Roberta LaRocca REALTOR® Las Vegas Broker Salesperson Property Management

OK, so how does Las Vegas Locals Specials, Art, and Networking fit together? It's all thanks to Tom Wilkinson of Vegas4Locals.com, a website I've mentioned here in the past. It's a long time favorite of Sparky's Coupon page, that crazy 'Elvis' looking Jack Russell on the right of my blog here at Active Rain. Tom's site offers printable Las Vegas discount coupons, and Ebay Auctions of shows, attractions, tours and more. (And to let you in on yet another little Vegas secret, you don't have to be a local to use them)

Of course there's still more, the site is an online Las Vegas community central, with event listings, community guide, and the often unadvertised deals that are for locals only. Yes, he has the insider trading specials that you just have to know about, unlike the more public MGM Grand Locals Specials. These are all part of the added benefits of living in Las Vegas.

Tom also sends out a free monthly E Newsletter and any updates in between. One of the other community services he provides are Networking Mixers, typically once a month, and held a various locations around the valley. No offense to social media, but it's still hard to beat 'pressing the flesh' and making new friends and mutually beneficial contacts, especially if you want to be truly knowledgeable about what is happening in your community. Here I am with our host for the evening, Tom Wilkinson, sneaking him away from Marjie for just a moment.

Last night Tom's free mixer teamed up with the Southern Nevada Center for the Arts inside Neonopolis on the 2nd floor. It's in the middle of the famed Fremont Street Experience and the new 'retro neon' Fremont East. An appropriate location for the Arts Center that just had it's Grand Opening last month, as Neonopolis has displayed the restored Neon Sign Art saved by 'The Boneyard' of the Neon Museum.

In these unsettling economic times, the Arts Center is part of bucking the trend of uncertainty and showing a belief in the future of Las Vegas. It is one of several new openings slated for Neonopolis, with a new nightclub and restaurant currently scheduled to join both them and the new Telemundo TV studios. Talks are reportedly underway for additional new tenants.

Just down the street, The Golden Nugget has already invested millions into renovations and is currently proceeding with it's 500 room hotel tower addition. Remodeling and expansion plans continue downtown at the Gold Spike. This all to compliment ongoing work at other area hotels, and a proposed new city hall that would add additional employment.

Nearby in Union Park, I've just mentioned the affiliation of the under construction Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and the Cleveland Clinic, greatly advancing the medical field in the valley. With Mayor Oscar Goodman leading the charge, and the Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency pressing on by more than doubling average returns, a lot more is beginning to take shape in downtown Las Vegas. Even the USBC Bowling Championships have returned for a run at Cashman Center that offers it's own economic stimulus to the city.

The resurgence of interest in the area was easily seen by the well attended mixer in the very full Art Center. Speaking of being full, complimentary hor d’oeuvres were provided by Mickie Finnz Fish House just across Fremont, and a complimentary cocktail provided by gold and silver award winning Lotus Vodka, in addition to a cash bar with a variety of beverages available. It all set the tone for a casual evening to meet both business people and these talented artists.

While I unfortunately don't have the space to mention them all, I can give you a small sample of what you'll find. As you're about to enter the Arts Center, to your right, the amazing high definition photography of William Carr's World Focus Images immediately catches your eye. While you'll get a glimpse of his work in the Photoshow below, and William was kind enough to allow a shot in his gallery, that picture just didn't do his images justice. I strongly urge you to visit his website to see these incredible HD photos of landscapes from around the globe. They are of the quality you'd expect to find in the finest homes, such as the Old World Style Luxury Condominium Homes of One Queensridge Place.

For large bold art that can fill a room with bursts of color, you'll discover Las Vegas painter James Donahue. His abstracts feature vibrancy that can explode in either homes or businesses, and he also offers a unique Corporate Art Program that can change a mundane office into a bright welcoming space. Once again, you'll soon see some glimpses of his work, but for an up close look at his variety and style, visit him at ArtofJames.com.

If you had ever been to a Hollywood Video, chances are you've seen the works of A.D. Cook. In the 90's he was their resident artist, designer, and creative director, hand painting murals on the walls of stores in the northwest. Many of those either become mural sized canvas paintings or photo-mural wallpaper in other locations across the country. Since then he has evolved in various art and design efforts, only to return to his passion of painting. His works include large scale nudes and figurative paintings, and blends those styles into his unique textured metal art that he's named Metal Fusion™. Find more on his works at ADCookFineArt.com.

There is much more found at the Arts Center, like the hand crafted and individually styled jewelry created by Sharron Westeren of Delicate Designs. Her studio is among a lengthy and growing list of artisans, including sculptures, ceramicists, textile fiber and other mediums, some of which you can experience when they are working in their studios.

So on to the tour of the Southern Nevada Center for the Arts. To watch full screen, instead of using PLAY, click the HD or Full Screen button on the bottom of the player below, and when finished click it again or use the ESC key to return.

The XML Flash player NOT embedded in your current posting location? Click here to view these pictures , or for all my Las Vegas Photoshows that include some of the interesting neighborhoods and events found in and around the Las Vegas Valley, CLICK HERE.

This event is another example of the community spirit found in Las Vegas. As you can also see, having so many unique places to visit and living among so many talented artists, along with the many entertainers and musicians here in the valley, makes Las Vegas such an exciting and interesting place to call home.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!
 

As announced today, the Cleveland Clinic is partnering with the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute. They will staff and operate The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in the facilities under construction in Las Vegas' Union Park development in downtown. It's expected to be opened in mid-2009.

The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute is dedicated to treatment and research for cures to brain disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This affiliation not only helps to add to the Institute's capabilities, but will expand those of the Cleveland Clinic's current Brain Health Center at their Neurological Institute. Their Las Vegas center is expected to treat as many as 300 patients per year, nearly doubling their current capacity. For more information, a story found in the Las Vegas Review Journal.

The unique Frank Gehry Architecture will be the southwestern gateway to the city's Union Park, an estimated $6 billion dollar project to the west of the famed Fremont Street Experience. This new urban core is slated to feature other medical facilities and office space, as well as the Smith Center for the Performing Arts and World Jewelry Center to name a few of the project's projected tenants. They will be joining the expansive World Market Center, the showplace for furniture and design.

This addition becomes good news not only for Las Vegas, but the world. It offers these expanded treatment and research facilities for these brain afflictions that have touched so many families. It also continues the diversification of the Las Vegas economy by adding to it's growing medical community. Projects and partnerships such as these can spur even more growth, opportunity and jobs, and the services offered by more professionals relocating to the Las Vegas Valley. All are valuable assets, especially during these difficult economic times.

The Keeping Memory Alive Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, making all this possible. They have had great support and endorsement from many celebrities, as no level of income or status is immune to these disorders.

On February 28, 2009, The Power of Love Gala will be held at the Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas. The featured performance will be a one night, one time return to the stage of famed Las Vegas Magicians, Siegfried & Roy. Yes, the one and only performance since Roy's tragic accident and his amazing progress to recovery, will benefit this organization.

There is so much more to Las Vegas and it's community that often gets hidden behind the glare of the glamour and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip. It's projects like this, and the devotion of it's residents to make things happen that are the secrets of living in Las Vegas, making it such a great place to call home.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

That's right. You may have thought Terry Fator was doing his first new Las Vegas show last night at the Mirage, but he didn't. Instead, he opened at the $10 million dollar USBC Bowling Lanes at Cashman Center.

Of course he had his puppets for the performance. He was joined by 'The Lovely Emma', 'Winston The Impersonating Turtle', and 'Maynard the Elvis Impersonator". The puppets were also gracious enough to let the 2007 America's Got Talent winner to do a solo number.

OK, so you're probably wondering what's up. Terry's 'opening' was for Bowlfest, the kickoff of the United States Bowling Congress Open Bowling Championships for 2009. The 60 lane, $10 million dollar bowling center was built inside the Cashman Convention Center in downtown Las Vegas. For the next 5 months from 7 AM to 2 AM, an estimated 85,000 bowlers will bowl approximately 700,000 games while participating in the competition. The Masters are on ESPN today, February 15.

The lane construction began in mid December with a crew of 40 installing the 60 lane Brunswick bowling center, grandstands and lighting. After the 154 days of bowling, they'll tear it all down. The USBC says it is worth the effort, as it's the largest participatory sports event in the nation. It's also one of the oldest, having begun in 1901, even before there was a Las Vegas, and has missed only 1943-45 for WW II.

The USBC also estimates the event's economic impact for Las Vegas at $100 million, and 17,200 teams of 5 players have already entered. A testament to the popularity of Las Vegas as a vacation destination, that number is second only to the 17,285 entries of the 1995 Reno event, where the USBC permanent bowling stadium is now located.

The night's opening celebration crowd was all ages, from children to senior adults. Besides the always fantastic performance of Terry, there was a local media bowling challenge, and some amazing and humorous trick shots that included the Jim Cripps the 'Backwards Bowler', who when he isn't bowling is a REALTOR® from Middle Tennessee. There was also a marketplace to check out the latest bowling gear, an autograph area where you could meet with the pros, and then later they tossed T Shirts out to the crowd. Here's a variety of pictures from Bowlfest.

I've mentioned before that I've been to and really enjoyed Terry's show. He did have to run after his 'opening' performance, to his real opening tonight at Mirage Las Vegas. I plan to visit him at his new home as soon as my schedule allows. His show currently runs Tuesday - Saturday (Check for any dark days) at 7:30 PM. Preview shows have begun and run through March 13, when he will have his official premier. Tickets are available through the Mirage website, and you can find out more about Terry here at his website TerryFator.com.

He's not only a wonderful performer, he's captured that old Vegas style of turning up in the community, so it's a pleasure to have him as a neighbor here in the Las Vegas Valley. Entertainers like him, and all the community events, are part of what makes Las Vegas a great place to call home.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!
 

Las Vegas was the #1 Relocation Destination for 2008 according to Relocation.com, and they're predicting it will be #1 again in 2009. Because of foreclosures, home prices are now very affordable. Even by last fall, National City Bank's study found that on average Las Vegas homes were undervalued. No surprise why Las Vegas home sales have been going up every month over the previous year. January 2009 for example, home sales statistics from the Greater Las Vegas Assn. of REALTORS® showed they were 126% higher than in January 2008. Those 2008 sales numbers had been up over the previous year, as well.

Some may be buying for investment, others for the warm climate to escape the brutal snow and cold while enjoying the plentiful recreation. More may be moving to fill some of the new jobs, with some recent openings in technology, logistics, and communications, or the thousands of jobs in hospitality.

Unfortunately foreclosures can also be a problem for those relocating to Las Vegas. It could be that you're already a homeowner, but conditions in the market you're leaving has made it difficult to sell. Making a move for a job opportunity could have you in a position where you're unable to buy a home at the moment, and in need of a home to rent.

Well, it's still the right time to contact a REALTOR®. The Las Vegas multilist has more than just resale and foreclosure homes for sale, it has thousands of home and condo rental listings as well. A REALTOR® has the ability to do a very detailed search and forward the results straight to your email, including any pictures that are available. They can also provide other resources to help you get acclimated to your new home in Las Vegas.

You can browse what is available by selecting 'Renting' at any of my free Las Vegas MLS searches found at Search4LasVegasHomes, RobertaLarocca.com or by selecting 'Residential Rental' on the search found here at my GLVAR site. There are a number of selectable options that can help you trim your search to suit your needs.

To give you an idea of pricing, January rental statistics from the MLS show an overall median rental is $1200 a month. That figure also happens to be the median priced rent for a 3 bedroom single family, while a 2 bedroom in January has a $950 median and a 4 bedroom median of $1500. Of course some will be above and below those marks, and depending on your tastes and needs, can go up to and above $10,000 a month. So you'll find a very wide selection from basic to luxury.

Of course even some renters have been effected by the foreclosure mess. There have been news stories of scams, or tenants being evicted because their landlord allowed the home to go into foreclosure, as I've mentioned in this post. Currently there is a proposed bill in this years Nevada Legislative session, that if adopted, will help address some of these tenant issues, but for now tenants are on their own.

This is one more reason to seek out a licensed real estate agent. While they can't prevent a home from being foreclosed, they can check to make sure the property hasn't been issued a notice of default or any other title actions filed prior to your lease signing. There are also some strategies and ways to monitor for defaults that may help you avoid any unpleasant last minute surprises.

You also have one more advantage by contacting a REALTOR® for your rental. When your home does sell and your are ready to purchase a home in Las Vegas, you're already made a connection with a local agent.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!
 

While the national economic downturn hasn't been pleasant, it has created new opportunities, and Las Vegas has some new jobs coming to town. I've mentioned the jobs in hospitality coming on line in 2009 - 2010, with M Resort opening in March with nearly 2000 hires, 12,000 more jobs coming to MGM Mirage's City Center later this year, followed by thousands more expected from Fontainebleau and Cosmopolitan Resorts. These jobs have historically created multiple spin-off jobs in the local area to not only support the properties, but additional services needed for more business and residents added in the community.

A recent announcement could be bringing as many as 1000 more jobs. The City of Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency has an agreement for a new call center in a 104,000 square foot building on Decatur Blvd. International communications giant, Tellus plans to open in March with 100 new hires, and anticipates having a staff of 500 by the end of the year while estimating 1000 total workers as they grow. The English-Spanish bilingual speaking center will add new capabilities to their current company service offerings. Employment inquiries can be emailed to ushr@tellus.com.

Today Ecompass Group Affiliates, an electronics repair, parts, and logistics firm, announced they will be opening their own 38,000 square foot Las Vegas center. It will be located in ProLogis Park, where Amazon.com and Monster Cable have located in a 513,000 square foot building.

A few weeks ago the San Diego Electronics firm Orbital Enterprises put out a press release stating they were opening a circuit board refurbish and repair facility in Las Vegas and had a contract with Encompass. They had been asked to retract that release prior to this announcement being made, so while I'm not certain, it could have let the cat out of the bag about talks for this development.

These latest non-hospitality jobs are not only a further diversification of the Las Vegas economy, they are a sign that the lower commercial and industrial rents and property pricing have made Las Vegas an even more appealing market to enter. With it's low-to-no tax structure, technology, communications and connectivity infrastructure, and logistics capabilities it offers so much to business locating in Las Vegas.

Even in this downturn, there has been other opportunity tucked away in Las Vegas. As I mentioned in an earlier post, there had been ongoing diversification going on in 2008. One was the creation of the World's Highest Density High Speed Data Center, the SuperNap. Another has additional future promise with the current Washington, DC ideals of alternative energy development. The world's largest Solar Thermal Manufacturing facility was opened in Las Vegas by US Senate Majority Leader Nevada Senator Harry Reid in June of 2008.

The Ausra manufacturing facility came online tripling the world's solar thermal production capacity, just as we all experienced the need to explore new energy sources from our shock at the gas pumps. Most likely why the company was able to announce $60.6 million in new funding in October, even as financing had been choked off only the month before. More than the production facility itself, there is an enormous potential for job creation for Nevada with it's abundant sunshine, both for construction and then operation of Solar Power Plants, like the Nevada Solar One facility in the nearby Eldorado Valley of Boulder City.

All this is located in and around Las Vegas, a place that seems to have strong relocation appeal. Relocation.com ranked Las Vegas as their top relocation city for 2008, and has predicted Las Vegas as the top relocation destination again for 2009. Other predictions and surveys have also ranked Las Vegas high among top relocation cities of 2009. This doesn't come as a surprise as many in recent years have been looking to escape the cold and snow for the warmer climates of the Sunbelt.

With it's obvious entertainment choices, abundant recreation, growing Arts and Culture, and no personal income taxes it becomes more obvious. Combine this with the incredible bargains in current Las Vegas home prices, and it becomes an even more attractive destination. All this also provides businesses an ability to present these perks to potential hires, and to their additional advantage, an apparent desire of many wanting to relocate to Las Vegas.

So while we still have obstacles to overcome in today's economy, there can be a silver lining. In Las Vegas, the pricing downturn has created new opportunities for both business and homeowners, and making it appear it's optimistic glass is half-full.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!