2014 Las Vegas Holiday Guide

HOLIDAYS IN VEGAS

The following is a list of special events, appearances by Santa Claus, shows, and holiday dining options in the Las Vegas area. 

SPECIAL EVENTS, SHOWS & SANTA CLAUS:

SANTA CLAUS AND LIGHT SHOW AT GALLERIA
The Galleria's holiday décor package boasts more than 54,000 lights. It also includes an area for Santa that could have been taken right out of "The Nutcracker." The set has a classical toy approach that takes on a larger-than-life proportion. It features a 10-foot seated toy soldier, a 15-foot inflatable plush teddy bear, a 40-foot Christmas tree and an extra wide chair for Santa. In addition to Santa, the Galleria will present a musical light show titled "Light Up The Night" every evening on the hour from 5 p.m. to close during the holiday season.

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES AT TOWN SQUARE
Santa Clause will arrive at Town Square at 7 p.m. Nov. 14. There will be a parade featuring performers from Nevada Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker." Following the parade, Santa will light the 45-foot Christmas tree and snow will begin to fall. Immediately after the snowfall, children can take photos with Santa inside his house.

• Photos with Santa will be available Nov. 15-Dec. 24.
• Snow in the Square show will take place Nov. 14-Dec. 23
• Holiday Nights & Lights Community Concerts will take place every Thursday Nov. 20-Dec. 18
• Pet photos with Santa Claus will be available every Wednesday Nov. 19-Dec. 19

ADVENTURE TO SANTA AT FASHION SHOW
The Fashion Show mall and DreamWorks Animation are unveiling a first-of-its-kind holiday experience that begins with Shrek and ends with Santa on Nov. 14. The Adventure to Santa show features 6 different light and sound shows, 15,000 animated twinkling LED lights and 100 strobes. Located in the Great Hall near Nordstrom. Open to public Nov. 14-Dec. 24.

HOLIDAY CRAFT & GIFT FESTIVAL
South Point is hosting a holiday craft and gift festival Nov. 15 and 16. The craft show will feature an array of Christmas decorations, ornaments, stockings, clothing, ceramics, candies, photography, jewelry, specialty foods and more.

CACTUS GARDEN LIGHTING AT ETHEL M
For the 21st year, Ethel M Chocolates in Henderson has strung thousands of Christmas lights in its cactus garden. Santa Claus will be on hand for visits from 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday through Sunday until Christmas. Local choirs will perform every Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free. 

GLITTERING LIGHTS AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
The holiday drive-through spectacular, Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, has entertained more than 1 million people the past 13 years with a dazzling array of festive lights and sounds. Completely LED, the 2.5 course of Glittering Lights is environmentally sound with colors that shine more vibrant than before. Open Nov. 14-Jan. 4. Tickets are $20 per vehicle. Buses are $1 per person.

THE LAS VEGAS GREAT SANTA RUN
The Las Vegas Great Santa Run will take place in downtown Las Vegas on Dec. 6. Each year, thousands of people participate in the event in which everyone dresses up as Santa. The run is a benefit for Opportunity Village.

10TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION ON ICE
The Fiesta Rancho SoBe Ice Arena will present its 10th annual celebration on ice "The Joy of Christmas" on Dec. 13 and 14. The show will feature local figure skaters of all ages performing to music the whole family will enjoy.

HOLIDAYS AT SPRINGS PRESERVE
The Springs Preserve will offer train rides with Santa Clause Dec. 22-24 at 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

Their most-popular kids-only tradition of the year -- their "Polar Express" Night -- will take place Dec. 20. Open to ages 5-12. Features a screening of the PG-rated holiday movie, museum discoveries, crafts, pizza, snacks and more.

The Springs Preserve will also offer holiday cooking oil recycling again this year from Nov. 28-Dec. 1 and Dec. 26-Jan. 15. In addition, they will offer Christmas tree recycling from Dec. 26-Jan. 15. 

CHRISTMAS AT THE VENETIAN AND THE PALAZZO
A 65-foot-tall Venetian-inspired Christmas Tree is the centerpiece of Doge's Palace plaza during the holidays. The tree is lit with 50,000 programmable LED lights. Inside, the Waterfall Atrium & Gardens at The Palazzo will be will be transformed into an elaborate show-stopping winter display, a creation of The Palazzo’s award-winning horticulture team.   The winter gardens will feature white poinsettias accented with champagne, gold and green.  Ice branches and 20-foot frosted birch, pine and glittering trees will complement the picturesque scene, including the waterfall and crystal “ice” ponds.  Majestic hand-crafted white and pearl peacock statues will overlook guests.

Human Nature will perform a brand-new show titled "Christmas, Motown and More" for twelve dates at The Venetian from Dec. 12-24.

MAGICAL FOREST AT OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE 
The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village on Oakey Boulevard opens Nov. 21. The annual event features a forest filled with hundreds of dazzling trees, the Forest Express passenger train, an enchanted carousel, Boris the Elf's 3D Experience, the avalanche slide, Rudolph's raceway, mini-golf, a magical midway, nightly entertainment, photos with Santa and much more. Magical Forest will be open from Nov. 21 through Jan. 4.

CHRISTMAS IN BOULDER CITY 
Boulder City will kick off the Christmas season with Luminaria and Los Posadas, a live re-enactment of the Nativity while local talent performs beautiful holiday music, at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Recreation Center. The community tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Frank Crowe Park. Santa's Picture Day will happen on Dec. 6 in the Old Gymnasium on Arizona Street. Santa's Electric Night Parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6, followed by the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Mead Marina. St. Jude's 8th annual Night of Lights also takes place on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

WINTERFEST IN HENDERSON
WinterFest 2014 in Henderson from Dec. 11-13 will feature fun for the entire family with continuous entertainment, games, an art show, gingerbread houses, a festival of trees, craft vendors, food vendors, children's activities and a light parade.

Holiday train rides at Nevada Southern Railway will take place on Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21, with several departure times each day. The Pajama Train will depart on Dec. 5-6 and 12-13.

2014 NFR COWBOY CHRISTMAS SHOW
The 2014 NFR Cowboy Christmas Show is taking place Dec. 4-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hundreds of vendors will offer the latest unique gifts for families and friends.

SHOWS:

'SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM'
It's "CSI: Bethlehem" in this holiday mystery extravaganza, from the author of Late Nite Catechism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages -- whatever happened to the Magi's gold? "Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of The Magi's Gold" will be presented Nov. 28-30 in the Troesh Studio Theater at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. 

MIX 94.1 FM'S NOT SO SILENT NIGHT
MIX 94.1 FM presents Mark and Mercedes' Not So Silent Night featuring Train and special guests Better Than Ezra, Matt Nathanson and Andy Grammer on Dec. 5 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Proceeds from the annual event will benefit the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada.

LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC 'FA LA LA LAS VEGAS'
The Las Vegas Philharmonic will present "Fa La La La Las Vegas" in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center on Dec. 6. They will be joined by the men and women of the Las Vegas Master Singers and other special guests to  to present a seasonal program including classical selections from Tchaikovsky and Vaughan Williams alongside Leroy Anderson favorites.

TRAVIS CLOER'S CHRISTMAS SHOW
Travis Cloer, who currently stars as Frankie Vallie in "Jersey Boys," will perform in "Christmas at My Place" on Dec. 8 in the Cabaret Jazz Theater at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. He will be accompanied by a 7-piece band.

HOLIDAY HAVOC FEATURING BUSH
X107.5 FM's Holiday Havoc inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will feature Bush, The Airborne Toxic Event, Priory and Meg Meyers.

CARPENTERS CHRISTMAS AT SUNCOAST
Michelle Berting Brett and a 7-piece band will present "Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters' Christmas" on Dec. 13 and 14 at the Suncoast hotel-casino. The Carpenters' Christmas records still top Favorite Holiday Album lists every year and the show will feature all of your holiday favorites. 

'THE NUTCRACKER' AT THE SMITH CENTER
The Nevada Ballet Theater will present "The Nutcracker" in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center Dec. 13-21. Choreographed by James Canfield, the beloved seasonal classic will feature larger-than-life landscapes. There are even plans to transform the theater into a wonderland of moonlit snow and waltzing flowers. Accompanied by a live orchestra.

TONY ORLANDO CHRISTMAS SHOW
Tony Orlando will sing Christmas favorites during a series of Christmas shows Dec. 19-21 at the South Point hotel-casino.

BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS SHOW
The Brian Setzer Orchestra will present "Christmas Rocks Extravaganza!" on Dec. 20 inside of The Pearl at the Palms hotel-casino. The popular rockabilly band will entertain fans as they put their own spin on holiday favorites.

DINING:

HOLIDAY CHEER AT TREVI ITALIAN RESTAURANT
TREVI Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Ceasars will celebrate the holiday season with a festive holiday

cocktail named the Happy Hollytini and a specialty eggnog gelato. Both will be available through the month of December.

HOLIDAY FOOD & BEVERAGE AT ALIANTE HOTEL-CASINO
Aliante hotel-casino has introduced new holiday dining and drink specials for the month of December at select restaurants including MRKT Sea & land, Farm 24-7, The Salted Lime and Bistro 7. 

Using Technology to Provide Superior Service to Out-of-Town Buyers

Military families are no strangers to moving. Those looking to purchase at a new duty station can spend countless hours searching for the right home. This can be especially challenging if they’re moving to an unfamiliar community.

If you’re in a position to help an out-of-town buyer, technology is a great place to start. Here are a few options for you to explore.

Pinterest

If you’re not familiar with Pinterest, it’s an online social media site that allows you to “pin” certain images, links and ideas to your “boards.”

Pinterest is becoming increasingly popular with real estate agents and homebuyers. In a 2013 article Pinterest was named the fastest growing social network.

You can create Pinterest boards for different topics that interest your buyers. Providing visual representations of your community in addition to helpful links is a great way to stand out as a community expert.

Bill Gassett an Ashland Mass Realtor had this to say: One of the better ways to help a relocating client who is moving into an area they are unfamiliar with is to really give them a good education. There is no question that a relocating buyer wants to learn as much as they can about their potential new surroundings. Some of the most important things that a buyer will care about in a particular city or town are schools, major shopping, restaurants and highway access. One of the better ways you can help a relocating buyer is to write local articles on these subjects and create a Pinterest board in which you can pin them to.

Here are a few board ideas that might interest relocating military buyers and non-military buyers alike:

• Schools: Include a picture of each school, the grades covered, a map of location and a link to any credible school ratings.
• Military/veteran services near your community: This list could include distance to nearest military base or VA hospital. You could even throw in a list of companies that offer a military discount in your community.
• Neighborhoods: If neighborhoods have official websites, link to those or just create a link to maps and points of interest near each one.
• Community Attractions: Locations such as local parks, sporting events and shopping centers.
• Festivals, events and holiday celebrations: Pin community events such as festivals, 5Ks and holiday celebrations that are well attended.
• Your current listings: Why not have all of your helpful information in one place? Current and potential buyers can stay up to date on your offerings.
• Kid-friendly activities
• Local utility providers

Regardless of which boards you choose to pursue, be sure that you are only linking to high-quality, verified content. Happy pinning!

Video home tours

There’s a lot of opportunity to provide your clients with outstanding service. One of the big ways you can do this with out-of-town buyers is through the use of video. Providing video along with or in replacement of photos gives the buyer a 360-degree view of the home.

We asked Rich Cederberg, an agent who uses video listings regularly, how video assists out-of-town buyers. His response was this:

Video listings, if done right, show buyers more than just a slideshow of still photos. Real video shot by a cameraman moving from room to room can show the space between the photos, or how the rooms of a house fit together. I frequently add voice over commentary that gives more information than I can fit within the limited character count of my local MLS, so buyers can get more information and insight into the neighborhood. Plus there’s no hiding ugly or outdated features in video like you can with still photos.

You no longer have to stand in a bedroom doorway, snap a picture and move on. You can walk into the room, open closet doors and look out the window. For relocating buyers, this additional view of the home could mean the difference between choosing one property over another.

Numerous options are available to provide video services to your clients:

Cell Phone Video. Want to give video listings a shot but don’t have thousands to drop on video equipment? Using a cell phone equipped with video is a good entry-level solution. Many cell phones now have the ability to take relatively high quality video. It’s a no-cost solution unless a phone upgrade is required. Starting with cell phone video gives you the opportunity to see if there is a desire for video listings in your market.

Google Glass. Wearable video devices like Google Glass can allow you to offer virtual home tours. Glass provides two-way communication so a buyer can ask the agent to pause on certain features or ask questions.

Professional Video Services. The use of professional video services varies by area. It may be standard in a high-priced market and overkill in a smaller one. Check out what your competitors offer if you’re unsure of local standards. Rich Cederberg creates video listings for each home he lists. Check out Rich’s video listing for ideas. Another idea for a lower cost option would be to hire a student with a video-related education path. It may give them experience and provide you quality video at a reduced cost.

These are just a few of the ways you can use technology to provide superior service. What other methods have you used to assist out-of-town buyers?

If you ever have questions about the VA home loan, please don’t hesitate to email me at info@aundreabeach.com.

NV Energy has a program to help with your power bill this winter

I just ran across this awesome story that PG&E did to help someone needing a little extra assistance with their energy bill.   She met their income requirements by simply providing one paycheck stub, they came out and give her new light bulbs, insulated her light sockets, changed out her faucets, weather stripped her doors and got her a new refrigerator for free since hers was older than 1999, and they took 20% off the top of her bill all for the great price of free.  

NV Energy has a program that offers assistance that might help you or someone you know.

Here is the link to review the program and sign up. >> https://www.nvenergy.com/home/assistance/energyassistanceprogram.cfm

Even though you may be above the income requirements, maybe you know someone who isn't and can use a little help especially right now before the holiday season.  So forward a little good will along to your friends and family members and of course if you or any of your friends and family are looking to buy a home or refinance a loan and needs help or has questions, please give me a call as helping you with your home loan needs are the way my family gets to enjoy the holidays.

Until next time, make it a great day!

HUGE news NEVADA! The Nevada Housing Division launched a new grant program this week. You might qualify for a FREE cash down payment equal up to 4% a portion of your loan amount. 

On September 22, 2014, the Nevada Housing Division launched a new grant program for homebuyers, known as Home is Possible. For qualified homeowners in Clark and Washoe counties, Home is Possible provides a grant of up to 4 percent of the loan amount to be applied toward the cost of down payments and/or closings. The grants are available immediately for homebuyers that are financing a permanent residence with a government insured FHA, USDA (Rural) or VA mortgage. In November, the program will become available to borrowers who are seeking conventional financing. In order to qualify for Home is Possible, the future homeowner must meet  a few requirements: 1) They must have a minimum credit score of 640 for government insured loans, 660 for manufactured homes and 680 for conventional loans. 2) The home must be purchased as the primary residence, the purchase price must be under $400,000, and 3) the qualifying income on the mortgage application must be less than $95,000 annually. The buyer must also enroll in an approved homebuyer education course. 

Many Las Vegas residents may be eligible to take advantage of this new extended offer by the Nevada Housing Division along with other down payment assistance programs available.  We will help qualified buyers receive a free cash down payment grant equal to 4% of the loan amount.  For more information about this exciting opportunity and Down Payment Assistance, contact Aundrea and The Beach-Greco Team by calling 702-326-7866 emailing us info@aundreabeach.com or visiting www.iLendLasVegas.com

Markets in a Minute For the Week Ending September 12, 2014

Please enjoy this quick update on what’s happening this week in the housing and financial markets.

	The Labor Department's monthly job openings report showed little change in July. Fed policy is likely to remain on its current course in response.

	Consumers charged more to credit cards and financed more autos in July. Generally, increased borrowing shows confidence in the economy.

	At the same time, U.S. households have stashed $2.15 trillion in savings, about 50% more than five years ago.

Our clients have been getting great rates and service from Jason and Farmers. I bet they can Save you Money on a new policy or your current policy!
One of our partners is Farmers Insurance - Agent Jason Prindl - cell 702-612-2681 or office 702-363-6900 - jason.jhaas@farmersagency.com

Jason joined the Joseph Haas Farmers Insurance Agency in 2007 and handles Auto, Home and Commercial products. Jason, who is originally from Wisconsin, has two children, Henry (9) and Ellie (6). Due to his Mid-West upbringing, Jason is never too busy to do a house appointment or meeting after hours as customer service rates high on his list!

	Cash sales as a percentage of home purchases continue to fall. The rate is at the September 2008 level and likely is a result of the dwindling REO supply.

	A typical seasonal slowdown is showing in the Fannie Mae household survey and mortgage application index. Yet rates remain very low, and affordability still reigns.

	Almost half of millennials say they expect to buy a home in the near future. 97% of teens expect to become homeowners one day.

A businessman on his deathbed called his friend and said, "Bill, I want you to promise me that when I die you will have my remains cremated."

"And what," his friend asked, "do you want me to do with your ashes?"

The businessman said, "Just put them in an envelope and mail them to the Internal Revenue Service. Write on the envelope, 'Now, you have everything.'"

Rate movements and volatility are based on published, aggregate national averages and measured from the previous to the most recent midweek daily reporting period. These rate trends can differ from our own and are subject to change at any time.

    

HUD's new HAWK program

HUD is rolling out a new program:  Homeowners Armed With Knowledge (HAWK) that provides FHA insurance pricing incentives to first-time homebuyers which is defined as anyone that has not owned a home in the last 3 years.  Six hours of pre-contract counselling is required with one hour pre-closing and one hour post-closing.

You can see Frank and Brian's video about this program by clicking here.

Official FHA site with details.

Mortgage Market Update Week Ending August 8, 2014

Please enjoy this quick update on what’s happening this week in the housing and financial markets. The U.S. services sector reached its highest level in 8+ years, and factory orders surged in June. Economic growth could lead to increased rates. The economic growth could speed up Fed policy changes. However, growth is balanced with other factors including inflation, which is holding steady. European economic woes and geopolitical events are contributing to downward movement in stocks. Rates are stable near their recent lows. CoreLogic reports home prices up in June for the 28th consecutive month, though rising at a slower pace. Nationally, prices are still 9% below the peak. NAHB found a $1000 increase in national median new home prices will take more than 200,000 potential homebuyers out of the market. Much has been said about student loan debt's negative affect on first time buyers. Remember, it's not the balance that matters; it's the payment amount. Mary decided to trim her household budget wherever possible. Instead of having her dress dry-cleaned, she washed it by hand. Proud of her savings, she boasted to her husband, "Just think, Tom, we are five dollars richer because I washed this dress by hand." "Good," Tom said. "Quick, wash it again!" Rate movements and volatility are based on published, aggregate national averages and measured from the previous to the most recent midweek daily reporting period. These rate trends can differ from our own and are subject to change at any time.

Can You Afford a Home If Mortgage Rates Jump By 1 Percentage Point? Here’s the Answer.

Interest rates are likely to rise steadily into next year, and a full percentage point increase is not out of the question.

The real estate site Zillow did some research to answer the question: Can you afford to wait and buy a home if rates go up by a percentage point?

Zillow applied next year’s forecast home values and a 1 percentage point interest rate increase to the median home price in 35 U.S. metro areas. Zillow then calculated the difference in mortgage payments.  The results for some areas are striking.

Of course, the higher the home prices, the bigger the monthly payment jump. For example, in San Francisco, a percentage point increase means $556 more a month.

“More often than not, buyers do not understand the profound effect of rising interest rates on affordability,” said Erin Lantz, vice president of mortgages at Zillow. “Many buyers associate a 1 percentage point interest rate change with a 1 percent change on a piece of clothing or the price of a car, when in fact they are very different.”

As a rule of thumb,  a 1 percentage point increase in mortgage rates reduces affordability by 10 percent.

See the graphic below for the results:

Don't wait to buy a home and get priced out of the market. We have loan programs for just about every buyer and every need.  

Contact us today 702-326-7866

info@aundreabeach.com

www.iLendLasVegas.com

Mortgage Market Update Week Ending August 1, 2014

Week Ending 8-1-14

Please enjoy this quick update on what’s happening this week in the housing and financial markets.

	The Fed says it will not raise policy rates until a "considerable time" after ending the taper in October. Housing and some labor indicators still cause concern.

	Second quarter GDP surprised with a 4.0% gain, more than making up for the first quarter drop. Rates jumped to their high for the month.

	Consumer confidence is at a 7-year high, possibly inspired by higher employment and low inflation. If the economy improves, rates will likely go up.

	June's pending home sales were healthy but down slightly. The three previous months saw increases. Pending sales are still above normal.

	May's home prices rose over last month and last year. Case-Schiller's survey found a seasonally adjusted decline in prices, possibly impacted by foreclosures.

	Homeownership rates have hit a 19-year low. The resulting rental demand has driven residential rental vacancies to long-term lows too.

I have all the money I'll ever need...if I die by 4 p.m. tomorrow.

Rate movements and volatility are based on published, aggregate national averages and measured from the previous to the most recent midweek daily reporting period. These rate trends can differ from our own and are subject to change at any time.