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It’s Not Easy Being Green

March 1, 2022/in Reno Events /by Shauna Morris

On March 17th – if it’s not green, it’s not happenin’! In the United States, the festivities surrounding St. Patrick’s Day include all things green – green clothes, green party décor, and, of course, green beer. Today all it takes to make an emerald ale is just a couple of drops of food coloring, but a century ago, when Americans first hailed the green brew, the ingredients were a wee bit toxic! The first introduction to green beer happened in New York City around 1914, and as the story goes, a club owner wanted to make his St. Patty’s party more festive by making everything he served the color of the lucky Irish – including his hops. However, the secret ingredient to his green concoction was just as shocking to his partygoers as the color of the drink itself. He used an iron-based laundry whitener called “Wash Blue” to turn the drinks green, and as he assured his patrons there wasn’t enough detergent to cause them harm, their concerns seemed to lessen with every emerald sip! Luckily he was right, and not only did his guests live to die another day, but the colorful tradition that this bar owner came up with was here to stay!

If you’re looking to go out and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, Reno, Sparks, and the Lake Tahoe area all have Irish pubs where you can enjoy the day in style. You’ll find Irish food and drinks, live music, Irish dancers, and maybe even bagpipers, depending on where you go.

Irish Pubs and Bars in Reno	Irish Pubs and Bars in Sparks
Ryan’s Saloon and Broiler	O’Skis Pub & Grille
Lucke’s Saloon	Paddy and Irene’s Irish Pub
Shea’s Tavern
Shenanigan’s Olde English Pub	Irish Pubs and Bars at Lake Tahoe
Ole Bridge Pub	Auld Dubliner Irish Pub Palisades Tahoe
Filthy McNasty’s Irish Bar	McP’s Taphouse Grill

Be sure to contact the venue before March 17th to confirm their hours of operation and COVID considerations.

No matter the color of your beer this St. Patrick’s Day, remember to drink responsibly! The RTC is marking its 18th year of providing its FREE Safe RIDE Program to help people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day responsibly.

If you’d like more insight on what to do around Reno, or want to chat about the current fast-moving real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

Reno Neon Line District and Workforce Housing

February 18, 2022/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

For years, West 4th Street has been falling to the wayside and begging to be fixed up. However, developer, owner, and operator of Jacobs Entertainment, Jeff Jacobs, has a bigger vision than just a renovation or two. Jeff Jacobs’ proposal of The Neon Line District in Downtown Reno is a dynamic, mixed-use entertainment district. This area will include the expansion, renovation, and rebranding of the Sands Regency Casino Hotel, world-class art – including sculptures formerly at the Burning Man festival, and an array of commercial, retail, plaza, green space, convention, and entertainment venues. The development has been in the works since 2019 and is likely the most extensive project Downtown Reno has seen in decades.

The newest buzz around this development is the offer Jeff Jacobs made to City Council to help address the city’s housing affordability crisis. He proposes building 1,000 new affordable workforce housing units but has asked the city to contribute to the deal. Jacobs said his company would contribute land valued at $15 million to the Reno Housing Authority for workforce housing to start about 850 units. He is asking the city to offer additional land for 1,000 affordable housing units. “The idea is teachers, clerks, employees in the casinos who want to live downtown, who work downtown,” said Jacobs. “This gives them an opportunity.” If this proposal works, it would be the most significant housing initiative this region has ever seen from the Reno Housing Authority.

Jeff hopes that when the Neon Line District is complete, it will have as many as 3,000 total housing units, but the City Council has either not made a decision or is not yet ready to announce what the decision may be. The Mayor is quoted as being “definitely interested in an affordable housing partnership.” The idea of having over 2,000 units of affordable housing for Reno’s downtown workforce is exciting and puts a whole new spin on the Mayor’s 1,000 Homes initiative!.

The Reno retail market was hard hit overall by the pandemic, with lower-income workers at the top of the list. While retail demand has rebounded this year, the city could use a win. The Neon Line District might be exactly what Reno needs to revitalize downtown and turn this area back into a walkable destination with bustling businesses and busy sidewalks.

Photo of Neon Line District map (Courtesy: Jacobs Entertainment)

The Benefits of Homebuyers Putting 20% Down

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

If 2022 is the year to buy a home, congratulations on starting the homebuying journey! Part of the journey, and a large part of it, is assessing finances. One financial aspect homeowners go back and forth between is how much to pay in the down payment. Here are four reasons why homebuyers benefit when they put down 20% for their new home:

Benefit #1: Lower Interest Rate

When you put down a higher down payment, you’re proving to your mortgage lender that you are financially stable and are not a risk. Plus, when you combine a large down payment with a good credit score, the piece that proves you can handle debt, the more confident your lender will be in your ability to pay back the loan. When your lender feels secure in your financial abilities to pay off the loan, they’re more likely to give you a better interest rate.

Benefit #2: Pay Less Money

The more you put down means a smaller loan amount, which also means a cheaper monthly mortgage payment. When you put down 20% of the cost of the new home, you’re only responsible for the remaining 80%. If you put down less than 20%, such as 3-5%, as most homeowners do, the remaining percentage is added to your loan and will gain interest over time. Plus, most lenders require private mortgage insurance when a homebuyer doesn’t put down 20%. This is a fee to protect the lender, not you. This will cost you more money over the lifetime of your home loan.

Benefit #3: You Stand Out Against Competition

In a fast-moving real estate market like ours with limited homes on the market, it’s causing buyers to compete against each other. A way to stand out against the competition is a 20% down payment. As we mentioned earlier with the lender, this shows the seller that you are financially stable, which means they’ll have more confidence in you. You are seen as a stronger buyer as your financing is more likely to be approved. And approved financing means closing will happen quicker and easier.

Benefit #4: Not Paying PMI

Remember that private mortgage insurance (PMI) we mentioned earlier? It’s so important it gets its own bullet point! Private mortgage insurance is tacked onto a monthly mortgage payment by lenders when homebuyers put down less than 20%. This fee protects the lender if you cannot pay for your mortgage. A homeowner will pay this fee until they reach 20% equity of their home, then PMI can be canceled. But with PMI and a high-interest rate, it could be a while until 20% equity is reached, so you pay more money over time.

If you need help creating a financial plan to buy a home this year with a 20% down payment (or not, we can help with that too!), contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Benefits of Selling a Home in a Seller’s Market

February 16, 2022/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

The real estate market is not a straight line of absolutes and certainties. There are many moving parts, some directly related to housing, and other indirect consequences of unforeseeable events that affect the supply and demand. While predictions are made each year, the housing market is cyclical, and yes – shift happens! Several factors must be at play for the real estate market to shift from favoring buyers to giving sellers the upper hand, or vice versa. According to fortune.com, “Demand for new homes is at a record high, but the inventory of new homes available is at a record low.” This data means that we are still in a Seller’s Market. A seller’s market occurs when more people are looking to buy with few homes available to purchase. What sort of advantages do sellers have when the demand exceeds the supply?

Less Time on the Market.

A larger number of people looking to buy fewer homes should increase the odds that your home will sell quickly. Homes that have been difficult to sell in the past or that may have been described as “unique” or “well-lived in” will have better odds in a seller’s market. However, it will take more than simply hanging a For Sale sign in your yard. Listing your home still requires a strategy and a plan. You’ll still want to take steps to provide value and attract buyers.

You May Get Multiple Offers.

Rather than feeling pressured to accept a lowball offer (or the only offer), sellers now have the option to look at the highest price and decide from a position of strength.

Seller Concessions are Less Negotiable.

Seller concessions are closing costs, or a percentage of the total closing costs, that the seller agrees to pay to finalize the transaction. Buyers have much less leverage to make requests or demands because sellers can stand their ground knowing they’ll probably receive several offers.

How long does a Seller’s Market last?

So many moving parts impact this question, and it would be great to see into the future to know for sure. The simple answer is that the seller’s market will last as long as demand exceeds supply or until an unforeseeable event shifts the scale. The bottom line is that if you’re thinking about selling and don’t have the time or inclination to haggle with buyers, now is the time!

If you’d like to stay up to date on what’s happening around Reno, follow our blog, and if you have questions about the Reno real estate market, or if you’re ready to list your home contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Relocation Guide: Signs It’s Time to Relocate to Reno

January 27, 2022/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Questioning if you’re in the right place can lead to some distress, especially when you start to think about what moving entails – finding a new home, listing your old home, packing, job security, etc. While we won’t say that moving is ever easy or always the right move, there are some things to be watchful for. Here are a few signs it’s time to relocate to Reno.

Financially Responsible

Prices are increasing everywhere, especially in the real estate market. When you compare the cost of living in California and other metros to the cost of living in Reno, Northern Nevada may help you increase the amount of disposable income you have to spend each month. Consider if the housing, utilities, food, healthcare, education, transportation, etc., are more affordable for you in Reno compared to the costs you face now.

Rewarding Job Opportunities

The pandemic has created some burnout in several industries, and it’s becoming a time of transition. Many are looking to switch jobs, companies, and even career fields. If you’re feeling overworked and underappreciated in your current career, take a look at the job opportunities in Reno. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a growth in tech and manufacturing employment opportunities, Reno businesses are always looking to add to their creative workforces.

Overall Happiness

One complaint can spiral into many. If you’re finding it hard to find the bright side in where you’re currently living, it may be time to move. Your peace of mind and mental health is the most important factor to consider. Your home should be an oasis, a place where you can unwind at the end of the day and create beautiful memories, but if it’s becoming a stress-inducer or if it no longer offers you the space you need, consider new solutions.

Looking to Explore

Many metropolitan areas fall short on open space and outdoor activities available. If you have the heart of an explorer, want to breathe in the fresh air, or have an outdoor hobby, Reno is a great place to be. With tons of hiking and biking trails, an easy commute to Tahoe, and tons of parks and green spaces, you’ll never run out of areas to explore and spend your free time.

Easier Commutes

Are you spending hours in traffic each day? It’s common in cities and suburbs worldwide, but in Reno, you can get practically anywhere around the city in under 20 minutes. Chauffeuring kids to school or heading into the office is shockingly quick. Can you say that about where you’re living now?

Reno is a great place to call home, but we recommend weighing the pros and cons for yourself. These are but some of the signs it’s time to relocate to Reno, but if you’d like to chat about your personal circumstances and what it’s like living in 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!

2022 Home Design Trends

January 24, 2022/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Just as fashion trends change and old styles become fresh and relevant, home trends do the same thing. From paint colors you can expect to see everywhere, plays on different textures, and popular uses for spaces in your home, let’s take a look at 2022 home design trends. You never know if one of these trends could spark some inspiration!

Color Collaborations

The two-tone color combinations you’ve seen gain popularity in kitchen renovations on HGTV are likely to stick around. Use the color wheel to find two colors that are either complementary or provide a nice contrast to allow each color to pop. It’s recommended that the darker color sits below eye level and the lighter color sits higher to create more visual interest without shrinking the feel of a space.

Outdoors Inside

With the increased time spent at home, many are finding ways to bring the outdoor elements inside with wallpapers, bedding, art, and accessories that remind them of plants, flowers, and exotic travel destinations. Colors found in nature are also being used a lot more in home designs. Earthy palettes will continue to be a prominent theme in 2022.

Upcycling Old Pieces

Some designs and furniture bring intense comfort and familiarity, but they don’t always fit a home’s style or needs. Recently, there has been a big push to reuse items in new ways. Marrying the modern with the traditional can come in several forms, like giving old pieces a new coat of paint or stain, reupholstering fabric, and even finding new uses for decor.

Abstract and Artsy

Abstract art and styles are becoming more popular and bringing comfort to a wider audience. As the world becomes filled with more information and individuals face more pressure or uncertainty, abstract pieces allow individuals to focus on how something makes them feel, connect with it in a new way, and escape the influx of words and noise happening inside their heads at any given time.

Sustainable

Eco-friendly materials are becoming increasingly important in homes. A wave of more sustainable textiles is being added to home design trends. Getting rid of some of the more harmful materials, like foam, which is being replaced by things like coconut hair, wool, and feathers, is a priority for designers, creators, and consumers.

2022 will bring some exciting home design trends and insights into the real estate market. If you’d like to stay up to date on what’s happening around Reno, follow our blog, and if you have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Best Music Venues in Reno

January 18, 2022/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Reno has always been known for its nightlife options. No matter the time of day or night, there always seems to be something open and something to do. One of the best parts of the nightlife options is all of the places you can go to enjoy some live music. From some of the biggest names in music to local artists, there are tons of places to enjoy. Check out some of the best music venues in Reno!

1Up

214 W Commercial Row, Reno, NV 89501
The DJs turn up the tunes and make 1Up a fun venue to dance the night away with friends. The intimate layout makes the club atmosphere electric and great to catch some local and nationally recognized talent.

Cargo at Whitney Peak

255 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
Cargo’s music lineup is always changing, which offers you a great opportunity to check out artists you’ve never heard before and ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.

Grand Theatre and LEX at Grand Sierra Resort

2500 E 2nd St, Reno, NV 89595
If you’d like to sit in a comfy chair and be serenaded by amazing talent, check out the concerts, shows, and performances happening at the Grand Theatre. The acoustics will surround you and immerse you in the experience of the show! LEX Nightclub is a great venue to catch DJs and exciting entertainment performers while dancing and drinking in the upscale nightclub experience.

Nugget Event Center

1040 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
With seating for 8,500 guests, the Nugget Event Center is one of the largest event venues in the Reno area. If you’re hoping to catch an outdoor concert, be sure to check out the Nugget Event Center’s lineup.

Reno Events Center

400 N Center St, Reno, NV 89501
The multi-use venue has over 100,000 square feet of useable space for concerts, performances, sporting events, and more. The venue has the ability to house more than 7,000 guests and has a convenient location in downtown Reno. There is no shortage of events to catch at the Reno Events Center.

The Glow Plaza

670 W 4th St, Reno, NV 89503
As the newest event venue to Reno, the Glow Plaza has built a reputation for being the place to be during the summer months. The outdoor music venue not only has live music acts, but food trucks and a full-service bar to keep the atmosphere a fun place to hang out before and after the performances.

Liven up your evenings by catching a concert or performance at some of the best music venues in Reno. And remember, if you’d like to stay up to date on what’s happening around Reno, follow our blog, and if you have questions about the Reno 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: Moving Tips That Will Make Relocating Less Stressful

January 13, 2022/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Moving can be time-consuming and requires a lot of energy to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you plan to pack up and move into a new home sometime this year, be sure to save these moving tips that will make relocating less stressful.

Each member of the household should pack their essentials in an overnight bag. Include a few days worth of clothes, any toiletries needed, and important electronics.
The items that need to be unpacked first should be packed in clear storage containers, so you can see what’s in them and separate them from the sea of cardboard boxes. These items should include the things you’ll need to get into the boxes, important documents, cleaning supplies, etc.
When labeling your boxes, make sure to include what’s in them and which room they go in. Also, be sure to label the boxes on the side, so you can read them when they’re stacked on top of one another.
When packing makeup, add an extra cotton pad or cotton ball in powder products to keep it from breaking during the move.
To reduce the risk of your dishware breaking, pack plates vertically.
Have sandwich bags ready for the small parts and pieces for anything you need to take apart and put back together in your new place. Be sure to label the bags with what the parts are for and which room they go in as well.
Snap a picture of how all of your electronics are connected, so you have something to reference when setting up everything in your new home.
If you’re moving your refrigerator, defrost it at least 24 hours before moving and wipe up any liquid.
If you don’t want to purchase bubble wrap or packing paper, wrap your fragile items in articles of clothing.
If you’re packing chairs, tables, and any other furniture item with legs, use wooden beams to keep them stable. Wrap the piece of furniture in a sturdy cloth or blanket, then criss-cross a pair of beams in the center of the legs. Secure the beams to the legs with lots of packing tape.

There are all kinds of ways you can make moving a little easier on you and everyone in your household. These are our favorite moving tips that will make relocating less stressful, but we’re always here to offer advice. 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!

Where to Have a Snow Play Day

January 7, 2022/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Finding something more fun than a snow day in the Reno-Tahoe area is hard. Check out where to have a snow play day with your loved ones! From the various resorts offering the perfect conditions to ski and snowboard, as well as the trails that you can snowshoe, and the hills that are just begging to be sled down, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

Galena Creek Visitor Center and Recreation Area

(775) 849-4948 – 18250 Mt Rose Hwy, Reno, NV 89511
One of the favorite places to head on a snowy day and just a few miles from South Reno is the Galena Creek Visitor Center and Recreation Area. The hills make great places to slip, slide, and sled, and the trails are often taken over by snowshoers.

North Tahoe Regional Park

(530) 546-4212 – 6600 Donner Rd, Tahoe Vista, CA 96148
Besides offering a child’s sled hill, North Tahoe Regional Park also offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as snowshoe tours and hikes by Tahoe Adventure Company.

Spooner Summit

(775) 831-0494 – Highway 28, Spooner Lake, NV 89703
Bring your own snow equipment and enjoy a winter adventure. The park is also a partner of Nevada Nordic to help bring groomed ski trails to Nevada. Cross-country skiers and snowshoe users are welcome to the Spooner Summit.

Tahoe City Winter Sports Park

(530) 583-1516 – 251 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA 96145
Pack up your family and friends for a day of cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, sledding, and ice skating. Tahoe City Winter Sports Park has it all and is currently accepting reservations.

Tahoe Meadows

Mt Rose Hwy, New Washoe City, NV 89704
The informal slope is one of the best sledding spots in the Tahoe area. The Tahoe Meadows area is a popular spot for sledding and tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Reno Resorts with Snow Play Areas

Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe – (530) 577-4352 – Nebelhorn, Hwy 50 El Dorado Fwy, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96155
Camp Richardson Mountain Sports Center – (530) 542-6584 – 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Granlibakken Sledding & Snow Play Area – (530) 581-7533 – 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Hansen’s Resort Snow Tube and Saucer Hill – (530) 544-3361 – 1360 Ski Run Blvd #8601, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Snow Tubing at Palisades Tahoe – (800) 403-0206 – 1651 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Tahoe Donner Snow Play Area – (530) 587-9437 – 12790 Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee, CA 96161
Tahoe Tubing at Boreal Mountain Resort – (530) 426-3666 – 19749 Boreal Ridge Rd, Soda Springs, CA 95728
Tube Town and Planet Kids at Soda Springs – (530) 426-1010 – 10244 Soda Springs Rd, Soda Springs, CA 95728
Village Ice Skating at Northstar California – (888) 367-5257 – 100 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161

Now that you know where to have a snow play day, be sure to get out and enjoy the winter weather with your loved ones! It’s an inexpensive and fun way to spend an afternoon in the winter.

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

Gen Z Drawn to Reno

January 3, 2022/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

In a recent Gen Z City Index, Reno ranked 6th for the best places for Generation Z or “zoomers” to live. Gen Z covers individuals born between 1997 and 2012. The post-millennial generation is getting ready to head out into the world to make big life decisions. As they enter into adulthood, Reno is becoming a place where the zoomers are setting their sights to carve out their own path.

Gen Z City Index ranked several cities on various factors, including the availability of employment, the median home price, affordability of the area, gender pay gap, diversity, resident resources, and more. The list includes 30 cities, and six California cities cracked the top 10. Reno was able to snag the sixth spot in part due to its perfect score in equality. The study looked at the 2020 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index to weigh how cities handle nondiscrimination laws and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Reno also scored well in gender pay equity. The U.S. Census Bureau found that Reno has a wage gap of 6.88% between men and women, with only three other cities having a smaller pay gap. Reno saw the fifth-highest number of job opportunities, solidifying the city’s ranking as a great place for zoomers to live.

The 2020s will be a time for zoomers to age into adulthood and make their own way. As a college town that scored well in a variety of categories that are increasingly important to Gen Zers as they get older, Reno is likely going to continue to draw in the young adult demographics. With expanding technology and manufacturing job opportunities in Northern Nevada, booming economic activity, and the high quality of life offered to Reno residents, a young, talented, and driven workforce is sure to follow.

We’re excited to see what Generation Z will contribute to the evolving Reno area and how the University of Nevada, Reno will grow to fit the needs of the incoming students. Reno has always been accepting of new generations, new people, and new ideas, so we’re happy to see that Gen Z is so accepting of Reno.