by Diane Quinn

Created on: April 25, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2011

In February 2009, it was reported that just over 7,000 total residences were in foreclosures, down from January's report. Investors are wondering if the Las Vegas market has hit bottom. Buyers, it may be time to check out a real estate guide and make a decision to buy in Las Vegas.

Foreclosures have touched every area and demographic in the city. Even in high-end master planned communities like Summerlin, situated on the west side of the city at the foot of the Spring Mountains, this is the perfect time to buy-up in a highly desirable area of Las Vegas. Master planned communities, like Summerlin, deviate from the cookie cutter white stucco homes with red tile shingled roofs so popular for many years. Natural stone facades and bi-or-tri-colored trims enhance the curb appeal of the updated single homes there.

In March, Red Rock Country Club had nine bank owned properties ranging in price from $450,000 to $935,000. This private, golf course community in Summerlin features amenities like Arnold Palmer designed golf courses, a 9-court tennis club with spa, workout center and outdoor pool. Its optimal location to the Red Rock Conservation Area, spectacular golf course lots and mountain vistas, makes this high end community a tremendous value for custom level homes and a variety of amenities.

To the south, Mountains Edge is another large master planned community. Its convenient location is minutes away from commercial centers in the city. Along with standard community amenities, you can find entry level single homes starting at $100,000. Signature attractions are Exploration Peak, a mountain park, and Exploration Park, with picnic areas, walking and biking trails and a replica of a western town.

Another huge master planned community, called Aliente, has been developed at the foot of Sheep Mountain in North Las Vegas. Many homes have gorgeous mountain views to the west. A mix of mostly single family homes, living in Aliente means new state-of-the-art city parks, golf, a 24-mile connecting trail system and generous areas of open space. Add an amphitheater and Aliante Station Casino, and this family oriented community is quite self-sufficient.

Condo bargains abound too! The ambitious and uncompleted project called City Center has the ultimate prime location. Imagine a combination of high-rise condos, a hotel/casino, retail and commercial development, all built on one of the priciest locations in Las Vegasright on the strip'. When the economy took a dive, so did the prices of these luxury condos.

Other condo properties abound around Las Vegas and make wise investment properties. High-rise or low-rise, golf course views or not, there are modern condos to fit every budget. Many come with granite kitchens, tile floors and stainless steel appliances as standard features.

Owning a home in Las Vegas brings the obvious benefits of world class entertainment and mind boggling dining options. Not as obvious is the vibrant community of non-gaming businesses, organizations and religious groups that also makes the neon city an appealing home for families.

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