Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

12
PRESORTED STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GREENFIELD, IN PERMIT NO. 67 Discover Publications, 6797 N. High St., #213, Worthington, OH 43085 DP# 12552 INSIDE THIS ISSUE KEEP LARGE APPLIANCES HOME SPACE PAGE 6 CROSSWORD & GAMES JUST FOR FUN PAGE 11 FUN IN AGRITOURISM TRAVEL PAGE 8 LAS VEGAS VINES HOME & GARDEN PAGE 10 BEEF AND BEAN CHILI WOLFGANG PUCK PAGE 9 THEFT OF IDENTITY BUYER’S CORNER PAGE 5 by Lori Ballen as Vegas is starting to feel like they’ve found a life raft as home prices increase. With price increas- es in the 20 percent and higher rang- es through 2013, half of what were our “underwater” homes are no longer expe- riencing negative equity. This means, if homeowners were to sell their home, they could pay off their mortgage where previ- ously it meant the homeowner would have to do a short sale to pay off their lien holder. According to a recent Zillow report, which began tracking the equity patterns in 2011, most of our market is now expe- riencing an equity burst and most have equity. This is the first time since 2011 this has happened, according to Zillow. Las Vegas is looking forward to what this means with consumer spending. Recently, Zillow reported that the percentage of short sale potential sellers (negative equi- ty) dropped to 48.4 percent from 54.3 percent in the first quarter, which is a huge improvement from the first quarter of 2012, when we saw 71 percent. “We are excited to see the changes in the Las Vegas real estate market,” says Lori Ballen, Owner of The Ballen Group Las Vegas Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Realty. “It’s great to see that our market has bounce-backability. Although we recently saw that Las Vegas is number one in foreclosures again, we are excited to see so many homeowners be able to place their homes on the market today and walk away with cash in their pocket instead of just settling with the bank. His or her credit stays in tact, and everybody wins. Couldn’t say that last year.” Although Las Vegas is in better shape as a real estate market, the negative equity in Las Vegas is still more than double the national level, which is at 23.8 percent and, of course, is still way out of the healthy rate, which is less than 5 percent. Las Vegas is headed in the right direction, but is not there yet. What’s exciting about this is that homeowners who were on the fence about selling their Las Vegas homes before will now put their homes on the market because they can. This step will release the tight grip on limited invento- ry, which was driving up prices, and more buyers will find the homes they need. We are hoping a decrease in foreclosures will follow since more will realize they can sell rather than walk away. What we know is that a healthy hous- ing market can create a healthy economy. When homeowners feel there is value in their home, they feel “wealthy” and more confident in spending. “This is a positive effect we look forward to seeing in Las Vegas,” says Lori, who has lived in Summerlin, Las Vegas with her husband and four children since the early 1990s. Lori’s real estate team, The Ballen Group, was quick to adopt short sales into their real estate business as a spe- cialty. The Ballen Group has closed over 300 short sales and built an entire infrastructure around the default ser- vices industry. “Handling short sales is a completely different business than traditional equity sales,” says Tom Wirt, CEO and Lead Listing Specialist for The Ballen Group. “We were forced to take on additional administrative staff and create complex systems to best serve our clients who were facing foreclosures. The short sale process is long, tedious, and requires talent and systems to pro- tect our clients through the short sale process. But we get them done, again and again. We are excited to see the Las Vegas boom and now are experiencing less than 35 percent negative equity sell- ers in our new listing inventory. We are not just excited for us; we are excited for Las Vegas,” Tom says. In Summerlin, which is where The Ballen Group specializes, 25.7 percent still owe more than their home is worth. “Short sales are not gone. They have decreased. Our team is still ready to move those short sales through and help homeowners in Summerlin and in the Las Vegas Valley,” says Lori Ballen con- fidently. n L NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 If you are currently working with a Realtor, this is not considered a solicitation for business. Las Vegas Homeowners See Growth in Home Equity SINGLE FAMILY LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE: For Sale / Available – 6,434 Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 8,059 Inventory – 24 days of supply Las Vegas Short Sales – 6,127 (down 118 from last week) LAS VEGAS CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES: For Sale / Available – 1,569 Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 1,474 Inventory – 32 days of supply Las Vegas Short Sales – 1,244 ALL LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE COMBINED – SINGLE FAMILY HOMES PLUS CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES: For Sale / Available – 8,003 Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 9,533 Inventory – 26 days of supply Las Vegas Short Sales – 7,371 LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS AT TIME OF PUBLICATION:

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Summerlin, Las Vegas Real Estate News by The Ballen Group of Keller Williams Realty Las Vegas Summerlin

Transcript of Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

Page 1: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

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INSIDE This issue

KEEP LARGE APPLIANCES

HOME SPACE PAGE 6

CROSSwORD & GAMES

juSt fOR fuN PAGE 11

fuN IN AGRItOuRISM

tRAVELPAGE 8

L A S V E G A S

VINESHOME & GARDEN

PAGE 10

bEEf AND bEAN CHILI

wOLfGANG PuCK PAGE 9

tHEft Of IDENtItY

buYER’S CORNER PAGE 5

by Lori Ballen

as Vegas is starting to feel like they’ve found a life raft as home prices increase. With price increas-

es in the 20 percent and higher rang-es through 2013, half of what were our “underwater” homes are no longer expe-riencing negative equity. This means, if homeowners were to sell their home, they could pay off their mortgage where previ-ously it meant the homeowner would have to do a short sale to pay off their lien holder.

According to a recent Zillow report, which began tracking the equity patterns in 2011, most of our market is now expe-riencing an equity burst and most have equity. This is the first time since 2011 this has happened, according to Zillow. Las Vegas is looking forward to what this means with consumer spending. Recently, Zillow reported that the percentage of short sale potential sellers (negative equi-ty) dropped to 48.4 percent from 54.3 percent in the first quarter, which is a huge improvement from the first quarter of 2012, when we saw 71 percent.

“We are excited to see the changes in the Las Vegas real estate market,” says Lori Ballen, Owner of The Ballen Group Las Vegas Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Realty. “It’s great to see that our market has bounce-backability. Although we recently saw that Las Vegas is number one in foreclosures again, we are excited to see so many homeowners be able to place their homes on the market today and walk away with cash in their pocket instead of just settling with the bank. His

or her credit stays in tact, and everybody wins. Couldn’t say that last year.”

Although Las Vegas is in better shape as a real estate market, the negative equity in Las Vegas is still more than double the national level, which is at 23.8 percent and, of course, is still way out of the healthy rate, which is less than 5 percent. Las Vegas is headed in the right direction, but is not there yet.

What’s exciting about this is that homeowners who were on the fence about selling their Las Vegas homes before will now put their homes on the market because they can. This step will release the tight grip on limited invento-ry, which was driving up prices, and more buyers will find the homes they need. We are hoping a decrease in foreclosures will follow since more will realize they can sell rather than walk away.

What we know is that a healthy hous-ing market can create a healthy economy. When homeowners feel there is value

in their home, they feel “wealthy” and more confident in spending. “This is a positive effect we look forward to seeing in Las Vegas,” says Lori, who has lived in Summerlin, Las Vegas with her husband and four children since the early 1990s.

Lori’s real estate team, The Ballen Group, was quick to adopt short sales into their real estate business as a spe-cialty. The Ballen Group has closed over 300 short sales and built an entire infrastructure around the default ser-vices industry. “Handling short sales is a completely different business than traditional equity sales,” says Tom Wirt, CEO and Lead Listing Specialist for The Ballen Group. “We were forced to take on additional administrative staff and create complex systems to best serve our clients who were facing foreclosures. The short sale process is long, tedious, and requires talent and systems to pro-tect our clients through the short sale process. But we get them done, again and again. We are excited to see the Las Vegas boom and now are experiencing less than 35 percent negative equity sell-ers in our new listing inventory. We are not just excited for us; we are excited for Las Vegas,” Tom says.

In Summerlin, which is where The Ballen Group specializes, 25.7 percent still owe more than their home is worth. “Short sales are not gone. They have decreased. Our team is still ready to move those short sales through and help homeowners in Summerlin and in the Las Vegas Valley,” says Lori Ballen con-fidently. n

L

november/december 2013

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

Las Vegas Homeowners See Growth

in Home Equity

Single Family laS VegaS Real eState:

For Sale / available – 6,434Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 8,059

inventory – 24 days of supplylas Vegas Short Sales – 6,127 (down 118 from last week)

laS VegaS CondoS and townhomeS:

For Sale / available – 1,569Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 1,474

inventory – 32 days of supplylas Vegas Short Sales – 1,244

all laS VegaS Real eState Combined –

Single Family homeS PlUS CondoS and

townhomeS:For Sale / available – 8,003

Contingent / Pending / Under Contract – 9,533inventory – 26 days of supplylas Vegas Short Sales – 7,371

laS VegaS Real eState maRket StatS at time oF PUbliCation:

Page 2: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

SPoRtS & hobbieS

by Matt Vensel

In his first four seasons in the NFL, Paul Kruger steadily developed into a productive pass rusher with the Ravens. He was a part of four Ravens playoff teams and a big part of last season’s Super Bowl team.

While he was there, twice a year he got a glimpse of the Cleveland Browns, a downtrodden franchise that has lost 10 straight games to the Ravens and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002.

Kruger signed with the Browns in the offseason. Part of the allure, besides the lucrative contract the Browns dangled to acquire his services, was an opportunity to help turn a franchise around.

“It was important to be a part of something that I could have an influence on,” Kruger said in a recent conference call. “So many people talk about what the Browns have done in the past. To me, it’s irrelevant. The past is the past. This is a new team. I feel really good about our defense and our team and all that we have going on right now.”

The Browns are counting on Kruger to successfully rush the passer and secure the edge against the run. But

they are also hoping that the 27-year-old outside linebacker will become a leader for a young team after learning what it takes to win from Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs. Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said that he has

liked what he has seen so far.Kruger was a second-

round draft pick of the Ravens in 2009. He started seven games for the Ravens in four seasons and totaled 69 tackles and 15.5 sacks. He didn’t emerge as a regular contributor until last season, when he played an integral role in the team’s Super Bowl run.

After recording 1.5 sacks through the team’s first eight

games, Kruger had 7.5 in the second half of the regular season. He added 4.5 sacks in the playoffs, including two sacks in the Super Bowl.

All the while, Kruger knew that he was about to cash in after performing well

in a contract year.“I was pretty focused

on what we were doing, focused on winning games and playing well,” Kruger said. “I obviously knew it was the last year of my contract, so something was going to happen. But whether I was going to stay or go? I really had no idea.”

Kruger said it quickly became clear after the Super Bowl that he wouldn’t return

to the Ravens. So on March 12, the first day of free agency, he and the Browns agreed to terms on a five-year deal worth $40 million, one of the biggest free-agent contracts handed out this offseason.

“I’m really happy with the outcome,” Kruger said. “(There is) no looking back, and here we are.”

There appear to be no hard feelings between Kruger and his former team. “We had a very strong relationship,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said.

But Kruger is a member of the Browns now, and he hopes to use his memories and his experiences from his four years in Baltimore to help his new team grow into champions, too.

“It’s something that I’ll always carry and look back (upon),” Kruger said. “I was able to be a part of some great teams. Obviously, the Super Bowl last year was something I’ll never forget. It’s something that I’ll always be able to fall back on and use that experience to build and grow.” n

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Former Raven Paul Kruger Finds

New Home in Cleveland

aRtS & enteRtainment

by Betsy Sharkey

Catching up with Benedict Cumberbatch at the Toronto International Film Festival is a bit of a sprint.

He’s here with a cluster bomb of rich performances in three prestige films: an Internet rebel in The Fifth Estate, a plantation owner in 12 Years a Slave, and an emotionally unsettled grown son in August: Osage County.

It was his brilliantly deft handling of a modernist Holmes in the BBC series Sherlock that brought Cumberbatch the first wave of serious attention. He has a vocal, radical, international group of fans, and the actor finds himself amused that anyone is all that interested in “how I behave, who I’m behaving with.”

Only a day into the fest, word surfaced that he’d traded the high-end horror of Crimson Peak to step into the lead in the Amazon intrigue of The Lost City of Z for Brad Pitt. Meanwhile, the will-he-or-won’t-he Sith Lord question continues to circle. A Star Wars studio source I bumped into Friday said, “definitely not.” But then

“definitely not” was the party line on Khan, so I hold on to the hope that we might see a lightsaber in his hands.

I say that because Cumberbatch is so very, very good at being bad. “Maybe it’s that I bring good to the bad,” he laughs, settling in for a conversation about Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder at the center of The Fifth Estate—a role that’s tossed Cumberbatch’s name into the Oscar race.

For a time this year, the actor’s re-engineering of the genetically amped-up Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness stood as possibly his best use of extreme measures. A man unhinged by his own unique abilities, as Cumberbatch put it.

Constructing the flaws in specific terms, the actor believes, is some of the most important prep work he does. He’s always searching for the humanity in even the worst of the lot.

“I try to find why the actions may have a point, so people can at least see or empathize with the intentions or motivations,” the 37-year-old British actor explains. “With Khan, he’s a terrorist. But one man’s terrorist is another man’s

freedom fighter.”Which is, in a sense, exactly

how one might think of Assange. In Fifth Estate, Cumberbatch’s task is to do to Assange what Assange did to corporations, governments,

and institutions: expose what’s behind the public face.

The actor sees Assange as more antihero than villain—a serial interrupter of the status quo, opening one can of worms after another, WikiLeaks his bully pulpit.

“What we see is a very strong front man for a very powerful, complex cause,” Cumberbatch says. “There’re reams of footage of him arguing, defending, debating his position and then, did you see

the John Farnham video?”He’s referring to Assange’s

parody of the Aussie pop singer. “There I was struggling to give the man integrity and there he was—and I was thinking ‘Oh my God.’”

The actor portrays a much different man, at a different time in

his life, “this revolutionary warrior. Inside is the element of having to trust certain people and then being betrayed—that’s just seismic.”

The betrayer is Daniel Domscheit-Berg, once Assange’s right-hand man. He’s played by Daniel Brühl, one of Cumberbatch’s close friends (who has a breakout role this fall in Rush). That friendship worked to create a great on-screen chemistry as they weathered WikiLeaks storms. It also helped on Cumberbatch’s difficult days.

One of those days was a scene at a press conference when Assange is under attack. There were nearly 400 extras. “It was terrifying, having rehearsed it for weeks, still with stops and stumbling, having to do it again and again.”

It’s not always like that. “There are days when you find the sweet spot, you might be hanging upside down and stark naked, but everything’s placed right, you’re in the zone. It’s very empowering, but fleeting. The minute you think of it, it’s gone.” n

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Benedict Cumberbatch Is Good at Playing Bad

2

Benedict Cumberbatch (left) as Julian Assange and Daniel Brühl (right) as Daniel Domscheit-Berg in The Fifth Estate.

Cleveland Browns linebacker Paul Kruger, right, takes down Miami Dolphins fullback Charles Clay at

FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.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: [email protected]

Page 3: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

home imPRoVement

3

by Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin

Q: I enjoyed reading your story about on how distressed property REO investments may undermine housing markets. I am the marketing director at a leading hard money lender to residential real estate investors in the southeast.

We provide loans to individuals and entities who flip houses and often capitalize on foreclosure inventory—the “fix and flip” folks mentioned at the end of the article. However, we have found that the majority of our clients are selling the rehabbed homes to homeowners rather than renting. They are able to get excellent returns on their projects and also strengthen the surrounding communities.

While we do see the side of fix-and-flip to rental properties in the market that was discussed in the article, I thought that the opposite side was worthy of discussion.

a: Thanks for your email. For those readers who haven’t come across this sort of lender, hard money lenders lend to investors who typically can’t qualify for a loan with an ordinary commercial mortgage lender or who

receive more advantageous loan terms but at higher interest rates and costs.

Hard money loans are typically provided at extremely high interest rates, accompanied by higher (sometimes very high) points (a point is 1 percent of the loan amount) and fees. While you might imagine a hard money lender being somewhat unsavory in character (a characterization created from film and television depictions of the industry), there are, in fact, hard money nonprofit trade associations, such as the National Hard Money Association and the American Association of Private Lenders, which welcomes hard money lenders in its ranks.

Still, the industry is subject to far less regulation than the secondary mortgage market run by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And if you’re thinking of getting a hard money loan, beware. While there is a legitimate use for hard money lenders in some commercial transactions, they’re a quick route to bankruptcy for many residential real estate investors who may not be prepared to make payments on a loan carrying credit card interest rates.

Now, to your observations: Right now, there is such a high demand for properties from buyers that we’re not surprised that your clients

are selling their properties. A lot of companies in a wide variety of industries are selling everything they own.

Of course, with hard money lending, we’re also sure you’re charging interest rates far above 3.5 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, with plenty of points and fees added on top of that. Your clients are probably paying double-digits for their loans, and are looking to unload the properties and pay off the mortgages as quickly as possible.

But hedge funds, private equity players, and other bigger investors seem to be utilizing a buy and hold strategy. It will be interesting to see how they unload these properties over the next few years and what happens to local markets when they do. A lot of their buying took place in the southwest and southeast, in markets that were extremely damaged in the housing crisis. Many of these markets have not yet recovered.

It would be difficult to sustain the cash flow necessary to pay off a loan with a 20 percent interest rate, for example. This is why investors try to get these loans paid off as quickly as possible. n

© 2013 Distributed by Tribune Media Services

Hard Money Lenders and the Fix-and-Flip Game

If you choose to paint, don’t be shy about color. Try a bold approach.

by Kathryn Weber

K itchen cabinets make a strong style statement, but if you’ve thought about replacing

yours, the project may seem daunting. A lengthy kitchen renovation usually requires a big budget, and often, more time than money. But there are lots of ways to freshen up your cabinets and save on both.

QUICK CHANGES

Sometimes simply sprucing up the look of your cabinets is all it takes to give your kitchen a whole new feel. Easy ways to update always starts with paint. If your cabinets are already painted, why not change the color?

And don’t be shy! Try a bold approach with bright shades like orange, robin’s egg blue, or yellow. If those colors seem a little too loud, other stylish options include all shades of gray, mossy greens, and steely blues. Or you could simply try painting only the top or bottom cabinets a different color to create a contrast.

Still more choices include pulling out select cabinets for painting, such as an island or a sink cabinet.

Other quick changes include mixing up open and closed cabinets. Removing a few doors to create an open display cabinet can give your kitchen a new focal point and can make the room seem larger. Of course, door insets can also be removed and replaced with glass (www.bendheimcabinetglass.com) for a lighter, brighter look.

RENOVATE

If you have a little larger budget, resurfacing will give your cabinets a new look without a complete tear out. You can hire out the work or replace doors and drawer fronts yourself by ordering online (www.cabinetdoordepot.com).

If you’re ready to move on from cabinets all together, consider replacing with them with open shelves. Yet another way to shake

things up is to do a minimal tear out and just replace one bank of cabinets with open shelves.

If you’d like bold style and want a big graphic print or design on your cabinets, or even a picture of your favorite vacation spot, it’s all possible with Custom Cupboards Facets cabinets. Virtually any design, color, or picture you can imagine can be imprinted on your cabinets. Love plaid or geometric designs? Even these are available (www.customcupboards.com/Facets).

JAZZY OPTIONS

Still another option is tricking out your cabinets. This can include installing roll out shelves and organizers, interior lighting, under cabinet lighting, and painting or wallpapering the cabinet interiors. New hardware always adds interest.

Retro style is making strides, too. Try adding arched framing around a kitchen window or rounded

corner cabinets that were once so popular. If your cabinet fronts are flat, interesting molding and accents like bead board can change up the appearance. Even small, simple additions can have a big impact. n

© 2013 Distributed by Tribune Media Services

“… another option

is tricking out your

cabinets. This can include

installing roll out shelves

and organizers, interior

lighting, under cabinet

lighting, and painting or

wallpapering the cabinet

interiors. New hardware

always adds interest.”

Update Your Kitchen Cabinets Without

SPENdING A FORTUNE

on the homeFRont

6797 N. High Street, Suite 213Worthington, Ohio 43085

877.872.3080 • www.DiscoverPubs.com

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

Tribune Media Services.

© Copyright 2013 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

L A S V E G A S

Page 4: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

SelleR’S CoRneR

4

by Lauren Beale

In Tinseltown, even movie stars can be found playing the home-flipping game—and this year they’ve upped the ante.

Celebrity muscle is behind some mega-bucks Los Angeles property turnarounds, part of a boom in the rapid buy-fix-resell mania known as flipping.

Actors Jeremy Renner and Kristoffer Winters have roughly two dozen house flips under their tool belts. They just sold an estate in Los Angeles for $24 million. The Roaring ‘20s Art Deco-style mansion, which Winters dubbed the Reserve, is set at the end of a cobblestone driveway on two acres.

Brad Blumenthal, who played Jerry Lewis in Pulp Fiction, and co-investor Leo Hauser have a contemporary Los Angeles compound they created listed for sale at $28.8 million. Set above the Sunset Strip, the sleek home and guest house make the most of their head-on city views.

The ranks of celebrity home flippers include Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton; L.A. Law actor Corbin Bernsen and his wife, actress-interior designer Amanda Pays; and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman star Jane Seymour, area real estate agents say. Other entertainers opt to invest in home flipping behind the scenes and let someone else do the work.

Flipping activity is frenzied this year and not just among the famous.

The recovering real estate market has seen an increase in flipping at all price points, with the quick turnover of luxury properties nearly

doubling since last year, according to DataQuick, a real estate information provider. In the $1 million-plus market, 5.3 percent of properties were flipped in the first six months of this year, compared with 3.4 percent during the first half of last year.

In the luxury niche, home flips typically require at least a year to complete, compared with six months in the overall market, said Jan Brzeski of Arixa Capital Advisors, which provides funding for homes in prime locations being renovated for resale. The flippers he works with typically see profits in the 12 percent to 20 percent range, he said.

Stars who are also flippers have the added advantages of a built-in publicity hook, an established network of contacts and unique insight into the taste of the well-heeled Hollywood crowd.

Still, most celebs prefer to stick to their day jobs rather than put millions of dollars at risk.

“There are not a whole lot who are playing at this level,” said real estate broker Billy Rose of the Agency, who is one of the listing agents for the Sunset Strip compound. Those who dare, he said, often want to make an architectural statement as well as money.

That would describe the Renner-Winters team, who began flipping houses as a way to survive between roles and now specialize in dramatic houses.

“As an actor starting out, you can have so much free time on your hands,” Winters said. “I used to have the nicest apartments and people would say, ‘Hey, can you help me out?’”

Renner and Winters, who were both in the Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker, started flipping a dozen years ago, turning around a $600,000 house in the Nichols Canyon area for $900,000.

“We didn’t have any clue as to what we were doing,” Winters said of the first flip. “But we made a really nice chunk of change.”

They sank the profits into another house and another, often living in the homes they were renovating early on, he said. “We would sleep on the sofas.”

The challenge and artistic outlet has proven a fit for their talents. Winters likens the flipping process to “figuring out the Rubik’s Cube on how I can make this house flow better.”

They have sold most of their homes furnished, which meant settling in the next place and starting from scratch—sometimes without power or water, Winters said. “My

office used to be in an SUV.”A monthly gym pass would

provide a place to shower and brush their teeth.

Balancing acting careers and construction projects presented its own challenges, Winters said. “I’d have 10 pages of script to memorize, and guys to supervise on the work site.”

Up until the last several years, the two made more money flipping houses than acting, Winters said. Now, Renner keeps busy with films such as The Bourne Legacy and The Avengers, and Winters is focusing full-time on flipping houses, often bringing in other financial partners. He has offices on Sunset Boulevard and a staff of five.

Winters is juggling several projects—one with Renner and two with clients—while he looks for his next house to tackle.

The Reserve, with a wine cellar, a theater, six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and 10,000-plus square feet of living space, is the most ambitious undertaking to date. The property cost $7 million, and the nearly $25 million asking price included pretty much everything the buyer needed to move right in.

“If you are going after a big-boy house, you have to know your market and your clientele,” Winters said. Convenience is essential in this niche market, especially with foreign buyers. “They don’t want to spend two years with an interior designer.”

The new owner needed to bring only a toothbrush, suitcase, and laptop, he said. “The Wi-Fi was already set up.”

At Blumenthal’s house above the

Sunset Strip, the focus is also on creating a trophy property.

“These are one-of-a-kind gems that no one else has,” said the actor, who has flipped 16 homes in as many years. “People want a sexy house.”

The one-acre-plus compound he helped develop includes 13,000 square feet of living space in three structures—a main house, a guesthouse, and a gym/wellness center above the garage.

Designed by noted architect Hagy Belzberg, the estate features spaces for indoor-outdoor living, a swimming pool, and a lawn. There are eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms.

The wine “cellar” is a glass-walled room with bottles artfully displayed. The kitchen, often the heart of a party, has its own dining and living areas.

Despite the high finances involved in developing the home, Blumenthal is confident he has the winning combination of panoramic city views, usable outdoor space and lawn, and architectural style to warrant the $28.8 million price tag.

“I’ve never come close to losing money on a house,” he said. “I don’t get involved unless it’s a no-brainer.”

Winters, however, is willing to admit that as the budgets have gotten bigger, so has the financial risk.

“It’s a big gamble,” said Winters, who said he continues to learn each time he tackles a house. “You just hope you make less mistakes.” n

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Pardon Our Star Dust: Celebrities Delve into House Flipping

Stars who are also flippers have the added advantages of a built-in publicity

hook, an established network of contacts and unique insight

into the taste of the well-heeled

Hollywood crowd.

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

25% Discount on YourHome Inspection with This Ad

Steve montasano 702-373-9519

Page 5: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

bUyeR’S CoRneR

by Jack Guttentag

“I don’t want to price-shop for a mortgage, because I don’t feel competent enough and don’t want to take the time to educate myself on how to do it. I want to go to a lender who I have been told, by someone I trust, is competent and will treat me fairly. So whom can I trust for such a referral? Are friends who have recently gone through the process my best bet?”

No, consumers are generally a poor source of referral information. While referrals from recent borrowers do have the advantage of being disinterested, as compared to referrals from professionals such as real estate agents, borrowers are not well-positioned to interpret their own experience accurately.

For one thing, borrower ratings are based on a single experience covering a complicated process extending over several weeks. That single exposure might not be typical or representative. As a point of comparison, a consumer providing a referral to a restaurant will usually base it on multiple visits to the restaurant, which might also have included guests who provided additional information.

In addition, few mortgage borrowers are well equipped to interpret that experience accurately. Again, the comparison with a restaurant referral is instructive. Consumers typically know a lot about food preparation, but few mortgage borrowers know much about mortgages when they begin the process. This makes their interpretations of what transpires vulnerable to misperceptions.

One important example is how consumers interpret their loan processing experience. Difficult cases, where the loan officer has to struggle to get the borrower approved, require more time and more documents from the borrower, which often frustrates the borrower and results in a poor evaluation. The easy cases, which require minimal effort by the loan officer, are the ones most likely to get a favorable referral.

Another example is how borrowers interpret rejection. Property value declines following the financial crisis have increased rejections of refinance applications because of insufficient equity in the property. Borrowers who pay for an appraisal only to have their application rejected are unlikely to have kind words for the lender who rejected them. In times past, messengers bearing bad news were sometimes hanged.

Similarly, lenders take the rap when they have to enforce ridiculous rules issued as knee-jerk responses to the financial crisis. One such rule that frustrates many mortgage applicants requires full income documentation by the self-employed, regardless of their credit score or their equity in the property. Some of these frustrated borrowers have complained to me about the stupidity of lenders.

In addition, borrowers often misinterpret their experience in locking the mortgage price. In most cases, the price quoted to a borrower cannot be locked for several days, during which the market will almost always change. (Prices are reset every day, and sometimes during the day.) If the price rises during that period, the lender will come back to the applicant with the bad news, and ask if the applicant wants to lock the higher price. Whether they go forward or not, the applicant will usually be displeased because the price requested was not received; the borrower might even allege that the lender pulled a bait and switch.

If, in contrast, the market price falls prior to the lock and the lender offers to lock the price that was quoted earlier, the applicant will usually be pleased because the price they received was the price they expected. Yet the reality is that the lender in the first case played it straight, while the lender in the second case cheated the borrower by not passing through the drop in market price.

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Your Friend’s Lender

Might Not Be Right for You

5

Credit Check Turns up

by Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin

Q: I love your show. My 25-year old daughter thinks she is ready to jump into the housing market. When checking her credit, she found out that she may have already bought a house and a car. (And, of course, she did not, but someone may have used her identity to buy it.)

Can you please give us some advice as to

the best way to proceed?

She

is getting the documentation from one of the credit reporting bureaus, but is afraid she will miss out on the condo she was looking to purchase. I know she shouldn’t worry about losing the condo. If it is meant to be, then it is meant to be. But I hate that she has had this bad experience the first time out.

a: Thanks for your email. How awful for your daughter to find out her credit has been stolen.

Your daughter should immediately put a fraud alert

on her credit report. She can do this through any of the other major credit reporting agencies, including Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Once she puts a fraud alert on her credit report with one

credit agency, t h e

others will automatically pick that up. That won’t stop whatever fraud has taken place, but will help limit the damage going forward.

Next, she needs to work with the credit reporting agencies to understand exactly what is on her credit history and how she has been affected. Then, she will have to file a police report so that she has the proper documentation to present to the credit reporting agencies (CRAs).

From here on out, it’s a long, slow slog as she tries to unwind everything that has happened. She should work with a CPA or enrolled agent (see 4GAEA.org in Georgia) to figure out if someone else has been filing taxes under her Social Security number. She should then do a search with her Social Security number to see what else pops up against it. There are investigators and attorneys she can hire who will dig in and try to unravel what real estate has been purchased that has been tied

to her Social Security number, if she can’t.

The house and car loans

s h o u l d

turn up on her credit history.She should gather her

proof together because she’ll need to file affidavits with each of the credit reporting bureaus as part of the unwinding. Just be aware, unwinding this can take up to a year, though hopefully less.

Your daughter should read as much as she can about identity theft. There are a number of websites with good information, including TrustedID.com, Ident i tyProtect ion.com, LifeLock, and the Equifax Finance Blog (www.blog.equifax.com). (Full disclosure, Ilyce is the managing editor for the Equifax Finance Blog, and her company has provided content to IdentityProtection.com).

As far as missing out on the condo, she (and you) shouldn’t be worried. Once she has the police report and has filed the affidavits with the credit reporting bureaus, she’ll have a folder to share with the loan officer. She may need to work with someone in person, at a local bank or mortgage brokerage, but identity theft shouldn’t stop her from buying her first home, but it could slow the process down. n

© 2013 Distributed by Tribune Media Services

theftidentity

of Homebuyer’s

Page 6: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

home SPaCe

CloggedGutters

by Angie Hicks

Don’t fall down on the job of keeping your gutters and downspouts clear and in good repair. They may be an “out of sight, out of mind” aspect of your home exterior, but neglecting them can lead to costly repairs.

Here’s a basic guide to gutter maintenance, compiled by our researchers and based on the expertise of gutter pros rated highly by Angie’s List members:

WHEN TO CHECK, CLEAN GUTTERS

Fall is a good time to think about gutters, since leaves dropping from trees are a main cause of clogging. But gutters and downspouts can be blocked by other things, too, including pine needles, twigs, “helicopter” maple seeds, and even tennis balls.

Experts recommend checking your gutter system at least twice a year, in the spring and in the fall after trees have shed most of their leaves and needles.

Depending on how many trees you have, you may need to clear gutters and downspouts as often as every three months. If you have few trees or your gutters are covered by a screen or other guard-type product, they may need to be cleaned only once a year or every few years.

THE COST OF NEGLECT

You could pay a price if you ignore periodic inspection and cleaning. As one top-rated gutter professional told our researcher: “Gutter prevention is measured in pennies; repairs are measured in dollars.”

Clogged downspouts and gutters cause water to overflow the gutter, which can damage fascia or soffit boards, erode landscaping, or cause a roof leak, which in turn may create additional exterior or interior damage. Fixing these problems can cost you thousands of dollars. Clogged gutters can also be related to pest and rodent infestation.

HIRE OR dIY?

If you clean your gutters, be careful when working from a ladder and don’t forget to clear downspouts, too.

Even if you have gutter guards, you may want to hire a professional. Experts say up to 20 percent of leaves and other material can get through a gutter cover, and that experienced workers may be better at removing and reinstalling the guards.

A professional gutter cleaning should include removal of all leaves and other material from the roof, gutters, and downspouts, as well as a check of overall gutter condition and repair of any loose gutter spikes. In addition, the person who does the work should leave your yard clear of debris.

PRICING ANd HIRING TIPS

The cost of gutter cleaning depends on the size and height of your home. Special equipment may be required to clean gutters of a three-story home, for example. Prices range from $75 to $225 for an average home, depending on the length of gutters and height of house. Most companies charge a flat fee per foot of gutter, but the cost can rise, depending on the complexity of the work.

If you’re thinking about having gutter covers installed, be aware that the price usually starts at around $1,500.

To find a reliable gutter expert, get recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors, or check a trusted online review source. Ask for and check references, get several estimates, and confirm that the company you hire is properly licensed and adequately insured. n

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

6

by Angie Hicks

W hen the fridge goes warm or the washing

machine stops spinning, you may face a crucial question: Is it worth spending time and money getting an appliance repaired, or would it be wiser to replace it?

The answer depends on numerous factors. Our consumer-services research team, in talking to top-rated appliance repair professionals from around the country, recommends these guidelines for deciding:

C h e c k t h e troubleshooting section of the instruction manual. You may discover an easy fix that might negate the need to call a repair person.

Consider the age and history of the appliance. Has it broken down before? If you’ve not had prior problems, it may be cost-effective to explore repair options first.

In many cases, it can be worth the money to call a repair pro out, even if you have to pay for a service call. A reliable

appliance expert can examine the device and explain your options.

If a repair is estimated to cost more than half the price of a new appliance and the unit is more than 6 or 7 years old, it may be time to buy a new one.

When comparing a repair estimate to the cost of replacement, be sure to factor in all costs, including whether there will need to be retrofitting or other accommodations if a

replacement doesn’t easily fit in your kitchen. Consider any costs for removal, installation, and disposal. Also, determine how soon any energy savings will offset the cost of a new appliance.

Our researchers hear frequently about situations in which a repair saved a consumer significant money over the cost of replacement. One recent example featured a Maryland member of Angie’s List who considered replacing his 15-year-old refrigerator when water leaked from the bottom.

The top-rated repair service he hired found that the leak was caused by a clogged defrost drain in the freezer, easily repaired for $99. The service provider estimated the fridge would last another five or six years with the fix, compared to a cost of $1,500 or more to buy a new fridge.

Other common problems that can be affordably repaired include dishwashers or washing machines clogged by too much residual soap, and appliances in need of new fan motors, belts, and electronic controls.

More extensive, expensive repairs that might signify that replacement is a better option include issues with the refrigerant system or compressor with fridges, or broken motors on washers and dryers.

If you don’t know a reliable appliance repair professional, check with neighbors, friends, or online review services to see who’s locally well-reviewed. Check how long the company has been in business and how much inventory its workers carry on trucks, as well as how quickly a technician can be sent out.

One way to reduce the need for hiring appliance repair services is to take good care of your large appliances. Our team suggests these tips for keeping appliances running longer:

• Clean refrigerator condenser coils annually.

• Don’t overload dishwashers or washing machines.

• Clean the dishwasher’s filter to remove debris and hard-water deposits. Make sure spray holes in the spinning arms are debris-free.

• Clean the dryer’s lint filter before each use. Inspect and thoroughly clean the exhaust duct annually.

• Don’t allow grease to build up on your stove or oven.

• Check air filters monthly and replace as needed.

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Large Appliances Repair or Replace?

… common

problems that

can be affordably

repaired include

… appliances in

need of new fan

motors, belts,

and electronic

controls.

Page 7: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

home SPaCe

7

by Angie Hicks

O ne of the joys of early fall is spending deck time with family and friends. That is, of course, unless your outdoor structure has become a debris-laden,

splintering eyesore.A wood deck can last a lifetime, providing it’s well

maintained. If you want to keep yours—or get yours—in good shape, follow tips our research team gleaned from highly rated deck pros:

dO AN INSPECTIONReview the deck annually, searching for such safety hazards

as loose bolts, nails, rails, handles, and floorboards.

KEEP IT CLEANAt least once a year, clear your deck of leaves, twigs,

branches, and other material.To remove mold, mildew, or other stains, use a deck-

cleaning solution and a stiff brush. Power washing is another option, but use a light setting; high pressure can splinter wood.

STAIN OR SEALDepending on how much time your deck bakes in the sun

or is exposed to other extremes, it will need to be stained or sealed every two to four years.

Start with a thorough cleaning, making sure the deck dries for a full 24 to 48 hours before applying the first coat of stain or sealant. Two coats are recommended, as deck wood, over time, will develop cracks that will expand with the passing of the seasons.

If deck wood is new or in good shape, consider a transparent stain that lets much of the grain show through. A semi-transparent stain will reveal less grain and a solid color will cover completely. Solid stain is recommended if wood is splintering or otherwise showing signs of damage.

Whatever product you choose, be sure it repels water and contains a UV protector to resist fading. Also, look for a water-soluble or oil-based stain. Oil-based products will last from three to five years.

Apply stain or sealant evenly and watch for drips, especially on vertical services. Be sure to “back brush” as you apply, pushing the material into the cracks of the deck boards, making sure it’s absorbed completely.

If deck upkeep is more work than you want to do yourself, there are many companies that provide deck repair and maintenance services.

The price of hiring a professional can vary greatly, depending on the size and shape of your deck, as well as the materials used. Basic maintenance—cleaning, wood repair, and staining or sealing—ranges from $400 to more than $1,000.

If you decide to hire deck help, get several bids, check references, and confirm that the company is appropriately licensed and insured. In addition, make sure the company has a plan for covering and protecting plants and other areas from cleaners or stains.

And when all is done, celebrate with some well-deserved downtime on your now-delightful deck. n

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Deck Maintenance

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 deciding 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.

• DirectSupervision Team Management which includes leaders in both the

home buying division and the home selling division. These Managers are held to a high standard by Richard

and Lori and must continually provide leadership, train-ing, and accountability to the team. These leaders are at YOUR direct disposal and can be contacted whenever you, the consumer, feel it necessary.

• AdministrativeStaff 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 representa-tive to specialize in negotiations and your admin to dot the I’s and cross the T’s during the transaction.

• YourSpecializedAgent The Ballen Group is comprised of “niches.” Training,

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

• Age Qualified / Active Adult Living / Retirement Communities

• LuxuryHomesandGolfCommunities

• MilitaryHousingandRelocation

• FirstTimeHomeBuyers

• LasVegasInvestments

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

• LasVegasShortSaleAgentTeam

• LasVegasForeclosures

• RentalDivision The Ballen Group, who not only 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. n

our value ProPosition:

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

Page 8: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

tRaVel

8

by Samantha Feuss

W hen booking your next family holiday, perhaps you would like to try something a little different and more hands-on.

Ideally, you’d like to do something that will bring you closer as a family while learning fun and useful things. Agritourism—the family fun that comes from the intersection of agriculture and tourism—is growing in both popularity and availability. It not only is an educational experience, but a truly unique and interesting one that the whole family can enjoy.

For many, farming was the way our ancestors made a living, and there are still quite a few Americans today who farm full time. Family farms, however, are fast going the way of horse drawn carriages and mechanical watches—it gets harder every year for small, family-owned farms to make a living while large brand-owned businesses are in the game and making regulations difficult. Enter agritourism. Not only does this allow family farms to stay afloat, but also gives today’s families and children, who often have zero idea about manual and physical labor, insight to the inner workings of farm life, rural living, and a whole day being outside—without a video game in sight.

We recently took such a trip to Hull-O Farms in the Catskills of upstate New York. This is not a petting zoo—you can actually take part in farm chores. You will learn to milk a cow, feed the chickens, find the eggs from the coop, bottle feed baby goats, and more. Your family stays right on farm property, eating food using fresh farm ingredients prepared by Mrs. Hull herself. Many of her recipes have been honed after being handed down for generations.

The family is the sixth generation of farmers who have lived on the property. Mr. Hull (aka “Farmer Frank”) was born in a room right by the kitchen. Mrs. Hull prides herself on her pancakes, and with good reason. She has produced a cookbook, sharing

some of her secrets with readers (though she refuses to share her pancake recipe), and Farmer Frank has spent years perfecting his sausage patties—yes, made from scratch. You know where your food comes from at Hull-O Farms.

We spent quite a bit of time with Farmer George, not an owner of the property but a hired hand. His patience with the children and guidance was greatly appreciated, as we “city folk” had never fed baby goats before nor had cast a fishing line in a very long time. My son, being only 5, was slow and clumsy, but George was patient, calm, and gentle with him, letting him make mistakes to learn from them. My son learned many things while on the farm, from the right way to hold a bottle, to how to feed pigs, to learning where eggs come from and why they come out white or brown. My son was enthralled with the experience we had at the farm, so much that he is still asking when we will return.

We had some downtime from farm chores and were able to go fishing with Farmer George and participate in a sunset sing-a-long and s’mores roast with the other guests while local musician Greg Stewart plucked at his guitar.

Furthermore, my son was also able to meet some animal friends, including a large white turkey (Frick, of the pair “Frick and Frack”) as well as a fluffy gray and white cat that followed us around everywhere.

Giving your children the experience of being outdoors, as well as working with and having hands-on time with animals and farm chores, are experiences that are lacking today. Being able to look out your window and see cows grazing is a treat for any child not used to it—and, I must admit, for parents as well.

For more information or to book a trip, go to www.hull-o.com or call 518-239-6950. n

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

AgritourismProvides Family Fun

Guests fish at Hull-O Farms

A friendly cat and turkey visit with guests at Hull-O Farms

Eggs arecollected atHull-O Farms

Page 9: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

9

tRendSetteRS

wolFgang PUCk’S kitChen

BEEF ANd BLACK BEAN CHILIdirections Serves 10 to 12

The night before, sort through the beans, put in a sieve, and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a bowl and add cold water to cover by 2 inches. Cover loosely and soak overnight at room temperature.

At least 3 hours before you plan to serve the chili, heat 1/2 cup oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and saute, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large pot over medium heat, heat the remaining oil. Add the pasilla

chiles and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, saute the diced onion until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, put 2 cups broth and the sauteed pasillas. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and, following manufacturer’s instructions to take care when working with hot liquids, puree.

Stir the bay leaves, garlic, pepper, cumin, and paprika into the pot with the onions and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour

in the broth-chile puree. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, beef, and beer. Partially cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2 hours, until the beef is very tender and the sauce is thick.

Meanwhile, prepare the beans. Drain them, reserving the soaking liquid. Put the beans in a saucepan with the quartered yellow onion, carrot, and celery. Pour in the remaining broth and the 1-1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer briskly until tender, about 2 hours, adding reserved soaking liquid if needed to keep the beans covered.

Remove the onion, carrot, and celery. Drain the beans, reserving the liquid.

Stir the jalapenos, serranos, oregano, thyme, and lemon zest and juice into the beef mixture. Stir in the drained bean and cilantro, then the molasses. If the chili seems too thick, stir in some reserved bean cooking liquid. Season to taste with salt. Remove the bay leaves.

Serve accompanied by bowls of cheese, onion, and sour cream, for guests to add to taste, along with warm tortillas. n

© 2013 Distributed by MCT Information Services

Basically a robust meat stew seasoned with spicy peppers, chili is satisfying, fortifying and warms you up from the inside.

INGREdIENTS• 1/2 pound dried

black beans• 3/4 cup vegetable oil• 2-1/2 pounds boneless

beef chuck or round, cut into 1/2-inch dice

• 6 dried pasilla chiles, stemmed and seeded

• 2 pounds yellow onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice, plus 1medium-sizedyellowonion, peeled and quartered

• 3-1/2 cups organic beef broth

• 3 bay leaves• 1 small head garlic,

peeled and minced

• 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons ground cumin

• 2 tablespoons paprika• 2 pounds tomatoes, peeled,

seeded, and chopped• 4-1/2 cups dark beer• 1/2 carrot, cut into chunks• 1/2 celery stalk, cut into

chunks• 1-1/2 cups water• 2 jalapeno chiles,

halved, stemmed, seeded, deveined, and minced

• 2 serrano chiles, halves, stemmed, seeded, deveined, and minced

• 1 bunch fresh oregano, leaves finely chopped

• 1 bunch fresh thyme, leaves finely chopped

• 2lemons,zestedandjuiced• 1 bunch fresh cilantro,

leaves finely chopped• 1/4 cup molasses• Salt• Crumbled queso fresco or

shredded monterey jack cheese, for serving

• Chopped yellow onion, for serving

• Sour cream, for serving• Fresh, warm flour or corn

tortillas, for serving

Animal-FriendlyF a s h i o n

by Ellen Warren

Abargain is always a thrill. It’s why I am willing to poke through bins of

ratty-looking stuff at a thrift store or paw the racks at the Salvation Army looking for hidden treasure.

It’s still rousing to gaze at the $6.99 Manolo Blahniks that I found at a Goodwill years ago. And my heart rate goes up when I hear a friend boast that he found a classic Chanel quilted bag for his wife for $20 at one of his favorite secondhand places.

So when shoppers tell me that thrift store shopping is eco-conscious—buying used instead of new—well, all the better.

And the same goes for the growing number of “mindful living” shoppers who tell me they prefer “animal-friendly” or “animal-free” products.

I’ve got nothing against leather (or fur, for that matter), but for those who opt for vegan fashions and accessories, the options have never been better.

I know that because I recently went shopping for nonleather alternatives and found an amazing array at great prices.

In the past few years, fake leather (or pleather) has gotten so convincing that in many cases you won’t be able to tell the difference (until you check the price tag). It

even feels like leather—but costs so much less.

The Express chain has a line of fashions for men and women prominently tagged “(minus the) leather.” Obviously appealing to the ethical shopping audience, the tag reads, “In other words, this product does not contain leather.”

Online shoe giant zappos.com has a vegan section. But there also are plenty of brands and online stores that, while they don’t promote their products as vegan or animal friendly, nonetheless contain no leather. For instance, Steve Madden, Chinese Laundry, and Jessica Simpson shoes often have no leather components.

Search Google images for “symbols for shoe materials” if you’re not sure what the little drawings on stickers on shoe soles mean. Also, check for sewn-in labels on purses that tell what the outside (shell) and lining are made of. You’re looking for words like “all man-made materials,” “100% man-made materials,” “fabric,” “cork,” “polyester,” “polyurethane,” “PU,” “non-leather,” and “new material only.”

That is not to say that some nonleather products don’t use glue derived from animals. Or that production of those man-made materials isn’t harmful to the environment. And just because the fashions and accessories have no

leather content, that’s no guarantee that the laborers who make them (mostly in China) are paid a fair wage in good working conditions.

dESIGNS ON SUSTAINABILITY?Most of us can’t afford the

environmentally conscious Stella McCartney designs ( s te l l amccar tney .com), where a no-leather

purse can easily cost more than $1,000. But there are labels and shopping sites that pride themselves on selling only vegan, ethical, eco-friendly, recycled, biodegradable, low-impact, guilt-free, eco-conscious, sustainable products. Definitions of all of those terms can v a r y .

Some labels and websites to consider: olsenhaus.com (mostly shoes); mattandnat.com (bags and wallets); neuaurashoes.com (shoes); compass ioncoutureshop.com (shoes, bags, beauty, jewelry); cri-de-coeur.com (shoes, bags, jewelry); and alternativeoutfitters.com (shoes, bags, clothes, accessories,

jewelry, beauty). n

© 2013 Distributed by McClatchy-

Tribune Information Services

Laptop case: Aldo, “Parkers,” $60, aldoshoes.com; Jacket: Express, quilted moto jacket, $128, express.com; Shoes: Neuaura Shoes, Kanna, $104 reduced to $78, neuaurashoes.com; Clutch: Francesca’s, woven glitter clutch, $34, francescas.com; Belt: Style & Co., $21.98 for two, Macy’s, macys.com.

Page 10: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

home & gaRden

by Sean Conway

Frequently, friends and family ask me for horticultural advice. The questions range from the mundane—why won’t this or that houseplant bloom?—to complicated design issues such as what to plant to screen a yard from the neighbors.

Most of the questions are good ones, although some require more information than the person can readily supply. For instance, I have lost count of how many times I’ve been asked, “What should I plant on the side of my house?” or “What should I plant under my kitchen window?”

Inevitably, I am forced to explain that I have no idea what sort of conditions exist under the kitchen window or on the side of the house in question. Is it sunny or shady? Is there an overhang preventing rain from reaching the soil? Are there trees nearby whose roots will compete for water and

nutrients? Is the soil fertile or is poor? Does it drain well or is it poorly draining?

There are many factors that can influence the success or failure of a plant or plantings, but once enough information is provided, there is often a plant or plants that will suit the conditions.

In fact, plants often provide the perfect solution to a design dilemma, but one needs to think creatively about their use.

Several years ago a friend invited me to visit her new condominium in the city and was eager to point out that it included a garden. The garden, like many city gardens, was fairly narrow but long. It was bordered on one side by an abandoned lot filled with weeds and on the other by an empty, narrow space similar to hers.

Neither side was attractive, and my friend was unsure of how she could make the space inviting. She felt like a fish in a bowl when

in the garden and didn’t like looking at the mess on one side and the empty, unused space on the other.

There was not enough space to plant screening shrubs or rows of evergreens

along both sides of the garden without making the space feel crowded or using up valuable real estate. Fortunately, a 6-foot tall chain link fence enclosed the space—another eyesore, from my friend’s

perspective but not necessarily from mine.

I certainly agreed with her that the fence was ugly, but it also provided the perfect solution to her design problem. Fences, especially open, loose ones like chain link, provide excellent support for vines. Vines are often overlooked in garden design, but for small spaces like city gardens they can be the perfect solution to a myriad of problems.

In addition to growing relat ively quickly, (depending on the species) vines can be trained to grow upward, taking advantage of vertical space as opposed to horizontal space. This makes them perfect candidates for screening without taking up a lot of room.

I advised my friend to plant a vine called Aristolochia macrophylla along her fence. Commonly called Dutchman’s pipe vine, it gets its name from the small pipe-shaped flowers that appear in the spring just

as the leaves emerge.Aristolochia is a fast

growing vine that can grow in a variety of conditions but does best in full sun situations like my friend’s fence. Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves emerge early in the year and last late into the fall. Pests do not bother the leaves, and when the plant grows on a support such as a fence, the leaves will overlap each other, creating a visually impenetrable wall of foliage.

Once the vines established themselves, my friend’s small urban garden had green, leafy walls that provided the privacy she was looking for and the perfect backdrop for her outdoor space.

Sometimes, the best answer to the “what to grow?” question is one that also answers the design needs of the space. Need to block a view or cover an ugly structure? Vine’s your man. n

© 2013 Distributed by Tribune Media Services

Horticultural Antidote to Ugly: Vines

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Aristolochia macrophylla, also known as Dutchman’s pipe, is a quick-growing vine perfect for creating a privacy screen for yard or garden.

Depending on the species, vines can be

trained to grow upward, taking advantage of

vertical space as opposed to horizontal

space. This makes them perfect candidates for

screening without taking up a lot of room.

Page 11: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

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

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marquee tools36 Vintner’s vessel37 Illicit exam aids, and

places where the first parts of the answers to starred clues can be found

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in hummus42 Bond-Bond link?44 Easter flowers45 Death Valley, for example

46 Oscar winner Charlize48 Salty seven49 Though50 *Rush hour jam spots56 Medicare insurance

segment58 Breakfast chain59 Many a blog post60 Backspace through text61 Word heard in 37-Across62 Low card63 On the say-so of64 Furry sci-fi creature65 Glasses, in ads

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technique51 Hourglass figure?52 Deice?53 Beef, or a fish54 Joint with a cap55 Netherworld river57 “Cats” initials© 2013 Tribune Content Agency, Inc.

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Over 26 years consulting and serving Las VegasPreferred lender of The Ballen Group

Paul tschernia 702-524-2545

Page 12: Summerlin Las Vegas Real Estate News

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

$270,0004 bed, 3 bath, 3,050 sq. ft.

$399,0003 bed, 3 bath, 2,090 sq. ft.

$329,9994 bed, 3 bath, 2,903 sq. ft.

$299,5003 bed, 3 bath, 2,396 sq. ft.

$225,0003 bed, 3 bath 1,853 sq. ft.

$169,3443 bed, 3 bath, 1,568 sq. ft.

$218,5003 bed, 2 bath, 1,950 sq. ft.

$288,0004 bed, 3 bath, 2,655 sq. ft.

Address Beds Bath Sale Price Garage Pool Sq. Ft. Year Built Close date 5540 bEtHANY bEND DR 5 3 $440,672 2 N 2,800 2013 8/22/132804 CHAuCER St 3 2 $242,000 2 N 1,704 1999 9/12/133618 AuCKLAND CAStLE St 3 3 $365,000 3 N 2,521 2002 8/6/132277 SuMMER HOME St 3 3 $230,000 2 N 1,714 2004 10/7/132116 SuN CLIffS St 3 3 $482,000 3 N 2,934 1999 8/26/133763 HONEY RIDGE Ct 4 3 $300,000 2 N 2,578 2003 9/9/134413 CARtA LuNA St 3 3 $335,000 2 N 2,084 2000 8/5/13720 jACObS LADDER PL 3 3 $225,000 2 N 1,708 2004 10/2/132905 CROwN RIDGE DR 2 2 $185,000 2 N 1,384 1988 8/23/13721 POINt RIDGE PL 3 2 $510,000 2 Y 2,485 2000 8/6/13

90-day sales

under contract

L A S V E G A S

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

10944 HARVESt HILL LN 3 2 2 N 1,547 2001 $204,98812044 HAtHAwAY PINES LN 3 3 2 N 1,515 2006 $145,00010255 QuEENSbuRY AV 3 2 2 N 1,911 2000 $275,0003202 tOwNSEND HALL Ct 3 2 2 N 1,610 2000 $249,90011708 fEINbERG PL 3 3 2 Y 2,619 2003 $454,8003266 SQuIRE St 3 3 3 N 2,313 2001 $295,00011820 ALAVA AV 3 3 2 N 1,901 2005 $179,00011828 buSSERO Ct 3 3 2 N 1,901 2006 $222,009860 PANtARA PL 2 2 2 N 1,762 2006 $249,90010348 StANbERRY AV 4 4 2 N 2,808 2002 $330,7503381 jASMINE VINE Ct 4 3 2 Y 2,313 2002 $195,00010821 SILVER LACE LN 4 3 2 Y 2,313 2002 $279,90010268 wIStERIA HILLS Ct 4 4 3 Y 3,681 2003 $400,0003595 COVENtRY GARDENS DR 3 3 3 Y 3,532 2003 $579,900

933 tuDELA Ct 3 3 2 N 2,474 2005 $284,90012132 MONtuRA ROSA PL 4 3 2 Y 2,424 2006 $295,000940 ENCORVADO St 3 3 2 N 2,474 2006 $270,000953 tAfALLA Ct 4 3 2 Y 2,424 2006 $295,000949 CONtADERO PL 4 3 2 N 2,424 2006 $279,00011057 VILLAGE CRESt LN 3 2 2 Y 1,803 2003 $185,00010351 SPLENDOR RIDGE AV 4 3 2 N 2,439 2000 $265,00010808 ICKwORtH Ct 4 4 3 Y 4,016 2001 $660,00010362 wALKING VIEw Ct 3 3 2 N 2,513 2001 $250,0002746 GRANDE VALLEY DR 3 2 2 Y 1,899 2001 $220,000842 LA SCONSA DR 4 3 3 N 2,790 2005 $279,00011516 VALENtINO LN 4 4 2 N 3,109 2005 $440,000912 VISCANIO PL 4 3 2 N 2,860 2004 $335,000

Did you know that home prices in some area’s 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.