Category: Uncategorized

The Las Vegas Little Theatre is reopening making theatre goers very happy. The first performance of this season is Love Letters by A.R. Gurney. Love Letters was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  The first performance was in 1988 at the New York Public Library.

The play centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd II who exchange letters, but not marriage vows, in a warm and complicated friendship lasting 50 years. Because they choose others as mates, and live to regret it.

Love Letters has a wistful tone: beneath the sparkle there is sadness and remorse. “This is a play about missed opportunity,” said John Tillinger, who staged it. “They keep missing each other but they’re bound to each other. He doesn’t really realize how much she means to him until she dies.” “She was at the heart of my life,” he laments to her mother.

This play is a unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, “needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines, and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.” The piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down.

​This show will feature a different pair of actors performing each weekend of the run! 

Limited seating live performances :

   Fridays, Jan 15, 22, 29 @ 8pm 

  Saturdays, Jan 16, 23, 30 @ 8pm and
  Sundays, Jan 17, 24, 31 @ 2pm

Starring (First Weekend) – April Sauline & Michael Kaczurak

Starring (Second Weekend) – Monica Johns & Glenn Heath

Starting (Third Weekend) – Teresa Fullerton & Blake Boles

Directed by Walter Niejadlik 

​

Tickets are $30. 

The Las Vegas Little Theatre is following strict safety guidelines including reduced capacity, 6-foot distance with seating and mandatory masks. The theatre is located at 3920 Schiff Drive.   For more information, please click here for LVLT’s reopening plan.

Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? We can help you with that, safely… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com

Choose to have an amazing day…. Jeff

The way your home is decorated says a lot about you and your family.  Choosing the right mix of colors can set the mood and having the right color on the wall can make it spectacular. Putting a contrasting color in the right spot can also dramatically change the features of a room.

Paint is a wonderful way to change the look of your home and the best part of it is easy to change if you do not like it. Plus it is not expensive to change a color. Many paint manufacturers make what I would call “a sampler size container” for you to purchase so you can get 3 different shades of a color and see which works best.  Or you can get 3 or 4 different colors if you don’t have a color in mind.  It’s important to see the color in the sunlight and in the lighting of your room.

The following are just a few ideas to enhance the details of the house you already have:

1. Pay close attention your front door. It is one of the best spots for setting the mood for your whole home. It says something that your windows never could, so paint it like it’s the most important part of your home. Matching the house trim is very passe’. Today’s front doors feature bold or fun colors that complement the rest of your outdoor color scheme. Some houses can also see a bump in interest when homeowners try the same trick on their garage doors.
2. Choose bold trim colors. Your trim color doesn’t always have to be white, though it shouldn’t be the same color as the wall. Instead, you can make a huge statement by highlighting some of the more decorative elements of your home with paint colors that have something to say for themselves. Pair light gray walls with black trim, or choose several different colors to accent ornate trim work in older homes.  When picking your paint colors keep your furniture and their colors in mind – you might want to choose a trim color that ties in with your furniture.
3. Rethink built-in cabinets and shelving. Plenty of homes have built-in shelving or cabinets, but most homeowners opt to paint these the same color as the trim in their homes, effectively hiding a potentially eye-popping element. Instead of blending your built-ins into the background, choose colors to highlight them.  Selecting a bold or bright color for the back wall of an open shelving unit can really make a statement. This can also work for the risers on wooden staircases, that really looks great and makes the stairs pop in a designer kind of way.
4. Why not white? A lot of people shy away from white walls because they feel like the color lends an institutional feel to a room, but white doesn’t have to be hospital-grade. There are a range of “barely there” colors within the white spectrum, and you can enhance them with color pops in the room itself. It’s your house; if you want a white, don’t let anyone tell you you’re wrong. Choosing a trim color that complements your white is also vital to success with all-white walls.
5. Color on the ceiling? Sure! There’s been a long tradition of ceilings being painted a flat white, but that wasn’t always the case. In the past, ceilings have been havens of color in rooms of various sizes and shapes. Depending on the effect you’re looking to create, you can use lighter or darker colors to visually raise or lower the ceiling, or accent decorative ceilings with color for added dimension.  If you can paint a picture you can paint some clouds on the ceiling.
6. Try textured paint. Wall texture comes and goes as a trend, but it’s a great way to deal with older homes that may have irregular or downright rough walls. Today’s texture paint goes well beyond Venetian plasters, giving you a huge range of options in texture and more ways to get an end result you’ll absolutely adore. Use a heavy texture as an accent, or go a little lighter for interest throughout your living space.

Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? We can help you with that, safely… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com

Choose to have an amazing day…. Jeff

A good amount of our lives happens on mobile devices and computers, so it’s no surprise that our digital accounts have become targets for criminals. These evil attacks against governments, companies, and you are more and more common than ever, with no sign that the hacks, data breaches, and other forms of cybercrime are slowing down! There are times that it is simple human error that has left them exposed. Like I said, this just happened to a good friend of mine.

A recent study revealed that in 2016 over $16 billion was taken from 15.4 million U.S. consumers. Even more incredible, identify thieves stole over $107 billion in the past six years alone. Scary isn’t it?

Luckily, it’s easy to add an extra level of protection to your most important accounts in the form of two-factor authentication, also commonly referred to as 2FA, which is used to make sure that people trying to gain access to an online account are who they say they are. First, a user will enter their username and a password. Then, instead of immediately gaining access, they will be required to provide another piece of information. This second factor could come from one of the following categories:

Something you know:This could be a personal identification number (PIN), a password, answers to “secret questions” or a specific keystroke pattern.

Something you have:Typically, a user would have something in their possession, like a credit card, a smartphone, or a small hardware token.

Something you are:This category is a little more advanced, and might include biometric pattern of a fingerprint, an iris scan, or a voice print.

Something only you (ideally) have access to: They can send a code via email, voice call or text message that you have to enter before it expires.

With 2FA, a potential compromise of just one of these factors won’t unlock the account. So, even if your password is stolen or your phone is lost, the chances of a someone else having your second-factor information is highly unlikely.

According to a recent report, stolen, reused, and weak passwords remain a leading cause of security breaches. Unfortunately, passwords are still the main (or only) way many companies protect their users. The good news is that cybercrime is in the news so much that 2FA awareness is quickly growing and users are demanding that the companies they do business with have improved security. Most likely, your bank and other truly sensitive web sites you visit have this ability, and if they don’t, you may want to move your accounts to one that does.

BE CAREFUL many criminals will trick you into giving them the 2FA information. Example: You receive a text message from someone claiming to be your bank and they tell you that for your security, you must text them the code you just received, but the code they want you to send them is the 2FA that allows them to take money from you. Never send your 2FA to anyone! If your bank contacts you, end that conversation, and call them at a trusted phone number.

If my friend had 2FA, when the criminals tried to make the transfer, it would have required another level of protection that they would not likely have had access to, and the theft would not have happened.

One last note: many people can’t tolerate the “hassle” of continually identifying themselves, so they opt out of 2FA, when they can… so I ask you, is it worth the extra time it takes to keep your accounts secure?

Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? We can help you with that, safely… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com

Choose to have an amazing day…. Jeff

It’s true… many HOAs do not allow sheds or any other type of outer building on your property, however if you do not have an HOA or your HOA allows sheds, there are many reasons to have one. Maybe you just want some extra storage space or need a place to put your mower and gardening tools to keep them out of the weather. You might want a shed to create a home office or other workspace so you don’t have to rearrange your entire home. Regardless of the reason you might want a shed, there are several options available for getting one.

The first thing that you need to do is figure out just how much space you want for your shed. This will depend on what you plan to do with it, as a storage space for a push mower will obviously be smaller than an external office space or kids’ play area. Sheds come in a wide range of sizes, so take the time to consider your needs and calculate your space requirements (including taking measurements of furniture, equipment or anything else that will take up a good bit of room) to figure out just how big of a shed you’ll actually need. You’ll also want to see if your local municipality has any requirements such as distance from the main house or fences. You don’t want to go through all the work of putting it up only to learn it has to be moved (or removed).

Building a Shed – One option that might appeal to DIYers is building your own shed. There are a number of plans available which can guide you through the building process or at least to give you a starting point for your own design. Keep in mind that building a shed isn’t for everyone, though; it is more complex to build than some other around-the-house DIYs, so be prepared for that.

Shed Kits – Maybe you’re looking for a slightly easier shed build or are trying to find a way to save a bit of money, shed kits are available that let you build a small shed from pre-made materials. In most cases these kits are for metal sheds, though some kits for sheds made of wood, plastic or other materials may be available from some retailers as well. These sheds tend to be on the smaller side and often use thinner materials, but they can go a long way toward meeting your basic storage needs.

Buying a Shed – Whether you need a bigger and sturdier shed or simply don’t have time to build one yourself, pre-constructed sheds are available from a number of hardware stores and other retailers. These sheds vary in size and design, going from basic square sheds to barn-like units that might even contain loft space. In most cases these sheds are made of wood, though some other materials may be available as well. The price depends heavily on the materials used and the size of the shed, with some models costing a few thousand dollars, but providing a significant amount of storage space or room to convert into an office space, playhouse for the kids or even a home gym.

Shed Delivery – For most shed options, having the shed delivered and set up for you is possible. Delivery can typically be scheduled within a few days of purchase, or in some cases even on the same day. Any special considerations such as having a level area prepared for the shed should be discussed while arranging the delivery. If you want the shed placed on a concrete foundation, that will need to be in place before delivery. Even if you don’t opt for a full foundation, it may be beneficial to have a gravel bed or some other material spread out and ready for the shed to provide a more solid surface and prevent sinking or settling.

Need a Custom Shed? – If your needs aren’t met by kits or pre-constructed units, contractors are available to build a custom shed that meets your exact specifications. You know me… I have lists for any type of work you need done. I can help you find the right contractor for the job. Just call me, 702-735-5669, after all I’m your realtor for life.

Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? We can help you with that, safely… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com

Choose to have an amazing day…. Jeff

For the last several months we have been living in uncertain times and maybe you have been sitting back and worrying your time away hoping things will work out. Worrying will not get you anywhere. If you have been wanting to buy a home or refinance this year, don’t discount the possibility just because your income may have dropped. It’s true that qualifying for a mortgage is getting trickier for many potential borrowers, but you still have plenty of options and opportunities for a home loan.

How Have Things Changed?

There are many industries that are facing uncertain futures and what are likely to be unstable paths of recovery. For this reason lenders have become increasingly concerned about borrowers’ abilities to repay loans. That’s not to say that there’s no hope in sight for workers or business owners, just that from a lender’s perspective, the pandemic has introduced an additional level of risk that has never been factored into home lending equations before now.

 It’s not that you’ve done anything wrong, or that home buyers in general have done anything wrong, but lenders like to see that incomes are stable and will continue to be stable for the foreseeable future. In the current economic climate, this is pretty much impossible to forecast. Given this, lenders are getting more selective about who they will lend to. Minimum credit scores are going up and, in some cases, so are down payments. The good news is that lenders are still issuing loans for home purchases and refinances, even to buyers who have lost income during the pandemic.

Getting a Loan With a Salary Drop

Revenues in many industries have taken a huge blow, and many workers are being asked to take a salary cut in order to maintain the integrity of the workforce. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you would be denied a loan, although you may need to provide additional documentation so your lender has a better picture of your overall financial picture. But a lower income can still affect your loan in one or more ways:

Need Help Finding a Lender?

1. It can reduce the amount you’ll qualify to borrow. This one is pretty obvious; if you’re making less, even temporarily, you won’t be able to make as large of a loan payment. Your lender may still be more than happy to make some kind of loan to you; however it may be for much less than you expect. So if you must borrow while on a reduced income, brace yourself for purchasing down. The upside to this, though, is a home that you will owe less on and be able to pay down more quickly once your income is back to normal.
2. It can change your debt to income ratio. A lot of borrowers walk the debt to income line, especially as housing prices continue to increase. If you were close to the cap before your income was reduced, be prepared to have to make some changes to your plans. You may need to pay off debts strategically, sell items like extra vehicles that are encumbered with loans or settle for a much smaller loan.
3. It can increase your down payment. If you’re determined to borrow within a specific price range, or you have already made an offer and your income changed during the sales process, a quick way back to the home of your dreams is to make a bigger down payment. There are many ways to increase your down payment, such as a gift from a relative (provided they do not expect you to repay the gift) or liquid funds from things like savings or a 401k. Before you cash out investments or savings, though, check with your lender to ensure you’ll have enough money remaining in any accounts that may need to contain reserves.
4. It could actually help you get free down payment money. There are programs out there that will “gift” the down payment and (sometimes) closing costs that your previous income may have been too high to qualify for. With your recent adjusted income, you may now qualify
5. Low credit score and plenty of down payment just might get you there. If you think your credit score is too low to qualify, I know a lender who just told me he can get you a loan with a 500-credit score… with 20% down.

The good news is that just because one lender may have new requirements that reduce your loan amount or make you ineligible for a loan right now, others may not. Offers vary from lender to lender and from program to program, so it is worthwhile to shop around for mortgages. If you’re not sure where to start, contact me at your earliest convenience and I’ll recommend 3-4 professional mortgage lenders that may be able to help you purchase the home of your dreams. Give it a shot!

Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? We can help you with that, safely… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com

Choose to have an amazing day…. Jeff

It is finally here Moving Day!!  It is very exciting to go on to the next chapter of your life (even if you are moving a mile away.)  You are so excited however terrified at the same time. This move is a terrifying event for your pets too, even if you’re just moving down the street. Luckily you can take several steps to protect your furry, feathery and scaly pals in these high stress times.

Your Moving Day Checklist: Pet Edition

Whether you’ve got a dog that you love, a cat that’s aloof or a flock of chickens, moving with animals takes patience and attention to detail in order to help them get through the process with the least amount of stress possible. Remember that your pet doesn’t understand what’s happening and that the noise, strangers and general chaos can be terrifying for them.

Before you so much as begin to pack, it’s important to consider what’s going to happen with your pets during your move. Here are some things you can do to keep them safer and happier during the whirlwind that’s to come:

Start practicing now. It’s likely your pet will need to be confined to a crate, bathroom or other safe space so that the door can be left open to move things out. Before the move starts, you can begin to get them used to the idea of being confined. Start by staying in or near the space with them and rewarding them when they relax (this could take some time at first, so be patient). As they get better at being confined with you, go farther and farther away, and for longer periods, rewarding them as they adjust to the situation.

Getting your pets used to being confined like this can help prevent injuries to them should they frantically scramble to escape, and can help you better see what kinds of things in those spaces may be potentially dangerous when they’re left unattended on moving day.

Ask your vet. Your vet has all kinds of things in their dispensary for these one-time highly stressful events especially if you are flying with a pet. They can make specific recommendations based on your pet’s history and particular panic buttons, and also give you more behavioral tools to your own toolbox to help your pet cope. Absolutely ask your vet for help before you even book a mover or a moving truck.

Take frequent breaks. If you can, stretch your move out over a few days or a week so that your pets can have a breather from their safety spot. Depending on just how much there is to move, it’ll be easier on you, too. For example, you might move a lot of boxes on Monday, take the small appliances over on a Wednesday and then move the furniture on Friday. Giving your pet some time to shake off the stress will make the move a lot easier for them.

Consider a pet sitter or boarding you pet. Longer moves may require you to be away for a while. If your pet is very prone to stress in new situations, a pet sitter will help fill your shoes while you’re moving, or while you’re taking care of getting the new place cleaned up and ready to go. Just make sure to introduce the pet to the sitter ahead of time so they can get to know one another.  If you consider boarding your pet, take some time to get your pet comfortable with its new surroundings.  Many vet offices board pets and there are some places that only do that.

Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? We can help you with that, safely… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff

Have you gotten boxes from Amazon of free boxloads of merchandise right on your doorstep?  EXCEPT it isn’t from Amazon!!!  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers that there is a scary downside to this recent scam. You are not the one who hit the jackpot. A scam company is the real winner.

This scam is called brushing, and it has been popping up all over the country. Suddenly, boxes of unordered (by you, the recipient) merchandise from Amazon begin arriving. There is no return address except that of Amazon, and the receiver (you) has no idea who ordered the items. The items are varied. For example, in one case a humidifier, a hand warmer, a flashlight, a Bluetooth speaker and a computer vacuum cleaner arrived unordered.

Why would such merchandise be sent to you if you didn’t request it? The companies, usually foreign, third-party sellers that are sending the items are simply using your address that they discovered online. Their intention is to make it appear as though you wrote a glowing online review of their merchandise, and that you are a verified buyer of that merchandise. They then post a fake, positive review to improve their products’ ratings, which means more sales for them. The payoff is highly profitable from their perspective.

The reason this is very bad for you is that someone was able to have the items sent to you as if you purchased them.  This indicates that they probably have some of your personal information such as your name, address, and possibly, your phone number. Once the information is out there on the internet, it could be used for numerous crooked enterprises.

The fake online review angle is only one way they benefit. By using the brushing scam, they also are increasing their sales numbers. After all, they aren’t really purchasing the items, since the payment goes right back to them. Increased sales numbers, even though padded with fake purchases, look good for the company and help lead to more sales.

Then there is the “porch pirate” angle. There are instances where thieves use other people’s mailing addresses and accounts, then watch for the delivery of the package so they can steal it from the door before the resident gets it.

PLEASE (and this is very important) notify Amazon. Brushing and fake reviews are against Amazon’s policies, so contact Amazon Customer Service if this happens to you. They will investigate and take action on the bad actor. Go directly to Amazon’s website to get their contact information. The company also takes security seriously and encourages customers to report fraudulent purchases or other security issues. If the preference is to contact them by phone; be cautious of searching for support phone numbers.

Change your account passwords. This may be a sign that personal information has been compromised and to improve account security, keep a close eye on credit reports and credit card bills.

By the way, the Federal Trade Commission says you have a legal right to keep unordered merchandise.

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff