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David Morris Group - Relocation Guide Navigating the Snow and Ice - Reno Relocation Guide - Reno Winter Weather Prep - Reno Home Winterization Tips - Winterizing Home

Relocation Guide: Navigating the Snow and Ice

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David Morris Group - Relocation Guide Navigating the Snow and Ice - Reno Relocation Guide - Reno Winter Weather Prep - Reno Home Winterization Tips - Winterizing Home

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!

 

 

 

David Morris Group - Home Selling Costs to Prepare For - Home Selling Costs - Closing Costs - Reno Closing Costs - Reno Home Selling Costs - Nevada Home Selling Costs

Home Selling Costs to Prepare For

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David Morris Group - Home Selling Costs to Prepare For - Home Selling Costs - Closing Costs - Reno Closing Costs - Reno Home Selling Costs - Nevada Home Selling Costs

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.

 

 

 

David Morris Group - Family-Friendly Fall Activities - Fall Activities - Fall Bucket List - Fall To Do List - Fall Activities in Reno

Family-Friendly Fall Activities

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David Morris Group - Family-Friendly Fall Activities - Fall Activities - Fall Bucket List - Fall To Do List - Fall Activities in Reno

Are you someone who can’t wait for sweater weather, loves seeing the leaves change colors, and enjoys the slight nip in the air? Those are all signs that fall is on the horizon, and there’s no better time to live in Reno than when the fall season starts. We’ve put together some family-friendly fall activities to help everyone in your household get into the spirit of the season!

Decorate Your Home

  • Front porch – a simple fall wreath, a few hay bales, and some pumpkins are all easy ways to add some warmth and cheer to your home. It also makes for a great place to take family photos for your holiday cards.
  • Table – Adding some plaid fabrics brightens up your meals, and if you want to kick it up a notch, get the family to help you create a centerpiece. You can add fall flowers, mini pumpkins, candles, and anything that reminds you of fall.

Have a Backyard Sleepover

Gather up all of your extra blankets and layer up your clothes to head outdoors. Enjoy the cool air and snuggle together to pick out the constellations. You can kick it up a notch by hanging a bed sheet on your fence to create a big screen and watch your favorite movies or by sharing your favorite ghost stories.

Jump in a Pile of Leaves

Raking up the colorful leaves may be the least fun fall activity, but diving into them before packing them up makes it all worth it!

Make Your Own Halloween Costume

Get clever and think outside of the box! Come up with a Halloween costume that you’re unlikely to see anyone else wear.

Tour the Neighborhood

Check out how everyone is getting into the fall and Halloween spirit by driving around or walking around to see the decorations.

Go Hiking

The best time to enjoy the views on one of the hundreds of trails in and around the city is when nature is bursting with color. Go hiking and discover your new favorite spot.

Decorate Pumpkins and Gourds

Carve, paint, or craft pumpkins and gourds. It’s a seasonal must!

Make Something Seasonal

Try out a new recipe or find a way to add a new twist to a classic by using the fruits and veggies in season. The produce in season includes:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Beets
  • Bell Peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Collard Greens
  • Cranberries
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Grapes
  • Green Beans
  • Kale
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Lettuce
  • Limes
  • Mangos
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Parsnips
  • Pears
  • Peas
  • Pineapples
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkin
  • Radishes
  • Raspberries
  • Rutabagas
  • Spinach
  • Sweet Potatoes & Yams
  • Swiss Chard
  • Turnips
  • Winter Squash

There are all kinds of ways you can make autumn special. Take part in a few family-friendly fall activities and make it a memorable time for your loved ones. If you need more ideas on fall activities you can 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.

 

 

 

David Morris Group - Relocation Guide Wildfire Emergency Preparedness - reno wildfire emergency preparedness plan - reno relocation guide - reno wildfires

Relocation Guide: Wildfire Emergency Preparedness

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David Morris Group - Relocation Guide Wildfire Emergency Preparedness - reno wildfire emergency preparedness plan - reno relocation guide - reno wildfires

Reno’s close proximity to Lake Tahoe and dense vegetation make wildfires a natural disaster that residents may face. With that in mind, we’ve created a wildfire emergency preparedness guide with some helpful information and resources.

Prevention and Preparedness

Live more safely with the threat of wildfire by making your home fire safe, improving your home’s defensible space, making sure there’s easy access to your neighborhood and home, and having an evacuation plan.

 

  • Fire Safe Homes – Ensuring your home is well constructed and well maintained will decrease the risks of your home igniting during a wildfire.
    • Siding – Make sure there are no gaps in the siding and trim of your home. Replace the poorly maintained materials or fill them with good quality caulk.
    • Rain Gutters – Plant debris should regularly be removed from rain gutters.
    • Wooden Fences – Keep wooden fences in good condition and have a noncombustible section or gate next to the first five feet of your home.
  • Improve Defensible Space – Take care of the vegetation around your home.
    • Base of Home – Keep combustible materials away from the first 5 feet of your home. Well irrigated plants, rock mulches, or hard surfaces should be the only things near your home.
    • Green Areas – The landscape within the first 30 feet of the home should have very little flammable vegetation with dead vegetation being removed immediately. Keep healthy, green, and well-irrigated plants in this area.
  • Accessibility – Make sure that emergency responders can easily access your home and neighborhood. This will allow quick response times and easy evacuations if necessary.
    • Address – Address signs should be easy to read. Use contrasting noncombustible material and make sure the numbers are at least six inches high.
    • Street Signs – Each intersection should be posted with street signs made of reflective and noncombustible material.
    • Driveway – If your driveway is longer than 150 feet, a turnaround suitable and large enough for fire equipment is required.
  • Evacuation Prep – Make sure that your family understands how to safely and effectively evacuate by taking steps to prepare in advance.
    • Have emergency phone numbers posted in central areas of your home that are easily accessible.
    • Know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity to your home.
    • Have a safe meeting place to gather with your family if you get separated in an emergency.
    • Have photos and videos of your house, the landscape, and the contents in your home. This will be important for insurance purposes. Try to keep this up to date.
    • Lay out the possible escape routes and safe area, so that everyone in your family knows their escape routes wherever they are in the home.
    • Have an EVACUATED sign ready to go that you can post and make clearly visible from the street.
  • To-Go Bags – Prep for an emergency by having at least a three-day supply of necessities ready to go and easily accessible for every member of your household. Include things like:
    • Clothing and personal toiletries.
    • Flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, and chargers.
    • Extra set of car and house keys.
    • Contact information for family, friends, physicians, insurance, etc.
    • Important documents like birth certificates, passports, licenses, etc.
    • Cash

Resources

Staying prepared for any emergency situation can help ease a stressful situation. We hope this wildfire emergency preparedness guide helped you learn about the precautions you can take now to keep your home safe, and please use the resources we’ve outlined to stay up to date on how to protect yourself.

 

​​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!

 

 

 

David Morris Group - Noteworthy New Businesses in Reno - New Restaurants in Reno - New Bars in Reno - New Businesses in Reno

Noteworthy New Businesses in Reno

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David Morris Group - Noteworthy New Businesses in Reno - New Restaurants in Reno - New Bars in Reno - New Businesses in Reno

Reno is booming, and new developments are brewing! The streets and skyline have evolved astronomically over the last few years, and there are a few more noteworthy new businesses in Reno making their mark on The Biggest Little City. The next time you’re driving around or simply looking for something new to try, check out these businesses.

Bar N’ Games

With plans to open a little later this year, Bar N’ Games plans to be “the most fun board game bar in the world…ish.” If their website is any indication of what the bar will be like, it’s going to be a venue for great times and great laughs!

Biggest Little Boba Shop

There could never be enough boba shops in the world. Milky tea and chewy tapioca balls are a delicious combination, and the Biggest Little Boba Shop is doing it right.

The Biggest Little Sushi Bar

With some awesome specials and great deals, The Biggest Little Sushi Bar is a great place to grab lunch or dinner. You can choose from the classics or get adventurous and try the unique specialty rolls they offer.

Earthly Subs

Fresh, affordable, mouth-watering sandwiches, soups, salads, and cookies make Earthly Subs a great place to grab a quick bite to eat.

The Glow Plaza

The Glow Plaza is the newest premiere music venue with neon lights brightening the night sky, food trucks to dine at, and free concerts to keep your calendar full.

Masque

The vibrant restaurant, bar, and nightlife venue brings a little piece of New Orleans to Reno. Laissez les bon temps rouler at Masque.

Matador Lounge

The former Saint James Infirmary has been remodeled and refreshed, and it’s now the Matador Lounge. Complete with swanky booths, strong cocktails, and a beautiful rooftop lounge, it’s a beautiful place to unwind.

Playfield ‘76

Imperial Bar & Lounge will soon become Playfield ‘76, a playful bar full of arcade games and tons of space. You won’t recognize what it used to be.

Reno Fine Arts Collective

Check out gorgeous artwork at the Reno Fine Arts Collective, a 5,000 square foot downtown art gallery. It’s also a great place to meet and connect with local artists every Friday!

Replenish Reno Refillery & Apothecary

As Reno’s first low waste store and refillery, you can refill everyday items, purchase eco-friendly gifts, and stock up on low waste products. It’s the mission of Replenish Reno Refillery & Apothecary to help reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Wide Canvas Interior Design

Looking for premium interior design products and services? Visit Wide Canvas Interior Design for unique and custom features that will make your home one-of-a-kind.

 

There are always new businesses opening their doors. If you’d like to chat about the businesses we’re excited to see join the community or what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

 

 

 

David Morris Group - Events and Activities Happening This Fall - Fall 2021 Reno Events - Reno Events Calendar Fall 2021 - Events in Reno 2021

Events and Activities Happening This Fall

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David Morris Group - Events and Activities Happening This Fall - Fall 2021 Reno Events - Reno Events Calendar Fall 2021 - Events in Reno 2021

September marks the start of fall, which means that soon it’ll be time to decorate pumpkins, plan for Thanksgiving, and break out your sweaters from storage. Before the season starts, plan which events and activities you’ll be attending!

 

There is no shortage of events, activities, performances, and shows that happen year-round in Reno, but fall is a particularly fun season to be in The Biggest Little City. For even more events to add to your calendar, click here.

 

For more information on the latest happenings around Reno or for help navigating the real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

 

 

 

David Morris Group - Relocation Guide Costs of Moving to a New Home - Moving Costs - Hidden Moving Costs - Costs to Move to a New Home - Costs to Move Out - Reno Relocation Guide

Relocation Guide: Costs of Moving to a New Home

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David Morris Group - Relocation Guide Costs of Moving to a New Home - Moving Costs - Hidden Moving Costs - Costs to Move to a New Home - Costs to Move Out - Reno Relocation Guide

Purchasing and selling a home can come with some unexpected or hidden costs, and the same is true for moving. The less obvious costs of moving to a new home can catch some homeowners by surprise, and we want you to be prepared for every step of your home purchase experience. Below are some costs to consider and prepare for before making a move.

1. Moving Supplies

Safely transporting your belongings to your new home starts with proper packing. You’ll likely need a variety of boxes, packing tape, packing peanuts, moving blankets, and packing paper. We recommend reaching out to your network of friends, family, and coworkers to see if they have any supplies they’re willing to donate. If you’re looking to buy boxes, they run anywhere from $1 – $15, depending on the size.

2. Movers

Moving is a big production, and it’s likely you’ll need to hire a company to help. Remember to vet the moving companies, check their reputation, get references, and most importantly, ask about cost and what is included in the estimate. You don’t want to be blindsided by an added charge that wasn’t explained to you when you asked for an estimate, so make sure they are explicit on what you’re paying for. Hiring professional movers costs an average of between $562 and $1,554, while an out-of-state or cross-country move averages about $1,000 per room.

3. Professional Cleaning

A new home is a fresh start, so why not give the home a fresh start as well? Paying for a professional cleaner to come in and deep clean your new home is a great way to prepare to make the house a home. Cleaning companies typically charge by the hour or by the square footage. On average, homeowners report spending between $116 and $235 to have their homes professionally cleaned.

4. Paint

Painting a home is much easier when the home is empty. You can cut some costs by doing it yourself and only paying for the supplies you need, or you can pay a professional crew to get it done quickly. The painting of the interior of your home by professionals will cost, on average, somewhere between $1.50 and $4 per square foot.

5. Utilities

Before moving in, you’ll want to have water, gas, electricity, internet, and cable set up. Some utility companies may charge an added set-up fee or a service fee, so be sure to keep a little extra money set aside to cover those costs. Check with your local utility providers to get a breakdown of the first-time costs and the monthly costs.

 

These are just the costs that people don’t think about or underestimate! There are also other items to prepare for like the cost of new furniture, a storage unit, lawn care, groceries, changing the locks, a security system, etc. We recommend sitting down to budget out how much you expect to spend to move and settle into your new home, then add a generous cushion for any unexpected costs that may arise.

 

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!

 

 

 

 

David Morris Group - 2021 New Home Build Trends and Changes - New Home Builds Reno - New Home Builds Sparks - New Home Construction Reno - New Homes Reno

2021 New Home Build Trends and Changes

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David Morris Group - 2021 New Home Build Trends and Changes - New Home Builds Reno - New Home Builds Sparks - New Home Construction Reno - New Homes Reno

2020 and 2021 brought changes that nobody was prepared for. As our homes became the epicenter of our lives 24-7, it highlighted areas of our homes that people wished to change. It even had some saving every penny to buy a new construction home, and that housing boom brought some challenges, changes, and new trends. Let’s take a look at how building a home has changed in 2021.

Buying New is More Popular Than Ever

Housing demand has increased far greater than the supply of homes on the market for the last year. The lack of options has made more buyers consider new-construction homes where they may have the opportunity to help decide fixtures, styles, and even amenities the home has to fit their lifestyle.

Prices Have Increased

Material shortages and shipping delays are still occurring, meaning that the cost to build a home is taking longer and comes with a higher price tag. The National Association of Home Builders reports that more than 90% of builders are reporting shortages of essential elements like appliances, framing lumber, and oriented strand board (OSB). They also report that the median sale price for a new home has risen 18% over the past year.

Wellness is a Must-Have

Homebuyers are looking for items in a home that will support their well-being. Everything from energy-efficient features to low-VOC paint is being considered.

Flex Those Spaces

This year has forced everyone to be more flexible, and it’s important to homebuyers that a home is flexible as well. Rooms that could be used as an office, home gym, media room, etc., are moving from a want to a need on home buyers’ shopping lists.

Suburbs > City

The idea of having more space to spread out and enjoy green areas is attractive. Many are looking to leave apartments, condos, and townhomes for a house with a little land. Outdoor spaces are another must-have for many current homebuyers, so new home builds are looking to meet that demand by creating outdoor living spaces or entertainment areas in the backyard.

Privacy Please

With everyone staying at home for longer periods of time, the need for privacy has skyrocketed, and homebuyers are moving away from the open floorplan layout for a more formal layout. The added walls help block out sound and add more privacy to the dedicated areas of your home.

 

New construction has run into some challenges in the last year, but there are still some beautiful new homes hitting the market. If you’re curious about the latest home trends, the changes to the real estate market, or what homes are 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.

 

 

 

 

David Morris Group - Getting to Know the Sparks Community - City of Sparks - Sparks Nevada - Sparks Nevada Real Estate

Getting to Know the Sparks Community

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David Morris Group - Getting to Know the Sparks Community - City of Sparks - Sparks Nevada - Sparks Nevada Real Estate

Sparks is a city of roughly 100,000 residents located just 10 minutes northeast of Reno. Covering 38 plus square miles, Sparks continues to experience tons of growth and offers a plethora of amenities. With a projected population of 133,600 residents by 2030, there’s a lot on the horizon for the area. Let’s get to know the Sparks community.

 

Less than an hour from Tahoe and 4,410 feet above sea level, Sparks is in a high desert climate that experiences all four seasons and offers 290 days of sunshine.

Amenities

The Sparks area is filled with entertainment and cultural sites. Some of the local attractions include:

Events

Much like Reno, there is always something to do in Sparks. Check out these annual events!

  • Arts in Bloom
  • Star Spangled Sparks
  • Hot August Nights
  • Rib Cook-Off
  • Oktoberfest
  • Turkey Trot
  • Victorian Square Farmers Market
  • The Big Easy

Schools

Elementary Schools Located in Sparks
Middle Schools Located in Sparks
High Schools Located in Sparks

Sparks is a beautiful place to live, and it offers a ton of great amenities, events, homes, and schools. For more information on the Sparks community and what homes are available in the current market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

 

 

 

 

David Morris Group - Relocation Guide Important City Phone Numbers and Contact Information - Reno Relocation Guide - Reno Relocation Tips - Reno City Phone Numbers - Sparks City Phone Numbers

Relocation Guide: Important City Phone Numbers and Contact Information

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David Morris Group - Relocation Guide Important City Phone Numbers and Contact Information - Reno Relocation Guide - Reno Relocation Tips - Reno City Phone Numbers - Sparks City Phone Numbers

When moving somewhere new, it’s always a good idea to have a list of important phone numbers handy in case of emergencies or if questions and concerns arise. If you’re new to the Reno-Sparks area, we’ve compiled some important city phone numbers and contact information of local agencies, organizations, and businesses that will come in handy during your move or during an emergency.

Non-Emergency Numbers

Utilities

Internet and Phone Services

DMV

Schools

Medical Facilities

If you have questions about 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!