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November Events

November always feels like the true start of the holiday season in Reno. The crisp mornings and the potential for snow to dust the walkways brings some holiday cheer. In between your Thanksgiving preparations, be sure to check out some of the November events happening around town!

November 3 – 14 – Hamilton | Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
November 9 – 13 – International Miniature Bullriding Association World Finals | Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
November 10, 17, 24 – Small Wonder Wednesdays | The Discovery
November 11 – Reno Veterans Day Parade | Downtown Reno
November 13 – Hands ON! Second Saturdays | Nevada Museum of Art
November 13 – Science Saturdays | National Automobile Museum
November 13 – 21 – Washoe County Library Book Sale | Reno Town Mall
November 13, 19, 27 – Wolf Pack Football | Nevada Football Stadium
November 18 – 39 North 3rd Thursday | Victorian Square
November 18 – 21 – Disney On Ice | Reno Events Center
November 19 – Warren Miller’s “Winter Starts Now” | Reno Ballroom
November 19 – 20 – Sky Tavern Ski Swap | 4813 Kietzke Ln
November 19 – 20 – 23rd Annual Fall Fest | Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gym
November 19 – 21 – Jurassic Quest | Reno-Sparks Convention Center
November 19 – December 24 – Polar Express | V&T Railroad
November 20 – Tipsy Turkey Wine Walk | Riverwalk District
November 20 – Holiday Family Arts Festival at Arts for All Nevada | Lake Mansion Arts & Cultural Center
November 25 – Scheel’s Turkey Trot | Sparks Marina
November 25 – Wobble Before You Gobble | Reno City Plaza

This is just the start of the holiday events happening in the Reno-Sparks area. If you need more ideas on what events you can attend throughout November, or if you’d like to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

2021 Ski Resort Opening Dates and Safety Protocols

November 1, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Could your mood use a lift? Well, good news — ski and snowboard season is here! The slopes will be opening soon and your weekends are sure to be full of trips to the resorts to enjoy some fresh powder. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of the 2021 ski resort opening dates and safety protocols.

Opening Dates

Now Open – Boreal Mountain Resort
- Unlimited season passes – $529 for adults 24 – 59
- Unlimited season passes – $469 for young adults 18 – 23
- Unlimited season passes – $419 for teens 13 – 17
- Unlimited season passes – $319 for kids 5 – 12
- Unlimited season passes – $39 for micro kids 4 and under
- Unlimited season passes – $189 for seniors 60 – 69
- Unlimited season passes – $79 for super seniors 70+
- Night passes – $329
Now Open – Palisades Tahoe
- Ikon Pass – $1,149 for adults 23+
- Ikon Pass – $869 for young adults 13 – 22
- Ikon Pass – $379 for children 5 – 12
- Ikon Pass – $149 for children 4 and under
- Ikon Base Pass – $879 for adults 23+
- Ikon Base Pass – $679 for young adults 13 – 22
- Ikon Base Pass – $339 for children 5 – 12
- Ikon Base Pass – $99 for children 4 and under
- Ikon 4-Day Pass – $499 for adults 23+
- Ikon 4-Day Pass – $399 for young adults 13 – 22
- Ikon 4-Day Pass – $299 for children 5 – 12
- Ikon 4-Day Pass – $299 for children 4 and under
- Tahoe Super 4 Pack – $399 for adults 18+
- Tahoe Super 4 Pack – $359 for seniors 70+
- Tahoe Super 4 Pack – $359 for young adults 13 – 17
- Tahoe Super 4 Pack – $319 for children 5 – 12
- Midweek 4 Pack – $329 for adults 18+
- Midweek 4 Pack – $296 for seniors 70+
- Midweek 4 Pack – $296 for young adults 13 – 17
- Midweek 4 Pack – $230 for children 5 – 12
November 19 – Northstar California
- Epic passes – $1,024 for adults 13+
- Epic passes – $514 for kids 5 – 12
- Epic local passes – $774 for adults 19+
- Epic local passes – $604 for teens 13 – 18
- Epic local passes – $394 for kids 5 – 12
- Tahoe local passes – $654 for adults 19+
- Tahoe local passes – $517 for teens 13 – 18
- Tahoe local passes – $324 for kids 5 – 12
- Tahoe value passes – $562 for adults 19 – 64
- Tahoe value passes – $464 for seniors 65+
- Tahoe value passes – $454 for teens 13 – 18
- Tahoe value passes – $274 for kids 5 – 12
November 19 – Heavenly Mountain
- Epic passes – $1,024 for adults 13+
- Epic passes – $514 for kids 5 – 12
- Epic local passes – $774 for adults 19+
- Epic local passes – $604 for teens 13 – 18
- Epic local passes – $394 for kids 5 – 12
- Tahoe local passes – $654 for adults 19+
- Tahoe local passes – $517 for teens 13 – 18
- Tahoe local passes – $324 for kids 5 – 12
- Tahoe value passes – $562 for adults 19 – 64
- Tahoe value passes – $464 for seniors 65+
- Tahoe value passes – $454 for teens 13 – 18
- Tahoe value passes – $274 for kids 5 – 12
November 29 – Sugar Bowl Resort
- Unrestricted passes – $989 for adults 23 – 64
- Unrestricted passes – $794 for young adults 13 – 22
- Unrestricted passes – $794 for seniors 65 – 74
- Unrestricted passes – $594 for children 6 – 12
- Unrestricted passes – $594 for super seniors 75+
- Unrestricted passes – $99 for children 5 and under
- Slightly restricted passes – $784 for adults 23 – 64
- Slightly restricted passes – $669 for young adults 13 – 22
- Slightly restricted passes – $669 for seniors 65 – 74
- Midweek passes – $619 for adults 23 – 64
- Midweek passes – $599 for young adults 13 – 22
- Midweek passes – $599 for seniors 65 – 74
December 3 – Kirkwood
- Epic passes – $1,024 for adults 13+
- Epic passes – $514 for kids 5 – 12
- Epic local passes – $774 for adults 19+
- Epic local passes – $604 for teens 13 – 18
- Epic local passes – $394 for kids 5 – 12
- Kirkwood passes – $654 for adults 19 – 64
- Kirkwood passes – $529 for seniors 65+
- Kirkwood passes – $519 for teens 13 – 18
- Kirkwood passes – $334 for kids 5 – 12
- Tahoe local passes – $654 for adults 19+
- Tahoe local passes – $517 for teens 13 – 18
- Tahoe local passes – $324 for kids 5 – 12
- Tahoe value passes – $562 for adults 19 – 64
- Tahoe value passes – $464 for seniors 65+
- Tahoe value passes – $454 for teens 13 – 18
- Tahoe value passes – $274 for kids 5 – 12
December 9 – Diamond Peak Ski Resort
- Season passes – $620 for adults 24 – 64
- Season passes – $520 for young adults 13 – 23
- Season passes – $280 for kids 7 – 12
- Season passes – $520 for seniors 65 – 69
- Season passes – $220 for super seniors 70 – 79
- Season passes – FREE for kids 6 & under and adults 80+
- Season passes – $1,099 for transferrable tickets
TBD – Homewood Mountain Resort
- Ultimate passes – $999 for adults 19 – 61
- Ultimate passes – $649 for teens 13 – 18
- Ultimate passes – $379 for kids 5 – 12
- Ultimate passes – $649 for seniors 62+
- Ultimate passes – FREE for kids 4 and under
- Ultimate family passes – $3,199
TBD – Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
- Premier passes – $795 for adults 16+
- Premier passes – $395 for children 6 – 15
- Value passes – $695 for adults 16+
- Value passes – $345 for children 6 – 15
- Midweek + Sundays passes – $595 for adults 16+
- Midweek + Sundays passes – $295 for children 6 – 15
- Midweek passes – $495 for adults 16+
- Midweek passes – $245 for children 6 – 15
- My passes – $325
TBD – Sierra-at-Tahoe
- Unlimited passes – $549 for adults 23 – 69
- Unlimited passes – $449 for young adults 13 – 22
- Unlimited passes – $449 for college students
- Unlimited passes – $249 for children 5 – 12
- Unlimited passes – $249 for super seniors 70+
- Unlimited passes – FREE for children 4 and under
- Play passes – $449 for adults 23 – 69
- Play passes – $399 for young adults 13 – 22
- Play passes – $399 for college students
- Weekday passes – $349 for adults 23 – 69

Safety Protocols

Each of the ski resorts is taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of their staff and guests. The health and safety guidelines include, but are not limited to:

Face coverings are required in indoor areas, lift lines, while riding lift chairs, during lessons, and in all ski areas
Maintain 6 feet distance between yourself and other guests and staff
Limited capacity in dining areas and bars, including limited food service
Advanced reservations may be required for those without a season pass
Contactless or cashless payments
Employee health screenings
Additional cleaning and disinfecting of shared spaces

If you need more ideas on how to enjoy this ski season or if you’d like to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Relocation Guide: The Abridged History of Reno

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is the Housing Market Cooling? Real Estate Predictions for Fall

October 22, 2021/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

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

What are experts saying across the nation?

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

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

What are we actually seeing across Washoe County?

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

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

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

Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

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

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

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

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

Relocation Guide: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Reno Area

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

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

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

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

A Closer Look at Reno and Nevada’s Growth

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

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

What’s changed in the last ten years?

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

Why is the U.S. Census data important?

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

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

Haunted Hot Spots to Visit in Virginia City

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

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

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

Delta Saloon

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

Historic Fourth Ward School

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

Mackay Mansion

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

Piper’s Opera House

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

St. Mary’s Art Center

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

Storey County Courthouse

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

Sugarloaf Mountain Motel

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

Old Washoe Club

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

If you need more ideas on how to enjoy this season or if you’d like to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Relocation Guide: Navigating the Snow and Ice

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

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

Winterizing Your Home

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

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

Winter Driving Tips

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

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

Winter Resources

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

Home Selling Costs to Prepare For

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

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

Real Estate Commission

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

Pre-Listing Home Inspection

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

Home Staging

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

Utilities

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

Mortgage Payoff

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

Closing Costs

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

HOA Fees

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

Liens Against the Property

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

If you’d like to talk through what to expect when selling your home or if you’d like to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

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