Las Vegas Podcast - Living in Las Vegas

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 9/3/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:46:45 +0000

Thanks for reading Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. This is critical data you and your Realtor need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer in the Las Vegas Valley this weekend.

Summary: We’re up to 14705 listings available. Once again, there was a rise in the number properties available under $50,000 and under $100,000. There was another drop in contingent and pending units, which I am interpreting as great news for the market in general: short sales are getting processed. It’s still going to take most of a year to get through them, but it is happening. It was a busy week for title officers and the Clark County Recorders Office who processed just under a thousand closings. Month end is always a busy time for closings, and this was no exception.

Other Information: Mortgage rates are down yet again, hitting another record low for the 4 decades it’s been tracked (the number of mortgage brokers is down too). But that’s not the reason at least one economist thinks “At some point, housing becomes a compelling bargain.” Some FHA changes are coming, so if you are considering buying with an FHA loan, it may be in your best interest (ha, interest!) not to delay. We have some details of that program I mentioned earlier this week where communities and non-profits get first crack at some foreclosed homes. And CNN just discovered that HAMP isn’t the only mortgage modification program out there. Great cutting edge reporting there, I guess. And one last thing, advice from Lowe’s on how to pick a home remodeling contractor.

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[VIDEO] Don’t Try This At Home — Video #005

ScottW — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:42:01 +0000

Just as everybody in Los Angeles wants to be an actor, it appears that everybody building our secret project wants to be a Vegas entertainer. We’ve already seen Wade’s dancing skills, so now it’s up to Rip and me to audition as well.

For my part, I butcher about three seconds of a BeeGee’s classic. Rip’s death-defying performance is much more impressive. In both cases, I’d suggest you not try this at home.

[VIDEO] Let’s Meet A Real Life Builder Bob — Video #004

ScottW — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:35:43 +0000

It’s been ten days since our last video, which demonstrates how busy we’ve been! It’s hard to shoot video when you’re a Builder Bob apprentice! And speaking of Builder Bob, let’s meet Rip Rippetoe, as he explains what we’ve still got to do.

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 8/27/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:04:31 +0000

TGIF! You know what that means? No, not a lunch suggestion. It’s time for Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. This is the real deal: information you and your Realtor need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer in the Las Vegas Valley this weekend.

Summary: Available listings continue their climb, now at 14357. At this rate, we will see if my prediction for stability around 15,000 holds within a month. I am concerned about the number of very cheap properties out there. I do get calls from people who think they can afford the mortgage on a $50,000 home, but the catch is that it’s almost impossible to get a mortgage on a home in that price range. That doesn’t even address the fact that such homes always need extensive, expensive repairs. Only investors and other buyers with cash will get us out of that pickle. Contingent and pending listings dropped below 14,000. Once more, a good sign that banks are working through the backlog of short sales one way or the other. Median time on market for sold homes finally crept over 30 days, mostly because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac won’t consider investor offers for the first 30 days. Speaking of investors, there is plenty of action in homes for lease.

Other Information: A lot has been made of the most recent court rulings against MERS. Remember, we don’t have judicial foreclosure here in Nevada; the bank can foreclose without ever going before a court. An expert I consulted feels that the only way to get your mortgage case into a courtroom is bankruptcy! Since a lot of people are staying put (not necessarily by choice), check out these home remodeling tips. Some sources are asking today whether some lenders might be procrastinating on foreclosures. The answer is yes, particularly if the property is occupied. And who can blame them when 1 in 10 homes nationwide may face foreclosure, maybe more (my math says that 14% is more than 1 in 10). Of course, that doesn’t mean that banks are keen to deal with principal writedowns, HAMP, or other loan modifications. Major media is pessimistic about the housing market in general, but at least one expert sees foreclosure rates dropping. While some are pessimistic about Vegas, I would like to say that if you’re going to argue that, don’t use a house in Mesquite as your example! That’s saying Waco and Dallas are the same place. New homes are getting smaller on average (more to the point, new homes are getting more “value priced”). Local commercial real estate is not a happy place right now. And don’t fall for this builder rip-off! Take your money and your purchase offer elsewhere!

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Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 8/20/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Thanks for dropping for Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. Here’s you and your Realtor need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer in the Las Vegas Valley this weekend.

Summary: Once again available units jumped, this time to 14057. While the number of short sale and non distressed available properties is up, there was no rise in the number of bank owned properties. Contingent and pending listings were down, but remain over 14,000. The number of contingent short sales does continue to decline, but some of those units have returned to the market as available. Median time on market for homes that are closing has finally reached 30 days — half of homes selling are on the market less than a month. This slow rise is partly due to institutional sellers insisting on longer periods before considering offers, or only considering investor offers after 2-4 weeks on the market. Our rental market for houses and condominiums is still healthy and stable despite the fact that apartment rents are at a 6 year low.

Other Information: Nationally, more construction is starting on more properties, but permits for the future are down. I don’t cover commercial real estate, but the Commercial Real Estate Price Index is down (great news for business owners looking for new space). Home buyers need to be aware that the FHA rules are tightening up; please consult your mortgage professional for details. Mortgage applications are up as rates are low. Some experts think the government must slash tax breaks for homeowners (please contact your Congressman and Senators if you feel strongly one way or the other). Remember that buying a short sale or foreclosure adds complications to the buying process (see here and here for more). More good news, mortgage delinquencies are down. Thanks to Steve for pointing out that in the second quarter, we had over 3000 cash transactions, and fewer than 1000 closings with a mortgage (FHA, VA, conventional, and owner financed combined! Yes, there were a handful of owner financed transactions). Cash is King in our market right now. And one last thing, the Hoover Dam Bypass should finish on schedule this fall.

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[VIDEO] Building the Stage for Our New Studio – Video #003

ScottW — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:08:00 +0000

In this latest behind-the-scenes video, we take an over-the-shoulder look into some of the steps required to build our 288 square foot stage. (We also feature the entertainment styling’s of one Wade Roberts.)

Three New Folks Added to the Friends of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast Page

ScottW — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:55:44 +0000

There is something joyous about finding an email addressed to friends@livinginlv.com in my inbox. The stories. The kind words. The photos of groovy listeners from around the globe. So imagine my uber-joy as I proudly added three more folks to the Friends of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast page!

First we have Jason, who hails from Missouri and is clearly capable of any bodyguard duties I may need in the soon or distant future.

Next is Amber, a Las Vegas local who is a very impressive graphics designer. (She’s worked with several casinos here in town.)

And the latest addition is Michael and Melissa, a cute couple from Oregon who are in the midst of buying a short sale home here in Las Vegas.

Welcome all to the site!

By the way, are YOU on our Friends of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast page? It’s easy! Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it to friends@livinginlv.com. Include your name and location and you will join fabulous folks like Jason, Amber, Michael and Melissa!

[VIDEO] Building Our Groovy New Studio — Video #002

ScottW — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:53:18 +0000

Here is the latest video from our studio building project, which is happening just off the Las Vegas Strip.

In today’s video, we learn how to set off a fire alarm without starting a fire and see first hand that I have lost all track of time.

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 8/13/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:38:38 +0000

Here we are with another edition of Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. This is the no-nonsense data you and your Realtor need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer in the Las Vegas Valley this weekend.

Summary: It’s no surprise that available units are up, yet again, to 13,832. Nor is it surprising that median price on those units is slipping just a little, mostly on non-distressed properties. Pending and contingent properties stopped dropping, and now sit a little over 14,000. The number of contingent short sales continues to ever so slowly go down, and that is a very good thing for the long term. Closings have settled into their mid-month lull (Pro-tip: if you can close on your home mid-month, it will make your mortgage and title people happy and things are likely to run more smoothly). List price and final sales price on closed units remain very close to one another; this is not a time for low-ball offers if you really want the property.

Other Information: Last week Fannie wanted more money from the Feds? This week it was Freddie’s turn. The NAR assures us that home prices are “firming” nationally, but even NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun “urged caution on interpreting price data.” And remember that locally, there are several communities with problematic Kitec plumbing fittings. It’s an estimated 30,000 homes effected, so be sure to ask your home inspector about it. This is a far bigger deal locally than the tainted drywall issues in some parts of the country. I thankfully haven’t encountered any of that drywall (experts tell me it’s unlikely here), but I sure do know some developments with Kitec issues!

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[VIDEO] What’s PodWorx Building? #001

ScottW — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:04:46 +0000

On November 23, 1998 I jumped into the entrepreneurial waters. Since then, I’ve started three successful businesses (website design, branded music CDs and Internet broadcasting). For each of those businesses, I’ve been fortunately enough to have, on average, about a 10 foot commute to work.

That is, until about ten days ago.

For some time now, I’ve been working on a concept for a new type of offering from PodWorx. It’s an idea that I’m very excited about and one where the technology has caught up with the vision. It’s never been attempted here in Las Vegas and based on the feedback I’ve received from a group of very smart folks who’ve been briefed (after signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement), there’s a lot to be excited about.

To create the environment necessary for this new concept, I have to expand beyond my existing work environment. As a result, I have found myself in the land of commercial real estate. After a relatively-short search, I was connected with a great guy/landlord and a great space from which to launch this project.

After securing a small amount of funds from outside sources, on August 2nd, 2010, I accepted the keys to my first commercial property! A wave of excitement, fear, anticipation and the unknown washed over me. I’m not a Builder-Bob kind of guy, so I was nervous. Luckily, I have two GREAT friends (Rip and Wade) who are helping me build what I believe will be one of the coolest video studios in town.

The video above is the first of several I’ll be recording during the building process. We’re still in stealth mode but I wanted to share the process as best I can. Ten days into the project, I’ve learned a lot, spend a great deal of time at Home Depot and Ahern Rental, and feel as if my credit card is beginning to melt.

Stay tuned. . .

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 8/6/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:45:22 +0000

Glad you could join me for Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. Here’s what you and your Realtor need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer in the Las Vegas Valley this weekend.

Summary: Once more, available units are up. Now we have 13496 properties available, compared to 12038 at the beginning of last month. An interesting twist (but certainly no trend) is a very slight drop in the number of bank owned homes available! The number of contingent and pending units continues its downward trend, but for now remains over 14,000. Within 2 weeks we should see a more “normal” market that has more units under contract than available. More good news on this front is that we’re down to 9251 contingent short sales waiting for bank approval. While it is true that sometimes the bank is saying no, at least there is progress working through the backlog.

Other Information: Fannie Mae lost over $3,000,000,000 (that’s $3 billion, or $3000 million!) last quarter, so they are asking for more government aid. There is some noise that they may be pressured to forgive a lot of mortgage debt, but it is likely nothing but noise. Some experts suggest that new home prices are likely to fall another 5% this year (hopefully leveling off and/or starting to rise next year) to compete with distressed sales of existing homes. Mortgage rates hit yet another new low (some people think super low interest rates in general are actually a bad thing from a long term housing price standpoint). One last thing: if you have moved out in preparation for selling your home — or are thinking about it — please call your insurance agent to make sure your property will be covered! Many homeowners policies only cover occupied properties!

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80: Enjoying Life as a Las Vegas Local

ScottW — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:49:15 +0000

If you live in Las Vegas, you really owe it to yourself to get out and enjoy that which is Sin City. The weather. The food. The entertainment. And since our last episode, we’ve been busy doing just that!

Join us for this edition of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast where we regale you in stories of Las Vegas local fun and joy! Show notes:

Weather (triple digits are awesome) / LiLV Pool (86 is the new 84?)

LiLV Stuff

Listener Line: 206.312.0105

Sign up of Email Alerts (form found on right side of our website)

NippleGate (thank you Wendy O)

Commercial Property (PodWorx is expanding!)

Recent Blog Posts

Friday Figures

Locals Deals (Social House, Bejing Noodle #9, Brand Steakhouse, Mandarin Oriental)

Red Rock Restaurants

New Firefly in Summerlin

Comedy/Magic talent search

il Vino at Aliante Station

Listener Audio [from a looooong-time listener]

Listener Email: Viva Elvis, Job Hunt, Theatre Launch

Hot and Horrible: Union at Aria Vodka-pairing dinner

Enjoying Life as a Las Vegas Local by. . .

Staying at Wynn for Melissa’s Birthday

Checking out the NBA Summer League (and the most amazing discovery ever)

Singing along with Sgt Pepper Live featuring Cheap Trick

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 7/30/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:04:26 +0000

Welcome to Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. This is the no-spin data you need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer this weekend.

Summary: We’re up to 13261 available houses, condos, and townhomes. I fully expect that we will have 15000 before the end of the year, particularly since time on market is going up (partly due to reduced buyer interest, partly due to short sales falling out). At least prices show signs of leveling off for the moment. While there is no doubt that we have more distressed properties coming on the market, I am seeing anecdotal evidence of an increase in rehabbed properties being sold by investors, particularly in the sub-$200k market. The number of contingent and pending units is down to 14252. Closings are strong this week as we finish up the month. I am concerned by the rise of single family homes priced under $100,000; most of these are bank owned, and few can realistically be financed. A few creative mortgage products involving a second rehab loan exist but I only know one mortgage professional who is enthusiastic about them. These cheap properties might pose an opportunity for an investor with cash, but I can’t in good conscience recommend any of them to the first time buyer who might be attracted by (im)possible low monthly payments.

Other Information: Even though prices are dropping nationally and locally, sales of new homes are up. Sales of existing homes are still “above historical median.” Home ownership is down to a 10 year low and dropping, and that unfortunately means that there are more vacant homes everywhere. Vacant homes are a target for crime, including arson, so please be careful when touring homes (and keep an eye open for strange things at vacant homes near you). A number of sources think this may be a good time to buy a home for several reasons, one of which is low interest rates.

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Local’s Only: Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter Tea Lounge

ScottW — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:55:57 +0000

Just saw this in our local neighborhood paper.

The Tea Lounge on the 23rd floor of he Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter is offering locals 20% off their bill for tea and/or tea cocktails now through Labor Day.

What is a tea cocktail?

Good question. Here’s a couple examples:

Royal Tea – orange vodka, simple syrup, chilled Osmanthus Oolong tea, splash of lemon juice, on the rocks.

Tea-tini – bourbon, chilled jasmine pearl tea, and apple juice, sweetened with agave nectar.

I wonder if I can hang a Lipton bag on the side of my Tanqueray and Tonic and call it a tea cocktail?

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 7/23/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:56:40 +0000

Thanks for reading Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. Here’s what you really need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer this weekend.

Summary: We’re up to 12960 available units, just under 13,000 and about a 30% increase from the low we set earlier this year. No surprise that prices are under downward pressure. Contingent and pending listings are down, however, and we may eventually work through the huge backlog of contingent short sales one way or another. 600-700 closing properties a week seems to be the “new normal” for a little while, but I do expect more closings this coming week as banks try to clear the July books.

Other Information: Unfortunately, the economy is of great concern going forward. Nevada unemployment is at 14.2% and in the Las Vegas Valley it’s 14.5%. Builders are also nervous about the economy. Home sales are slowing nationwide — which the experts did anticipate after the home buyer tax credit expired. This week has also seen a lot of criticism of how few people have really been helped by the HAMP program — and a few pointing out how little help it is to some of the people who have gotten modifications. There is still some good news to report: mortgage rates are at yet another all time low; many Clark Country residents got lower property tax bills in the mail this week (which may result in budget shortfalls, but that’s another issue); and apartment rents are down. So far I have seen no real drop in rental home prices, partly because those owners have fixed expenses and a slightly different business plan.

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Restaurant Review: Terra Rossa and Hachi at Red Rock Casino Resort

BridgetM — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:55:59 +0000

A lot of Vegas restaurant guides tend to favor locations on The Strip, but that’s not terribly convenient for those of us that chose to live further away. Count me among those that don’t really go down there all that often, but still want to enjoy great food! That being said, two of my favorite places for dinner just happen to be a few hundred feet from one another at the Red Rock Casino Resort.

Terra Rossa has a superb menu of well prepared Italian dishes. It’s not the cheap bowls of pasta you may have come to expect at many restaurants by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, all the pasta is homemade.

An antipasto plate will arrive at your table before you can even consider your menu options, and a bread basket will follow soon thereafter. The thin crust, wood-fire cooked pizzas make a nice appetizer, or a meal by themselves. Classic items ranging from deep fried calamari to chicken parmigiana are of course available and well prepared. A few of our favorite menu items are the prosciutto appetizer, gnocchi, and spaghetti al carbon.

There is a full bar with expert mixologists and an extensive wine list. The service is always just right, and a member of the team is sure to be nearby when you need something. [The outside dining is pretty cool as well. -Ed]

Hachi is a “Modern Japanese” restaurant with an ample selection of sushi. Why do the waiters have belt buckles shaped like the number 8? Because hachi is the Japanese word for eight!

To be honest, we tend to treat sushi restaurants as “small plate dining”, a sort of Japanese tapas. As a result, we’ve tried a lot of menu items over the three years they’ve been open, but we’ve never actually had any of their main courses. The menu sort of encourages this grazing by offering a section of 38 small dishes for $8 or less. If you like spicy food, don’t pass up the Crispy Spicy Shrimp, Kholester Roll, or the french bean tempura. For those with more traditional tastes, the crispy baby whitefish, sea bass cakes, and kumamoto oysters are excellent. A traditional assortment of sushi bar staples can be had as well, such as nigiri, miso soup, and edamame. And it’s worth saving room for dessert. (Don’t be surprised if the sake sommelier shows up at your table to talk about the sake menu, but there’s a full bar too.)

Reservations are recommended, but both restaurants can usually work you in fairly quickly if you show up without them.

New Firefly Tapas Restaurant Location in Summerlin

JacobC — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:12:00 +0000

Good news for our readers in Summerlin. There will be a new Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar location coming to the area. The restaurant will be located at 9560 W. Sahara Ave, which is between Grand Canyon and Fort Apache. (It is currently the home of Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill.) Firefly offers Spanish style tapas for lunch, dinner and late night dining all at a affordable price. A large portion of the menu’s over 40 items are under $10.

The new Firefly location will be approximately 6,000 square feet and will seat around 200 people. Firefly has two other locations in the valley: 3900 Paradise Road (by the Hard Rock Casino) and inside the Plaza Hotel (Fremont Street and Main Street). There is no time-line to open the new restaurant, however it should be open by the start of August.

Local’s Only: Social House at Crystals CityCenter

JacobC — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:09:34 +0000

Social House, which is a unique sushi restaurant owned by Pure Management Group, has opened inside Crystals at CityCenter. Executive Chief Joe Elevado has trained under “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto to deliver what should be an interesting and diverse blend of Pan-Asian style. Locals just need to show a valid Nevada ID and receive 20% off Sunday through Thursday.

I did not have the opportunity to eat at the old Social House which was located inside Treasure Island. So I would be interested to hear from some of our listeners who ate at the old Social House and compare it to the new Social House.

[Melissa and I have taken many LV visitors to the TI-based Social House. It was one of our “go to” places. We’re not sushi people, but those who are raved. For we cooked-food lovers, their food was excellent as well. — Scott]

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 7/16/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:22:27 +0000

Once again it’s time for reading Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. Touring, listing, or making a purchase offer this weekend? Read this first!

Summary: Available units rose again, this time to 12521, and median price on single family homes dropped and median time on market rose by a day. The number of properties in the process of being purchased dropped very slightly, but this is not a cause for concern as many of these properties have been in that state quite a while awaiting short sale approval. Over half the homes that are now closing were on the market less than a month, so there is still some competition for the “most desirable” properties. In fact, 95 of the 658 properties that closed in the last 7 days were on the market less than a week before an offer was accepted!

Other Information: Please be careful out there this weekend! We have an excessive heat warning; don’t count on working air conditioning in a vacant property! Unfortunately, Nevada once again leads the nation in foreclosures while we are at a record high as a nation. Home mortgage applications are falling while rates remain low. And just for fun, some statistics on American homes.

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Want to be a Comedy/Magic Performer?

ScottW — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:23:08 +0000

My friend Jay, who runs promotion for a variety of shows in Las Vegas (including the LA Comedy Club) sent me the following email. Looks like he’s looking for an assistant for a comedy magic show on Fremont Street. Here’s the email:

Are you looking to be part of a fun show or know someone who is? If so then forward this to them.

Looking for an assistant in a comedy magic show on Fremont Street. Must be attractive, friendly and outgoing (very good with people).

Job duties include: Pitch the show 2 hours before the show, Work along-side the shows performers in a one-hour show.

Experience a huge plus, however if you’re a natural we would love to take a look.

Hours: Approximately 2:00pm- 5:30pm. Wed-Sun

Flat fee ($60) for your appearance plus commissions on sales of tickets.

Please send any information you think may be helpful in addition to a headshot (photo), plus full length photo, number to reach you at and resume. We will not even take a look without a photo. You will be performing on stage and must look presentable to the public.

This is a fun environment however we are also very hard workers.

Call 702.287.0915 to set up an interview on Friday

His email address (for the headshot, resume, etc.) is screamoutloudmarketing@yahoo.com.

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 7/9/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:06:01 +0000

Thanks for reading Friday Figures! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. Here’s the real scoop that you and your Realtor need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer this weekend.

Summary: The number of properties for sale rose yet again to 12,266. We are seeing clear signs of fewer buyers now that the tax credit is over. The rise in the number of available short sales is dramatic. One obstacle to clearing the inventory of very low priced homes is that financing such properties is almost impossibly difficult. The number of properties under contract to be sold did drop slightly as more of them moved on to closing. There’s still over 14,000, and most of them are still waiting for short sales to be approved. The number of properties that closed in the last week plummeted, as most buyers (and some sellers) pushed hard to close before the end of June. While the year to date sales figures are not as high as last year, they are far above 2007 and 2008 levels.

Other Information: I’m not sure what to make of ABC’s report that “liar loans” are making a comeback. Nobody thinks it’s a good idea to sell people a house they ultimately can’t afford, but many people in Las Vegas make more money in tips than in salary! Wells Fargo is completely shutting down its sub-prime operations, so be prepared to show them lots of documents to get a mortgage. Rates are down again to a new record low, and as a result mortgage applications are up. Good news for our local economy is that hotel occupancy nationwide is up; our economy relies heavily on tourism. Another bit of good news courtesy of our reader Jacob, General Growth will very likely sell over 7 acres of land for a high-tech manufacturing facility. This will bring construction jobs now and tech manufacturing jobs for years to come. And finally, nationwide, apartment vacancy is down, and rents are up. The theory is that the economy has improved enough that people who had roommates are moving out on their own.

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Local’s Only: Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars

JacobC — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:02:47 +0000

Beijing Noodle No. 9, which is an Chinese-themed restaurant inside Caesars Palace, is offering a discount for locals. Just show your Nevada ID and receive 20% off your bill. According to the Caesars website, Beijing Noodle No. 9 is their newest restaurant.

A quick glance reveals the menu to be quite varied, from Cantonese Roast Duck to something called a Stuffed Seafood Pancake! Sounds like it could be an adventure for those of you with a more varied palate.

Friday Figures: Las Vegas Real Estate Report for 7/3/2010

BridgetM — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:11:36 +0000

Welcome to Friday Figures! And a very special welcome to all the new readers at the Living in Las Vegas Podcast & Blog! All information from the GLVAR MLS system. Friday Figures is real information on the Las Vegas real estate market, and the no-nonsense numbers you and your Realtor need to know before touring, listing, or making a purchase offer on a home this weekend. As always, the first Friday of the month I share month-over-month numbers to give you an idea of where the trends lie.

Summary: Available inventory rose again to 12038, almost 20% from the 10888 we had at the beginning of June. As promised, I crunched numbers and unfortunately from a strict chart standpoint I saw signs that available units might go as high as 15000 in the coming months. Between that and the end of the home buyer tax credit, that means buyers will have more options and less competition. There are more low-priced units available, but many of them cannot be financed for various reasons. Pending and contingent properties dropped, mostly due to properties closing before the end of the month to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit. However, we still have over 10,000 short sales waiting for bank approval before they can close; some may never close and some may be taken back by the bank. This number is down, but still alarming. As expected, we had a rush of closings in the last week; don’t expect another 1200+ sales completed any week soon!

Other Information: President Obama signed the extension of the home buyer tax credit this morning, but remember it only helps you if your contract was signed by the end of April! As usual, Calculated Risk is on top of all the national real estate figures, including the fact that even though banks only have a half million foreclosures on the books, there are ten times that number of seriously delinquent loans waiting for short sales, loan modifications, or foreclosure. BondDad has the latest Case-Shiller numbers; Las Vegas house prices were up 0.2% in April, but down 8.5% year over year. I am willing to take the good news where we find it! Nobody is surprised that one in three home sales in the first quarter of this year was a foreclosed home (it’s a bit higher locally). And finally with 2 major fires and legal fireworks, air quality may be a bit lower than average this weekend; take it easy and remember things like water and sunscreen.

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Local’s Only: Discount at Brand Steakhouse

JacobC — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:29:37 +0000

Brand Steakhouse inside the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino is offering a 20% off for Las Vegas locals. To receive your 20% discount, just show you local Nevada ID.

Brand Steakhouse is a 5,000 square foot facility located right in the heart of the casino. I did a quick scan of the menu online and the prices seem relatively reasonable when you take the 20% discount into account. Also two things jumped off the page at me besides the prices:

1) The offer a Tomahawk Ribeye! [Yes!! -ed]

2) They offer a steak for six people! It is 120 ounces and if one person can eat the whole steak it is on the house! So I encourage all locals to have a light lunch one day and indulge your inner carnivore that evening at Brand Steakhouse. We hope to see you there.

Need the Scoop on Las Vegas Real Estate? We’ve Got a New Contributor for That.

ScottW — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:08:52 +0000

Come to find out, Twitter is good for more than getting updates about Twilight, sharing your anger about poor WorldCup officiating, and telling everybody that you just woke up. It’s really good at finding experts in the most curious of ways.

I put out a tweet about Las Vegas street performers that solicited a funny response by Bridget Magnus, a Las Vegas local. As I often do when I get a reply on Twitter, I checked out her blog. Come to find out, she’s a Realtor. And I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she publishes a weekly blog post called “Friday Figures”, which provides a synopsis on what’s what in the Las Vegas real estate market, based upon figures from GLVAR MLS system.

I asked if she’d be interested in sharing her insights with our Living in Las Vegas Podcast readers and she agreed to do so.

Welcome, Bridget. Thanks for joining the team!

79: Cirque du Soleil Plus ELVIS - A Little Less Conversation?

ScottW — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:18:36 +0000

Melissa and I are big fans of Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil and Elvis Presley. So, combining the three into one big show has got to be fantastic! Right?

Today’s Living in Las Vegas Podcast gives you a personal account of our Viva ELVIS experience. Show notes:

Weather (Nice and toasty. . .) / LiLV Pool (. . .as long as you’ve got a pool)

LiLV Stuff

Listener Line: 206.312.0105

Sign up of Email Alerts (form found on right side of our website)

Total Wined

Scott’s Dieting Journey

New Contributor to Join the Site: Bridget Magnus

Overheard on The Strip (visit. . .and SHARE!)

Recent Blog Post Review

Wolfgang Puck Local’s Discount

Las Vegas Strip Street Performers

Fontainebleau

Lake Las Vegas

Listener Email: Job’s in Las Vegas

Viva ELVIS

Local’s Only: 20% Off at Wolfgang Puck Restaurants

ScottW — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:16:33 +0000

I’ve always found it odd that most businesses struggling to make ends meet catering to tourists fail to realize that there are two million people who live in the Las Vegas Valley who are hungry, thirsty and in search of entertainment as well. While many locals avoid The Strip because of high prices ($18 for a drink?! Are you kidding me?!?), more would certainly make the Strip Trip if offered a locals-only discount.

So, here’s an official “attaboy” to the folks at Wolfgang Puck.

Several Wolfgang Puck restaurants are offering locals 20% off through September 30. The offer is good for lunch and dinner food only (not drinks) seven days a week at the following restaurants:

Spago (The Forum Shops)

CUT (Palazzo)

Trattoria del Lupo (Mandalay Bay)

Postrio Bar & Grill (Grand Canal Shops/Venetian)

Wofgang Puck Pizzeria (Crystals, CityCenter)

Locals must show ID to their server to take advantage of the offer. More info can be found at www.wolfgangpuck.com.

Guess How Much Street Performers on The Strip Earn

ScottW — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:46:06 +0000

When we first moved to Las Vegas, a trip to The Strip would occasionally include bumping into some form of street performing Elvi (the plural for Elvis, I believe) or showgirl. You see them downtown as well. You get your picture taken with them, and then give ‘em a tip as thanks.

Have you ever wondered how much these folks make?

Me, too.

The local Fox news station did a short story on street performers — about how they’ve gone from Elvis and showgirls to KISS’ Gene Simmons, Storm Troupers, Spiderman, and Austin Powers. The gist of the piece was that some street vendors who sell a product are angry that the street performers don’t have to go through the same permit and licensing requirements as they do. It’s an interesting debate, but what REALLY got my attention is how much a street performer can make.

According to “Gene”, he makes between $75 to $400 a day sticking a fake tongue in his mouth and posing for pictures. For a five-day-a-week, fifty-weeks-a-year gig, that averages to $59,375. But what REALLY REALLY got my attention is what the Storm Trouper makes.

The reported wrapped up the piece by saying that she heard the Storm Trouper “can make seven to eight hundred dollars. . .just amazing!”

What?!?! $700-$800 a day?!?!?

Yep, go out and buy a Storm Trouper costume, and prepare yourself to make as much as $200,000 a year.

Which begs the question:

Do They Have Storm Trouper Costume in XL?

May the source (of revenue) be with you.

Searching Las Vegas Real Estate Using Google Maps

ScottW — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:27:00 +0000

We’ve been sniffing around the residential real estate market lately. With homes being sold for discounts of 50% from their high (we’re seeing million-dollar homes going for $500k), we wanted to see if it makes sense for us to make a move.

Although I’m very very impressed with realtor.com’s search functions (it does what those ‘sign-up-to-get-your-search-info’ sites do for free), I stumbled upon a cool feature in Google Maps.

Under the MORE tab (found on the upper-right of the map), select “Real Estate…”. Instantly, all homes for sale in your area pops up on the map. Additionally, the column to the left of the map presents some simple criteria for the search (Listing type, # of bedrooms, # of bathrooms, square footage). After narrowing the search, you get a clearer look into what’s happening in your area.

When you click on one of the teardrop thingies, the property info comes up with a link to the website with the property’s details.

Pretty cool stuff.

Construction Permits for Fontainebleau on the Las Vegas Strip Pulled

ScottW — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:41:00 +0000

In response to our Lake Las Vegas post, our good friend Cheryl pointed me to an article in the Las Vegas Sun about Fontainebleau, the casino/resort in waiting on the Las Vegas Strip.

As the article goes on to say, the 47 permits pulled by Icahn Nevada Gaming Acquisition doesn’t necessarily mean any actual building is going to take place. According to county officials, the permits, which list a variety of projects (casino, hotel and restaurant remodelings, miscellaneous commercial structure work and parking structure modifications), could simply be procedural.

Let’s hope for the best!

(And hope the negative comments on the Sun article page are wrong.)

Lake Las Vegas Gets Some Good News

ScottW — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:58:56 +0000

When Melissa and I first moved to Las Vegas, we were very impressed with Lake Las Vegas. Its a 3,592-acre master-planned residential and resort community near the Lake Mead National Recreational Area and about 20 miles east of the center of Las Vegas. Back in 2005, it looked like the crown jewel of the booming Las Vegas real estate market. But as the economy and local real estate market turned for the worst, Lake Las Vegas turned for the worst-er.

Lake Las Vegas filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors on July 17, 2008. It was reported to be a very contentious filing. I just saw a press release announcing that the court “confirms Lake Las Vegas plans of reorganization”.

Here’s the link.

I sure hope things turn out okay for the folks living in LLV. I’ve seen a TON of short sale/foreclosures in the area. Pretty depressing for those who live out there.

What Our Latest Living in Las Vegas Podcast ‘Friend’ Proves

ScottW — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:59:58 +0000

It would be obvious to think that because our latest Living in Las Vegas Podcast “Friend” Bob W. shares two distinct traits with me, THAT is why I believe his recently-added photo epitomizes the pinnacle of cool.

But you know I’m much more fair and balanced than that.

Long before I recognized the powerful one-two punch of groovy that presents itself when a person like Bob rocks a goatee and rides a large, v-twin motorcycle, it was deemed groovy by the universe.

Bob and I just fell into it.

I have since stopped riding my motorcycle around Las Vegas. (Have you seen how people drive around here?!?!) But you can bet I still respect and admire the goatee+motorcycle combo that has proven to keep America great.

Thank you Bob for continuing the tradition of grooviness. And welcome to the website!

(And kudos to Bob’s wife Donna for playing along in the motorcycling fun!)

By the way, are YOU on our Friends of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast page? It’s easy! Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it to friends@livinginlv.com. Include your name and location and you too will be groovy, just like Bob!

78: YeeeeHaaaaw! I’m a Little Bit Country at Helldorado Days in Downtown Las Vegas

ScottW — Mon, 17 May 2010 04:25:29 +0000

I’m pretty sure if it weren’t for that chewing tobacco thing, I’d have been a cowboy. Oh, and the cows. And that smell. And all that dirt and stuff. And sleeping in anything other than a kind-size bed.

But I digress.

Today’s Living in Las Vegas Podcast brings out our cowboy and cowgirl side as we ramble on down yonder to the Hellodaro Days celebration in downtown Las Vegas. Show notes:

PHOTOS! (Git, now.)

Weather (THAT’S what I’m talking about) / LiLV Pool (400,000 BTU’s to the rescue!)

LiLV Stuff

Listener Line: 206.312.0105

Sign up of Email Alerts (form found on right side of our website)

LiLV Podcast Spring 2010 MeetUp Review

Long Weekend at Newport Beach

New Friends of the LiLV Podcast (well, pending (Bob!!))

Scott Gets Jury Duty

Jacob’s post on Immigration

Overheard on The Strip (visit. . .and SHARE!)

Helldorado Days

Show Me Your Papers - Coming to Nevada?!?!

JacobC — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:00:00 +0000

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was in town last Friday to speak at a media roundtable organized by the Nevada News Bureau.

Mr. Arpaio has championed a tough new bill in Arizona, which will become law during the summer, that will allow the police to ask people if they are in the country legally. If that individual is here illegally then the individual will be turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be deported back to their home country.

This bill is controversial because a lot of people think it will lead to widespread racial profiling of Hispanic Americans. Others think that this bill is exactly what is needed to stem the tide of illegal aliens pouring over our borders, which in turn will reduce the strain on Social Services and produce jobs for people out of work.

The bill has been written so that a person can only be asked if they are here legally if the police catch or question the person in relation to criminal activity. If you would like to read the bill in full you can do so here.

I would like to know what you all think of the bill. Is there a chance it will come to the great state of Nevada? How will that affect The Strip? Please keep your comments clean regardless of whether you agree or disagree with this bill.

UFC President Looks to Build a Better Playhouse in Summerlin

JacobC — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:49:13 +0000

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White, a Las Vegas resident, is looking to build a better playhouse somewhere in the Summerlin area.

Mr. White is looking at places to build an entertainment complex for families similar to “Dave and Busters” chain. Dave and Busters combine restaurants and bars with a variety of video games, from NASCAR simulations to Boxing simulators, wrestling video games, laser tag, etc. It is unclear if Mr. White’s new potential entertainment complex will serve food and alcohol or even what the name will be. Time line for construction will be within the next 12 to 18 months.

(For UFC Fans, the UFC Fan Expo will be held here in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center May 28th and 29th.)

A New and Funny Las Vegas Website is Now Online!

ScottW — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:00:02 +0000

Having lived in Las Vegas since 2004, one of the most enjoyable things I do is visit The Strip. And one of the funniest parts of those visits is overhearing what others say while walking around with a 4-foot margarita strapped around their neck. I thought it would be cool to create a single online spot to list all these funny quotes and comments so PodWorx just launched a new website called Overheard on The Strip.

Here’s the URL: http://www.OverheardOnTheStrip.com

If you’ve heard something funny during your time on The Strip, we would love for you to join the fun. Please take a moment and stop by the website. Because much of the fun of a Las Vegas Strip visit is the people watching (and listening), I hope you enjoy your visit to our brand-new website!

Photos and Recap: Living in Las Vegas Podcast Spring 2010 Meet Up

ScottW — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:19:23 +0000

With a bar tap of $551.87, a limo, and the singing of Kumbaya at an Irish pub I’d never heard of, the Living in Las Vegas Podcast Spring 2010 Meet Up was a rousing success!

Here are all the photos! (Thanks to Sally for your contribution!)

Let the Party Begin

The festivities started promptly at 6:30PM at Brio. Jacob, Sally and Cheryl were the first to arrive and secure the area around the fire pit (our favorite spot). Neil, Sarah, Melissa and I arrived via cab shortly thereafter. (None of that fashionably latest stuff for our listeners!) It seemed that within 30-45 minutes or so, all the revelers were in place. Some decided to dine on Brio’s good food. All decided to sip from the adult nectar of joy.

The conversation and drinks flowed easily from the beginning and went well into the night. It was GREAT fun hanging out with all the folks who joined us. EVERYBODY was having fun, talking, laughing, meeting new people, re-connecting with folks we hadn’t seen in years. . .good stuff.

Hey Bartender

And with good conversation, often there is good drink to be had as well. In reviewing the bar tab, there was a wide variety of drinks being consumed during all the fun. Here’s a list:

Captain and Diet

Bombay Sapphire Martini

Sangria

Corona

Bellini Martini

Wine (by the bottle!)

Mojito

Bacardi and Coke

Coors Light

Jack Daniels and Diet

Bombay Sapphire and Tonic

Bacardi Silver and Sierra Mist

(I leave it to your imagination which beverage was most consumed. Interestingly, it appears I thought some form of flight was an option.)

Limousine Trip

So that we could drink without worrying about getting pulled over for a DUI, several of us decided to take a limo home. As always, Presidential Limo delivered. The car (super stretch) was great, there was champagne waiting, all the gals got roses and our driver Danny was outstanding. Very classy. Thanks Presidential Limo! If you’re in the market for a limo in Las Vegas, give them a call. They’re fantastic!

When our limo pulled up outside Brio at 11PM, the party was still going strong! At this point in the evening, several of us felt we could go for something to eat, and continue with the fun a bit longer, so we decided to take advantage of our stylish transportation and had Danny take us to McMullan’s Irish Pub (on Tropicana). I’d never been before, but David and Alicia recommended it.

On our way to McMullan’s, Neil was kind enough to pour all of us a bit of champagne.

From Italian (Brio) to Irish (McMullan)

Eleven of us ended up at McMullan’s. We had a few more drinks but mostly chowed down. (The Irish Nachos were as big as a bowling ball.) We hung out there for a while and then decided to bring the evening to an end.

As we dropped off the last of our fellow limo riders, Melissa and I took the limo home and reflected on how much fun we had.

It was a great time.

Personally, I felt that I had connected with all these people more than ever before.

I felt love.

And when I think love, I want to sing. While holding hands. With lots of other people. Which explains what’s below. I leave you with video proof of the love that was in the air.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present, Kumbaya:

Living in Las Vegas Podcast Spring 2010 Meet Up: Three Days and Counting!

ScottW — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:59:19 +0000

For those of you who read this blog from outside of the Las Vegas area, you are missing out on a city-wide increase in energy that I’ve not seen since March of last year. You feel it on the street corners, in the bars, and on The Strip.

What’s all the buzz about?

People of all ages are uber-excited about the upcoming Living in Las Vegas Spring 2010 Meet Up!!

[queue thunderous applause]

In three short days, the who’s who of podcast listeners will gather at Brio in Town Square at 6:30PM to share stories and libations, meet new friends, and bask in the light that is magically created when we gather to celebrate this groovy little podcast.

“Who is going to be there, Scott?”

Just the coolest people evah! Here’s some of the folks that have already RSVP’d:

Scott (Hey, that’s me!)

Melissa (Naughty Jelly Sweet)

Jacob (Blogs on the LiLV site with me)

Sally (Wife of he who is Jacob and photographer of the stars)

Neil (from the UK(!) – LiLV is International Baby!!)

Sarah (from the UK(!) – wife of Neil and Melissa-level shopper)

Cheryl (Ph.D in smart podcast listening (and other stuff I can’t explain))

David (Listener Email theme? He wrote that. Did our new logo, too.)

Alicia (Groovy gal, wife of David, and owes me chocolate)

Malya (not a vampire, muy funero)

Ira (new listener, often emailer, new in town)

Ted (AccessVegas.com bossman, Las Vegas insider)

Oprah (Not really, just checking to see if you’re really reading this)

Maria (Recognized Melissa whilst shopping! How cool is that?)

Ron (Best stylist in Las Vegas)

Are you coming? Let me know!! Just click meetup@livinginlv.com and tell me you’ll be there! If I already know you, I’ll add you to the list above, along with an insightful parenthetical comment. And if I don’t know you, I’ll add you to our list, along with a less-then-insightful parenthetical comment. Either way, you’ll be famous! And your Ma and Pa will think you’re swell.

By the way, If you don’t live in Las Vegas but will BE HERE this Saturday, you should come by and say HI!! Much fun will be had. And you could probably use a break from your mind-numbing gambling loss. (Thanks for that, however. Our taxes are low ‘cause of great people like you!)

As a reminder, here’s the details:

SAVE THIS DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 24th, 2010.
START TIME: 6:30PM
LOCATION: Brio Restaurant, Town Square (South Las Vegas Blvd, by Fry’s)

See you on Saturday!!! Come have some fun and bring a friend!

p.s. Mark G. from Georgia, who won our deer naming content, has asked that I take his winnings and transfer them to a Meet Up attendee. So, I will buy the third person to arrive a drink – further proof that our listeners are all about giving.

Alert the Academy: Our Video for Sarah’s Surprise Trip to Las Vegas

ScottW — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:20:35 +0000

Our good friends Neil and Sarah are coming to Las Vegas in a couple weeks to celebrate Sarah’s birthday. Only thing is, up until about a week ago, Sarah didn’t know anything about it. Neil asked us to shoot a video explaining how angry we were that Neil wouldn’t let us tell Sarah we knew about her Las Vegas trip. He added this video to the end/credits of a DVD he created for Sarah unveiling the big trip!

For those members of the Motion Picture Academy, we appreciate your support.

77: LiLV Podcast — Bowling, Beautiful People, Brrrr, Bird Poop and Blues

ScottW — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:29:40 +0000

While not for the faint of heart, sometimes, you just got to pick a letter of the alphabet and form an entire show around it. Lesser folks would shy away from such a bold move. . .but not your fearless hosts. In this edition of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast, we focus on the letter "B" — which is what "Melissa" means in Spanish (bee, that is)**. Show notes:

PHOTOS! (Utah girl’s snow trip)

Weather (Ahhh, that’s nice) / LiLV Pool (clear and slowly improving)

LiLV Stuff

Listener Line: 206.312.0105

Sign up of Email Alerts (form found on right side of our website)

LiLV
Spring 2010 Meet Up Latest News

New Friends of the LiLV Podcast (Mike, Jennifer, Greg)

Bowling at Red Rock (Bowling #b1)

XS Nightclub at Encore (Beautiful People #b2)

Utah Ski Trip (Brrrrrrr #b3)

Le Reve / Stratta (Bird Poop #b4)

Listener Email: Elvis asks a question, Mark offers a drink

Hot and Horrible: BB King’s Blues Club (Blues, #b5)

** Okay, we really didn’t start off trying to create a show about things starting with “B”. I was just looking for a theme. Don’t judge me.

Free Jazz Concert Saturday at Lake Las Vegas

JacobC — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:05:12 +0000

There is a live jazz concert being help this Saturday, April 10th at MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas. Paris Red will be performing from 7pm until 10pm. Chairs and blankets are acceptable but coolers are not permitted on the grounds. The award-winning singer (she won the BMA Award for Entertainer of the Year in 2008) delivers a soulful mix of R&B, Jazz, Rock and a little hint of Country. Sally and I had the pleasure of seeing her last year at Red Rock Resort and Spa and she put on a very good show. She’s performed which such artists as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and Ronnie Laws.

Hope to see you out there this Saturday evening. (Hoping for some nice weather this Saturday evening as well!)

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Raising Fees

JacobC — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:00:26 +0000

Here in Las Vegas we are starting to enjoy the onset of Spring (besides the 100mph gusts of wind!). As Las Vegas residents, warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine motivate many of us to go outside and enjoy some of the outstanding outdoor actives we have at our disposal. One activity Sally and I enjoy is hiking, or just driving through the park. It is a great get-away from the neon and hustle & bustle of the Strip. It is breathtaking scenery that cannot be missed if you live here or happen to be passing through on a quick visit.

Unfortunately, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area will be raising their fees on May 1st. Their $5 Day Pass will be increased to $7 and the Annual Pass which is currently $20 will be raised to $30. As far as we know, the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Overlook will still be free. So, for those of you avid hikers or walkers that frequent Red Rock, it may be beneficial to renew your passes now! You can find more information here www.nv.blm.gov/redrockcanyon.

Hope to see you on the trails.

Earthquake in Las Vegas: Who’d a Thought?!?

ScottW — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 23:56:47 +0000

Well that was a first.

At 3:40PM today, a ~~6.9~~ 7.2 earthquake struck Baja California, about 110 miles east-southeast of Tijuana. The reason I’m blogging about this is because for the first time, I FELT AN EARTHQUAKE IN LAS VEGAS.

I was working in my office when, out of the blue, I started feeling a little dizzy. A moment later, the dizziness went away. I kept on working and then started feeling dizzy again.

At this point, I figured I was working too damn hard. As I left my office and walked into the living room, I happened to be looking out into the backyard and notice the pool water was sloshing back and forth.

“That’s odd”, I thought.

Then, I turned to look at the two chandeliers in our home; one in the dining room and the other in the bar/lounge area. Both were swinging about 2-3 inches either way.

“I’m not having a stroke! We had an earthquake!!”

Having grown up in Southern California AND having gone through the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, I’m usually not surprised by them. BUT NOT IN LAS VEGAS!! It was crazy! I had no idea it was an earthquake.

A check on Twitter showed a steady stream of Tweets about the earthquake. And CNN.com has been covering the earthquake for the last 45 minutes or so.

p.s. The Loma Prieta was a 6.9 (moment magnitude) earthquake as well. Its “surface-wave magnitude” was 7.1. Those are some big quakes!

DJs for PJs

JacobC — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:03:55 +0000

DJ’s for PJ’s, a non-profit organization that provides new pairs of pajamas to benefit children in need, is having their next pajamas drive on April 9th in Boca Park and three other locations through the Las Vegas Valley. This annual drive is to benefit children that are removed from unhealthy home environments and placed in temporary shelters such as Child Haven. Sometimes these children arrive with torn T-shirts and shorts. Other times they arrive in nothing but diapers. So please make some time to drop by and donate some gently used or new pajamas to benefit those children or young adults who are in a difficult transitional state. The drive accepts pajamas for kids up to the age of 17. For more information you can also visit www.djforpjs.org

Locations:
1. Boca Park (Charleston & Rampart)

2. Kohl’s (I-215 & Valle Verde Drive)

3. Johnnie Walker RV Center (4784 Boulder Highway)

4. Santa Fe Station (US 95 & Rancho)

Time: 6AM to 7PM

Friends Bring Balance to the Living in Las Vegas Podcast

ScottW — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:16:22 +0000

For those new to the show and our website, the Friends of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast page was started way back in November of 2006. We’ve added people from around the world, enjoying every additional smile place on our pages. However, today is the first time we’ve achieved a certain level of balance previously lacking.

Thanks to the efforts of our latest friend, Greg M., we have created a warm and embracing bookend to this page of friends. With Greg’s photo, our very first photo (Sheena) and our last photo are both from the great state of Massachusetts (and yes, I had to spell check the name of the state. . .don’t judge me.)

The minute I added Greg’s photo, I felt a certain sense of feng shui come over me. As I published the updated page, a small bluebird landed on the windowsill outside my office, gave me a wink and a nod, and said that all is right in the world.

This, naturally, scared the crap out of me.

But, as is the case with all great Disney movies (Mary Poppins, for example), I buried my fears and decided to interact with the animated bird.

During our conversation (which included tea. . .he likes decafe like me), I asked him if this balance means I should stop accepting new photos. ‘Billy’ said no — that in fact this balance required many more photos to further the good of all mankind.

So, welcome to the page, Greg. And to the rest of you reading this, Billy wants you to send a photo. Remember, it’s for the good of all mankind. Sure, he’s only an animated bluebird, but I think he’s got a little vulture in him.

Not pretty.

Do you understand the power that is Billy?! Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it, along with your name and location, to friends@livinginlv.com. It’s Easy. It’s Free. And it’ll keep a flock of angry bluebirds off your front porch.

Construction at Red Rock Casino – Mmmmm Beer

JacobC — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:29:13 +0000

With temperature in Las Vegas beginning to rise (thankfully), those who frequent Red Rock Resort & Casino will soon have another choice when it comes to cold beer!

Construction is underway to complete Yard House, a restaurant chain that boasts the World’s Largest Selection of Draft Beer.

(That’s a pretty bold claim if you ask me. However I do not posses the liver or youth anymore to know otherwise.)

There is already a Yard House located here in Las Vegas at Town Square.

Construction is well underway and is scheduled to open in June of 2010.

Prost!

Introducing Our Lastest LiLV Contributor

ScottW — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:55:21 +0000

Over the last few days, our readers have seen a steady stream of new blog posts.

Have you noticed?

The increased stream of blog posts have been courtesy of the newest contributor to the Living in Las Vegas Podcast website. I’m happy to introduce our readers/listeners to Jacob Cannon, a good friend of the show and of Melissa and myself (along with his lovely wife Sally!).

Besides sharing the occasional “Man Pizza”, Jacob would constantly send me emails highlighting things happening in the Las Vegas Valley. I asked him if he’d be interested in sharing his insights with our readers and he graciously agreed to do so.

If you have ideas/tips for Jacob, feel free to shoot him an email: JacobC[at]livinginlv.com. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you!

Welcome, Jacob! Thanks for joining the team!

Activity at Summerlin Centre Mall?

JacobC — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:53:46 +0000

Almost anyone that has driven on 215 West by Charleston has seen it. The steel skeleton that stands as one of the Valley’s reminders that the economic slowdown has effected those us of with budgets large and small. I’m talking about the Summerlin Centre Mall (or Red Rock Mall) which was due to have 5 or 6 anchor stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, Crate & Barrel with up to 300 stores overall.

Work was halted in late 2008 with the developer, General Growth Properties, citing the economy and lack of financing to continue the project. General Growth Properties then declared bankruptcy protection shortly thereafter. However in the past few days there has been some activity around Summerlin Centre Mall. Several trucks and some heavy equipment (bulldozers and backhoes) have been seen around the property. There has been no formal announcement as of yet, but it could be possible that work may be starting back up soon to complete this project and add some much needed jobs to the local economy. If we find out more information we will let you know!

Local’s Only: 50% off The Rio Buffet

JacobC — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:57:29 +0000

The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is doing a promotion where Nevada locals receive 50% off their “Carnival” Buffet. The promotion requires you to show your valid Nevada ID when placing your order and is good Monday through Thursday.

See you at the buffet!

President of Hard Rock Hotel Found Dead

JacobC — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:46:58 +0000

Andrew Kwasniewski, President of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, was found dead yesterday by his wife in their Summerlin home. According to reports, it appears to be a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. It is an ongoing investigation by the Las Vegas Metro Police Department and there should be more details at a later date.

A Bit Chilly? Warm Up Today (Like Our Lastest LiLV Friend)!

ScottW — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:25:35 +0000

Listeners to the Living in Las Vegas Podcast know that there are many sides to this groovy little podcast.

Laughs? You bet.

Insight into the Las Vegas lifestyle. Of course.

The warming embrace associated with puppies, cookies and milk? Surprised?

Don’t be. As those already on our Friends pages have discovered, besides whiter whites, a sense of warmth and calm gently cascades over them upon their appearance on the page. This explains why Jennifer, who is a new listener to the podcast (and who lives in M-M-Minnesota), longed for the warmth we provide.

Welcome to the website, Jennifer! No need to bundle up any more!

Feeling a little chilly yourself? Then chilly no more! Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it to friends@livinginlv.com. It’s Easy. It’s Free. And it’ll cut your heating bill by 13% (uh…or less).

Color Me Happy — Another LiLV Friend is Here!

ScottW — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:40:56 +0000

The picts keep coming!!

Today I added our latest Friend of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast photo. . .from active listener Mike S. from Connecticut. I’ve had the pleasure to swap emails with Mike and have also feature Mike during the Listener Audio segment of the show.

When he’s not listening to the show, he works for a company that makes colored guitar strings. . .which he was kind enough to send my way.

Welcome to the Friends page, Mike! Thanks for playing along!

By the way, are YOU on our Friends page? If you’re not, be a part of the most exciting photo upload website in existence! Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it to friends@livinginlv.com. Life as you know it will be free of stress and full of love and happiness!

76: Living in Las Vegas, Acting Like a Tourist

ScottW — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:22:09 +0000

While there are certainly a few things making life in Las Vegas a bit tough for many of our fellow Las Vegans (unemployment and housing prices, for example), we love that we live in a city that was once our go-to place for weekend getaways. We’re just 30 minutes away from some of the best food, lodging and entertainment the country has to offer.

Which is pretty cool.

In this edition of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast, we review some of the touristy things we’ve been up to during the last couple of months. Show notes:

Pre-Bachelorette Party Chat

LiLV Stuff

Listener Line: 206.312.0105

Sign up of Email Alerts (form found on right side of our website)

Weather (enough with the rain) / LiLV Pool (blech)

Taxes

The next LiLV Meetup has been DECIDED

New Friends of the LiLV Podcast

We Select our Deer’s Name

Listener Audio: Congrats, Melissa’s Singing, “Man Pizza”

Living in Las Vegas, Acting Like a Tourist

A Great Show (ROAR)

Downtown Foodie Love

Pawnshop Stardom

Birthday Fun (Aria, Dining, Amazing Comedy)

Another LiLV Friend is Amongst Us. Welcome Her. She’ll Be Happy You Did!

ScottW — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:25:00 +0000

We really get a kick when one of our listeners sends us a Friends photo and includes a tip-of-the-hat to the Living in Las Vegas Podcast! Our very first photo, from Sheena in Massachusetts (now San Diego, I believe), did so and so have Mark & Luz (Spain), Stuart (Moscow), Bill (Indiana), and Joel (Israel). About 30 minutes ago, Dani from Las Vegas added her own T.O.T.H . photo as well!

According to Dani’s photo, she is “Definitely ‘Living in Las Vegas’ Baby!” That’s the way we like it! Living. In Las Vegas.

Welcome to the website, Dani. And thanks again for joining the fun!

By the way, are YOU on our Friends page? Kim O. did it. And so did Dani! Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it to friends@livinginlv.com. It’s Easy. It’s Free. And it’ll likely get Scott to pay for the first round of drinks if you’re sipping a beverage with the Whitney’s.

Everybody is a LiLV Friend (Until They Prove Otherwise)

ScottW — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:56:59 +0000

Okay, well that’s not completely true.

Yes, Melissa and I think of all our listeners as our friends. And if it were up to me, I’d simply grab your photo from Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace, wherever and automatically add your smiling face to our Friends of LILV Page.

Buuuuuuut several privacy statutes prevent me from doing so.

So, we get by with an little (email) help from our friends – most recently, Kim O. from San Diego!!

Kim continues to prove that along with being the smartest podcast audience in the world, the Living in Las Vegas Podcast listeners are good looking people, too!

I don’t mean to brag, I don’t mean to boast,
but LiLV Friends are the BEST (according to this post).

Kim recently signed up to our E-mail list and immediately decided that besides receiving groovy email stuff, she wanted her whites to be whiter.

“But how?”, Kim thought to herself.

Then it dawned on her. She remembered visiting the Friends page and learning that by simply emailing her photo to friends@livinginlv.com, her whites would be whiter.

“Ahhhh, problem solved,” Kim sighed.

Welcome to the website, Kim! And may I say, what nice whites you have.

By the way, are YOU on our Friends page? If you’re not, you should be! Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it to friends@livinginlv.com. Life as you know it will improve and you’ll be blessed by the universe!

Hold This Date: The Next Living in Las Vegas Podcast Listener Meet Up

ScottW — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:03:44 +0000

It’s been WAY TOO LONG since we had our last official Listener Meet Up. This travesty must be resolved! Our first Meet Up was a thrill for us, and each subsequent gathering has been a kick as well.

So why the drought?

No (good) reason, I’m afraid. Melissa and I are busy folks but that’s no excuse for not creating an excuse to meet up with groovy folks like yourself!

Details will follow, but I wanted to put this date out there now. The plan is to have our Living in Las Vegas Podcast Spring Meet Up on SATURDAY, April 24th, 2010.

Time and location are to be determined. If you have a suggestion, PLEASE let me know.

Melissa and I are looking forward to sipping a joyful beverage and hanging out with the greatest people on this earth. In the meantime, why don’t we all hang out? (Those great people are so hard to talk to.)

SAVE THIS DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 24th, 2010.
START TIME: 6:30PM
LOCATION: Brio Restaurant, Town Square (South Las Vegas Blvd, by Fry’s)

Video Tour: Our Room at CityCenter’s Aria Hotel and Casino

ScottW — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:40 +0000

To celebrate my birthday this past weekend, Melissa made reservations at Aria (in CityCenter). We were very impressed with the property overall and took this video upon entry into our room. We learned that automation is cool, when Aria says Blackout curtains, they mean it, and you better be sure you want something out of that minibar. . .because if you move it, you pay for it.

For other videos, visit the new Living in Las Vegas YouTube Channel.

p.s. During our entire stay, all the casinos we visited (Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, Aria) were PACKED.

p.s.s. What do you think of what we saw? Would love to hear from y’all!

Video from FireFly Tapas Restaurant in Downtown Las Vegas

ScottW — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:51:35 +0000

Here’s a quicky video I took when Melissa and I met a few friends downtown for dinner, drinks and live comedy. This video is from Firefly, which is located within the Plaza Hotel and Casino. As you’ll see, they’ve got a GREAT view of Fremont Street.

For A TON of other videos, visit the new Living in Las Vegas YouTube Channel.

Can You Be A Better Player By Using an Online Blackjack Guide?

ScottW — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:03:02 +0000

Just curious. . .I was wondering if the folks who visit this website or subscribe to our podcast use online blackjack guides to become a better blackjack player. Do they help when you’re playing live versus online? How about for other games like craps, roulette, and hold ‘em?

The Living in Las Vegas Podcast Has a Facebook Fan Page

ScottW — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:26:10 +0000

Apparently, this Facebook thing is all the rage. The kids like it, companies are trying to make money with it, and you don’t have to spend fifteen minutes trying to figure out how to update all your followers/friends/fans in 140 characters. I have a personal page on the Facebook and have now added a “FAN” page for the Living in Las Vegas Podcast.

Are you feeling fantastic? Want to see videos that aren’t added to our main website? Then click the thingy below and join the fun!

Living in Las Vegas Podcast & Blog on Facebook