The premier residential and resort destination in Southern Nevada is Lake Las Vegas, which is located in Henderson, Nevada.  Lake Las Vegas is situated on a privately owned 320-acre lake.  Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, it’s still conveniently located only 20 minutes away from the famous Las Vegas Strip and McCarran International Airport.

Not sure if you want to make Lake Las Vegas your permanent home or a 2nd home?  Why not stay at the resort destination as Lake Las Vegas features world-class resorts including the AAA Four Diamond-rated The Ritz-Carlton, the AAA Four Diamond-rated Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort, and the 40,000 square foot MonteLago Village Resort.  This is an ideal opportunity to see first hand if Lake Las Vegas is a place you could call home.

Lake Las Vegas offers its Residents and guests’ two championship golf courses, spas, full-service marinas, sailing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, walking, hiking and biking.  There are 19 distinct neighborhoods that are sure to meet the needs and desires of any savvy buyer.  Whether you are looking for a custom home, waterfront or courtyard villas, Lake Las Vegas is sure to amaze you!

If you would like to take a private tour of residential homes for sale in Lake Las Vegas, please contact us at 702.376.0088 or complete our contact form.

Tony Sena

Tony Sena is broker/owner of Shelter Realty Property Management. For more than a decade Tony and his partners have provided residential real estate and property management services to sellers, buyers, investors, and property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. A Las Vegas native and former police officer for the City of Henderson, Tony brings to the table a unique local perspective that continues to serve his clients well.

www.shelterrealty.com

This is part two of a two part blog on buying Las Vegas residential property. By now it is assumed you have a lender and I am your Realtor (if your in Southern Nevada), so it is time to start deciding your priorities. What are the most important things you want in a house?

The old joke is, what are the three most important factors in buying a house are——–location, location, location! Do you want to be close to certain schools? Do you want to be close to your work? Do you want to be far away from freeways, airports, fire stations (noise), 24 hr stores (lights), etc. How did the neighborhood look as you drove to the property? Are there cars on blocks in some drive ways nearby? Is there graffiti on the walls everywhere you look? What about having to many two story house around yours (privacy)? Do the neighbors dogs bark uncontrollably every time you go near your potential house? These are all important factors when deciding if a houses location is right for you.

What kind of amenities do you want in a house? Most people can quickly decide how many bedrooms, bathrooms and garage spaces they want. They can also determine story preference and minimum square footage they are looking for. What about minimum square footage for your yard? What direction you want the house to face (important in this climate)? Pool or no Pool? Grass or desert landscaping? Maximum age of the house? The more of an idea of what you want before you start looking, the better the Realtor can filter the choices presented to you.

The next step is to search for properties via the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a Realtor produced database of all properties (for sale by Realtors) in a given area. Take the time to sit down and review the pictures of prospective properties before you start driving all over town. Many times properties can be eliminated from consideration just by looking at the pictures on the computer. This is a huge time saver for everyone involved.

Now it is time to go physically look at properties. Pay attention to the condition of the neighborhood, especially everything directly around your potential house. If the neighbors are around, ask them what they think of living there. Look at the house for obvious problems like water stains, major cracks in the frame or foundation, unpermitted additions, etc. Are the problems you find structural or cosmetic? Do you want to take the time and expense to fix said problems? If the answer is no, move on, there are plenty of houses to choose from.

After you find a house you want to make an offer on, you have to go back to the computer to see what a reasonable estimation of it’s value is. Your Realtor should be able to SHOW you  (on the MLS) similar houses that have sold recently in the neighborhood. Remember to look at SOLD prices and to have your Realtor factor in Seller’s contribution to Buyer closing costs (if any) for a more accurate estimation of value.

Now that you have an estimation of value for your potential future home, it is time to write the offer. How bad do you want this house? You can start with a low offer and go up from there (but there are risks to doing so). How upset would you be if you lost the house to a higher offer? If the answer is VERY, start with a stronger offer. If you have looked at many houses and this is your dream house, is it worth losing for a few thousand dollars? Expect a counter offer and be prepared to negotiate (remember the seller wants to get as much as they can when they sell). Always make sure your offer is contingent on a professional inspection. This probably is the most expensive purchase of your life, don’t skimp on an inspection that might cost a few hundred dollars.

Now you have an accepted transaction, but the work isn’t over yet. Make sure you get every scrap of paperwork the lender asks for (in a timely manner). If you delay the closing because your lender didn’t have everything  he/she needed, it could cost you a lot of money. You could even lose your earnest money deposit and the house to another buyer. Don’t let anyone else (except your second opinion lender) pull your credit until close of escrow (COE). Your loan could be credit score driven and (most) times when your credit is pulled your score drops. Don’t buy any big ticket items on credit prior to COE  because it could effect you ability to get your mortgage (by changing your debt to income ratio). Most lenders will pull your credit right before COE to make sure nothing has changed to make you a credit risk. Don’t quit your job or change careers prior to COE, it may disqualify you for your mortgage. When in doubt, ask your lender for guidance before you do ANYTHING that may jeopardize your loan.

Tony Sena

Tony Sena is broker/owner of Shelter Realty Property Management. For more than a decade Tony and his partners have provided residential real estate and property management services to sellers, buyers, investors, and property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. A Las Vegas native and former police officer for the City of Henderson, Tony brings to the table a unique local perspective that continues to serve his clients well.

www.shelterrealty.com

In a brilliantly unique desert setting, Lake Las Vegas spreads out as an ultimate dome of luxury and privacy.

The landscape is fairly inspiring and the desert stretch calls for mute obedience. On the largely untouched side of Henderson Mountain, Lake Las Vegas Real Estate is spread over a colossal 2245 acres of private canyon, some 40 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip.

Lake Las Vegas is a place one can’t keep boasting about, it is the home to two of the most renowned global chain of hotels; the prestigious Ritz-Carlton and the Hyatt regency. Apart from the unflappable grandness of these hotels, Lake Las Vegas puts on the platter few of the most challenging golf courses; the public one’s for the “mainstreeters” and the private one for the elite. The courses are built in a fashion that it takes the mountain and the lake within its compass.

Jack Nicklaus, the undisputed great of the golfing arena has used his insight to construct Reflection Bay Golf club. Tom Weiskopf’s Falls Golf Club is a piece of sheer delight running through lush tans, erratic mountain slopes and hindering lake. So you have got to work your way up the birdie.

Lake Las Vegas homes area tribute to the Mediterranean concept of house-making. Owing to the reflective natural neighborhoods and the artistic desert settings, the place offers a touch of nomadic with the urban theme. The houses are built with a classical mindset and offers variable patterns.

Many Lake Las Vegas neighborhoods offer the peace of an enclave even while being replete with almost all the amenities modern day has to present. Bella Fiore is highly rated and this reflects in its shooting prices. Manicured greens and green lush fields run alongside the desert setting creating a wide repertoire of nature-based emotions. The homes and ranches are readily available at different altitudes.

Now for the modern side of the neighborhoods; the houses are replete with private Casitas, Master suites, internal courtyards and outdoor fireplaces. Floor plans are distinctive. The carpet area setting enhances from 2822 to 4376 square feet. At $ 700000, the prices are still reasonable, considering the flats mostly have five bedrooms and nearly four and a half baths. The houses have oil-rubbed bronze rubbed hardware and fiberglass doors. The homes include volume ceilings and are effected with fire sprinkler systems. They also have the out-of-convention setting of gourmet kitchens with raised panels and stern countertops. Home networks are complete with ultra speed digital 5 wiring.

If you are interested in a private showing in the Lake Las Vegas area, please contact us 702.376.0088

Tony Sena

Tony Sena is broker/owner of Shelter Realty Property Management. For more than a decade Tony and his partners have provided residential real estate and property management services to sellers, buyers, investors, and property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. A Las Vegas native and former police officer for the City of Henderson, Tony brings to the table a unique local perspective that continues to serve his clients well.

www.shelterrealty.com

Las Vegas Home prices have dropped throughout 2008 and the trend could continue through the fall and winter. As more and more foreclosures hit the market, banks will continue to offer these homes at prices below market value in an effort to get them off of their books.  So with that in mind, you have to determine if it’s the right time for you to sell your Las Vegas Home.

If you determine the time is right to sell because of divorce, loss of job, job relocation or any other reason, it’s important to understand the Las Vegas Real Estate Market.

Unless you purchased your home before 2003 or put a substantial amount down, it’s unlikely your home has any equity and is most likely worth less than you owe.

This means, you have two options:

1. You can pay the difference that you owe at close of escrow
2. You can attempt to sell your home as a short sale

You have the option of selling your home and paying the difference at close of escrow but that amount could be substantial!  Not only do you have to factor in the difference between the offer amount and what you owe but also have to include real estate commissions, closing costs and taxes.

Selling your home as a short sale is not guaranteed!  A short sale is when your lender agrees to accept an offer for the purchase of your home at a price less than what is currently owed.  A short sale usually requires some type of hardship like divorce, loss of job or job transfer.  A short sale package has to be completed and submitted to your lender for approval and this can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 16 weeks!  Having an experienced Las Vegas Real Estate Agent that specializes in Las Vegas Short Sales is a must if you decide to sell your home as a short sale.

If you can afford to hold off on selling your Las Vegas Home in this market, I highly recommend it!  The Las Vegas Rental Market is doing very well and you have a greater chance of renting your home than selling.  Having an experienced Las Vegas Property Management firm representing you is important.  With so many homeowners losing their home to foreclosure, they are being forced into the rental market.  Completing a credit check is very important to determine the potential credit risk of your tenants.

Obviously your situation will play a key decision on whether you can afford to rent your Las Vegas Home instead of selling it in this real estate market.

Feel free to contact us at 702.376.0088 to discuss your situation.

Tony Sena

Tony Sena is broker/owner of Shelter Realty Property Management. For more than a decade Tony and his partners have provided residential real estate and property management services to sellers, buyers, investors, and property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. A Las Vegas native and former police officer for the City of Henderson, Tony brings to the table a unique local perspective that continues to serve his clients well.

www.shelterrealty.com

Henderson Property Management: Why Henderson Continues to Be One of Southern Nevada’s Strongest Rental Markets

For years, Henderson, Nevada has consistently ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in Southern Nevada. Known for its master-planned communities, excellent parks, convenient shopping, and high quality of life, Henderson continues to attract families, professionals, retirees, and renters looking for well-maintained neighborhoods and outstanding amenities.

For property owners and real estate investors, that demand has helped make Henderson one of the strongest rental markets in the Las Vegas Valley.

A Community That Attracts Long-Term Tenants

One of the biggest advantages of owning rental property in Henderson is its broad appeal. The city offers housing options for a wide range of renters—from luxury homes in prestigious guard-gated communities to affordable single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums.

Popular Henderson communities include:

• Green Valley Ranch
• Seven Hills
• Anthem
• Inspirada
• Cadence
• Tuscany
• Palm Hills
• Lake Las Vegas
• MacDonald Highlands
• Roma Hills

Each neighborhood offers its own unique lifestyle, allowing renters to find a home that fits both their needs and budget.

Why Renters Choose Henderson

Henderson consistently attracts tenants because it offers many of the amenities people are looking for when choosing where to live.

Residents enjoy:

• Hundreds of acres of parks and open space.
• Extensive walking and biking trails.
• Community recreation centers.
• Championship golf courses.
• Shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Easy access to the Las Vegas Strip, Harry Reid International Airport, and major employment centers.
• Highly regarded master-planned communities with well-maintained common areas.

Destinations like Green Valley Ranch Resort, The District at Green Valley Ranch, and the city’s extensive park system continue to make Henderson an attractive place to call home.

Professional Property Management Protects Your Investment

Whether you own a single rental home or an investment portfolio, managing rental property requires time, experience, and a thorough understanding of Nevada landlord-tenant laws.

A professional property management company can help maximize your investment by:

• Marketing your property to qualified tenants.
• Determining competitive rental pricing.
• Conducting comprehensive tenant screening.
• Preparing legally compliant lease agreements.
• Coordinating maintenance and repairs.
• Performing routine property inspections.
• Collecting rent and managing owner distributions.
• Communicating with tenants and HOAs.
• Helping minimize vacancy and protect your property’s long-term value.

Professional management allows owners to enjoy the financial benefits of rental property ownership without the stress of handling every day-to-day responsibility.

Henderson Remains a Smart Place to Own Rental Property

As Henderson continues to grow, demand for quality rental housing remains strong. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing your first investment property, or converting your current home into a rental, professional property management can help you maximize your return while protecting one of your largest investments.

At Shelter Realty Property Management, we specialize in managing residential rental properties throughout Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley. Our experienced team provides comprehensive property management services designed to minimize vacancies, attract qualified tenants, coordinate maintenance, and deliver exceptional service to both owners and residents.

If you’re considering renting your Henderson property or would like to learn more about our management services, we’d be happy to discuss your investment goals and show you how professional property management can help you achieve them.

Shelter Realty Property Management specializes in the areas of Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, NV. Feel free to give us a call at 702.376.7379 so we can answer any questions you may have.

Tony Sena

Tony Sena is broker/owner of Shelter Realty Property Management. For more than a decade Tony and his partners have provided residential real estate and property management services to sellers, buyers, investors, and property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. A Las Vegas native and former police officer for the City of Henderson, Tony brings to the table a unique local perspective that continues to serve his clients well.

www.shelterrealty.com

Home prices in Las Vegas dropped 29.5 percent in May compared to a year ago.  This decline can be attributed to the abundant amount of foreclosures that are flooding the Las Vegas Real Estate Market.  Banks and Lenders are lowering prices to move these homes which is affecting home values all across the Las Vegas Valley.

First time home buyers, investors and those looking to buy 2nd homes are finding incredible opportunities.   A friend of mine is looking to rent a home and they forwarded me a property that was for rent and asked me to find out when it was purchased.  After doing a little research, this 3000 square foot house sold in December 2006 for $610K and just recently sold in May 2008 for $300K.  Talk about a great deal!  This one story, 3 car garage, 3000 square foot house sold for almost 50 percent less in less than 2 years.

What this means for buyers:

1. Excellent opportunity to find an affordable home.
2. More home for their money.
3. Banks/Lenders are paying your closing costs.
4. Interest Rates are still at all time lows.

Sellers are not in a very good situation right now and should avoid selling if they can and attempt to wait until home prices in the Las Vegas Valley begin to rise.  The rental market is doing very well right now and sellers should look at renting their home as a viable option before selling.  If you cannot wait and have some type of hardship, (divorce, loss of job, pay cut, etc…) you could always look into selling your Las Vegas home as a short sale.

What this means for sellers:

1. Banks/Lenders are driving down the values in neighborhoods.
2. Probably will owe more than the home is worth.
3. Hold off on selling if you can afford to wait for home prices to rebound.

If you are looking to buy or sell in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to contact Sena & Associates for all your Las Vegas Real Estate needs at 702.376.0088.

Tony Sena

Tony Sena is broker/owner of Shelter Realty Property Management. For more than a decade Tony and his partners have provided residential real estate and property management services to sellers, buyers, investors, and property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. A Las Vegas native and former police officer for the City of Henderson, Tony brings to the table a unique local perspective that continues to serve his clients well.

www.shelterrealty.com

Aliante Property Management: A Desirable Community for Rental Property Owners

Located in North Las Vegas, Aliante has grown into one of the area’s most sought-after master-planned communities. Designed with an emphasis on parks, recreation, and neighborhood amenities, Aliante continues to attract families, professionals, retirees, and military personnel looking for a high quality of life at an affordable price.

For homeowners and real estate investors, that continued demand makes Aliante an excellent community to own rental property.

Why Renters Choose Aliante

Today’s renters are looking for more than just a home—they want a community that offers convenience, recreation, and easy access to everyday amenities. Aliante delivers on all three.

Residents enjoy:

• Beautiful master-planned neighborhoods.
• Numerous community parks and playgrounds.
• Miles of walking and biking trails.
• The Aliante Golf Club.
• Shopping, restaurants, and everyday services nearby.
• Easy access to Interstate 215 and U.S. 95.
• Convenient commutes to employment centers throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

These amenities continue to make Aliante one of the more desirable rental markets in North Las Vegas.

A Strong Opportunity for Rental Property Owners

Whether you purchased your home as an investment or have decided to rent your primary residence, Aliante offers excellent long-term rental potential.

The community features a wide variety of housing options, including:

• Single-family homes
• Townhomes
• Condominiums
• Active adult communities
• Larger executive homes

This diversity attracts a broad range of tenants, helping property owners maintain steady rental demand throughout changing market conditions.

Professional Property Management Makes Owning Easier

Owning rental property can be a great investment, but successfully managing it requires time, experience, and attention to detail.

A professional property management company can help by:

• Marketing your property to qualified prospective tenants.
• Establishing competitive rental rates based on current market conditions.
• Conducting comprehensive tenant screening.
• Preparing lease agreements that comply with Nevada law.
• Coordinating maintenance and repairs with trusted vendors.
• Performing routine property inspections.
• Collecting rent and providing detailed monthly owner statements.
• Responding to tenant concerns and helping protect your investment.

Professional management not only reduces the day-to-day responsibilities of ownership but can also help minimize vacancy and maximize your property’s long-term performance.

Protect Your Investment in Aliante

Whether you own one rental property or are building an investment portfolio, having an experienced property management company on your side can make a significant difference in the performance of your investment.

At Shelter Realty Property Management, we manage rental properties throughout Aliante and the greater Las Vegas Valley. Our experienced team handles every aspect of the management process—from marketing and leasing to maintenance coordination, inspections, accounting, and tenant relations—allowing owners to enjoy the benefits of rental property ownership without the daily stress.

If you’re considering renting your Aliante home or are looking for a professional property management company to maximize your investment, we’d be happy to discuss your property and explain how our full-service management program can help you achieve your financial goals.

Shelter Realty Property Management specializes in the areas of Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, NV. Feel free to give us a call at 702.376.7379 so we can answer any questions you may have.

Tony Sena

Tony Sena is broker/owner of Shelter Realty Property Management. For more than a decade Tony and his partners have provided residential real estate and property management services to sellers, buyers, investors, and property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. A Las Vegas native and former police officer for the City of Henderson, Tony brings to the table a unique local perspective that continues to serve his clients well.

www.shelterrealty.com

My Las Vegas Home Didn’t Sell… Should I Rent It Instead?

With today’s changing Las Vegas real estate market, it’s not uncommon for homes to remain on the market longer than expected. As inventory has increased and buyers have become more selective, many homeowners are finding themselves in a position they didn’t anticipate—their home simply isn’t selling.

When this happens, many sellers become frustrated and immediately assume their real estate agent isn’t doing enough to market the property. While there are certainly situations where poor marketing or communication can impact a home’s sale, that’s not always the case. Even experienced agents with strong marketing strategies cannot control market conditions, buyer demand, interest rates, or competing inventory.

So, what happens when your listing expires?

Many homeowners receive an overwhelming number of phone calls, text messages, emails, and postcards from agents promising they can sell the home quickly if given the opportunity. While interviewing another real estate agent may be worthwhile, it shouldn’t be your only option.

For many homeowners, converting the property into a rental can be a smart financial decision.

Is Renting Your Home the Better Option?

Instead of repeatedly reducing the asking price or leaving the property vacant while waiting for the right buyer, renting your home may allow you to:

• Generate monthly rental income.
• Allow the property to continue appreciating over time.
• Build equity as your tenant helps pay down the mortgage.
• Wait for more favorable market conditions before selling.
• Preserve your long-term investment instead of selling at a discount.

Many accidental landlords have discovered that renting their home provided greater financial flexibility than accepting an offer well below their expectations.

Property Management Makes the Difference

Owning a rental property doesn’t mean you have to become a landlord.

Professional property management companies handle the day-to-day responsibilities that often discourage homeowners from renting, including:

• Marketing the property to qualified tenants.
• Professional tenant screening and background checks.
• Lease preparation and execution.
• Rent collection.
• Maintenance coordination.
• Property inspections.
• HOA communication.
• Accounting and monthly owner statements.
• Handling tenant issues in accordance with Nevada landlord-tenant laws.

With the right property management company, renting your home can become a passive investment rather than a second job.

If You Still Want to Sell…

If selling remains your goal, take the time to evaluate why your home didn’t sell before signing another listing agreement.

Consider asking prospective agents questions such as:

• How many homes have you successfully sold in today’s market?
• What is your marketing strategy beyond placing the home in the MLS?
• How do you determine the proper listing price?
• How often will you communicate with me?
• What adjustments do you recommend if the property isn’t generating showings?
• Do you offer property management if I decide renting becomes the better option?

An experienced real estate professional should be able to help you evaluate both options objectively—not simply encourage you to relist.

Selling Isn’t the Only Successful Outcome

A listing expiration doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve failed. It simply means your home didn’t sell under the current market conditions.

Today’s homeowners have more choices than ever. Sometimes selling is the right decision. Other times, renting the property for a few years can provide stronger financial returns while preserving your investment.

The key is working with a real estate company that understands both sales and property management. By evaluating your financial goals, current market conditions, and long-term plans, you can make an informed decision that’s best for you—not just one that results in another listing agreement.

At Shelter Realty Property Management, we’ve helped hundreds of Las Vegas homeowners successfully transition from unsuccessful listings to profitable rental properties. Whether your goal is to sell today or rent until market conditions improve, our team can help you evaluate your options and develop a strategy that protects your investment and maximizes its long-term value.

Shelter Realty Property Management specializes in the areas of Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, NV. Feel free to give us a call at 702.376.7379 so we can answer any questions you may have.

Tony Sena

Tony Sena is broker/owner of Shelter Realty Property Management. For more than a decade Tony and his partners have provided residential real estate and property management services to sellers, buyers, investors, and property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. A Las Vegas native and former police officer for the City of Henderson, Tony brings to the table a unique local perspective that continues to serve his clients well.

www.shelterrealty.com