Blog | David Morris Group

david morris group, david morris group nevada, nevada, reno, reno nevada, sparks, sparks nevada, northern nevada, nevada david morris group, home design, nevada home design, curb appeal, curb appeal tips, winter curb appeal, holiday home improvements, increase property value

Home Design Tips To Attract Buyers During The Winter Season

November 17, 2022/in Blog, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Despite many homeowners putting off housework until after the holidays, winter is the perfect time to show off your property and find potential buyers. While the buying and selling season may slow significantly during the holidays, serious buyers are still on the move during this time – often eager to make a purchase before the end of the year.

So let’s take a look at some tips to keep your home in its prime for the holiday season!

Find Ways To Introduce Contrast

Visual interest is a key element in enticing window-shopping homebuyers. Having a striking exterior and stunning curb appeal will make your property stand out to interested parties. Consider contrasting colors and bold components, like three-story windows.

Be Playful With Your Home’s Design

While home renovations are a much bigger task to undertake during the holidays, it can never hurt to start planning ahead. Playfulness is essential in home design. It creates intrigue, excitement, and personality, making an otherwise traditional home more eye-catching to the public. One of our favorite designs is a low-pitched roof dormer!

Enhance What’s Already There

Restore the beauty of older homes with simple but impactful upgrades. For example, a limewash brick exterior is easy to apply yourself, inexpensive, safe for the home, and has the potential to transform a more dated property into a charming residence.

Have Fun With Walkways

Driveways, entryways, and property-wrapping walkways are often placed on the back burner when it comes to home improvements, but these relatively simple projects could do wonders for your property value and overall curb appeal. Try installing artificial turf walkways that will add sophistication and character!

The winter season is an exciting time to be a homeowner! Contact us if you’re interested in more home improvement projects or curious about becoming a Nevada homeowner today.

nevada, reno, reno nevada, sparks, sparks nevada, nevada david morris group, david morris group, nevada gifts, holiday shopping, holiday shopping nevada, local businesses holiday shopping, local businesses nevada, nevada knickknacks, holiday unique gifts, christmas gifts nevada

Get Ahead Of The Holiday Shopping Season With These Unique Nevada Gifts

November 9, 2022/in Blog, Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

November is a wonderful time of year in Nevada, with dropping temperatures, a newly snow-covered horizon, and exciting seasonal events. But with the holidays right around the corner, it can be a daunting season of gift shopping for Nevadans. Luckily, there’s no shortage of local goodies, Nevada knickknacks, and unique gifts sprinkled throughout the state, just waiting for you to find them!

Hand-Crafted Gifts

When looking for that perfect gift, there’s nothing better than a beautiful hand-crafted gift. Show your loved ones how much you care with a one-of-a-kind gift from one of these local businesses:

Pretty Little Paper Co.

This unique craft store will send you home with the cutest hoodies, t-shirts, and stickers for your friends and family.

Neon Cactus Vintage

This stunning vintage store holds stunning stained glass suncatchers, earrings, necklaces, and more!

Meridian Press

Take Nevada home with you at the Meridian Press with beautiful, hand-painted prints of the Truckee River, Sand Harbor, and our stunning local nature.

Sweets And Treats

Reno Food Tours

Savor every last bite of Reno’s local culinary scene with this guiding tour. Explore six delicious tastings from local favorites as you learn the secrets of Reno’s culinary past.

Black Rabbit Mead Co.

With choices of cucumber mint, pineapple jalapeno, and strawberry oak, any delicious glass from this first-in-Nevada meadery will be a gift to remember!

Sierra Nevada Chocolate Co.

Enjoy over 40 flavors of hand-made chocolate, caramel apples, and more with this locally loved chocolate store. You can even gift an edible version of The Reno Arch!

The Radish Hotel

Looking to go green with this season’s collection of gifts? The Radish Hotel offers sustainable and environmentally friendly holiday baskets filled to the brim with tasty honey, jams, granola, and locally-sourced produce.

Pampering Gifts

With our steaming hot mineral-rich springs, Nevada is one of the best places to kick your feet up and embrace a self-care day.

Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa

Soak up a beautiful holiday getaway or even a staycation at Nevada’s oldest and most treasured spring resort.

Sage House Soapworks

Locally made in Sparks, these gorgeous soaps will have you buying in bulk! These soaps boast shining colors woven into unique designs that smell like a dream.

Whether you’re getting ahead of the holidays or looking for a unique gift for that special someone, local Nevada businesses have you covered! Contact us if you’d like to learn more about what makes Nevada so wonderful during the holiday season!

nevada, reno nevada, reno tahoe, reno sparks, sparks nevada, lake tahoe, carson city, david morris group, david morris group nevada, nevada real estate, nevada homes, reno homes, reno hiking trails, fall hiking trails, best fall hiking trails, best fall hiking trails reno, nature trails nevada,

Best Hiking Trails in Reno to See the Fall Colors

October 31, 2022/in Blog, Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Tis’ the season for fantastic fall views of the Reno-Tahoe area! With crisp orange leaves, crystal blue lakes, and snowy white mountaintops, the fall season never fails to bring a kaleidoscope of stunning colors. Whether you’re one of many visitors traveling from all over the country to enjoy the incredible sights Nevada has to offer or a local lover of nature, here are some of the most picturesque hikes in the area. Get your cameras ready!

Mayberry Park

Perfect for families, this beautiful park lies alongside the Truckee River, making for some incredible fall views. With paved trails and nature walks, Mayberry Park allows families a calming walk along the river.

Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail

For even more scenic trails, Carson City has plenty of sights to see. At the base of the Eastern Sierra mountains, the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail has easily accessible trails that offer one-of-a-kind views. And don’t forget the year-round waterfalls that are nestled within Kings Canyon.

Galena Creek Trail

Bring your furry friends for a calm morning or afternoon stroll along the banks of Galena Creek! Inside the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this trail is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Marlette Lake Trail

For the more avid and adventurous hikers, the Marlette Lake trail offers miles of beautiful golden aspen trees. While the trail is more challenging than most, hikers can break while listening to melodic birdsong and trickling streams.

Reno Riverwalk District

While the Riverwalk District differs from the normal idea of a “nature trail,” there are still plenty of unique fall colors to enjoy at one of America’s most memorable riverwalks. Take in the burnt oranges and golden hues of a Nevada fall while enjoying an elegant meal out at the famous Reno Riverwalk.

There’s nothing quite like fall in Nevada. So come join us to celebrate the stunning change of season, experience fall like never before, and maybe even learn how you can call this irresistible place your home. Contact The David Morris Group to find your dream Nevada home!

nevada, reno nevada, nevada facts, fun nevada facts, nevada celebrations, nevada day, nevada day 2022, nevada day october, nevada history, nevada culture, nevada events, david morris group, david morris group nevada, nevada environment, nevada blue jeans, fun facts nevada

Fun and Interesting Facts About Nevada and Nevada Day

October 26, 2022/in Blog, Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

There’s nothing more beautiful than Nevada in the fall, with crisp burnt orange leaves, crystal clear lakes, and stunning mountaintops. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Nevada is a beautiful place to visit and live. There is always something interesting to learn, a new exciting event around every corner, or one of Nevada’s iconic celebrations like the beloved Nevada Day.

Fun Facts About Nevada

State bird: Mountain Bluebird

State flower: Sagebrush

State tree: Bristlecone Pine

State animal: Desert Bighorn Sheep

Highest point: Boundary Peak

Quirky Nevada Facts

Nevada is most commonly known for its vast deserts, thrilling casinos, and bustling nightlife, but the Silver State holds much more than meets the eye. Here are some little-known facts that set Nevada apart.

Las Vegas is home to over 150,000 hotel rooms, more than any other city in the United States
The Extraterrestrial Highway, otherwise known as State Route 375, is a famed highway running through Nevada, from Tonopah to Alamo. This 98-mile highway has been noted as a hub for UFO activity.
Nevada’s nickname “The Silver State” is due to its abundant gold production, actually marking it as the state with the largest gold production and fifth largest across the country.
Blue jeans were invented in Reno.
The oldest North American human mummy was discovered right in Nevada’s backyard.

Nevada Day

And, of course, we’d be remiss to discuss Nevada’s incredible culture and heritage without drawing attention to one of its most notable holidays – Nevada Day. Held annually on the last Friday of October, this holiday celebrates our unique and beloved state’s entry into the Union in 1864. While it has always been an important milestone to the state’s inhabitants, Nevada Day became an official state holiday in 1933 and has since become an incredible annual celebration among locals and visitors alike.

There truly is something special about this beautifully unique state. If you’re interested in calling this place your home, let us help! Contact The David Morris Group to find your dream Nevada home!

winterizing your home, winter home maintenance, winter home improvement, winter home protection, winter home maintenance list, nevada weather, nevada winter, reno, reno nevada, reno sparks, reno tahoe, nevada homeowner, nevada winter home, winter in nevada,

Tips For Getting Your House Ready For Winter

October 21, 2022/in Blog, Reality of Real Estate, Reno Neighborhoods, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

It may seem preemptive to start preparing your house for winter during the cool fall months when apple-picking, running through corn mazes, and exciting fall festivals sound much more fun. But unless you’ve adequately winterized your home, the cold Nevada weather can cause severe damage to your house. So, get a head start on your winter home maintenance list to keep your home warm and safe during the colder months that are just around the corner. Here are some tips on how to get your home ready for winter.

Proper Insulation

Unless you prefer a frigid winter inside your home, insulation is your best friend this season. Cold winter temperatures can skyrocket your energy bill and transform your cozy living room into a freezing white tundra. Before the temperature drops, ensure that your windows, doors, and entryways are insulated appropriately.

Trim Any Branches

Trimming an overgrown yard might seem like the last thing you want to do as the weather gets colder. However, all it takes is one strong winter storm to uproot one of your trees or send overhanging branches flying onto your roof. Make sure tree limbs and branches are at least three feet away from your home.

Service Your Fireplace

Ensure that your fireplaces and chimneys are thoroughly inspected and serviced before winter arrives. While this may seem like an expensive task on your winter to-do list, it is a necessity! Unkept bricks could allow water leaks, and an unserviced fireplace could pose a serious threat to your home if left unchecked.

Inspect Your Roof

Roof leaks are the bane of any homeowner’s existence, but seasoned homeowners know that a pre-winter inspection can save you thousands of dollars in the future. Whether you’re hiring a professional or doing it yourself, look out for the following:

Any loose shingles
Cracked caulk
Rusted spots
Masses of debris
Worn rubber boots around vent pipes
Clogged gutters

Stay ahead of the cold with these tips on properly winterizing your home – you’ll save on energy costs and any potential winter damage, and ensure that this upcoming Nevada winter will be a comfortable one! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Pumpkin Palooza

October 5, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

The magic of Halloween comes to life every October at the largest fall festival in Nevada. PumpkinPalooza will celebrate its 11th year at Victorian Square in Sparks on October 22-23, and it’s a weekend you won’t want to miss! With two full days of games, prizes, carving classes, contests, costumes, and so much more, it’s no surprise that this event was named a Top 10 Fall Event by Food Network Magazine! Here are a few things you can expect to see at PumpkinPalooza this year:

SCHEDULE | PRICE

October 22: 10am to 6pm

October 23: 10am to 5pm

PRICE: FREE!

GAMES

THE PUMPKIN DERBY

Get your team together and build a pumpkin-on-wheels derby racer for the chance to win the Grand Prize! Register as a racer here.

THE MIDWAY

From Tip-A-Troll to Monster-Target, there will be over 20 homemade carnival-style games for players to collect and redeem tickets for prizes.

THE PURPLE PUMPKIN PURSUIT

Purple pumpkins will be hidden throughout the event. The more purple pumpkins you find, the bigger the prize you’ll win!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Live music featuring local artists will be jamming on the Great Basin stage all weekend, and Halloween entertainment for kiddos will be offered in the Sparks amphitheater. Entertainment and shows are free, kid-friendly, and sure to be a spooky good time!

COSTUMES

THE GREAT MASQUERADE

Wear your Halloween costume to PumpkinPalooza for fun photo ops and a chance to win prizes!

PET PARADE COSTUME CONTEST

Dress your fluffy friends in costume for their claim to fame and your chance to win prizes!

Decorating & Carving Classes

THE PUMPKIN DESIGN STUDIO

Glitter, glue, paint, and pumpkins, what more does any child need to create the perfect gourd?!

CARVING CLASSES

Free carving classes will be offered on Saturday. Pumpkins will be provided. Space is limited, and it’s first come, first served.

LISA’S WALL

Named after the founder of PumpkinPalooza, Lisa Bonie, all of the carved pumpkins from the carving classes will be displayed and lit on Saturday night.

PumpkinPalooza was created by the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living (NNCIL), a community-based, non-profit organization designed and operated by people with disabilities. Its mission is to help Nevadans with disabilities live healthier, more active, and more fulfilling lives. If you are interested in being a sponsor for this wonderful cause, click here.

Vendor applications are available until October 12th, and you can download the Sponsor Packet here.

For more ideas on how to enjoy this season or if you’d like to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

What Does “Good Bones” Mean?

September 30, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

Buying a home is stressful and can feel overwhelming if it’s your first home. Then throw in terms like “load bearing,” “roof truss,” and “subfloor,” and you’re not sure what you’re even looking at anymore! We’ve heard the term “good bones” used to describe a house, but what does “good bones” mean? How can you determine if the house you fall in love with has them?

Materials and Foundation

The main thing people refer to when they say “a house has good bones” is that its structure is sound and its foundation is solid. A house has a skeleton that gives it shape and supports the outer coverings. That support is called the frame, which is considered the house’s bones. The bones consist of wooden beams, floor joists, wall studs, roof rafters, and related components.

Wood frame houses built in the first half of the 20th century were made of higher quality wood than those built today. The lumber in an old house may be more robust and better able to withstand the elements. Other home materials generally considered to be “good bones” are brick and concrete.

Doors

Interior doors can be a good indicator of the quality of construction or whether or not the house has settled. While it’s not uncommon for homes to settle a little, if none of the interior doors stay open or close completely, that is a structural problem – bad bones.

Corners

A good indication of structural problems is diagonal cracking in the corners of windows, stairs, doors, and other openings.

Sizeable Rooms

While you can add square footage to a home, increasing the size of interior rooms may be more challenging. For this reason, a house that feels “roomy” with nicely sized spaces and high ceilings can be referred to as having “good bones.”

Sturdy Roof

A home needs to have a durable roof that’s in good shape. It is safe to assume that a house with a properly aligned, intact roof with minor if not zero, wear and tear has good bones.

Windows

Well-constructed windows with ample natural lighting are a significant plus when buying a home. If the home has sturdy double-hung windows that easily open and close, you can say that the house has good bones.

Floors

While damaged or low-quality floors aren’t necessarily a deal-breaker, they are considered to be part of the “bones” of the home. If you can restore a home’s floors to their former glory, you can consider the house to have good bones.

Knowing when a home has good bones (or not!) can mean the difference between a smart purchase and a money pit. Regardless of how great a house looks, have a licensed home inspector thoroughly check it before you invest. An inspector will dig beneath the surface and make sure those “bones” really are as good as you were hoping.

If you have questions about the Reno real estate market or are ready to find your home with good bones, contact the David Morris Group or call (775) 828-3292. We’re happy to be your helpful guide.

Interest Rates vs. APR

September 26, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

There is a difference between the interest rate of a mortgage loan and the annual percentage rate (APR). What is an APR? How does it differ from the interest rate? Which is the most important? Let’s discuss interest rates vs. APR. Knowing the difference will help guide your decision as you choose a mortgage lender and potentially save some money.

Interest Rates

The interest rate commonly referred to as a “mortgage rate,” reflects the cost of borrowing money to purchase a home. It shows how much folks will pay to borrow money and is expressed as a percentage of the total loan amount. As the balance or principal of the loan is repaid, the less interest the borrower owes on their mortgage. The interest rate does not reflect fees or any other charges the borrower may be responsible for throughout the life of the loan.

How Interest Rates are Calculated

Factors that are entirely out of our control, such as inflation, and the ups and downs of the economy, are the primary influencers of interest rates. However, borrowers have some say over their interest rates based on the lender they choose and their overall financial picture. Credit history, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, and other pieces of one’s life are also determining factors in setting an interest rate. The rule of thumb with mortgage rates: The better your financial picture looks, the lower your interest rate will be. The greater your risk to the lender, the higher your interest rate will be.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

The APR reflects the annual rate of a loan and is expressed as a percentage, like an interest rate. This percentage does reflect fees and any other charges the borrower may be responsible for throughout the life of the loan. The charges and fees include the interest rate, lender fees, mortgage insurance, most closing costs, discount points, and loan origination fees. Because of the additional costs added to the interest rate, the APR will be higher than the interest rate. The Federal Truth in Lending Act requires mortgage lenders to disclose the APR because it gives the borrower a better picture of the true cost of borrowing and what they are actually paying. While monthly payments are not based on APR, it does give borrowers insight into how much they’ll pay in total for the mortgage. APRs will vary from lender to lender and loan to loan, so it’s essential to compare several options before deciding which mortgage to accept.

How APR is Calculated

Three factors determine the APR: the interest rate, fees, and points paid upfront. Like the interest rate, the APR is influenced by credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, and the lender.

While there is so much talk of interest rates, borrowers also want to pay close attention to the APR before signing loan papers. Comparing simple interest rates is the way to go if the goal is to have the lowest possible monthly payments. However, if borrowers know they’ll be in their home for 15-30 years and want to save in total long-term costs, the APR is the best way to gauge those savings.

If you have questions about the Reno-Sparks real estate market, contact the David Morris Group or give us a call at (775) 828-3292. We are happy to be your helpful guide. If you’d like to stay updated on what’s happening around Reno, follow our blog.

Do These Home Projects Now to Avoid Costly Repairs This Winter

September 23, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

Home improvement projects may not be the first thing on your to-do list this fall, but preparing your home for the chillier months ahead is essential. Tackling a few chores while it’s still relatively warm will help make your home more efficient and more capable of withstanding whatever winter brings this year. Do these home projects now to avoid costly repairs this winter.

Chimney

Make sure the chimney is clean, clear, and in good shape. Small critters like squirrels and birds can sometimes reside in the chimney during the spring and summer months. Leaves and other materials can also get stuck inside, and a backup in the flue can cause a fire. Despite the horror of a charred animal, any blockage will become a stinky mess in your home. Get ahead of any smoke or ash-related incidents by giving the whole set-up a good cleaning!

Gutters

Fall will undoubtedly drop a ton of leaves into your gutters, so cleaning them out now is best to make room. Take some time (or have a handyman climb that ladder) to check your home’s gutters for potential blockages. Cleaning them out will allow water to drain properly, preventing water damage down the line. The cleaner your gutters are, the fewer high-cost repairs are in your future.

Roof

This summer has been HOT! Sun exposure and general wear and tear can cause roof and siding materials to warp, chip, and more. Fixing them now will be much easier than when a leak is buried under several feet of snow in the thick of winter.

Weather-Proofing

Make sure your doors and windows are adequately sealed against the elements. Cracked, chipped, or damaged seals can cause you to lose heat and have higher energy bills. Weatherstripping, caulking, or other protective materials keep the heat in and the nasty weather out. Also, ensure that doors and windows are properly attached to their frames, with no gaps or cracks.

Tackling these projects around your home now can help avert disaster later in the year. Have a trusted home repair pro take care of these check-ups, and if any repairs are needed, you can start coordinating those before the first cold snap blows in.

If you’re looking for a great REALTOR® to show you around the Reno-Sparks area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Funding for Home Upgrades

September 9, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

Now that the market has shifted slightly, inventory is rising, and buyers have more options. As a result, you may need to reevaluate the appearance and condition of your home before you list. A little remodeling can increase your home value, but it shouldn’t break your bank. It is essential to research which home renovations are worth the investment before starting on upgrades. Once you’ve determined which renovations offer the highest return, you have to figure out how to fund them. Here are expert tips on how to find funding for home upgrades.

ROI

The 2022 Cost vs. Value Report for Reno, NV, found that curb-appeal projects, including changes to siding, garage doors, and windows had an average payback of 83 percent, compared with about 39 percent for interior upgrades like a major kitchen remodel. While kitchens and bathrooms are known to make or break a sale, be sure that your spending is compatible with the house’s total worth and that of your area if you plan to remodel. You don’t want to over-improve your home because you’ll never get that money back when you sell. It is advisable to check out comparable listings in your area before you begin renovations to keep pace with but not exceed the local market.

Budget

Whether you have money saved or are looking to take out a loan for your upgrade project, you need to create a ballpark estimate of what you are willing to spend. First, browse home improvement stores and sites for materials and fixtures that you like and price them so you can turn your estimate into a realistic budget. If pricing materials yourself feels daunting, you can enlist the help of a sales associate for smaller projects. They will be able to walk you through your options and answer your questions. For larger upgrades, however, it is advisable to enlist the help of a design consultant. A design consultant will be able to help with pricing options and ensure that you don’t leave anything out so that every necessary item makes it into your budget. For extreme renovations that require a contractor, a good rule of thumb is to get at least three estimates. The Real Remodeling Costs tool by Houzz is a great resource for city-by-city estimates on typical remodeling costs.

Financing

You can finance smaller projects with a credit card. You may already have one with a high credit limit and a low interest rate, or, depending on your credit score you could qualify for a new card with 0 percent interest for 12 months or longer. Just be sure to stay mindful of payments and get the balance paid in full before interest begins or you could wind up paying three times over for a small upgrade.

Most large hardware stores offer credit cards or financing options with introductory rates of low or no interest. If your entire project will be completed through the design arm of a large hardware store, that could be an excellent option.

Home Equity

There are a couple of options for using your home equity to fund home upgrades. The most flexible may be a home equity line of credit. A home equity line of credit uses your home as collateral for the amount of credit the lender approves. The upside is that you only pay interest on the money you draw out from the line of credit. The downside is that the interest rate is variable, which could get expensive if interest rates go up while you’re working to pay back the amount you’ve borrowed.

A home equity loan offers the security of a fixed interest rate. With the loan option you get a lump sum and pay interest on the entire amount over time until it’s paid back in full. An equity loan is a great option if interest rates are low, it will end up costing a lot more money to pay back if interest rates are high.

Run the numbers and figure out what makes sense for you, then budget accordingly. If an upgrade or renovation is simply out of your price range then reconsider the parameters of the project. Always consider the economic realities of an ever-changing market when considering home upgrades 1) don’t overbuild the rest of your home or your neighborhood 2) don’t go over budget or put yourself in financial trouble 3) take a step back and consider smaller cosmetic projects that have a big impact.

If you have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.