Space in a room can be just an illusion

The general consensus, until recently, seemed to be that bigger is better. McMansions are the only way to go and the one who has the most toys at the end is the winner. But now, in light of the great paradigm shift that has occurred in our economy, many of us are re-evaluating our priorities and have come to realize that simpler can be better and that smaller isn’t such a bad thing after all. In fact, downsizing has become a very attractive way to go.

You be the Judge

Sometimes you really can judge a book by its cover — especially when it comes to your home’s décor.

Unmarked art glass often a bargain

Twentieth-century art glass is attracting adventurous buyers who search for relatively unknown European pieces. Because most of this glass is unmarked or marked with a handwritten name or a paper label, it requires study.

Summerlin showcases variety of designs

Dozens of home floor plans in a variety of styles, sizes and price ranges are available in five villages in Summerlin — The Canyons, The Ridges, The Vistas, The Mesa and Summerlin Centre.

Harmony to hold ‘Blowout’

Harmony Heights in Northwestern Las Vegas continues its Summer Sales Blowout this weekend with special pricing and upgrades offered to new homebuyers, according to Lorne Wilson, sales manager for Harmony Homes. Prices start at just $176,990 for three model homes that include appliances and many upgraded features.

Lennar unveils move-in ready homes

Lennar is unveiling its latest phase of move-in ready homes today and Sunday, offering homebuyers new just-released homes with the advantage of incentives, including tax credits, low interest rates and reduced pricing.

Reader learns the hard way about outstanding liens on auctioned homes

Q: I purchased a home during the Clark County sheriff’s auction on March 3 and paid cash. On March 10, the homeowners association, through a collection agency, recorded an Homeowner Association lien on the property of about $1,024. This lien was from HOA assessments that were not paid by the previous owner. On March 16, I recorded the Trustees Deed upon Sale. When I contacted the agency and asked them to clear the lien, they told me the amount of the lien was now $1700, which included a transfer fee of $300 and additional fees. I received a letter saying I had 10 days to pay or they were going to file a Notice of Default and begin foreclosure proceedings. This would add another $300 to the lien amount. I talked to the HOA community manager, but she would do nothing to help me. I paid $1,400 to settle this matter.

Nevada Energy Star Partners launches new ‘Save’ campaign

Nevada Energy Star partners — a voluntary coalition of Southern Nevada homebuilders, developers, retailers, mortgage providers, energy consultants and local utilities — has launched its 2009 Energy Star campaign with the motto: “Together we save.”

Paying cash for home

Q: I’m interested in how many local home buyers are paying cash for homes in the Las Vegas area. I hear the number of cash buyers in Las Vegas is rising. Can you share some thoughts on why that might be happening and what it says about the local housing market? — Michael C., New York, N.Y.

Rhodes Ranch cuts prices at Fairways

The Fairways collection at Rhodes Ranch in southwestern Las Vegas is now offering prices on some models, starting at less than $100 per square foot.

Reader may avoid buying home at auction by dealing with owner

Q: We’re interested in buying a foreclosure that is slated for auction next month. We’ve been advised to skip the auction because the lender typically wins and it’s not a great place for first-time bidders to get a good deal. As far as we can tell, the home was not up for sale before going straight to foreclosure. Have you ever heard of contacting the bank with an offer to try and get under contract and avoid an auction? We have a good idea of what is still owed on the home and would base our offer on that. — Via e-mail

Mortgage rates hit six-month high

Mortgage rates have soared to their highest this year. Refinancers have slammed on the brakes because of the abrupt rise, and borrowers soon might shift into adjustable-rate mortgages.

HORSE RACING

TODAY AT HOLLYWOOD PARK

IN BRIEF

COLLEGE BASEBALL

Sky Sox’s big rally dooms 51s

Matt Miller’s two-out, three-run double highlighted Colorado Springs’ eight-run eighth inning Friday night as the Sky Sox rallied for an 11-9 Pacific Coast League win over the 51s in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Turmoil is music to Kyle Busch’s ears

BROOKLYN, Mich. — Controversy just seems to naturally swirl around Kyle Busch. And it seems the more uproar, the more NASCAR’s bad boy enjoys it.

Traber remains in groove

Dale Traber started thinking his West Coast hot streak was over midway through the U.S. Bowling Congress Senior Masters this week at the South Point.

Franklin finds odd ally

Rich Franklin got help from an unlikely source in his preparation for today’s UFC 99 main event in Cologne, Germany.

Van Gundy easy target for critics

Critics are taking shots at Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, and not because he resembles portly porn star Ron Jeremy.

ON TV/RADIO

in brief

MULTIPLE CHARGES

Indigent services at risk in shortfall

Homeless adults could be among the worst hit in the Legislature’s $125 million revenue grab that has left Clark County with an immediate budget gap, officials said Friday.

Tourist is first area flu death

A 70-year-old woman visiting from New York is the first swine flu-related death in Clark County, the Southern Nevada Health District confirmed Friday.

LV noted in naked Mona Lisa rumor

An original Leonardo da Vinci painting of a topless Mona Lisa, locked away in Las Vegas and being tracked down by art collectors?

Feuding judges may let chips fall where they may to settle on new chief

The spirit of collegiality is absent among the six judges in Las Vegas Municipal Court, the misdemeanor court for Las Vegas residents. For about 12 years, personality conflicts and opposing management styles between judges have divided the court into two factions.

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