A Wife, A Business, A Mom.

Now that the fun summer has passed and school has started; I almost feel a slow down in the buyers as well. The cooler months are upon us here in Vegas, but I don't think that should deter any one from buying a home! Here are a few reasons why I like home buying in the winter, even in our 24 hour town!

1. There are fewer buyers. 

While I personally haven't noticed a huge decline in the winter, most agree that it is generally slower. Let's face it, Vegas doesn't really have the coldest winter.

School is back in session, warmer weather is gone making this the prime time to get that dream home! Some buyers don't always like to compete with the multiple buyers for properties, so this may be the time to start the search. This may also allow you, as the buyer, to take your time on the hunt so you aren't rushed into purchasing a home for fear that it's going to be gone the next day.

2. Sellers may be more motivated.

Since there may be a decline in the showings and buyers in the winter, sellers may be more motivated and you might get a better deal! While it isn't always the case, it may be worth checking into, especially if a home that you love is right around that budget you have set.

3. The curb appeal in Winter.

While were in Vegas, and it doesn't necessarily snow here, it's nice to see what the dead landscaping may look like. Out here we do have a lot of desert landscaping but some of the trees and flowers don't always make it. This may be helpful to see what the home would look like possibly in the coldest. You also have the chance to see how warm it is inside, if the heater is working and insulation seems to be well.

I also like to see the decorations during the holidays! With back to back festivities, you might enjoy what the different neighborhoods have to offer.

4. Agents & Lenders might be more accessible.

I like to believe that most of us are available within reason for our clients, however with less the availability may be better. As well as lenders with closing. Because everyone isn't scrambling to close before the first of the month, or before school starts, you may have the option for a faster closing.

This brings me back to the holidays.. both times, we moved right before the holidays and right after summer, which I really enjoyed! It just meant our first holidays were all spent together in our new home and I got to decorate just how I wanted.

Again, it doesn't always freeze in Vegas, but sometime checking out those winter listings might just be worth it!

Just recently, I came across some website domains that I had to have. As growing my real estate business, I knew I needed more specific sites for all of my clients. Some for buyers, some for sellers, and the in between! Here's a brief picture of the main page.

Big Sister

This week has been yet an interesting one! Busy and exciting, everything I had hoped for when I continued my Real Estate. Today, I put up a new listing in Las Vegas near the 95 & Charleston. It's an adorable single story home with 3 bedroom, 2 bath and 2 car garage. Listed at only $130,000, homes in the area range from $129,000 to $193,000. With a fully landscaped front yard and back yard, the home is ready for a new owner!

If you're interested in selling or buying a home, contact me today! I'd love to help! 702-285-7307 or www.yournewhomevegas.com for up to date listings and information.

So, I felt compelled to share my experiences as a new agent over the last two years.. and what I've grown to learn, that may be just  little helpful to newer agents, that I hadn't quite thought of until I already either messed up, or it was too late.

Please note, this is supposed to be a fun and playful outlook on the fun of a new agent. I learned many things in my first two years and just recently left my full time position to pursue real estate indefinitely. I'm looking forward to the many years and growth that will come my way, but I couldn't help but share these fun things.

While anxious to get the first listing or buyer, you'll also find yourself doing an open house or two. Open houses were my favorite when I started out, it gets you out there, front line with potential buyers, and now those neighbors that want to check it out. This brings me to point one.

1. Keep toilet paper in your car.

This also brings up an interesting point... You WILL end up doing an open house with no working water. Don't drink a TON of water, and you make friends with the neighbors that come over.. in a few short hours, they will be your friends.

Second, while still sticking with open house... If you do them in a gated community, find out from the HOA about leaving the get open, or putting your number at the box. If people can't get through the gate, they can't get to you.

2. Check with HOA about signs. Some homes have a master community, that may or may not allow having open house signs, and they WILL take them.

3. You will end up in a house that has no power. No power means no Ac. Just an FYI.

4. I make cookies for open houses, if you make too many... you will inevitably have more than one. Be careful

Let's move to the sellers, because they are one of my favorites.

5. Get a Listing Packet Presentation ready the day before, don't do it 10 minutes before because inevitably something will go wrong and you will either a.) not have everything b.) be late. (BAD!)

I personally like going to the home for a listing, and bring everything with me. Including, something to measure the rooms. They make a nifty little tool that laser measures, and I highly recommend it.

6. When working with Buyers or Sellers, with FHA loans, remember to check the Smoke detectors, and that they have batteries. This will cause a delay in your closing.. and you will be spending the long night installing batteries.

This brings me to another point.. while you're not an electrician, I recommend a tool box in your car.. Just in case.

So when working with buyers, which are good.. and want you've narrowed your search.. remember to put the listings in an order of showing.. preferably in a driving order. You may end up passing one or two that you will have to drive back around too.

I know it's just a start, but it made my week. Hope it helps.

If you're interested in selling or buying a home, please let me know and reach out to me. 702.285.7307

The new home

Stephanie has opened escrow with her buyers in Southwest Las Vegas. The property is located at 8157 Altamont Ridge St, Las Vegas, NV 89113

Stephanie Hicks is a newer agent with the drive and passion to help buyers and sellers. She has thrown herself into the Real Estate Market and secured her buyers dream home. The details cannot be released yet, but will update after close of escrow. similar properties in the area have a median listing price of $175,000. At this price, it didn't last long. The home is located in Lamplight Cottages at Buffalo. The property is close to the Interstate, shopping, restaurants and the Las Vegas Strip. This 2 story, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths detached home has 1,274 square feet and a finished 2 car garage with entry to house and a mountain view.

This property is a traditional equity sale and is vital in the Las Vegas Market recovery. Once uncommon in the Las Vegas Market, the traditional sale requires special skills from the other types of transactions.  In the Las Vegas real estate market there is relatively low inventory, with a little over 5,000 single family homes for sale on any given day. Because of the intense competition in the Las Vegas Market, it is essential to work with an agent who is devoted and able to answer and questions through the entire process.

Stephanie builds a great rapport with her Buyers Clients and Sellers/Sellers Agents to help her clients get the ho. As a native to Las Vegas, she is very familiar with the areas and communities and has the knowledge to bring in all prospective buyers. With her great customer service background, and passion to sell homes, she builds relationships and trust for each transaction. Stephanie, also with her tech savvy marketing, gains the most exposure for each listing across the web. With many buyers first searching to the internet to locate the home, it is imperative to have each listing the most publicity. Dedication and working with other top producers in the business alongside one of the top real estate coaches in Las Vegas has led her to success in real estate as a Las Vegas Realtor.

For all your real estate needs, please visit Stephanie Hicks at http://stephanielv.kwrealty.com/ or call her at (702)285-7307.