Las Vegas Real Estate Blog

When shopping for plants for the holiday season there are some tips for keeping them alive and around for a longer period of time. The Las Vegas RJ reported that there are certain plants and conditions that help prolong the life of a plant. Here is the summary of a few of those tips:

• Avoid any plants displayed on cold pavements or in drafty locations.
• You want the soil mix to feel slightly moist to touch, not bone dry or water-logged.
• Inspect the plant for any signs of pest infestation, or poor growing practices.
• Large gaps between leaves suggest the plant was held too long in inadequate light.

There are some 40 or so ideas on how to keep a plant healthy and living for as long as possible. There are tips on bringing them back next season as well.

I did it! I finally reached 100,000 points on ActiveRain.

When I created my Las Vegas real estate agent web site I pushed to find a way to make it successful. I have never paid a dime for SEO and want to keep it that way. I want to promote the site myself to stay in touch with client needs and the market. So, I started out with link exchange, which only provided minor results. Then, I signed up with various networking communities, which provided minor results. Then, I tried blogging and again found minor results. Together these activities were helping considerably but not enough.

Then, I found ActiveRain. I set up my account and started blogging there. Within weeks my site was climbing like crazy for real estate related search terms for Las Vegas. Since then, I set a goal to reach 100k points on their site. It represents a ton of work but was worth it. My blog there has generated a ton of traffic to my site and I have created some cool relationships along the way.

Yesterday, my business partner posted a blog which pushed me over the 6 figure mark and helped me reach my goal. Thanks Nate!

I plan to slow up just a bit, posting once daily instead of 10 times a week. It takes 15 minutes a day to really make a difference in the business.

Thanks AR!

- Darren

Buying a Las Vegas Home can be very gratifying for anyone looking to make this oasis their home. To ensure a smooth home buying process it is important to work with Las Vegas Realtors who know and understand your situation and needs. Not only do your real estate agents need to understand your needs they also should have a clear understanding of the Las Vegas market and the homes that are available. The Hildreth Barnhill real estate team prides themselves in all of these aspects and our clients have responded favorably. The Hildreth Barnhill Team is organized, educated, responsive, professional, and caring. We look forward to representing you in your next purchase of one of the finest homes in Las Vegas.

Today multiple news reports were released about the national foreclosures situation. We have seen how it has impacted wallstreet but what may not be as appearant yet is the impact on major cities. As people struggle to keep a mortgage payment together the economic effects are considerable and over time could cause major problems for cities and the country as a whole. As people cut back considerably on their spending, the overall money circulated decreases and the economy slows.

The president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors said a rising tide of foreclosures threatens to "break the back of our national economy." -Source

Las Vegas is part of the 5th largest school system in the US. There is a new proposal to build much needed schools in the valley to accommodate new residents moving to Las Vegas as they rent or purchase homes. The proposal is a $9.5 billion 10-year plan to build 73 new schools.

"This represents the continued growth that is on the horizon" for Southern Nevada, Rulffes said. "It also represents a program that could be sustained without a tax increase." - RJ

We were with friends last night who recently visited the Eiffel Tower down on the Las Vegas Strip. They took the elevator to the top to watch the fountains at the Bellagio and see the other sites. I guess it costs $8 or 10 per head so people usually hang out up there to get their money's worth. The landing is caged and safe and there are binocular units there, although it sounds like it is best to take your own. The kids said the best part of the event is the ride in the glass elevator on the way up. At the heart of the Strip it sounds like quite a time.

As a Las Vegas Realtor®, I often find need of tools, tape, etc. About a year or so ago I put together a makeshift "Realtor Kit". It has screw drivers, duct tape, tape measure, pocket knifes, flashlight, pliers, sharpie markers, among other commonly used items.

I found that while showing homes or taking a listing or piecing together a project in the office there was consistent need for handy tools. I looked around for a kit specific to real estate agents but couldn't find anything. I'll bet someone could make a little business out of supplying agents with ready made kits.

Plise Development has broken ground on a large project near the Henderson Executive Airport. It is called City Crossing. It will be considered mixed use with 1 million square feet of premium office space, 1 million feet of retail, restaurants, and 2 boutique hotels as well as 2,500 residential units.

It is anticipated to serve much of the southern end of the Las Vegas Valley. It is targeted toward the afluent communities in the area.

It will have 25 acres of parks, some 41 buildings with more than 6 million square feet of usable space. The project is anticipated for completion in 2015.

Las Vegas is a great place to call home. Multiple cities are located within the valley including: Las Vegas proper, Henderson, Boulder City, and North Las Vegas. Each city has its own master planned communities and amenities allowing for home buyers to live within whatever style fits them best. Beautiful golf courses and well kept parks dot the valley, children enjoy great schools, parks, and recreation centers, and adults thrive in the diverse culture found in one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.

Even though fabulous Las Vegas, NV is considered the entertainment capital of the world, it and surrounding areas continue to expand and appreciate because of other growth factors. Its well planned communities, well developed school system, and thriving economy make Las Vegas a wonderful place to live. There are many options for safe, secure living in skillfully developed communities or neighborhoods. Let Darren Hildreth and the Hildreth Barnhill real estate team of Realtors® be your guides as your aggressive real estate professionals. Let us help you find your perfect home or investment!

This time of the year is always interesting when it comes to shopping. Santa products started popping up weeks ago. Now the trees are coming out. And, now on to shopping. Stories of the Zune selling out in hours as mad shoppers run through stores. The Las Vegas malls are packed. So, what to do? Here are some tips for surviving Black Friday: Tips. I found a couple to be particularly helpful:

1. Shop on the net - You can find great deals online if you invest the time.
2. Don't go shopping - There will be plenty of deals over the next month. Take your time and be patient.
3. Do your homework - Not all deals are as good as that flashy price tag claim. Often, there are places to pick up an item that's always on discount.

I guess the point is to not let the emotion get to us. There are great deals out there and we don't necessarily need one day to get them all...