Advertisement

Help comes in different packages

On Aug. 23, I was preparing to travel to Las Vegas for an appointment. In my haste, I locked the car keys in the car along with my 22-month-old daughter, who was strapped into her car seat in the back seat. Since the car was purchased the night before, the spare set of keys was safely placed in the glove box.

I immediately telephoned the fire department and H.R. Locksmith. The fire engine arrived quickly and as the crews began assessing the situation; the locksmith also arrived.

With the appropriate tool in hand, the locksmith quickly opened the door allowing access to my unharmed daughter. The fire department checked my daughter, who appeared unaffected by the same stress I had experienced.

While this might appear to be where this story ends, the locksmith then refused to accept money and left as quickly as he arrived. I do not know his name, but I will forever appreciate his quick response and kindness.

JAMIE LEWIS

Restoring faith

This has been a long time coming, I just didn't know how to start. I'm not one to write to an editor or anyone else for that matter, but I just can't seem to let this sad feeling go.

Everyone says, "Write it down, you'll feel better," so...

Explain to me how some people can lie, cheat and steal on the job then the person that reports them gets fired.

Or just because one takes a little more pride in themselves, this is a reason "not to like them" or pre-judge that they think they're better than you."

Oh, I could go on, but I'm sure that you either are or know someone like this.

It just baffles my mind that you get some sort of sick pleasure from this kind of behavior. Well, have you ever stopped to think that your moment of sick pleasure just cost someone the family income and the health insurance...of course not.

Because if you did, I would be at work instead of writing a letter. Some people say, "well this is Pahrump... what do you expect?"

Well, I expect people to wash their bodies and clothing before showing up to work, or maybe take a little extra time to put on some lipstick, change from slippers to shoes, pjs to jeans or slacks but not to go to a hotel or casino, or even Wal-Mart for that matter, wearing pjs.

This is "what I expect", even in Pahrump.

Remember, home is what you make it. And the way you treat people at work or on the street reflects on our small town.

I always got the feeling of pride when a customer or tourist would say, "This seems to be such a friendly place."

When was the last time you stopped to help someone on 160 or even on a side street?

Erick, from Amigos Tires, did just that a couple of weeks ago: stopped, gave this person one of his tires and sent him on his way without asking for a name or address for future payment.

Indeed, he also refused the money that was gratefully offered.

"Wow," I didn't realize just how great some people in Pahrump could be. My many, many thanks to Erick for renewing faith in my heart and our small town.

SUSAN COLE

The (real estate) sky is not falling

It is time we get to the truth and get rid of these naysayers with a mountain of misinformation.

I have been in this business for over 30 years so I have pretty good insight on what is happening in the real estate market.

My wife, Sherry sells on the average eight houses a month consistently, while my daughter-in-law, Paula originates on the average 12 loans a month. My other daughter, Jill markets for lease for our investors on the average three to four properties a month. I have refinanced two of my own properties -- one I purchased a year ago for $412K and refinanced for $586K. (Prices falling?)

The other property was purchased a little over two years ago for $184K and refinanced for $225K. (Prices falling?)

I could list a dozen of our investors who's properties all increased in value within the last year or two. Try to find a stick-built house in Pahrump for under $220K, then try that in Vegas.

Are mortgages hard to qualify for? Somewhat, but Paula still does 100% loans for clients with a 580 FICO score. That means that a married couple working as a maid and valet can afford to have a chance of home ownership here in Pahrump.

Someone asked Donald Trump what was the secret to success in real estate? His answer -- "buy low and sell high."

When large developers build their different communities -- do you think they build them out of their own pocket? No. They borrow money from Wall Street. Wouldn't you imagine that before Wall Street backed these developers they would have a pretty good idea that there is a market to purchase them?

The federal government has just announced that Las Vegas was the highest city in the nation when it came to median household income. They are building an additional 53,000 hotel rooms in the next couple of years, which means a couple of hundred thousand employees. These people have to live somewhere and they sure can't buy in Vegas.

I wonder when someone is going to remember how the workers get to the test site. Seeing there are a small number of corporations that now own most of the casinos in Vegas, someone should put 2 and 2 together. They need the workers.

If Pahrump was not going to grow, would you think that Home Depot or Star Nursery would put stores out here? They are home improvement stores.

Yes, Pahrump will grow; and, as she grows the law of progression applies. (If I sell my house of $250K, then the next door neighbor will list his house for sale for $260K. And then you introduce the factor of supply and demand equals increase in property values.

As you may have noticed, I left out manufactured homes. You can sell anything -- if you can finance it. For the most part, retired people came here and purchased their manufactured homes for cash. For most, not all, the reason was they were less expensive than a stick-built. But now who do you sell them to? The lenders want 20 percent cash down, and first time buyers do not have that kind of money. After years these units become economically obsolete and the land now becomes the value. That's why we see so many vacant, for sale or foreclosed on manufactured homes throughout the valley.

Folks, Pahrump is a beautiful place to live -- as much as some people want, we can't close the doors. As transportation becomes available up and down the hill the more people will come, and the more people that come -- it will attract businesses to serve them.

JOHN JASPERSON

Cascade Venures Owner

A tribute

This is a thing called the Magic of Caring.

A customer came in and ordered printing -- hand cards that were near and dear to his heart. We become friends. His cause was so sincere, I had to have him meet Marie, our publisher.

He expressed his hope and desire to her, then came the magic.

Marie: She talked to the town of Pahrump, sold tickets, made phone calls, worked with Nugget, the Sha Na Na group, went through contracts, getting donations right up to the last minute.

Voila -- magic.

All that effort she put forth has brought Michael's dream to pass and melanoma education is on the way.

Michael wants to save the world, getting the word out in the form of educating the young people of the world.

Here is an everlasting tribute to Michael for the strong desire to make things happen and Marie who made it happen -- plus a great show for the town of Pahrump; a group, Sha Na Na, nice guys and fun guys for the audience to enjoy.

I'm sure Marie and Michael would like me to add a special thanks to the Nugget and all the great people and businesses that that contributed.

Thanks to Marie and Michaal for a great cause and a special night for Pahrump.

KAYE WONDER

[Marie Wujek is publisher of the Pahrump Valley Times. Michael Brown, of Pahrump, is the newest member of Sha Na Na.]