[mricu]

I'm from out of state and was looking to purchase a property in Las Vegas.

I've been liking the Desert Shores apartments, but have only seen pictures and read about their ammenities with whatever is online and from property listings from my agent.

I'm planning on visiting the property in the next few weeks, but I wanted to know from the insiders what they like or don't like/complaints about living at this property.

Any info will be helpful.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Is that the development with Ice Cream Island and Crème Brûlée Bay?

[olecapt]

Depending on what you are looking for there are three condo developments available in Desert Shores. Fanciest is The Jockey Club which is attached town houses. Mar-a-lago is lower priced owner occupied condos. The Villas at Desert Shores is quite low end condos generally rentals - for the hard core landlord.

Isla is nearby in South Shores. Low end mostly rentals but livable and convenient.

That is about it for Desert Shores.

Ice Cream Island is in a different dimension

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by mricu

I'm from out of state and was looking to purchase a property in Las Vegas.

I've been liking the Desert Shores apartments, but have only seen pictures and read about their ammenities with whatever is online and from property listings from my agent.

I'm planning on visiting the property in the next few weeks, but I wanted to know from the insiders what they like or don't like/complaints about living at this property.

Any info will be helpful.

I lived there for 2 years but that was some time ago. In general I liked my experience okay, you are close to a lot of shopping and the freeway. I generally felt safe and I liked the size of the apartments. If I were you I would try renting a condo instead in Maralago. I have been in the condos and they are nice. Plus you will have a higher quality living experience since you will be living with some homeowners. If you like to jog I loved going around the loop past the lakes inside Desert Shores. If you are going to live in an apartment Desert Shores/Maralago are great since you are surrounded by homes and you have a beautiful green landscaping.

I thought they were going to convert the Desert Shores apartments into condos???

[mricu]

I'm actually not looking to rent a place ... I'm lookng to purchase a condo and then rent it out until I pay it off. Then I'll be upgrading it and using it as my own personal vacation property.

The reason why I want to know the pros and cons is to determine how easy it will be to rent out, as well as how good the area is for me to eventually use as a vacation rental.

How about ammenities? Are there pools, tennis courts and other things that would be included in the condo fees? I know that there are a few man made lakes, does the HOA fees allow owners/tenants to use these lakes for boating/swimming?

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by mricu

I'm actually not looking to rent a place ... I'm lookng to purchase a condo and then rent it out until I pay it off. Then I'll be upgrading it and using it as my own personal vacation property.

The reason why I want to know the pros and cons is to determine how easy it will be to rent out, as well as how good the area is for me to eventually use as a vacation rental.

How about ammenities? Are there pools, tennis courts and other things that would be included in the condo fees? I know that there are a few man made lakes, does the HOA fees allow owners/tenants to use these lakes for boating/swimming?

Yes, you have access to everything in the Desert Shores. They have a large sand pool, set up to mimic the beach, nice picnic grassy area, and then have paddle boats at the lake there. I have seen people fish at the lakes, but they are not set up for swimming. I'm not sure what the HOA fees are as I did not have to pay them when I rented. If you are planning on buying I would definitely look into Maralago. Honestly though, you might want to consider a small house near the lake if you can afford it. Homes are going for what condo's were going for a few years ago.

I really liked living there; it's a nice little oasis. Personally I think it's a great area to invest in since you are close to shopping and freeway access and it's a pretty nice and safe area.

If they are selling converted apartments in Desert Shore Apartments (3151 Soaring Gulls) I would NOT buy there. I don't think there are tennis courts. You might want to also check out Summerlin as they have numerous amenities. They have high HOA fees though.

[bledsoe3]

You cannot rent a out condo in Mar-A- Lago. Owner occupied only for new owners.

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by bledsoe3

You cannot rent a out condo in Mar-A- Lago. Owner occupied only for new owners.

So old owners can? I knew a few people who rented in there and saw For Rent signs in windows, but that was a while ago so maybe HOA rules have changed.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by lyra33

So old owners can? I knew a few people who rented in there and saw For Rent signs in windows, but that was a while ago so maybe HOA rules have changed.

It is basically impossible to change such rules for an existing owner. So only a new owner is constrained.

The only rational owner occupied place that you can rent would be the Jockey Club which is very nice but a higher price point.

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by olecapt

It is basically impossible to change such rules for an existing owner. So only a new owner is constrained.

The only rational owner occupied place that you can rent would be the Jockey Club which is very nice but a higher price point.

Ah I see. That's a great rule for home owners actually. I wish I could have that rule for the homes in my area. Is that an HOA rule that applies to all of Desert Shores, including homes? Or is it just for the condos?