Las Vegas Luxury Real Estate & Investment

2747 Paradise Rd, 3702, Las Vegas, NV TURNBERRY PLACE LAS VEGAS

2010-02-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

crystal chandelier
black absolute granite flooring
5x9 custom glass front door
freestanding spiral glass staircase with stainless steel handrail and marble slab steps
staircase circular raised ceiling with indirect lighting

3 chenille sofas with chaises and steel bases
silk and wool area rug with contemporary design
custom coffee table by Richard Lewis
custom fireplace with steel and black absolute granite and floating ceiling detail
custom silk plants

16 ft high vaulted ceiling over the dining room table
custom dining room table designed by Richard Lewis
10 custom dining room chairs designed by Mohair
player grand piano with bench
2 custom leather chairs
custom red wool area rug
custom silk plants

2408 Palomino Lane | Historic Neighborhood | Large lot only moments from the Strip

2009-11-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

2408 Palomino Lane | $1,888,888

Click here for more information

With 6,620 square feet of living space on almost an acre and a half, this single story estate style home is a dream come true! Featuring incredible amenities in a private, central location. Huge pool, built in BBQ, patio, gazebo, RV parking, 5 car garage, with built ins for all your toys, marble, hardwood flooring, sunken living room, large bedrooms with walk in closets and private baths with jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, family room, a formal dinning room, and cental vacuuming. This property is unbelievably upgraded. A must see.

Cristine Lefkowitz | 702-595-8505 | cristine@lefkowitzteam.com

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Lefkowitz Team Featured Properties All of the Best Las Vegas has to Offer
PrimeLuxuryHomes.com | AgentForLasVegas.com

Prudential Americana Group | Shapiro and Sher
1215 S. Fort Apache Rd., #210
Las Vegas, NV 89117

Phyllis Morris design with an 'only the best will do' attitude

2009-11-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

Three Turnberry Place - Residence 3703 | $12,000,000

Click here for more information

Conceived with ‘only the best will do’ attitude, this residence offers nearly 8,500 sq.ft. of indoor & outdoor living space including roof top patio, private pool, spa and fireplace. Custom interiors. Work of art furnishings throughout, each piece is truly one of a kind hand carved and created by Phyllis Morris especially for this penthouse. Every detail of the lighting system was designed by Roy Sklarin who was the recipient of the "International Illuminating Engineering Award". Every inch of space was carefully planned and thought out by designer Roy Sklarin, including achieving some of the highest ceilings at the Turnberry.

Cristine Lefkowitz | 702-595-8505 | cristine@lefkowitzteam.com

Las Vegas MLS Map Search Search Las Vegas Real Estate
Lefkowitz Team Featured Properties All of the Best Las Vegas has to Offer
PrimeLuxuryHomes.com | AgentForLasVegas.com

Prudential Americana Group | Shapiro and Sher
1215 S. Fort Apache Rd., #210
Las Vegas, NV 89117

FOUR TURNBERRY PLACE PENTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL

2009-11-04T00:14:00.000-08:00

Four Turnberry Place - Residence 3704 | $7,999,000
Click here for more information

ONE OF A KIND ULTRA PENTHOUSE. 2 LEVELS OF LUXURY, W/ PRIVATE OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL, SPA
AND FIREPLACE. INDOORS COMPLETELY LAVISHLY FURNISHED AND DECORATED. CUSTOM ARCHITECTURAL GLASS THROUGHOUT. 2ND FIREPLACE SEPARATES LIVING AND DINING ROOMS. MSTR-SUITE INCLDS DUEL BATHROOMS. SWEEPING VIEWS FROM THE 37TH AND 38TH FLRS ARE UNMATCHED IN LAS VEGAS

Cristine Lefkowitz | 702-595-8505 | cristine@lefkowitzteam.com

Las Vegas MLS Map Search Search Las Vegas Real Estate
Lefkowitz Team Featured Properties All of the Best Las Vegas has to Offer
PrimeLuxuryHomes.com | AgentForLasVegas.com

Prudential Americana Group | Shapiro and Sher
1215 S. Fort Apache Rd., #210
Las Vegas, NV 89117

MARKET WATCH: RESALE HOME INVENTORY

2009-11-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

Available Listings Approach 11,000

During the past week, the number of properties listed as available dipped by 175 units, bringing total inventory to 11,184 homes. Compared to the same week of the prior year, listings are down 11,641 properties, or 51.0 percent.

Availability continued to slant toward vacant and tenantoccupied properties, while owner-occupied listings represented a modest 35.1 percent of total inventory.

As previously reported, the number of distressed properties continues to remain elevated.

Approximately 60 percent of all homes listed as available are distressed, meaning they are either subject to a short sale situation or are already owned by a bank.

Properties considered under contract that are contingent upon some action taking place reported an even higher share of distress with 72 percent subject to lender approval on a short sale. Of the 11,200 units noted as contingent, another 20 percent are already bankowned, suggesting only 8 percent of contingent homes do not have a lender involved with authorizing the sale.

Over 81 percent of pending sales, those most likely to close as planned, are distressed properties. It is also worth noting the aggregate number of available and contracted units declined by 633 homes during the past week reaching 25,988 units.

PDF MARKET REPORT - CLICK HERE

Video: $8,000 Tax Credit

2009-10-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

Video: $8,000 Tax Credit

Video courtesy of Washington REALTORS® and Switch Marketing.

Nevada Developement Authority

2009-10-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Drawing upon the state of California escalating budget deficit, high taxes and strict business regulations, the Nevada Development Authority (NDA) launched an advertising campaign on Friday, August 7, 2009 that seeks to attract business owners to relocate to Southern Nevada. More so than in past years campaigns, NDA foresees many California businesses considering relocation due to the state current troubles.

Tell Congress to extend and expand the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

2009-10-25T20:33:00.001-07:00

Tax Advantages of Nevada Ownership

2009-10-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

disclaimer: We advise you to consult a CPA for any tax questions, we are real estate professionals and not a tax advisers.

Seventeen Reasons to become a Nevada Resident

No personal income tax
No corporate income tax
No gross receipts tax
No franchise tax
No inventory tax
No tax on issuance of corporate shares
No requirements of shareholders&directors to live in Nevada
No tax on sale or transfer of shares
No succession or inheritance with IRS
No sharing of information with IRS
Simple annual requirements
Protection for Directors and Officers
No initial or minimum capital requirements
Anonymity of owners-Total Privacy
Low property taxes
Business friendly environment
Privacy is yours in Nevada

If you have ever been audited by our friends at the IRS, you understand the expense and hassle of doing business with them. The State of Nevada is the only state in the nation that does not share information with the IRS. It has been noted by tax professionals that many audits are derived because information shared by the states with the IRS does not match up.

Call us for the report 702-595-8505 or e-mail cristine@lefkowitzteam.com for the entire tax advantage report

disclaimer: We advise you to consult a CPA for any tax questions, we are real estate professionals and not a tax advisers.

Nevada Development Authority Ad Campaign - Rotten Apples

2009-10-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Nevada Developement Authority

Drawing upon the state of California’s escalating budget deficit, high taxes and strict business regulations, the Nevada Development Authority (NDA) launched an advertising campaign on Friday, August 7, 2009 that seeks to attract business owners to relocate to Southern Nevada. More so than in past years’ campaigns, NDA foresees many California businesses considering relocation due to the state’s current troubles.

Home Loan Information

2009-10-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Looking for some basic home loan information - the following are important considerations - let our team of home loan specialists guide you through the process

Conventional loan: No more than 15% of the owners can be delinquent in their HOA Dues and the owner occupancy percentage must be over 60%. No pending litigation and the lender must still approve the complex.

FHA and VA loans: Must be on the FHA approved Condo list (see FHA link below) AND the requirements listed on the approval page must be met. No pending litigation.

Canadians purchasing a condo in Las Vegas: No more than 5% of the owners can be delinquent in their HOA Dues and the owner occupancy percentage must be over 70%. No pending litigation.

Tax Rules for Short Sales - Foreclosures

2009-10-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Call Cristine Lefkowitz for more information about short sales, or for our short sale preview package for a better understanding how this process can benefit cristine@lefkowitzteam.com 702-595-8505

Call Cristine Lefkowitz for more information about short sales, or for our short sale preview package for a better understanding how this process can benefit cristine@lefkowitzteam.com 702-595-8505

Test for Residency

2009-10-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

disclaimer: We advise you to consult a CPA for any tax questions, we are real estate professionals and not a tax advisers.

E-MAIL cristine@lefkowitzteam.com or call for 702-595-8505 for the full Nevada Tax Benefits Report

Various factors are considered in determining whether a taxpayer has met Nevada's residency criteria.

How long are you physically present in Nevada during the year?
Where do you have sources of income?
Where are you registered to vote?
Where do you own a house?
Where do you claim the homeowner’s exemption?
Where is your driver’s license issued?
Where are your closest business contacts, including clubs?
Where are your vehicles are registered?
Where your minor children attend school, and whether you paid resident or non-resident tuition.
Which state has jurisdiction in the administration of your wills and trusts?
Where have you obtained a homestead exemption?
Where do you maintain a safety deposit box(es)?
Where do you file an affidavit of domicile?
Where do you own a cemetery plot?

E-MAIL cristine@lefkowitzteam.com or call for 702-595-8505 for the full Nevada Tax Benefits Report

disclaimer: We advise you to consult a CPA for any tax questions, we are real estate professionals and not a tax advisers.

2009-10-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT LINKS

FHA http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page?_pageid=73,1&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

FHA Mortgage Limits https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

FHA Approved Condo Look-Up https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm?CFID=1318400&CFTOKEN=9c57314bac1b7ef7-DD1133B5-B1F5-2C90-75FF9D8F2543C965

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/index.html

100 Questions and Answers about buying a new home http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/buying/buyhm.cfm

½ Off Homes for teachers, firefighters, EMT’s and Cops http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/reo/goodn/gnndabot.cfm

Do I have a Fannie Mae loan? http://loanlookup.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/

Do I have a Freddie Mac loan? https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/

2408 Palomino Lane

2009-10-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

1350 Imperia Dr - Cristine Lefkowitz 702-595-8505

2009-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Stunning Façade & Remarkable Views
Situated on a uniquely oversized lot this 5BD, 8BA estate greets you from the sweeping grand entrance then flows through living room and out to the private backyard with waterfall & palm trees.

Interior amenities include gourmet kitchen, gym with wet & dry saunas, 2nd level family room, 2 den areas with Las Vegas Strip views and 528 square foot wine cellar with 500 bottle walk-in wine cooler.

The huge master suite includes separate ‘his’ & ‘hers’ bathrooms, and walk-in closets. A unique rock lined outdoor shower is found off of the ‘hers’ bathroom.

Private and separate quest quarters away from the main family rooms, are ideal for a maid or security personnel.

The entire estate is an entertainers dream from the gourmet appointed kitchen appliances including double ovens, gas cooking range, 2 dishwashers and huge walk-in pantry. Dine in a royal setting with room for 16 guests. A separate breakfast area leads to a wrap around patio area.

Lush tropical grounds invite outdoor entertaining with a built in BBQ area, swimming pool with raised hot tub and cascading waterfall. The outdoors are complete with a fruit tree area including apples, peach and pears. A dog run offers pets plenty of exercise, and is ideal for keeping pets away while entertaining.

The 6 car garage is completely finished with separate heating and air conditioning and air compressor for auto-buffs.

1350 Imperia Drive is located in the private guard gated Seven Hills community of ‘Rapallo’

Turnberry Place Video Presentation

2009-09-06T00:58:00.000-07:00

For more about Turnberry Place residences, penthouse, top floor penthouse and Stirling Club amenities contact Cristine Lefkowitz at 702-595-8505 or cristine@lefkowitzteam.com

To Refinance or Not to Refinance:

2009-03-14T12:31:00.001-07:00

30 Yr Fixed Conforming - min. down payment = 5% or 10% a declining market
4.875%

30 Yr Fixed FHA - min. down payment = 3.5%
5.0%

To Refinance or Not to Refinance:

I have been fielding inquiries from clients wanting to take advantage of some of the lowest mortgage rates in recent memory, but wondering whether committing now could mean missing out on even better deals later. I say "Don't wait: Now is the time to finance!" Some of my clients regret they didn't refinance when the rate was 5.875% - 6.25%. Now it's almost impossible to refinance without 25% or 30% equity in your home. In areas hard-hit by foreclosures, though, some lenders may limit your loan to 50 or 60% of current market value. ugh!

Such "interest-rate regret" is always a concern when you sign up for a mortgage, because rates change all the time. In fact, in this market I've seen the rates change several times within a day, as lenders lower theirs to win more business or, alternately, raise rates to slow down a torrent of applications. If you see an eye-popping advertised rate -- say, 4.2% on a day when the wholesale rate is 5% -- then the lender is typically demanding that you pay extra fees and/or more than 1 point to get that loan. . . so be careful and be sure you know and understand the fees associated with your loan.

As always, if you have any questions or looking to purchase or refinance, please give me a call any time.

All the Best,

Etta Foote
Sr. Loan Officer
Specializing in FHA, Conventional, Rehab & Construction Loans
EVOFI One
702-293-0563 ho
503-551-2522 cell
702-947-7463 wo
702-952-0695 fax w/cover
website: www.evofione.com/etta.foote
email: ettaken@msn.com

www.financialstability.gov

2009-03-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

For additional details on the Stimulus Plan and the new Program go to the following website:

www.financialstability.gov

All the Best,

Etta Foote
Sr. Loan Officer
Specializing in FHA, Conventional, Rehab & Construction Loans
EVOFI One
702-293-0563 ho
503-551-2522 cell
702-947-7463 wo
702-952-0695 fax w/cover
website: www.evofione.com/etta.foote
email: ettaken@msn.com

SHORT SALE AT REGENCY TOWERS ** BANK LOOKING AT ALL OFFERS

2009-02-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

Remarkable views of the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown, Mountains & Golf course. Wrap around Balcony 2,208 Sq. Ft. of luxury condo, lime stone & oak floorings, stainless appliances, custom cabinetry, modern Italian lighting fixtures, open floor plan, 2 bedroom suite + a Den. Amazing walk-in closets & Steam shower. Just minutes from Las Vegas Strip, shops & dining.

Here are today's par rates:

2009-02-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

Here are today's par rates:
30 Yr Fixed Conforming
5.5%

30 Yr Fixed FHA
5.0%

As a reminder, if your buyer is looking at purchasing a home that needs repair, I can do both Conventional and FHA 203k Rehab or Renovation Loans.

What's going on in the market:
To be or not to be nationalized continues to be the focus in the financial markets, particularly in reference to Citi, and some of their European brethren. The U.S. Treasury, Federal Reserve and other agencies told us this morning they will initiate a program on Wednesday to assess large U.S. Banks’ capital needs and determine how much, if any, additional capital the government will need to inject. So far, government officials are downplaying the “nationalization” theme in favor of re-invigorated private financial institutions. The U.S. equity markets are trading lower again today with bond yields flat from the close on Friday, and prices for mortgage bonds are trending lower. Economic data this week will focus on the housing sector, with the release of the CaseShiller home price index, existing home sales, and new home sales.

All the Best,
Etta Foote
Sr. Loan Officer
Specializing in FHA, Conventional, Rehab & Construction Loans
EVOFI One
702-293-0563 ho
503-551-2522 cell
702-947-7463 wo
702-952-0695 fax w/cover
website: www.evofione.com/etta.foote
email: ettaken@msn.com

Historic Opportunities in Real Estate - Learning the Lessons of the Past

2009-02-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

It's often said, "What's Past is Prologue." In real estate, the past can indeed determine the future, when buyers choose to restore or preserve a historic property. "Opportunities abound for those wanting to purchase a historic home, but so do questions about the soundness of the investment," says Cristine Lefkowitz

Before making an investment in history, Cristine recommends that potential home buyers consider these questions:

• What regulations govern local historic buildings and districts?

• Does the house need extensive restoration?

• Are original or substitute materials available for repairs?

• Are craftsmen who are knowledgeable about historical materials and building systems available?

• How will the house be appraised?

Knowing what to look for is an important first step. "Potential buyers should understand that there are significant differences between a historic house and a new one," Cristine says. "Before purchasing a historic home, consumers will want to research just how much restoration is needed and how much the restoration will cost.

That includes, of course, uncovering any possible environmental problems not typically found in new construction such as the presence of asbestos or lead paint."

Knowledge of any structural problem and the time and money needed to fix it should not only influence the decision of whether to buy, but also how much to offer. In some cases, the seller may be required to undertake some of the work as part of the purchase agreement.

Yet the advantages of owning a historic house often outweigh the work that goes into finding and securing one. There is a rewarding sense of history in the unique detailing and meticulous craftsmanship found in historic homes as well as the satisfaction of restoration.

"There may also be financial benefits for a historic home owner," explains Cristine. "Those benefits range from reductions in property taxes and adjustments to assessed value, to state income tax credits and property tax freezes for qualified rehabilitation and restorations."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation reports that 37 states and the District of Columbia have laws that provide individuals with incentives for owning historic properties.

Not every old home is historic. "A historic house is an example of the cultural or physical development of a community, state, or the nation due to its architecture or association with an important historical figure or event," Cristine says.

If a home does qualify as a historic property, then it may be listed individually or as part of a historic district. The listing of a building or district in the National Park Service's "National Register of Historic Places" provides public recognition of its importance, but will not interfere with an owner's right to alter, sell, or determine how an individual property may be used.

"A local or state government housing preservation organization usually will assist owners who want to pursue a historic designation," Cristine says. However, even if the historic building meets the designation criteria, it will not be listed if the majority of property owners in a district object for whatever reason. In this case, the building is put on an "eligible" list should the objections be overcome in the future.

For more information on historical properties, contact the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers at 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 342, Washington, DC 20001-1512. For a list of historic real estate specialists, contact the National Trust for Historic Preservation at 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20038.

JUMBO & CONSTRUCTION LOANS

2009-02-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

JUMBO LOANS
-Financing up to $900k!
-No Add to Rate for loans up to $600k ($600k-$750k = add only 10 bps, $750k-$900k = add only 30 bps)
-Jumbo Pricing as LOW as 3.95% on 1 yr ARM
-Jumbo 3/1 Interest Only ARM from 5.30%
-Jumbo 7/1 from 5.75%

-Jumbo 30 yr fixed from 6.60%

-720 credit score

-70% LTV (add only .05% to rate at 75% LTV)
-Cash out ~ No add to rate or fee!
-1 day off MLS, OK

-Interest Only available on the 5/1 and 3/1 Arm
-No Minimum Reserve Requirements
-Impounds NOT Required~No Add to Rate or Fee!

I also have a lender that dropped their Residential Construction Program last March and recently brought it back. They are fast, simple, and solid !! Here are their lending details:

CONSTRUCTION LOANS
-Residential Construction – not permanent

-STATED INCOME - STATED ASSET Only !!

-Acceptable for Owner/Builder, Contractor/Built, & Non Owner !!

-700 credit score = 5.99% @ 70% LTV & LTC

-740 credit score = 4.99% @ 70% LTV & 75% LTC

-780 credit score = 3.99% @ 70% LTV & 80% LTC

-Fee: 2.5% - 3%

-Term: 6 months

Non-Owner (need a business plan)

-700 credit score = 6.99% @ 60% LTV & 70% LTC

-740 credit score = 5.99% @ 60% LTV & 70% LTC

-780 credit score = 4.99% @ 60% LTV & 75% LTC

-Fee: 3.5% - 4%

-Term: 9 months

-Loan Limits to $400,000 (loans over $400,000 to $600,000 require exception)

-5 years seasoning on all BK’s

-IO payments based on gross loan amount

-No Land payoff, subordination not allowed

-1% for construction completion loans

-Need to show an exit strategy for the take-out or permanent financing.

Call me any time if you have questions.

Etta Foote
Sr. Loan Officer
Specializing in FHA, Conventional, Rehab & Construction Loans
EVOFI One
702-293-0563 ho
503-551-2522 cell
702-947-7463 wo
702-952-0695 fax w/cover
website: www.evofione.com/etta.foote
email: ettaken@msn.com

What's going on in the market:

2009-02-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

Here are today's par rates:
30 Yr Fixed Conforming
5.5%

30 Yr Fixed FHA
5.375%

What's going on in the market:
The good news this Wednesday morning is that bonds prices have halted their retreat, currently trading flat to the market close on Tuesday. On the economic front the good news remains in hiding as quarterly profit, or loss, reports from publicly traded companies continue to disappoint. And ADP reported this morning job losses for January could be 522,000, which is close to what economists are projecting the Labor Department will tell us on Friday. The current forecast is for job losses of 535,000 with the unemployment rate rising from 7.2% to 7.50%.

We have been waiting for the rates to drop back into the 4% range, but based on the economic reports coming in, it doesn't look like that is going to happen any time soon. The U.S. Treasury announced its plans to sell a record $67 billion in long term debt next week. The auction schedule is for $32 billion of 3 year notes on Tuesday, $21 billion of 10 year notes on Wednesday, and $14 billion of 30 year bonds on Thursday. The Treasury also announced it will increase the frequency of 30 year bond auctions and will bring back the 7 year note, which has not been auctioned since 1993. If any form of the Obama stimulus plan passes Congress, and if more funds are required to bailout financial institutions, we will see ever increasing debt sales.

All the Best,

Etta Foote
Sr. Loan Officer
Specializing in FHA, Conventional, Rehab & Construction Loans
EVOFI One
702-293-0563 ho
503-551-2522 cell
702-947-7463 wo
702-952-0695 fax w/cover
website: www.evofione.com/etta.foote
email: ettaken@msn.com

Tips from Mary Swich, Feng Shui Consultant

2009-02-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Through relationships we are able to learn about ourselves and others.

Strong relationships are a form of abundance.

Below, are fifteen cures to strengthen relationships. All 15 cures are directly related to the bedroom, a room of safety, trust and renewal. These three qualities are key elements for the cornerstone of all relationships, business and/or personal.

1. Move the large pieces of furniture and vacuum every corner of the room.

2. Position your bed in the power position with a command view of the door. Do not position your bed directly in front of the bedroom door.

3. Remove any mirrors which reflect the bed.

There is still more work to be done. But changes are in the works. Don't stop now! In Feng Shui, how the bedroom is presented and maintained reflects the caliber of relationships. Now, let's move to the adjoining bathroom.

4. Keep the bathroom door closed.

5. If there is not a door on the adjacent bathroom, drape the entry or hang a crystal.

6. Deep clean the bathroom.

7. Upgrade your bed linens

8. Balance your bed with matching lamps and bed stands

9. Make you bed everyday

10. Remove pictures of single people

11. Remove pictures of art which are vague or undecipherable

12. Take down all pictures which you have hung out of obligation. I.e. family heirloom pictures, children's art or gifts which you don't love

13. Remove all work-related stuff from the bedroom

14. Clean out the closets. Get rid of the stuff you used to wear, but wear no longer.

15. Keep the closet doors closed.

Mary Swick - Feng Shui Consultant & Astrologer - www.thefengshuilady.com or by tel. 702-339-9207