Give Back! Three Great Charities for Las Vegans

Las Vegas has so much to offer us. Here are some wonderful ways to give back!

Whether you are a transplant or a Native, here are some great ways to contribute to our community!

S.A.F.E House

S.A.F.E. House was established in 1994 by a group of community leaders concerned about the needs of battered women and their children. Today, through safe shelter, support, advocacy, counseling and community education, the organization provides a comprehensive approach to working with families to Stop Abuse in the Family Environment.

S.A.F.E. House is committed to stop violence and abuse in the family environment by providing safe shelter, support, advocacy, counseling and education

The goal of S.A.F.E. House is to  provide quality crisis intervention, shelter and counseling services to domestic violence victims and their children and accredited treatment services for those who choose to abuse.

In addition S.A.F.E. House provides comprehensive advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and abuse and follow up and transitional resources and support.

S.A.F.E. House aims to  be a leader in domestic violence education and prevention; raising the awareness of the seriousness and devastating effects of family abuse and violence; promote women’s strengths, competencies and abilities; holding batterers accountable for their violent and abusive behavior; and advocating for community involvement and social change.

For more information or to volunteer visit their website: http://www.safehousenv.org/ or call (702) 451-4203

Variety

Variety – The Children’s Charity is an enthusiastic group of business leaders who donate their time, resources and energy to positively impact the lives of children in their own communities and around the world.

Variety strives to meet the needs that empower Southern Nevada children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn.

Here is a list of Variety’s Programs

Compassion Care Fund: The Compassion Care Fund pays for unmet medical and life necessities for families who have no other way to pay for the needs of their special child.

Kids at Play: Provides adaptive equipment and playgrounds for children with special needs, including ADA accessible playgrounds with wheelchair-accessible swings to help children with disabilities interact with their peers.

Sunshine Coaches:  Provides specially equipped passenger vans to local nonprofit organizations for transport of children with physical limitations to and from medical facilities, schools and community enrichment programs.

Learning for Kids: Provides experiential learning tools for children with special needs. This may include adaptive computers or convert-a-tables which encourage sensory gross and fine motor skills development.

Kids in Need: Funding permitted; this program is available to children’s agencies dealing with families in crisis. It has been able to underwrite hot lunch programs to schools located in economically challenged communities.

For more information or to volunteer visit their website:http://www.varietysn.org/ or call          (702) 702-8486

Opportunity Village

Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people in the Southern Nevada community with intellectual disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them. Opportunity Village is dedicated to helping people with severe intellectual and related disabilities become the very best they can be. Through vocational training, community employment, day services, advocacy, arts and social recreation, citizens with severe disabilities are able to find new friends, realize future career paths, seek independence and community integration and unleash creative passions.

Opportunity Village was founded in 1954 by a small group of local families seeking to improve the lives of their children with intellectual disabilities. Since then, Opportunity Village has grown to become Nevada’s largest private, not-for-profit community rehabilitation program, serving more than 3,000 people annually through vocational training, community job placement, art & life skill enrichment, advocacy, and social recreation programs.

More than just a charity, Opportunity Village operates three employment training center campuses and a Thrift Store in Southern Nevada. It also operates a vehicle donation program, trains and places hundreds of adults in jobs throughout the community, and hosts some of the most popular special events in all of Las Vegas, including the annual Magical Forest and the Las Vegas Great Santa Run. The entire community is affected by the organization as businesses not only contract with Opportunity Village to fulfill assembly and packaging, mass mailings and other business to business services but numerous companies and organizations hire our clients as regular employees.

Through hard work, sweat, and a little luck, Opportunity Village has helped Southern Nevada’s most vulnerable citizens integrate into society while earning a paycheck, a feeling of achievement, and a renewed sense of independence. It’s no wonder why Opportunity Village has earned the distinction of “Las Vegas’ Best Community Organization.”

Almost entirely self-funded, Opportunity Village is possible because Southern Nevadans realize the value in supporting their neighbors with intellectual disabilities. In our society, people with intellectual disabilities live their lives constantly being told what they can’t do. Opportunity Village strives to break that stigma, encouraging its clients to follow their dreams, whether they include community or sheltered employment, social recreation, music, art or just the chance to be independent.

For more information visit their website:http://www.opportunityvillage.org/ or call (702) 259-3741

All of the information in this post has been taken directly from the organizations.

Cheapest Condos Near the Las Vegas Strip!

Can you buy a condo walking distance from the Las Vegas Strip for under $40,000? (of course….that’s why I wrote this)

Here are a few great opportunities to own a home in one of the most exciting places in the world for less money than a use Lexus!

Whether you are looking for an investment property or vacation home, the Las Vegas market has some great, relatively inexpensive options.

1. 3720 Royal Crest Street Unit #21 List price $35,000                       This condo is one bedroom and one bathroom less than a mile from the strip
2. 3718 Hazelwood Street Unit #3 List Price $37,000

3. 3727 Hazelwood Street Unit #24 List Price $38,900

4. 3726 Hazelwood Street Unit #14 LIst Price $39,900

These three condos are all in the same complex. There are all one bedroom and one bathroom. Located just minutes from the strip.

There are a plethora of options priced just above these homes. Feel free to contact me for more info on these homes or for a full list of condos in the area!

Leonard Hanks

Coldwell Banker Premier Realty

10120 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 300    

Henderson, NV 89052

(702) 458.7070 Business

(702) 757.8524 Mobile

(702) 458.6253 eFax

Mobile Apps to Help You Move!

So, you’ve found the home of your dreams! Congratulations!! It is not an easy task to go through the home buyer or renting process. However, once you make it through all of the viewings, meetings, and paperwork, there is only one tiny thing left to do….MOVE!

As someone who has moved quite a bit, I can attest to the stress and hard work required to have a successful move. Once the physical move is over, you have to get used to a new area it can be daunting. Whether it is across town or across the country, the apps below can help make the moving and settling in a bit easier.

  My Move (Android/iPhone)  

Are you about to move? Are you looking for reliable moving companies?

Keep up with your moving progress straight from your phone.

Here are some of the basic features:

- Find Reliable Movers near you.

- Read Moving Tips, Guides & News.

- Keep Notes while Moving.

- Free Moving Cost Estimator (for USA, UK, Canada, Australia and International).

- Read Moving Reviews & Ratings on US and Canadian movers.

- Look-up a moving company from a huge  database.

- Look-up moving license information.

- See the best moving companies by state.

- Interactive moving checklist to stay prepared during the move.

Researching your mover just got easier!  Get the app here: My Move

Moving Day (iPhone)

When you're moving your home or office, it can be tough to keep everything organized. Boxes all the look the same, no one knows what's inside them, and who knows where they should go at the next destination?

And what if something breaks? What if something goes missing? How can you prove that a box is gone or that damage is new?

Moving Day can help make moving across town or across the country a simpler process.

Features include:

- Easily catalog all your things as you pack

- Built-in bar code scanning and label-making

- Quickly identify what's missing and damaged as stuff is delivered

- Simplify insurance claims with value tracking, photos and damage reports

- Easy-to-print item labels include bar codes and to which room it belongs

- Print or Email reports directly from the app

- Fully integrated, contextual help guide

- No Internet connection required

Get the app here: Moving Day

 Paint My Place (iPhone)

Paint My Place is your design and editing DIY tool. Simply capture or upload a photo of any aspect of your property and decorate with the best paint colors in the World to create a magical effect!  The intuitive and responsive user interface makes Paint My Place easy and fun to use. The must have editing tool for everyone looking to remodel -  whether they own or rent their own house or commercial property, and in their professional capacity as painters, realtors, interior decorators and landscape designers.

The Paint My Place app has some wonderful features. Here are just a few highlights:

• Easy to use interface and slick design.
• Intuitive bucket fill tool to quickly slap on paint (‘unlocked’ version)
• Pre-loaded with thousands of digitally replicated paint colors from the world’s best brands (‘unlocked’ version).
• Share your ideas by downloading and emailing them to others.
• Share color schemes on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
• Help feature ensures that you find the answer you need quickly.
• Add touch ups to roofing and fencing.
• Share exact paint color numbers with others for quick purchasing.

Get the app here: Paint my Place

 Around Me (Android/iPhone)

Hungry and looking for inspiration? Meeting friends at a bar close by? Or just need to find the closest ATM? AroundMe allows you to search for the nearest restaurants, banks, gas stations, book an hotel or find a movie schedule nearby.

So whether you’re home for the weekend, in New York for work, or vacationing in Seville, Nice, Milan or Tokyo, AroundMe provides simple access to local information. We’ve integrated the coolest Augmented Reality features and provide GPS-driven directions to your chosen destination. AroundMe is the most used local search application globally – and is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Chinese.

Get the app here: Around Me

Realtor.com (Android/iPhone/Windows Phone)  

Ok, so this app isn’t really going to help you during your move, but it should've been the place you started the process!!

Here are just a few reasons why:

-Realtor.com listed as one of the best apps for house and apartment hunting - Apps Gone Free 2014

-Realtor.com named one of the best personal finance apps - Kiplinger's Best of Everything 2013

"Makes searching for homes with schooling in mind a little bit easier..." --James Zahn, The Rock Father

"Great schools in the area? Now you're talking a parent's language" --Terrence Gaines, PCMag.com

Why realtor.com®?

• 90% of listings updated every 15 minutes. All the rest updated at least once a day.

• Quickly swipe to see rich and detailed photos of real estate properties, apartments for rent and homes for rent that interest you.

• The only true search of homes for sale and rent by school or school district - make sure your next house is near your dream school!

• Property listing details now include property tax, sales history and more school information including ratings for each house.

• Draw your own custom search area right on the map!

• Search nearby schools, homes for sale, open homes, recently sold homes, apartments for rent, and houses for rent with just one tap.

• Use Area Scout to see results and average values update as you move.

• Stay updated on the true status of real estate and apartment listings, including foreclosures, just taken off market, and price-reduced homes for sale.

• Sign-in to save searches and listings. Access them again on your mobile phone or online at www.realtor.com.

Get the app here: Realtor

Those are a few of the great options out there. Please check my blog often for more tips to help make your real estate experiences better!

You bought a home....now what??

You've done it. The home is yours. Is there any more to the home buying process? You’ll want to take several more steps.

This post wraps up the series to help first time home buyers navigate the home buying process.

Those papers you received at settlement are extremely valuable, so hold on to them! In the short-term they can help establish tax deductions for the year in which the property was purchased. In the future such papers will be important for tax purposes when the property is sold, and in some cases, for calculating estate taxes.

Also at closing, determine the status of the utilities required by the home, items such as water, sewage, gas, electric and oil service. You want utility bills to be paid in full by owners as of closing, and you also want services transferred to your name for billing. Usually such transfers can be done without turning off utilities. REALTORS® can provide contact numbers and related information.

About two weeks after closing, contact your local property records office and confirm that your deed has been officially recorded. Such records are public notices that show your interest in the property.

Moving In

It is generally understood that sellers will leave homes “broom clean” when moving out. This expression does not mean “vacuumed” or “spotless.” Broom clean makes sense because it means the house is ready to be painted and cleaned.

Your Home, Your Money

For most owners a home is the largest single asset they hold, so it makes sense to protect that asset.

Many owners make a photo or video record of the home and their possessions for insurance purposes and then keep the records in a safety deposit box. Your insurance provider can recommend what to photograph and how to secure it.

You want to maintain fire, theft and liability insurance. As the value of your property increases such coverage should also rise. Again, speak with your insurance professional for details.

Lastly, enjoy your home. Owning real estate involves contracts, loans, and taxes, but ultimately what’s most important is that home ownership should be a wonderful experience. Enjoy!

For more info follow this link: http://www.realtor.com/advice/what-comes-after-youve-bought-a-home/

First Time Home Buyer Tips PART THREE: Doing the Deal!

You've found the home of your dreams! Now all you have to do is BUY the darn thing!

This is final part of a three part series to help first time home buyers navigate through the process.

Mortgage Options and Costs

The cost of real estate financing is often greater than the original purchase price of a home (after including interest and closing costs). Because financing is so important, buyers should have as much information as possible regarding mortgage options and costs.

What Kind of Loan?

Thousands of loans are available from a variety of lenders but, in general, the mortgage you choose will be determined by at least several key factors:

• How much down? Loans with 5 percent down or less are available – in fact, loans from major lenders with no money down have appeared in recent years.
• If you place less than 20 percent down, lenders will want the mortgage guaranteed by an outside third party such as the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration or a private mortgage insurer (required by lenders to protect against a mortgage default). Millions of VA, FHA and PMI loans are generated each year.
• How’s your credit? The best rates and terms are only available to those with solid credit. To get the best loans, make a point of paying credit cards, installment payments, rent and mortgage bills in full and on time.
• Are you a first-time buyer? It might seem that “first-time buyer” means someone who has never owned property before, but under most state programs, the term refers to those who have not owned property within the past three years. State-backed first-timer programs often feature smaller downpayments and below-market interest rates. .

How Do You Get a Loan?

To obtain a loan you must complete a written loan application and provide supporting documentation. Specific documents include recent pay stubs, rental checks and tax returns for the past two or three years if you are self-employed. During the pre-qualification process, the loan officer will describe the type of paperwork required.

Where Do You Get a Loan?

Mortgage financing can be obtained from mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions, and insurance companies.

Making an Offer

While much attention is paid to the offering price of a home, a proposal to buy includes both the price and terms. In some cases, terms can represent thousands of dollars in additional value for buyers ? or additional costs. Terms are extremely important and should be carefully reviewed

How Much?

You sometimes hear that the amount of your offer should be a certain  percent below the seller’s asking price or an amount less than you’re really willing to pay. In practice, the offer depends on the basic laws of supply and demand: If many buyers are competing for homes, then sellers will likely get full-price offers and sometimes more. If demand is weak, then offers below the asking price may be in order.

How Do You Make an Offer?

The process of making offers varies around the country. In a typical situation, you will complete an offer sheet that the REALTOR® will present to the owner and the owner’s representative. The owner, in turn, may accept the offer, reject it or make a counter-offer.

Because counter-offers are common (any change in an offer can be considered a counter-offer), it’s important for buyers to remain in close contact with REALTORS® during the negotiation process so that any proposed changes can be quickly reviewed.

How Many Inspections?

A number of inspections are common in residential realty transactions. They include checks for termites, surveys to determine boundaries, appraisals to determine value for lenders, title reviews and structural inspections.

Structural inspections are particularly important. During these examinations, an inspector comes to the property to determine if there are material physical defects and whether expensive repairs and replacements are likely to be required in the next few years. Such inspections for a single-family home often require two or three hours, and buyers should attend. This is an opportunity to examine the property’s mechanics and structure, ask questions and learn far more about the property than is possible with an informal walk-through.

Home Ownership and Insurance

No sensible car owner would drive without insurance, so it figures that no homeowner should be without insurance, either.

The essential idea behind various forms of real estate insurance is to protect owners in the event of catastrophe. If something goes wrong, insurance can be the bargain of a lifetime.

What Kind and How Much?

There are various forms of insurance associated with home ownership, including these major types:

• Title Insurance: Purchased with a one-time fee at closing, title insurance protects owners in the event that the title to the property is found to be invalid. .
• Homeowners insurance: Provides fire, theft and liability coverage. Homeowners policies are required by lenders and often cover a surprising number of items, including in some cases such property as wedding rings, furniture and home office equipment.
• Flood insurance: Generally required in high-risk, flood-prone areas, this insurance is issued by the federal government and provides as much as $250,000 in coverage for a single-family home, plus $100,000 for contents.
• Home warranties: With new homes, buyers want assurance that if something goes wrong after completion, the builder will be there to make repairs. But what if the builder refuses to do the work or goes out of business? Home warranties bought from third parties by home builders are generally designed to provide several forms of protection: workmanship for the first year, mechanical problems such as plumbing and wiring for the first two years, and structural defects for up to 10 years. Home warranties for existing homes are typically one-year service agreements purchased by sellers. In the event of a covered defect or breakdown, the warranty firm will step in and make the repair or cover its cost. Insurance policies and warranties have limitations and individual programs have different levels of coverage, deductibles and costs. For details, speak with REALTORS®, insurance brokers and home builders.

Closing

The closing process, which in different parts of the country is also known as “settlement” or “escrow,” is increasingly computerized and automated. In many cases, buyers and sellers don’t need to attend a specific event; signed paperwork can be sent to the closing agent via overnight delivery.

In practice, closings bring together a variety of parties who are part of the transaction. For example, while the history of property ownership has been checked, it’s possible that the records contain errors, unrecorded claims or flaws in the review itself, thus title insurance is necessary. At closing, transfer taxes must be paid and other claims must also be settled (including closing costs, legal fees and adjustments). In most transactions, the closing agent also completes the paperwork needed to record the loan.

What to Expect

Settlement is a brief process where all of the necessary paperwork needed to complete the transaction is signed. Closing is typically held in an office setting, sometimes with both buyer and seller at the same table, sometimes with each party completing their papers separately.

Whatever the case, the result is that title to the property is transferred from seller to buyer. The buyer receives the keys and the seller receives payment for the home. From the amount credited to the seller, the closing agent subtracts money to pay off the existing mortgage and other transaction costs. Deeds, loan papers, and other documents are prepared, signed and filed with local property record offices.

What You Need to Do

One of the best parts of settlement is that buyers and sellers need to do very little.

Before closing, buyers typically have a final opportunity to walk through the property to assure that its condition has not changed materially since the sale agreement was signed.

At the closing itself, all papers have been prepared by closing agents, title companies, lenders and lawyers. This paperwork reflects the sale agreement and allows all parties to the transaction to verify their interests. For instance, buyers get the title to the property, lenders have their loans recorded in the public records, and state governments collect their transfer taxes.

You’ve done it. You’ve looked at properties, made an offer, obtained financing and gone to closing. The home is yours. Is there any more to the home buying process?

Yes! Read my next BONUS post about what steps you should take after taking ownership!