best sparks realtor | David Morris Group

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.

The Latest Construction Projects Around Reno and Sparks

December 17, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Just as many of us have been using the time at home to build new skills, take on new projects, and think outside the box, the city of Reno has been doing the same. The future of Reno looks bright, and it’s partly because of some exciting developments that are on the horizon. Check out the latest construction projects around Reno and Sparks.

Reno City Center

The former Harrah’s casino is a part of a new project to turn downtown Reno into a place where live, work, and play culminate perfectly. The west tower isn’t slated to wrap for another two years, but when finished, it will include apartments, retail space, and public green space.

Keystone Commons

With financing secured, Keystone Commons has begun rolling forward on construction for the parking garage, four-story apartment building, and retail space. Some of the brands that have leased space in the upcoming development include In-N-Out Burger and Starbucks.

The Oddie District

The former Lowe’s building in Sparks is currently the site for a $30 million work-live development. It will feature 40,000 square feet set aside for a maker space component and 60,000 square feet set aside for “flex-tech” spaces that can double as living quarters. The massive project has also set aside 9,000 square feet for small businesses, 10,000 square feet for restaurants, and 8,000 square feet for a brewery/distillery.

Swope Middle School

In an effort to help alleviate any overcrowding, Swope Middle School is undergoing some construction to add a new gym, new classrooms, and new HVAC systems throughout the school. Construction is expected to finish by 2022.

T3

There’s some new momentum to report for the T3 development. Permits for a five-story apartment complex and a five-story parking garage have been submitted. There are also plans for retail and green space, but progress hasn’t started on those projects yet. With a completion date in 2023, this development will be one to watch out for in the coming years.

If you’re curious about any of the latest construction projects around Reno and Sparks 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.

The Benefits of Selling Your Home in the Winter

December 3, 2020/in Reno Neighborhoods, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

The spring and summer have been referred to as a hot buying season, which means that many people will wait until March to begin the process of selling their home. If you’re considering selling your home, and you think now isn’t the right time, we can assure you that there are great benefits to selling your home in the winter compared to the other seasons.

Less Inventory

With fewer homes on the market, there’s less competition for you and more competition for buyers. The buyer competition can lead to some great things for you, like quick closings, offers above asking price, and all-cash offers!

Motivated Buyers

The buyers that are actively searching for homes in the winter months are serious buyers and more likely to go through with the transaction, lowering your risk of having people back out of the deal at the last minute.

Improved Curb Appeal

The winter months call for holiday decorations, festive lights, and even a light dusting of snow. Getting to see the home and the neighborhood decked out for the holidays puts buyers in a better mindset and allows them to visualize themselves spending the holidays in the home and the area with their loved ones.

Relocators are Moving

As the end of the year nears, many people take it as a time to begin making changes and a fresh start. People may be looking to start the new year in a new location and in a new job. With a lower cost of living, tax breaks, and a higher quality of life, Reno is where many people from neighboring large cities are setting their sights, especially in the work-from-home era we’re experiencing.

Home Improvement Season is Slow

Winter is generally the slow season for contractors and inspectors, making it the perfect time to begin tackling home improvement projects you’d like to do before selling or your buyers would like to do before they move in.

Don’t overlook the winter real estate market. If you have any questions about selling your home or about the current market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

What You Can Expect From the Beautiful Caughlin Ranch Community

November 23, 2020/in Reno Neighborhoods /by Shauna Morris

Just south of the Truckee River lies a beautifully master-planned community that borders the Toiyabe National Forest. With a fun history in the community and the original Caughlin farmhouse still standing on Mayberry Drive, Caughlin Ranch continues to draw in residents of the Reno area.

Natural Resources

Caughlin Ranch is known for working hard to save natural resources and putting them to great use for the community. As you drive through the neighborhood you’ll find ponds that collect water, a Cottonwood tree that was saved during the development of the community, 1,200 acres of open land, and over 20 miles of trails.

Homes

No matter which type of home you’re drawn to or what your budget is, Caughlin Ranch has something for you. You’ll find condos, newer construction homes, and there are even a few custom home lots available for anyone looking to build their dream home on a great piece of land. You’ll also find one of the premier gated luxury neighborhoods in Northern Nevada right here in Caughlin Ranch.

Amenities

Located in the heart of Caughlin Ranch is the Caughlin Club which offers fitness classes, tennis courts, a year-round pool, gym, boxing studio, dance classes, massages, and more. Caughlin Ranch’s superb location also puts residents close to Scolari’s grocery and a variety of local businesses and professional services. For those commuting to downtown Reno, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s only a 15-20 minute drive to your destination.

Schools

Schools serving the students in the Caughlin Ranch community include Caughlin Ranch Elementary School, Roy Gomm Elementary School, Swope Middle School, and Reno High School — all a part of the Washoe County School District. Also, just outside of Caughlin Ranch are the private schools Sage Ridge and Bishop Manogue.

Caughlin Ranch continues to be a sought-after community for Reno residents to call home. If you have any questions about what we love about the community or which homes in the neighborhood are currently on the market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. 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.

New Reno Restaurants to Get Excited About

November 12, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

While you’re checking out the best turkey recipes and trying to decide which side dishes to add to your holiday menu, you may be working up an appetite or in need of a new place to try when you get tired of eating your leftovers. Luckily, there are some great new Reno restaurants to get excited about and try out.

Ding Tea

2900 Clearacre Lane, suite U-1
The Taiwanese bubble tea cafe offers a wide variety of milk teas with great taste. With a great selection and a beautiful presentation, Ding Tea has a lot of residents excited about their opening.

Dream Tacos & Cantina

180 W. Peckham Lane, suite 1110
The reviews are in, and Reno residents are talking about how good the street tacos are, specifically the al pastor street tacos, from Dream Tacos & Cantina. A friendly staff and scratch-made taco shells have put this place on our list of restaurants to give a try.

Isla De Manila

1575 Vassar St.
If you’re hoping to enjoy some Filipino comfort food or try delicacies that you may not have heard about, you’ll want to check out Isla De Manila. The chicken adobo, inasal chicken marinated in citrus, and beef kare-kare stew are just a few of the big menu staples to try.

The Office of Hughes and Porter Bar & Lounge

248 W. First St.
The Jungle Vino bar has gotten a complete revamp. The menu features a variety of handcrafted cocktails and a wine selection stretching the globe. As you sip on your favorite cocktails, be sure to check out some of the snacks and small bites. The Office of Hughes and Porter Bar & Lounge is the perfect happy hour setting.

Pasta Fresca

6135 Lakeside Drive, suite 138
The homemade pastas and pasta sauces are what this Italian restaurant are known for, but they also appeal to organic, vegan, and gluten-free diners with their wide variety of menu options. Pasta Fresca also has salads, desserts, breads made in-house, Italian imported meats and cheeses, and cappuccinos.

R Town Pizza

180 W. Peckham Lane, suite 1100
The Detroit-style pizza, craft beer and cocktails, and ice cream sandwiches have made this a highly anticipated new Reno restaurant to check out. R Town Pizza will have a variety of toppings and styles to choose from.

Tandem Chocolates

7111 S. Virginia St., suite A15
The custom confections and delicious chocolates will soon be ready for purchase at this dessert haven. If you have a sweet tooth or a love for award-winning bonbons, check out Tandem Chocolates.

Remember that carbs don’t count around the holidays. Be sure to make all of your favorite foods without guilt and check out these new Reno restaurants when you don’t feel like cooking. If you have any questions about the new businesses hitting the community or which homes are currently on the market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

5 Reasons to Call Reno Home

November 6, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Reno continues to be a popular destination for people looking to buy a home. As a vibrant city with unlimited opportunities and potential, the area continues to see growth while keeping the charm that it’s known for. Check out some of the reasons to call Reno home.

1. A Great Location

Location is crucial in real estate, and being located in an area that is near so many cities makes Reno perfect for those that like to be close to the action. In fact, from Reno, it’s roughly a

45-minute drive to Lake Tahoe.
1-hour flight to Las Vegas.
2-hour drive to Sacramento.
3.5-hour drive to San Francisco.

2. Affordable + Tax Benefits

Buying a home in Reno is more affordable than in many large cities, especially when compared to the California market. As a bonus, Nevada is one of the most tax-friendly states in the U.S. There is no state income tax, low property taxes, and no inheritance tax.

3. Outdoor Activities

With proximity to one of the most beautiful lakes, Reno residents can enjoy beach days and a variety of water activities. There are also great places to hike, bike, run, and climb. The highest concentration of world-class ski resorts in the country are located in the Reno area, so come the winter months, you have a variety of places to go to hit the slopes. Be a thrill-seeker and go camping, snowboarding, paddle boarding, boating, golfing, climbing, horseback riding, and more.

4. Beautiful Seasons

Reno residents get to experience what a true spring, summer, fall, and winter are like. You’ll have spring showers, hot days, leaves that change colors, and the occasional snow day.

5. Amazing Food, Entertainment, and Events

If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll love Reno. There are all kinds of eateries, bars, breweries, food trucks, cafes, and more serving up a variety of cuisine and drinks. As a 24-hour city, there’s always something to do. Catch a game, watch a show, head to a concert, or visit the casinos. When it comes to events, Reno is home to Artown, Hot August Nights, the Reno River Festival, the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, the Great Balloon Race, the Reno Rodeo, Burning Man, the Barracuda Championship, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, and plenty more.

Living in Reno comes with benefits that are waiting for you to take advantage of them. The atmosphere, amenities, and affordability are just a few of the reasons to call Reno home. If you have any questions about what we love about the community or which homes are currently on the market, contact the David Morris Group. 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.

Posts