Mark Karten

Trulia Pro
"Experience Excellence"
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Mark Karten,  in Las Vegas
  • 17 Answers
  • 1 Best Answer
  • 9 First Answers
  • 4 Useful Answers
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About Me
With 23 years of Sales experience, my focus on total customer satisfaction is my only concern.

Of course, as a seller, that means getting your house sold, and moving into your new home. For buyers, I have a gift for finding the perfect home and getting you in at the best negotiated price.

Education and experience are the keys to having relevant answers to questions, especially those posted here on Trulia. This is the "Year of the Foreclosures" and 80% of my transactions this year are REO/bank owned sales. My answers reflect true-life experience, as opposed to "gut instinct." I'm a factual, analytical guy and my work reflects that. Visit "About Me" on my website to learn more about my education and experience in detail.

I'm proud to have been named one of the "Ten Most Dependable Real Estate Agents in Las Vegas" for 2007 and "FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction" for 2008." See why my clients become Raving Fans - visithttp:// www.YouCanAffordVegas.com today.
Testimonials
"WOW.....professionalism to the T. People say they are never lucky in Vegas but our first contact with you was a lucky find, not the house with a pool in Summerlin, but meeting you. Ever since then you have been personable, approachable and a wealth of knowledge. It has been awesome going through this process with someone as competent as you, as we both know we have come across a few incompetent people along the way. I boast to all that ask me about our house and the experience, how great you were through every step, despite my internet surfing and property seeking YOU found our new home. Being in hospitality for the past 14 years it is easy to distinguish the true professionals from those who just talk the talk, yet stumble on the first few steps when they try to walk the walk. YOU sir, definitely do both with poise, charisma and a smile. Qualities hard to find that you have are certainly your punctuality, appearance and availability."
Brett and Michelle Coleman Thu Dec 20, 2007
"I'm a licensed Realtor in the state of California and chose to work with Mark Karten in the purchase of a rental property. Let me tell you, having Mark take care of all the escrow headaches for me was a great relief, especially being a state away throughout the entire deal. In Real Estate, 'trust' is one of most important attributes to look for. Not only do I trust Mark to handle my transaction accurately and professionally, I continue to trust his knowledge of the Las Vegas Real Estate market and to keep me informed with new opportunities that may arise. Now, there is no need to fly out to Vegas to see how the Real Estate market is faring. I'm able to pick up the phone and receive a fair and honest answer from a professional who lives and breathes Las Vegas real estate...Mark Karten"
Joel Mazmanian Thu Mar 27
"Attention to detail; responding with a sense of urgency; sensitivity; timeliness; client's best interest at heart; followed through to make sure that closure is accomplished per schedule and always followed through on every other aspect of the deal, while keeping me informed. A wealth of knowledge to give a homebuyer, i.e. moving companies, water softener companies, attorneys, and even little things that were big to me, such as how to work the thermostat. I have worked with Realtors in many states and Mark is by far the best. He is the most professional, market analysis-based Realtor. Because of all the above we have established not only a working relationship, but a friendship. I had a holiday party, and was very comfortable in asking him to assist me in the kitchen, which he did with his usual customer service attitude. If anyone is interested in real estate in the Las Vegas area remember -- there is the rest, and then there is the best, Mark Karten. Mark, I salute you."
Carlton Collins Sun Jan 6
My Q&A View all >>
Mark Karten's Questions (0)
Mark Karten's Answers (17)

Question removed

Mark Karten answered:
By using a Realtor, they can enter the exact address of the property you desire, and the minute it gets listed, you'll be notified. Most banks require that a listing stay on the market at least 5 days before offers can be submitted. Although I can appreciate the urgency of wanting to be first, the bank wants the competition to drive up the price. If you're not currently working with a Realtor here in Las Vegas, I'd be happy to offer my services to you. Best of luck! - Fri Jul 18 2008, 14:24
Mark Karten answered:
Being one of the Las Vegas agents to have answered the first part of your question, I'd like to give you some input as to what you would pay for a rental. Renting a room in a hotel is price prohibitive, as the rates will be $139/night or more ($4,000+/month). There are "Budget Suite" options that some of my clients have used for a very short term rental until their homes are finished. This will run about $1,800/month or more, with a kitchenette. Beyond that, you could rent a condo (usually a 6 month minimum) for $1,200 or more, plus utilities (gas, electric, cable, internet). The considerations being location, amenities desired and monthly payment. I'm assuming you're looking for a fully furnished place as well, which will limit you even further. When you're ready to actively look, I'll be happy to send you available listings at that time. - Sun Jun 29 2008, 11:40
Hi Carolyn,

Before I answered your question, I did a search on the Las Vegas MLS just to make sure my answer was correct. There are no condos that do not have condo fees (also known as maintenance fees, HOA fees, etc.) The reasoning is pretty simple. A condo has common elements, which include at the very least the interior streets, lighting, water for the common areas, maintenance men for the grounds, etc. In addition, because your condo is not freestanding, the building insurance is paid for by the association, that's part of your monthly fee. There's always going to be a homeowner's association (they have to manage the money for the property, make sure the homeowners are following the rules and regulations,etc) and they need to be paid, too.

So, if you're looking to purchase something without monthly fees on top of your mortgage payment, my suggestion is to look for a single family home where there is no association for the subdivision. Good luck in your search! - Sun Jun 29 2008, 08:09
Mark Karten answered:
Great question. I provide a free search of the foreclosures in Las Vegas. Just visit my website and click on the "Foreclosures" license plate. Good luck in your search, and if I can assist in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me. - Fri Jun 20 2008, 14:33
Mark Karten answered:
Great question, and the answer is yes. Home inspectors go into areas you normally may not ever see and test all the systems in the home. Model homes, although not lived in, may not have had the plumbing run and gaskets dry out (in the toilets, dishwasher, etc.) The seller can't fill out a Seller's Real Property Disclosure since they've never lived in the house, so the inspection will "tell the story." If there are broken roof tiles, that won't be covered by a home warranty. Also, a home warranty isn't the end-all and be-all of protection for you. Please have the home inspection, ask the seller to pay for it, and ask for anything that comes up on the report to be taken care of before close of escrow. Congratulations and I wish you the best of luck in your new home! - Thu Jun 12 2008, 22:53

Question removed

Mark Karten answered:
Great question. As of yesterday, the "official" answer is 4-6 weeks. If you don't see the ownership change to your name, contact your title company to make sure the documents were filed correctly. (I just went through this with a buyer this week.) Whether it's a foreclosure or fair market purchase, the timing is the same. If you just bought a new home, congratulations! If you're trying to see how much the home sold for, contact a Realtor and they can pull up the information before it posts on the Assessor's page. - Wed Jun 11 2008, 21:50
My Listings
5251 Indian River Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89103 5251 Indian…
$179,900
2 br  2.0 ba Listing Web Site
5163 Indian River Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89103 5163 Indian…
$107,000
1 br  1.0 ba Listing Web Site
5314 River Glen Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89103 5314 River …
$118,000
1 br  1.0 ba Listing Web Site
5320 Indian River Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89103 5320 Indian…
$189,900
3 br  2.0 ba Listing Web Site
8556 Barkeria Ct, Las Vegas, NV 89149 8556 Barker…
$167,500
3 br  2½ ba Listing Web Site
8129 Pursuit Ct, Las Vegas, NV 89131 8129 Pursuit…
$182,500
3 br  2½ ba Listing Web Site
View all 7 listings
Specialties
I am equally strong as a seller's or buyer's agent, experienced in the unusual quirks that most transactions have. The key is being calm and keep an open line of communication between all parties.

I specialize in helping Seniors. Buying or selling a home, even if you've done it before is stressful and confusing. Many people don't want to ask the same question again and again or "be a bother." I full understand how overwhelming the process is, and have the patience to guide anyone through to a successful conclusion.

I also am here beyond the "sale." I provide service to you for years after you've moved into your home. If you have a question no one has the answer for, call me. If I don't have it, I'll find it.
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