Localism: Las Vegas, NV

The Magic of Las Vegas - Lance Burton Monte Carlo - Criss Angel & Holly Madison - MGM City Center

World Market Center - Las Vegas Nevada - by Robert Swetz

Las Vegas Real Estate - November, 2008 market statistics

Last night I was Awarded as the "Survivor of the Year". I urge everyone to keep fighting!

Las Vegas Has Cowboys and Cowgirls

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:44:06 -0600

We spent Wednesday night with a long time Las Vegas headliner, Master Magician Lance Burton at Monte Carlo on the Vegas Strip. Even with our front row seats, Lance continues to prove why he is a true master of his craft, with a performance of illusion after illusion that leaves you with that... 'How'd he do that?" From the simplest slight of hand, to his many birds and ducks that appear out of nowhere, to his more elaborate illusions with his dancers or vanishing and floating corvette and the $10 million in gold he uses to turn an assistant into a gold statue, his show continues to entertain.

Lance's show offers up the intimate style of magician interacting with the audience. His one-on-one with the audience is a contrast to the many large production shows, and that allows his warmth and humor to shine through. Audience volunteers also include children, something that Lance experienced himself as an audience volunteer at age 5. He was mystified by Master Magician Harry Collins and began studying magic and performing for children in his neighborhood. By his teens, Collins had noticed Lance's deep interest and became his mentor, later passing the magic wand off to his understudy.

In addition to Lance's own subtle comedy, you'll find the antics of his special guest performer even more laughable. Comic Juggler Michael Goudeau's outrageous segment continues to have the audience roaring. Of course he gets some of those laughs at the slapstick expense of 'stage hand' Tom, who is the brunt of a few of his 'accidents'. He also returns in other segments of the show.

Over the years, it's not unusual for celebrities to turn up in Lance's audience. There's a long list that I can recall since I've been here, and last night Lance made more magically appear and introduced them at the end of the show. A few rows behind us was Criss Angel of TV's Mindfreak and his new Cirque show 'Believe' that recently opened at Luxor. With him was his current date, Playboy Playmate Holly Madison, Hef's former girl that also appeared on Girls Next Door.

Lance is also one of the entertainers that is offering Las Vegas Locals Appreciation Specials, with his through December 13th. I've mentioned before that one of the benefits of living in Las Vegas is to be surrounded by so many entertainment options. Besides having the year round opportunities to catch resident and touring shows, these special locals prices are an added perk of living in the Las Vegas Valley.

I also wanted to mention the Monte Carlo since it has it's share of construction going on. Originally built in 1996 by Victoria Partners that was a joint venture of Mirage with then CEO Steve Wynn at the helm, and Circus Circus Enterprises, that later became known as Mandalay Bay Enterprises. Both those companies were rolled into the more recent merger of MGM Mirage.

Even with the above night shot, those familiar with it may notice that the entrance to the resort is undergoing a makeover. The drive has been redesigned and fresh landscaping is underway as you can see from the still tied palms. New restaurants have opened with the Light Group's Brand Steakhouse and Diablo's Cantina that is restaurant and nightclub with it's addition extending the front of the property closer to Las Vegas Blvd. The 21,000 square foot pool area is undergoing renovations and is slated to reopen in June 2009. Room remodeling originally slated to begin in 2009 got an early start due to an accidental roof fire that occurred earlier this year.

As you can see, Monte Carlo sits in the shadows of the most expensive private construction project in the US, said to be estimated at $9.2 billion excluding the value of the land. MGM's massive City Center will not only adjoin the Monte Carlo, it will integrate into it. The Monte Carlo parking garage was torn down and is being rebuilt to handle the larger capacity needed for the project. It along with City Center will open in stages throughout 2009 and shows the continued commitment to the future of Las Vegas.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call me at 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:09:05 -0600

World Market Center Las Vegas is a dynamic new showcase for the home and hospitality contract furnishings industry in the heart of Las Vegas, the fastest-growing home furnishings market in the country.

When fully completed, World Market Center Las Vegas will have more than 12 million square feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space in 8 buildings on 57 contiguous acres in downtown Las Vegas. All segments of the industry will be together on one mega-campus, making it the largest, most comprehensive, most accessible showroom and convention complex in the industry.

But the home furnishing industry doesn't have to wait for completion in order to appreciate World Market Center's many advantages. With the debut of Las Vegas Market in July of 2005, World Market Center gave the entire industry what they'd been asking for: a world-class Market with state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional market representation, ultra-convenience, easy access, cutting-edge technology and unprecedented amenities-all in a city with an unrivaled reputation for fun, excitement and hospitality.

Las Vegas Market takes place twice a year and is open only to members of the retail furniture and design trades. There is no fee to attend the Market but you will be required to provide a Resale/Tax ID Number or Interior Design Certificate Number to register.

WMC's Commitment to 'Green'

World Market Center is proud to be a

founding member of the Sustainable

Furniture Council.

Offering sustainable educational

programming and juried exhibits as well as an on-site recycling and refuse system, World Market Center is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable practices.

photographs above taken in Las Vegas, Nevada by: Robert Swetz and duplicating in any form is in violation of copyright infringement and subject to fines.

Please look at my new web site on photography, it's almost complete www.SearchMyPics.com

Real Estate www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com

Photographs taken 12-4-2008

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:20:08 -0600

Listed below are the current inventory and November, 2008 statistics for home sales in the Las Vegas Nevada real estate market. If you have any questions or need more information about real estate in Las Vegas, call me at (702) 339-9700 or email me at JohnNovak@kw.com. I'm looking forward to earning your business!

Total Homes Available:

14,686 (as of December 3, 2008)

Single-Family: 10,945 (8.1 month supply*)
Condo: 2,798 (12.9 month supply)
Townhouse: 943 (10.3 month supply)

Total Contingent and Pending Sales:

4,189 (as of December 3, 2008)

Single-Family: 3,393
Condo: 616
Townhouse: 180

November, 2008 Sales:

Single-Family: 1,351 (Price range: $28,500 - $2,500,000)
Condo: 217 (Price range: $21,500 - $445,000)
Townhouse: 92 (Price range: $34,000 - $275,000)

Sales per month
	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov
Single Family	1317	1591	1496	1683	1637	1351
Condominium	158	192	209	199	238	217
Townhouse	72	84	84	95	94	92

Median Selling Price:

Single-Family: $180,000
Condo: $79,900
Townhouse: $121,545

Median price by month
	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov
Single Family	$224,900	$214,900	$205,000	$192,000	$185,000	$180,000
Condominium	$121,000	$120,000	$110,000	$100,000	$98,894	$79,900
Townhouse	$156,250	$160,000	$144,000	$149,900	$120,500	$121,545

Average Days on Market:

Single-Family: 57
Condo: 71
Townhouse: 73

GLVAR deems information reliable but not guaranteed. Information is for MLS areas 201-505.
* - Supply = Homes Available/November Sales

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:42:08 -0600

For all of those who need a little reminder to keep fighting

Last night, I was humbled to win a symbolic award, the "Outside Agent - Survivor of the Year" Award. The category included four final nominees who were voted finalists out of over 15,000 Realtors in Las Vegas. The awards event was created by the Las Vegas High Rise Condominium Association and included categories for best architecture, sales team, outside agent, marketing, and more.

2008 year has been very hard for everyone - this awards ceremony recognized all of those who stood up and fought for their clients, their projects, their city, their family, etc. To me, that was symbolic and very needed. I felt it really boosted moral as the surviving real estate professionals in Las Vegas become MUCH more of a community. We respect each other more.

It's not about the Winners - It's about All of Us

It is not about the winners, it is about everyone in the United States. I feel any of the final nominees in my category were well deserving of this award, I respect each and every one of them as well as anyone who survived 2008 in general.

If you worked hard in 2008 and are still in business (regardless of your city), then KUDOS to you. Never give up and always remember to do things for the right reasons. With that formula, you're headed towards great success in life, love, and business.

Richard Lee, Aaron Auxier, and Steve Bottfeld - Dec 3, 2008

A Hard Year Emotionally

As a human being, 2008 took a toll on my person. It changed me as a man and I have no problem sharing that with anyone. Without going into too much personal info, I have had to deal with a lot (as many of us have). Because of the last year, I stand stronger and feeling complete as a human. Tonight, a well-known figure emailed me to tell me that I am incredible and a true character. Coming from this person, I'm feeling mighty good right now.

Winning this award is one of the highlights of my career (along with being selected as a Rising Star of Business in Las Vegas in March 2008). It couldn't come at a better time - ending the year and continuing to fight forward!

Standing on my battlefield - the Las Vegas Strip - Dec 3, 2008

Here's to 2009 - Here's to Life!

I wish everyone a prosperous 2009 and best wishes to their family. Continue to fight hard for what you believe. Stand on your stage and own it. You can't be stopped.

Aaron Auxier, REALTOR®, ABR can be reached at 702-205-1818

Certified Summerlin Specialist
Certified Fine Homes International Specialist

"Hollywood's Connection to Vegas"®

Recognized on CNBC, FOX News, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and more.

About Aaron Auxier

Aaron Auxier is known and respected for his knowledge and proven experience in selling some of the most exclusive luxury properties and penthouse condominiums in Las Vegas. As a member of the prestigious Shapiro & Sher Group, Aaron's reputation as "Hollywood's Connection to Vegas" has landed him appearances on CNBC, CBS News, ABC News, FOX News, and NBC News in regards to the Las Vegas luxury real estate market. In 2007, Aaron set the top-three most expensive price-per-square-foot residential property records in the history of Las Vegas.

Shapiro & Sher Group
Prudential Americana Group, REALTORS®

Disclaimer: All information in this post is subject to change without notice. Subject matter: is an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be time sensitive, and may be based on information collected from several sources which may or may not be reliable at the time of sourcing.

Single Family

Condominium

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:21:25 -0600

The NRF is in town again! They have been coming to Las Vegas for 23 years and of course do a lot of good for the Las Vegas economy. There is something about a cowboy that warms my heart. One of my favorite songs is by Willie Nelson My Heros Have Always Been Cowboys. In fact I grew up loving country music even though I lived no where near Texas or Nashville. I used to know all the words to all Marty Robbins songs and even met him twice and I think I should have been born in Texas.

So the Cowboys and Cowgirls are here in Las Vegas and there are a lot of activities going on. There are concerts every night at the Thomas and Mack Center. In fact there is so many events going on that a whole website has been set up The NRF Experience and Shopping Experience. Last night downtown got into the act with the Downtown Hoedown. It is held at the Freemont Experience which is an amazing place all on its own. There is also the Country Market Place at the Mandalay Bay. It will be fun to have everyone here. I know it will be a fun time.