September 15, 2010 Fall Selling Season
From Labor Day until just before Thanksgiving is traditionally a busy time for us selling luxury homes! Summer vacations are over, the weather begins to cool and buyers are out shopping. Our busiest time is generally spring; however, fall comes in a close second. If you are thinking about selling your home you should get it on the market very soon to take advantage of the fall selling season. And if you are buying you will see a great selection of inventory, low interest rates and some amazing prices. Let’s get your home sold or bought this fall!

August 18, 2010 On Sale
Temperatures are hot here in Las Vegas, but it’s not stopping the luxury home buyers.  In the past week I’ve sold five luxury home listings here in Las Vegas.  See my featured listings for more choices.  What is causing all this action in a historically slow time of the year?  Perhaps some pent up demand or low interest rates or just plain simple attractive prices.  Luxury Homes in Las Vegas are on sale and going fast!

July 28, 2010 Go with the expert
Ultra luxury homes are still selling and in Las Vegas YTD (as of 7/17/10) there have been 12 total sales in the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. Some of the common attributes of these luxury homes that sold were they were in remarkable condition, had unique and custom finishes throughout, were located in the prime neighborhoods of Las Vegas and for 42% of them they were put into the hands of a skilled professional, Kenneth Lowman at Luxury Homes of Las Vegas. Further observations of these sold luxury homes show that the fastest sale took place in just one day (a Kenneth Lowman – Luxury Homes of Las Vegas listing) and the highest sold price was $7,000,000 (Kenneth Lowman – Luxury Homes of Las Vegas represented both the seller and the buyer). In challenging times it pays to go with the expert in the marketplace!

June 25, 2010 Magic Kingdom goes Luxury
Disney unveiled Golden Oak, a one-of-a-kind luxury residential resort community offering the unprecedented opportunity to purchase a home at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Especially designed for resort living, Golden Oak will provide an entirely new way for families to connect with the world's best known family destination and entertainment brand. Golden Oak will offer a limited collection of single family custom homes priced between $1.5 and $8 million, with fewer than 30 home sites available for sale this year. Designed by Disney's famed Imagineers, the gated community will feature intimate neighborhoods and amenities created with everyone in the family in mind. Disney's well-known attention to detail is visible in every park, pathway and the custom-design of the proposed private clubhouse. Expansive conservation areas comprise almost half of the entire 980 acre footprint. The proposed private clubhouse, concierge services and collection of Walt Disney World Resort benefits will bring Disney's guest service culture directly to Golden Oak residents. As previously announced, Golden Oak is planned to include Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, combining Disney's renowned service and hospitality with Four Seasons' defining standard of excellence. Golden Oak plans to offer residents access to select Four Seasons' future amenities including the full service spa, restaurants, golf course and event space. Let’s hope the wonderful world of Disney knows something about timing the market in luxury residential real estate!

May 26, 2010 Rarified Air
Forbes.com lists the ten most expensive homes in America at www.forbes.com/homes. This year’s group has a range of asking prices from $65 million to $150 million. The average price is $88.5 million. There are five newcomers to the list, the rest have been on the market for several years. By contrast, my luxury home listings in Las Vegas range from $550,000 to $13.85 million. This year the most expensive homes on the market are commanding higher prices, on average, than last year. The bold pricing suggests seller confidence in the upper stratosphere of real estate. The coasts dominate the list, with four homes in California and three in New York.

May 20, 2010 Values Lure Buyers Back!
Sales rates are approximately 20% higher in 2010 than in 2009 for luxury homes in Las Vegas priced over $1,000,000. The tremendous values that we now see as a result of a couple years of seller price reductions are responsible. Buyers are recognizing and acquiring luxury homes at prices below replacement cost. We are finally forming a bottom! If you’re looking to buy a luxury home in Las Vegas, now is the time! There are still many great choices, low interest rates and motivated sellers. See our great selections at www.luxuryhomesoflasvegas.com

April 28, 2010 Innovative Marketing Produces Amazing Results!
In the past few weeks Luxury Homes of Las Vegas as hosted three Jet Tours where I flew qualified buyers in from Southern California to look at our best luxury mansions. 25% of our luxury buyers come from the Southern California market. This story was picked up by the national news media and covered by Fox Business News, The Wall Street Journal, NBC Today Show, ABC Nightline and CBS Inside Edition! I also ran a full page advertisement in the local Chinese newspaper as many of our affluent buyers speak Chinese. We also have many number one rankings for Google search terms like “Luxury Home Las Vegas.”

These innovative programs have produced spectacular results:

• I sold 8 out of 35 luxury homes sold in our MLS system in the first quarter of 2010.
• This is the number one dominant market share at 23%.
• I sold the highest price home during the quarter at $7,000,000 representing both the buyer and the seller.
• Nobody sells more luxury homes in Las Vegas over $1,000,000 than Kenneth Lowman!

April 12, 2010 Luxury Home Foreclosure Jet Tour Huge Success
Luxury Homes of Las Vegas and JetSuite Air are jointly hosting a complimentary "Luxury Home Foreclosure Private Jet Tour"  leaving from Los Angeles to tour three stunning, bank-owned, luxury homes in Las Vegas.  Each of the mansions is more than 10,000-square feet.  The tour will leave Los Angeles on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 10 a.m. and return at 6 p.m.  This is the first of a series of luxury home foreclosure jet tours to Las Vegas.  Other departure cities may include Orange County, San Diego, Phoenix, San Francisco and Salt Lake City.

"I'm pleased to team up with JetSuite Air to expose an out-of-town audience to Las Vegas to see these incredibly reduced-priced luxury homes," said Ken Lowman, Broker and Owner of Luxury Homes of Las Vegas.  "What better way to travel than in an exquisite private jet.  I've been telling all my potential buyers who are waiting in the wings the same message.  If you have the wherewithal, now is the time to buy.  Luxury properties in Las Vegas are being closed on today for reductions up to 50 percent off the original asking price.  These prices are below replacement cost."

"JetSuite's fleet of brand-new Phenom 100s provides a unique, luxurious way to visit Las Vegas and these magnificent homes," said Alex Wilcox. CEO of JetSuite Air.  "Flying private is the most comfortable and fastest way to your second home.  We look forward to co-hosting these tours from LA and from additional cities in the months to come."     

The complimentary "Luxury Home Foreclosure Private Jet Tour" is open for a limited time to qualified buyers who simply show proof of funds and net worth sufficient to purchase a luxury home.  This proof must be acceptable to Luxury Homes of Las Vegas.  For more information, contact Ken Lowman at Luxury Homes of Las Vegas at 866-210-7620.

The promotion is attracting national media attention and has already been picked up by The Wall Street Journal Wealth Report, The Las Vegas Sun and Fox Business News, among many more outlets.  The Today Show, Nightline and Inside Edition have all expressed interest in joining in on one of the tours.  Innovative marketing like this continues to put Luxury Homes of Las Vegas on the cutting edge of luxury real estate marketing and sales!

See some of the media links:
http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2010/04/07/hop-aboard-the-private-jet-foreclosure-tour/
http://www.realestatebuzz.com.au/buckle-up-private-jet-tours-of-vegas-foreclosed-properties-housing-watch/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/09/las-vegas-broker-luring-wealthy-home-seekers-priva/

April 1, 2010

I can’t help but promote this great new service for you wine lovers out there
WINE AT $1 PER BOTTLE OVER COST

Here’s a great way to buy your luxury and everyday wine. Join the Bodega Nora membership club and you will have access to buy wines at $1 per bottle over cost. This is also a great local restaurant to dine at here in Las Vegas. I am a founding member and cant’ wait to take advantage of the pricing.
Go to http://www.bevspot.com and click on enrollment. Click on Kai Christeansen as the salesman. The website will explain the entire program.

March 15, 2010 Why BUY NOW?
Here are 10 great reasons to BUY NOW:

1. The Southern Nevada luxury home real estate market is a target rich environment for savvy real estate investors.
2. Home buyers are closing deals at millions of dollars under asking prices and substantially lower than replacement cost.
3. Smart buyers know that there are real opportunities, but you have to have real radar and professional guidance from someone who understands the intricacies of the local market.
4. Ken Lowman closed a good percentage of the luxury homes in the Southern Nevada luxury market in 2009 and 30% of the sales in the first two months of 2010. He is the local expert.
5. People are going to be talking about these prices and these interest rates for years to come. In 2015 people will be talking about the deal they got in 2010!
6. You need on-the-ground working knowledge now if you’re going to take advantage of these once in a lifetime opportunities.
7. The stock market has recovered much of its losses, luxury real estate will likely follow.
8. Buy low, sell high.
9. This could be the best time to buy luxury real estate in Las Vegas since Manhattan was traded for a string of beads.
10. This window of opportunity is now. Call Ken directly at (702) 216-4663, and he can begin the process of showing you houses that are literally up to 50% off of top of the market prices and way below replacement cost.

February 26, 2010
Greetings Luxury Homeowners and Buyers,

Most of you know by now that real estate prices have declined nationally and now even the luxury market is not immune. The good news is that reduced prices have brought buyers back into the market. Luxury Homes of Las Vegas SOLD $110 Million worth of real estate in 2009. We are starting 2010 off even better with the #1 luxury market share for the first quarter of 2010. If you are planning on buying or selling a luxury home in the Las Vegas market please give us a call.

Here are some interesting statistics on luxuryhomes sold over $1 million:

• Kenneth Lowman SOLD 3 out of 11 sales in Dec. 2009
• Kenneth Lowman SOLD 2 out of 9 sales in Jan. 2010
• Kenneth Lowman SOLD 3 out of 9 sales in Feb. 2010
• Kenneth Lowman SOLD the highest priced home: $7,000,000
• Kenneth Lowman had the fastest luxury home sale: 1 DAY

Hard work really does payoff!

January 15, 2010 Networking works if you do
Last night I attended and sponsored a VIP Hangar Party with sponsorship by private jet companies, luxury auto dealers and various other luxury related companies.  Over 200 people gathered to look at the goods and meet, greet and network.  This is a great example of how cross-marketing can benefit several luxury companies.  Being there was nice, but if I didn’t make the rounds and introduce myself to new faces it would have been only one-half as effective.  Good old fashion work.  Networking.  Working.  These are the types of extra activities that make the best rise to the top..

December 24, 2009 Santa Clause Rally
Luxury Homes of Las Vegas is ending the year with a bang. November was one of the busiest closing months of 2009 and in December I have sold homes listed for $3,999,000, $3,499,000, $1,499,900 and $700,000. We're working hard and smart, but it is certainly paying off for our clients. This is a bright finish in a normally slow time of the year. Let's hope it continues into 2010!

November 13, 2009  

Dear Luxury Home Buyers and Sellers,

Whether you are buying or selling, today’s luxury real estate market demands that you choose a professional with knowledge, experience and dependability. You owe yourself the best and your pocket book will thank you. Your Broker must be willing to persevere and bring new cutting edge ideas to marketing and sales.

Recently, I was selected as the only luxury real estate professional from Las Vegas by Goldline Research as “The Ten Most Dependable Luxury Real Estate Professionals of The West.” I have been a top producing luxury Broker in Las Vegas for fifteen years. I have sold in good markets and bad markets and through it all dependability, consistency, knowledge and persistence have always paid off for my clients.

Last month I had one of my luxury listings featured on CNBC.com’s “The Top Ten Most Spectacular Golf Homes.” This created immediate national and international exposure and resulted in hundreds of “clicks” back to my website, www.luxuryhomesoflasvegas.com. Exposure like this leads to faster and higher sales for my listings.

I have some of the most luxurious and favorably priced luxury homes on the market for sale today, including a few that are not in the multiple listing service. Let your search begin with us!

You can feel confident that my company and I will work diligently to meet your luxury real estate needs by providing the highest quality, quantity and spirit of real estate service to our clients and the community.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Lowman
Broker / Owner

Oct 20, 2009  Create Some Jobs Please!
I just read an article about Steve Wynn’s comments and criticisms on the Obama administration. His most important point is similar to my July 13, 2009 blog comment in which I stated, “We need the government to focus their efforts on creating and retaining jobs.” Steve adds the valid point that these should be “private sector jobs.” Steve also says, “I plan on speaking up every chance I get.” Bravo! We need more outspoken leaders to let our government know what works. With Nevada unemployment now at 13.3% more must be done to help both small and large business owners. This will lead to job growth and an eventual recovery for Nevada and the rest of our nation. Quit bailing out the banks and help our business owners.

Oct 6, 2009  Las Vegas Luxury Real Estate
The Las Vegas luxury real estate market has some positive signs and some negative signs presently.  The good news is that sales are happening.  In fact, I just sold another The Ridges estate that was listed for sale at $2,500,000 and sold in just over 4 months.  We are continuing to see good buyer traffic in all our The Ridges Estates as well as all luxury properties across the valley.  The challenge remains excessive inventory in just about every luxury community in Las Vegas.  Too many luxury estates were planned and built in the boom times and we are suffering from a glut of inventory.  This will continue to put downward pressure on prices until the inventory begins to decline.  The good news here is that very few luxury homes in Las Vegas are being constructed.  The market will correct in time and those who purchased now will be very thankful.

Sept 14, 2009  Tone Up Your Negotiations
Luxury Home negotiations are more favorable in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation with an emphasis on strategies over tactics; however, it’s still good to have a few tricks of the trade. Here are nine tips that might help stall a tough negotiation: 1. Negotiate small points first to build on agreement and assess the other party’s style. 2. Chip away and gain by slowly getting agreement on many points. This can wear down the other side and get concessions at the end just to complete negotiations. 3. If you reach an impasse, take a break. 4. Try again – if a price is rejected, try again by making the same counter price. 5. Use the silent treatment. The other party will often get nervous and reveal their true position. 6. Offer tit for tat. When you give something up, get something in return. 7. Present options in pairs so the other party always has a choice. 8. Act – using a flinch or winch such as “wow” or “gosh” to over-react to an unreasonable position. 9. Never give up. Don’t walk away too soon. Try providing new information.

August 07, 2009  Luxury Wine Market Reels from Downturn
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the luxury wine market is in a slump as even wealthy drinkers slash spending on fine wines. The slump comes even as Americans continue to drink more wine overall. Recession-weary consumers are choosing to buy more mid- and low-priced wines, causing a deep downturn in sales of wines priced at $25 or more a bottle. Winery analysts anticipate more merger and acquisition activity in the wine industry as profits become pinched. The slump follows a long boom period for high-end wines that was fueled by Americans’ rising wealth and heightened interest in luxury wine. One sign of the times: Auction Napa Valley – the premier charity event of the year – raised just $5.7 million last month as compared to $10.4 million last year. Sounds a bit like the luxury home market.

July 13, 2009   Will the Stimulus save Real Estate?
Our government has taken extraordinary actions to try and stop the recession and the huge plunge in home values. Many of the undertakings have not worked. The data shows that this crisis is real; however, I believe it is the free market forces that will ultimately save our real estate market and not the Federal Government. As home prices have fallen (there are some neighborhoods in Las Vegas where the drop is 50-65%) demand has begun to emerge. Multiple offer situations are becoming common as first time buyers and investors recognize their opportunity of affordability. Home prices are now at some of the most reasonable levels in the past decade. We have low prices. We have low interest rates. We need the government to focus their efforts on creating and retaining jobs. People need jobs to stay in their homes and purchase new ones, regardless of the price and interest rate. It is time and the free market that will save real estate.

June 17, 2009   Jump-Starting the Economy
This great idea came from the CEO of Realty Trac, James Saccacio. The problem with most all of the stimulus programs is that they are helping out the 2% of borrowers that got in trouble and can’t afford their homes. Let’s reward the 98% of borrowers who are engaged in good financial behavior. The fastest , easiest and most direct way to do this is to double the mortgage interest deduction. This will benefit all, but will disproportionately benefit those in the lower and middle income brackets because the deduction represents a larger proportion of their income. It will help prevent good borrowers from walking away from their home because they feel they are “upside down.” Borrowers would qualify by staying current on their mortgage. Each month the borrow goes more than 30 days past due would reduce their potential deduction by 1/12. Email me your thoughts on this one.

June 03, 2009   May Luxury Sales Up!
May brought more activity in the luxury sales market and it was really needed! April statistics show just 12 homes selling over $1,000,000 in the entire marketplace. May had 16, a 33% improvement. Of those 16 sales, 3 were over $3,000,000 and the balance between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000. I presently have two additional homes in escrow over the $2,000,000 mark. We still see excessive inventory with 923 properties for sale over $1,000,000; 197 properties for sale over $3,000,000; and 77 properties for sale over $5,000,000. The prospects that are buying are beginning to see value and with the stock market rising we should see more buyers return to the market. The bulk of the buyers are all cash with jumbo financing still very difficult to obtain.

May 7, 2009 What Can $694 Buy?
$694. What can that buy? 1 square foot in The Ridges Las Vegas. A home just sold for $694 per sq ft. The exceptional luxury home has incredible Las Vegas Strip views, golf course views, city views and mountain views. It is located in Redhawk at The Ridges in Summerlin in Las Vegas, the most exclusive estate home community. Boasting 7,785 livable square feet of luxury appointments this custom home included a 28’ barreled ceiling, a downstairs master, a separately lockable guest wing, a theatre/game room, the latest in home electronics and unique finishing materials. The total sale price was $5,400,000 including all the furnishings. This is an excellent statement for the value of a rare, unique and un-duplicatable luxury custom home in one of the finest neighborhoods in Las Vegas.

April 7, 2009 Super Broker
What sets a Super Broker apart from a normal Broker? In luxury real estate today everybody uses the same standard contracts and procedures. Yet, there is probably no other industry where so many competitors try so hard to distinguish themselves as different and unique. What makes one luxury Broker super and another ordinary? Honesty. Goals. Commitment. Belief. Focus. These are words that aren’t written in the listing contract. These are words that produce results time and time again, no matter what kind of market we are living in. Super Brokers tell the truth, set goals, stay committed, have the belief and maintain the focus to sell a home in any market!

March 17, 2009 The Spring Selling Season is Here
The spring selling season is here! I am excited to see the beautiful weather here in Las Vegas and know that luxury home buyers are on the move again. I am also excited about our great listing inventory. We have some fabulous luxury homes at great prices including a brand new luxury listing in Falcon Ridge in The Ridges that is just $2,950,000 for 6,029 square feet of contemporary design and warmth. This estate home features four levels, a strip view, a subterranean grotto, a game room and a basement theatre. Another fine estate in Red Hawk in The Ridges boasts 7,741 square feet on a .58 acre golf front lot with strip and city views. This luxury estate features Jerusalem stone, a first floor master suite, 10 flat screen TVs, a gym, a multi-level backyard with infinity edge pool and a four car garage. This luxury home is value priced at $3,999,995. And in Arrowhead in The Ridges I have a brand new luxury estate with a walk-out basement, .70 acre golf front lot with strip view, 4 car garage, stacked stone accents, elevator, courtyard with fountain, book matched Calcutta marble and 8,183 square feet for $4,999,900 (a $1,000,000 recent price reduction). As always please view our many luxury home listings here on my website and if your needs are not met here let us know so that we can locate it for you.

February 9, 2009 Why reduced home construction is good for real estate
Home construction is at a 50 year low with both permits and starts plunging to levels not seen since 1959. The recent drop off in permits suggests that further declines are ahead. Meanwhile, home-builder confidence is at a record low. How can this be good for real estate?

The market is telling all the home-builders that we have too much inventory. There is a massive over-hang of unsold homes including new homes and foreclosure homes that were built in the past five years when construction was at record highs. The market doesn’t need any more new homes to be built when there are so many recently completed new homes still waiting for a buyer.

The reason real estate prices have been dropping for the past few years is supply and demand. We have an excessive supply of homes and a reduced demand. The dramatic price drops that have occurred (some as great as 50% from 2005 highs) are creating a nice demand for the again affordable homes here in Las Vegas. With one more wave of foreclosures expected to hit the market in 2009 we still have plenty of supply in our pipeline. No further inventory is needed. The marketplace is telling this to builders loud and clear by the price of these foreclosed homes becoming less than a builder can build for. If no new homes were built for the next year or so our supply imbalance would disappear and we would begin to see appreciation again. Then building could begin again. This “reset” process is painful. Builders have a job to do and many don’t want to simply go out of business. However, seeing permit and construction activity at all-time lows is good for the long-term recovery of housing.

January 20, 2009 How will the election affect real estate?
The inauguration has created quite a buzz for our great nation. How will this historic event affect the value of our homes? The simple short term answer is that it won't. However, the more important long-term answer is that the new administration should inspire confidence and hope in the average American that will eventually manifest itself in a return to more traditional consumer behavior that will mean buying again. Consumer confidence has been shaken. The new government must restore the faith. America will rise to greatness once again and with that rise will come a steady return in the value of all our homes.

December 20, 2008 Happy Holidays
The holiday season is in high gear and this is traditionally one of the slowest times of the year for luxury real estate sales. With the many challenges that 2008 brought I have much to be thankful for. I was very close to a yearly sales record, my team had many good times and helped some amazing families with their real estate needs. I want to take this time to thank all our tremendous clients, vendors and service people for their support and continued confidence. Happy Holidays and may your New Year be bright!

November 17, 2008 Thoughts to consider on pricing your home
Real Estate Agents don't determine price, the market does.
Remember how you determined the price when you bought your home?

• most research sales prices, this represents reality
• you should price at the low end of comparable listings, or the high end of comparable solds, whichever is lower.

Buyers purchase based on location first, size second, and amenities last. Amenities will help a buyer choose your home if the price is similar to the comparables in your location and size.

Cost = what you paid, does not affect value (if you paid zero would it be worth zero?)
Price = what you ask
Value = worth to one person
Market Value = sold price in reasonable time

Buyer's use the principal of substitution, they will consider their other options, sometimes including replacement cost. Improvements are for enjoyment, not to increase value.
The Seller's that are pricing their homes realistic with these facts in mind are still selling.

October 27, 2008 The Real Estate Sky is NOT Falling!
The real estate sky is NOT falling! The Las Vegas economy has weathered downturns in the past, and although this one may be the most severe we have had, we have a resilient community and we will persevere and come out of this stronger and smarter than before. What can we all do to help? Continue to make wise and prudent purchases. Recognize that your home is your shelter and we all need shelter. Shop locally owned businesses and stores that will cycle money back into our local economy. Don't give in to the "doom and gloom" mentality. It will take time for a recovery to take form, but eventually it will. Our capitalist American society is not going to disappear. Learn from the experience and make better decisions in the future. Working together we can all begin to rebuild our great local Las Vegas economy. This in turn will strengthen our Las Vegas luxury real estate market.

September 9, 2008 How Do You Know Your Realtor Is Dependable?
Choosing your real estate Broker can be a critical factor in getting the most money and a fast sale. How do you know if the Broker you choose is dependable? A surefire way is through the services of a third party rating agency. One such agency, Goldline Research, just announced "The 10 Most Dependable Luxury Real Estate Professionals of the West." I am pleased to announce that I was selected as the only real estate Broker from Las Vegas, Nevada. Their list is published in Forbes Magazine and will appear in the September 29, 2009 issue. Goldline Research's criteria includes fifteen plus years of experience, excellent client references, no unresolved lawsuits or grievances, high client retention, focus exclusively on top-end luxury market and license in good standing. Goldline Research uses a rigorous proprietary research process to evaluate tens of thousands of service providers in numerous industries. They have taken the guess work out of the process for you! When you contact Kenneth Lowman at Luxury Homes of Las Vegas you know you will be dealing with one of "The Most Dependable Luxury Real Estate Professionals of the West."