LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Readers,

They say the older you get, the faster time seems to pass. Whether those are the thoughts of a middle-aged person or a scientific fact of quantum physics, it doesn’t take away from the feeling that the year is sliding into home plate. Yes, the holidays are approaching us again with Thanksgiving less than three weeks away. I am only too grateful that this year, once again my friend Donna has offered to have us all over for dinner. I actually used to love to entertain. Now, I love to be the guest of the entertainer. That’s me, the guest who happily brings the wine or dessert and family in tow. So, among the many, many, many things that I am devoutly grateful for in my life, I am grateful for my friends… who love to cook.

Our National article this month by Michelle Savage focuses on “Real Estate Scams.” Typically, this publication tries not to report on negatively slanted news; however, this is more about education. These things really do go on all over the country and it is important for you as the professional to be aware and to be able to educate others.

Tony Dennis, Executive V.P. of CityCenter Residential is presented to us by Doug Shields in our Feature Article “Inside the Mind of America’s Most Ambitious Real Estate Executive.” Well, Tony says he “won the beauty contest” of candidate selection for CityCenter, but in fact it was the Las Vegas Real Estate industry that won. Attracting the professional quality and expertise of Tony to our marketplace helps raise the bar for Real Estate professionals in Las Vegas. It was a pleasure learning how Tony started his career and what chapters he lived to bring him to this exciting position.

The Las Vegas High-Rise and Condominium Association is profiled this month, and it couldn’t be timelier. There is a new board in town and they are taking the initial foundation of the organization to the next level. The folks that make up this board are diverse in their expertise but their vision and their passion for their new positions are universal.

The article “Custom Home Building: A Family Affair” on local custom home builder Steve Jones and his brother Bart of Merlin Contracting and Developing is one of those success stories that makes you want to share it. I am a big believer in following your dreams and passion. You shouldn’t work for money, but rather, do something you love and are passionate about and the money comes—this is the popular philosophy. I think this article is going to make you want to pull out that box marked “The Book I Will One Day Write” or take that class that you always intended to take, or jump into that niche of Real Estate with a new, invigorated passion. They do what they love and they do it exceptionally well. Bravo!

This month’s Lifestyle article is “Happy ‘Spa’-lidays!” by Rita Templeton. All I can say is Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I rarely take myself to the spa these days because I don’t want to drop $200, or time does not allow it. But after reading this article, just the thought of a mini-spa holiday made me relax. The deals are great and I can spare the time for a little “me relaxation.” I am going to check these places out.

Design Connection takes you shopping this month to the Pre-Market Inventory Clearance Sale November 16th & 17th. Did someone say SALE? Grab your checkbook and head to the World Market Center. Not only will you find unbelievable deals but you will be helping local charities as well.

Vertical Update this month takes a look at “High Finance: Lending in the World of Residential High-Rise” by Brenda Calvin. There are a lot of Real Estate professionals that I know who are getting more and more acquainted with the high-rise market; however, often their education does not go far enough. Brenda helps us out with information from Matt Hennessy of Citigroup’s National Builder Division on lending and the high-rise market. A must-read!

This month’s Legal Notes article is on “Fair Housing Laws—A Guide for Agents” and is a great reminder for all Real Estate professionals. With the way that lines get crossed and grey areas creep into daily life, it is imperative to keep yourself abreast and educated on the Fair Housing Laws regularly. This is one more way we help you stay at the top of your profession.

Purposely, I left Legal Notes to the end because there is a special announcement coming from that department this month that I would like to share. Our resident Real Estate attorney and Legal Notes columnist has a new bundle of joy at home. Congratulations to Carmen and John Benedict and their family on their new baby boy!

There are some exciting things happening these coming months that you will be brought in on as the weeks go by. Here are a couple: E RealEstateExec Las Vegas is launching two additional columns in January. Beyond Green sponsored by Viridian Group & GSG Development all about sustainability; and a Downtown Urbanization column about just that, sponsored by Streamline Towers and Distinctive Real Estate & Investments. More information to come, so watch your inbox.

Have a great month and don’t forget to enjoy the holidays.

Get in EREE GEAR!

Lee Papa, Publisher

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