New Year, BETTER Me

Start the New Year with a goal you can actually accomplish

Every year when the clock strikes midnight people always promise to commit to their New Year resolutions. A fun pastime that inspires us to be a better person, and hopefully as a result make the new year better too. I have always been fascinated with this tradition and did some research. According to Forbes nearly 60% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions. Unfortunately, only 25% of them commit up to thirty days and only 8% complete their goals.

           

We here at McKenna Property Management love to set goals, so we want to give you our not-so-secret guide to goal and resolution success. It is called the SMART method and SMART stands for:


  • Specific: Well-defined, clear, and unambiguous
  • Measurable: With specific criteria that measure your progress toward the accomplishment of the goal
  • Achievable: Attainable and not impossible to achieve
  • Realistic: Within reach, realistic, and relevant to your life purpose
  • Timely: With a clearly defined timeline, including a starting date and a target date. The purpose is to create urgency


These five categories are a tried and true equation to accomplish goals, whether that be for work or personal life.


First, to achieve your goals you need to be specific.  Goals that are specific have a significantly greater chance of being accomplished. To make a goal specific, the five “W” questions must be considered:


  • Who: Who is involved in this goal?
  • What: What do I want to accomplish?
  • Where: Where is this goal to be achieved?
  • When: When do I want to achieve this goal?
  • Why: Why do I want to achieve this goal?


For example, a general goal would be “I want to get in shape.” A more specific goal would be “I want to obtain a gym membership at my local community center and work out four days a week to be healthier.”


Next, your goal must be measurable. If there are no criteria, you will not be able to determine your progress and if you are on track to reach your goal. To make a goal measurable, ask yourself:


  • How many/much?
  • How do I know if I have reached my goal?
  • What is my indicator of progress?

 

For example, building on the specific goal above: I want to obtain a gym membership at my local community center and work out four days a week to be healthier. Every week, I will aim to lose one pound of body fat.


Once your goal is specific and measurable, it needs to be achievable and attainable. This will help you figure out ways you can realize that goal and work towards it. The achievability of the goal should be stretched to make you feel challenged, but defined well enough that you can actually achieve it. Ask yourself:


  • Do I have the resources and capabilities to achieve the goal? If not, what am I missing?
  • Have others done it successfully before?


If you’ve never cooked a day in your life don’t make your goal to make Beef Wellington, start with something attainable like chicken noodle soup, or lasagna.

 

The next part of a goal that helps increase your chances of succeeding is if it is realistic. This means that the goal can be realistically achieved given the available resources and time. A SMART goal is likely realistic if you believe that it can be accomplished. Ask yourself:


  • Is the goal realistic and within reach?
  • Is the goal reachable, given the time and resources?
  • Are you able to commit to achieving the goal?


Last, but not least, make sure your goal is timely in that it has a start and finish date. If the goal is not time-constrained, there will be no sense of urgency and, therefore, less motivation to achieve the goal. Ask yourself:


  • Does my goal have a deadline?
  • By when do you want to achieve your goal?

 

For example, building on the goal above: On August 1, I will obtain a gym membership at my local community center. In order to be healthier, I will work out four days a week. Every week, I will aim to lose one pound of body fat. By the end of August, I will have realized my goal if I lose four pounds of fat over the course of the month.


The last piece of advice I will give is something Jenni, the broker of McKenna Property Management, told me which is to always write down your goals. Make it tangible and put it in writing. Keep yourself responsible by taking it out of your mind and into real life. With all these ingredients you are sure to make a goal or resolution this New Year's that you can follow-through on and complete.

Farmers Markets in Las Vegas!

October 7, 2025
Las Vegas might be known for its bright lights and endless buffets, but there’s another side to the city—one filled with fresh produce, artisan goods, and local charm. Whether you’re a foodie, a weekend wanderer, or just someone who loves supporting small businesses, the farmers markets around town are worth adding to your weekend plans. Downtown Summerlin Farmers Market is one of the most popular stops. Every Saturday, the Pavilion fills up with stalls offering colorful produce, homemade breads, and local honey. It’s a great way to kick off your weekend—especially if you follow it with brunch or shopping at the surrounding stores. Over in Henderson, The District at Green Valley Ranch hosts its own market on Thursdays. It’s a relaxed midweek option with a nice mix of fresh goods and handmade crafts. If you’re nearby, it’s the perfect excuse for a stroll under the trees and maybe a coffee from one of the local cafés.  A newer addition to the scene is The UnCommons Farmers Market , held every Sunday. This modern, walkable community brings together local growers and makers in a trendy setting that feels more like a neighborhood festival than a typical market. Think small-batch jams, fresh flowers, and a few friendly pups in tow. If you’re looking for variety, Fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Markets pop up all over the valley—from Skye Canyon and Southern Highlands to Floyd Lamb Park. Each location has its own local flavor, but all share the same goal: connecting locals with farm-fresh produce and handcrafted goods. For a more immersive experience, head to The Las Vegas Farm . Open every weekend, this working farm offers local produce, fresh eggs, and even the chance to meet a few friendly animals. It’s a family favorite and a reminder that Las Vegas is more than desert—it’s also a growing community of local producers. No matter where you go, here are a few quick tips: arrive early for the best selection, bring a reusable bag (and a little cash), and take a moment to chat with the vendors. Many are small family operations happy to share recipes, storage tips, and what’s coming into season next. Exploring farmers markets in Las Vegas is a refreshing reminder that community thrives here, even in the middle of the desert. Whether you’re picking up ingredients for dinner or simply soaking in the atmosphere, each market offers a little taste of local life—Vegas style.

Spooktacular Fun: Halloween Traditions and the Annual McKenna Boo Bash!

September 30, 2025
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, creative costumes, and sweet treats—a holiday that brings communities together in celebration of all things eerie and festive. From carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating to attending costume parties, Halloween traditions have evolved over centuries, blending folklore, community spirit, and a love for all things playful and mysterious. Here at McKenna Property Management, we’re excited to carry on the tradition in our own way with our Annual McKenna Boo Bash ! This year, we’re inviting everyone to join us at our office on October 31st from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM for a fun-filled celebration. Here’s what you can expect at the Boo Bash: Costumes Galore: Our team will be decked out in creative costumes, and we encourage visitors to come dressed up too! However, it is not required! Prizes for Everyone: This year, we will be awarding prizes to add an extra layer of excitement. Spooktacular Office Decor: Our offices will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland, full of festive decorations and surprises. Candy for All: No Halloween event is complete without treats—come grab some candy and enjoy the sweet side of the season. Halloween is all about community, creativity, and a little bit of magic, and the McKenna Boo Bash is our way of celebrating the season with our neighbors, clients, residents, and friends. Whether you’re stopping by to show off your costume, enjoy some candy, or just soak in the festive atmosphere, we can’t wait to see you! Mark your calendars for October 31st from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM , and join us for a fun, safe, and memorable Halloween right here at McKenna Property Management—where the spirit of the season comes alive!

Why Las Vegas HOA Fees May Be More Affordable Than You Think

September 15, 2025
What Do HOAs Do and Why They Matter Homeowners associations (HOAs) manage common areas, enforce neighborhood rules, and provide amenities like pools, clubhouses, and security. While they require monthly fees, benefits often include better-maintained neighborhoods, enhanced amenities, and stronger property values. In Las Vegas, HOA coverage is common and rising. According to Realtor.com® - by early 2025, 77.1% of listings had HOA fees , with a median of $118 , making Las Vegas one of the cities with the highest prevalence of HOA-managed homes—but still relatively affordable compared to places like Edwards, CO ($525) or North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($310). This places Las Vegas seventh nationally for the prevalence of HOA-controlled listings. While the city has a high rate of HOA-managed properties, the $118 median monthly fee is comparatively low. HOA fees vary based on: Location & Amenities Home Type: Condos typically cost more than single-family homes. Rising Costs: Inflation and underfunded reserves can lead to sudden increases. Bottom Line: Understanding HOA fees in Las Vegas helps homebuyers budget effectively and avoid surprises. Despite the high prevalence of HOA-managed properties, Las Vegas remains more affordable than many other metro areas!  Source: Realtor.com, Homeowners Associations 2024