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Which Countertop Should I Choose?

September 29, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most common rooms that homeowners decide to renovate. Besides choosing fixtures, accessories, and appliances, you’ll also have to choose the countertops you’ll tie into the design. Below are some common and popular types of countertops you can pick and what you should know about them.

Quartz Countertops

These countertops are engineered from natural quartz and combined with a resin binder. This stone is nonporous, incredibly hard, and never needs to be resealed.

Granite Countertops

The natural stone has great durability and is available in a range of dark and light colors with variations of all kinds. They can be cut with different edges, require very little maintenance, and are easy to take care of. To clean your countertops, you’ll only need soap and water, and granite is heat-resistant, so cooking is a breeze.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops have become more popular, but they are prone to cracking. Repairing cracked concrete is relatively simple, but it can take up to 28 days for concrete to dry and settle.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a softer natural stone that draws the eye, but it can be scratched if you cut directly on it. Because marble is porous, it’s easy to stain, so sealing your countertops regularly is crucial to its longevity.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is known for being very low maintenance and nonporous, so it is stain-resistant, bacteria-resistant, and heat-resistant. It’s recommended that homeowners oil the countertop once a month for the first year to allow the surface to oxidize and allow the patina to develop.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block is made from pieces of wood that are bonded to form a larger slab. They can be sealed or unsealed, but unsealed butcher block countertops must be oiled twice a year. Butcher block is also very porous, so spills need to be cleaned up quickly to avoid staining the wood.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are very popular in homes constructed in the 80s and 90s, but they’re making a comeback with newer designs that look like more expensive materials. Laminate is nonporous, so it won’t absorb bacteria, never needs resealing, and is easy to clean.

It’s important to choose countertops that fit your lifestyle as well as your home design. If you need more great recommendations or have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate: What are Home Inspectors Looking for, and How Can it Save You From Making a Bad Investment?

September 24, 2020/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Before closing, you’ll want to hire a professional home inspector to identify any underlying problems and the overall condition of the home. It saves you from making a bad investment, gives you an idea of the maintenance and repairs you may need to make the home, and may even give you some leverage to make negotiations on the asking price if there are things that will need to be fixed. Let’s take a look at what home inspectors are looking for.

1. Signs of mildew and mold

Inspectors will look closely at basements and crawlspaces for mildew odors. They may also use a meter to determine how much moisture is present, as moisture can deteriorate building materials and attract insects. They will also look closely at the walls and floors for patches of mildew and signs of dampness.

2. Problems with the roof and chimney

Any loose or deteriorated roof shingles will be notes in the inspector’s report, as well as if there are any moist or rotted elements beneath the shingles. They will also check that the chimney is watertight and that mortar and bricks are in good condition.

3. Plumbing functionality

Each toilet will be flushed, faucet turned on, and dishwasher ran in order to check the water pressure and see if there are any leaks. If there are any signs of water damage or concerns for the health of the septic system, it will be noted.

4. Problems with electrical systems

Inspectors will make sure that the home is up to code and that circuits are running properly. They will ensure that the electrical system isn’t being overloaded and is safe to live in.

5. Structural integrity

Over time water can cause the soil around the foundation walls to expand, and when the water goes away, the soil shrinks, and the foundation settles. This creates cracks and pathways for water to enter the structure. This is a big item that inspectors will be looking for. They want to make sure the home is structurally sound.

6. Pest infestations

Carpenter ants, beetles, termites, and rodents can be some of the most damaging pests to a home. Inspectors will look for signs that there is an infestation or if there have been previous problems with these pests.

7. Trouble with the HVAC system

As a homeowner, you’ll want to ensure that your home has proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Home inspectors will check to make sure all basic functioning of the HVAC system is in working order, and they’ll note if there’s anything that could be troublesome in the future like rust around the unit, cracked ductwork, etc.

Home inspections give you a great overview of the home as well as another unbiased opinion on if the house is a good investment. Don’t skip out on getting a home inspection to save yourself a few bucks now. You could be putting yourself in a tough financial position in the long run.

As a first-time homeowner, it’s crucial to have an idea of what to expect and how to handle the responsibility of owning your own home. The David Morris Group is always happy to show you the ins and outs of owning a home and help you make the transition from renter to homeowner seamlessly. Give us a call at 775-828-3292.

Have You Met the Lakeridge Community?

Southwest Reno is one of the most desired neighborhoods, full of beautiful homes, close-knit communities, and outstanding local amenities. Located within Southwest Reno, you’ll find the well-known Lakeridge and Lakeridge Shores communities, offering a blissful marriage of old and new homes nestled amongst lush greenery. Let us introduce you to Lakeridge — we think you might be great friends!

Homes

Most of the homes you’ll find within the Lakeridge community are custom, single-family homes. Being an older community in Reno, you’ll find some homes with a classic feel, while others have been recently renovated, and others are brand-new. Many homes are situated on larger lots, and if you’re looking for a waterfront property, you’ll be happy to find there are waterfront luxury homes on Lake Stanley.

Amenities

The established golf community is located near the Robert Trent Jones-designed Lakeridge Golf Course. If you’re in the Lakeridge Shores gated community, you’ll also have the breathtaking views of Lake Stanley, Reno, and the surrounding mountains.

If you and your family love being outdoors and exploring new places, you’ll never be bored in Lakeridge. There are a variety of parks to choose from, including Lakeridge Springs Association Park, Horsemans Park, Mary Gojack Park, or the Bartley Ranch Regional Park. There are also tennis courts, marinas, and walking and hiking paths at your disposal.

Besides being a golfer’s paradise, Lakeridge is also located close to downtown, the airport, and major shopping districts. You’re in close proximity to major roadways, like NV-659 and the I-580.

Schools

Students in the Lakeridge community are a part of the Washoe County School District and are zoned for Caughlin Ranch Elementary School, Swope Middle School, and Reno High School.

Lakeridge’s great location, impeccable views, and outdoor amenities have made them a wonderful community to live in. 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.

Fall Activities to Make the Season Special

September 14, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Leaves changing colors, a slight nip in the air, and pumpkins spotted everywhere — that’s right, we’re talking about fall. It’s a season full of holidays, time well spent with loved ones, and outdoor fun. This year, there are some great fall activities to make the season special!

Carve and decorate pumpkins.
Explore a corn maze.
Plan a getaway trip.
Curl up with a good book.
Attend a harvest or fall festival.
Take family photos for your holiday cards.
Start planning your Halloween costume.
Sample beers and brats at your own Oktoberfest event.
Plant fall flowers.
Go for a hayride.
Visit a haunted house or create your own.
Make a pecan, pumpkin, or apple pie.
Decorate your home for fall or for the fall holidays.
Go for a drive to check out the leaves changing colors.
Go on a hike and soak up the cooler afternoons.
Have a horror movie marathon or binge on your favorite Halloween/fall classics.
Try out a new soup recipe.
Go apple picking and make candy apples.
Donate old sweaters, blankets, and boots.
Have a chili cook-off.
Play or watch football.
Warm up by the fire.
Sample a few hard ciders or cozy up with a hot mug of apple cider.
Visit a farmers market to pick up seasonal fruits and veggies.
Take a ghost tour and share ghost stories.
Go wine tasting.
Roast pumpkin seeds.
Tackle a fall craft project. Fall is the perfect time to pick up knitting or crocheting!
Jot down what you’re thankful for and share them on Thanksgiving.
Rake together a pile of leaves, then leap into it.
Have a driveway tailgate.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Have a picnic.
Have a fall-centric scavenger hunt.
Have a sack race.
Make a scarecrow.
Have a neighborhood costume parade.
Make Halloween and Thanksgiving cards.
Use the toilet paper you stocked up on to turn your family into mummies.
Collect pine cones to decorate a mantle or tabletop.

We hope you check out all of the fall activities to make the season special, and be sure to share your favorites with us! If you need more great recommendations or have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Reno’s Favorite Food Trucks

September 7, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

If you’re missing Food Truck Fridays and wanting to reminisce on some of Reno’s favorite food trucks, you’re not alone. We’ve put together a list of some of the best food trucks to check out.

Paisan’s Old World Deli & Catering – Sandwiches, tacos, and pasta dishes make this food truck the perfect lunch spot. Check here for there current food truck location or visit their restaurant location at 6550 Longley Ln, Suite 110.
The Fix Falafel – This food truck is serving up tasty treats that are 100% vegan. They’re specializing in falafel and hand-cut fries! For updates on where they’ll be serving up their food, follow them on Instagram.
Java Ship Coffee – This mobile vegan beverage and dessert trailer serves a wide variety of locally roasted and organic espresso drinks, organic teas, and more. Check their Facebook page for updates on where they’re located.
Fuego Habanero – Taco trucks were the first ones to make food trucks so popular, and Fuego Habanero is known for its tacos and burritos.
Kika’s All Kine Grindz – Serving up authentic Island style BBQ and Hawaiian cuisine, Kika’s All Kine Grindz is bringing the aloha spirit to Reno.
Slater’s Ding-a-Wing – The award-winning wings have been a staple of Wingfest, and they continue to shake up the community with their wings, tenders, and sauces. Be sure to follow their journey on Facebook.
Big Blue Q of Tahoe – One of a kind menus with locally sourced produce and the freshest ingredients means food that is exceptional in taste. They can be found around town and are also available for catering, events, and private dinings. See where they’ll be next on Facebook.
Codfather – With a love for fish and chips and serving the people of Reno, the Codfather was born. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy fresh seafood, check out where the Codfather will be next on their Facebook page.

Food trucks are ingrained in Reno’s culture and the events that call these local traveling eateries to us draw a lot of people together. While we’re missing Food Truck Fridays, there are still so many ways you can support your favorite food trucks and the Reno community.

If you have questions about Reno’s culture, the local real estate market, or what we love about Reno, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Reno to See Company Relocations and Expansions

August 28, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

In the last few years, Reno has redeveloped the city, and because of that, it’s found itself on several national ranking lists for best cities in a variety of categories. The most recent ranking has placed Reno as one of the top cities for corporate relocations and expansion projects in the next year.

The current times have caused many families and businesses to reevaluate their circumstances and make changes. That includes corporations making decisions on whether to relocate to mid-size cities over big cities.

The Site Selectors Guild conducted a survey in order to help determine the new trends in corporate location strategy and named Reno as one of the 11 cities that will be a top destination for companies to consider.

The survey also pointed out the top five industries with the most project activity, which could indicate the types of corporations we see moving to the area. Those industries include biotech and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation and logistics, and software and IT.

Reno’s geographic location, lower costs, and educated workforce have made the city a hub for technology companies and startups, and with this recent survey, we can only expect that to expand. Experts believe that this will bring in high-skilled, high-wage jobs to Reno in the next year.

The pandemic has highlighted that businesses and remote-workers are seeking out cities that are less congested, more affordable, and offer a high quality of life. Below are the cities named as the top destinations for new projects:

Boise, ID
Colorado Springs, CO
Columbia, SC
Columbus, OH
Greenville, SC
Huntsville, AL
Indianapolis, IN
Kansas City, MO
Raleigh-Durham, NC
Reno, NV
Tucson, AZ

We can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for The Biggest Little City and which corporations will benefit from Reno’s vast resources and drive amazing employment opportunities for the community. If you have questions about the benefits of living in Reno and our predictions for the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Ghost Towns Outside of Reno

August 25, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

In times of social distancing, what better way to spend the day than exploring historic ghost towns? Just outside of Reno, you’ll find several towns with little to no residents, but buildings reminiscent of when it was a bustling town. Below are some of the most beloved ghost towns outside of Reno to explore.

Fort Churchill State Historic Park

About an hour outside of Carson City lies the Fort Churchill State Park. It’s a former United States Army Fort that was built to protect early settlers as they made their way across the American West. The fort’s ruins make a great adventure spot and can help you picture what life was like 150 years ago.

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

With a rich mining history, a crumbling ghost town, and 225 million-year-old marine reptile fossils, Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park has it all. You can check out many of the original buildings from 1890 when the town was first built.

Gold Point Ghost Town

Near the Nevada/California border lies a silver mining camp that was established in the early 1860s. The buildings from the Gold Point Ghost Town are still intact, so be sure to check out these historic homes, an old general store, bank buildings, stamp mill sites, and even a modern-day Sagebrush Saloon or two.

Unionville Ghost Town

Between Lovelock and Winnemucca is a little backcountry town with a population of fewer than 24 people and has the cabin ruins of a pretty famous former resident, Mark Twain! Unionville Ghost Town was founded in 1861, and it’s a must-visit for any history buff.

Virginia City

It wouldn’t be a true list of the best Nevada ghost towns without including Virginia City. It was home of the largest silver strike in the world, and visitors can stroll original wooden boardwalk-lined streets, visit haunted hotels, and sit in old-time saloons.

There are tons of places in Reno that are full of history, and we love all of the new and old places there are to explore. If you have questions about any of the communities in the area, or if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Property Spotlight: 4145 Lone Tree Lane

August 18, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

If you’re looking for your own private escape, you’ll be blown away by the comfort and style you’ll find at 4145 Lone Tree Lane. Located just minutes from the restaurants, retailers, and entertainment hot spots Reno is known for, you’re never far from everything you’ll need within the city.

The extended driveway pushes the three-bedroom, four-bathroom home from the street, giving more privacy to the property. The two-story home greets guests with a large pond outside the front door, immediately charming everyone that stops by. As you walk through the front doors, you’re met with a jaw-droppingly beautiful wall of windows and a wide-open floorplan that lets you see from the family room to the kitchen without your eyes straying from the gorgeous views the windows offer of your expansive backyard.

The natural light that floods this home highlights the beautiful wood accents and flooring throughout the home. The owner’s suite is located on the first floor and features an outdoor patio, a double-sided fireplace, and a spa-like bathroom that will have all your worries melting away at the end of the day.

Heading upstairs, you’ll find two more bedrooms and a large loft space that includes a fireplace and could be used for a multitude of purposes. This flex space allows the home to grow with you and change with your needs. With garage space that can fit up to six vehicles, you have the opportunity to convert some of that space into a workshop or gym for your personal hobbies.

Just steps from your door, you’ll find the Ballardini Ranch hiking trail, the perfect place to explore. This home also includes an adjacent lot, APN#04112011, for a total of 4.6 acres to call home.

This 3,885 square foot house is stunning and will be the perfect place to call home for years to come. For more information on this property, check out the slideshow and flyer here. If you’re curious about touring the property or learning more about the area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Get to Know Old Southwest Reno

August 12, 2020/in Reno Neighborhoods /by Shauna Morris

Outdoor adventures will never be far from your front door in the Old Southwest Reno neighborhood. As the oldest neighborhood in Reno, there’s a lot of history and charm attached to the community. We’re here to take you through the neighborhood virtually and help you get to know what draws residents to the community. Put on your seatbelts and keep all hands and feet inside the virtual car until the ride is over!