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Welcome to the Lori Ballen Team Real Estate Blog. Everything you want to know about real estate, home values, featured listings, home maintenance, home repair, and so much more.

Things to Do in Las Vegas

Pinball Hall of Fame Museum

Location: 1610 E. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119 Phone: 702-597-2627 Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 11 AM – 11 PM, Friday – Saturday from 11 AM – 12 AM Pinball is alive and well in Las Vegas. Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum to experience pinball games in a way that many people

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Things to Do in Las Vegas

Lake of Dreams

Located at the Wynn of Las Vegas, this nightly show combines music with four thousand lights, puppets, and images to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Experience the breathtaking view of a 40-foot waterfall at the Lake of Dreams. For information on show tickets at Wynn Las Vegas, call 702-770-9966. Location 3131 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas,

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Things to Do in Las Vegas

Sugar Factory

Location: 3663 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109 Phone: 702-866-0777 Hours: Monday – Friday from 10 AM – 12 AM, Saturday from 9 AM – 1 AM, and Sunday from 9 AM – 12 AM Click to Visit Website Looking for a sweet treat that brings back fond memories? You’ll want to visit The

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Things to Do in Las Vegas

Evolution Expeditions

Evolution Expeditions is a perfect for a family outing. Evolution Expeditions offers kayak tours, wake sports and has a water park. The kayak tours can take you around the Hoover Dam or to Black Canyon; there is a twilight tour that is a perfect way to watch the sunset. The water park area has slides

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How to get Home Buyers off the Fence

Prospective homebuyers are a diverse breed. There are those who know what they want and will make a good offer the minute they find a home meeting their criteria. There are those who need to buy right now, perhaps due to a job relocation, retirement or divorce. And then there are those who sit on

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Las Vegas Hotels

Circus Circus Hotel

Circus Circus encourages patrons to leave responsibilities at the door and become a kid again. One of Circus Circus’s largest attractions is the Adventuredome. This inside theme park features 25 rides and games. The Adventuredome has two rollercoaster’s, 4-D adventure rides, laser tag, bumper cars, and more. Location: 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV

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Things to Do in Las Vegas

The Mac King Comedy Show

The Mac King Comedy Show is a comedy, magic show that is fun for people of all ages. In fact, it’s been one of the top shows in Las Vegas for ten years! You can purchase tickets online at the official website. Or, you can call 702-693-6143. Location: 3474 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas,

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Things to Do in Las Vegas

Shark Reef

Residents and visitors of Las Vegas have been amazed by Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay since 2000. It’s the first and only accredited animal care facility in Nevada, honored with the distinction from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Visitors can explore the exhibits, learn more about life at the aquarium, and enjoy a variety

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Things to Do in Las Vegas

Reggae in the Desert

Reggae in the Desert is held at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater each year. This annual event usually held in June. Location: 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154 Phone: 702-455-8200 Hours: 12 PM – 11 PM Bring along a blanket, one un-opened bottle of water, sunscreen, and a still camera. No video

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Things to Do in Las Vegas

Fun Dungeon

With over 150 games, it’s easy to see why people want to visit The Fun Dungeon at Excalibur Hotel & Casino for a bit of arcade fun. They have midways, sports games, and games that offer prize redemption. Grab a tasty treat from the Dairy Queen while you’re there. Fun Dungeon Location: 3850 S. Las

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Things to Do in Las Vegas

Natural History Museum

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is dedicated educating and inspiring residents and visitors of Las Vegas when it comes to the natural world and science. Exhibits include prehistoric, wildlife, international, and marine life topics. Check the official website or call ahead to check current exhibits. Natural History Museum Location: 900 Las Vegas Blvd. N.,

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Advantages & Disadvantages Of Buying A Foreclosure

Once upon a time it was possible for buyers to identify a bank foreclosure from a mile off. They were often run-down, stripped-to-the-bone and abandoned buildings which looked completely uninhabitable. However it’s a different ball game today, as many banks now choose to renovate their real estate owned (REO) properties before listing them on the

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How to Organize Your Life in 7 Simple Steps

Organization and time management are two of the strongest links in a chain of practices leading to successful lifestyles. When you’re organized, you’re not wasting precious moments looking for a shoe, your keys, or running around frantically, risking being late for important meetings or events. When you are a resident of Las Vegas, you most

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What is an Escrow Holdback?

When a property needs repairs, sellers may not initially want to make the needed repairs prior to closing. Additionally, mortgage lenders sometimes hold back a portion of the loan allocated for specific projects during new construction or improvements to an existing home. An escrow holdback allows buyers, mortgage lenders as well as appraisers to have

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Best of Las Vegas

Costa di Mare

Costa di Mare | Best Restaurants Located at The Wynn Hotel the Costa di Mare, formally know as the Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare offers the best in seafood. This is flown straight from the Mediterranean and served to you in under 24 hours to ensure the best flavor and ultimate freshness. While visiting this fine dining restaurant, experience

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Las Vegas City Strip, Hotels, Real Estate
Living in Las Vegas

10 Fun Facts about Las Vegas

Full of twinkling lights, sparkling champagne, and dazzling showgirls, Las Vegas offers something for everyone in the entire household. More than 70 million people frequent Las Vegas every year for the eclectic shops, unique shows, unmatched all-you-can-eat buffets, and the plethora of hotels, casinos, restaurants, spas, gaming centers and roller coasters that make up Sin

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Living in Las Vegas

Living in Las Vegas – Record City

There’s something about the sound of classic vinyl – a smooth hissing hum behind the songs, a crackle and pop melting into the music. Something magical happens when the needle hits the record. This sound disappeared for the most part with the advent of 8 tracks and cassette tapes, and eventually into c.d.s and mp3s

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Best of Las Vegas

The Ballen Spotlight – Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

When we asked Las Vegas residents to tell us where they went to get a delicious pizza, one name that kept coming up, again and again, was Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria. So, it’s easy to see why Grimaldi’s is in The Ballen Spotlight for the month. Best Pizza Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria is located at

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Living in Las Vegas

Home Maintenance Tips for Las Vegas Residents

Being a homeowner is rewarding, but it’s also a big responsibility. Keeping things repaired and in good working order is important to maintaining the value in your home. You want to protect your investment and make your home a wonderful place to spend your time. Cleaning Services | Handymen | Landscaping | Hardware Stores Because

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Living in Las Vegas

Cat and Dog Groomers in Las Vegas

Keeping your dogs, cats, and other pets healthy includes making sure they are properly groomed. Because we love our pets, we want them to look and feel their best. Taking them to a groomer who understands their needs and is dedicated to safe practices is a must. Before you hand your beloved pet over to

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Las Vegas School Supplies List and School Dress Codes

Las Vegas School Supplies List and School Dress Codes Summer is quickly coming to an end, and thoughts of going back to school are filling the minds of students and parents throughout the Las Vegas area. This is the perfect time to check school calendars, create school supplies shopping lists, and get a jump-start on

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A Complete Guide to Finding The Perfect House

Finding the perfect house for you and your family is no easy task. You may end up looking at dozens of different houses before finding the one that’s right for you. However, it’s going to be a lot more difficult to judge whether a house you’re looking at is the right one and to compare

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Things to Do for Earth Day in Las Vegas

There’s plenty of time for planning when it comes to how you’ll celebrate Earth Day this year. Earth Day is on Friday, April 22nd. The theme for this year is Environmental & Climate Literacy. Here are a few ways to celebrate Earth Day this year. GreenFest VIP Reception GreenFest is sponsored by Nevada Energy Star Partners

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Best of Las Vegas

Locals Choose the Best Shows in Las Vegas

If you’re thinking of heading to Las Vegas to take in some shows, there is no shortage of choices in live entertainment. This destination, known also as Sin City, provides the perfect getaway for people who cannot decide where to travel simply because Las Vegas never sleeps, and the area abounds with vibrant and diverse

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What Is the Home Is Possible for Heroes Program in Nevada?

The Nevada Housing Division offers the Home is Possible for Heroes program as a way to encourage and support homeownership for veterans. While this program can only be used with government issued loans, not conventional financing, it is a wonderful opportunity for those who have served our country to make aspirations of homeownership a reality.

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What exactly is a pre-foreclosure home?

What exactly is a pre-foreclosure home? Foreclosure happens when a homeowner misses his mortgage payment and the lender takes back his home. It follow that pre-foreclosure is the period right before the bank seizes control the property, right? Wrong. In legal terms, there is no such thing as a pre-foreclosure. Let’s take a look at

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Best of Las Vegas

Best Las Vegas Steakhouses, Many Open as Early as 4PM

A steak house is a restaurant that specializes in beef steaks and additional individual pieces of meat such as chicken, pork or lamb chops. These restaurants are often called chophouses. Steaks are made to order and are served up with side dishes such as rolls and baked potatoes. With a wide variety of famous restaurants

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