LETTER
FROM THE PUBLISHER

Dear Readers,
Welcome to the March 2008
Las Vegas edition of E RealEstateExec. March is a fabulous
month for the peek into spring and rebirth of life that it
offers. Many who celebrate the religious aspect of Easter
also rejoice in the renewal of life during this month. It
is also the birthday month of my mother who is turning 86!
That is also a celebration of life. Mom has celebrated many
springs and Easters in her time and still enjoys the renewal
that spring offers. I wish you all a spring that is a rebirth
and renewal for you in mind, body and soul. Take the time
to be good to yourselves.
In
this issue, we are honored to feature a very special woman—Irene
Vogel, executive vice president of GLVAR. I was so excited
to present this article on Irene and the launch of her brainchild,
Greater Living magazine. During our photo shoot, I felt like
a schoolgirl looking up to an admired teacher. This was my
first, privileged one-on-one with Irene and the excitement
was palpable. As we are always touting that the New Real EstateTM
presents us with a time to grow, change and think creatively,
Irene has done just that—again. With her exuberance
for the industry and openness for new ideas, she envisioned
a way to educate the public on the industry. Thank you Irene
for your passion and balance, and for being a woman and a
professional who is easily admired, and who should be emulated.
In our National article,
we discuss the current climate of the Title Insurance Industry
nationally. Whether your region works with title companies
or not, it is a good idea to be educated on the changes within
them as your client base more and more are coming from outside
the area. E RealEstateExec looks to bring you educational,
motivational and inspirational articles. Although, this National
article speaks of some dishonest practices, we felt that it
was important information to share. Because if this information
is out there, the consumer will certainly bring it to the
table, and REALTORS® must be able to speak intelligently
on the subject.
“The Changing Face
of the Title Insurance Industry” by Michelle Savage
talks about how unscrupulous dealings by a select few have
tainted the industry’s image as a whole. Kickbacks and
other dubious behavior can result in higher costs for customers,
and can reflect upon a Real Estate agent’s reputation
as well. However, the majority of companies do not resort
to illegal or shady practices to lure clients. It’s
crucial to choose a reputable title insurance company that
can be relied upon to treat clients with respect and honesty
and provide the kind of customer service that builds relationships.
This would be the same advice for any service provider you
and/or your client choose to work with.
Cheryl Smith of Premier
Desert Properties is the focus of our Local Profile 1 article
by Rita Templeton. I have the opportunity of working with
Cheryl during my continued involvement with Women’s
Council of REALTORS®, and I approached her about being
a profile in our publication. One of the main reasons in doing
so is Cheryl’s history and experience in the industry.
Her years of experience and involvement with continuing education
provide a fabulous illustration to other REALTORS® on
how to stay in the game. I applaud her professional stamina,
success and professionalism.
Joe Lobosco, along with
his team of bankers at Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking,
is the subject of our Local Profile 2 article brought to you
by Doug Shields. In a time when you hear so much talk about
Real Estate-related companies reducing their staff, closing
their doors, or speaking of no business being done, we bring
you a motivating and inspiring article about just the opposite—a
well-known company that is doing well and even growing. If
you are a REALTOR® looking for a new financial institution
that goes the extra mile for their clients, read this article
and do yourself and your clients a favor.
We are very excited that
our Vertical Update columnist Brenda Calvin is in Dubai speaking
at a very prestigious conference directly related to superior
high-rise dwellings. We are eager to have Brenda back for
a report in her April column. Meanwhile, we are thrilled to
have a guest writer this month for Vertical Update. A friend
and supporter of E RealEstateExec, Las Vegas High-Rise &
Condominium Association president Kiki Bandilla is educating
us on a timely topic: high-rise safety.
The Beyond Green article this month, by Dale Rowse of Viridian
Group, is a deep breath of fresh air. In “Everybody’s
Doin’ It: The Global Collaboration to Build a Sustainable
World,” I was so moved to read the thrilling and exhilarating
news of how we are coming together as a whole—a sustainable
world. We can do it, and it appears we are. Thank you Dale!
Urban Update, by Eve Mazzarealla
of Distinctive Real Estate and Investments announces a new
event in Downtown Las Vegas: the Downtown Urban Living Tour.
Scheduled for Friday, April 4 from 6 to 10 p.m., the fun,
food and education begin at the Celebrity Theatre. The purpose
is to create additional awareness of the increasing cultural
renaissance in the area. And it’s a terrific opportunity
to meet and greet the cast of downtown Las Vegas.
Once again this month is
chock full of informative, educational and motivational articles
and tools. Don’t miss any one of them, which include
but are not limited to: Rebecca Ragland’s Technology
article, Legal Notes by leading Las Vegas Real Estate attorney
John Benedict, and the Lifestyle article and Design Connection
written by Rita Templeton.
Due to a death in Stephen
Leon’s family, Rita Templeton graciously stepped in
to cover Design Connection. We are deeply saddened by Stephen’s
loss and send healing thoughts for his and his sister’s
heart at the loss of Stephen’s brother-in-law.
We at E RealEstateExec
are thrilled to bring you a publication that is developed
in part by what the readership asks for, and so please continue
to help us bring you what you want with your suggestions and
comments. We love to hear from you. The publication continues
to grow in readership, content and advertisers daily. For
this we are most grateful to you!
Have a wonderful, renewing
March, and if you celebrate Easter, a peaceful, blessed holiday.

Lee Papa, Publisher
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CONGRATULATIONS
Rocco La Spada
Las Vegas Financial Group, LLC
You have won the
"Charlie" Collection
in the February
Registration Drawing |
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