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Settle Down in Somersett

One of the most well-known neighborhoods in Northwest Reno is the master-planned golf community of Somersett. With the gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada foothills outside your door and minutes from the state line, there are a variety of reasons to settle down in Somersett.

Homes

The single-family homes in Somersett range in style, size, and cost. You can find cozy homes in small neighborhood clusters, sprawling gated homes, and custom builds. If you’ve been considering building your own dream home with designs, features, and layouts that work for you, there are still lots available in the Somersett community.

Amenities

For all of your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs, Somersett is a 15-minute drive to Downtown and Midtown Reno. If you’re looking for options closer to home, the Somersett’s Town Square Center and Somersett Country Club have everything you need!

Somersett residents are also close to the Canyon Nine Golf Course, Club at Somersett recreation center, Somersett Golf Country Club, and nearly 30 miles of paved and natural recreation trails. Whether you enjoy golfing, hiking, or biking, Somersett offers everything you need to get you outside and soaking up the fresh Sierra Nevada air. Within a 45-minute drive of Somersett, you’ll have your choice of ski resorts and recreational activities that are common in Tahoe.

Schools

Schools serving the students in Somersett include George Westergard Elementary School, B.D. Billinghurst Middle School, and Robert McQueen High School — all a part of the Washoe County School District.

When it comes to close-knit communities, Somersett is the place to be. They pride themselves on creating strong bonds with neighbors and even have an active Facebook page to keep residents up to date on the latest news, events, and opportunities in the community.

If you’re looking for more information on what it’s like to settle down in Somersett, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Relocation Guide: How Does Reno Stack Up Against San Francisco?

The Bay area draws in creatives, tech geniuses, and entrepreneurs of all kinds. San Francisco continues to be a beacon for those working in various fields, but with large spikes in industries working remotely, it has caused many to look to other cities that may be cheaper and offer a variety of amenities that aren’t offered in San Francisco. So, how does Reno stack up against San Francisco?

Cost Comparison:

The median price of homes sold in January of 2021 was $446,702 in Reno, while the median price of homes sold was $1,745,000 in San Francisco. The median price in Reno is 75% less than that of San Francisco.
It costs 61% less to rent in Reno than in San Francisco.
Costs to register your vehicle are 53% cheaper in Reno.
Transportation costs are 43% more in San Francisco.
Child care costs nearly 20% more in San Francisco.
Auto insurance is 15% cheaper in Reno.
Sales tax is roughly 3% less in Reno than in San Francisco.
Utilities cost 2% more in San Francisco.
Reno has no state income tax.

Commutes:

Commute times for Reno residents averages 20 minutes.
Commute times for San Francisco residents averages 45 minutes.
Average gas price for Reno is $2.77 and $3.23 for San Francisco, making commutes cheaper and faster in Reno.

Reno’s National Rankings in 2020:

#1 Best Small Cities of 2020 – BestCities.org
#4 Best-Performing Cities of 2020 – Milken Institute
#11 Best Places For Business And Careers – Forbes
#17 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America – Niche
#38 Best Places to Live – U.S. News and World Report
Top 100 Best Places to Live – Livability

Reno and San Francisco share a lot in common when it comes to climate. With nearly identical sunny days, Reno only differs from San Francisco in snowfall and colder winter temperatures. On average, Reno has a lower cost of living, shorter commute times, and continuously ranks well in national reports.

The Biggest Little City in the World is expanding and becoming a beacon for city dwellers that don’t want to give up outdoor amenities and close-knit communities for events, attractions, and businesses — Reno has it all in spades!

If you or someone you know is considering relocating to Reno, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share our insights on the city and make it a smooth transition from visitor to resident!

Home Organizing Tips

February 12, 2021/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Soon your social media will be filled with spring cleaning reminders, and it’ll be back to the tidying craze that swept the world after Marie Kondo’s Netflix show was released. We’ve gathered some of our favorite home organizing tips to help you clean away any clutter or mess that you’ve been avoiding.

Drawer Organizers – Messy drawers can have a negative impact on your productivity and can easily accumulate junk you no longer need. Spend some time going through your drawers and invest in some organizers or dividers that will help you keep things separated, and always put things back in the drawer they belong.
Practice the One In, One Out Rule – In order to keep your home from accumulating things you don’t need, use, or wear, make a rule that if you purchase something, it has to replace something else you own. If your kids want to buy a new toy, they have to donate a toy that they no longer play with.
Use Every Inch of Your Cabinets – Your cabinet doors have storage potential. Add small bins to bathroom cabinet doors, and they can be used to store makeup, hair accessories, styling tools, etc. It helps keep everything organized and off of your bathroom counter. You can even do the same thing in your kitchen and use the doors to store spices.
Maximize Fridge and Freezer Space – Boxes can be clunky and take up precious space in your fridge and freezer. Invest in some bins that allow you to store food, stay organized, and help you keep inventory of what your family has and what they need from the grocery store.
Add Floating Shelves to Your Bathroom – The bathroom has limited space, tons of necessities to store, and can cause frustration for many. If you have room, add skinny floating shelves to one side of your bathroom wall that doesn’t take up too much space, but allows you to store things like towels, toilet paper, etc. If you don’t have room for a wall of skinny shelves, install small floating shelves near the bathroom mirror. Those shelves can store your makeup brushes, face washes, lotions, etc. The more you can keep off your bathroom counter, the more organized you’ll feel!
Hang a Towel Bar Near Your Sink or Stove – Towel bars can be the perfect storage solution for the kitchen. With hanging organizers that can be hooked onto the bar and store your most-used spices, as well as S hooks that can be used to hang cooking utensils, measuring cups, or mugs, it’ll keep everything you need at your fingertips.

There are tons of ways to organize your home and utilize every inch of your space. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the clutter in your home, try tackling one area at a time and ask yourself if your current storage techniques are functional or if they could be improved upon.

If you find yourself in need of a home with more square footage or a layout that better fits your home and lifestyle, contact the David Morris Group. We’re here to make sure you have a house you’re happy to come home to. Whether you’re in need of buying or selling advice, we’re always available at (775) 828-3292.

13 of the Best Local Businesses in Reno

February 9, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

In honor of the Reno Loves Local movement and the call to write love letters about your favorite small businesses, we’re sharing some of the best local businesses in Reno that share a special place in our hearts.

TID Systems – They handle IT and security systems and were wonderful to work with. We recently had a client that needed help isolating and solving a problem, and their professionalism and attention to detail surpassed our expectations. A huge thank you to TID Systems.
Lá Mint – With classic Vietnamese dishes, Lá Mint is bringing flavorful food to Reno. The menu has everything from pho to seafood to vegetarian options.
India Kabab & Curry – Try the traditional and contemporary vegan and non-vegan dishes from both North and South India.
Nom Eats – All of the foods you love and grew up eating have been veganized at Nom Eats. Vegan street food may be your new weekly craving.
Office Boss – They are the local go-to resource for packing, shipping, printing, and business service needs. Their customer service is amazing, and they have the absolute best gifts.
Salty-Savory-Sweet: The Spice & Tea Shoppe – If you’re looking for the finest, highest quality ingredients available from all corners of the globe, look no further!
Big Horn Olive Oil Company – These specialty oils and vinegars will have you itching to cook up something delicious at home. They will take your favorite recipes up a notch or five.
Dorinda’s Chocolates – Indulge in award-winning chocolates that are all-natural and hand-made. They even have rolled ice cream for you to enjoy!
Micano Home and Garden – If you’re in need of some unique home decor that is locally sourced, made in-house, or a regional furniture piece, Micano is where you need to go. They even do custom orders, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, be sure to ask if they can make it for you.
Perenn Bakery – If you haven’t had the cinnamon rolls at Perenn Bakery, you haven’t lived. They even offer bake-at-home croissants and croissant cinnamon rolls!
The Niche – This boutique offers exclusive clothing, one-of-a-kind home accessories, and cutting edge gifts. Be sure to keep checking out their new inventory.
The Nest – It may be a small vintage store, but my oh my, the heart of the owner and the vision for the business is mighty! You’re sure to find some great forgotten treasures here.
The Basement – The Basement showcases what Reno is all about — a collaboration between entrepreneurs, bringing creative retail and food options to residents. The vendors include Beautiful Bearded Man, Escape, Global Coffee, Micah Blank Jewelry, NØRDIK, and Seven Troughs Distilling Company.

Remember to do what you can to support small businesses, whether that’s buying from them, recommending them to friends and family, or sharing a review. If you have any local businesses you’re fond of, be sure to tell us about them, and if you ever have questions about buying or selling a home, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

How to Spend Your Valentine’s Day in Reno

February 5, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your family, friends, or significant other, there are tons of ways to make it a special occasion. We’ve consulted Cupid to come up with a list of how to spend your Valentine’s Day in Reno.

Valentine’s Day with Family

Valentine’s Day Creativity Kits – Arts for All released creativity kits that feature three projects for kids to do. They can be used as Valentine’s Day gifts or something that they simply keep for themselves. All art supplies are included in the kit, and they will even have access to videos that help walk your child through the activity.

Valentine’s Day with Significant Other

Valentine’s Day Dining at The Atlantis – Atlantis’ Valentine’s Steak and Seafood Spectacular includes prime rib, bone-in ham with brandy apricot glaze, a salad station, and a Mongolian BBQ grill and pho noodles where guests choose their own ingredients.

Wild River Grille Valentine’s Day Dinner – Wild River Grille is offering a dine-in 5-course prix fixe menu and a takeout 3-course prix fixe menu Valentine’s Day Dinner. Each dinner comes with a complimentary red rose and a glass of champagne.

Valentine’s Day Dining at The Row – The Roxy and La Strada are both offering special dine-in Valentine’s Day dinner menus. The Roxy is offering a choice between sea bass and beef wellington for the entree, as well as a few starters and desserts. La Strada’s Valentine’s Day menu features a baby spinach salad, artichoke ravioli, veal tenderloin “Oscar,” and black truffle chocolate gelato.

Valentine’s Day with Friends

Galentine’s Day Jewelry Making Party – In this virtual workshop, you’ll design your own jewelry using a variety of beads and charms. Each participant can make two necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.

Take a Virtual Mixology Class – Make the most of your Valentine’s Day with friends by taking a virtual mixology class to learn how to create your very own delicious cocktails.

Take a Yoga Class – Take a little time for yourself and spend the day relaxing with friends. There are a variety of yoga classes available on Valentine’s Day. The Studio, Yoga Pod, and The Temple are all great places to check out.

There are some great ways to make Valentine’s Day in Reno special. Have a great holiday, and make sure you let your loved ones know how important they are to you. Be sure to share how you spent your Valentine’s Day weekend with us on social media by tagging @davidmorrisgroup, and if you have questions about the real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate: Understanding the Home Appraisal Process and Why It’s an Important Step in Purchasing Your First Home

January 27, 2021/in Reality of Real Estate, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Buying a home is a lengthy process with several steps to complete before being handed the keys to your new adventure. One of the key components of the transaction is the home appraisal. Let’s take a leap towards understanding the home appraisal process and why it’s an important step in purchasing your first home.

What is a home appraisal?

An appraisal is a professional and unbiased assessment of what your home is worth. As a buyer, you want the appraiser to find that the contract price you and the seller have agreed upon is appropriate. The lender wants to know if you’re asking to borrow more money than what the home is worth.

What is factored into the appraisal value?

The appraiser will look into several factors to determine the value of the home. Some of the factors include:

Recent sales of similar properties
Current market trends
Amenities of the home
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Functionality of floor plan
Square footage

The appraiser will also have to fill out a report that includes things like:

A street map with the appraised value and the other home sales data used
Sketch/photos of the home’s exterior
Square footage calculation and explanation
Photos of the front of homes used to compare sales price data

Who orders and pays for the appraisal?

Because the appraisal is meant to protect the lender in the case that the borrower cannot pay back the loan and the home would be sold to get the lender their money back, the lender usually initiates ordering the appraisal. The appraisal cost can vary but is usually a couple of hundred dollars and is a fee that the buyer must bear.

Where does the home appraisal fall in the home buying process?

The home appraisal is usually one of the first steps in the closing process and is done when you’ve entered the under contract stage of the home buying process. If the appraisal comes in at or below the agreed-upon contract price, you can move on to the next step in the process, but if the appraisal is below the price you agreed upon, there may be further steps you need to take.

The appraisal process is an important step, and it can even be a great negotiation tool if the appraiser values the home at a lower price than the agreed-upon contract price, but it can also be a factor that makes a deal fall through. Be prepared for what the appraisal will find, and let your REALTOR® help guide you through the process. If you have questions about what else you should expect when purchasing your first home, contact the David Morris Group at 775-828-3292. We’re happy to share our knowledge and skills to help you become a homeowner.

21 Things To Do In 2021

January 22, 2021/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

With the first month of the year almost over, we’re still thinking about all of the possibilities 2021 holds. It’s not easy to predict what the year has in store, but it shouldn’t keep you from making a list of things to do before the year is up. Check out some ideas on things to do in 2021.

Cook a cuisine from a different country once a month.
Make an art piece that can hang on your walls.
Create your own signature cocktail or mocktail.
Rearrange the furniture in your home.
Give one room in your home a complete makeover.
Clean up your computer and phone. Make sure everything you want to save is backed up and get rid of anything that’s just taking up space.
Do a social media cleanse and stay off of all platforms for one week.
Follow through with a recommendation a friend gives you – If someone recommends a book, TV show, movie, or podcast, try it out!
Try to learn a new language. There are even free apps out there to help you learn!
Do something kind for a stranger.
Start your day off with some gratitude by listing out the things you’re most grateful for each morning.
Try a local business you’ve never visited before.
Plan a mini road trip.
Put together a playlist every month of music that matched your mood or mindset during that time, then at the end of the year, put it into your very own 2021 playlist.
Go geocaching.
Pretend to be a tourist in Reno and visit the places, restaurants, and bars that are recommended.
Learn about local nonprofits and see how you can help at least one of them this year.
Take a personal day when you’re feeling overwhelmed and drained. It can be the refresh you need.
Try something you’ve pinned on Pinterest or seen on social media that you thought was cool.
Start a side hustle that you can earn a few extra dollars with.
Join a club or start one that allows you to connect with people who are interested in the same things as you.

These 21 things to do in 2021 are just a jumping-off point for all of the things you can do in a year. The possibilities are endless, and if you have buying or selling a home to your list of things to do in 2021, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292. We’d be honored to help!

Could You Be the Next Copper Knolls Resident?

January 18, 2021/in Reno Neighborhoods, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Located in the Somersett area lies the picturesque neighborhood of Copper Knolls. With beautiful mountains surrounding the community, each home has a dazzling view to offer residents. The gorgeous scenery is but one of the things to love about the charming community of Copper Knolls.

Homes

Single-family homes in the Copper Knolls area average about 2,156 to 2,899 square feet and feature two to four bedrooms. As a community that was built in the early 2000s, it’s a newer development in the Reno area. Homes are located between the Somersett West Park and the Somersett East Park on lots that range from 0.19 to 0.37 acres.

Amenities

Just minutes from the Copper Knolls neighborhood lies the Somersett Golf and Country Club, where residents can enjoy many amenities and a panoramic view. The nearby parks also offer the neighborhood a ton of green space to explore as well as basketball courts, a playground, and picnic areas.

For anyone looking to explore the boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Downtown Reno, Copper Knolls is just under 10 miles away. That also means that anyone commuting to Downtown Reno for work only has a 15-minute drive.

Schools

Schools serving the students in Copper Knolls include George Westergard Elementary School, B.D. Billinghurst Middle School, and Robert McQueen High School — all a part of the Washoe County School District. The public charter school, Coral Academy of Science, offers an alternative to the Washoe County School District.

Copper Knolls is a tight-knit community that Reno residents love 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.

The Reality of Real Estate: Common Home Repairs Homeowners Face and the Essential Tools to Have on Hand

January 12, 2021/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

One of the biggest differences between being a homeowner and being a renter is that homeowners are responsible for taking care of any maintenance issues that may come up themselves. As a first-time homebuyer, it’s important to know the common home repairs homeowners face and the essential tools to have on hand to fix them.

Common Home Repairs

In your time as a homeowner, it’s likely that you’ll deal with:

Leaky faucets – Leaky faucets are very common, yet usually an easy fix. If leaky faucets are left, they can have some big impacts on your water bill.
Window and door drafts – Every other season, you’ll want to locate any drafts and properly seal them. Taking care of drafts will keep utility bills low.
Loose screws – Doorknobs and furniture get a lot of use, allowing screws to loosen.
Squeaky doors – As moisture and debris add wear and tear to door hinges, you may notice some squeaking. A lubricant spray can keep those hinges quiet.
Indoor air filter changes – Air filters typically last about three months before they need to be changed. Changing the air filter regularly keeps the air in your home rid of dust, dander, and odor.
Leaky pipes – If you think you may have a leak in a pipe, run a test. You may find that it’s in an area you can access easily and a simple fix, but treat it quickly, because it can cause bigger problems and repairs in your home.
Garbage disposal trouble – Know what you should and should not throw down the garbage disposal to increase the life expectancy of the disposal in your home. If you do run into trouble, it’s relatively easy to replace your garbage disposal.
Running toilet – Toilet repairs are often thought to be complicated, but they are usually pretty easy to fix.
Nail pops – As your home shifts, the drywall nails may start to protrude, causing the paint to “pop” out or bubble slightly.
Cracking caulk or grout – Multiple uses in the bathroom and kitchen can cause caulking and tile grout to fade and crack. Adding new caulk and grout is an easy fix.

Many of these home repairs can be fixed without calling a professional, but you need to make sure your toolkit is stocked with what you’ll need should a repair spring up.

Essential Tools to Have On Hand

Tape measure
Plunger
Hammer
Level
Pliers
Wrenches and hex keys
Multi-bit screwdriver
Nails
Screws
Caulking gun and caulk
Electrical tape, duct tape, and painter’s tape
Lubricant spray

If you’re equipped with a great toolbox and have access to how-to videos, home repairs can be a cinch to take care of. Now that you know the common home repairs homeowners face and the essential tools to have on hand, you’re more prepared to be a homeowner. If you’re interested in the tools we have in our toolbelt to help first-time homebuyers purchase the right home, contact the David Morris Group at 775-828-3292. We’re happy to share our knowledge and skills to help you become a homeowner.

Reno Loves Local

January 8, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Reno has always been a community that bands together in tough times and finds new ways to help one another. With that spirit in mind, several organizations and agencies around the area have come up with the “Reno Loves Local” movement.

The idea behind the movement is to encourage citizens to shop local and do what they can to support small businesses. There’s even a Reno Local Pledge that residents can take to “visit at least one Reno business each week,” as their budget allows. The hope is that everyone will think about local businesses and making buying decisions that support the local economy before thinking about big brand stores.

For those that are not financially able to make a purchase from local businesses, there are other ways to help! The Reno Loves Local Instagram page outlines other ways to help your favorite small businesses, including: writing a review on any of their platforms (Yelp, Facebook, Google My Business, TripAdvisor), signing up for their email newsletter, and following the businesses on social media and showing them a little love.

The list doesn’t stop there. Reno Loves Local is also asking community members to write a Reno love letter in order to help the businesses win life-changing prizes and giveaways. Two businesses with the most love letters written about them will win a business development package, and $1,000 in gift cards will be purchased from the business and donated to local heroes.

Some of the local businesses that have been featured include:

For more information on the Reno Loves Local movement, check out the news story they were featured in here, and follow their journey on Instagram. Take the pledge, do what you can to help your favorite local businesses, and discover new businesses.

Reno will always overcome trying times and find new ways to thrive — it’s what we love about calling the Biggest Little City home. If there’s anything we can do for you, or if you simply have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

Posts

Settle Down in Somersett

Homes

Amenities

Schools

Relocation Guide: How Does Reno Stack Up Against San Francisco?

Cost Comparison:

Commutes:

Reno’s National Rankings in 2020:

Home Organizing Tips

13 of the Best Local Businesses in Reno

How to Spend Your Valentine’s Day in Reno

Valentine’s Day with Family

Valentine’s Day with Significant Other

Valentine’s Day with Friends

The Reality of Real Estate: Understanding the Home Appraisal Process and Why It’s an Important Step in Purchasing Your First Home

What is a home appraisal?

What is factored into the appraisal value?

Who orders and pays for the appraisal?

Where does the home appraisal fall in the home buying process?

Could You Be the Next Copper Knolls Resident?

Homes

Amenities

Schools

Reno Loves Local

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