for houses on your time, giving you the same information I have access to.  It provides you the address so you can do a “drive by” and see if you like the neighborhood, along with maps, and virtual tours associated with the property.  This service is free!!  If you’d like to have full access to all of the listings on the mls, click on the picture below to start your home search in Las Vegas.  You are under NO obligation to use me as your REALTOR, although I am confident you will be impressed with my level of service.  Kirk Alexander is a lender with Indymac Bank and is my co-sponsor of this site.  If you have any Questions about mortgages, he is more than willing to share his expertise in finding you the best loan for your needs.  If you’d like a tour of the site over the phone, please give me a call directly at 702-683-2169 or email me with any questions at Felipe@felipecrook.com .  Click below for your Las Vegas Home Search!

Felipe Crook

Fine Homes International Specialist.

Prudential Americana Group Realtors

Las Vegas, NV 89117

702-683-2169

Foreclosures in Las Vegas

I have been working like crazy the last few weeks showing clients all kinds of deals. But I have to say, some of the best deals right now are foreclosures. There are bank owned properties all over Las Vegas from $99,000 condos to $1million properties. The one thing I keep trying to tell my clients is that there has never been a better time to purchase real estate in Las Vegas. Obviously everyone’s concern is over paying for a property-including ME. Did you know that only 5% of the houses on the market are selling right now? With such a huge amount of inventory, buyer’s are getting the pick of the litter with the terms they want. My goal when I’m working with a client is to try and negotiate the best price anticipating the decline in our market. If you can negotiate a substantial discount in todays market, your home value should be fine with the market decline (and it’s probably going to decline for two more quarters). The most promising aspect of the Las Vegas Real Estate Market in the next 5 years is the $30 BILLION in construction projects on the Las Vegas Strip. There are going to be over 40,000 new hotel rooms constructed! That will employ a huge amount of people who need a place to live,our job market is very strong compared with the majority of the nation, and Las Vegas continues to be the destination of choice for millions of people from around the world.

If you’d like more information on Foreclosed Properties in Las Vegas, please contact me at Felipe@felipecrook.com or call me directly at 702-683-2169.

Felipe Crook

Prudential Americana Group Realtor

Las Vegas, NV 89117

Http://www.VegasHousesForYou.com 

VDARA Condo in City Center

If you’re looking for a fabulous condo/hotel in Las Vegas, let me show you an amazing project called VDARA in City Center. City Center is an MGM MIRAGE project in the middle of the strip with incredible opportunities for ownership. Vdara is a gorgeous 57 story, 1543 residence condo/hotel with all the amenities you expect from a high end hotel. There are studios, one and two bedrooms, and penthouses available. Check out my Las Vegas High Rise Series on VDARA Condo.

If you’d like a brochure contact me directly at 702-683-2169 or email me at Felipe@felipecrook.com for questions.

Felipe Crook- Fine Home Specialist

Prudential Americana Group Realtor

Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

I have started an additional blog specifically about the luxury home market in Las Vegas. If you’d like to visit it go to: Http://LasVegasLuxuryHomes.wordpress.com 

I started that blog specifically as a resource for everything luxury in Las Vegas. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to view many fine homes and high rise projects that I felt it would be a benefit to all my clients. I’ve started a Las Vegas High Rise Series where I will discuss all of the high rise projects happening in Las Vegas. There have been so many projects that have come and gone, and they didn’t even buy me dinner.

The latest post was about Veer Towers in City Center. The $7.8 Billion project by MGM MIRAGE in between Bellagio and Monte Carlo. It’s quite impressive! If you’d like more information on it click on the picture to the right and you’ll be connected to all you need. If you’d like brochures on any high rise project, please email me at Felipe@felipecrook.com or call me directly at 702-683-2169.

Relocating to Las Vegas

Are you relocating to Las Vegas? Moving to Las Vegas and have no idea where to begin? Do you have questions about neighborhoods in Las Vegas?

STOP the search, because I, Felipe Crook, will help you will all your Relocation needs.  I am a eCertified, Relocation Certified Realtor with Prudential Americana Group Realtors.  I have been doing real estate for five years and have helped over 100 people buy and sell homes here in the Las Vegas Valley.  I offer many services to those of you moving to “Sin City” which include:

• Free Las Vegas Relocation Guides
• In depth property searches
• Free Las Vegas Buyer’s Guides
• Free Brochures on select Neighborhoods
• Membership to Prudential’s Home Benefits Program
• A 10% coupon to Lowe’s Home Improvement stores
• Free Referrals to Tradespeople for your home
• Free Buyer Representation
• Aggressive Negotiating Skills
• A team of professional Title and Mortgage brokers

I really enjoy helping people find the best home for their needs. Each client is different, and I take the time to learn what is important for you while trying to save you the most amount of money possible.  Being Relocation Certified has enabled me to give superior service to my clients because of extensive training and education.  I am also a Fine Home Specialist for those clients purchasing in the second home or luxury markets.  My business is run by referral so excellent service is a requirement.

Please let me help you find the “perfect” home for you here in Las Vegas.  If you’d like any of the above mentioned items at NO CHARGE, please contact me by email at Felipe@felipecrook.com or you may contact me directly at 702-683-2169.  I look forward to helping you!

Felipe Crook

Convert to Desert Landscaping-REBATE!

I’m sure most of you know we are in a huge drought. If you didn’t, you can not claim ignorance is bliss because our current consumption of natural resources is unsustainable. So in my effort to be more green this year, I’m including tips for local home owners to help keep money in their pockets AND help our planet.

Get off your grass, we’ll pay you cash!!

This is Southern Nevada Water Authority’s slogan for their rebate program. Any home owner who would like to convert their grass into desert landscaping during 2008 is eligible to receive a rebate of $1.50 per/sq ft, no matter how big the conversion!!

For those with large lawn areas, this is the most significant incentive offered by the SNWA. A Conversion of 5,000 sw ft can earn a $7,500 rebate while the average 1,500 sq ft conversion rebate is $2,250! For those of you who do your own landscaping this is a HUGE amount of money. One of the quickest ways to improve the overall aesthetic of a home is curb appeal. It’s the cheapest, fastest way to increase value and an overall perception of a property. People won’t even look at a house if it looks like a dump from the outside, right? My goal when I’m selling a house is to make sure people want to go inside and yards are the first impression, so make it a good one. If you need recommendations for a good landscaper, please drop me a note with your name and number and I’ll get a qualified, licensed Landscaper to call you.

How do you apply for the rebate?

1) Check In: Apply quickly and easily at Http://SNWA.com or call 702-258-SAVE and they will mail you an application. SNWA staff must review the lawn areas you’re replacing before you make changes to your landscaping. ***Make sure you set up an appointment for this initial inspection!!!*****

2) Dig In. Replace some of all of you lawn. You can take up to six months.

3) Cash In. After you upgrade, they will review your landscape and send your rebate check promptly.

See how easy that is?

Remember, when we’re trying to affect change it’s not the big actions of the few, but the small actions of the many. Do your part in protecting our future and the next generation’s future. After all, Green is the new Black!

Top 5 Remodeling Projects

2008: What’s Coming
Green Anything: Can’t you tell how the idea of being “GREEN” has finally reached the boiling point? Thank God people are starting to realize how finite our resources are. So logically the best place to start being more green is in our homes. Senator Obama last night in the presidential debate said something that I totally agreed with last night, he said “The first place we can make the biggest impact the quickest is in our consumption of energy and goods.” Wow, finally someone in charge says what the public needs to hear. LESS IS MORE!! Energy efficiency is the new black; Prius, the new Lexus. It’s interesting that green’s popularity appears to be driven by economics, not by the environment. No big deal to environmentalists, they win either way, but homeowners are winning on their electric bills by opting for ENERGY STAR appliances, high-efficiency windows, whole house fans, solar panels, and anything that reduces resource consumption. It’s here to stay.

Cutting Edge Appliances: I just replaced my old washer and dryer for a new front loading, energy efficient washer/dryer. I am amazed at how little water is used but my clothes are very fresh and clean. Using a GAS dryer instead of electric also dries your clothes faster with less energy. From dishwasher drawers to refrigerators, everyone seems to be interested in space-aged appliances that only seem likely in James Bond films. Lift ovens can drop down and rise up so you don’t have to bend over with heavy dishes. Steam-assist ovens utilize steam to heat and produce healthier, juicier foods. Computerized refrigerators have a screen right in the door where you can access the internet, check email, and bring up stored recipes. These little gems just made kitchens that much better. And everybody wants one.

Outdoor Kitchens: A popular trend from Texas across the Southwest desert, this warm climate addition has fully caught on in other climates. I’m seeing this trend more and more in the houses I show, and the right combination of style and functionality are a huge selling point for sellers! The perfect addition for those who like to entertain and enjoy the outdoors, these projects can be as extensive or stripped-down as space or budget allows. Most choose to fully equip theirs with a fridge, sink, garbage disposal, and of course, the centerpiece, the grill.

Home Theaters: I LOVE big screen tv’s. They have become so sleek and sexy, and the picture quality you can have on your television is incredible. Just walk into a Best Buy and see how prices have come down dramatically while the quality has increased. The home movie viewing experience has reached new levels, and the reason these remodels are so popular is simply because the technology has caught up with the demand. Factor in that the average gamer is in his mid-30s, and the home theater almost becomes the new den or rec room in today’s homes.

Desert Landscaping:  Now, this trend is happening more so in Las Vegas as more and more residents are trying to save money on their electric bills and become more environmentally conscious.  So many people think of rocks and a bush when talking about desert landscaping, but the possibilities for beautiful blooming flowers and trees are amazing. The water requirements are MUCH less making your water bill a little easier to swallow.  Las Vegas does have some of the cheapest water in the nation, but that’s no reason to waste it!  Desert landscaping has come a long way for those owners with discerning tastes. I have worked with a few landscapers who I trust and who design great yards for my clients. If you need a recommendation for a trades person let me know.

I am constantly working with trades people and my clients all the time. I have a good group of contractors who I trust.  If you need a painter, roofer, landscaper, tiler, chimney sweeper, please give me a call and I’d be happy to connect you to the right service provider.

Felipe Crook

Prudential Americana Group

Felipe@felipecrook.com

Cell: 702-683-2169

Boca Park Las Vegas

Boca Park is a great shopping area in Las Vegas. I love living so close to it because it has everything I could need. Just to give you a few of the stores in the shopping park:

This area is where a lot of fun, active people go to shop and socialize. There are a few great restaurants in this area, one of them is Kona Grill. They have a Asian Fusion Menu, with Sushi, Pizza, great appetizers, and a great happy hour. They also have a reverse happy hour from 10-Midnight for those late night cravings you might have.

Just north of the Great Indoors is a project I am so excited about. It’s called the Village at Queensridge. How appropriate huh? This is from the developer of One Queens Ridge Place which are the first high rise towers in the Suburbs of Las Vegas. Properties here are absolutely stunning, and so are the price tags. You won’t be able to get into one of these condo’s for less than $1.4 Million. In order to appeal to these high end residents, the developer is building more high end retail, supposedly a Ferrari Dealership, and my favorite a FARMER’S MARKET!!! We don’t really have a farmer’s market in Las Vegas, so this will be a great addition to our city.

This area is full of excitement and energy and there are plenty of homes near this area. It offers great access to the Summerlin Pkwy, I-95, and the 215 beltway. If you’d interested in seeing homes in this area, please email me at

felipe@felipecrook.com or call me directly at 702-683-2169.

Thanks for your interest!

Felipe Crook

Prudential Americana Group

2008 Las Vegas Real Estate Market

I know how sick everyone is about hearing how horrible the market is in Las Vegas, but I’m here as a beacon of hope to all of those home owners, and potential home owners. First off let me say that houses are still selling. My team increased our business by 40% in 2007 for a grand total of $11,000,000!! How is that possible in this market? My team is committed to excellent service and saving you the most amount of money possible in the biggest transaction of your life.

I’ve added some major new services I’m offering to my clients this year. First off would be my International Real Estate Services.  Yes, I will now be able to assist you in purchasing properties abroad.  There are paradises outside of the United States that are very affordable.  I am in the process of getting my Certified International Property Specialist Designation from the National Association of Realtors.  There are only around 1500 members in the world who belong to this organization. I’m really excited about helping people find their retirement home, or their dream vacation home around the world.   My language skills are a huge asset to this part of my business.  I speak French, Portuguese, and a little Spanish.  I’m actively taking Spanish Classes to be in tip-top shape.  I’ll keep everyone updated with my progress.

The time to buy is NOW.  When the market recovers, it is going to recover quickly because of all of the job growth in Las Vegas.  With the construction of two major strip casino projects, plus numerous other buildings, there will be more jobs than people and when that happens the real estate market responds nicely.  It could be a quick transition, so make sure you position yourself to profit as much as possible from the downturn in the market.

If you would like a customized property search in Las Vegas, please email me at Felipe@felipecrook.com   or you can call me direct at 702-683-2169, or visit our website at http://www.VegasHousesForYou.com.

I hope you all have a wonderful 2008!

Felipe Crook

Prudential Americana Group Realtors