News, Events, & Updates

Helping Your Child Buy a Home: Smart Strategies with Tax Benefits  Many parents want to help their children buy a home, but doing so in a way that also provides financial and tax advantages is key. Here are a few strategies to consider when assisting your son or daughter with homeownership while maximizing tax benefits. 1. Gifting Money for a Down Payment The IRS allows individuals to gift up to $18,000 per recipient annually ($36,000 for married couples) without triggering a gift tax. If you stay within this limit, your child receives a down payment boost without tax consequences. 2. Loaning Money to Your Child Instead of gifting, you can lend money at the IRS’s Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), which is often lower than traditional mortgage rates. Structuring it as a formal loan allows your child to build equity while you may receive interest income. 3. Co-Signing or Co-Owning the Home Some parents choose to co-sign a mortgage or co-own the home. While this can help secure better loan terms, it also means shared financial responsibility. If you co-own, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on your tax return, depending on usage. 4. Buying the Home as an Investment Property If your child pays you rent, the home could be classified as an investment property. This allows you to deduct expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, and maintenance. However, rental income must be reported to the IRS. Final Thoughts Every financial situation is unique, and tax laws change. Consulting with a tax professional or estate planner ensures that your support aligns with your financial goals and tax strategy. Helping your child buy a home is a generous step—doing it wisely ensures benefits for both of you.

When applying for one of our rental properties, we use a comprehensive screening score sheet to ensure all applicants are held to the same standard. The score sheet evaluates various aspects of your financial stability and rental history, helping the landlord make informed decisions while maintaining a fair and transparent process! Here’s a breakdown of how we assess your application utilizing the screening score sheet: 1. Length of Residency: While longer periods at previous residences typically suggest reliability and commitment, we understand that some applicants may be first-time renters. We welcome first-time renters, and on the screening score sheet, you can assign yourself a "1" under "Length of Residency" if this is your first rental experience! 2. Collections: We review any outstanding collections, including monthly utilities or bills, as well as loans (excluding medical bills). This helps us assess your overall financial responsibility. Your estimated monthly payment for all your loans, utilities and bills is also taken into consideration. 3. Rent-to-Income Ratio (per household): To ensure you can comfortably afford the rent, we require that your monthly income is at least 2.5 times the rent amount. This ratio helps us verify your ability to manage rent payments alongside other living expenses. 4. FICO Score: While there is no specific minimum FICO score, we do take it into account when evaluating your financial health. A higher score indicates a history of responsible credit management. 5. NSF/Late Payments & Landlord Disputes: We look into your rental history to ensure that there are no frequent NSF (non-sufficient funds) or late payments, and that there are no unresolved disputes with previous landlords. Please note that all application charges are non-refundable, and every occupant over the age of 18 must submit a separate application. Our scoring system ranges from 0 to 21, with 15 being the lowest acceptable score. All approvals or denials are ultimately decided by the property owner. We do not operate off a first come first serve basis, so if you are curious about the status of applications prior to applying, please don’t hesitate to call our office! By using our screening score sheet, we aim to create a rental environment where both tenants and property owners can thrive. This score sheet can be found on our site, under the Before You Apply Manual, as well as under “Rental Resources”.

Looking to declutter your home while making some extra cash? The outdoor swap meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson is the perfect opportunity! Whether you’re cleaning out your closets, clearing space in your garage, or finding a new home for gently used toys, books, and clothes, this event is your chance to turn those items into money. Each booth equals two parking spots, and registration is required at least one week in advance. All booths are assigned randomly, ensuring a fair and fun atmosphere for all. Remember, only second-hand items can be sold, so it’s a great way to recycle and give your items a second life. Event takes place April 19th & May 17th! The swap meet opens at 7am, so come early to shop! Admission is free for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families looking to find unique treasures. Ready to get started? Simply register on the City of Henderson website to secure your spot. It’s time to clean out, earn some extra cash, and find something new – don’t miss out on this exciting event at the Downtown Recreation Center!

As of April 7th, Appfolio has launched MAX, an innovative AI assistant designed to make submitting maintenance requests easier and faster for all residents! With MAX, getting repairs done quickly and efficiently is now simpler than ever. Here’s how MAX works 1. Click the Blue "New Meld" Button When you need maintenance, simply log into your Property Meld account and click the blue “New Meld” button 2. Troubleshooting with MAX MAX will ask you a few quick troubleshooting questions to help pinpoint the issue and ensure the right work gets done 3. Track Your Request Once maintenance is scheduled, you can easily follow the status of your request right in your Property Meld account.  MAX is here to streamline the process and help ensure your maintenance needs are addressed quickly. MAX™ users are already seeing game-changing results: a 100% accurate work order match rate and 62% of all Melds have photos or videos attached. We’re excited about this new feature and hope you enjoy the improved experience!

Keeping your landscaping tidy is an easy way to keep your yard looking great and avoid any potential violations! Regularly clearing away fallen leaves, trimming overgrown plants, and picking up yard debris not only helps your garden stay healthy but also ensures you’re following community guidelines. A well-maintained yard can also boost your home's curb appeal and contribute to a clean, attractive community.  By taking a little time each season to stay on top of your landscaping, you help contribute to the cleanliness and beauty of our neighborhood. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid potential fines or complaints. Thank you for doing your part!

Las Vegas continues to reinvent itself, and the latest addition to the Strip is sure to leave a lasting impression. The BLVD is officially opening this year, bringing a thrilling new blend of luxury, entertainment, and innovation to the heart of Sin City. One of the standout features of this development is the world’s largest In-N-Out Burger . Food lovers can indulge in their favorite fast-food cravings at an unprecedented scale. But that’s just the beginning. BLVD is also home to The Overlook , an outdoor lounge offering stunning views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. It's the perfect place to relax with a drink while taking in the vibrant energy of the city. Spanning over 400,000 square feet of retail space, the development promises a shopping experience like no other. High-end boutiques, cutting-edge stores, and unique pop-up experiences will make BLVD a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their Las Vegas experience.  With its mix of modern design, upscale amenities, and unforgettable views, BLVD is set to become the new heartbeat of the Strip. Whether you're a foodie, shopper, or thrill-seeker, this new landmark will surely become a highlight of your Las Vegas adventure. Make sure to check it out—it’s the next big thing in Sin City!

Owning rental property in Las Vegas is a rewarding investment, but protecting that investment requires proactive attention. At McKenna Property Management, we understand the unique challenges property owners face in this market. Here are five essential tips to safeguard your property. 1. Regular Property Evaluations and Tenant Screening At McKenna Property Management, we conduct regular property evaluations to identify and address issues before they become costly problems. Whether it's checking if the air filters are being changed o r checking for wear and tear, we help keep your property wellmaintained. We also thoroughly screen tenants to find reliable individuals who pay rent on time and treat your property with care. Our process includes background checks, credit reviews, and rental history verification, helping you avoid costly turnover and potential damage. 2. Leverage Our Team of Licensed Realtors and Property Managers Our team of licensed Realtors® and property managers has extensive experience in the Las Vegas market. This expertise ensures that we’re up-to-date with the latest rental laws, regulations, and market trends, helping you stay compliant and protect your investment from potential legal risks . 3. Stay Current with Local Laws and Regulations Las Vegas has specific laws regarding rental properties, from landlord-tenant relations to eviction procedures. At McKenna Property Management, we stay on top of these regulations to ensure your property is compliant and you avoid costly legal issues. 4. Invest in Regular Property Upkeep and Upgrades Regular mainten ance and addressing smart upgrades are essential to keeping your property competitive. Simple improvements like new paint, updated appliances, and energy-efficient features not only increase your property’s value but also attract highquality tenants. Conclusion  Protecting your rental property in Las Vegas requires proactive steps. By taking care of evaluations, tenant screening, staying compliant with laws, and walking you through the benefits of investing in upgrades, you can ensure long-term success. At McKenna Property Management, we’re here to help you safeguard and maximize the value of your investment. Contact us today to learn more!

The Las Vegas rental market has been the subject of conflicting reports lately—some headlines suggest a rebound, while others caution that rents may remain flat or even decline due to the amount of rental inventory. However, at McKenna Property Management , we’ve been tracking a clear upward trend since January, and the numbers tell a promising story. Our renewal rents have seen on average a steady 3% increase , and we’re optimistic that this number could inch closer to 5% as the year progresses. Additionally, we’re seeing more properties successfully re-enter the market with an average day on market being less than 24, further supporting the idea that demand remains strong. Las Vegas continues to attract people to move here. Of course, outliers exist, but I personally haven’t had to make too many of those dreaded calls to owner/clients recommending a rent reduction. In most cases, rental rates are holding firm or improving—a positive sign as we move further into 2025. While market conditions can always shift, the overall outlook remains favorable , and we’re keeping a close eye on trends to ensure our owners stay ahead of the curve. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue navigating this dynamic market! Jenni McKenna | B.29819 — McKenna Property Management

In January, Southern California faced devastating wildfires, which left an estimated 16,000 homes damaged or destroyed, particularly in areas like Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu. As these communities work to recover, many residents have been forced to relocate, significantly impacting housing markets across the region. One notable trend that has emerged is the rise in rental prices in Los Angeles County. As of the end of January, rent prices had surged by 37% compared to the previous year. With the loss of so many homes and increased demand for available rentals, many Californians are now seeking alternative housing options. As these individuals look to rebuild their lives, many are turning to nearby Southern Nevada, and Las Vegas, in particular, is emerging as a viable option. According to the UNLV Lied Center for Real Estate, nearly 40% of new Nevada residents are from California. This shift is partly due to the affordable housing market, lower property taxes, and Nevada's lack of a state income tax—all of which make the region an attractive destination for those seeking a fresh start. Southern Nevada also offers a thriving economy with strong job growth and ample opportunities in various industries. The local construction market remains robust, with ongoing development projects contributing to the area’s growing housing supply. While the fires in California and the resulting displacement of residents have led to many challenges, they may also present opportunities for Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. The continued influx of people from California could further bolster the region’s economy, but it also underscores the importance of planning and sustainable growth to accommodate the increasing demand for housing. At McKenna Property Management, we remain committed to understanding these broader market trends and helping both homeowners and renters navigate the evolving housing landscape. Whether you’re looking to relocate or invest in Southern Nevada, our team is here to offer insights and support in this shifting market.  Call us today to inquire about our property management services or available rentals, 702- 434-4663. Jenni McKenna B.29819