DiRaffaele Group - Las Vegas Real Esate

2009-03-27T11:21:00.001-07:00

Luxury Condo Living in the Sky

2009-01-20T10:21:00.001-08:00

4575 Dean Martin Drive (#2008) ~ $469,000

BANK OWNED: Amazing views and fantastic location just minutes away from the strip.
Located in Panaroma Towers, the home is over 1,400 SF with
2 bedrooms and 2 bathroom and includes stainless steel appliances,
granite countertops and terraces.

Just Listed - Near Nellis Air Force Base

2009-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

1654 Buck Island ~ $79,800

BANK OWNED: This home is located near Nellis Air Force base in Las Vegas
off of Owens and Nellis. The kitchen has lots of work space and cabinets.
The 1,100+ SF home has 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bath with a very appealign open floor plan.

REDUCED PRICE! Luxury Custom Home in Henderson, NV

2009-01-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

634 St. Croix - Henderson, NV ~ $5,200,000 (reduced $1,000,000)

Breathtaking architecture, stunning strip views, superb finishes abound in this 13,000 square foot masterpiece.

The European foyer with its double staircase is accented with timeless iron railings, granite & Brazilian cherry wood flooring and a hand-cut crystal chandelier.

Entertain intimate gatherings or large parties in the two story grand salon.

The pool features a swim-up bar, luminaire jet fountains into the spa, and 3 oversized fountains.

Fully enclosed glass observation deck and a custom glass elevator are just a few of the amenities you’ll discover upon your arrival.

A must see for discriminating buyers.

"Leaving Las Vegas"

2009-01-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

I recently received the following question from a friend of mine and thought I would pass along the answer to all my friends. Also, if you have questions like this - send them to me!
________

Q: Joe - my daughter is “Leaving Las Vegas” and moving out of state and I was wondering if you could give me advice or help me find an agent I can trust to look out for her best interest. Do you know any agents in Chicago?

A: You came to the right place! And yes, I do know quite a few agents in Chicago. Over the past 14 years I have traveled all over the country speaking and coaching other real estate agents on how to be successful in building their business, providing great service while having a life while in Real Estate! Through this, I have formed friendships with realtors nationwide. (My database includes over 8,000 Realtors.) Please have her contact me so I can get a feel for her needs and personality. This way, I can match her up with an agent that will work best with her and one you can feel comfortable knowing she's with a true professional.

2009 FHA & FANNIE/FREDDIE LOAN LIMITS

2008-11-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

The 2009 loan limits were announced Friday for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA.

Effective January 1, 2009:

CLARK COUNTY FHA - $287,500 (down from $400,000)
CLARK COUNTY FANNIE / FREDDIE - $417,000 (no change)
NYE COUNTY FHA - $271,050 (down from $325,000)
NYE COUNTY FANNIE / FREDDIE - $417,000 (no change)

If you have buyers looking to put down less than 10% and they are looking for a home priced over $296,000, they need to find a home quickly.

Loans must be locked by 12/13/2008 and fund by 12/31/2008. No exceptions.

Southern Highlands - Recently Reduced!

2008-10-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

12097 Oakland Hills - Southern Highlands - Henderson, NV

Offered at $1,498,000

The moment you view this classic masterpiece you’ll experience attention to detail, soothing center courtyard with a warm fireplace and a tranquil water feature.

Relax and enjoy your personal veranda, custom pool, spa or patio while you overlook expansive views of the lush Southern Highlands Golf Course and the mountains beyond.

With over 5,000 square feet, 2 casitas and every upgrade you can become one of the privileged few to live in this impressive community.

For more information, contact Shannan Fogle
with the DiRaffaele Group at 702.610.7872.

Visit http://www.diraffaelegroup.com/homedetail3.asp?foldernum=0&searchid=822167 for more information and photos.

Bank Owned Home

2008-09-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

5824 Wispy Winds ~ $234,000

Wired for alarm. Nice size kitchen with granite counter tops. Tile flooring in kithcen and entry.Great location.

SCHOOL INFORMATION:

Elem K-2 Batterman~ Elem 3-5 Batterman

JHS Faiss ~ HS Sierra Vista

Yr Rnd Y

Over 3,000 SF - Bank Owned Home in Las Vegas

2008-08-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

1908 Danielle Rebecca ~ $255,000

Two story home with living room and separate family room. Lovely community with community pool and workout room. Four bedrooms with three and a half baths and three car garage.

Great Location - Great Bank Owned Home!

2008-08-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

928 Autumn Royal - Summerlin Area - Las Vegas, NV

Offered at $231,900

Single story home with over 1,400 SF - 3 BR / 2 BA and 2 car garage. Low maintenance desert landscaping, backyard, covered patio. Spacious owners' suite with separate bathtub and shower.

Call Shannan with the DiRaffaele Group in Las Vegas
at 702.871.7736 to view this home.

Just Reduced - Now Under $400k!

2008-08-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

7675 Valley View Road

Large pool size lot waiting for your personal touch. RV gate and parking on both sides of this great property. Circular driveway.

Beautiful slate flooring through out the home. Open view from family room to kitchen.

Generous size master bedroom with walk-in closet and slider leading to the the covered patio.

http://www.diraffaelegroup.com/homedetail3.asp?foldernum=0&searchid=844627

Pool Size Lot with Casita

2008-08-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

5507 Tabernas ~ $305,000

Beautiful banked owned home.

This home is located on a cul-de-sac ~ is in great condition and move in ready!

Pool size lot. courtyard entry, casita with full bed and bath. Kitchen with granite counters and stainless built-in oven overlooks the large family. Balcony off master bedroom.

Contemporary Bank Owned for Sale

2008-07-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

2631 S. Miller Lane - Las Vegas, NV

Beautiful bank owned custom home for sale in Las Vegas, NV.

This large home is situated on 1/2 acre lot, which includes a pool and spa.

This 4,300 SF home includes marble flooring, custom kitchen,
2 master bedrooms, loft, and 3 balconies.

Visit http://www.diraffaelegroup.com/ for more information and photos.

Sold in 4 Days! Beagle Point - Las Vegas

2008-06-20T12:24:00.001-07:00

Beagle Point, Las Vegs, NV

This is not a type-o! This home was on the market less than 4 days before it sold. Through the immediate marketing of this home, the buyer was able to find the listing and make an offer.

U.S. Postal Service Recognizes Cartus

2008-06-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

One of our clients, Cartus, has been recognized by the US Postal Service. Coldwell Banker is the principal broker for Cartus.

Special Delivery: Cartus President and CEO Kevin Kelleher (ctr) accepted the award from the Postal Service’s Susan Brownell, VP, supply management and John Potter, postmaster general and CEO.

_____________________

The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers nearly half the world’s mail. Cartus delivers exactly all of the relocation services provided to Postal Service employees. The agency has honored Cartus for the company’s success in managing the USPS account. At an April 22 ceremony in Washington, D.C., the Postal Service presented Cartus with a 2007 Supplier Performance Award.

Cartus was recognized as one of 12 suppliers that have helped the USPS operate at its best in delivering superior products and service to the American public.

Susan Brownell, the agency’s vice president of supply management, said, “We’re very fortunate to work with such a dedicated group of suppliers. This year’s award winners have gone the extra mile to deliver excellence in supply chain management best practices.”

Cartus has provided relocation services to the USPS since 1992 and manages approximately 1,500 moves annually for the agency. Cartus handles a fully outsourced program for the Postal Service, which includes the delivery of policy counseling, expense administration, moving services, and marketing assistance.

Brownell noted that the 12 suppliers honored had furnished the Postal Service with more than $1 billion in cost benefits to the agency. In addition to making cost savings recommendations to this client, Cartus has implemented new billing protocols, helped train inspector trainees, developed a lump sum pilot program for executives, worked with Cartus Home Loans to create a direct billing initiative, and incorporated best practices in the USPS relocation policy. Cartus is also a member of the agency’s supplier council.

Cartus President and CEO Kevin Kelleher said, “We deeply appreciate this award. This is the result of the strong partnership we have had with USPS over the past 16 years. Together, we find new ways to make the relocation experience smooth, deliver high levels of service to USPS stakeholders, and provide ongoing recommendations to drive down the cost of relocation. We view ourselves as an extension of USPS, providing the needed mobility for its key employees and allowing them to stay focused on their roles, while we handle their relocations. We appreciate the great trust placed upon us and are delighted to serve those who serve all of us so faithfully.”

100 best places to live and launch a business - Henderson, NV makes the list

2008-06-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

Population: 241,011
Pros: Business-friendly tax structure, proximity of The Strip
Con: Often perceived - incorrectly - as a gaming and casino town

Sin City's less flashy neighbor, Henderson, is becoming a destination for entrepreneurs who want to be close to, but not live in, Las Vegas. One of the state's fastest-growing cities, Henderson and its active business organizations are working hard to recruit and foster the growth of small and mid-sized companies: The city's economic development manager visits a different local business each week to talk to its owner about his or her needs and concerns.

Click here to read the full article on Henderson, LV

Five Topics to Discuss With Your Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Home

2008-06-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

Thinking of selling your home? Before you place the “For Sale” sign in front of your house, there are a few things you should consider in order to maximize your home value and make the sales process smooth and efficient. Be prepared to discuss the following subjects with your real estate agent when you’re ready to sell your home and you’ll be one step ahead in the market.

1) Best Time of Year to Put Your House on the Market
Conventional wisdom dictates that spring is the best time for selling a home. The weather is getting warmer, the school year is coming to an end, and people who have just received their tax refunds may now have extra cash to use for a down payment on a home. However, since not everyone can sell a home in the spring, here are some other seasonal factors to consider. According to annual home sale data from the National Association of Realtors, the slowest selling months of the year are typically January and February, since fewer home sales occur during the holidays. In spite of this, with less competition in the marketplace, you may be able to ask for a higher price for your home, or a quicker closing. Additionally, temperate locations like Florida and California don’t see the seasonal fluctuations in the housing market, where house-hunters are almost always looking. And a late winter or early spring in the Northeast may extend the typical “selling season.” These seasonal variations, as well as a variety of local factors, will all influence the housing market in your area. Be sure to talk to your real estate agent regarding the current state of the market and how it will affect the sale of your home.

2) Open House Strategy and How to De-Clutter
At an open house, first impressions count, so you’ll want to enhance your home’s perceived value. Make your home inviting by taking care of bothersome minor repairs; clean bathroom and kitchen counters and clear them of dishes and clutter. Arrange storage areas neatly and put unused items in a closet. If you have pets, consider having a neighbor watch them for the duration of the open house. It’s a good idea for you to be absent during the open house, also. If you must be present, let your agent do the talking.

Decorate your home to sell by arranging the furniture to look as spacious as possible. Add color and fragrance to any room with fresh flowers. Lastly, don’t forget the outside of your home. Put away all gardening equipment and neatly arrange outdoor items like firewood or furniture. Even take a hard look at your mailbox and make sure it reflects the value and character of your home.
3) Features to Accentuate
While you may have long determined which aspects of your home you love, having a fresh set of eyes assess its best features is a smart idea. If you’re considering selling your home, take the time to walk through it methodically with your real estate agent. Together you can determine which features of the home should be accentuated. Does your home have a wonderful view? Make the most of it by sprucing up window treatments and arranging furniture to draw the eye toward the windows. Perhaps the location of your house is truly incredible. Your real estate agent can help accentuate this feature in sales and marketing materials.

4) Desired Price and Bottom Line Price
It’s great to shoot high, but when determining your home value, it’s also important to identify your bottom line. By assessing recent home sale statistics in your area, your real estate agent can recommend an appropriate target price range. Working with your agent, you can set an initial asking price, as well as privately determine the absolute lowest price you would comfortably accept for selling your home. By crunching the numbers and setting parameters early on, you can avoid emotional rollercoasters during the process of receiving, countering and accepting offers.

5) Disclosures
When selling your home, you may be obligated to disclose problems that could affect the property’s value or desirability. In most states, it is illegal to fraudulently conceal major physical defects in your property, such as a basement that floods in heavy rains. And many states now require sellers to take a proactive role by making written disclosures on the condition of the property. Ask your real estate agent for the particular laws of your state.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today.

Developers scrap $5 billion Las Vegas casino plan

2008-06-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- A development group planning to build a 5,000-room hotel and skyscraper on the Las Vegas Strip has scrapped the project, owing to difficult credit- market conditions, according to one of the partners in the joint venture Wednesday.

Casino company Crown Ltd., headed by the Australian investor James Packer, said it and its partners, the private-equity firm York Capital Management and the property developer IDM, decided to pull out after conducting a strategic review.

"The recent upheaval in world credit markets has made it increasingly difficult for Crown and its partners to develop a commercially viable project," Crown Chief Executive Rowen Craigie said in a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange Wednesday.

Crown said it will write off its A$44 million (US$42.1 million) investment in the project. The development at the 27-acre site, which Reuters reported was valued at $5 billion, had included plans for the tallest tower in Las Vegas and an integrated hotel-and-casino complex Crown said it would focus on other areas of its business.

Click here to read the article and comments on MarketWatch

Las Vegas & Nevada Fun Facts

2008-06-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

From 1990 to 1998 the Las Vegas population grew by 55%.
Las Vegas is billed as the "Entertainment capital of the world"
Established in 1905, Las Vegas officially became a city in 1911
The Stratosphere is 1149' tall, making it the tallest observation tower in the United States. It is also home to the world's highest roller coaster.
The Aladdin was built in 1963, and Elvis and Priscilla were married there on May 1, 1967.
The ichthyosaur is Nevada's official state fossil.
Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state, with its highest point at the 13,145 foot top of Boundary Peak near the west-central border.
Nevada is the largest gold-producing state in the nation. It is second in the world behind South Africa.
Construction worker hard hat's were first invented specifically for workers on the Hoover Dam in 1933.
Las Vegas has more hotel rooms than any other place on earth.

How to Prepare for the Closing (Buyer)

2008-06-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

After making the decision to buy a home, many buyers are surprised by the amount of work required for a successful closing. To ensure that you are prepared to close on the home, you may want to develop a checklist of necessary steps with your real estate agent. As you prepare to complete the sale and move into your new home, consider the tips offered here concerning the most important tasks facing homebuyers.

After you have filed your loan application and placed a deposit on the home, your mortgage lender will provide you with an estimate of closing costs. As the amount provided by the mortgage lender is merely an estimate and can change prior to closing, you are allowed to inspect all the loan documents the day before closing. Once you have confirmed the amount, including the remainder of the down payment, you will need to obtain a certified or cashier’s check. In most cases, personal checks are not acceptable for payment of closing costs, so work with your agent if you have concerns about the proper methods of payment.

Most real estate professionals recommend performing a final walk-through inspection of the home before finalizing the sale. In most cases, the contract between both parties will include a clause allowing the buyer to inspect the property within the 24 hours prior to closing. At this time, the buyer should make sure the home is vacated, all appliances that the seller agreed to leave in the home are intact and any repairs included in the terms of the sale have been completed. If needed, you can also request that the seller perform a walkthrough with you to explain all of the home’s details.

For the most part, this final walkthrough is the buyer’s last opportunity to ensure the terms of the contract are met. If any problems are uncovered during the inspection, you can work with your agent to obtain funds from the seller for repairs or postpone the closing until all repairs are made.

Another requirement of the closing process is the purchase of homeowner’s insurance. Required by nearly all mortgage lenders, this insurance protects both homeowner and lender against loss in case of damage to the home. Most homeowner’s insurance policies will include personal liability for the buyer – protecting the homeowner in the event of accident or injury on the property – and a combination of coverage against theft, fire, flood and region-specific weather concerns. By working with your real estate agent and mortgage lender, you should be able to find an acceptable policy that meets the requirements of the loan. At the time of closing, you will need to provide proof of insurance to the mortgage lender before finalizing the sale.

In some cases, title insurance may also be required by your mortgage lender. This simple policy protects both the buyer and lender in the event that problems with the title are uncovered after the sale is finalized. If required, both the lender and homeowner need individual title insurance policies, yet these are usually combined into a joint policy to be financed by the buyer.

Prior to the closing date, the buyer should also transfer all utility accounts from the seller. Besides being a required part of many closing proceedings, this small step will ensure that your new home is ready for move-in after the sale is completed.

On closing day, you can expect to sit down with the seller, your agent, your lender and the legal representation required to finalize the sale. If you have completed the steps outlined here and arrive with proper documentation, you can expect a smooth closing. In fact, if you follow your checklist prior to closing day, you can begin focusing on life in your new home as soon as you like.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today.

What is Home Staging and How Might it Help Sell My House?

2008-05-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

In the last few years, home staging has become an increasingly popular method of preparing a home for sale. However, home staging involves far more than the cleaning and minor repairs required to put your home on the market. The process of staging a home is actually an in depth dressing of a home to make the property seem as appealing as possible to prospective buyers. Home staging professionals use a variety of methods to help homeowners sell their properties, incorporating both amenities already inside the home and a number of special products. When preparing to sell your home, you may want to think about some of the home staging methods outlined here to help you find the right buyer.

At its most simple, home staging is about setting the right mood for prospective buyers. By decorating and arranging a home’s interior to present an ideal way of life, buyers are assisted in visualizing themselves in your home. Whether you undertake the process of staging your own home or decide to consult a professional, there are a number of different “props” that may be used around the home. For example, to add a vibrant sense of life to the home, many home staging professionals recommend using different types of potted plants and arrangements of flowers and fruit. Throughout the home, they tend to utilize soft, luxurious fabrics – such as satin, lamb’s wool and silk – to create an atmosphere of comfort. This process can also extend to the exterior of the property, where patio furniture can be added in the backyard and colorful flowers or unique accessories outside the front door.

Many home staging professionals come from interior design or art-related backgrounds. Hence, when working on staging a home for sale, these professionals utilize a number of visual tricks to capture the attention of potential buyers. For instance, furniture is always arranged very carefully to simulate the ideal living space. In living rooms, home staging professionals often use loveseats and ottomans in lieu of large couches to create the illusion of added space. Likewise, mirrors are often placed throughout a staged home to make the living area seem larger to potential buyers. In areas where you hope to focus a buyer’s attention – like a hand built stone fireplace or a remodeled kitchen – staging professionals can place unique artwork or accessories to catch the eye.

One of the most important steps in home staging is the exchange of your personal decorations with more neutral furnishings. Beyond replacing family pictures with more design-friendly items, a successful home staging will attempt to eliminate any idiosyncratic tastes and represent a living space that has broad appeal. Though this process may feel like a slight on your family’s home, you should hardly take offense. This commonly used tactic simply helps potential buyers view the property not as someone else’s home, but as something they can call their own.
Most real estate experts claim that home staging is especially important when the home is empty. Without any furniture or amenities, even a home for sale in the most attractive area can make potential buyers feel uncomfortable. If you are trying to sell your home and have already moved out, you may want to consider working with your agent to stage the home’s interior. With the assistance of your agent and a home staging professional, you could quickly transform a lifeless house into dream home.

In the end, home staging is about making the most of your home’s potential. If the staging of your home is completed effectively, it is also possible that your home may receive better offers from potential buyers and spend less time on the market. By minimizing the flaws of your home and making the living area seem larger, brighter and more appealing, home staging may be one of the most important steps in selling your home quickly and at the right price.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Move

2008-05-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

For many families, moving can be a very stressful event. Besides coming to terms with your new life in a new home, you and your family will also need to think about moving day. Too often, families get caught up in various activities before moving day and fail to make the proper preparations. If you and your family are preparing to move, try to stay calm and organized throughout the process. For a few extra pointers on how to make your moving day a success, consider the simple advice outlined here.

Make a detailed checklist

It can be difficult to keep track of all the tasks associated with moving. Hence, you should try to organize your days leading up to and beyond moving day. If you have a reminder of what needs to be done and where you need to be, you are more likely to have a smooth moving day.

Prepare for day 1

Prior to packing all of your boxes, you may want to assemble one box of necessities for the whole family. As most families finish unpacking their trucks late in the evening, there is often little desire to open several boxes to find pillows and toothbrushes. To prevent a stressful first night in your new home, try to place anything your family might need in the first 24 hours in a separate box, mark it clearly and keep it accessible during moving. Also, if you have any valuable or irreplaceable items – such as jewelry and personal keepsakes – you should try to wrap the items well and keep them with you while moving.

To help with your checklist, you should try to include all of the following items in your day 1 box:

Personal toiletries
Soap
Toilet paper
Snacks and drinks
Flashlight
Screwdriver
Pliers
Set of plastic plates and cutlery
Paper towels or tissue

Pack manageable boxes

Unless you have lots of large, lightweight items – such as down comforters and blankets – you shouldn’t need too many oversized boxes. Oversized moving materials often force homeowners into packing boxes that are too heavy and unmanageable. Instead, try to find plenty of midsized boxes and distribute weight evenly. Furthermore, if you are moving yourself, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand before packing, including bubble wrap or packing peanuts for fragile items.

Label every box

When packing your boxes, try not to place items for different rooms in the same box. After sealing up each box, simply mark which room the items belong in. When you arrive at your new home, you will be able to take each box to its rightful place and each family member can spend time organizing their own space.

De-clutter as you go

As you prepare to move out of your home, try to organize your belongings and set aside unwanted items. After unpacking in your new home, you will be happy having more space and fewer items to arrange. Before moving out, you can hold a yard sale or make a charitable donation to get rid of your unwanted belongings.

Get the family involved

If you have children, help them get excited about moving. With something to look forward to – like the chance to decorate a new bedroom – children often get more involved in the moving process. Also, you may want to ask your friends and family for help on moving day. Even if no one is able to move furniture with you, a family member could watch your pet for the day or take care of errands.

Though moving day can be a very overwhelming time for families, proper organization can make help turn that stress into excitement. If you follow your timeline leading up to moving day, you and your family will have no problem approaching the big move with confidence.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today.

Award Winning DiVinci Model Awaits You: Oakland Hills Drive - Las Vegas, NV

2008-05-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Comfortable elegance welcomes you the moment you enter this luxurious home. Relax in the inviting center courtyard with an impressive fireplace, stunning water feature and designer slate tile. Personal veranda, custom pool, patio and spa overlook expansive views of the Southern Highlands Golf Course.

Top Tips To Help You Sell a Vacant House

2008-05-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Curb Appeal - Remember first impressions are important and the better the curb appeal of your home, the more attractive it is to prospective buyers.

Spruce up landscaping before you leave. Plant some new shrubs, lay down some fresh ground cover, or add contrast with some colorful annuals.
If you have a lawn, keep it mowed. Hire a neighborhood teen or local landscape service to keep it maintained.
If you have an automated irrigation or sprinkler system, you'll want to leave it on, or ask a neighbor to water for you. This is especially crucial in Las Vegas.
Trim overgrown bushes, weed beds and add a fresh layer of mulch.
Clean your front door and repaint if needed.
Add a fresh doormat

Utilities.

It's important that the electricity, water, and gas heat work when your home is being shown to a prospective buyer.
Buyers will want to see homes in the light and test appliances to make sure they are working.
Replace all installed light fixtures with fresh bulbs with as high wattage as possible.
Provide floor lamps for rooms that don't have ceiling lights.

Cleaning - Empty houses have a way of attracting dust balls, so make sure your home is as clean as possible. For most buyers, dirt equals stress and the last thing most buyers want is more stress in their lives.

Get carpets professionally cleaned once everything is moved out. (If the floors aren't taken care of, the prospective home buyer may wonder, what else isn’t.)
Pressure-wash the driveway and sidewalks.
Clean windows inside and out
Pressure wash decks and patios
Hire a cleaning service from time to time

Paint - the condition and color of the paint can make a huge difference in how buyers react to your home.

Go through every room of your house, paintbrush in hand, and touch up any walls that have been scuffed or marked up.
After moving furniture out, you're sure to find a slew of such marks.
Walls painted in bold, bright colors are wonderful attention-getters when complemented by furniture, rugs, and accessories. However, in an empty room, these bold colors may put buyers off.
You may want to consider painting neutral colors throughout the house before you sell.

Replace Worn Carpet - Dirty carpet is unsanitary and nobody will be able to overlook your worn carpet. Replace the top layer with inexpensive neutral colored carpet and you will always recoup the investment.

Stage your home – See our article on home staging

Miscellaneous Tips

Don't set your deserted house up for potential break-ins. You may want to invest in exterior sensor lights that automatically turn on when it gets dark and turn off at sunrise.
Cancel your newspaper subscription and forward your mail.
If you have a security alarm, use it.
Be sure you review the provisions of your homeowners insurance. Many companies have a cap on how long coverage will last while the property is vacant.

ONLY SALE YTD IN THE ENTIRE SUBDIVISION

2008-05-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

8381 Las Lunas - Las Vegas, NV

Sold this home in under 90 days
Generated buyer through our online marketing efforts
Only home sold in this subdivision for this year-to-date

"JOE & SHANNAN SOLD MY HOUSE SO FAST, I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO CUT THE LAWN AGAIN!" (seller's quote)

2008-05-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

36 Living Edens - Las Vegas, NV

Sold home in 13 days for 98.8% of the asking sell price
Generated 4 offers from buyers for this gorgeous home

Find Out What is Happening in Your Neighborhood

2008-05-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

REAL ESTATE MARKET IN LAS VEGAS: Over the past several months we have recieved numerous requests from clients searching for information on current home sales and values in their neighborhood.

In an effort to provide on-going superior customer service to all our clients, past - present - and future, we have partnered with a leading real estate market research group. Together, we are able to provide you:

market activity, with current up-to-the-minute data on homes in your area
inventory counts
days-on-market
and more . . .

To view your personalized Las Vegas Real Estate Market Snapshot, please click here

SOLD IN 52 DAYS!

2008-04-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

517 Ampere Lane - Las Vegas, NV

Listing Agent

Generated multiple offers on this property
Sold for 97.4% of the list price
Previously for sale through another real estate firm, who was not able to find a buyer

America's wealthy see buying opportunities in sluggish real-estate market

2008-04-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Is now a good time to buy real estate? The size of your paycheck likely will play a big part in how you answer that question.

While many average Americans are skittish about the housing market, some of the country's richest citizens see the current conditions as perfect for buying, according to the Annual Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America, released on Tuesday by the American Express Publishing Corp. and Harrison Group, a market research and consulting firm.

Seventy-seven percent of the wealthiest people surveyed think real estate presents a "real opportunity" right now. In the survey, "wealthy" meant having discretionary household income of more than $500,000 a year.

Click here to read the full article from MarketWatch.com

SOLD FOR 100% OF ASKING PRICE

2008-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

1911 Napoleon Drive - Las Vegas, NV

Property was previously on the market for over 6 months
Generated 2 offers at the same time in less than 3 months
Sold for the full asking price

FAMILY HOME GETS A NEW FAMILY

2008-02-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

2303 Wagonwheel Avenue - Las Vegas, NV

Previous owner had owned for 38 years - raised her children from infant to adult in the home
Generated multiple offers through marketing efforts, which included investors who wanted to turn the property into a rental home
Seller wanted to sell to a family with young children
Found a young family with a toddler and and infant who were looking for the perfect home to raise their kids . . . this was a perfect match
This "family home" was sold within 4 months

BUYER PAID 66.% OF ORIGINAL LIST PRICE

2008-02-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

7970 Lookout Rock - Las Vegas, NV

Negotiated a great deal for our buyer, saving them $1,000s

LUXURY HOME SOLD WITHIN 4 MONTHS!

2008-02-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

9665 W. La Madre Way - Las Vegas, NV

Listing and Selling Agent

Through Internet marketing, we secured a local buyer
Generated multiple offers for this luxury home

Vegas REO Center

2008-02-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Due to the changes in the real estate market in Las Vegas, the DiRaffaele Group has added a dedicated REO department within the group.

This new department is a full-service REO group, with dedicated staff that manages all aspects of the REO process from BPOs through the closing of the property. Our expert staff has over 10 years experience with the marketing and selling foreclosed properties. Our REO staff only focuses on foreclosed listings; therefore, your listing will receive dedicated attention from the initial assignment through closing.

We work directly with banks, mortgage lenders and asset management companies to assist in the sale of their bank-owned properties. Our group also works with families who are in financial distress to assist them with the sale of their home before foreclosure becomes the last resort. We also assist local investors in finding foreclosed properties to rehab or rent.

Visit the services offered at VegasREOCenter.com.

FINDING A BUYER WHEN OTHERS WERE NOT ABLE TO

2007-12-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

51 Quail Hollow - Henderson, NV

This gorgeous luxury home was on the market for over 8 months with another real esate firm without finding a buyer
Sold the home within 90 days of being the listing agent

SOLD IN 34 DAYS!

2007-11-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

509 Ampere Lane - Las Vegas, NV
Represented both the seller and the buyer

Sold this home in 34 days for 98.7% of the list price
Found a buyer from Myrtle Beach, SC using our Internet marketing
Previously for sale through another real estate firm, who was not able to find a buyer

Where to Live and Play Now - 50 Top Adventure Towns - Las Vegas #1 Town

2007-09-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas ranks #1 in National Geographic's 50 top Adventure Towns

http://www.lasvegashomes.com/custom/IQ_CB_Premier_Realty/SiteTemplates/lasvegashomes/docs/lv-top.pdf

SOLD IN 17 DAYS - 100% OF ASKING PRICE

2007-08-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

8287 Sterling Harbor Court - Las Vegas, NV

Sold this home in 17 days for 100% of the asking price
Previously for sale through another real estate firm, who was not able to find a buyer
Marketing efforts generated multiple offers

OUR MARKETING EFFORTS PAY OFF!

2007-08-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

422 Richgold Street - Henderson, NV

On the real estate market for 6 months
Sold for full asking price in just over 3 months
Buyer found the property through our extensive Internet marketing efforts

Joseph DiRaffaele - "Five Star Real Estate Agents Best in Client Satisfaction" Award

2007-05-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Life Magazine

FROM MAGAZINE:
Experts say that at least 90 percent of homebuyers rely on real estate agents for advice and guidance. But with more than 17,000 agents in the Las Vegas area holding real estate licenses, how do you find someone who knows the market, represents your interests and operates with an emphasis on integrity and service?

Las Vegas Life can help. The magazine recently formed a partnership with Crescendo Business Services, an independent research firm, to find out which real estate agents have most consistently wowed their clients.

The Selection Process
This past October, Crescendo mailed nearly 26,000 nomination ballots to Las Vegas area residents who recently purchased homes. An additional 250 ballots were sent to mortgage and title companies, who are often best able to judge a real estate agent’s technical skills
and knowledge.

On the ballots, recipients were asked to nominate only real estate agents whom they knew through personal experience. They were asked to evaluate them based upon nine criteria: customer service, communication, finding the right home, integrity, negotiation, marketing the home, market knowledge, closing preparation and overall satisfaction.

Only original ballots—no copies—returned in their specially designed envelopes were accepted as valid. By November, stacks of ballots had arrived, and Crescendo began carefully scoring and screening each nominee with the Nevada State Real Estate Commission’s database to make certain that licenses were up to date and that no disciplinary actions were pending.

Then, before finalizing the list, nominated real estate agents were reviewed by a blue-ribbon panel of local industry experts. The panel consisted of realty company executives, professional and trade association officers and others directly involved in housing-related businesses. Although panelists’ comments were incorporated into the final score, safeguards were built into the review process to reduce the ability of panel members to influence the composition of the final list on the basis of company affiliation.

Best in Client Satisfaction
The resulting list of FIVE STAR Real Estate Agents is an elite group, representing less than four percent of licensed agents in the Las Vegas area. To make the list more user-friendly, agents have been grouped based on their city of focus.

Throughout the nomination process, respondents told stories of lasting friendships that have emerged from what is most often a stressful business transaction. Several even wrote essays on why their particular agent excelled.

Although this list will certainly be a useful tool for anyone buying or selling a home, it should not be considered exhaustive. Undoubtedly, there are many other excellent real estate agents who, for one reason or another, are not on this year’s list. But don’t be surprised to see them next year.

Joseph DiRaffaele is awarded "40 Under 40"

2007-02-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Click here to view orginal article: In Business Las Vegas

Joe DiRaffaele
Real Estate Agent
DiRaffaele Group,
Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
Age: 38

Judging the success of a professional Realtor is easy—just look at the numbers. And the numbers generated by Coldwell Banker Premier Realty’s Joe DiRaffaele are big — very big.

One of biggest earners among Nevada Realtors, DiRaffaele is expected to earn more than $1 million in gross commission income this year. At the age of 33, he was the top Coldwell Banker Premier Realty associate in the state, consistently selling more than 100 homes annually.

But equally impressive is that in a fiercely competitive industry known for Saturday home showings and Sunday open houses, DiRaffaele reserves weekends for his family.

“I will only get the opportunity to spend quality time with my children now. As it has been said, tomorrow is a promise to one. With that in mind, my family and two children — Tyler and Emily — come first. I have learned from too many of my mentors that they regret not spending more time with their families while they were actively building their business,” he said.

DiRaffaele also takes time for charitable works, “adopting” a Kluti-Kaah Indian tribe preschool and a community center in Alaska near where his mother owns a business. “We assist them with what ever their needs may be … by having team members and friends knit hats, sending up gloves, jackets, toys and of course raising and donating money for various youth programs,” he explained.

“That means doing what’s right when nobody will know the difference,” he said.

DiRaffaele Group Blog

2007-01-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the DiRaffaele Group blog where you can find up to date information on the current real estate market in Las Vegas.

You can search our current residential real estate listings at our Web site.

Please check back often to find what is happening with the real estate market in Las Vegas.