Wednesday, March 22, 2017

High Rise Living near The Aria Hotel / Casino


Located inside the massive project that is MGM City Center sits The Aria Resort and Casino.
Named  The Aria due to its placement as the central feature of CityCenter ( as arias are focal points in operas ) it is comprised of
two curvilinear glass towers measuring 61 stories tall.  I wanted to focus on this resort as my last post was spotlighting The Martin exclusively and when I spend time at The Martin I always end up at The Aria whether it is for dining or entertainment.  
Among the most notable aspects of Aria is its incorporation of technology in the exterior and interior design of the hotel, specifically for the reduction of energy consumption.  Unless you were keyed in to this information you wouldn't be aware, but The Aria has a distinct feel to it that is unlike other resorts as the attention to detail is apparent in all aspects of this property inside and out. Some of the most desired Dining and shopping is just outside the Aria in the Crystals shopping district and with  it's 16 restaurants, 10 bars and nightclubs as well as an expansive casino the Aria Hotel / Casino has something for everyone.  Residential High Rise living near the Aria is abundant. Within walking distance you have Veer Towers, The Mandarin Oriental and Vdara hotel / condos.  Hotel / Condo type of ownership is where the unit owner buys a fully furnished / turnkey unit just like a Hotel room in a fine resort that you would book for a vacation, but you then have the option to enter the unit into a rental program with the developer and you receive a portion of the monthly revenue that the unit creates.  The split between owner and the company managing and leasing the unit out is usually a 50/50 split, although this varies from one project to the next.  It can be a nice arrangement for Clients looking to purchase a unit that they may only use 4 or 5 times a year and in the meantime can keep it in the rental program and receive revenue to help offset the monthly carrying costs of HOA dues and loan balance (if any exists.)  Other similar type of Hotel / Condo buildings are : Palms Place, The Signature at MGM Grand, Trump Tower, The Platinum and select units at The Cosmopolitan where owners are in possession of their units still (this is rare.)
Across the freeway to the west of The Aria sits Panorama Towers 1 & 2 and The Martin, these three are comparable in style and finishes as they had the same developer.  Running through the middle of MGM City Center and heading east towards the university is Harmon Ave.  This street has become a  "second strip" of sorts as the Las Vegas strip cannot expand further than it currently exists as it is anchored by McCarran Airport to the South and the Stratosphere to the North.  This new "Hip Strip" is a walkable environment that is surrounded by Condominiums, Resorts, Casinos and Nightclubs.  Harmon Ave is a 2.5 mile stretch of road that has been extended over the I-15 freeway to allow traffic to flow through the various resorts and high rise towers and alleviate some of the pressure off of Las Vegas Blvd.  The Signature MGM is one of the hotel / condo building where we have had great success over the years.  The interior of the units seem to have a broad appeal to many, many different types of Client across the board and it's location with direct access to the MGM is priceless. We also now have the Top Golf facility that is within walking distance of The Signature that is unique in what it offers individuals looking to intertwine the love of golf with dining and cocktails.  All of this is stemming out from the Aria resort which is the jewel of the Strip and the heart of MGM City Center ( a term that was retired in 2005 with the focus now being on The Aria itself as the centerpiece of the entire mixed-use project.)
We currently have some amazing listings in Veer Towers and Panorama Towers as well as The Martin and Signature MGM for sale.
When showing property or meeting with Clients I try and give a true overview of what living in the Harmon corridor has to offer and all the benefits of being close to resorts like The Aria and how every day something new can be discovered.  I am available to speak in person or over the telephone if prospective Buyers and/or Sellers ever have questions and am confident that The Stark Team is a step above the other Agents and Brokers in this area of the city especially.  We at The Stark Team are unique in our approach as the three of us handle all transactions from start to finish and do not hand matters off to assistants or underlings.  With The Stark Team the interest of the Client always comes first. 

Monday, March 20, 2017

The Martin Las Vegas sets the New Standard for Fully Residential High Rise Living

When taking Clients to multiple High Rise Towers and viewing unit after unit the question at the end of the day is always ," Travis if you were going to buy a High Rise Condo where would you purchase ?"  The answer to this question is an easy one for me.  The Martin Las Vegas has the best of everything in terms of location, amenities, floorplans and finishes.  My team that I work with were heavily involved in selling this tower between 2012-2015 after it had undergone an name change and three million dollars in renovations mainly to the common area's and amenities. During that time we took advantage of the opportunity to purchase a unit in the tower that we could use as an office of sorts in the city, and the occasional weekend getaway (stay-cation).  Much like Anthem Country Club in Henderson NV, The Martin offers a sense of home where one can feel safe and secure.  The parking structure is spacious and gives residents direct access to the elevator where your electronic key fob sends you to your floor and your floor only ( an added layer of security so people cannot roam the tower).  Once inside the living space residents are privy to well thought out floorplans that are spacious and functional with a flair of modern style that is clean yet cozy.  All units have city and/or mountain views and the corner units all have balconies that are worth every penny.  The Martin is the only tower to offer a "Juliet" balcony for the units not on the corner that allows the resident to have a sliding door that gives a sense of openness to the dwelling. Kitchens and Bathrooms are large and have Stainless appliances and Chrome finishes throughout, the floors and marble/stone and counter tops are gorgeous granite. European style cabinetry and roll outs in selected cabinets add style and purposeful functionality to increase useful space for the user.  Outside of the units residents have access to the most amazing gym that sits on the second floor overlooking the pool/spa area surrounded by luxurious cabanas and an outdoor bar-be-Que and eating area. There is also an indoor spa/hot tub and locker rooms equipped with showers and a steam room.  For those that need the service of a masseuse there are treatment rooms in between the locker room that can be utilized and all one needs to do is arrange this with the staff at the front desk and have them contact the appropriate therapist that is available from a list of licensed professionals that are available on-call.  Just off of the main lobby area there is a Library room full of books and other reading material for the residents to enjoy this room also plays host to social events with cocktails included where you can meet other individuals living in the building and do some networking or just make a new acquaintance.  Amenities go on and on, you have access to a business center with PC and Fax / Scan to e-mail devices as well as a conference room for meetings and/or presentations there is also an on-site driver service that runs on selected day/weekends that is scheduled with the front desk / concierge and will drop-off and pick up within a designated radius.  All of this in addition to the fact that residents can walk across Harmon and be inside the Aria Resort / Casino within 5-7 minutes from the ground of The Martin. Being able to walk to and from the Aria, Crystals Shopping, The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio and Planet Hollywood may be this single biggest factor in terms of perks to living at The Martin. It is said that in real estate location is "everything" and in our city being able to walk a path that is safe and secure to all of the entertainment and dining on the Strip is why so many people put  The Martin at the top of the list when it comes to selecting a building that has it all.  The home owners association is stable and the dues believe it or not are the lowest in the city for comparable buildings that offer what a top tier luxury high rise should.  Clients often ask what the demographic is like in the tower and from what I have seen it is very attractive with many business professionals or second /third homeowners who value the building and look to keep it at a high standard.   There are currently 19 units in the MLS for re-sale at The Martin with floorplans ranging from 1,111 to 3,653 square feet.  On the low end the list prices are in the low $300k range and the penthouse units go up to $4.2 million (they are incredible ).  I myself or Lauren Stark-Scholl are available 7 days a week to show units in this tower and as residents ourselves can give the full tour with insight that other agents do not possess as we know this building very intimately as well as the staff / HOA and all other aspects of how the building functions.  We currently have a listing on the 27th floor that is 1,437 square feet 2 bedroom 2 bath with a Den and I can honestly say it is my favorite floorplan in any high rise in Las Vegas. This unit is being offered at $479k and is $333 per square foot with wood floors and beautiful Strip and Mountain views.  I am well versed in the floorplate and can explain in detail what floorplans are available and how they sit in the Tower in terms of view and exposure to the city.  We have selected lenders that can suggest intelligent financing options for those looking to leverage their money and make their money work for them.  Contact us directly or search available inventory on our newly launched website  lasvegasluxuryresidences.com  it is streamlined and simple for new or experienced users and gives Clients access to all available inventory in the Las Vegas / Henderson area.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Blue Heron sets the template for Vegas Modern Luxury Real Estate

For those select Clients looking to purchase or build a new home from the ground up Blue Heron has set the standard in Las Vegas & Henderson Nevada.  First introduced to the Las Vegas area with their introductory project in 2005 Stone Canyon is a 23 luxury loft home enclave at Buffalo Drive and Charleston Boulevard.  Granted this was a tough time to be selling high end product given the unfavorable conditions of the economy at the time, Blue Heron knew they had a unique product and were confident that the market for modern loft-style homes would have an audience. Over the years this have proven to be very true. With 4 sold out communities : Marquis Las Vegas near Sunset Park, 22 Parkside a gated community of 22 homes in western Las Vegas, Stone Canyon the debut project and Stone Canyon South comprised of 8 loft-style homes at the crossroads of St.Rose and Las Vegas Blvd.  The design and build team at Blue Heron have had unparalleled success in a town that was lacking any kind of modern architecture home sites.  Currently Blue Heron is involved in 4 projects throughout the valley that offer pre-designed floorplans and lots for custom build homes. I will now give a brief overview of each community across the Valley that is still under construction or offering standing inventory.

Located behind the main gates of Tuscan Cliffs in Southern Highlands the Bluffs offers 3 models that literally reside in the mountainsides and hilltops of Southern Highlands with sweeping views of the Las Vegas valley.
Standard amenities at The Bluffs include 12-foot ceilings, Pella windows and doors, stainless-steel Viking appliances, exterior stone veneer, 42-inch maple cabinets, granite countertops, 6-foot Kohler spa tubs and three fireplaces.
All homes include outdoor kitchens and disappearing glass doors, which allow residents to link internal and external areas seamlessly. The advent of the sliding pocket door has been a token feature in the new modern homes being built across the U.S. the unprecedented feeling of open space and integration of thoughfully designed outdoor spaces has made this one of the most sought after features of Blue Heron homes. Base prices at the Bluffs start at 3 million. 
Another stunning collection of modern and tuscan homes sit in arguably the most prestigious area in the Valley.
 Marquis at Seven Hills is a guard gated niche community of 33 home sites that feel like an affluent section of Los Angeles in the hills with views of the city below. With homes ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet some of which include elevators and basements ( an option rarely seen in a Las Vegas or Henderson home ) this assortment of modern homes is simply stunning.  I persoanlly drove through Marquis at Seven Hills this morning before writing this to get a feel for it and I can tell you with all honesty that is one of the nicest gated communities in the Valley. The parcel of land that Marquis Seven Hills occupies is close to perfect. The 3rd project I will address is Sky Terrace located off of Horizon Ridge in Henderson NV this project nestled between Anthem / Seven Hills master plan and MacDonald Highlands includes 44 homes where buyers can select from 5 pre-designed floorplans from 3,460 sq. ft. to 5,500 sq. ft. starting in the high $800k's. The Stark Team had the pleasure of listing and selling a home inside Sky Terrace in 2016 and for Lauren and myself it has to be one of our favorite listings we have ever had. The seamless integration of indoor / outdoor spaces, spacious kitchens and bathrooms with granite and stainless finishes, floating staircases that lead to inviting loft area's and bar's for cocktails, the use of new technology in all of the media and home temperature controls and the attention to minimalist / economical outdoor spaces that conserve water yet still have lush and attractive landscaping the homes on Vegas View Street in Sky Terrace also have sky desks off of the upper level that have the most impressive views of the Las Vegas Skyline I have seen yet. Access to the Beltway is easily available through Green Valley Parkway and shopping and dining are plentiful.
Just down the road on Horizon Ridge between Stephanie and Gibson sits Horizon Lights starting from the low $700k's this collection of modern homes offer 3 floor plans ranging from 3,390 sq ft to 4,652 sq ft will include the newest desert contemporary designs with spacious courtyard entrances, stunning open floorplans, and energy efficient, green building technologies. 
If you happen to be a fan of Downtown Las Vegas and the many Lounges and hip restaurants in that section of the city then Blue Heron's Midtown Modern collection of homes near Rancho Circle is a private, guard gated, cul-de-sac that inlcudes 4 home sites starting at 1.5 million and looks to be absolutely amazing.
Trying to get a handle on all of the current development that Blue Heron is offering at any given point in time can be difficult and that is one more reason why employing The Stark Team to assist you in your Real Estate venture can be indispensable.  We pride ourselves on keeping a heartbeat on what is happening in our vibrant city and what is coming up on the horizon.  If modern architecture and style are your thing but Blue Heron does not have a property that currently suits you there are some other exciting developments in Summerlin and Lake Las Vegas that we can suggest.  William Lyons is building some beautiful homes with lake views at Lago Vista on the North Shore at Lake Las Vegas as well as The Peaks which offer gorgeous, modern architecture homes at a surprisingly affordable price.  For our clients who are 55+ The Regency in Summerlin has 3 collection of homes each with 3 floorplans that will include a community clubhouse that gives residents access to amenities and social activities that hope to develop a sense of community and safety, not to mention the breathtaking city and mountain views. The Ridges in Summerlin also have stunning pre-designed models to choose from inside a golf course community as well as custom home lots that have been very attractive to the many California transplants we have been seeing an influx of over the last 3-4 years. That's the wrap up of Blue Heron and comparable homes in the Valley, I know it's an abundance of information and please feel free to contact me or any of the members of our team to help make sense of the modern, luxury home landscape as we are well versed and eager to assist Buyers and Sellers alike. Remember we are here to HELP -
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Anthem Country Club


Having grown up in the City of Las Vegas primarily in the South West part of Town that is known as Spring Valley I was always partial to that area and all it had to offer.  My first experience in home ownership was a Condominium in Summerlin with the help of some creative financing and the knowledge / expertise of my soon to be Mother-in-Law and Fiancee June and Lauren Stark. When you grow up in Las Vegas in the 1980's the area that now covers Green Valley, Anthem, Seven Hills and MacDonald Ranch was back then regarded as unknown and undeveloped. Most of the homes in the Henderson area were rather rural and mostly for folks who had horses and chickens, a far stretch from the uniformity of the new neighborhoods in Spring Valley where I grew up. As the City spread out across the valley and Henderson began to develop, Green Valley was the first Master Plan to really gain attention and attract Buyers in the Real Estate marketplace.
My first exposure to Anthem and Seven Hills in Henderson was when my Mother and Father-in-Law bought a home in Anthem Country Club and we took a trip from Summerlin to visit them. I was in awe of the waterfalls as you drive up Anthem Parkway and the amazing water features when you drive into the Country Club. When I eventually transitioned out of the casino / service industry into the world of real estate I had the opportunity to tour all of the high end / country club communities in the valley and have to say that Anthem Country Club with it's easy to maneuver community layout that is comprised of a 3.5 mile loop great for walking and/or biking is my favorite country club community in the Valley .  The Clubhouse that houses two restaurants and bar are situated in the heart of the community along with the gym, pool and tennis facility. There is also a playground for kids and volleyball court near the pool complex. Anthem has 24 hour roving security along with the guard gate at the entrance. The common area's within the subdivisions and along the interior loop and vast and lush with beautiful landscaping and views of the golf course.
Anthem Country Club’s spectacular Hale Irwin - Keith Foster designed par-72, 7267-yard championship golf course features dramatic elevation changes as it traverses breathtaking natural desert terrain, sparkling waterfalls, six lakes and picturesque canyons. Bent grass greens and sweeping panoramic mountain views make the course both playable and stunningly beautiful while five sets of tees on each hole accommodate players of all abilities. Full practice facilities complement this outstanding golf experience. The course is private and membership is available at additional cost.
There are currently approximately 40 homes for sale inside the gates ranging from 400k to multi-million dollar homes on lots that offer city views with backyards that have infinity edge pools and golf course views. When the community was originally being built out in the late 90's they were all one-story homes with the second story and basements being an option. Anthem boasts a location with access to some of the best elementary, middle and high schools in all of Las Vegas and Henderson many of which are near amazing public parks.
Quite often I drive all over the city when showing property and after a long day I always breath a sigh of relief when I pull through the gates and back inside anthem country club, it truly exists within a bubble that has a peaceful and safe feeling. From my residence within the gates I can be in the heart of the Strip in under 20 min and at the airport in even less. For these reasons and many more I highly recommend purchasing in Anthem Country Club when looking in the Las Vegas / Henderson area. As stated above I am currently a resident in the country club and have been for over 13 years now, if you're in need of an Agent with unparalleled knowledge of this community or others that are comparable please contact me for assistance.

Inspirada is the Modern Master Plan Family Community for the New Millennium


Inspirada is the Modern Master Plan Family Community for the New Millennium  


Nestled between Seven Hills and Anthem Highlands is a Community unlike anything else in the Valley. This community is easily accessed off of Volunteer Drive that connects to the I-15 behind the M Resort or through Executive Airport Drive off of St. Rose Parkway which separates Las Vegas from Henderson NV.  Henderson NV is ranked one of the 50 best Communities by Bloomberg Businessweek also ranked as the 2nd safest city by FBI statistics. Inspirada is a throwback to the neighborhoods that arose in the United States in the early 1980s embracing the idea of New Urbanism which is an urban design movement that promotes environmentally friendly habits by creating walkable neighborhoods containing a wide range of housing and can all be circled back to two concepts: building a sense of community and the development of ecological practices. The neighborhood has a discernible center. This is often a square or a green which is realized in the 4 parks inside Inspirada as well as an impressive list of amenities including heated pools, kids play and water areas, soccer/multi-use and Little League fields, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, and of course, two dog parks. Streets within the neighborhood form a connected network, which disperses traffic by providing a variety of pedestrian and vehicular routes to any destination. Streets are relatively narrow and shaded by rows of trees. This slows traffic, creating an environment suitable for pedestrians and bicycles. Inside Inspirada there are miles of walking / running paths some of which are packed gravel that is a welcome surface to those of us that prefer the feel of running on something other than pavement. Parking lots and garage doors rarely front the street. Parking is relegated to the rear of buildings, usually accessed by alleys. Inspirada also provides it's residents with access to some of the most accredited schools in all of Las Vegas and Henderson such as : Pinecrest Academy, Wallin Elementary, Del E Webb Middle School, Liberty and Coronado High Schools. Within the park that sits closest to the North entrance is a Coffee shop where residents can nosh as they socialize and close to my heart there is also a skate park which is awesome to see as a Las Vegas native who had to scour the city when I was a kid just to find places to skate back in the day.
When it comes to finding the right home to purchase within the master plan Buyers will be able to choose from 5 award winning builders. The goal of the 5 builders involved in making Inspirada a special community was to deliver homes that have lasting value at competitive prices. Beazer homes has 2 collections staring from the high 200k range, Century Communities has 7 floor plans to choose from between $200-$400k, KB Homes offers 5 different collections starting in the high 100k mark, Pardee Homes has 5 collections some of which are gated and start from the high 200k's and last but not least Toll Brothers currently has 4 collections with 15 different floorplans from $300-$500k. Many of the homes being built are realizing the demand for large, one-story layouts that include sliding pocket doors that open from the living area to a courtyard or the backyard of the property.  Smart technology is also being utilized in many of the homes with the GenSmart Suite. This is perfect for large or multi-generational families. The suite includes its own bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchenette, and washer and dryer- perfect for the grandparents, guests, older kids, or even a play area for sleepovers. The GenSmart option allows the family to be together as a whole while still respecting the need for individual space.
Currently in the MLS there are 62 homes available some of which are new builds that are being marketed directly by the on-site sales agents. Realtor representation when buying a new home in a masterplan community such as Inspirada can be a god send. With 5 different builders that accumulate more than 50 different floorplans Realtor assistant is vital for Buyers who need to find the right home for the right price in a location within the community that hopes to ensure long term value and sustainability. Lauren, June and myself as members of The Stark Team are long time residents of Anthem and have taken part in the process of assisting Clients in purchasing and investing in Inspirada since it  broke ground in 2006. This is a community that is near and dear to us as we have seen first hand how happy people are once they close on their property and become fully aware of all that Inspirada has to offer.
Please contact us when considering Inspirada or homes in Henderson NV as we are available for you directly and look forward to making your dreams a reality.