Just as the housing market was losing steam a year ago, Realtors Bob and Jill Barnhart acquired one of their greatest challenges.

They had to sell the home of strip club owner Michael Galardi, who was involved in an ongoing federal political corruption case last year, which sent three former Clark County Commissioners to prison. He pled guilty to paying bribes to the three politicians and served as a government witness in the ongoing trial that became known as "g-sting."

The home had sat dormant after two years on the market, when the Barnharts, owners of Red Rock Realty acquired the listing.

"We needed to bring some life to the home," Bob Barnhart said.

At the time, many in the Las Vegas Valley were looking for ways to help survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The Barnharts saw an opportunity to help Gulf Coast relief efforts; and at the same time help close on their listing. They hosted a benefit in the Queensridge home. The event, which raised funds for the American Red Cross, was attended by prominent city residents and celebrities.

"We introduced some good karma into the house and changed its fortunes," Barnhart said.

Within three months, the five-bedroom, seven-bath, 22,000-square-foot home had received five purchase offers, and sold in February 2006.

The $14 million deal would launch a profitable year for the Las Vegas-based luxury real estate company, which topped $100 million in sales, both closed and pending, this year.

Red Rock Realty recently opened a office in Beverly Hills, Calif., located at 9595 Wilshire Boulevard near Rodeo Drive. Meanwhile, its Las Vegas office, which includes six agents, an escrow and marketing department, will move early next year into a building at 10789 W. Twain Ave., near Town Center Drive and the Las Vegas Beltway in Summerlin.

Barnhart said the company recently added several homes priced between $9 million and $12 million to its listings. He believes the growth of the mega-mansion market, fueled largely by strong price appreciation in the luxury segment, bodes well for the city.

"To see real estate listed between $5 million and $10 million in Las Vegas is becoming very acceptable. Only a couple of years ago, that wasn\'t the situation," he said.

Similarly to their approach with the Galardi home, the Barnharts said they believe it\'s essential to "create a positive energy" for all of their listings. Often the include a charity function or a timely cause in the marketing of the home they are trying to sell.

"If you\'re going to market a high-end mega-mansion, you need a charitable fundraiser with the A-list of Las Vegas bringing their support," he said. "You really have to be connected to the elite of the city. Your parties have to have some players. The reason our events are successful is because we add the Las Vegas spice to the recipe." A recent gala, which was held at the firm\'s 1309 Dilevante Drive listing, included a contingent of U.S. Marines as the guests of honor and helped support their Toys for Tots drive. "These are real guys with real families willing to fight on behalf of our country," Barnhart said. "And they came to support the children of Las Vegas. We were honored to recognize their service and selflessness."

In addition to networking through charitable efforts, Red Rock Realty also uses high-quality DVD presentations to sell its multi-million dollar listings. "Our presentations aren\'t virtual tours," Barnhart said. "They are video productions shot in high definition. They exceed the budgets of many commercials."

For further information on available homes and home sites, visit www.goredrock.com, or call 702.804.7100.

<< back