Category Archives: Las Vegas Blog

10 Essential Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in Las Vegas, NV

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be incredibly stressful – especially if you’ve never bought a home before and don’t know what to expect. What kind of mortgage should you get? How do you make a compelling offer and close on the house that you want?

To make the process a bit easier, check out these 10 essential first-time home buyer tips to navigate the housing market with less stress and even save some extra money along the way.

1. Decide how much you can actually afford

When deciding what kind of home you can afford, you have to consider more than just income. In addition to considering what you make, you have to take current expenses into account as well, including things like car payments and student loan debt. Take advantage of home affordability calculators online and speak with a lender to better understand your options before you start going to open houses and falling in love with homes outside of your price range.

2. Choose a home that fits your needs

As far as first-time home buyer tips go, this one seems simple – what do you need in a home? Do you have children, or plan to have children in the near future? But the amount of space you need might be different from the amount of space that you can afford, not to mention maintain over time. If you can live without a backyard, it might be a good idea to consider condos and townhouses as well.

3. Location is everything

You’ve probably heard someone say to “choose the worst house in the best neighborhood” before, and it’s not a bad piece of advice. At the end of the day, the community that you live in matters more than if your house has a swimming pool or hardwood floors. You can always build a pool and remove the carpet, but you can’t change an area’s schools, crime rate, or how close you are to the nearest grocery store or shopping center.

If you’re new to Las Vegas, then check out these neighborhoods: Desert Shores, Mountain’s Edge, Sunrise Mountain.

And look at these neighborhoods in Henderson, NV: Green Valley, Anthem, MacDonald Ranch.

4. Know your mortgage options

In addition to the traditional 30-year fixed mortgage, first-time home buyers have options that other home buyers don’t. Special loan programs such as an FHA loan, which can lower your down payment to as little as 3.5%, or a Fannie May Home Ready loan program, which can lower your down payment to as little as 3% if you meet certain requirements. These aid programs also tend to accept lower credit scores, so you may be able to qualify for a loan with a score as low as 500. Learn more about hiring a mortgage lender in Las Vegas, here.

5. Save for more than just the down payment

Don’t become so focused on saving enough for a down payment that you forget to save extra for closing costs and post-move in expenses. While closing costs vary by state, the national average is somewhere between 2 and 5 percent of the price of the home. So, if a home is $120,000, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,400 and $6,000 on closing fees. Learn more about saving for a down payment here.

6. Improve your credit score

Your credit determines whether or not you’re approved for a home loan, so start raising your credit score now. Pay your bills on time, keep credit card balances low, and try to pay off any debts you owe. Keep in mind that you can’t raise your score overnight, so the sooner you start, the better.

7. Consider hiring a Las Vegas real estate agent

If you’re reading first time home buyer tips, it’s safe to say that you could use a little guidance. Hiring a real estate agent can help you find homes within your budget, negotiate with sellers, and complete any necessary paperwork for you.

8. Know open house etiquette

It may seem odd that good manners are on a list of first time home buyer tips, but leaving a good impression on the selling agent can make your offer stand out next to the same offer from someone who wasn’t as courteous. While you want to thoroughly inspect the home, you don’t want to snoop – unless the agent has said otherwise, it’s generally a good idea to ask for permission before opening any doors.  And while sellers usually aren’t present during an open house, make sure that’s actually the case before you comment on how ugly the paintings in the hall are.

9. Make an offer that stands out

 One way to stand out to a seller is to write them a personal letter about why you want to live there. Make an emotional appeal – it could be about wanting to send your children to a nearby school or wanting to be closer to an aging grandparent (as long as it’s the truth, of course). They’re human, after all, and we’re all typically inclined to favor people that we feel we can connect with.

Before you make an offer, you should also have a loan preapproval ready to go. The letter is proof that you’ve met all of the requirements and qualify for a home loan. As far as actually making the offer goes, you’ll typically want to offer more than the asking price if the market is competitive. How much more? That depends on a variety of factors, so if you really want to get it right, your best bet is to seek the advice of a local real estate agent.

10. Perform a home inspection before you close 

Having a home inspection done before you decide to close on a home may seem a bit paranoid, but it’s well worth it in the end. You may think that there’s nothing wrong with the house as you glance around each room, but serious problems can be lurking underneath the surface. Home inspectors examine every aspect of the home, including the roof, foundation, air conditioning, electric, plumbing, and more to make sure that the home is move-in ready. If there are serious problems, you may be able to renegotiate the sales price.

Whether you decide to live in your first home for 5 or 50 years, it’s still important to consider your options carefully so that you can get the best possible deal. We hope that these first-time home buyer tips help to take some of the confusion out of the process and get you one step closer to owning the home that you want at a price that you can afford!

Things to Know Before Hiring a Las Vegas Mortgage Lender

Congratulations on making the decision of purchasing a home! This can be a very exciting, yet overwhelming part of your life. In many cases, the need for a mortgage lender is essential for they help streamline the process and lend you money to purchase the home you want.

If you have no idea where to begin when seeking a lender, don’t worry! We are here to inform you of the basics before you make a final hiring decision.

The Difference Between a Mortgage Lender and Broker

Before we begin, we want to mention that there is a difference between a mortgage lender and broker; however, the same tips can be applied to both. A mortgage broker serves as a middleman between the borrower and mortgage lender. They do not lend money; they simply find a lender. The advantage of a broker is that they may work with many lenders.

On the other hand, a mortgage lender is an actual organization that provides funding for real estate purchases. They will make the loans directly to you. Whichever you decide to go with, keep in mind loan terms, interest rates and fees to come to an educated, wise decision.

The following 4 tips for hiring a mortgage lender in Las Vegas, NV will make this process so simple you will have a qualified mortgage lender in no time!

1. Ask Around

Our first tip is very simple and probably the most important one of them all: ask family and friends who have recently purchased a home for it is highly possible they hired a mortgage lender. Word of mouth recommendations are often the best. Asking a trusted individual will ensure you find an experienced, knowledgeable professional.

2. Do Your Research

Even after you ask around and receive dozens of wonderful options, you want to conduct a simple Google search and do some research of your own. If a friend, relative, or colleague refers you to a broker, look them up online and view their reviews. This will be a good indicator of the type of experience you will receive if selecting them as your mortgage lender.

3. Watch Out for Mortgage Fees

Before filling out or signing any paperwork, ask about the different mortgage fees you will be charged. Common fees that you should expect are a bank appraisal fee, rate lock fee and application fee. Be sure you have a full understanding of what you are paying for before committing to anything.

4. When in Doubt, Ask!

If you want the best experience possible, write down any questions you may have before meeting with a potential mortgage lender. This way you will make sure all your questions are answered and you’ll be able to compare multiple lenders. To save money, time, and energy be sure to ask about interest rates, products offered, fees, etc. They should be able to easily answer your questions; if they struggle perhaps it’s time to keep looking.

We hope you’ve found our suggestions useful and we wish you the best of luck finding a suitable mortgage lender. Happy shopping!

There are thousands of mortgage lenders in Las Vegas, be sure to pick a good one. For a recommendation based on your specific needs, contact us here!

Resources:

Division of Mortgage Lending – State of Nevada: http://mld.nv.gov

Las Vegas Homes For Sale 702: https://lasvegashomesforsale702.com

It’s true that Las Vegas is a fun place with bright lights and entertainment. It has truly earned the reputation of “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” But if you look underneath the glitz, you will find that it’s also a great place to call home. The following reasons to move to Las Vegas will have you considering packing your job hunting clothes on your next trip to Las Vegas.

A Great Climate

Although a summer day in Las Vegas can be a really hot one, overall, the climate is highly desirable. With an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year, you will never worry about rainy days ruining your outdoor plans. And unlike some cities in the west, Las Vegas has distinct seasons. Summer is hot and sunny, spring is mild and dry. Fall has beautiful warm days with cool nights, and winter is cooler with even an occasional snowfall.

Outdoor Beauty

Las Vegas residents can drive out of town and enjoy an array of natural beauty. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area is a stunning example of iron-rich red rock mountains. They can enjoy skiing on beautiful Mount Charleston and visit Death Valley for breathtaking views of Death Valley and the Mojave Desert. There is also great boating on Lake Mead and bird watching at the adjacent Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve.

Great Road Trips

Living in Las Vegas means constant access to some great road trips. The Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Zion National Park, and Los Angeles and more are only a few hours away by car. A weekend in Hollywood or sunning on Laguna Beach is possible without a lot of travel expense.

Job Opportunities

With the relocation of Zappos to Las Vegas, a promising market for tech and startup companies has occurred. In 2015, Tech.com named the city one of the top seven places for startup companies. Additionally, Las Vegas is the site of dozens of established company branches. College graduates and those looking to get into a new industry will have good luck in Las Vegas.

Low Cost of Living

Relocating to Las Vegas means financial relief for many. The cost of living here is slightly below the national average. It does cost more to live here than in many rural places across the country, but if you thrive on city life, it is worth the difference and much cheaper than New York City. Jobs here traditionally pay better, even jobs like waitressing and bartending. Also attractive is the fact that residents pay no income tax. Groceries and medicine are exempt from sales tax.

Affordable Housing

Don’t let luxury vacation accommodations in Las Vegas fool you into thinking housing costs here are high. The latest Las Vegas real estate data lists the average price of a two-bedroom home at only $135,000. Average rentals are as low as $795 per month. New homes are not lacking in modern amenities. For those who choose a quieter lifestyle, plenty of housing choices exist in Las Vega’s attractive suburbs.
Did you know there are some great communities sprouting up in Southern Nevada? Check out Summerlin, Mountain’s Edge, Southern Highlands, Painted Desert, The Lakes, and also Desert Shores in Las Vegas. There are other great places in Henderson as well, like Anthem, Green Valley, and Seven Hills.

Common wisdom and economic data tell us that the employment market in the United States has rebounded. However many people in the workforce are finding that only low wage jobs are available unless you have an advanced education. Regrettably, the days of obtaining a living wage with only a high school degree seem to be ending.

Luckily there are a number of routes one can take to a better career through education. Going to real estate school to become a licensed real estate agent is one of those avenues. Agents have complete control over their pipeline and business. This can be a daunting yet very rewarding field. In fact in many nationally ranked studies real estate professionals consistently report very high levels of job and life satisfaction. Whether or not you should go to real estate school to become a licensed real estate agent depends on your personal drive and skills.

Do you have time to take real estate classes?

Much like attaining a degree from a University there are many different ways to become a licensed real estate agent. The vast majority of students take an accredited course before taking their real estate exam. Continued education will help aspiring agents to perform their duties effectively. A baseline level of knowledge will also ensure that students pass their licensing exams- without a license, you cannot work as an agent.

Do you have the capital needed for licensing, classes and setting up your office?

There are many expenses that you must incur before becoming a full-fledged real estate agent. The first cost for most people is real estate school. In many states, you are legally required to take and pass a certain amount of in class or online education to qualify to take your real estate agent exam. There are also fees for taking the exam and receiving your license from the state.

Assuming you have the capital to pay for these initial expenses you will need an office. An office can be as fancy or as bareboned as you desire. Initially, you can have a spartan office while you are growing your client list. Some other significant startup costs may also include computer software, sales leads, and lead management software. This is in addition to a computer and general office supplies. Some brokers may provide some of these items as well. This brings us to our next question.

What company/broker will you work for?

All real estate agents work under brokers. These brokers work hard to find the best and most motivated agents to work with. Brokers typically work on a split commission deal. This means that they receive a percentage of all sales you make through that brokerage. Different brokers work under varying compensation schemes.

In general, the higher the percentage of commission the broker takes the more services they provide. Some barebones brokers may offer little in the way of office space or sales leads but they will take a smaller commission. The opposite is true as well. When starting out many real estate agents like to choose a full-service broker but it depends on the individual agent’s situation.

Did you know that you could work with our team of real estate agents? Visit Las Vegas Homes For Sale 702 to learn more.

Will real estate school increase my earning potential?

Like many other facets of life, nothing is guaranteed in the real estate business. The nature of the business requires agents to put in a great deal of sweat equity before ever seeing the fruits of their labor. Some transactions can take months or longer. If you are a self-starter and can manage your time well good things will happen. Of course, sales acumen is also important. Your job is to act as the representative for buyers and sellers while selling yourself as well.

Can I work as an agent part-time?

The most difficult part of starting up your real estate business is finding new clients. Many people are unwilling to take a chance on a new agent so dipping your toes in the water part-time is a good way to build experience and trust while maintaining a steady income elsewhere. Part-time agent work is also a phenomenal option for stay at home moms, students, and other folks with odd schedules. There is also a significant population of agents who keep their licenses just for family and friend transactions.

Being a real estate agent is rewarding both financially and socially. Obtaining your license and becoming a successful agent is not easy. Those that stick around enjoy owning their own business and often make a very healthy living.

Here are a few of the options for becoming a real estate agent in Las Vegas, Nevada:

• Key Realty School: 702-313-7000
• The Real Estate School of Nevada: 702-608-8066
• ABC Real Estate School: 702-256-2801
• Las Vegas Real Estate Training Center: 702-212-2212