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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

VACATION GETAWAY

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHt PAGE 9

CROSSWORD & GAMES

JUST FOR FUN PAGE 11

MARKETSTATISTICS

PAGE 10

2015 HOME BUYER LIST

HOME & PROPERTY PAGE 4

FEATURED LISTINGS

BACKPAGE

SURVIVING A KITCHEN REDUXAROUND THE HOUSE

PAGE 6

by Lori Ballen

f you have considered moving to the Downtown Summerlin area in the past, you should hear about the new

residential development in Downtown Summerlin. Along with a variety of upscale housing choices, residents will have access to a 106-acre retail and entertainment area. This area of Downtown Summerlin will offer residents more options for shop-ping and dining. The addition of shops and restaurants in the area will increase job opportunities for residents, providing entry level and management positions. Many of the new shops and restaurants plan to be open by the end of the year.

ABOUT THE SUMMERLIN PROJECTThe Downtown Summerlin area is con-

sidered the single largest project since the development of Summerlin almost 25 years ago. Summerlin is known for upscale homes, unique shopping opportunities, amazing entertainment experiences and a thriving sense of community. Downtown Summerlin adds another element of excel-lence to an already incredible location.

MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN

Due to the entrance of well-known com-panies to Downtown Summerlin, thou-

sands of jobs are open for Summerlin resi-dents. Residents have a choice to work for reputable companies such as Nordstrom Rack, Sports Authority and The Toy Box.

Other retail businesses hoping to have their doors open by the end of the year include: Build-A-Bear, Mixx Retail and Lindbergh. These companies are known for employing large numbers of people in high-profile jobs and nurturing these employment relationships into management positions. Employees can expect chances for advancement once they prove themselves on the bottom tier of these companies.

The movement of these companies into the Summerlin area gives locals a new choice when it comes to employment. Having retail and restaurant job openings closer to home will mean less of a com-mute for those new to the job market and students seeking part-time jobs.

EATERIESResidents have new opportunities for

dining and work with the addition of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Red Robin and California Pizza Kitchen. These are just a few of the large restaurant brands coming to Downtown Summerlin. Since many of the restaurants plan to be open by year’s end, residents will have vibrant new places to entertain family and friends for the holidays.

THE PLANNED COMMUNITYSPIRIT CONTINUES

As was done in the beginning with the master-planned community of Summerlin, every care was taken when choosing the new additions to Downtown Summerlin. Senior General Manager of the Continuing Summerlin Project, Andrew Ciarrocchi, said that they hand-selected the restaurants to represent the best pick for residents and to give Summerlin residents the best job opportunities.

Residents can be certain that the recent expansion came about through careful plan-ning, skillful negotiations and deals that will benefit the community. The newest upscale residential homes, retail businesses and fine dining establishments ensure that Summerlin residents have access to the best Downtown Summerlin has to offer.

UPSCALE HOUSINGThe real estate in Downtown Summerlin

is improving. The planned office develop-ment, with Class-A spaces and a glass tower design, will attract new corporate headquar-ters. The Howard Hughes Corp., known for upscale apartment housing, plans to devel-op homes for permanent residents.

The planned apartment neighborhood will sit on 4.5 acres and will be located

I

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

If you are currently working with a Realtor, this is not considered a solicitation for business.

Update on Downtown Summerlin

SINGLE FAMILY LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE:

For Sale / Available – 8,712(84% are Traditional Sales, 16% are Short Sale / REO)

Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 5,057

LAS VEGAS CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES:

For Sale / Available – 2,081(83% are Traditional Sales, 17% are Short Sale / REO)

Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 942

ALL LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE COMBINED –

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES PLUS CONDOS AND

TOWNHOMES:For Sale / Available – 10,793

(84% are Traditional Sales, 16% are Short Sale / REO)Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 5,999

LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS AT TIME OF PUBLICATION:

ur time with the Ballen Group was overall a very positive learning experience. It was our first time selling a home. Tom Wirt, our listing agent, was always positive, upfront and honest about what we should expect to happen. He was very thorough about explaining the whole process. We thought his open line of communication was a huge part of what makes the

Ballen Group so great and we think Tom is a big asset to the company. Another thing that sets the Ballen Group apart is how they work as a team with the listing agents to the administration and their marketing. They were able to generate tons of traffic to our home. We would highly recommend them to anyone selling a home.If we ever move back to Las Vegas, Tom is the first person we would contact.– William Winger and Nuntima Chungsivapornpong

O

SUMMERLIN continued on page 9

2

Have you come to a point in your career where you are considering changing jobs?

Do you get bored with what you do all day?

Are you concerned that you are not making enough money and that the career you had

hoped for has not come to fruition?

Do you have skills that you are not using?

Have you taken a promotion and are no longer doing what you enjoyed in the past?

It’s time to take control of your life, and your future, and consider a career in Real Estate.

Send an e-mail to: careers@theballengroup.com

Awell-organized refrigerator keeps food fresh longer and lets you grab and go faster. Before you unpack groceries,

spend a second thinking about the right place for everything.

Here are common sense ways to declutter and organize your fridge:

1. The front of the middle rack, near eye-level, is prime refrigerator real estate. Put priority items there, like leftovers you want eaten soon and healthy snacks. The back of the fridge is the coldest part. Store milk there, and it will stay fresh longer.

2. Don’t waste fridge space on food that doesn’t need to be chilled. Examples: fresh eggs from backyard chickens (though store-bought eggs do need refrigerating), ketchup, vinegar, jam, mayonnaise and butter. Put those items in the pantry. You can store fresh eggs in a bowl on the counter for eight weeks.

3. Never put tomatoes in the fridge, or they’ll get mushy; onions will soften; honey will thick-en; potatoes will turn too starchy. Keep onions and potatoes in paper bags and store in a cool, dark place (a lower cabinet drawer is great).

4. Rectangular or square bins are your friends (round ones waste space, so don’t use them). Designate one for healthy snacks and another for breakfast foods like bagels and cream cheese. In the freezer, use one big bin for frozen veggies, rather than stuff individual bags into the freezer.

5. Use plastic placemats as shelf liners; these make cleanup easier.

6. Place drippy food, like red meat and sea-food, on the bottom shelf. That way it won’t drip too far. n

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permis-sion of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

REALTORS®.

on the home front | in the market home improvement | home space

QUI

CK B

ITS

The American dream of homeownership may not be as hard to attain as many people

seem to fear. A few intriguing facts and hints can help.

The FactsWhile existing home sales have risen

recently, the National Association of Realtors’ annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that the share of first-time buyers recently fell to its low-est level (33 percent) in nearly three decades.

Many first-time buyers experience obstacles on the path to homeowner-ship, including difficulty saving for a down payment and tight credit condi-tions.

Consider These Tips:Find and work with an expert

Realtor who knows the neighborhood. Nothing can replace the local knowl-edge and real insight that professional Realtors can provide to first-time buy-ers as they navigate the complex home buying process.

According to the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, while most home buyers in the past year began their home search online, 90 percent ended up pur-chasing their home through an agent. Realtors are not only the source of online real estate data, they also use their unparalleled local market knowledge and resources to help close the deal for buyers and sellers.

Meet with a lender to determine how much you can afford. Last year, the median price a first-time buyer spent on a home was $169,000. Chances are, you don’t have that amount of cash lying

around. That’s why 95 percent of first-time buyers who bought a home in the past year financed their purchase.

Find out what you can afford with a preapproval from a lender. A lender will check your credit history, current debt obligations and other expenses to determine the amount of money you’re qualified to borrow at a specific interest rate. Don’t forget to consider the other costs of homeownership, such as taxes, insurance and utilities.

Identify your housing wish list. Although 46 percent of first-time buyers

got a single-family home in the suburbs, you may prefer a condo in an urban environment near public transportation.

Regardless of your preferences, identi-fying and sharing your wish list can help your Realtor focus on the right home for you, scan listings and connect with those who represent sellers to zero in on homes for sale that meet your budget and criteria.

Keep this advice in mind and you may soon find yourself waking up in the home of your dreams. n

© NAPSI

trendsSMARTFIRE

Say goodbye to firewood and chimneys. This dancing flame is fueled by bioethanol, a renewable, carbon-neutral energy source made from plants such as sugar cane. Bioethanol doesn’t emit smoke, and like a gas-powered fireplace, doesn’t require a chimney, which means heat stays in the room. Bioethanol fireplaces come in many shapes and sizes and aren’t confined to a hearth, with prices ranging from about $100 to well over $6,000. Plus you’ll have to keep a fuel supply on hand. (www.ecosmartfire.com)

Purchase YOUR FIRST HOME in 2015

This could be the year you finally get into your dream home.

How to Have an ORGANIZED

Refrigerator

Recipes from croquetas to cafe cubano to ropa vieja reflect the Spanish, French, Creole and African influences. Like the fricases, which “came to Cuba from France by way of Haiti,” along the way picking up verve from citrus and sofrito.

this month: cookbooks l

3

by Bill Daley, Judy Hevrdejs and Joe Gray

BAKING CHEZ MOI: RECIPES FROM MY PARIS HOME TO YOUR HOME ANYWHERE

By Dorie GreenspanHoughton Mifflin Harcourt, $40Greenspan is an enthusiastic guide,

embracing all aspects of the art of bak-ing, from sables (shortbread) to gateau (cake) and macarons to desert roses (a chocolate, cornflakes and dried fruit creation). A basics chapter augments recipes that “the French bake at home for their families,” she writes, “for the joy of making them happy.”

INSIDE THE TEST KITCHENBy Tyler FlorenceClarkson Potter, $35

The latest cookbook from Florence, a noted chef and Food Network star, looks like a student’s notebook with ruled columns, jotted notes, underlines and arrows. It works because this book is all about learning by experimenting and sharing the results in 120 clearly written recipes. Basic techniques, innovative twists and Florence’s can-do enthusiasm enliven the book.

MAD DELICIOUS: THE SCIENCE OF MAKING HEALTHY FOOD TASTE AMAZINGBy Keith SchroederOxmoor House, $35

If you don’t chuckle a dozen pages into Schroeder’s book, move on. Otherwise, pick a page (any page) and let Schroeder (Cooking Light magazine’s Cooking Class columnist) ditch the blah reputation tagged on so-called healthy cooking with his lively, fun approach. The 126 recipes (like carnitas de pollo or butter-milk ricotta) list ingredients chart-style, which lets him explain the why of each element.

MY PARIS KITCHENBy David LebovitzTen Speed, $35

Lebovitz is a chef and baker turned cook-

book author who moved to Paris about 10 years ago. His adventures in France are recounted on his popular eponymous website. Lebovitz now shares his recipes and stories in a very handsome book. Don’t be turned off by the francocentric focus.

1,000 SPANISH RECIPESBy Penelope CasasHoughton Mifflin Harcourt, $35

The author died just five days after finishing this book for the 1,000 Recipes series. Casas, a noted authority on Spanish cooking, covered all the bases, from tapas to entrees to dessert. There are menu suggestions and a glossary of ingredients, and recipes that are vegetarian, or could be with one change, are noted.

PORKBy Cree LeFavourChronicle, $27.50

The Idaho ranch-raised cookbook writer (“Poulet,” “Fish”) really captures our appe-

tites with accompaniments developed to bolster each pork recipe (like tender-loin and salsa verde with celeriac-pota-to mash and fennel-parsley salad). The sides themselves will become standards on your table.

SAVEUR: THE NEW CLASSICS COOKBOOKBy the editors of SaveurWeldon Owen, $40

Saveur magazine, that chronicler of food from far-flung corners of the world, gathers here more than 1,000 of its recipes, a celebration of 20 years in print. The editors boldly aim to make this 600-plus-page work your go-to cookbook.

THE CUBAN TABLEBy Ana Sofia Pelaez and Ellen SilvermanSt. Martin’s Press, $35

Pelaez searched Cuba, New York and her native Miami to gather recipes from family, friends and friends of friends, and restaurant, lunch counter and shop

owners. What emerges from the stories behind those recipes (often copied from tattered cook-books carried from Cuba as families fled) is a portrait of an inventive, resourceful people. Photographer Silverman, through her soulful images, is a full partner in the chronicling.

WHAT TO BAKE & HOW TO BAKE ITBy Jane HornbyPhaidon, $35

Befuddled by baking jargon yet long to bake? Baking expert-cooking teacher Hornby’s book features 50 recipes buttressed by 500 overhead color photographs illustrating baking terms and techniques. She’s a patient coach for novices, stirring her love of baking into recipes from classic crusty bread to chocolate profiter-oles. She goes easy on food science, instead offering some basics and simplified explana-tions of the whys of some techniques. n

© 2015, Chicago Tribune.Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

SPO

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Home bakers bored with overwrought, fondant-cloistered sweets will devour the tarts, petite pastries, cakes and cookies renowned author Greenspan has coaxed from friends and bakers throughout France.

Lebovitz’s clear recipes, practical advice and keen sense of humor make this book universally appealing.

The topic might seem late to the years-long chef-and-cookbook-driven pork madness game. Yet LeFavour’s work doesn’t need a plateaued trend to hang itself on. It stands on its own for her flavor-packed pork preparations.

2015 HOT LIST:

COOL FOODIEBOOKS

In “My Paris Kitchen,”

David Lebovitz shares

his recipes and stories,

dishing up practical

advice and writing with

a keen sense of humor.

6427 Busch Blvd.Columbus, OH 43229

877.872.3080 • www.DiscoverPubs.com

Sudoku, Scrabble, Pet World, Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen, etc. distributed by

Tribune News Services.

© Copyright 2015 by Discover Custom Publications, Inc.

All rights reserved.

PublisherLori & Richard Ballen

3046 S. Durango #100,

Las Vegas, NV 89117

702.604.7739

www.SummerlinForSale.com

4

Q. My question is both about a line of credit on my home and how variable interest rates might increase. I also wonder how secure these funds are while they are held by the loan servicer. I am concerned about pervasive servicer fraud and the real inability of holding them legally accountable for any fraud they might commit.

A. When you take out a line a credit on your home, you can withdraw all of the funds at once or you can withdraw the funds as you please. Generally, you can even repay the line of credit and draw it down again. The line of credit would work in a similar fashion to a credit card you might have. The funds aren’t “funds” until you withdraw them. It’s a line of credit secured by the value of your home.

Just like your credit card, you don’t owe the bank money on your line of credit unless you’ve withdrawn money from it. You should be fine if you keep tabs on your withdrawals.

If you’re given checks by your lender, make sure that you keep them in a safe place. As with any checking account, you want to make sure there are no unauthorized withdrawals from your line of credit. Monitor your monthly statement.

While there have been instances of misconduct in the past by some mortgage companies and other financial institutions, those issues have been unrelated to your concerns. n

© 2015, Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin. Distributed by Tribune

Content Agency, LLC.

by Ilyce Glinkand Samuel J. Tamkin

The real estate world turned again in 2014, and

suddenly buyers are finding themselves scrambling to get their offer accepted.

At the low end of the market, real estate investors have snapped up all the cheapest deals, often paying cash. First-time buyers are finding it harder to qualify and harder to find a property that works. (And don’t get us started on how tough it is for those who run a small business to qualify for a mortgage under existing rules.)

In some ways, the housing market has really turned the corner this year. Prices are up, sellers are happier and so are agents. But home value increases are starting to slow down as fewer buyers qualify (and more people refinance and stay in their homes). New construction is still about half of what it should be (or less in some markets).

Meanwhile, mortgage interest rates are still near historic lows. As we write this, you can get a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for less than 4 percent.

We’ve been saying that mortgage interest rates will likely stay low through early 2015 or until the economy really takes off. For Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, raising interest rates is tied not only to jobs but to the salaries people are bringing home. And incomes aren’t

rising fast enough for her, although the November jobs report looked better than it has from that respect in awhile.

What can you do? Here are a few resolutions that will help put home buyers more firmly in the driver’s seat in 2015:

Understand your credit history and credit score. For better or worse, this information rules your financial life. You can get a free copy of your credit history from each of the credit reporting bureaus once a year by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. You have to pay about $9 for your score. It’s worth knowing what your score is before you apply for a loan. If you want to raise your credit score, you will need to eliminate all errors (if any) from your credit report and work hard to pay all of your bills on time, preferably in full, each month. (Fixing your credit can take years, so try not to damage it in the first place.)

Find the best loan, on the best terms. To accomplish this you’ll

have to do your homework. Despite the fact that the

government secures or guarantees nearly

all loans through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA, banks offer different terms.

Talk to at least four or five lenders before

making a decision. And be sure to look at a lender’s

customer service record. Just type a lender’s name and the word “complaints” in a search engine and see what comes up. That’s what you’re buying.

Build the best home-buying team. Whether you’re buying investment property or a home to live in, you’ll want to create a team of real estate professionals who can help you find the right property, at the right price, on the best terms, without any headaches. Think about including a great real estate agent, mortgage lender, real estate attorney, tax preparer (with experience in investment real estate if you plan on buying real estate as an investment), and real estate home inspector to start. Residential real estate investors will want to add a 1031 exchange professional and commercial inspector (if appropriate) to the mix. n

© 2015, Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin. Distributed by Tribune

Content Agency, LLC.

4

buyers | sellers | financing | real estate market news

HOM

E &

PROP

ERTY

Not sure what to do with all

those books around the house?

Revive your hallway by installing

floor-to-ceiling bookcases with

a rolling ladder. You can build

them between studs or mount

them on the drywall. Oak shelves

are strong but expensive (5-shelf

bookcase: $135); particleboard

is a better value (5-shelf: $59)

though you’ll sacrifice some

strength.

trends

BOOKSHELVES

On Your Equity LINE OF CREDIT

Keep an Eye

If you are currently working with a Realtor, this is not considered a solicitation for business.

5

by Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin

Here’s the good news: Homes are selling. We see “for sale” signs get posted and then watch as a

corresponding “sold” sign gets hammered into the ground a few weeks later. If you’re a seller, now is a good time to put your home on the market, as long as you’re realistic about your price.

Pricing a home correctly means understanding what kind of seller you are. We typically see three kinds: the desperate and anxious who must sell as soon as possible; the “pie-in-the-sky” homeowner with an inflated view of their home’s value; and the realist who understands what the market will bear and is willing to price their home accordingly.

Which seller are you? Before you list your home in 2015, figure that out. Then consider adopting my classic New Year’s resolutions for home sellers:

Overcome any possible objections a buyer might have. Buyers are always looking for a reason not to buy your house. Your job as a seller is to eliminate any potential objections that would stand in the way of an offer. If you really want to sell quickly, work hard to exceed the buyer’s expectations. If your home is competitively priced, and its condition exceeds a buyer’s expectations based on other homes in the neighborhood, you’ll get an offer—even if it isn’t the offer you want.

Get your home into selling shape. Cleaning your home is a must. After that, you should consider hiring a stager to give your home the television-worthy polish so many buyers expect today. (Yes, they want your home to look like something they’d see on HGTV.) Assess what other sort of work needs to be done, such as fixing things that don’t work, touching up paint, and cleaning or replacing your carpets. Decide if you need to update your landscaping. Paint, clean or repoint your home’s exterior. And if you’re selling in January, clear out the holiday decorations as quickly as possible.

Invite at least three agents to create a comparative marketing analysis (CMA).

Often, sellers simply call the agent who sold them their home to list it. While you may wind up hiring that person, you’ll be doing yourself a favor if you invite a couple of other agents in from different firms. That’s because each will bring different ideas to the table about how much your house is worth and what kind of marketing plan will work. They’ll all have different experiences to draw on and have different buyers in mind who may want to make a quick offer.

Understand what it will take to sell your home. If you live in an area littered with foreclosures, you may have to meet that price point in order to sell. Is it worth it? Probably not, but you’ll have to really evaluate price and timing in order to get the most for your property. If homes have begun to appreciate, you might be pleasantly surprised. Again, a CMA will be incredibly helpful.

Be realistic about the market. Find out what types of properties are selling in your area and how many days they’re sitting on the market. Accept the reality of your local market and make sure you price your home realistically. Don’t blame your broker if you don’t get three offers over your list price within 24 hours of putting your

home on the market. Sellers who set sky-high (or even pretty high) prices could wait months or years for an offer (one of my neighbors has been trying to sell his overpriced home for four years) and may wind up with the same price they would have had if they’d priced their home correctly the first time—or a lot less. In this real estate market, one of the worst things you can do is overprice your home from the start. The more realistic you are, the better off you’ll be.

Rent if you can’t sell and buy at the same time. We don’t recommend putting in an offer on another property until you have some serious interest in your current property or unless you have enough cash to cover the expenses of both properties for 6 to 12 months. It’s fine to start researching other neighborhoods, but if you’re not sure what you want to do, consider renting on a short-term or month-to-month lease. While a double move is a pain and entails added costs, it’s a lot cheaper than carrying two mortgages for two years.

Read all documents thoroughly before you sign them. Why would someone sign a legal document

he or she hasn’t read? I’m not sure, but home sellers do it every day. If you’re going to sell (or buy) in the coming year, promise yourself that you’ll take the time to read and understand the listing contract, the offer to purchase, and the loan documents for your next purchase. (If you’re taking back a loan for the home buyer, have an attorney prepare the documents so

you are sure to be protected.) Unless you’ve got cash to spare, a mistake in these documents and the warranties they contain could seriously affect your finances.

Do not be driven by greed. One big mistake many sellers make is to get a little greedy, particularly if the first offer is above the minimum acceptable price you’ve set. Then the negotiation becomes a game of how much you can get.

Remember, a successful sale means everyone walks away feeling happy. If you get so greedy that the buyer walks away, you’ve let the deal get the best of you. Resolve to be reasonable and you’ll end up shaking hands with the buyer at the closing. You should also know that there aren’t unlimited buyers out there, and if you lose one it might take you quite some time to find another. n

© 2015, Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

this month: sellers lResolve to be

reasonable and you’ll

end up shaking hands

with the buyer at the

closing.

Pricing a home correctly means understanding

what kind of seller you are.

SPO

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HT2015

HOMESELLER

Make your own pallet coffee table, like this one from Made (www.madestatic.com). Reclaimed wood can be found on sites such as Craigslist or eBay, and the rest at your local hardware store.

ReclaimedWoodFurniture

Looking to get an industrial, vintage look in your house but can’t find a contemporary table to suit your needs? Or perhaps you can, but are not willing to pay the high prices some retailers and manufacturers are charging for this look.

Consider building it yourself. There are plenty of websites offering free plans to build your own reclaimed wood furniture (www.instructables.com; www.diynetwork.com) that you can download and print out.

Look on sites such as Craigslist or eBay for sellers in your area that specialize in reclaimed wood, including weathered barn and outbuilding wood. You can often find deals on these kinds of purchases.

Make sure you check to see what kind of preparation your type of wood might need in terms of safety and durability. Most of this information can be found with a simple online search.

6

diy | design | improvements | outdoor spaces

AROU

ND T

HE H

OUSE by Aisha Sultan

A kitchen remodel can be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects and

also the most frustrating to endure. Family life tends to center on the kitchen, and functioning without one disrupts all aspects of life. Tearing out the heart of your home requires a plan of how to survive the weeks to months of construction ahead.

The duration for a kitchen renovation depends on the scope of the project. Is it a simple tear-out with the same basic footprint or a major redesign? If it is a basic tear-out, plan on four to six weeks without much access to the kitchen. If it’s a significant renovation, expect at least three months of disorder.

You need a plan of how you will deal with the life details as well.

1. Set up a separate, temporary kitchen. If at all possible, move your current refrigerator to another room in the house, where you can still access it. Otherwise, get a small college fridge to keep the essentials. A spare microwave is also a critical appliance.

Kim Feld, a kitchen designer with National Kitchen & Bath, says to be creative with small plug-in appliances that can make life easier during construction, such as a coffee maker or electric skillet.

If most of your trash and recycling was collected in the kitchen, move temporary garbage cans to a place you can tolerate them. And be prepared to take out the trash more frequently.

2. Find a place in your home to eat. Many families eat meals in the kitchen, so think about how alternate living spaces will serve at mealtimes. We ended up eating most of our meals in the family room, where our temporary kitchen (a fridge and microwave) was set up, but I wish we had better utilized the dining room.

3. Invest in paper plates and disposable utensils. You will end up having to wash dishes in a bathroom sink, so it’s best to keep a stockpile of disposable plates and utensil handy. If at all possible, keep a sink hooked up on the main level during the construction.

4. Add the cost of eating out into the renovation budget. Figure out how much your

family typically spends on a meal eaten outside the house. Multiply this by the number of meals in a day and weeks the project may last to get an idea of how quickly this expense can add up.

5. Prepare for noise and dust. “It is messy. It is disruptive, and it can get expensive. There is no way around that,” Feld said. If you are easily unsettled by disorder and mess in your living space, this is a good opportunity to spend more time outside your home.

6. Hire a general contractor carefully. Mike Beck at Beck/Allen Cabinetry says a good relationship with the general contractor is crucial.

“You don’t want to call the plumber at 8 p.m. and ask why he didn’t show up. You want the general contractor to do that.”

This will be the point person you are spending the most time with, so find out about how often he plans to communicate with you.

7. Be prepared for days when you don’t see any progress. Every decision in a construction project involves a timeline. So, there will be days of waiting—waiting for the countertops to be measured or waiting for the backsplash to arrive.

8. Order as much as possible before the job starts. Beck said they won’t start a project until all the decisions are finalized.

Henry says as projects wear on, the customer tends to be stressed and doesn’t have the time to pick out details such as hardware quickly, which can slow down the entire project.

“Everyone is different about how many decisions they can make at one time,” he said. Some people can feel paralyzed by decision overload or hit a point of decision fatigue in the middle of a big project.

9. Expect some delays and cost overruns. When you get the estimates, it’s wise to add 20 percent to that number and ask yourself if you could still live with that number. If you don’t have that cushion, think twice about proceeding. Unexpected things come up in renovation projects, so keep track of overruns so you’ll have no major surprises at the end.

10. Get out of the house altogether. “The happiest clients I have are the ones who are not trying to live through it,” said Chris Berry, of brooksBerry Kitchens & Baths. Some will find a short-term, furnished rental for the most intensive part of the construction.

Henry said his company tries to plan remodeling jobs around clients’ vacations, such as summer or winter breaks. n

© 2015 St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Distributed by MCT Information Services

Kitchen remodels can cause the most misery,

but are typically the most rewarding as well.

10 Tips to Survive a Kitchen Remodel

Reclaimed wood TV stand from Woodwaves, Inc. ($599, www.woodwaves.com).

trendsSMALLSPACES

Small spaces can be a challenge to decorate because anything added to the room takes up precious space. It helps to use a few decorating tricks that can open up the space and make it feel larger than it really is. Don’t be afraid to use a large piece of furniture in a small room. A canopy bed or floor-to-ceiling bookshelf can make a big statement and look chic.

DIY

7

Retaining the services of The Ballen Group, Las Vegas Real Estate Team, entitles you to a network of professional individuals who are committed to helping you complete your mission.

Whether your goal is to buy a dream home in Las Vegas, invest in Las Vegas Real Estate, or SELL your property in Nevada, The Ballen Group is a team of special forces brought together for a common purpose—to get to the closing table.

Here are the benefits to you when you decide to work with The Ballen Group:

• Richard and Lori Ballen, Team Owners

who are seasoned in both Real Estate and Business. Richard and Lori are passionate about customer service, providing the “Wow Factor,” and building a team of

qualified specialists to best serve the Las Vegas Valley.

• Direct Supervision Team Management which includes lead-

ers in both the home-buying and the home-selling divisions. These managers are held to a high standard by Richard and Lori and must continually provide leader-ship, training, and accountability to the team. These leaders are at YOUR direct disposal and can be contacted whenever you, the consumer, feel it’s necessary.

• Administrative Staff The Ballen Group does not allow its

skilled sales staff to be bogged down by the paperwork. We understand that an excellent Real Estate Agent will not be an

excellent administrator, so we allow each to do what they do best. This directly benefits you by freeing up your represen-tative to specialize in negotiations and your admin to dot the I’s and cross the T’s during the transaction.

• Your Specialized Agent The Ballen Group is comprised of “nich-

es.” Training, Designations, Conferences, and on-the-job experience is required for agents who specialize in these Divisions.

• Age Qualified / Active Adult Living / Retirement Communities

• Luxury Homes and Golf Communities

• Military Housing and Relocation

• First-Time Home Buyers

• Las Vegas Investments

• Neighborhood Specialists such as: Summerlin, Green Valley, Southern Highlands, Mountains Edge, The Lakes, Desert Shores, North Las Vegas and more

• Las Vegas Short Sale Agent Team

• Las Vegas Foreclosures

• Rental Division The Ballen Group, which lives by the

Golden Rule, understands that your number one goal is our number one goal, and we put you first. Our team is built on honesty, integrity, and ethics but stands on a strong business-oriented foundation. Las Vegas Real Estate is not a “job” for us. It’s our business.

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION:

If you are currently working with a Realtor, this is not considered a solicitation for business.

The Ballen Group • www.BallenGroupLasVegasRealEstate.com

8

INsummerlin.com Events

GET YOUR SUMMERLIN I.D. CARDSSummerlin Residents who live in North, South and West Community Associations can get their Free Summerlin I.D. cards with photo by visiting a Summerlin Community Center. These I.D. cards are used as identification when it’s time to register for classes in Summerlin, purchase special event tickets/passes, and use as entry to Summerlin community amenities such as pools. You’ll find these cards issued Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Be sure to bring proof of residency to the center with you. I.D. cards are provided by The Summerlin Council at 341.5500.

GARAGE SALE SIGNSSummerlin asks that we help protect the appearance of our Summerlin community common areas when holding garage sales. Since the Summerlin master associations require uniform sanctioned garage signs, no homemade signs are permitted. Approved signs can be purchased Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at The Trails, The Gardens, and The Willows Community Centers for $6.00 each with check payable to The Summerlin Council.

SHAKESPEARE INSTITUTE TO OFFER ACTOR CLASSESThe nonprofit Shakespeare Institute of Nevada has recently launched a series of acting workshops for Southern Nevada resi-dents focusing on teaching students to try new material and prepare audition pieces while receiving feedback from professional actors and directors. The workshops are suitable for all ages and all acting levels and are planned from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays and 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays at 7220 S. Cimarron Road. The fee is $80 for 10 classes. The first class is free to audit. For more information and to register, email shakesinstnv@gmail.com or call 702-896-9517.

MONDAYSHUALAPAI CANYON TRAIL WALK 8 A.M.2 mile walk for senior citizens planned for residents.For details, go to lasvegasnevada.gov/information. CRACK A GEODE AT SPRINGS PRESERVE 10 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.Come crack open your own geode to find what is inside!Springs Preserve333 S Valley View Blvd.Call (702) 822-7700. BUTTERFLY GARDENS ARTAT SPRINGS PRESERVE10 A.M. - 4 P.M.Miguel Rodriguez has sculpted metal butterflies. These butterflies have been painted by Las Vegas artists and will lead you through the botanical garden. Springs Preserve 333 S Valley View Blvd.Call (702) 822-7700.

TUESDAYSSTROLLER STRIDES 8:30 A.M.60 minute workout that moms can bring their babies to.Tivoli Village 440 S Rampart Blvd.Call 702-882-1795. WEEKLY STORY TIMES AT THE SUMMERLIN LIBRARY 10:30 A.M.Babies up to one year can enjoy library time with stories and songs. Program is about 20 minutes.1771 Inner Circle Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89134. Call 702-507-3860.

WEEKLY STORY TIMES AT THE SUMMERLIN LIBRARY 11:30 A.M.Kids under 5 with their parents can come enjoy a 30 minute story time, songs, and activities.1771 Inner Circle Dr.Las Vegas, NV 89134Call 702-507-3860.

WEDNESDAYSWEEKLY STORY TIMES AT THE SUMMERLIN LIBRARY 10:30 A.M.30 minutes of story time and songs for 4-5 year olds.1771 Inner Circle Dr.Las Vegas, NV 89134Call 702-507-3860.

MUSICIAN DAVE RITZ IN T-BONES CHOPHOUSE6 P.M. TO 10 P.M.Guests must be 21 or older.Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.Visit sclv.com.

THURSDAYSTHE GREEN CHEFS FARMERS MARKET 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.Find fresh local produce at the Springs Preserve.Call (702) 822-7700.

WEEKLY STORY TIMES AT THE SUMMERLIN LIBRARY 10:15 A.M.About 25 minutes of story time for children 1-3 years old and their parents.1771 Inner Circle Dr.Las Vegas, NV 89134.Call 702-507-3860.

LINE DANCING 2 P.M. TO 4 P.M.Line dancing for adults 21 and over.Red Rock Resort, 11011 W Charleston Blvd.Visit sclv.com. BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB 7 P.M.Tickets are $15.Edge Lounge at the Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd.Call 702-507-5980. GERMAN FRIENDSHIPCLUB 7 P.M.Meets on the 4th Thursday of every month. Trails Community Center, 1910 Spring Gate Lane.Call 702-254-2590.

FRIDAYSFREE ENTERTAINMENT AT ADDISON’S LOUNGE 8:30 P.M.Free live musical entertainment for locals.Addison’s Lounge in the Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd.Call 702-507-5900. FREE LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE AT J.C.’S IRISH SPORTS PUB 9 P.M.Must be 21 or older.J.C.’s Irish Sports Pub inside the Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd.Call 702-869-7725. ZOWIE BOWIE AT RED ROCK 10 P.M.Must be 21 or older.Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.Visit sclv.com.

SATURDAYSFRESH52 FARMER’S & ARTISAN MARKET AT TIVOLI VILLAGE 9 A.M. -2 P.M.Organic seasonal produce as well as fresh bread, handmade crafts and more. Live entertainment and demos are also included.Call 702.900.2552. WEEKLY STORY TIMES AT THE SUMMERLIN LIBRARY 11 A.M.30-40 minutes of story time, songs and activities for families with chil-dren of any age.1771 Inner Circle Dr.Las Vegas, NV 89134.Call 702-507-3860. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BY JARED BERRY 9 P.M.Live entertainment for guests 21 or older.Onyx Bar at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.Visit sclv.com. THE DIRTY AT ROCKS LOUNGE 11 P.M.Cover charge is $10 at the door and $5 for Boarding Pass card members. Guests must be 21 or older.Red Rock Resort,11011 W. Charleston Blvd.Visit redrock.sclv.com.2

SUNDAYSLIVE MUSIC AT THE BINGO ROOM 10 A.M.Must be 21 or older.The Bingo Room at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.Visit sclv.com

CLINT CARVALHO & HIS EXTREME PARROTS 11 A.M. AND 1 P.M.“America’s Got Talent” finalist Clint Carvalho performs at The Springs Reserve.Springs Preserve 333 S Valley View Blvd.Call (702) 822-7700. FREE TENNIS CLINICS1:30 P.M. TO 2:30 P.M.Hosted by the United StatesTennis Association Nevada are planned for the first Sunday ofevery month for 3-8 yearold children.Children’s Play Area at Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd.Visit tivolivillagelv.com. FREE GUITAR LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS 12 P.M.The first three Sundays of each month at the Sahara West Library.9600 W. Sahara Ave.Call 720-533-3611. AWANA CHILDREN’S PROGRAM 4:00-5:30Program for children in preschool – 6th grade.21 Snow Trail 89134.Visit www.SummerlinCommunity.org. THE CENTENNIAL LAS VEGAS GENEALOGY SOCIETY 6 P.M.Meeting the second Monday of every month for genealogy research.Inside the community room of the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 6670 W. Cheyenne Ave.Visit clvgs7.wix.com/clvgs.

VISIT our SUMMERLIN COMMUNITY Facebook Page for more Upcoming Events and Local Information: www.facebook.com/SummerlinNevada.

east of the new retail shopping center. This proximity will give residents the opportunity to live close to where they work and play. The new luxurious, urban living environment offers resi-dents another choice when it comes to Summerlin real estate.

THE CREATION OF A CULTUREThe goal of Summerlin is to give the Downtown Summerlin

area a boutique feel that will feature the best of the best in both the retail and housing industries. The Summerlin proj-

ect has always been about more than just building houses and continues to be about building culture.

The changes being planned in Downtown Summerlin, including the residential development the added retail locations and the dining experiences offer Summerlin res-idents new opportunities. Summerlin residents who were looking for work in recent months will find a plethora of job choices.

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME

The developers of Summerlin understand the importance of continuing the residential development in Downtown Summerlin and striving to overcome any obstacles that lay before them in the past. Wherever there is growth in oppor-tunity, Summerlin developers will meet the challenges and move forward into the future for the residents.

Developers promise to create a new Summerlin that builds upon the sturdy foundation of the community that exists. This new Summerlin will be even richer in opportu-nities than it has in the past and open up doors for new jobs and ways of life for the residents. n

SUMMERLIN continued from cover

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A Rosey Mess

9

What are people doing today and tomorrow at the Villa del Palmar, the mystery resort you’ve never

heard of, south of Loreto, on Mexico’s Gulf of California? For some, the answer is “nothing.”

When I asked the man digging clams on the beach what was up, he answered, “Not much, just relaxing, looking at the scenery.” I asked the woman perched on the pool deck near me and she said the same thing.

“Oh, nothing, really. I’m just enjoying the solitude.”

Splashing in the bay, I exchanged smiles with a snorkeler who popped up nearby and all I got were bubbles and a far-away look, as if words were superfluous.

Some say it’s the rugged Sierra de la Giganta mountains that make the magic, rising behind the resort to leave guests gasping for adjectives. Others say it’s the divine Mexican cuisine, the best they’ve ever tasted. Or it’s the sports and recreation that do the trick: kayaking and paddle boarding, deluxe spa treatments, the tennis courts and the sunrise hikes.

The enchantment here is the 4,447-acre site on an alluring blue bay framed by red-rock cliffs and access to five offshore islets within the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, now with additional protection as a World Heritage site.

Our neighbor Elaine, a new friend in the adjacent one-bedroom unit, provided the proof.

“Oh, no, we’re not newcomers to Mexico,” she said. “We’ve been coming down to Cabo San Lucas forever. But we transferred our timeshare over to this property this year because Cabo is so crowded it doesn’t feel like Cabo used to. Traffic, nightclubs, fast food joints, it’s a mess. We had to pay more to make

the exchange, but this feels like Mexico did 20 years ago.”

Strolling down to the beach after breakfast, I found Jim and his brother-in-law Ron standing knee-deep in the water, gazing at Danzante Island lying low on the horizon, the very image of a sleeping dragon.

“They say that whales often swim by,” I said, hoping to start a conversation. “Six or seven different species, they say. See anything today?”

“Not really,” said Jim. “We’re just looking. I’m used to wide-open spaces and forests, without a lot of people. I like it empty.”

“It’s a big change from Cabo,” added Ron, asking me not to use his real name. “We had a timeshare in a condo over there, but Cabo attracts so many tourists now that we turned in our membership and moved it over to this side of Baja. The beach here is practically empty and you can get an umbrella when you want one. No beach vendors, either. The resort has exclusive use of all of it. Loreto? It’s a nice village, not very big but interesting for a day out. You should see the museum and the church, which dates from the 1750s.”

While we were talking, a small yacht motored into the bay and anchored offshore. Five minutes later a man appeared, jumped into the water and swam toward the beach, going like 60. Hmmmm, I thought, as he came closer. A trespasser. On the other hand,

he looks at home. Maybe he’ll talk to me. But while I hesitated he hurried up the beach and vanished behind the building.

Eventually it was obvious why the resort felt empty during the day. People were busy, walking on the trail above the coast; sport fishing for dorado, yellowfin tuna and sailfish; kayaking around the bay, paddle boarding from the beach or shopping in Loreto.

Snorkel and scuba diving excursions headed

for the Marine Park almost daily, taking snorkelers and scuba divers into the heart of the “world’s aquarium,” as marine conservationist and diver Jacques Cousteau tagged it.

Most outings cruise around one or two of the five nearest islands, each known for rocky coves, powdery white sand and emerald water. I joined the Isla Coronado adventure and was rewarded with a couple hours of snorkeling in sunlit, glass-clear water, where our guide Manuel estimated the visibility at 25 to 50 feet. The fish were abundant and easy to see, and our group spotted seals and dolphins before heading to a white sand beach for a picnic.

Each evening, as people slowly gathered for dinner, the adults wandering through the gardens to watch the last light fade behind the mountains and kids chasing each other across the plaza, I realized that the resort was actually very full.

Prompted by waiters taking bar orders and by the tantalizing smells of warm tortillas, roast vegetables and grilled pork and chicken drifting from the kitchen, people headed in to eat, some choosing the more casual Market cafe or El Danzante, the resort’s upscale restaurant.

Accompanied by candlelight and guitar music, the spirit of fiesta took hold, amplified by laughing and talking and plates of food, delivered from the kitchen. And at 9 o’clock, a folk-dance group filed out onto an impromptu stage to announce the evening’s entertainment, a show of regional dances and slapstick comedy. n

© 2015 Tribune News Service

SPO

TLIG

HTNature unspoiled, where the sea meets the mountains, at Villa Del Palmar,

Baja California South, Mexico.

Poised at high tide, the Villa Del Pal-mar bay water is perfect for kayaks and paddleboards.

A refreshing appetizer of fresh oysters on the beach.

MAGICAL MYSTERY

this month: travel lThe enchantment here is the

alluring blue bay framed by red-

rock cliffs. Colorful, dramatic and

secluded, it compels just-arrived

guests to stand and gape, amazed

and speechless.

SEA OF CORTEZON THE BY ANNE Z. COOK

1 0

SUMMERLIN MARKET STATISTICS

Status Subdivision Address Price Features Size / Sq. FtTHE GARDENSSold Chelsea Gardens 10378 NESS WOOD LN $394,900.00 4BR 2,198Sold Garden Glen 3418 ANTIQUE ROSE DR $235,000.00 3BR 1,536Sold Ivy Glen 3319 PAGELAND CT $305,000.00 3BR 2,493

THE MESASold Ladera 10312 CIDER MILL RD $285,000.00 4BR 1,877Sold Ladera 5418 FAWN CHASE WY $339,900.00 4BR 2,365Sold Ladera 5477 NETTLE WY $309,900.00 3BR 2,105Sold Summerlin Vilalge 5471 ALDEN BEND DR $365,000.00 3BR 1,902Sold Summerlin Vilalge 5620 SHADOW BEND DR $369,000.00 3BR 1,902Sold Summerlin Vilalge 10704 HARVEST GREEN WY $398,463.00 4BR 2,365Sold Summerlin Vilalge 5634 MESA MOUNTAIN DR $499,000.00 5BR 3,077Sold Summerlin Vilalge 10600 AGATE KNOLL LN $344,900.00 3BR 2,075Sold Ladera 5553 CANDLE PINE WY $375,000.00 4BR 2,427Sold Ladera 5530 SPICEBERRY DR $289,500.00 4BR 2,317Sold Ladera 10330 BLUE GINGER DR $344,000.00 4BR 2,211Sold Ladera 10335 MYSTIC PINE RD $299,900.00 3BR 2,543Sold Ladera 5290 THISTLE WIND DR $389,750.00 4BR 2,428Sold Ladera 5293 CANDLESPICE WY $318,000.00 4BR 2,287Sold Ladera 10560 MAYSTAR LN $379,900.00 4BR 1,964Sold Summerlin Vilalge 5466 BRISTOL GROVE LN $399,900.00 3BR 2,245Sold Summerlin Vilalge 5569 ATRIUM WOODS LN $399,950.00 5BR 2,799Sold Summerlin Vilalge 5550 BETHANY BEND DR $474,950.00 5BR 3,085Sold Summerlin Vilalge 10665 ACACIA PARK PL $419,880.00 4BR 2,573Sold Summerlin Vilalge 5607 BECKETT HILL CT $350,000.00 3BR 2,177Sold Summerlin Vilalge 5623 SHADOW BEND DR $409,950.00 4BR 2,803Sold Summerlin Vilalge 10622 HARVEST GREEN WY $389,900.00 4BR 2,573

THE PASEOSSold Barcelona 12037 MALVA PL $500,000.00 4BR 3,423Sold Barcelona 536 PUENTA DEL REY ST $474,000.00 3BR 3,252Sold Calavera 1029 CAMPO SECO CT $250,000.00 4BR 1,895Sold Calavera 12044 HATHAWAY PINES LN $2,399,990.00 3BR 1,515Sold Calavera 1012 DOUGLAS FLAT PL $219,900.00 3BR 1,740Sold Palomar 919 SERENA VENEDA LN $500,000.00 3BR 2,509Sold Palomar 12268 CAMINITA PL $399,000.00 3BR 2,509Sold Palomar 12281 CAMINITA PL $424,900.00 3BR 2,509

THE VISTASSold Ashton Park 11245 NEWBURY HILLS AV $369,500.00 4BR 2,431Sold Ashton Park 11220 BEDFORD HILLS AV $335,000.00 4BR 2,431Sold Bella Vista 262 APENNINE PL $325,000.00 3BR 1,884Sold Capri 768 ANACAPRI ST $299,000.00 3BR 2,314Sold Canterra 436 ETERNITY ST $382,000.00 3BR 2,519Sold Solano 11753 DEL SUR AV $332,000.00 4BR 2,461Sold Talaverde 321 CORSICANA ST $440,000.00 3BR 2,349Sold Monterossa 11381 ORAZIO DR $475,000.00 4BR 2,835

THE WILLOWSSold Kingsway Ridge 2767 GALLANT HILLS DR $282,000.00 4BR 2,026Sold Kingsway Ridge 2773 GALLANT HILLS DR $269,500.00 3BR 1,899Sold Kingsway Ridge 2749 GRANDE VALLEY DR $299,750.00 3BR 2,026Sold Autumn Ridge 10956 HARVEST HILL LN $227,000.00 3BR 1,423Sold Autumn Ridge 10983 PUMPKIN RIDGE AV $235,000.00 3BR 1,505Sold Glenbrook 11029 ONSLOW CT $419,990.00 5BR 3,723Sold Castlewood 3274 SQUIRE ST $318,000.00 3BR 2,004Sold Castlewood 3199 TURNING BRIDGE ST $322,000.00 3BR 2,328Sold Castlewood 3186 SQUIRE ST $345,000.00 4BR 2,147Sold Kingsway Ridge 2867 GRANDE VALLEY DR $210,000.00 3BR 1,723Sold Kingsway Ridge 2717 GRANDE VALLEY DR $285,000.00 3BR 1,723

Log on today to www.LasVegasRealEstateMarketReport.com and register for your free monthly neighborhood market report emailed to you directly.

Viva Mercados, owned and operated by the Mercado Family, is a Mexican food restaurant located on West Sahara Avenue that serves fresh, home-style Mexican food. Bobby Mercado moved to Las Vegas in 1974. Never one to dwell on the past, Mercado turned Viva Mercados into one of Southern Nevada’s premier Mexican food restaurants, Viva Mercado’s Mexican Bar and Grill.

The original restaurant, tucked into a shopping center at the intersection of Flamingo Road and Jones Boulevard, was named one of Chile Pepper magazine’s “30 Best Zesty Restaurants in the Country.” It’s also earned a five-star rating from the International Restaurant and Hospitality Bureau since 2003; Excellent Ratings by Zagat, AAA and Mobile Travel Guide; and has been receiving other awards steadily every year.

Mercado has been successful as a businessman and has been cooking Mexican food for Las Vegas residents for the last 42 years. Bobby recognizes his success is due to a huge number of loyal fans who love Mercado’s fresh, home-style Mexican food and who frequent Viva Mercado’s Mexican Bar and Grill.

Viva Mercado’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - (702) 454-84829440 W Sahara Ave #165, Las Vegas Nevada 89117

VivaMercadosLV.com

Have a local Summerlin business that you think should be featured? Send us an email at marketing@theballengroup.com and let us know who you think is worth spotlighting and why! We will tell them you sent us! TheBallenGroupSummerlin.com or join the Facebook group Summerlin Community Las Vegas for Summerlin Community Information such as special events, amentities, dining, entertainment, local business information, and more.

Summerlin Spotlight on Business

Featured Summerlin Business of the Month: Viva Mercado’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Looking to buy a home in Summerlin? Call 702-604-7739 to speak with a Summerlin Real Estate Specialist with The Ballen Group today.

Looking to sell real estate in Summerlin? Call 702-482-7739 to speak with an experienced Summerlin Listing Agent with The Ballen Group at Keller Williams Realty right now.

Yes, we also do Summerlin and Las Vegas short sales!

103.8%Did You Know?

The Ballen Group gets

of your asking price.

Call 702-482-7739 today to receive a free listing consultation

Want to Know the REAL Value of Your Home?

Want to be updated with listings and sales in your neighborhood?

Receive the data FREE by requesting it at www.SummerlinHouseValues.com

Contact The Ballen Group at 702-604-7739 or visit us at TheBallenGroupSummerlin.com

Are your friends or family looking to buy or sell in Summerlin?

C R O S S W O R DPUZZLE

P U Z Z L E answers created by Crosswords Ltd.

ACROSS1 Tucked-in part of a dress shirt4 Cocoon contents9 Glaringly vivid14 “__ you kidding me?”15 Words after make or close16 Carne __: roasted Mexican

dish17 Ford Model T, colloquially19 Siesta taker20 Eight-armed cephalopod21 Speed demon23 Open-__ shoes26 TV producer Norman27 Online “Yikes!”30 Chinese leader33 Bus depot: Abbr.36 Mature male gorilla38 Purim observers39 Essayist de Botton40 Match for a pocket

handkerchief41 West Pointer42 Mideast strip43 One only in it for the money45 Baton Rouge-to-Montgomery

dir.46 Twisting force47 WWII venue48 Latin god50 “__ a lift?”

52 Japanese cooking show56 Schemer Charles60 Gallivants61 Certain rock music fan, and

what 17-, 21-, 36-, 43- and 52-Across each has

64 Last Olds off the line65 Mental picture66 NBC skit show67 Zac of “The Lorax”68 Glove material69 Game gadget, or the area

where it’s usedDOWN1 Boaters and bowlers2 Actor La Salle3 It may drop down or pop up4 Made vulnerable5 Axlike shaping tool6 Tribal land, informally, with

“the”7 Colorado resort8 Out of the wind9 Fire truck feature10 Lady Liberty’s land, familiarly11 Somerset Maugham novel,

with “The”12 Prefix with logical13 Pub missile18 On fire22 South Sudanese supermodel

Wek

24 Goof25 Short person?27 Missouri river28 La Scala’s city29 Like eyes showing boredom31 Drops in a slot32 Stranded at 7-Down, perhaps34 Chirp35 Jetson dog37 By way of38 Spree41 Multi-screen theater43 “Gee whiz”44 It goes for a buck46 Second-most populous

Arizona city49 Warm Argentina month51 “Stupid me!”52 “Dies __”53 Massage deeply54 Actor Jannings55 Earthquake response gp.57 Cozy home58 Writer Grey59 Inactive62 Art on the reality show “Ink

Master”63 Single-malt datum

© 2015 Distributed by TribuneContent Agency, LLC.

11

just for fun l

Retaining the services of The Ballen Group, Las Vegas Real Estate Team, entitles you to a network of professional individuals who are committed to helping you complete your mission. Whether your goal is to buy a dream home in Las Vegas, invest in Las Vegas Real Estate,

or SELL your property in Nevada, The Ballen Group is a team of special forces brought together for a common purpose – to get to the closing table. Don’t just choose a Real Estate Agent – Choose a FORCE – Choose The Ballen Group!

For More Information, Call Us at 702.604.7739

$415,000MLS 1496439, 3 Bed, 3 Bath, 2,512 sq. ft.

$209,999MLS 1494896, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1,958 sq. ft.

$177,500MLS 1486817, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1,588 sq. ft.

$549,900MLS 1492347, 4 Bed, 4 Bath, 3,478 sq. ft.

$580,000MLS 1494024, 3 Bed, 3 Bath, 2,814 sq. ft.

$675,000MLS 1486477, 3 Bed, 3.5 Bath, 2,508 sq. ft.

$850,000MLS 1497392, 3 Bed, 4 Bath, 2,837 sq. ft.

$314,950MLS 1486598, 3 Bed, 3 Bath, 1,616 sq. ft.

Address Beds Bath Sale Price Garage Pool Sq. Ft. Year Built Close date 9453 QUAIL RIDGE DR 2 2 $225,000.00 2 N 1,370 1992 11/25/142701 YOUNGDALE DR 2 3 $419,000.00 2 Y 2,334 1998 12/8/1410560 MAYSTAR LN 3 4 $379,900.00 3 N 1,964 2009 12/2/1410017 CRESENT MESA LN 3 3 $573,500.00 3 N 2,333 2000 12/5/14 3017 REDINGTON DR 2 2 $234,900.00 2 N 1,384 1989 12/5/14 2261 ARAGON CANYON ST 3 3 $298,000.00 2 N 1,750 2005 12/5/14 1112 ENDERLY LN 3 4 $249,900.00 2 Y 2,112 1995 11/25/14 10400 VILLA RIDGE DR 3 3 $379,950.00 2 N 2,577 1994 12/5/14 10333 SWEET FENNEL DR 3 3 $565,000.00 3 Y 2,894 2001 11/26/14 1004 ROYAL PLUM LN 3 3 $349,500.00 3 Y 2,518 1999 12/4/14

90-DAY SALES

UNDER CONTRACT

If you are currently working with a Realtor, this is not considered a solicitation for business.

Address Bed Bath Gar Pool Sq Ft Yr Built List Price Address Bed Bath Gar Pool Sq Ft Yr Built List Price

9328 SUN ROSE AV 4 3 2 Y 2,015 1991 $275,000.008244 SEDONA SUNSET DR 4 2 2 N 2,153 1998 $260,000.002400 DEER LAKE ST 3 2 2 N 2,210 1996 $365,000.002370 MALAGA PEAK ST 3 3 2 N 1,610 2006 $278,500.002179 SILVERED BARK DR 3 3 2 N 1,920 2004 $280,000.001858 GRANEMORE ST 3 3 2 N 1,769 2007 $245,000.001545 BOUNDARY PEAK WY 3 3 2 N 2,570 2001 $329,500.0011356 MERADO PEAK DR 4 3 3 N 2,704 2005 $435,000.0011077 VILLAGE CREST LN 3 3 2 Y 2,576 2003 $250,000.0010809 DOVER CREEK AV 3 3 3 N 2,819 1998 $475,000.0010705 ROYAL VIEW AV 3 2 2 N 2,100 1998 $307,000.0010609 REDWOOD GROVE AV 3 2 2 N 1,987 1999 $250,000.0010593 HARVEST GREEN WY 4 4 2 N 2,573 2012 $389,000.00

10391 AVEBURY MANOR LN 3 3 3 N 2,198 2002 $439,900.0010308 JERSEY SHORE AV 3 3 2 N 1,717 2004 $270,000.0010156 STONE OAK CT 3 3 2 N 2,327 2006 $222,000.0010113 HILL COUNTRY AV 4 3 3 N 2,437 1996 $329,000.0010112 CYPRESS GLEN AV 4 3 3 Y 2,437 1997 $345,000.001008 BRINKMAN ST 3 3 2 N 1,922 2005 $304,900.00 6470 AETHER ST 4 3 2 N 2,250 2007 $235,000.00 3199 RUSHING WATERS PL 3 2 2 N 1,628 2001 $259,900.00 3016 ANNA BAY DR 3 2 2 Y 2,355 1993 $395,000.00 2028 SPRING ROSE ST 4 3 2 Y 2,417 2000 $419,900.00 1425 MUINOS ST 3 3 2 N 1,461 1999 $204,500.00 12005 CIELO AMBER LN 5 4 2 N 2,332 2005 $340,000.00

Did you know that home prices in some areas are up as much as 27%? Your home might be worth more than you thought.

When priced to sell, we are seeing multiple offers on our listings. Call 702-482-7739 to see what

your home might be worth today.