Monthly Archives: August 2009

Las Vegas Energy Saving Tips… And a FREE A/C Tune-Up!

cfl_light_bulbDid you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars. And as for the road, transportation accounts for 67% of all U.S. oil consumption. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and money, so start making small changes today!

To cut your energy use by up to 25%, try these ideas:

  • Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.
  • Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
  • Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
  • Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).
  • Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F.

Visit http://www.energysavers.gov/ for more energy-saving ideas.

FREE A/C TUNE-UP & REBATE FROM NEVADA ENERGY (formally Nevada Power Co.)

Nevada Energy is doing its part and offering customers several great programs that will not only help you to save energy, but also help you keep some of that hard earned cash in your pocket!

Air Conditioning Rebates for Southern Nevada Customers

In conjunction with Nevada Energy’s Rebate program, various area HVAC contractors are offering FREE Air Conditioning Tune-ups! The service is offered to local NV Energy Customers who have not participated within the last five years. This is not a rebate, it is really FREE- NV Energy reimburses the contractor directly!

What is done in an AC tune-up?
The service includes:

  • Test AC system using an advanced diagnostic computer
  • Cleaning of indoor coils (if accessible without disassembling the air handler).
  • Cleaning the outdoor coil.
  • Cleaning and straightening the indoor and outdoor fan blades, lubricate if needed.
  • Check drive belts (if used) for wear and proper tension.
  • Check refrigerant charge; all minor leaks fixed and recharge the system if the refrigerant is low.
  • Change or clean air filter (customer must provide new filter).
  • Test the air temperature between air return and supply for proper temperature drop.

As per a recent conversation with 702ac, this program is only in place for 4 more weeks. 702ac is an approved NV Energy Contractor.

Please note I do not recommend or endorse any specific HVAC company.

You can contact NV Energy directly at 402-1111 if you have any questions.

Talk Soon,

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Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor ®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE

Being a Realtor is not about just selling real estate to me…

I’ve been very fortunate that I have continued my relationships with past clients over my many years in Real Estate.  I just returned from a visit with a fabulous gal I assisted with her home purchase way back in 2002!  I was recently able to help her with a small item she needed and was thrilled I was going to see her again- it wasn’t a business call, just a friend helping a friend.

And that visit made me realize how lucky of a girl I truly am…

I love communicating with people.  I love being able to help others whenever I have the opportunity to.  Yes,  Las Vegas Real friendquoteEstate is my business.  I love Real Estate, and would choose no other career- it’s one that was perfectly molded for me.  But it is only a small part of why I am and what I do.    It’s everything that goes hand-in-hand with Real Estate.  It’s meeting great people.  Forming relationships and bonds.

True Lifetime Friendships…

Helping others not only achieve their dream of home ownership, but helping wherever I can.

I am grateful I was so fortunate to find a “job” I love so much.  That everyday is a new experience that I am excited to wake up and encounter.  I am even more grateful for those who make my “job” possible.  The people.  That’s what it’s really all about, isn’t it?!

I would like to personally thank every single one of you who have made my career what it is today.

Please also know that you’ve made me who I am today.   And for that, I am grateful.

Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment- Tony Robbins

Talk Soon,

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Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor ®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE


First Time Home Buyer $8000 Tax Credit Answers- Less than 100 days left to take advantage!

If you’ve been reading this blog, receiving my weekly newsletter, or just listing to the news in general- most folks are now aware of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit.  As we all know, time sure does fly! 
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There are less than 100 days remaining to qualify for this awesome credit!

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With all of the FABULOUS VALUES available in the Las Vegas Housing Market, who wouldn’t want to take advantage!?!

Q: Who qualifies for the tax credit?

A: Although it is referred to as the “first time homebuyer tax credit”, the credit is available to anyone who has not owned a home within the last three years.  If married, neither spouse may have owned a home within the past three years.

Q: How does the tax credit work?

A: In order to qualify and receive the credit, you must purchase and close on a home prior to November 30, 2009.  The credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000, so if you purchase a home that’s sale price is less than $80,000.00, the credit will be less.

Q: How do I receive the credit?

A: You will claim the credit on your tax return.  If you owe money for the year, the credit will be deducted from the sum you owe.  If you do not owe, you will receive a check for the tax credit, and if you owe less than the tax credit, it will cover the amount owed and you will receive a check for the difference.
Q: Are there income restrictions on the tax credit?

A: Yes.  The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.



For more information about this great program, visit NHAB’s website, or Contact Me.

Talk Soon,

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Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor ®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE

Is Las Vegas starting to see a ray of sunshine? The Rise of Real Estate…

ray of sunIt’s no secret that my beloved Las Vegas has seen some pretty rough times over the past few years. Real Estate prices took a dip so deep even Jacques Cousteau was having trouble seeing the bottom of the proverbial ocean.  As the economy worsened on a ultimately global level, Vegas felt the crunch (and is certainly still feeling it…).  Mega Resorts that were once know for their endlessly deep pockets have spent the past year basically giving everything away to get patrons in the door.  The Las Vegas “Vertical” market that once thought the “sky was the limit” got a horribly healthy dose of reality and most never even made it near the “sky”.  We all know the rest…

But something new and strange is happening.  I read the Las Vegas Review Journal article yesterday on home prices rising.  Seems as if writer Hubble Smith is on the same path I’ve been thinking about for the past few months.

MSNBC reports show National Home Sales up 7.2% in July- The largest monthly increase in at least 10 years.

And even Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke made the bulls happy campers this morning, stating that the Global Economy is recovering.

Although I keep reiterating the fact that my crystal balls is broken, changes-are-a-comin’ Las Vegas.  The air even feels different. -Heidi

The RJ’s story really does tell it quite well.  Home prices are inching upwards.  Inventory of homes is basically increasenon-existent (a three week inventory on Bank Owned properties- what does that mean?  It means that if no new homes were placed for sale, there would be NO homes available in THREE WEEKS!).

Investors (the real ones- not the 2005- 06 fly-by-night wanna-be flippers) are scooping up homes like they’re getting them for FREE These guys know good things NEVER last forever. They see the window of opportunity closing and they are surely swooping in.

Yes, it’s still quite tough for a first time homebuyer to take full advantage of these remarkable deals.  Cash talks. It’s the investors with all of the dough.  But… it’s not impossible for Betty and Bob buyer to take advantageToday.

If I had to be a betting person- and Vegas STILL is the place to be one of those… I might just place my money on Spring-Summer ’10.

I’ve had visitors in town over the past few weeks.   I’ve been to McCarran Airport a few times.  It’s Busy. I’ve been to Hotel/Casino after Vegas Hotel/ Casino.  They’re Busy. Yes, these out-of-towners that make this Glorious City what it is are getting deals and steals to come visit us.  But they’re coming. And the more they come, the more Las Vegas inches towards that much needed relief we’ve all been looking for.

A Vegas Comeback of sorts.  The “New Normal”.

Talk Soon,

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Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor ®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE

Did You Know… Owning Your Own Home Builds PERSONAL WEALTH?!

Interesting FACT:
Owning your own home builds Your Personal Wealth, A LOT.

With the First Owning your home increases your wealthTime Homebuyer Tax Credit still available, it makes more sense than ever now!

Statistic-

  • Renters Average Net Worth- $4,800.00
  • Home Owners Average Net Worth- $171,000.00

The numbers speak for themselves, don’t they?

Are you a renter?

CONTACT ME to find out how you can build your personal net worth.

Talk Soon,

Realty One logo

Heidi Griffith, Realtor®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

visit my website!

Woodstock Revival- Vegas Style Baby! August 14th-16th

Peace, Love & Woodstock Baby!

woodstock1

It was the Summer of ’69.  Woodstock hit Bethel, New York and it’s sheer presence has left a legacy that many will never forget.  Flash woodstock2Forward: August 2009- Holy-Moly, 40 years later and Woodstock’s back!

………………………………………………………….

Well it is in Vegas anyway…


The Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas will be hosting the Woodstock Tributepalooza on this upcoming Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 14th- 16th).

Tribute bands will be performing the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, fremont st logoJanis Joplin, The Who and Creedence Clearwater Revival to name a few.  Scheduled times can be found on the calendar at the Fremont Street Experience website.

Talk about a blast from the past!  So if your looking for a little Peace , Love & Music, you should really head downtown and check it out!!!

Talk Soon,

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Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor ®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE

Heidi’s What’s Around Town Wednesdays- The M Resort’s Hostile Grape Wine Cellar

So you’re looking for something to do.  Perhaps even on the cheap.  This week’s Heidi’s What’s Around Town Wednesday’s might give

whatsaroundwednesday

you a cool little idea of how to spend an hour or two enjoying a tasty glass of vino, maybe relaxing  and catching up with friends…

The M Resort & Spa

If you haven’t had the opportunity to make it over to the M Resort (at the very south end of the Las Vegas Strip), I highly recommend you head over and check it out.  The property itself has a really fun, funky and hip vibe, and the hotel offers much more than “strictly slots”- unless, of course, slots are your thing…

One little spot I had the opportunity to get to this past weekend was the M’s wine cellar, The Hostile Grape.

The Hostile Grape Wine Cellar

The Hostile Grape is located downstairs (yes, I know, most wine cellar’s are…).  You can either take the super cool glass elevator or the stairs.  Once you’ve made it down you most certainly know your in the right place.    The cellar’s vibe is winecellar1contemporary cool, with traditional wine cellar splashes added throughout (the great big wine casks behind glass are a nice touch).

They have a couple large comfy sofas to relax & sip your wine at, along with tables and seating scattered throughout.  One of the coolest elements of the cellar are the Enomatic wine serving machines. These nifty little rounds of machines give patrons the opportunity to buy a pre-paid card, swipe it at the bottle of their choice and pour away. And the selections are endless- not just your basic red’s & white’s…

As we all know, economic times are not the greatest today.  The M has come up with a helpful little solution for that as well.  They are offering $2 glasses of wine (the house variety) in the Hostile Grape everyday (excluding Wednesdays- funny that I post this on my What’s Around Town Wednesday…) from 6-8pm.  I enjoyed a couple of these house wines and heck, for 2 bucks,  they weren’t too bad.

The Cellar also has live guitarist, Mark B, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-10p, and from 7pm until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

So if  you enjoy a glass of wine now and again and are looking for something new and cool, I definitely recommend a visit to the Hostile Grape at the M Resort.

Talk Soon,

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Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor ®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE


Heidi’s Talk About It Tuesday’s… Featured Las Vegas Community of the Week

Certificate1

Tuesday is here, and along with it comes my first installment of

Heidi’s Talk About It Tuesdays- Featured Community of the Week…

This week’s community is Quarterhorse Falls I, located in the North Western Las Vegas Valley off of US 95 and Durango.

I chose to begin with Quarterhorse Falls  because this neighborhood is near and dear to my heart. For many, many years I specialized in Las Vegas New Home Sales  and Quarterhorse Falls is a community I personally watched transform from a baron parcel of land into a wonderful community filled with fabulous people!

The neighborhood is gated, and includes a welcoming, large greenbelt lined with tree’s and a walking pquarterhorse falls logoath.  The community, itself, has an “open” feeling, as streets are wide, and home sites are generously larger than many “postage stamp lots” scattered throughout Las Vegas.

Quarterhorse Falls is part of the Appaloosa Canyon Subdivision and includes four absolutely stunning floorplans with both beautiful exteriors, as well as well-thought, lovely interior appointments and designs.  Homes range in size from 1,878 -3,098 square foot and typical prices range in the mid 200′s.

As the well-known Real Estate term goes-  it’s all about Location, Location, Location. Location is everything, and this beautiful community has the location part nailed!

LOCATION IS EVERYTHING!

Quarterhorse Falls location — close to shopping, entertainment, schools, and hospitals — provides access to modern convenience without sacrificing the tranquility offered by its surroundings. Proximity to US-95 interchange at Durango offers residents a quick commute to all the Las Vegas Valley has to offer!

DRIVING DISTANCES:

James H. Bilbray Elementary School …………………….. 2.6 mi.
Cadwallader Middle School ………………………………….  1.5 mi.
Arbor View High School ……………………………………… 1.4 mi.

Albertsons Grocery …………………………………………. ..   .5 mi.
Target ……………………………………………………………… 2.4 mi.
Walmart …………………………………………………………… 3.7 mi.
Centennial Center ………………………………………………. 3.3 mi.
Fashion Show Mall ……………………………………………. 19.3 mi.

Mc Carran Intl. Airport …………………………………….. 23.6 mi.
The Las Vegas Strip ………………………………………….. 17.6 mi.
Downtown Las Vegas …………………………………………… 18 mi.
Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort ……………………………….. 8.5 mi.
Silverstone Golf Club ……………………………………………. 3 mi.
Floyd Lamb State Park ……………………………………….. 2.7 mi.

Mt. Charleston ………………………………………………… 20.7 mi.
Red Rock Canyon ……………………………………………… 19.2 mi.
Lake Mead …………………………………………………………. 34 mi.

If you would like additional information on Quarterhorse Falls, or have a Community you would like to see featured here  E-Mail me!

Talk Soon,

Realty One logo

Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor ®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE

Renter Beware! Scammers attack Craigslist & other classified sites

Are you thinking about renting a property in Las Vegas?  In today’s market, there are certainly plenty of places to 560104_mrcoolguychoose from.   As so many of us do, most turn directly to the popular classified website, Craigslist for so many things.    And real estate, both purchasing and renting, are two of the most frequent searches.

RENTER BEWARE

Unfortunately, this scam has been around for a very long time, but over the past year or so,  a new breed of scammer has hit Craigslist and other various online/ print classified sites.

The scam goes like this.  A potential renter looks up Las Vegas rental properties (typically single family homes, townhomes or condos)  on the Craigslist site.  The scam artist has a rental property listed and requires deposits on the property.  Renter pays scammer his/her deposit and then finds out 1) the property is not even owned by scammer, and  2) the property is not available for rent.

The renter is now out whatever money he has given said scam artist, and most likely homeless as he or she’s intention was to move into property they’ve given the deposit on. YIKES!

Some of these scam artists are claiming to be Real Estate Agents, others say that they own the property.

Remember, always use caution when forking over cash and beware of scams.  Another great option to help protect yourself would be to contact a property manager and use their assistance when renting a new place.  If you’d like for me to pass along a few different Property Management companies information, E-Mail me.

Talk Soon,

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Heidi Griffith, Realtor®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE

Heidi’s MONDAY MADNESS- Smokin’ Hot Deal of the Week

smokin hot picThe median price of a Single Family Home in Las Vegas is hovering right around $140,000 right now.

WHAT?!

Yes, you read that right, $140K!

I haven’t seen values like this in the valley in, well, almost 12 to 15 years or so….  Crazy,  right?

And there are A LOT of homes that are listed far below this median price (primarily bank-owned properties/ foreclosures).

So, with that said, here is this weeks installment of  Heidi’s Monday Madness.  My pick for the Smokin’ Hot Deal of the Week:

8.10 final

Located off of Rainbow Blvd. and Tropicana in Spring Valley, my pick for the week is a 1,484 sq. ft. home built in 1976.

The home is bank owned, and listed at the low, low price of $64,900.   Only $44.00 per foot!!!

In March of 2005, this very home sold for $252,000!

Although the list price is UNBELIEVABLE, it will more than likely sell for a much higher price. As with most bank-owned’s here in Las Vegas, we are seeing the banks list them at super-duper values in hopes of “bidding the house up” and ultimately selling at a higher price.  Most of these homes are receiving multiple offers, with the lender/banks countering with the verbiage “bring your highest and best offer”.

As with just about every bank owned property (and short sale), this home is being sold “as-is”; the bank will not make any repairs, nor , in most instances, allow concessions for these.

Have a Question or thought about my Home-Pick of the week?  Thinking about Buying or Selling a Home in the Greater Las Vegas Valley?  Give me a call or email!

Talk Soon,

Realty One logo

Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor ®
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

E-Mail Heidi

VISIT MY WEBSITE!