Monday, June 23, 2008


I will be attending Pima Medical Institute studying Respitory Therapy for 2 years. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thanks, Brad Emens

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Silverado Ranch Village

Future HOT SPOT: Ristorante E

The most recent addition to our community is Silverado Ranch Village. Located on the southeast corner of Silverado Ranch Boulevard at Bermuda Road (near 7-11 Gas Station), this commercial corner consists of several restaurants and retail businesses. Some stores include Dunkin’ Donuts Drive Thru, Silverado Family Dental, Great Clips, Mr. Mama’s Salads, and Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market. Going in behind Citi Bank there will be a restaurant/lounge. This future hot spot will be called R.E. Tapas Kitchen and Lounge. ‘Tapas’ is the name for a wide variety of appetizers that may include a variety of salads, empanadas, fried calamari, chilled gazpacho and much more.

On December 12, 2007, I spoke with Errol Le Blanc the chef and proprietor of Ristorante E also known as R.E. Tapas Kitchen and Lounge. Le Blanc told me, “This is where Italy meets Spain meets California cuisine.” He went on to say, “The menu will be seasonal…it’s not going to stay the same.” This eating place/bar will be a true lounge with an area for live music, flat screen televisions with flash art media, couches, coffee tables, and an outdoor patio area. This establishment is located near the northwest corner of Silverado Ranch Village at 467 E. Silverado Ranch Boulevard. It may open in January 2008.


Silverado Ranch is an up and coming part of the Las Vegas Valley. Locally owned businesses, such as R.E. Tapas Kitchen and Lounge, will make our lives more enjoyable. Be sure and register on their website, www.retapaslounge.com, to subscribe for email updates. Hope to see you there.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

South Strip Transfer Terminal Park and Ride

Courtesy of Regional Transportation Commission

With summer in full swing, many of us are making travel plans. To save time and energy looking for a parking spot at McCarran International Airport consider using transit as an alternative. Park at the South Strip Transfer Terminal park and ride, located at 6675 Gilespie south of Sunset Road, and take route 109 to the airport. You’ll get to the airport in about 10 minutes and the trip will only cost you $1.25 each way. This is probably one of the best-kept secrets in Las Vegas and a great way to bypass the hassle of paying for parking at the airport.

The park and ride lot is home to approximately 100 parking spaces that are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis to transit riders. You can leave your vehicle parked in the lot for up to seven days. If your vehicle needs to be left for longer than seven days contact Security at 676-1849 to make arrangements. Arrangements will be made on a case by case basis.


Remember to use the Transit Trip Planner to find the most convenient transit route to the Transfer Terminal from other locations around the valley. Input your origin, input the airport or any other destination in town, indicate the desired departure or arrival time and the Transit
Trip Planner will provide you with a variety of ways to get there using transit. For more information, visit rtcsnv.com.


Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Retail for Our Neighborhood

Growth and Development of Silverado Ranch Picture is only simulation

In July of 2007 the United States Postal Office split our zip code. The Post Office does this when an area shows great potential for growth. Silverado Ranch is growing before our eyes. In fact, Silverado Ranch (zip codes 89123 and 89183) has more than tripled in the last decade. With the influx of new people to our immediate area we must have commercial development in order to support our way of life. One specific site for this type of growth is the vacant land east of Amigo Avenue and south of our local mine, Cactus Sand and Gravel. This 2.5 +/- acres lot is currently for sale for $2,750,000.


Roberts Hawaii Hotels Inc. purchased this vacant lot for $1,687,950 in July of 2005. According to Al Laird, a planner from Clark County Comprehensive Planning, “The land was re-zoned from R-E (2 homes per acre) to C-1 (local business district) on February 21, 2007.” Local Business District zoning allows for businesses that benefit a community, similar to P&R Retail-Shopping Plaza (Rhino Mart, Lefty’s Pizza, Bahay Kubo Asian Market, Kandy Kastle and others) near the intersection of Pollock Drive at Pyle Avenue. Laird went on the tell me, “Plans approved…by the Clark County Board of Commissioners…allowed for a 1-story, 35 foot high, 16,625 square-foot neighborhood shopping plaza.


On December 5, 2007, I spoke to Michael Sumiyoshi from Realty 7, the brokerage firm hired to sell the land. Sumiyoshi told me, “We have preliminary plans…for a retail strip center.” A few of the businesses that have submitted letters of intent include a liquor store, a nail saloon and an All-State insurance office. Also, IHOP has shown an interest in building a restaurant there.


Silverado Ranch is becoming a bustling suburb where Picture is only simulation
home values have seen some of the highest appreciation since the early part of the century. In 2005, some homes’ sale prices have more than doubled from when they were originally purchased in 2001 through 2003. Of course, our area has also witnessed some of the largest depreciation. For example, one home, that had been purchased from American West Homes on January 30, 2003, sold for $380,000. This magnificent home was then listed on December 12, 2004 for $679,900 and sold on April 1, 2005 for $619,500. On July 26, 2007 this home was listed again as repossessed and sold on September 24, 2007 for $495,000 with $5,000 going back to the buyer as a seller contribution. Silverado Ranch is located in an ideal location in our valley. Therefore, homes will hold their values. I am optimistic that the market will turn around, soon. How long? Only time will tell.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Cashman Moves Its HQ

Major Development Nearby
Cashman Equipment Company, one of the largest construction equipment merchants in North America, has begun improving the land between Maryland Parkway and Spencer Street, south of Cactus Avenue. According to the website acppubs.com, “Cashman Equipment Company has made its move to Henderson official by breaking ground on its new corporate headquarters.” The article goes on to say, “The seven building campus will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified.” This means that South Las Vegas Valley will see a large, eco-friendly, business in operation by this time next year.

Cashman Equipment Company purchased this, vacant, 53.26 +/- acre lot from the City of Henderson in May 2007 for $28,650,000. Cashman Equipment Company’s plan to move its headquarters to Henderson came about, according to Tory Hendrickson, with Cashman Equipment Company, “When Clark County bought part of the existing compound (in North Las Vegas) for the new (I15) freeway expansion.” Hendrickson also told me, “They have been talking about the new building for a couple of years.”

Cashman Equipment Company’s new project has been LEED Gold certified by the United States Green Building Council. LEED is a rating system that has been around since the early 1990’s. LEED has evolved from retro-fitting existing buildings with state of the art heating and cooling systems to having entire complexes, such as Cashman Equipment Company’s Headquarters in Henderson, designed and constructed with high performance, green building standards and materials. Being LEED Certified not only promotes a healthy place to live and work, but it also qualifies the owners for tax rebates.
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James “Big Jim” Cashman, the man who has made ‘Cashman’ a household name in Nevada, took advantage of an opportunity to supply a few pieces of equipment during the Hoover Dam project is now one of the largest privately owned corporations in Nevada. This corporation will now bring commerce and industry to the South Las Vegas Valley.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

July 2007

BEWARE! Cross Traffic Does NOT Stop!
On Father’s Day, June 17, 2007, my neighbor exclaimed, “Brad, the intersection of Bermuda Road at Cactus Avenue is very dangerous.” She continued, “There should be a four way stop there.” Frustrated with the situation, she asked me if I would help. On June 18, 2007, I called Clark County Traffic Management Division to report this hazardous intersection.

Kevin Futch, an engineer for Clark County, told me, “Now that this intersection has been reported we will do counts and field observations to see if the intersection meets the criteria…to receive more signage.” Futch continued, “The master plan for Cactus Avenue shows a lighted intersection there [Cactus Avenue at Bermuda Road].” Please, in the meantime, be very cautious at this particular intersection.

As homes are built in the South Valley, traffic will inevitably increase. Many drivers may not be as familiar with the roads as they should be. For example, the traffic traveling east and west on Cactus Avenue, crossing Bermuda Road, is not always aware that they must stop at this intersection. Furthermore, often travelers are unaware that the traffic traveling north and south on Bermuda Road does not have to stop. Sometimes, unfamiliarity with the area does, in fact, cause confusion and accidents are often foreseeable. As more information, regarding the widening and improvement of Cactus Avenue, becomes available I will report back to you.

Milano Residences
Construction of the proposed luxury condominium project, located near the intersection of Cactus Avenue at Bermuda Road, stopped abruptly earlier this year. The plans approved by Clark County show a four-story, 100-unit, mid-rise, condominium project. Plans suggest that there will be three residential floors above one level for parking. On June 18, 2007, I, Brad Emens, spoke to Clark County Planner, Greg Cervin. He told me that he does not know why construction has stopped. He went on to tell me, “They [Milano Residences LLC] are still pulling permits.” On June 27, 2007, a construction trailer appeared. Curious, I approached the trailer and had an opportunity to speak to a new general contractor for this project.

Dean Mills, superintendent for Sundance Construction, the new builder, told me, “Dayside [the previous builder] got thrown out.”

I asked Mills, “When will we see construction start again?”

He told me, in a thick southern accent, “It’s fixing to be as busy as a beehive!”

I then asked Mills, “When will this project might be finished?”

He said, “7 or 8 months.”

Mid-rise and high-rise construction projects seem to be new alternatives to the more traditional neighborhood. These types of homes may be more desirable, as opposed to freestanding homes with yards, because of minimal required maintenance. When sales information is released I will report it to you.

Silverado Ranch Exit/On-Ramp
As the southern edge of our valley continues to blossom, we can expect to see its infrastructure being improved, and become more developed. The new ramps, overpass and full interchange being built for Silverado Ranch are part of the work being done for the quickly developing Silverado Ranch Community.

According to accessclarkcounty.com, “The overall $38.7 million-dollar project should be finished by the end of October this year.” This mass of jumbled rebar and steel, the bridge structure, was completed in early June. Now, this structure awaits a covering of asphalt and concrete before it is recognized as our very own interchange.

On June 4, 2007, Oscar Esparza, a foreman for Frehner Construction, a major contracting business headquartered in Las Vegas, told me, “We are on schedule.” Esparza continued, “It’s going to be such a huge relief…(as he gestured toward the project)…when it opens.” At this point, the northbound on-ramp to Interstate-15, as well as the northbound exit onto Silverado Ranch Boulevard from Interstate-15 is operational. Soon, not only will we be able to enter and exit Interstate-15 at Silverado Ranch Boulevard, but also we will have convenient access to Southern Highlands, Mountain’s Edge and the Southwest Valley. These are exciting times for our community. Silverado Ranch Boulevard Northbound and Southbound entrances are now open

What ever happened to Urban Village?
On April 15, 2007, a member of our community asked me, Brad Emens, “What ever happened to Urban Village?” Urban Village, a proposed, $1 billion, master-planned-community, located near the southwest corner of Pyle Avenue at Las Vegas Boulevard, is now for sale. Urban Village, which was supposed to have five neighborhoods with 2,400 brownstones, condominium homes, flats and live-work concepts, will no longer be developed by Centex Destination Properties. On April 17, 2007, I attempted to contact the developer, Centex Destination Properties. The phone number lead to an operator who said this number was disconnected or no longer in service.

Next, I went to urbanvillage.com, this projects website. According to urbanvillage.com, “Centex Destination Properties has discontinued sales at Urban Village-Las Vegas.” I then called the real estate brokerage hired to sell the land. This land, just less than 70 acres, is priced at $160 million. That is about $2.3 million per acre! I am curious to see what will eventually be built there.

Picture is only simulation
West Village Featuring Sullivan Square
The next up-and-coming mixed-use community for Las Vegas is Sullivan Square. This project is a sure thing. Financing is already in place and the website hoobly.com states, “Developer Glen, Smith & Glen has completed its financing agreements and is now a joint venture partner with Harcourt Developments…Harcourt is funding the entire $800 million project cost.” Located at Sunset Road and Durango Drive, just off Bruce Woodbury’s Beltway (I215), Sullivan Square will become another commercial center that will create a large number of jobs and lifestyles.

An article about Sullivan Square in the April 7, 2007 Las Vegas Review Journal states, “This development will offer a market-street design featuring shops and services.” The article goes on to say, “An independently owned cafĂ©, restaurant, full-service deli, neighborhood pub, florist, fresh fish monger, wine shop, coffee shop, bakery and butcher are planned.”
Sullivan Square will consist of 1,300 residences, high-rise towers, live/work spaces and traditional brownstones. This development will offer mid-rise terraced condominiums, Chicago-style lofts and town homes. Units in Sullivan Square's first phase range from 500 to 2,000 square feet with prices from the low $300,000s to $1.7 million.

According to an article in the April 20, 2007 Las Vegas Review Journal, “The development [Sullivan Square] will be situated at the center of Las Vegas Valley's emerging West Village where 400 acres are zoned for high-density, mixed-use development, 10,000 housing units, several hundred thousand square feet of retail space and several million square feet of office space.” This is an area to keep an eye on. When you are interested in learning more about this, or any other real estate venture, call me, Brad Emens 702-808-3531.

Market Update for the Greater Las Vegas Area (GLVA) 7/6/2007
There are 25,590 For Sale
2,715 In Escrow (this means 10.6% of homes on the market are getting acceptable offers!)
11,136 Homes Sold This Year vs.
17,746 homes sold by this time last year
21,795 Sold by this time in 2005
23,466 Sold by this time in 2004
17,114 Sold by this time in 2003
(Single-Family Residential, Condominiums and Town Homes)

On June 16, 2007, Greater Las Vegas Area Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing System added REPO (repossession) to the pick list under the property description. This new criteria can be used search for repossessed properties. The addition of this new search criterion indicates that the Greater Las Vegas Area Association of REALTORS anticipates an increase in REO (real estate owned)/ bank owned properties. On June 26, 2007 there were 1,100 single-family residential homes, condominiums, and town houses that had REPO as the property description. I am not trying to be bleak and gloomy but the reality of the situation is not so desirable. The time is here when short sales, and looming foreclosures, will have an affect on home values.



Cactus Sand and Gravel
There is a large gravel pit near the intersection of Amigo Street at Cactus Avenue. The mine here is operated by Impact Sand and Gravel and has been in business since 1995. The 75+/- acre lot where this mine is located is zoned P-F or Public Facility and will be used as a detention basin to help control flooding. Since these structures do not see frequent use, especially in desert areas, it is common to have them designed as dual use facilities. Faith Heritage Schools, a group of five interested individuals, has shown an interest in being the end user, for the secondary purpose, of this gravel pit.

On April 26, 2007, Faith Heritage Schools held a presentation for local residents at the Donald W. Reynolds Scouting Resource Center. At the meeting there were several renditions, pictures and diagrams that showed how this land might be developed. The material at the presentation stated:

- Initial development is planned for the 10 +/- acres lot west of Antigua Condominiums.
- The first construction stage of the school may be an administration building, a classroom building, and a cafeteria building.
- Initial enrollment may have 150-200 students.
- At complete build out it is estimated that the school may have a maximum of 1200 students.
- The first phase of the school may have grades 6-9. It is planned to expand one grade level per year thereafter.
- Doors open the to the first students in August 2009.
- Due to the unique design of the land, Faith Heritage Schools plans to place sports facilities below street grade in order to minimize noise and glare from field lights.

Director of Faith Heritage Schools, Glen Goldie, said, “Expected amount of the initial build out…at today’s construction costs…may be $25-$35 million.” He continued, “We want to bring excellence to Las Vegas.” Goldie also told me, “The plans for Capstone Christian School, a proposed, non-profit, tuition based, private school has been in the works for about a year.” In order to attain funding for this development Goldie stated, “We will depend on large gifts, especially.”

Moreover, a private school may be a beneficial addition to our community. An improvement like this will surely bring appreciation, and monetary value, to our community. Please, voice your opinion about this topic.


The information provided in this blog was obtained from google.com and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on July 6th, 2007 and is believed to be accurate and true. If your home is currently on the market please do not consider this to be a solicitation; this newsletter is merely for your information. If you would like a comparative market analysis for your home please email me at sgtbrad@cox.net or call me, Brad Emens (702) 808-3531. I live right around the corner. Thank you.

Monday, April 09, 2007

April 2007

I, Brad Emens, am a REALTOR. I have been here since the beginning…when Silverado Ranch was just being developed and Serene Avenue was a dirt road. Even today I still ask myself, “What’s going on here?” I am always very eager to report about the new growth and development in our community. That’s why I can take pride in myself as I provide spot on real estate service. I even look forward to creating a long-term relationship with the members of my community. I live here. I work here...and knowledge and familiarity is vital to marketing properties here.

Luxury Homes coming soon?
Tom Howe, investor/developer, hosted a community meeting held on October 28, 2006. He gave local residents a preview of his plans for our community. Mr. Howe wants to build luxury homes so he purchased 2.92 acres of vacant land on the southwest corner of Bermuda Road at Pyle Avenue. According to Clark County Assessor, Howe purchased 2 vacant lots near this intersection in December 2004 and January 2005 for $750,000 and $430,000, respectively. The land is currently zoned R-E, or rural estates, or two homes per acre. On January 18, 2007, Howe told me, Brad Emens, that he would like to change the zoning and “stay with what is in the area.” Stone Gate Encore, a neighboring subdivision, is zoned R-D, or three homes per acre. Howe also told me that he would like to purchase the adjacent, 1.09-acre, lot. This land, owned by Dedrick and Renae Goodwin, is currently zoned R-E, or two homes per acre.
On February 28, 2007 I spoke to Mick Birge, advisor/colleague of Howe. I asked Birge, “When could we expect to see construction on this project begin.”
Birge told me, “As soon as next year.” He also told me, “The homes will be built by Signature Homes.” Signature Homes is one of the largest homebuilders in the Las Vegas Valley. Next, Birge said, “The homes will be semi-custom…3,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet ...and there are currently 10 planned lots.” This means that these new homes may sit on nearly 1/4-acre parcels!
As time goes by, we will see the vacant, raw desert, in our area continue to be improved. The type of development that Howe plans to bring to our area will surely bring appreciation, or higher monetary value, to the surrounding homes. If you are interested in finding out more about this proposed project, or other local improvement projects like this, please, call me, Brad Emens, 702-808-3531.

Silverado Ranch Boulevard Interchange at I15
Finally! There is construction activity near the South Pointe Casino. It looks like Silverado Ranch will have access to Interstate 15 soon. On February 15, 2007, I met with Alvino Bautista, a foreman for Frehner Construction. According to aggregate-us.com, “Frehner Construction is a major contracting business headquartered in Las Vegas.” Bautista told me about the new Silverado Ranch Boulevard entrance ramp for the I15. He said, “This project was actually supposed to be finished already.” He continued, “The north bound exit will be finished first…for the casino (South Pointe).” Bautista also told me, “We should be finished with the overpass by June 2007.”
Since the Blue Diamond/I15 Interchange was finished last December there has been a noticeable decrease in traffic jams. I eagerly look forward to the completion of our new freeway interchange. This will relieve Silverado Ranch traffic congestion entering the freeway.


Gravel Pit Meeting
Impact Sand and Gravel has been permitted to operate the only 75+/- acre gravel pit in Silverado Ranch. The pit is located on the northeast corner of Cactus Avenue at Amigo Street; an area surrounded by approximately 3,000 homes. The industrial operation of mining in Silverado Ranch has caused much skepticism and ridicule. On June 5, 2003 the Las Vegas Sun reported, “The pit, at Amigo Street and Cactus Avenue, just outside of Henderson, has for a decade bothered residents who complained of noise and dust from blasting, mining and hauling from the site.” The pit, however, is zoned P-F, or public facility. It is ultimately to become a basin to trap floodwaters.
While the mine is in operation there will be community meetings. These meetings will continue so that we may hold the pit operators accountable for their actions. On March 22, 2007, about twenty residents showed up to the most recent gravel pit meeting. Bob Motis, Vice-President and Representative for Impact Sand and Gravel said, “We’ve done our best to be good neighbors.” Motis asked community members to call the 24-hour hotline, 702-851-9288, any time we see violations concerning the gravel pit. When Motis was finished sharing his information, he asked to hear from the homeowners.
Vida Carr, a homeowner in Antigua Condominiums exclaimed, “I use the road (Cactus Avenue) every morning and there has been an insurmountable number of trucks…I’ve never lived in a place that is so dusty!” In fact, hundreds of trucks come in and out of the gravel pit daily.
Julian Bogoni, whose backyard faces the gravel pit, said, “They have bulldozers loading trucks and it shakes my house!” He continued, “It is so loud and the lights…the noise of the trucks…beep, beep, beep…at 4:30 in the morning.” It seems noise and dust may be the biggest complaints of neighbors.
Glenn Deiderich, a resident of the gravel pit’s edge since April 2001, told attendees, “There was damage to my house last year and look…” as he held up a picture of his wall with a hole in it. Deiderich continued, “I used to have an eight foot window with a crack…now I’ve put in French doors.”
Bryan Klein, a homeowner from Silverado Place, said, “Don’t blame the operators of the mine…blame our county commissioners for allowing neighborhoods to be built around this gravel pit.”
Because of the prominent existence of shifting soils, and caliche*, in our environment, foundations of buildings require the presence of gravel pits; like the one in our community. According to an article in the July 22, 2004 Las Vegas Sun, “The Clark County Commission gave a six-year lease on life to continued digging at a gravel pit in residential Silverado Ranch.” Impact Sand and Gravel will then turn the land over to Clark County to be used as a serviceable detention basin by January 31, 2010.
* Caliche is a combination of calcium carbonate and sand, or gravel that has been cemented together and causes hydrostatic pressure when it becomes wet.

Gravel Pit’s Future
In the future, the gravel pit will be used as flood control similar to Duck Creek Basin near the intersection of Bermuda Road at Serene Avenue. Clark County gave the operators of this mining project until January 31, 2010 to finish digging. Often times, these retention/detention basins serve a dual purpose. Recently, Kami Dempsey, a representative from Faith Heritage, a private school developer, contacted me. She told me, “We would like to get the neighbors involved.” I told her I would be honored to help. She also told me, “There will be a meeting to discuss ideas and get the communities opinions.” The site for the meeting has not yet been selected. I would like it to be very near to our Silverado Ranch Area.







Market Condition Report
The first four months of 2007 may be a sign of how the Las Vegas real estate market has hit its peak. Has the legendary real estate “bubble” popped? Not really. Here are statistics from the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors
January 1, 2002 through April 1, 2002 – 5,491 homes sold
January 1, 2003 through April 1, 2003 – 7,381 homes sold
January 1, 2004 through April 1, 2004 – 10,394 homes sold
January 1, 2005 through April 1, 2005 – 9,373 homes sold
January 1, 2006 through April 1, 2006 – 8,160 homes sold
January 1, 2007 through April 1, 2007 – 5,461 homes sold
This data suggests that the Las Vegas housing market is in the middle of an adjustment. With home prices hovering around where they were in 2005, I feel we are back to an orthodox market. Remember home costs in early 2003?

Condominiums or Apartments?
On January 23, 2007 an inquiring homeowner from Antigua Condominiums, 1050 E. Cactus Avenue, called me, Brad Emens. First, she asked me if I knew anything more about the construction project behind Roberto’s Taco Shop. I told her, “The land east of Roberto’s Taco Shop will be a 4 story, luxury condominium complex.” I have written a letter to the owners and I am waiting on a response. I will report back when I know more. If you have any interest in this project contact me, Brad Emens, 702-808-3531.
Next, the homeowner asked me if I knew anything about the 4.24 acre, vacant lot, west of Antigua Condominiums. I went to Clark County Assessor website and found that this land is currently owned by VTS Investments. They bought this land in January 2006 and paid $3,500,000. On February 17, 2007 I spoke to Andy Roether, a planner from Clark County Comprehensive planning. He told me, “The land owners’ have changed the zoning from C-1 to R-3.” C-1 is commercial and R-3 is multiple-family residential. Roether then told me, “The plans submitted show 11 residential buildings and a clubhouse.” He continued, “There will be 88 units…56 one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom dwellings.” I asked if there was a way to find out if the project will be apartments or privately owned condominiums. He said, “There is no way to tell.” I, Brad Emens, will report back to you when I learn more.

How to Buy a Home the Easy Way
Buying a home can be a “hair-raising” experience. It can be a roller coaster of emotions…finding the right place…securing the right loan…moving in…etc…etc… For many, your home will be your largest investment. The emotions over such a large and personal purchase can often cloud good business judgment. Many homebuyers do very little research before “diving in” and investing their hard earned money. Before doing that, doesn’t it make sense to be as informed as possible? Below are 10 suggestions to consider when buying a home:
1) Inspect, Inspect and Inspect. Hire a licensed inspector and review the inspection report with a fine toothcomb. For purchases within a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) read all by-laws, CC and R’s and, most importantly, the price of HOA dues. Don’t take anything for granted…inspect everything.
2) Imagine the property vacant. It’s your furniture that will be filling this new residence. Don’t be swayed by the furniture or the clutter…it leaves with the owner.
3) Income + Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment. Sit down with a competent real estate professional, like me, Brad Emens. Be ready to have an honest discussion about your income level and living expenses. Take into account future considerations like: children, add-ons and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth some sacrifice but don’t mortgage your entire future.
4) View Several Homes. See at least 3-5 properties. Don’t move in on the first property you see, but don’t move to slowly either. With your agent’s help you will be able to view enough properties in order to get a good overall perspective of your market. When you find the right property all the legwork will have been worth it.
5) Utilize Your Team. By aligning yourself with the right real estate professional you will have an entire team working for you. Top real estate professionals have lenders, escrow officers, inspection teams- an entire group of trained professionals making the whole buying experience simple and easy for you.
6) Be Aware. Check out all of your costs and expenses before you sign. Some costs may include: utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and HOA dues. Make sure all utilities are turned on (gas, electricity, and water) so that you can inspect everything in working order. Ask questions and be very detail conscious.
7) Do a Final Walk-Through. Visit the property after all the furnishings have been moved out. Be sure that there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive that the property has been left exactly as you had agreed upon in your contract. Many times, things are unintentionally overlooked. This may be spotted in a final walk-through.
8) Plan for Flexibility. Closing dates are not written in stone. Sometimes, you, or the sellers, may need more time to conclude final arrangements. You may need to allow for contingencies and have a back-up plan. Don’t let delays upset or frustrate you. These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.
9) If It’s Not in Writing, It doesn’t Exist. All promises and discussions must be in writing in order to be enforceable. Don’t make any assumptions or believe any verbal assurances. Have your real estate professional keep an ongoing log of all discussions. Make sure to get the seller’s written approval for all agreements.
10) Loyalty Breeds Loyalty. Be open, honest and up-front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will cause headaches, delays and may even keep you from getting into the home you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right team in the beginning and your home-buying process will be simple, easy, and profitable.

I hope you found my ideas for your home-buying success valuable. If there is any way I can be of service to you, or anyone you care about, please call me, Brad Emens 702-808-3531. Your consultation will be free and you will be under no obligation of any kind. I look forward to hearing from you.



The information provided in this reader was obtained from google.com, interviews, and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and is believed to be accurate and true. If your home is currently on the market please do not consider this to be a solicitation; this newsletter is merely for your information. If you would like a comparative market analysis for your home please email me at sgtbrad@cox.net or call me, Brad Emens (702) 808-3531. I live right around the corner. Thank you.