Lifestyle - David Morris Group

Easy Upgrades To Get Your Home Ready To Sell

January 4, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

If you’re thinking about selling your home, there’s never been a better time. With increased demand and low levels of inventory, buyers have never been more motivated to purchase a home. While it’s a great time to sell, it’s also the perfect time to make a few adjustments around the house in order to maximize the return on your investment. Check out the easy upgrades to get your home ready to sell.

Easy Upgrades Throughout the House

New hardware – Brass hinges, old doorknobs, outdated cabinet handles, etc,. can be eyesores that take away from your home. A few simple changes can elevate the design of items in your home and give them new life. Buyers will notice and comment on new hardware — trust us!
Deep clean the floors – Polish up the hardwood floors, steam clean carpets, and make sure the floors look ready for a new family. Dust bunnies, scratches, and stains will detract from the rest of your home.
Refresh the grout – Dirty or outdated grout in the kitchen and bathrooms can be a major turn-off for buyers. Give it a deep cleaning or put a new application of grout to make these areas of your home shine.
Lighting – Lighting is the key to a great showing. You not only want great natural light, but you want your light fixtures to brighten the home and be stylish. Lighting can often be overlooked by a seller, but it’s never overlooked by a buyer.

Easy Kitchen Upgrades

Add a tile backsplash – A simple tile backsplash doesn’t have to be expensive or even something you hire someone for. There are tons of options available to you, and it makes for a great weekend DIY project.
Paint the island – Painting cabinets can be very time consuming, so cut the time in half by focusing only on your kitchen island. It’s a very trendy fix, and it shows that you’ve put some TLC into your home.

Easy Bathroom Upgrades

Mirror, mirror, on the wall – If your mirror is showing signs of wear or is tragically outdated, change it out. Research some of the popular design trends and measure to see which ones will work in your space before purchasing the new mirror.
Bathroom fixtures – If the faucet and shower fixtures are looking a little old, simply switch them out for something newer.

Spending a little time and money preparing your home for the market can greatly impact the resale value and entice buyers. Start with these easy upgrades to get your home ready to sell, and if you have any questions about how the David Morris Group can help you find the right buyers to get your home sold quickly, contact us at (775) 828-3292.

New Year’s Resolutions to Make Your House a Better Home

December 22, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Neighborhoods, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

2021 will be here in the blink of an eye, and while we can’t believe that 2020 has passed by already, it is once again time to make resolutions and goals for the new year. If your 2020 resolutions have more than a few things you couldn’t check off thanks to a global pandemic, make a few goals that you can achieve no matter what the year holds. Check out the New Year’s resolutions to make your house a better home.

Minimize energy use

With more time spent at home comes more energy used and higher utility bills. Take time to find ways you can cut costs. You can start by:

Unplugging appliances when they’re not in use.
Hang curtains to keep your home cooler in the summer.
Open blinds during the day to use natural light to brighten your home rather than light fixtures.
Add a timer to control how long your lights stay on.
Switch to energy-saving light bulbs.

Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it

Keeping a tidy home can be overwhelming, especially if you find that your weekends are consumed with deep cleaning. There may be some areas of your home that you’re overcleaning and some areas of your home that you’re neglecting. Create daily tasks that will help you maximize your time and keep your home tidy at all times.

Take on one DIY project a month

If you’re tired of the furniture in your home or you want to spruce up your space without breaking the bank, research a few DIY projects that you may want to try and put them into action. Trying something new and adding some sweat equity into your home can help you love your space.

Try seasonal trends

Home design is a lot like fashion — the trends change quickly and often seasonally. Research the latest home design trends and try them out in your home. It can be a simple change that you don’t spend a lot of time or money on, but it may open your eyes to new styles, colors, and themes that you like and may want to continue in your home.

Focus on your outside space

Your outdoor space is as much a part of making a house a home as the interior space is. Reno has beautiful seasons, and it’s important to have an outdoor area where you can spend time soaking up the sun, breathing in the fall air, and cuddling up by a fire pit in the brisk evenings. Think about investing in outdoor furniture, hammocks, a projector for outdoor movie nights, etc. Make it a fun and usable space.

If you’re in need of more New Year’s resolutions to make your house a home or you’re simply curious about the Reno-Sparks real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Christmas Traditions That Will Have You Feeling Merry and Bright

December 9, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

2020 has taken us all on a roller coaster of emotions, and with the holiday season upon us, we’re all looking for ways to spread cheer and good tidings. Don’t worry, there are some great Christmas traditions that will have you feeling merry and bright in no time!

Make Homemade Hot Cocoa

If you’ve been on social media recently, it’s likely that you’ve seen videos of everyone making hot cocoa bombs that release a ton of chocolaty goodness when they are submerged in warm milk. Why not make your own recipe full of all your favorite goodies. Check out this video as a great reference on how to make your own hot cocoa bombs.

Listen to a Christmas Tale

Gather the family to bake cookies or work on a holiday craft together while listening to something a little more entertaining than the usual Christmas tunes. Put on the audio version of A Christmas Carol or create a playlist of Christmas themed stories being read aloud on YouTube. They have a great selection, and you can even find How the Grinch Stole Christmas being read by Keith Morrison.

Buy Matching Pajamas or Make Matching Christmas Sweaters

A great way to stay connected with your loved ones who can’t be with you this year is to put on a matching outfit and hop on a video call with one another. There are all kinds of matching pajama sets being sold in stores, but you can also buy a plain sweater and decorate it in matching styles for a unique spin on the holiday tradition.

Secret Santa, Anyone?

If you are trying to save a little money this year and don’t want to buy a present for everyone on your list, suggest a Secret Santa gift exchange with a spending limit of $20. It will easily cut down the number of people to buy for and comes with a fun guessing game at the end.

Search for the Best Christmas Decorations in the City

Holiday lights are going up around town, and one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season is to go and look at all of the decorations. Take your family and drive around some of the streets in the area and pick out the houses with the best Christmas decorations!

There are all kinds of Christmas traditions that will have you feeling merry and bright this year. We hope your holidays are happy and full of cheer. If you have any other holiday tradition recommendations or you’re simply curious about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Thanksgiving Traditions to Make Your Holiday Special

November 18, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

It’s almost time to tune into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and before you and your loved ones gather around to watch the character balloons, floats, and performers put on a show, we wanted to bring you some other Thanksgiving traditions to make your holiday special. 2020 may have been unexpected, but it can still be an exceptional holiday with these new additions.

Make a Momento

Creating a little something that your friends and family can look back on year after year doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. Simply lay out a piece of butcher paper for your guests to sign, write a cute note, or list out what they’re most grateful for this year. Then, tuck away the piece of paper, and bring it out each year as a time capsule. You can continue the tradition each year and remember everyone that’s been a part of your family’s festivities and how each of you has changed throughout the years.

Learn Something New

Everyone has a special talent, skillset, or knowledge that can be shared. Have everyone bring something that they can teach at Thanksgiving. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. It could be as simple as teaching everyone some fun Thanksgiving trivia facts or how to make the perfect cocktail to pair with dinner.

Have a Wishbone Scavenger Hunt

Do you have trouble putting the kids to sleep after a dessert-fueled sugar rush? Help them burn some energy by putting together a scavenger hunt to find the wishbone. Have your family come up with clues early in the day and hide them around the house. Send everyone out who didn’t help come up with the clues to search for the hints. The first two to reach the secret spot where the wishbone is located, get to split it.

Start the Holiday Giving Season Early

If you know that you won’t be seeing everyone for Christmas and you want to make sure they have some of those holiday memories, bring some of your Christmas traditions to Thanksgiving. Always watch “Miracle on 34th Street” while sipping peppermint hot chocolate? Do it early! You can also give everyone a Christmas ornament as a keepsake that they can hang on their own trees for the holidays.

Play a Few Games

If your biggest dilemma is how to keep your family out of the kitchen and entertained while everything is cooking, introduce some holiday games that will get everyone involved and having fun. Warning: You may actually have to go searching for your family to call them to the dinner table. For some great game recommendations, click here.

If you have any recommendations on new Thanksgiving traditions to make your holiday special, we’d love to hear about them. Contact the David Morris Group to share any tips and tricks you have or to simply find out more about the Reno real estate market. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Local Farmers Markets: Where to Get Fresh Foods in Reno

October 26, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Fall is coming to a close, and winter is breezing in, so Farmer Markets are closing down soon. Local vendors get together to sell items ranging from produce to handmade crafts and more. Here’s why you should shop at farmers markets and where to find these fresh treasure troves in and around Reno!

4 Reasons to Shop At Your Local Farmers Market

Local food is better for the environment.
Compared to giant conglomerates, local food is, well, local, so it travels a shorter distance. Because of the lack of distance, there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions from truck exhaust or jet fuel.
Farmers market produce tastes better.
Local food comes right off the vine and straight to your market. Can’t get much fresher than that! Compared to conventional grocery stores, the produce would have to travel further, so they have to pick the fruit before it’s mature so it can be mature when it arrives at the store. This means the produce did not reach its full potential for flavor or nutrients. Because of this, sometimes produce that has to travel far is usually genetically modified to travel better. Since they’re engineered to travel better, it sacrifices flavor instead.
You support your local community.
Shopping at local farmers markets means you are directly supporting your community. Another plus is building a community in your neighborhood. Most of the time, people who work in the markets live locally.
Your questions get answered.
Another great perk is being able to ask questions and get answers! Business owners are usually the ones at the tent, so they’ll know about their produce. Owners and farmers can answer questions about price and pesticides quickly rather than hearing no answer from a grocery store.

Where to Find Your Local Farmers Market

Riverside Farmer Market
Where: Riverside Drive at McKinley Arts Center
When: Year-round, Saturday 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Bonsai Blue Garden Market
Where: 290 Kietzke Lane
When: Fridays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. until October 30th

Elko Family Farmers Market
Where: 1405 Idaho Street, Elko NV 89801
When: Second through fifth Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. until October 31st

Fernley Farmers Market
Where: 300 Cottonwood Lane, Fernley NV 89408
When: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. until October 28th

Visit these farmers markets before the season is over! Take advantage of the fresh, locally grown produce before winter arrives. If you have questions about the Reno lifestyle, contact the David Morris Group for more recommendations and insights into the real estate market. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Fall Decor Ideas That Will Transform Your Home

October 21, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Fall is the season that brings cooler temperatures, so it’s important to add warmth to your home. How do you do that? These simple fall decor ideas will transform your home into a cozy oasis that will call your family and friends over to create memories.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and More Pumpkins

Adding pumpkins around your home, front door, and back patio can add a fun seasonal flair. Whether you choose to go for a real pumpkin you pick up at a local farm or a fake pumpkin you find at a store, pumpkins of all sizes, colors, and styles brighten up a home.

Light Your Home with Candles

Dimming the fluorescents and brightening your home with a few candles immediately adds warmth to your home. Using scented candles that smell like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, and bonfires bring in an extra touch of autumn.

Enrich Your Table Decor

Simply switching out your usual dinnerware for goblets and glasses with reds, ambers, and gold accents will bring in the colorful accents found from fallen leaves. Take it a step further by adding a new table runner, moody dinner napkins, and a festive centerpiece.

Texturize with Tartan

Tartan may be just as quintessential as pumpkins are. Bringing in tartan throws, pillows, and tablecloths immediately wraps you in warmth. Those tartan throws are also perfect for spending those brisk afternoons outside enjoying a hot mug of coffee, cocoa, or apple cider.

Strategically Place Straw Bales

Straw bales with a few pumpkins and decorations sitting atop of them can transport people from your front porch to a pumpkin patch. The charming decorations are a great way to welcome guests on your front porch, cozy up the areas around your fireplace, and can double as extra seating on your back patio.

“Show Your Doors, Walls, and Windows Some R-E-S-P-E-C-T” – A-WREATH-a Franklin

That was our creative way of saying that wreaths are a great way to liven up a plain wall, door, or window. You can go for a classic twine wreath with leaves and flowers on it or bring in a personal touch and add a little flair.

We hope these fall decor ideas have spurred some designs to transform your home. If you have any other ideas on how to decorate for the season, we’d love to hear them. Contact the David Morris Group for more recommendations and insights into the real estate market. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

How to Spend Spooktober in Reno

October 5, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

When October starts, every bump in the night makes you wonder if a witch is taking an evening flight. It’s a time for ghost stories, “Monster Mash” dance parties, and maybe even a few movies starring Jason Voorhees. There are so many things to do and different ways to spend Spooktober in Reno. Check out some of our favorite local fall hot spots.

Sierra Safari Zoo

Every weekend in October is Boo at the Zoo. There will be kid-friendly activities like a slide, hay maze, petting zoo, and more. Pro tip: Check out the Spookaroo at the Zoo event on October 30 and 31.

Adelin Family Farms

The family-friendly corn maze, pony/horse rides, pumpkin patch, and U-Pick sunflowers make the Fall Harvest Festival a must-visit, but the Corn Creepers Haunted Attraction and Zombie Paintball make Adelin Family Farms the perfect destination to get into the Halloween spirit.

PumpkinPalooza

Want a little adventure and an activity the whole family can get in on? Check out the Purple Pumpkin Pursuit presented by PumpkinPalooza. Register to receive a special Halloween-themed kit that comes with goodies and clues to help you solve the riddles, find the pumpkins around town, and win a great prize.

West Wind Drive-In

13 Nights of Fright is taking place October 19-31. West Wind Drive-In will be showing family-friendly Halloween flicks as well as some classic horror films. Take your family movie night to the drive-in!

Virginia City

As a city that wears its hauntings as a badge of honor, it would only make sense that they would go all out for Halloween. The month-long celebration is called Hauntober, and there are ghost tours, train rides, and more to enjoy.

Ferrari Farms

The Fall Festival at Ferrari Farms has everything you could ask for. From farm animals to visit to hayrides to hop on to zombie paintball to try, there’s no way your family can leave without smiles on your faces.

Have a fun and festive Spooktober in Reno! If you need more great recommendations on how to spend the month or have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Which Countertop Should I Choose?

September 29, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most common rooms that homeowners decide to renovate. Besides choosing fixtures, accessories, and appliances, you’ll also have to choose the countertops you’ll tie into the design. Below are some common and popular types of countertops you can pick and what you should know about them.

Quartz Countertops

These countertops are engineered from natural quartz and combined with a resin binder. This stone is nonporous, incredibly hard, and never needs to be resealed.

Granite Countertops

The natural stone has great durability and is available in a range of dark and light colors with variations of all kinds. They can be cut with different edges, require very little maintenance, and are easy to take care of. To clean your countertops, you’ll only need soap and water, and granite is heat-resistant, so cooking is a breeze.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops have become more popular, but they are prone to cracking. Repairing cracked concrete is relatively simple, but it can take up to 28 days for concrete to dry and settle.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a softer natural stone that draws the eye, but it can be scratched if you cut directly on it. Because marble is porous, it’s easy to stain, so sealing your countertops regularly is crucial to its longevity.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is known for being very low maintenance and nonporous, so it is stain-resistant, bacteria-resistant, and heat-resistant. It’s recommended that homeowners oil the countertop once a month for the first year to allow the surface to oxidize and allow the patina to develop.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block is made from pieces of wood that are bonded to form a larger slab. They can be sealed or unsealed, but unsealed butcher block countertops must be oiled twice a year. Butcher block is also very porous, so spills need to be cleaned up quickly to avoid staining the wood.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are very popular in homes constructed in the 80s and 90s, but they’re making a comeback with newer designs that look like more expensive materials. Laminate is nonporous, so it won’t absorb bacteria, never needs resealing, and is easy to clean.

It’s important to choose countertops that fit your lifestyle as well as your home design. If you need more great recommendations or have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Fall Activities to Make the Season Special

September 14, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Leaves changing colors, a slight nip in the air, and pumpkins spotted everywhere — that’s right, we’re talking about fall. It’s a season full of holidays, time well spent with loved ones, and outdoor fun. This year, there are some great fall activities to make the season special!

Carve and decorate pumpkins.
Explore a corn maze.
Plan a getaway trip.
Curl up with a good book.
Attend a harvest or fall festival.
Take family photos for your holiday cards.
Start planning your Halloween costume.
Sample beers and brats at your own Oktoberfest event.
Plant fall flowers.
Go for a hayride.
Visit a haunted house or create your own.
Make a pecan, pumpkin, or apple pie.
Decorate your home for fall or for the fall holidays.
Go for a drive to check out the leaves changing colors.
Go on a hike and soak up the cooler afternoons.
Have a horror movie marathon or binge on your favorite Halloween/fall classics.
Try out a new soup recipe.
Go apple picking and make candy apples.
Donate old sweaters, blankets, and boots.
Have a chili cook-off.
Play or watch football.
Warm up by the fire.
Sample a few hard ciders or cozy up with a hot mug of apple cider.
Visit a farmers market to pick up seasonal fruits and veggies.
Take a ghost tour and share ghost stories.
Go wine tasting.
Roast pumpkin seeds.
Tackle a fall craft project. Fall is the perfect time to pick up knitting or crocheting!
Jot down what you’re thankful for and share them on Thanksgiving.
Rake together a pile of leaves, then leap into it.
Have a driveway tailgate.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Have a picnic.
Have a fall-centric scavenger hunt.
Have a sack race.
Make a scarecrow.
Have a neighborhood costume parade.
Make Halloween and Thanksgiving cards.
Use the toilet paper you stocked up on to turn your family into mummies.
Collect pine cones to decorate a mantle or tabletop.

We hope you check out all of the fall activities to make the season special, and be sure to share your favorites with us! If you need more great recommendations or have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Reno’s Favorite Food Trucks

September 7, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

If you’re missing Food Truck Fridays and wanting to reminisce on some of Reno’s favorite food trucks, you’re not alone. We’ve put together a list of some of the best food trucks to check out.

Paisan’s Old World Deli & Catering – Sandwiches, tacos, and pasta dishes make this food truck the perfect lunch spot. Check here for there current food truck location or visit their restaurant location at 6550 Longley Ln, Suite 110.
The Fix Falafel – This food truck is serving up tasty treats that are 100% vegan. They’re specializing in falafel and hand-cut fries! For updates on where they’ll be serving up their food, follow them on Instagram.
Java Ship Coffee – This mobile vegan beverage and dessert trailer serves a wide variety of locally roasted and organic espresso drinks, organic teas, and more. Check their Facebook page for updates on where they’re located.
Fuego Habanero – Taco trucks were the first ones to make food trucks so popular, and Fuego Habanero is known for its tacos and burritos.
Kika’s All Kine Grindz – Serving up authentic Island style BBQ and Hawaiian cuisine, Kika’s All Kine Grindz is bringing the aloha spirit to Reno.
Slater’s Ding-a-Wing – The award-winning wings have been a staple of Wingfest, and they continue to shake up the community with their wings, tenders, and sauces. Be sure to follow their journey on Facebook.
Big Blue Q of Tahoe – One of a kind menus with locally sourced produce and the freshest ingredients means food that is exceptional in taste. They can be found around town and are also available for catering, events, and private dinings. See where they’ll be next on Facebook.
Codfather – With a love for fish and chips and serving the people of Reno, the Codfather was born. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy fresh seafood, check out where the Codfather will be next on their Facebook page.

Food trucks are ingrained in Reno’s culture and the events that call these local traveling eateries to us draw a lot of people together. While we’re missing Food Truck Fridays, there are still so many ways you can support your favorite food trucks and the Reno community.

If you have questions about Reno’s culture, the local real estate market, or what we love about Reno, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.