The Las Vegas Chapter of Habitat for Humanity just got started on three of 60 Las Vegas homes they plan to build over the next three years in the Vegas Heights community. Sponsors for these new Las Vegas homes are the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors, Nevada Subcontractors Association and the Wells Fargo Home and Consumer Loan Division. Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas is well on its way to building over 30 homes in Vegas Heights alone. Not everyone in Las Vegas is as self-absorbed as you might think. There is a waiting list to get on a crew to help build houses for those in need. Another blog entry in the continuing series….Las Vegas is a real city. You can’t have a real city without real people willing to look beyond themselves to make things better for the community. There’s no shortage of that here, no matter how crowded the poker rooms are. MS Las Vegas Real Estate is proud to be here.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

First there was the famous MTV “Real World” Suite at The Palms, home to decadence and debauchery that would make MTV blush since the show ended and the real parties began. Now The Palms Hotel is about to slam dunk Las Vegas with the 347-room Fantasy Tower, a $600 million monument to everything cool that includes the world’s only luxury hotel suite with an indoor basketball court! The two-level, 10,000-square-foot “Hardwood Suite” comes with a locker room, scoreboard, pool table, poker table and dance floor. Las Vegas luxury real estate of the casino-resort variety just keeps pushing the envelope, and why not? In Las Vegas anything is possible! MS Las Vegas Real Estate is right in the middle of the action. Dial the phone…888-349-2595. We’ll show you some incredible Las Vegas homes.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

We’re serious…the Nevada Gaming Commission has officially approved plans for a Las Vegas casino based on the Hooters business model. The San Remo Hotel (across the street from the MGM Grand) is slated to be transformed into everything Hooters to the tune of $65 million. The Hooters Hotel is scheduled to open in early February 2006. Football celebrity Dan Marino will be opening an up-scale restaurant in the facility. It should prove an interesting experiment…after all….no one has tried the provocative approach in Las Vegas before! MS Las Vegas Real Estate will check out Dan Marino’s place and let you know. Thinking about Las Vegas real estate for investment or vacation purposes? Consult with The Sterling Team at Red Rock Canyon Realty. Give us a call at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

The residential real estate market in Las Vegas continues to defy the “bubble theory” touted by so-called economic experts. The market for Las Vegas homes is posting statistics to die for! Wow, what a year for closings! How about a total of 27,442 through the third quarter, a 30 percent increase from the same period last year. The median price of a new Las Vegas home broke through the $300,000 barrier for the first time in September to $301,050. The median price of an existing single family home has just clocked in at $284,500. How does this sound for a bubble bursting? Las Vegas new home prices have increased 21.6 percent for the year so far, and existing home prices are up 20 percent. What’s going on? Regular readers of this blog are well aware of the strong economic fundamentals underpinning the housing market in Southern Nevada. Want to know more? Contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

January 9th is the last day of operation for The Boardwalk Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s time to make way for the beginning of Project City Center! MGM Mirage has an incredible plan for a city within a city on a 66 acre plot of land between Monte Carlo and Bellagio. Slated for completion in 2009, CityCenter will feature a master-planned mixture of gaming space, hotel rooms, luxury condos, retail and fine dining. Residents will find themselves enveloped in an urban village motif that caters to their every need. Having Bellagio right next door is not so bad either! Las Vegas luxury real estate takes another step forward in 2009 with the opening of CityCenter. MS Las Vegas Real Estate is your guide to all that the “new” Las Vegas has to offer. Give us a call at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

If you’re looking for a condominium in close proximity to the Las Vegas Strip, look no further than Monterey at the Las Vegas Country Club. This beautiful guard-gated community is coveniently located right behind the Las Vegas Hilton. Monterey is also convenient to UNLV and various nearby business parks and medical centers. Las Vegas real estate at Monterey offers one, two and three-bedroom condominiums, including units that enjoy views of the Country Club golf course. The one-bedroom floor plans range from 750 to 1,104 square feet, and are priced from the $190,000s. Standard features include upgraded appliances, cabinets and counter tops. Common amenities include five pools, a spa, fitness center, picnic areas and miles of tree-lined walking paths. Las Vegas Country Club is “old school” Las Vegas at it’s finest and Monterey provides a Las Vegas home that lives up to that tradition. Contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Ardiente is the newest age-qualified community to debut in the Las Vegas valley. North Las Vegas Homes at Ardiente are designed around a resort-style theme that includes a clubhouse, shimmering pools, putting greens, tennis courts and so much more. The Ardiente community will also be guard-gated for extra security and privacy. Eight model homes have been unveiled as part of the grand opening ceremonies just this past week. The floor plans are priced from $284,000. Contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information about North Las Vegas real estate in the brand new age-qualified Ardiente community. Give us a call at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Summerlin real estate is organized into aesthetically pleasing villages, each centered around its own distinctive parks and/or golf courses. “The Mesa” is the 19th village of Summerlin homes to be developed. At complete build-out, the Summerlin community will be home to 30 residential villages. Each Summerlin village makes it’s own unique contribution to Las Vegas real estate by virtue of it’s thematic style of architecture and design.More than 30 percent of Summerlin has been set aside as open community space for the benefit of all Summerlin residents . The extensive trail system, so pleasing to walkers, joggers and cyclists, will eventually extend over 150 miles. Summerlin?s numerous parks and ball fields (many lit for evening enjoyment) are incredibly popular with residents of Summerlin homes.MS Las Vegas Real Estate is fully prepared to present every facet of the Summerlin real estate community. Our knowledge and experience are at your disposal. Give us a call at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

“The Mesa” is the nineteenth residential village to be developed as part of the Summerlin master-plan of outstanding Las Vegas homes. Encompassing 497 acres, Summerlin real estate at The Mesa is sure to be in high demand as the construction and sales process unfolds. The first neighborhood available for purchase is Ladera. Builders include KB Home, Richmond American and Engle Homes. At completion, Ladera will add 616 Summerlin homes to The Mesa Village and will provide a large neighborhood park with a community swimming pool. Contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

The Small Business Administration’s Nevada office set new records for loans during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. This is yet another indication of both the strength of the Nevada economy and the pro-business policies and practices of Nevada state government. The SBA record breaking increase in total loan dollars was up 27% from the previous year. Regular readers of the MS Las Vegas Real Estate blog will find this news welcome, but not at all surprising. The Las Vegas economy is firing on all cylinders, and blog readers know it. Here’s another GREAT statistic and a tribute to the diversity of our great state:The Nevada SBA office set new records with 42 loans to blacks, 82 to Hispanics, 97 to borrowers of Asian descent, nine to American Indians and 193 to women in the latest fiscal year. How awesome is that! The U.S. government ranked the Nevada SBA office FIRST in the nation for performance in a tie with its San Diego and Los Angeles offices.MS Las Vegas Real Estate is very proud to be doing business in Nevada in general and Las Vegas in particular! Call us at 888-349-2595 if we can be of service.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada drew 3.25 million visitors in August, a 2.6 percent increase over the same month in 2004, tourism officials said last week. So far in 2005, Las Vegas has lured 25.92 million visitors with bright neon, gourmet food, Broadway caliber shows, world-class shopping and the best nightclubs and lounges on earth! Wow, what a surprise……Las Vegas is on pace in 2005 to break the previous record of 37.4 annual visitors set way back in……2004! What a city! What an economy! What a place to be an entrepreneur! What a place to buy real estate! MS Las Vegas Real Estate is ready to get to work for you! Call us at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Less than a month after wrapping-up (no pun there, really) their amazing run at the Luxor Pyramid, Blue Man Group officially made their debut at The Venetian Hotel with a brand new show and also introduced their new theater! The Blue Man Group now has it’s very own 1,760 seat theater and it’s almost scary to think what these crazy guys might do with it! If you can do something really bizarre with a Gondola, expect the Blue Men to try it. MS Las Vegas Real Estate salutes Blue Man Group and wishes them the very best!www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Mid-rise condominium development “Loft 5″ has broken ground on Las Vegas Boulevard South at Pebble. The 10 acre site will provide 272 new Las Vegas homes that combine location, convenience and style. The $75 million Las Vegas real estate development will have eight buildings at five stories each. The first residents are expected to move in by spring 2006. Three-fourths of the units were sold in preconstruction, with prices starting in the $300,000s. Contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information on Loft 5 at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Las Vegas luxury real estate of the mid-rise variety is coming to the northwest section of the Las Vegas Valley in a most impressive way! Soaring above the Badlands golf course, with phenomenal views of the Las Vegas Strip, is One Queensridge Place. These are stunning Las Vegas luxury homes beginning at $1.2 million. Square footage runs from 2000 all the way up to 16,000 feet. Every unit will enjoy both east and west views. At completion, One Queensridge Place will consist of four mid-rise luxury towers. Contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

THE CURVE represents a unique and exciting new development in the residential genre commonly referred to as “suburban village living.” With a wide array of conveniences within walking distance of your luxury mid-rise residence, Las Vegas luxury real estate at THE CURVE seeks to combine aesthetic pleasure with functional living. To that end, THE CURVE has just announced the addition of three new restaurants to their fabulous suburban village concept. THE CURVE announces that successful Las Vegas/New York restaurant and nightclub developers Billy Richardson and James Gundy are collaborating on two restaurants and one nightspot in the first phase of THE CURVE suburban village. The names of the eating and drinking establishments are Sekkei (a fusion sushi restaurant), Jack’s (an American style eatery with boutique wines by the glass and half-bottle) and Gasoline Alley (a retro-1940’s style bar with great food and inviting atmosphere). Please contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information on THE CURVE suburban village at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Roughly twenty five new Summerlin homes remain available for purchase at Siena, a guard-gated, age-qualified neighborhood within the Summerlin real estate community. These beautiful Siena homes are finished and well-appointed with fully landscaped yards, shutters on all windows, garages with floor coatings and cabinets, appliance packages and upgraded granite counter tops. Prices start from the $400,000s to $1 million. If your interest is in Las Vegas golf real estate, you should know that a select few of the remaining Siena homes are located on beautiful golf course lots. Siena real estate also offers three fully furnished models that are all available for purchase with or without the furnishings.The 665-acre village is built around the Siena Golf Club, an 18-hole public course. Community residents receive special rates and preferred tee times. Complementing the course is a clubhouse just outside the gates of the community with an Italian-themed restaurant and bar offering indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a pro shop. Contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information on Summerlin real estate opportunities………Siena being only one of many! 888-349-2595www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Day with the Experts is set for October 15! With over 60 exhibitors, 6 workshops and 18 classes to attend, this years event looks to be the best ever! Are you looking for ways to bring your yard to life? Come to the annual Day with the Experts and learn new ways to transform your yard into a lush, yet water-efficient landscape. Sponsored by the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the free event is Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gardens at the Springs Preserve.The Gardens is located at 3701 W. Alta Dr., near the Meadows Mall at Valley View Boulevard and US 95. Park at the Meadows Mall (lower level by Sears). The Regional Transportation Commission is providing free bus service to the Gardens.Day with the Experts gets bigger and better every year. Don’t miss exhibitors, kids’ booths and hands-on workshops presented by Lowe’s. Outdoor experts like Dr. Green Thumb will give you tips to create a beautiful, healthy yard for your Las Vegas home.MS Las Vegas Real Estate actively promotes this event every year on our blog. It’s a great event for adults and kids alike, and a great way to learn more about the beauty and diversity of desert landscaping….Las Vegas style!www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Sign up for a foursome or put your company name in the spotlight as a Corporate Sponsor for the 7th Annual Birdies for SafeNest Golf Tournament scheduled for November 10, 2005 at the Silverstone Golf Club. Try your luck at the $10,000 hole in one and take home a new 2006 automobile donated by Findlay Automotive Group. The four-person best ball scramble begins at 8:00 a.m. and is followed by a fabulous awards luncheon and lively raffle featuring an impressive array of prizes. This links-style course is home to the annual Las Vegas Celebrity Classic, so register today and enjoy a morning on the links to support SafeNest!Event date and time: 11-10-2005 at 07:00 amEvent will be held at: Silverstone Golf Club, 8900 Cupp Drive For more information, go to www.safenest.orgMS Las Vegas Real Estate is a proud supporter of SafeNest and their mission to increase public awareness and save lives.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SafeNest will hold its 22nd annual luncheon on Friday, October 21st.Keynote speaker Joan Meier is a law professor at George Washington University Law School and will address the legal hurdles facing victims of domestic violence. KVBC Channel 3 news anchor and SafeNest Advisory Board Member Nina Radetich will serve as mistress of ceremonies. The afternoon event will also feature a silent auction and award presentations to major donors and volunteers. Event date and time: 10-21-2005 at 11:30 amEvent will be held at: Suncoast Hotel and CasinoMS Las Vegas Real Estate will be attending this event (which is open to the public) and we urge you to make time to attend as well. You can make your reservation on-line at www.safenest.orgwww.mslasvegasrealestate.com

Wow! Don’t let anyone tell you that Las Vegas is a great place for relocation as long as you’re looking to retire! Entrepreneur Magazine just put out their list for the hottest cities in America to be an entrepreneur, and Las Vegas came in at number four. Last time I checked, most entrepreneurs tend to be under 40 years old. Entrepreneur’s Hot Cities list is generated by measuring two main indicators. The first is business formation, which it defines as the percentage of businesses started four to 14 years ago that employ five or more workers today. The second criteria is business growth, which measures the percentage of young businesses experiencing rapid growth in the last four years. Entrepreneur magazine stipulates that a city “must have a large number of young businesses and be able to support their growth” to earn a high rank. Las Vegas provides a welcome environment to entrepreneurs with a combination of low taxes, a pro-business regulatory structure and a low cost of living compared to next-door California. Continued rapid population growth is the fuel that keeps this fire burning, and Las Vegas doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon! MS Las Vegas Real Estate is your trusted source for advice and information in the market for Las Vegas homes. Give us a call at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

We are pleased to introduce the formation of The Sterling Team at Red Rock Canyon Realty in Las Vegas. Michelle Sterling and MS Las Vegas Real Estate have found a new home for the premier real estate website in the highly competitive market for Las Vegas homes. Red Rock Canyon Realty and MS Las Vegas Real Estate join together to provide superior service and the highest in ethical standards to our valued clients. The Sterling Team has been carefully constructed from some of the most experienced agents in Las Vegas, and our goal is to expand our ability to provide outstanding guidance and support throughout the residential purchase process. We look forward to introducing each new team member in this blog in the coming weeks. Stop by again soon and meet the new Sterling Team at Red Rock Canyon Realty!

Clark County Commissioners have granted approval to Olympia Gaming for a master-plan to develop a 100-acre site that will include retail, gaming, hotel and entertainment on south Las Vegas Boulevard by St. Rose Parkway. The project is slated to begin operation in 2008. This stunning addition to Southern Highlands real estate will include a $750 million hotel-casino with 610 rooms. Residents of Las Vegas homes in several nearby communities will be able to enjoy this new resort. The surrounding areas encompass Southern Highlands homes of course, as well as the Silverado Ranch community, Anthem, Seven Hills homes, and Green Valley residents. The south end of Las Vegas Boulevard is turning into one of the most dynamic areas in the valley for Las Vegas real estate development, both residential and commercial.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

The median price of re-sale single family Las Vegas real estate rose 0.3 percent in September to $310,000. This represents a 10.7 percent increase from the same month a year ago. The available inventory of Las Vegas homes in the valley continues to grow modestly as well, with 16,152 available through the MLS listing service in September. Southern Nevada continues to enjoy a steady influx of new residents. Approximately 5000-6000 people decide to join us each month for some of the best weather and best economic conditions in the country. MS Las Vegas Real Estate is your local source for residential market information. Call us at 888-349-2595.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com

The recent evidence suggests that the Nevada economy continues to be one of the strongest in the country. Leading the way are the construction, health care and tourism sectors. Roughly half of all new jobs generated in the state since 2003 have come from these three components. Impressively, Nevada still has the fastest job growth rate in the nation according to the FDIC. Job growth registered at 6.5 percent in the quarter ended June 30, down from 6.7 percent in the quarter ended March 31, but still higher than the 6.2 percent of a year ago. The appreciation rate for Las Vegas real estate is slowing to a more gradual and sustainable rate. Existing single-family Las Vegas homes appreciated by 11.2 percent in the quarter ended June 30, down from 52.4 percent last year, the National Association of Realtors reported. A strong economy continues to sustain a stable market for residential real estate in Las Vegas. Contact MS Las Vegas Real Estate for more information.www.mslasvegasrealestate.com