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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

CondoCasts Showcase the Uniqueness of Your Las Vegas High Rise Condo Project

For all you Las Vegas high rise condo developers out there, do you want to know how to better market the originality of your high rise condo hotel project? Consider employing a "CondoCast" as part of your marketing strategy. They're totally professionally done, amazingly affordable, and get your message across so much better than those "cool" websites the so-called "marketing pros" at many web development companies offer. Here's an example of what I'm taking about:

I personally know the principals involved in the creation of these movies and can vouch for them with the utmost in confidence. Note the high video quality, quick download time, and professionalism of the presentation itself. Nothing else comes close - plus, once a CondoCast is done, you can add it to your own website, use them as email marketing pieces, and really show off your concept in a way that certainly showcases your Las Vegas high rise condo as a unique investment.

Developers are spending tons of money each month on traditional ineffective marketing. Isn't about time you spent your advertising dollars on something that works instead?

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Verge Downtown Las Vegas Condo Buyers Spellbound with Mid Rise Project's Magic

So what was it that made the recent 229 unit one-day sales record at the Verge mid rise condo project in Las Vegas so magical?

Was it the $149,900 pricepoint and the ease of terms to buy a unit?... Or was it the fact that the Verge project was nominated for the "Best Architectural Design and Achievement" award by the Best of Nevada Real Estate awards?... Maybe the educated public is doing their homework in comparing the profitability potential of downtown Las Vegas high rise and mid rise condo projects versus their higher cost Strip condo counterparts?...

Erin Murphy was the original Tabitha in Bewitched. Click to read her storyOr perhaps it's just the magic of the Verge's developer, Darren Dunckel. After all, he's married to Erin Murphy who just happens to have played the original "Tabitha" character in the classic TV show "Bewitched". (And how ironic that she actually married someone named Darren!). As Elizabeth Montgomery's witch daughter in the series, Tabitha would twitch her nose with her finger, and amazing things would happen. However, in reality, I think it's Dunckel's accessible, approachable, and humble nature that make him stand out from the large number of Las Vegas high rise condo developers, many of whom seem to constantly want to Trump Steve Wynn.

Instead, he put his mind to address exactly what the market is calling for - Dunckel envisioned Verge as a majestic, affordable, amenity-rich, live/work/play product and was able to successfully communicate that value in a way other developers have yet to achieve. He creates his own magic by personally attending to each and every perspective buyer. How many developers can say that?

Now here's an interesting scoop for you: Rumor has it that John Lewis, UFC championship fighter and one of the Most Influential People in Las Vegas Nightlife, plus a very recognizable Playboy centerfold, and finally real estate junkie and "Best Sales Agent" nominee Shari Sanderson all recently met with Dunckel to decide which 2 bedroom downtown-facing unit they all wanted to purchase. This particular playboy centerfold already owns a unit in Park Place. She's invested at the Red Rock Country Club, and lives at Turnberry. Shari Sanderson created the Putter's Bar and Grills in the Las Vegas valley with her husband and knows a thing or two about making money herself. And John Lewis' resume speaks for itself.

These people can buy anywhere in town - and they're choosing Verge. Do you think these people know something? You bet they do! (read the Verge BloggerView) And 229 people just magically shared their vision. Do what successful people do and you too will be successful.

Finally, let me tell you this: Verge knows what kind of product they have. The $149,900 bargain pricepoint won't last long. In fact, just as they had the largest sales day in Las Vegas history, they're also planning the largest price increase in Vegas history as well in the very near future. Instant equity is calling... anyone home?

Remember, we're mere mortals. Twitching our noses won't do us any good. However, if you take action and move on this Verge opportunity, magical moments surely await!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Downtown Las Vegas' Verge Mid Rise Condos Sells 229 Units in One Day!

Remarkable! Unbelieveable! Incredible! Choose your own superlative. Either way, it's true - last week, the Downtown Las Vegas' Verge mid-rise condo project sold 229 units in a single day. And that's not just refundable reservations, those are totally bona fide hard contract sales.

Verge Website by www.tamzdesigns.com

Now obviously, something good has to be happening downtown when a condo project can sell 74% of their development in one day. And I know what you're probably thinking (I was thinking this myself when I originally heard the news) - Oh, they brought in one of those investment groups who negotiate tremendous terms with developers in exchange for the ability to flip their contracts without ever having the intention of closing. (which, by the way, is an excellent means for investing in preconstruction projects)

But, no. The real story is how Verge marketed this event so that individual buyers waited in lines actually crawling over each other at the chance to snag units starting at $149,900 with more than 300,000 square feet of residential living space. Talk about downtown revitalization! As mentioned in my previous post, now you have 229 more reasons why downtown Las Vegas should be your destination for condo bargains in Las Vegas. And remember, the majority of these purchasers intend on using Verge as their personal residence. The Verge is scheduled to break ground this summer and will most likely be completed in the fall of 2008. Tremendous prices, tremendous amenities, and now a tremendous marketing strategy.

Do the math. If 74% sold in just one day, that means 26% or less is probably still available. Can 229 people be wrong? I doubt it. Download the purchaser's guide and get into Verge today - and if not Verge, you owe it to yourself to at least consider another Downtown Las Vegas condo project. This is unbelieveable, great news for the revitalization of downtown. You too can be on the verge of something special if you follow my advice.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

High Rise Condos and Mid-Rise Condos Are Successfully Transforming Downtown Las Vegas

Okay - very important... I want you to stop wwhatever it is you're doing, grab a cup of coffee, and take 10 minutes out your busy day to read this article published today in the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Photo by Gary ThompsonIt's basically validation for all the bullish posts I've been making on this blog for the past year or so regarding Downtown Las Vegas high rise and mid-rise condos.

The article talks about how projects such as SoHo Lofts, Newport Lofts, Streamline Tower, and Juhl have been so impressive in the progress of their respective developments with realistic (and sometimes bargain) prices compared to their high rise condo hotel competition located on the Las Vegas Strip or close to Las Vegas Boulevard.

Whether you're an investor or looking to live in a Las Vegas condo yourself, I don't know how much clearer it can be that downtown's the place to go for value. And that's not me saying it this time - it's right there in print for you. If you've visited the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego recently, you'll get an idea of where downtown Las Vegas is heading. As mentioned in the article, once the "cool factor" of downtown Las Vegas living is discovered, you'll soon own a very attractive piece of real estate and people like me will be saying "told ya so!".

So I reiterate, if you haven't done so already, contact me and let's get you into one of these downtown units while they're still at attractive pricepoints. I've put my money where my mouth is as well having snagged a unit a Juhl awhile back. You should do the same.

And one more thing: my next post will cover a downtown Las Vegas condo success story that's so unbelieveable (in a good way), that I still need to verify what I heard because I just can't believe it's true. Remember to subscribe to this blog so you'll be the first to read it. I'm telling you, it's absolutely amazing!

Friday, June 08, 2007

Las Vegas High Rise Condo Hotel Project Fountainebleau Gets A Huge Financial Boost

Yesterday, we had further proof that major investments were being made on high rise condo projects on the Las Vegas Strip. Today comes word from the Las Vegas Review Journal that Fountainebleau Resorts has secured $4 billion dollars in financing to complete their $2.9 billion Fountainebleau Las Vegas, currently under construction at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and the Riviera. The Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, and Barclays are some of the financial institutions involved in the deal.

I'm thinking analysts at these major institutions probably know a lot more about the potential Las Vegas holds than does the national media, who continue to write articles behind their desks 2000 miles away saying how overvalued Las Vegas is.

The Fountainebleau will be a 63-story mixed use project on 25 acres scheduled to open in the fall of 2009. Included in the project is a 100,000 square foot casino, a performing arts center, retail, restaurants, convention space, and 3,889 condo-hotel units.

Also backing this project is Publishing and Broadcasting, Ltd, controlled by billionaire Vegas-lover James Packer. Packer contributed $250 million in April for a 19.6% stake in Fountainebleau Resorts.

These are all strong numbers. When it comes to listening to the media versus those controlling billions of dollars, I'll go where the money goes!

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Firm Acquires Land to Build the Las Palmas Hotel and Residences Las Vegas High Rise Condo Project

What do you do with $2.5 billion dollars? How about securing a 13-acre parcel located just off the Las Vegas Strip and developing the city's largest non-gaming hotel. That's exactly what the Peebles Corp is doing by buying the land on Paradise Road directly across from the Wynn Golf Course for $65 million.

The recently announced Las Palmas high rise condo project will consist of four 55-story towers designed by the architectural firm Arquitectonica and contain 800 guestrooms and 1,000 condos in addition to retail, fine dining, and commercial space in addition to lay claim as being Las Vegas' lone five-star non-gaming hotel.

Don't let anyone tell you the Las Vegas high rise condo marketplace isn't growing. I see 2.5 billion reasons to back that statement up. We'll keep an eye out on further details on this project as they become available.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

The Pinnacle Las Vegas High Rise Condo Resort Looking Great from All Views

Rosie O'Donnell has left "The View", but the view that has Las Vegas talking is that from the Pinnacle Las Vegas high rise condo resort project located directly across from the Orleans. Ask Steve Stallworth about that view. Steve was the winner of our "Guess the View" blog contest and was the first to correctly answer the trivia question, and for that, he'll receive a complimentary round of golf at the Spanish Trail Golf and Country Club.

Slowly but surely, the 12-acre Pinnacle is taking claim to being the best off-strip condo resort/hotel opportunity in Las Vegas. With a completely original architectural design including three levels of suspended bridge suites, and reaching over 400 feet high, the Pinnacle's two 36-story high rise towers are sure to become Las Vegas' most distinctively designed and thoughtfully planned development.

The Pinnacle offers 1,100 residences comprising of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites, at pricing starting in the low $400Ks, Also available are 2-story penthouses, sky bridge suites, and pool-side bungalows. I would strongly urge you to consider this project - even if you're down on high rises for whatever reason. (you shouldn't be - believe it or not, this market is in its infancy).

The news on this project just gets better and better which is convincing me more and more that the project offers an excellent product for both owner / occupants, 2nd home purchasers , or those wishing to purchase a unit as a condo-hotel. Pinnacle has partnered with Interstate Hotels and Resorts, which manages many franchise hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Radisson, and Intercontinental to provide Pinnacle unit owners with an optional managed condo resort-hotel program allowing you to place your unit into a rental agreement when you're not personally using it.

Unit owners hold serve to a variety of amenities in just about every high rise project in town, but the Pinnacle takes them all to another level. They've got a deal at the Orlean's Arena where Pinnacle residents actually have an entire private area to watch the game, hold private functions, and enjoy all the amenities the Orleans provides. I seen it myself and have to tell you it's very impressive. They also have an arrangement with Spanish Trail Golf and Country Club which have made custom-designed membership programs exclusively for Pinnacle residents. Those of you who've played golf there can attest to how amazing Spanish Trails is. Pinnacle also provides unit owners with their Pinnacle Interactive Network (PIN), an interactive lifestyle manger that allows you to interface with valet, concierge, and security and a mere touch of a button, 24 / 7!. How about their "Dive In" theatre, featuring first-run films to be enjoyed in the pool and under the stars? Or the 2-acre wet deck featuring a unique hibiscus-shaped pool, intimate cabanas, and rained sun platform as well as full-service spa and fitness facilities?

Tremendous progress is already being made within a three mile radius of the Pinnacle project. One of the largest retail power shopping centers in the Las Vegas valley is scheduled to start construction within the next month with major retailers already on board. The 950,000 square foot Arroyo Market Square is also being developed at the Las Vegas Beltway and Rainbow Boulevard. Major retailers and nationally known restaurants know a growing part of town when they see it. Is it a coincidence that they're all clamoring for property and a presence nearby at the Pinnacle?

Everything is perfectly set up for you with this project. An outstanding general contractor (Marnell Corrao Associates), solid funding ($40 million pre-construction loan funded by industry-giant Berkshire Capital Financial), an amazing and experienced development team (the Falcon Group already owns the land free and clear) combined with attractive pricepoints make this a project you must act on NOW if you've ever considered purchasing a high rise condo in Las Vegas. Oh, and did I mention that view from the 2nd floor?

Here's what you need to reserve a unit in the Pinnacle: At contract, you'll need 10% of the purchase price. Then you make another 2nd deposit of 10% at the start of construction. That's it! The balance is due at the completion of construction (estimated to be in the 2nd quarter of 2009). There are great deals in this project. Register today!

Monday, June 04, 2007

BloggerView: Vanessa Harbers - Trump Las Vegas

This week, our BloggerVew features Vanessa Harbers from the project that's synonomous with brand awareness, the Trump Las Vegas high rise condo hotel. On the heels of Donald Trump's recent visit to Las Vegas, here's how Vanessa answered our BloggerView questions:

Q: Tell us a little about your background and how you ended up at the Trump project.

I was working for another developer in Las Vegas and heard that Trump was coming to town. I knew the project would be incredible and made certain that I did my best to become part of the team.

Q: What is the current status of Trump Las Vegas?

The building has been topped off. We are at the full 64 stories and the exterior glass is almost complete. The property is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2008. A second Tower has just been released for reservation and Tower II is anticipated to be completed at the end of 2010.

Q: What are the unique features of your project that sets it apart from the other projects in town?

The Trump name and level of luxury make the project a condominium hotel in a class of its own. The interior of the building is elegant & stunning to look at. The property is located in the high end four corners of the strip; on which sit Wynn, Venetian, the future Plaza Hotel (from New York), Fashion Show mall & Trump. We are in walking distance to the towns finest shopping and restaurants.

Q: What is your opinion of the Las Vegas high rise condo market in general?

I think we are in the beginning stages of what will be a long term growing market. We are many years behind a city like Miami where there is a large amount of inventory. We are just starting and our inventory is quite low for a city with a large projected growth.

Q: Condo or Condo/Hotel... what makes better sense and what are the good and bad points of each?

Condo Hotel is a wonderful concept because you always have the option of using your property to create income. Trump International Hotel & Towers offers living with services that come along with being in the highest level of a luxury hotel. The units are sold fully furnished so for out of town owners it makes things a bit easier. It depends on the specific needs & wants of the buyer.

Q: Who is the target market for Trump? What attributes describe your typical buyer?

Everyone. We have buyers of all ages, and from all over the world. Many celebrities and people who cherish their privacy are attracted to Trump as the Lobby will be quite exclusive. People who see the future of Las Vegas are drawn to Trump because they know there is nothing like a Trump property in any city. Many of the buyers intend to use the property as a second or third home.

Q: How are you building your brand and marketing to your target audience?

The Trump brand is synonymous with luxury. People are drawn to our project because they know that when they purchase a unit in a Trump building, it includes the best of everything. Featuring our property on “The Apprentice” TV show has exposed us to an international audience.

Q: What is the process at this point to reserve a unit at Trump? What is available and at what prices?

A select few units remain for sale in Tower I (anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2008). Studio units are available from approximately $700,000. One bedroom units are available from approximately $1,000,000. Penthouse units are available priced from $2,100,000. A 10% down payment is required.

Tower II (anticipated to be completed at the end of 2010) Reservations can be made on specific units priced from approximately the mid $600,000’s for a studio & $1,000,000 on a one bedroom. Penthouse units are priced from $3,000,000. A $10,000 refundable deposit is required. 10% will be due at contract & an additional 10% will be due at least a year from contract.

Q: Do you have any social events, open houses, etc. that showcase your project to the public?

We have a beautiful sales center on the strip located directly across the street from the Wynn. Models of the studio & one bedroom units are available for viewing. If an interested buyer would like a tour, please call me at 702-669-5465 for an appointment.

Q: Any advice, insights, etc. for high rise shoppers?

Do your homework. Look at the amenities. If you are looking at a condominium hotel & intend on renting it out, make certain it is a place that people will want to stay. People often make the mistake of buying a less expensive property and later find it doesn’t have enough branding or uniqueness to draw guests.

Q: Describe Trump Las Vegas in one sentence.

The most luxurious condominium hotel in all of Las Vegas.

And I'd like to thank Vanessa for taking the time to answer our questions. If you have any questions regarding the Trump Las Vegas Condo Hotel, Vanessa can be reached at 702-669-5465 or at her email address here. Tell her you read her BloggerView!

Friday, June 01, 2007

BloggerView: Mark Chatow - ManhattanWest

What a great way to start off the new month. For today's BloggerView, we met with Mark Chatow of the ManhattanWest mixed-use condo project in Southwest Las Vegas. Read how Mark answered our questions below:

Q: Tell us a little about your background and how you ended up at the ManhattanWest project.

In the early 90’s I started a consumer products company with two partners shortly after graduating from law school at USC. I was fortunate enough to help it grow to #25 on the Inc 500. We sold the company in 2000 and I later bought a well known day spa in Los Angeles. With the spa running smoothly, in 2006 I began to look for other opportunities. Gemstone was looking for someone with an entrepreneurial approach to sales and marketing, and I had always been interested in real-estate development. I came on board in May, 2006 and have primarily spent the last year crafting the sales and marketing effort for ManhattanWest.

Q: What is the current status of ManhattanWest?

ManhattanWest is currently under construction, with the grading well under way. We anticipate that we’ll receive our foundation permit in late July and begin pouring foundation in August. We have sold 100 residences in our first 30 days.

Q: What are the unique features of your project that sets it apart from the other projects in town?

ManhattanWest is the only mid-rise project in town being built by a developer that has already built and sold-out another significant project. In 2006 Gemstone was the second largest builder of condominiums in Las Vegas and was one of the top ten builders of new homes in the Valley.

ManhattanWest’s location in the Southwest is ideal for this type of project. It’s ten minutes from the Strip and the Airport, but also just minutes from Summerlin and Red Rock. The area around the project is a vibrant mix of office and retail, with everything from Panera to Lowes within a half-mile. We’re also located in the heart of the Las Vegas “Wellness West” zone, with three hospitals and several major medical offices within a five minute drive.

The architecture takes its cues from classic New York streetscapes, without feeling too themed or on-the-nose.

Features that set the project apart include our Skylounge and rooftop pools (features that can be enjoyed by anyone who lives in the development), the ManhattanTransfer errand service, MahattanMD, our on-site doctor, our artisanal coffeehouse and wine bar, and our six acres of open space.

Q: What is your opinion of the Las Vegas high rise condo market in general?

Las Vegas continues to experience significant growth in travel and tourism. Despite a slow general market, projects such as City Center are seeing tremendous interest, even at the $1000+ per square foot. On the other side of the price spectrum, at ManhattanWest we have defied the general market trends by selling 100 residences in our first 30 days. What that tells me is that well-designed projects that offer buyers perceived value- at any price point- will continue to sell well.

Q: Condo or Condo/Hotel... what makes better sense and what are the good and bad points of each?

As a vacation home with convenient access to resort amenities, condo/hotels in the right project can be a good purchase for the right buyer. Buyers can generally be confident that Condo/hotels located at major, completed hotel projects such as Signature at MGM, will be solidly financed and likely to be completed on schedule. Some Condo/Hotel buyers who purchased recently, however, have been disappointed with the cash flow from their investments. With the average price per square foot up significantly in the past two years, the mortgage and maintenance costs just aren’t meeting the rental income from the properties. Further, with more than 40,000 hotel rooms coming on-line in the next three years the competition will most likely become more pronounced. If this happens, the potential appreciation for the properties may be dampened. Condo/hotels also limit buyers to the feature and amenity packages that have been pre-selected. There’s little or no room for personalization, and no way to make a vacation condo truly feel like home.

Condos currently offer significantly more choice than condo/hotels. Buyers are able to select from a wider range of projects and a broad spectrum of price points, often at prices per square foot that are much lower than condo/hotels. Buyers are not limited to the Strip, and have the flexibility to select a home in area that suits their needs and tastes. The vast majority of buyers who plan to live in their home will end up purchasing a condo versus a condo/hotel property, which makes it much easier to meet people and make new friends in a given community. Condos also offer the ability to customize a home to your personal taste.

On the other hand, while some projects offer resort class amenities, others are more limited. Some projects promise amenities but never deliver. Buyers looking for an amenity rich experience will need to shop carefully to decide what amenities are important to them and which developers have the experience to deliver what they promise.

Q: Who is the target market for ManhattanWest? What attributes describe your typical buyer?

ManhattanWest is attracting a range of buyers including single professionals and younger couples as well as empty-nest boomers looking for a more convenient lifestyle with richer amenities and services than what a single family home offers.

Q: How are you building your brand and marketing to your target audience?

We are building our brand through broad mix of media including internet, radio, print, billboard and direct mail. Our marketing approach is very direct. We strongly believe that we have the richest set of features and amenities of any condo project in Las Vegas- at any price. We simply explain our features and encourage our prospects to shop the competition.

Q: What is the process at this point to reserve a unit at ManhattanWest? What is available and at what prices?

The total earnest money deposit varies depending on the intended use of the residence and the building as follows:

For the mid-rise, owner/occupants and 2nd home buyers need 6% while investors need 8%. For the Element House, those numbers go to 7.5% and 10% down respectively.

Buyers may reserve a home at ManhattanWest with $1000 down, which hey may pay by either check or credit card. Reservations go to hard contract after 48 hours. We ask for an additional $4,000 within 30 days of going to contract, and the balance of the total earnest money deposit within 60 days. For example, if you purchased a $400,000 mid-rise residence as a 2nd home, the total deposit would be $24,000. The first payment would be $1,000, the second, due within 30 days, would be $4,000 and the balance, $19,000 would be due another 30 days later. After the payment at 60 days there are no additional funds required until closing.

Q: Do you have any social events, open houses, etc. that showcase your project to the public?

We hold events regularly. Our next event is a Wine Tasting Evening, June 28 from 6:00pm-8:30pm at our Sales Center. Guests may RSVP at 702-893-2663.

Q: Any advice, insights, etc. for high rise shoppers?

Make sure that you are completely comfortable with the track record and financing behind a developer before entering a purchase agreement. The Las Vegas market is unique, and a developer’s experience in other cities or countries doesn’t necessarily translate to success here. Don’t be afraid to ask the developer who is providing their financing, what financing commitments are already in place, and whether they own their land. If you are looking for the best value, take advantage of pre-completion pricing from developers who have broken ground but not yet finished a given phase or project.

Q: Describe ManhattanWest in one sentence.

From time saving features like our ManhattanTransfer errand and grocery service, health features such as our ManhattanMD on-site doctor, and social features including our coffeehouse/wine bar and 9th floor Skylounge, ManhattanWest changes everything.

Great interview, Mark. Thank you so much! For those interested in getting more information on the ManhattanWest condos or if you have any questions, Mark can be reached at 702-893-2663 or via email here. Tell him you read his BloggerView!