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Relocation Guide: The Abridged History of Reno

October 25, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

A city’s history can give you an interesting perspective on how the area handles change, evolves over the years, and grows to meet the needs of its residents. How a place gets its start is only the beginning of the story, but how the city handles challenges and adapts to the world around it brings life to the story. The history of Reno is full of adventure and growth — let’s dive in!

For thousands of years, the Northern Nevada geographic area has been inhabited by four contemporary tribes — Washoe, Northern Paiute, Southern Paiute, and Western Shoshone. In fact, as you explore the region, you can find ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks.

As colonizers moved out west, Reno began as a simple crossing area for travelers heading to California to mine for gold, but a discovery of the Comstock Lode in Virginia City in 1859 would soon bring a massive influx of travelers and residents to Northern Nevada. Just as the transcontinental railroad reached Reno in 1868, the city was officially established, and from there, the city took off.

1874 brought the creation of the University of Nevada as a land-grant university, and then in 1885, the primary campus was built — solidifying Reno’s reputation as a cultural center and giving it the nickname “The Biggest Little City in the World.” The nickname highlighted the area’s wide range of amenities in a city that was relatively small in size, and the name stuck.

In the early 1900s, Reno became the divorce capital of the world, allowing residents to get a relatively quick divorce when compared to the rest of the states at this time. The 1930s was a revolutionary time for Nevada as gambling was legalized and the destination hotel and casino gaming model was created. Virginia Street then became the epicenter of the city, filling with locally-owned hotels, casinos, and retail stores.

As automobile tourism grew in the 20th century, Reno’s economy centered around tourism, gaming, and entertainment industries. Since then, Reno’s economy has also grown to include several small businesses, engineering and manufacturing jobs, and more.

Reno has a rich history and the city continues to evolve. It’s a beautiful place to call home, and if you have questions about what it’s like relocating to the Reno-Sparks community, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!

Is the Housing Market Cooling? Real Estate Predictions for Fall

October 22, 2021/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

The past year and a half has brought all eyes to the real estate market. With inventory levels depleting quickly, days on the market shortening, and multiple offers coming in above asking price, the market was extremely competitive. Now that summer has come to an end, everyone’s asking, “is the housing market cooling?” Take a look at the real estate predictions for fall.

What are experts saying across the nation?

Over the course of the fall season, it’s expected that the real estate market will begin to cool across the nation. It’s also expected that we’ll be back to experiencing the normal seasonality of the market, with spring and summer bringing more homes and buyers to the market, while the fall and winter months will bring only serious buyers and sellers to make a transaction.

With the market cooling also comes more homes on the market and less competition as some may only have a moving window in the spring and summer months. Buyers will have more options to choose from in their price range, homes aren’t flying off the market as quickly as they’re put on, and seeing bidding wars between buyers for thousands of dollars above asking price is less common.

What are we actually seeing across Washoe County?

While we’d love to tell buyers that there has been an immediate cooling to the market, it’s still a very competitive market. The median sold price of homes in Washoe County in September 2021 was $537,750, an increase of 34.8% since September 2019, and it doesn’t look like home prices will be falling anytime soon. In September, the number of homes for sale decreased 48.3%, the number of homes sold decreased .9%, and the number of homes that went under contract increased 14.8% from this time two years ago. Inventory levels are holding at one month, which is a drastic change from the 3.4 months of inventory on the market in September 2019.

If September is any indication of what we should expect from the rest of the fall season, we may experience a slight cooling to the real estate market, but with inventory levels remaining low and demand still remaining high, it’s likely that Reno will be a hot market to watch in the coming months.

If you’re curious about the Reno real estate market and how it’s changing, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your Reno resource, and if you’re hoping to buy or sell a home in the coming months, we’re happy to help you navigate the fast-moving market. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

October 19, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Prepping your home to withstand the winter weather is a crucial part of fall. Taking some time to prep now can save you from having issues later on. Before the season ends, check off each of the items on this list of fall home maintenance tasks.

Clean your gutters – The gutters help divert thousands of gallons of water from your house’s exterior and foundation walls, so be sure to keep them clear of leaves and debris.
Seal windows and doors – Gaps or cracks around windows and doors can let in cold air and cost you 20% more on your heating bill. Before the cold weather sets in, check the caulk and weatherstripping and repair and replace any of the areas where you can feel air coming in or escaping.
Inspect your roof – A leaky roof can be hard to fix and costly to do so. Before the winter ice and snow set in, inspect your roof from top to bottom. Check for missing, curled, or cracked shingles and look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys.
Protect pipes – Pipes and faucets can freeze and burst in the winter if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Before temperatures drop below freezing, close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line. If you don’t have shut-off valves and your faucets are not “freeze-proof,” consider buying faucet covers and make sure outdoor pipes are covered for protection.
Change your furnace filter and get it inspected – Furnace filters trap in dust, and when the filters get clogged, it makes it hard to heat the home. Clean the filters or replace the filters once a month to keep them free of debris and your home at a comfortable temperature. Before the heating season begins, it’s also a good idea to have your furnace checked by a professional. If you notice things like noisy belts, poor performance, and erratic behavior, put getting your furnace inspected high on your to-do list this fall.
Prep your fireplace – Check your fireplace annually for anything that needs to be repaired or anything that could be a safety hazard. Have your chimney inspected for creosote buildup, damages, or flue blockages.
Ready your lawn for winter – Hoping to keep your lawn looking healthy come the springtime? There are some maintenance tasks you’ll need to take care of now to make that happen! Rake the leaves, aerate the lawn, and fertilize the grass, trees, and shrubs to ensure your lawn and garden beds don’t suffocate.
Repair walkways – Walkways, drives, and steps can turn dangerous when they’re icy, especially if they’re damaged. Check for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps and take care of the repairs before the temperatures drop and cause problems to become big headaches.

If you need more homeownership tips or fall home maintenance tasks, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your Reno resource, and if you’re hoping to buy or sell a home in the coming months, we’d be honored to help. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Relocation Guide: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Reno Area

October 12, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Relocation Information, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Reno has a long history of being a gambling town, but over the years, the Biggest Little City has grown to include swaths of small businesses, a top Carnegie® research university, eclectic communities with stunning homes, and so much more. While Reno will probably never fully ditch its party and gambling reputation, there are so many things that make it a family-friendly place to call home. To prove it to you, we’ve outlined some of our favorite family-friendly attractions in the Reno area.

National Automobile Museum – As one of America’s top 10 auto museums, the National Automobile Museum is a top Reno attraction that features 200 eye-popping cars and a theater.
Animal Ark – As a wildlife sanctuary and education center, Animal Ark is a safe haven for injured, abandoned, and otherwise non-releasable wildlife. They provide a lifelong home for animals that don’t have the skills to survive in the wild and encourage visitors to learn about their stories.
The Discovery – Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum – The Discovery is known for being where children can discover science through unique, hands-on programs and exhibits. There’s always something new happening at the museum. From exhibits to events and partnerships to build creative and critical thinking skills, you’ll never be bored here!
Sierra Nevada Zoological Park – Home to over two hundred animals and over forty different species, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park is the largest zoo in the state. It’s a great place to visit zebras, camels, leopards, monkeys, lions, and tigers.
Wilbur D. May Museum – The Wilbur D. May Center features a museum, arboretum, and botanical gardens — leading to hours of fun! The May Museum houses the private collection of Wilbur D. May, and you’ll find thousands of rare and exotic artifacts, as well as traveling exhibitions, special programs, and events.
Carnival Midway – Located in Circus Circus Reno at THE ROW, the Carnival Midway offers fun for kids and adults alike. There are more than 40 arcade-style games, circus shows, carnival acts, and more to keep everyone entertained.
The Puzzle Room – This escape game is a great way to get everyone working together to piece together a series of puzzles and solve the mystery. There are five different themes to choose from, so you can keep coming back for more fun.
Kimmie Candy Factory Tours – Did you know that Reno is home to a candy production facility? You can even schedule an appointment to take a free tour of the factory and watch as they create their confectionery and chocolate treats.
Fly High Trampoline Park – Need to help burn off some of that excess energy that kids seem to have in abundant supply? Check out Fly High! They have foam pits, trampoline dodgeball, and areas to accommodate beginners as well as seasoned jumpers.
Reno Aces Baseball – The spring and summer months are packed full of baseball games you can attend. There are 60+ home games and all kinds of special events and promotions to take part in.

This list is only the beginning of the family-friendly attractions that are at your disposal, and the list only grows each year! If you have questions about moving or what it’s like relocating to the Reno-Sparks community, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!

A Closer Look at Reno and Nevada’s Growth

October 7, 2021/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

There’s no doubt that Reno and the rest of the state have grown in population and diversity. It’s a fact that has only been highlighted more since the pandemic, where housing shortages were constantly covering the headlines. The U.S. Census Bureau has released information regarding how our population has changed in the last decade, and we’re here to help you take a look at Reno and Nevada’s growth.

What’s changed in the last ten years?

Nevada has become more populous, with an added 404,000 residents.
Nevada’s population grew to 3.1 million.
The majority-minority state ranked as the United States’ third most ethnically diverse.
The state’s 18 and older population grew by more than 18%.
The state’s 18 and under population grew by 4%.
Nevada’s urban counties grew more significantly than its rural counties.
More than 95% of the population growth in Nevada occurred in Clark and Washoe counties.
The Reno metro area grew 15.3%.
Even with the slowed population growth experienced in the last decade, Nevada was still among one of the fastest-growing states.

Why is the U.S. Census data important?

Data received from the U.S. Census will be used to allocate funding, decide where to build roads and how to respond to natural disasters, and help reapportion and redraw legislative and congressional districts. These decisions have drastic effects on cities and states and will lead the decisions that are made for the benefit of residents for the next ten years.

If you’re curious about how Nevada’s population growth has changed over the last decade and the insights we’ve gathered from monitoring the market over the years, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your Reno resource, and if you’re hoping to buy or sell a home in the coming months, we’d be honored to help. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Haunted Hot Spots to Visit in Virginia City

October 4, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

October is the time where things go bump in the night, and everyone’s looking for something that might give them a fright! If you’re looking for a Halloween adventure, there are some haunted hot spots to visit in Virginia City.

Just 30 minutes outside of Reno lies the historic town of Virginia City. With buildings and events dating back to the 1800s, haunting and harrowing tales have been coming from the community for over a century. On your next visit, be sure to check out:

Delta Saloon

Virginia City once had 100 saloons, but the Delta Saloon was the most famous for its gaming room, which features the Suicide Table — a gambling table that has hosted many famous men betting for high stakes.

Historic Fourth Ward School

Originally built to be one of the finest schools in the area in 1875, the building is now a museum highlighting the history of the Comstock. Visit the Fourth Ward School for its exhibits, to say you visited the only Second Empire building still standing in the United States, or because the former teacher, Miss Suzie, is still seen searching the grounds for her students.

Mackay Mansion

The Victorian-era mansion was constructed in 1859 by George Hearst and is one of the few original structures that survived two major fires to hit Virginia City. Mackay Mansion has been featured on Ghost Adventures and the Dead Files, and visitors report hearing two little girls running on the staircase, seeing the maid Harriet in the parlor, and seeing a Shadow Man upstairs.

Piper’s Opera House

Piper’s Opera House has been listed by the League of Historic Theaters and has been called one of the most significant vintage theaters on the West Coast. Tons of performances were hosted on the stage over the years, and it’s said that entities visit to relive their glory days and put on a show for fans.

St. Mary’s Art Center

Originally a hospital for the Comstock miners, this building was constructed in 1875 but was left empty and abandoned for many years after the Gold and Silver Rush declined, only to be saved in 1964 and turned into a stunning art and culture center. St. Mary’s Art Center is said to still house some of the patients and nurses who frequented the building during its time as a hospital.

Storey County Courthouse

As Nevada’s oldest continuously operating courthouse, Storey County Courthouse operates as a museum today and boasts one of the few Lady of Justices in the country that is not blindfolded. It holds a haunting tale of a cry for justice and a man who walks the halls, trying to share his story.

Sugarloaf Mountain Motel

The quaint and cozy motel is situated in a 19th-century brick and stone former miners’ residence. The Sugarloaf Mountain Motel is full of ghost stories and even has a book for guests to share their own ghostly experiences at the venue.

Old Washoe Club

Built to be a luxury bar for high-status men, the Old Washoe Club housed the Millionaire’s Club and was where several people took their last breaths. The death toll has never been confirmed, and it’s said that has lead to some unrestful souls that still wander the halls.

If you need 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.

Relocation Guide: Navigating the Snow and Ice

September 27, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

The weather is fickle in Reno, and it’s easy to see it change from sunshine to snow in the blink of an eye. We’ve even seen snow blanket the streets in May during a late season. If you’ve never lived in a town that experiences snow or if it’s simply been a while since you’ve seen snowflakes fall from the sky, check out how you should be navigating the snow and ice this winter.

Winterizing Your Home

Each winter, homeowners can face unexpected expenses and inconveniences to make drastic repairs after a battle with frozen pipes. Luckily, there are some precautions you can take to avoid any problems.

Inside Preparations:
- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas. If you have water pipes in a garage or crawl space under the house, wrap them before temperatures plummet.
- Seal off access doors, air vents, and cracks. Repair any areas where cold winter winds can get in to freeze exposed pipes, but do not plug air vents that are needed for your furnace and water heater.
- Know where the master water shutoff valve is and which way to turn it to shut off the water. Shutting the water off in times of a pipe burst can save your home from damage and save you money.
Outside Preparations:
- Shut off and drain your irrigation system. Disconnect outdoor hoses from faucets and allow them to drain.
- Insulate outdoor pipes and faucets.

Winter Driving Tips

Normal driving habits will need to be modified to drive safely in winter weather. When driving, be sure to:

Put on your low beam headlights. The reflection of the light off snow, ice, and water can diminish your vision.
Don’t use cruise control.
Clear the windows of snow and ice and defog windows before driving.
Avoid making quick starts and sudden stops.
Keep tire chains with you during the winter months.
Know the snow and ice control routes that will tell you when you can expect the streets you will be driving along to be plowed.

Winter Resources

Navigating the snow and ice takes some time and practice when you’re new to the area, but with some preparation, you’ll be handling the cold weather like a longtime resident in no time! If you have questions about moving or what it’s like relocating to the Reno-Sparks community, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!

Home Selling Costs to Prepare For

September 23, 2021/in Reality of Real Estate, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Selling a home often adds dollars to your pocket, but selling a home also costs money. Some of the expenses are negotiable, but sellers should be prepared to foot the bill for the home selling costs on this list.

Real Estate Commission

Typically, real estate commission is 5%–6% of the home’s sale price, and it’s split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. In a majority of transactions, it’s a cost the seller bears.

Pre-Listing Home Inspection

The pre-listing home inspection is optional and costs between $300 and $500, but it can vary.

Home Staging

Home staging is also another optional cost. Home stagers work to enhance a home’s best features while minimizing its worst attributes. The cost of a professional stager varies according to the size of the home, the extent of the work, etc., but you can expect to spend several hundred dollars.

Utilities

If you’re moving out of the home before selling it, you’ll have to continue to cover the cost of the utilities at the home. A home without water, electricity, air conditioning, and heat can be very difficult to sell as potential buyers can’t test out these things for themselves, nor can an inspector complete the inspection.

Mortgage Payoff

The money you’ll make from the sale of your home will need to go towards paying off your mortgage. Your lender may also have a prepayment penalty or prorated interest added to your total balance, so be sure to speak to your lender about what you will need to pay back after selling your home.

Closing Costs

Many of the closing costs are negotiable, and it’s likely that the buyer will help pay for some of the costs associated with closing, but be safe and plan to meet these costs. Some of the closing costs may include attorney fees, transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow fee, brokerage fee, and a courier fee.

HOA Fees

Depending on your particular HOA, you may have to pay out of pocket for a resale certificate before the property closes. This fee can be up to $600, and in some cases higher, due to the HOA. Other HOA fees such as transfer fees and other miscellaneous fees may apply. Those fees are usually paid at closing.

Liens Against the Property

It may be a good idea to have a title company open the title for your property before listing. That way, they can pull a title commitment to see if there are any liens against the property besides the typical first and/or second mortgage. Knowing what you owe and what your take-home will be may determine if moving forward to sell your house is a good plan.

If you’d like to talk through what to expect when selling your home 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 guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Family-Friendly Fall Activities

September 16, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Are you someone who can’t wait for sweater weather, loves seeing the leaves change colors, and enjoys the slight nip in the air? Those are all signs that fall is on the horizon, and there’s no better time to live in Reno than when the fall season starts. We’ve put together some family-friendly fall activities to help everyone in your household get into the spirit of the season!

Decorate Your Home

Front porch – a simple fall wreath, a few hay bales, and some pumpkins are all easy ways to add some warmth and cheer to your home. It also makes for a great place to take family photos for your holiday cards.
Table – Adding some plaid fabrics brightens up your meals, and if you want to kick it up a notch, get the family to help you create a centerpiece. You can add fall flowers, mini pumpkins, candles, and anything that reminds you of fall.

Have a Backyard Sleepover

Gather up all of your extra blankets and layer up your clothes to head outdoors. Enjoy the cool air and snuggle together to pick out the constellations. You can kick it up a notch by hanging a bed sheet on your fence to create a big screen and watch your favorite movies or by sharing your favorite ghost stories.

Jump in a Pile of Leaves

Raking up the colorful leaves may be the least fun fall activity, but diving into them before packing them up makes it all worth it!

Make Your Own Halloween Costume

Get clever and think outside of the box! Come up with a Halloween costume that you’re unlikely to see anyone else wear.

Tour the Neighborhood

Check out how everyone is getting into the fall and Halloween spirit by driving around or walking around to see the decorations.

Go Hiking

The best time to enjoy the views on one of the hundreds of trails in and around the city is when nature is bursting with color. Go hiking and discover your new favorite spot.

Decorate Pumpkins and Gourds

Carve, paint, or craft pumpkins and gourds. It’s a seasonal must!

Make Something Seasonal

Try out a new recipe or find a way to add a new twist to a classic by using the fruits and veggies in season. The produce in season includes:

Apples
Bananas
Beets
Bell Peppers
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Collard Greens
Cranberries
Garlic
Ginger
Grapes
Green Beans
Kale
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Lettuce
Limes
Mangos
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Pears
Peas
Pineapples
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radishes
Raspberries
Rutabagas
Spinach
Sweet Potatoes & Yams
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Winter Squash

There are all kinds of ways you can make autumn special. Take part in a few family-friendly fall activities and make it a memorable time for your loved ones. If you need more ideas on fall activities you can 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.

Relocation Guide: Wildfire Emergency Preparedness

September 13, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Reno’s close proximity to Lake Tahoe and dense vegetation make wildfires a natural disaster that residents may face. With that in mind, we’ve created a wildfire emergency preparedness guide with some helpful information and resources.

Prevention and Preparedness

Live more safely with the threat of wildfire by making your home fire safe, improving your home’s defensible space, making sure there’s easy access to your neighborhood and home, and having an evacuation plan.

Fire Safe Homes – Ensuring your home is well constructed and well maintained will decrease the risks of your home igniting during a wildfire.
- Siding – Make sure there are no gaps in the siding and trim of your home. Replace the poorly maintained materials or fill them with good quality caulk.
- Rain Gutters – Plant debris should regularly be removed from rain gutters.
- Wooden Fences – Keep wooden fences in good condition and have a noncombustible section or gate next to the first five feet of your home.
Improve Defensible Space – Take care of the vegetation around your home.
- Base of Home – Keep combustible materials away from the first 5 feet of your home. Well irrigated plants, rock mulches, or hard surfaces should be the only things near your home.
- Green Areas – The landscape within the first 30 feet of the home should have very little flammable vegetation with dead vegetation being removed immediately. Keep healthy, green, and well-irrigated plants in this area.
Accessibility – Make sure that emergency responders can easily access your home and neighborhood. This will allow quick response times and easy evacuations if necessary.
- Address – Address signs should be easy to read. Use contrasting noncombustible material and make sure the numbers are at least six inches high.
- Street Signs – Each intersection should be posted with street signs made of reflective and noncombustible material.
- Driveway – If your driveway is longer than 150 feet, a turnaround suitable and large enough for fire equipment is required.
Evacuation Prep – Make sure that your family understands how to safely and effectively evacuate by taking steps to prepare in advance.
- Have emergency phone numbers posted in central areas of your home that are easily accessible.
- Know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity to your home.
- Have a safe meeting place to gather with your family if you get separated in an emergency.
- Have photos and videos of your house, the landscape, and the contents in your home. This will be important for insurance purposes. Try to keep this up to date.
- Lay out the possible escape routes and safe area, so that everyone in your family knows their escape routes wherever they are in the home.
- Have an EVACUATED sign ready to go that you can post and make clearly visible from the street.
To-Go Bags – Prep for an emergency by having at least a three-day supply of necessities ready to go and easily accessible for every member of your household. Include things like:
- Clothing and personal toiletries.
- Flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, and chargers.
- Extra set of car and house keys.
- Contact information for family, friends, physicians, insurance, etc.
- Important documents like birth certificates, passports, licenses, etc.
- Cash

Resources

Staying prepared for any emergency situation can help ease a stressful situation. We hope this wildfire emergency preparedness guide helped you learn about the precautions you can take now to keep your home safe, and please use the resources we’ve outlined to stay up to date on how to protect yourself.

If you have questions about moving or what it’s like relocating to the Reno-Sparks community, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!