5 Simple Rules Out of State Buyers Break the Most
There is a lot to learn and know when house hunting here in Lake Las Vegas and around the Las Vegas Valley. I would know, I learned it myself.
I moved to Lake Las Vegas from California in December of 2020, and since then I’ve watched numerous out-of-state buyers make many costly and easily avoidable house hunting mistakes.
Here are my Top 5 Simple Rules out-of-state house-hunting buyers break the most.
5. Allow Enough Time
You can not do it all and see it all in one trip or weekend. Period. Here is a common conversation I’ve had with many out-of-state buyer’s:
“Brian, we arrive around 10am on Friday. We’re going to UBER to the hotel, check into our room, hang at the pool, go shopping, meet up with friends for dinner and drinks and see a show tonight”.
They continue:
“Then tomorrow after breakfast, around 11am, we’re free to look at some properties and/or neighborhoods from around noon until 3pm.”
“But, then we need to get back to hotel for our afternoon messages, take a quick power-nap, and start getting ready because we have 7pm dinner reservations”.
Then on Sunday, they say something like:
A: “Brian, We have about an hour to look around before we catch our flight.” or
B: “Brian, we’re leaving early in the morning to beat the traffic back to Southern California.”
Now here is what you should do – I strongly recommend visiting during the week and not on a weekend. Allow a minimum of two full days of focused real estate work, no shows, no friends, nothing but house hunting. Three days are preferred, but two days will work.
4. Watch and Join
Prior to traveling and as part of your research, I recommend clients watch and read the local Las Vegas news online. The Local Vegas television news outlets have easily accessible websites and Facebook pages.
I also recommend joining local Facebook groups for the area and the neighborhoods you are considering. This is a great way to learn about events, developments, and other concerns being voiced in those specific areas.
There are also many Las Vegas based Youtube channels and social media accounts which focus on Las Vegas Living and Lifestyle.
3. Stay Close
I strongly recommend you stay in or as close as possible to the neighborhood, price-point, and development which you are considering. Also, check for short term rentals (Airbnb or VRBO) in those areas. This is the best way to experience the area as if you are already living there.
There are plenty of resort-styled hotels located in and around the Las Vegas Valley that
have the same amenities as the larger hotel casinos on the strip, but without the tourists. Red Rock Casino and Hotel is in the Summerlin area, the M Hotel in the southern part of the Valley and Green Valley Resort in Henderson. I’ve had many clients stay at the Westin Hotel or the Hilton here in Lake Las Vegas.
2. Do Not Stay on The Strip
Staying on the Strip when house hunting is a huge mistake. I’ve heard it many times: “But wait Brian, in addition to looking at real estate we’re in here to see a show, go to dinner, grab drinks, see friends….blah blah blah”. Don’t do it.
Casinos invest hundreds of millions of dollars in entertainment, amenities, and perks
to distract you and to entice you to spend your time and money in and around the casino. In addition, too much time and money is wasted getting to-and-from your room, and parking your vehicle. Combine all of this with the Strips traffic and it’s a formula for frustration and house hunting failure.
If you’re looking for a high-rise or condo living on the Strip, that’s the time to stay close and stay on the Strip.
1. Do NOT Use an Out-of-Area Agent
What I mean by this is don’t use an agent who does not live and work in areas you are considering.
True story – during a recent open house, agents from Summerlin, Southern Highlands, Anthem, Centennial Hills, and other parts of the Las Vegas Valley brought their buyer-clients to see one of my Lake Las Vegas listings. I was speechless just how many out-of-area agents had no clue of our Lake Las Vegas market, our amenities, our new developments, our events, HOA fees, and many other things. I felt horrible for those buyer’s. Those out-of-area agents were doing a disservice to their clients.
I had one agent with California buyers tell me, “We don’t have time to see the Lake”. The Lake is our center-point and it’s what attracts so many out-of-area buyers and Las Vegas locals to this area! This is a great example of Rule #5 of Allowing Enough Time.
Admittedly, I don’t know all of the areas of the Las Vegas Valley as well as I know where I live and work. But, I do know the best-of-the-best Las Vegas agents that DO live and specialize in those other areas of the valley. I would rather refer my clients to those local Vegas experts that I know, like and trust, then do my clients a disservice.
BONUS TIP:
Do Not Stay with Friends or Family
Your loved-ones have a way of influencing and distracting you from your real estate and house-hunting mission and goals. I understand it can be fun, convenient and cost effective, but unless you’re going to be living with those friends and family, don’t do it. Hang out with your friends and family AFTER your house hunting goals are met and you are in escrow.
Download the PDF – 5 Simple Rules Out of State Buyers Break the Most!
Questions on how to avoid these mistakes? Let’s connect!
Brian@BrianKGillman.com
925.895.5300 | 702.514.0505
