moving to reno | David Morris Group

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, first-time homebuyers made up 34% of all buyers in 2021, with an average age of 33 years old. This data shows that millennials are still the most prominent home buyer demographic, with 82% of younger millennials and 48% of older millennials being first-time buyers last year. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, here are some things you can do to make your dream of homeownership come true.

Pay Down Your Debt

Buying a house is the most expensive purchase you’ll make, so you need to be as debt-free as possible before considering a home loan. The three most significant types of debt most new home buyers have are student loans, car loans, and credit cards. Paying down debt can be done. A good rule of thumb is to start paying off the smallest debts first. Student loans can be daunting, so start with what you can do. Consolidate high-interest credit cards into one monthly payment with a lower interest rate – then cancel the cards! Sell the car with a high payment for something with a lesser monthly burden. Getting out of debt isn’t easy, but you can do it!. Just take one step at a time, and when one thing is paid, move on to the next. Most importantly, don’t incur any new debts while paying down the existing ones.

Check Your Credit

Credit scores play a huge role in your ability to secure a mortgage loan. The minimum credit score most lenders have for a conventional loan is 620. It is possible to get a loan with a lower score, but the higher your score, the less interest you will pay. You can check your credit with your credit card company, online, or with a major credit bureau such as Equifax or Experian.

Know What You Can Afford

You need to sit down and decide how much you can afford to spend on a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, and household expenses. Be careful not to spread yourself so thin that you are unable to put a little bit of money in savings each month.

Get Pre-Approved

There is nothing worse than falling in love with a home only to realize you can’t afford it. Unless you plan to pay in cash, you need to get pre-approved for a loan. An initial consultation with a lender will help you determine your price range.

Hire a REALTOR®

Having a local professional guide you through the home buying process is more important than ever in this market. If you are serious about buying, you need a professional to help you find the perfect home within your budget. A REALTOR® will walk you through the information, talk you through the details, and help you make the right decisions. REALTORS® have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the largest centralized database of residential real estate listings in your area. While the internet offers some options to search for a home, the MLS is the only instant exposure to the market and is only available to Realtors®.

Once you have completed all of the prep steps, your REALTOR® will guide you through the rest of the process until you get to the closing table.

If you would like some more information about buying your first home, or if you’re looking for a great REALTOR® to show you around the Reno-Sparks area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call 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.

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!

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.

Relocation Guide: Reno Revitalization and How Business is Booming

December 30, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information, Reno-Sparks Businesses, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Across Northern Nevada, there has been a rebound and a rebirth. Retailers are coming back, and the City of Reno is focusing on new economic developments that move away from the gaming industry, which has been rooted in the city’s history for decades. Let’s take a look at the Reno revitalization and how business is booming across the area.

Retailers are Bouncing Back

The pandemic caused a lot of restrictions and strains on businesses across the world, and Reno was no different, but in the third quarter of 2021, we’ve seen some massive improvements to how the city and its residents are adjusting. According to Nevada’s Department of Taxation, Washoe County’s taxable sales for July totaled more than $1 billion, a 23% increase from July 2020. Taxable sales for June also showed a 30% increase year-over-year at $1.16 billion.

With the influx of relocators from California, bringing their existing businesses or creating a franchise location, business is expanding, and retailers are seeing amazing sales volumes. In fact, commercial vacancies are below the already low values seen before the pandemic hit.

Good News for Retail Centers

The Reno and Sparks area has been undergoing a lot of revitalization and change over the last few years. The pandemic had put a pause on some of the construction projects as many weren’t sure how Reno would bounce back, but with the increase in retail sales and vacancies, there’s a renewed vigor for projects like The Oddie District in Sparks, as well as the Reno Public Market and the retail component of the Reno Experience District.

Reno Continues to Revitalize the City

The wave of retailer growth isn’t the only change you can expect from the City of Reno. The recent closure of Harrah’s after over 80 years in Reno was a big push for the city to broaden its economy and move away from the gaming industry. The hotel-casino is being converted into the Reno City Center, a mixed-use development with one and two-bedroom residential units, commercial office space, restaurants, and retail space.

City leaders are hoping to use the excitement for the city center to push more developments that would transform the gaming destination downtown Reno is into a place full of affordable living spaces, vibrant restaurants, stylish hotel rooms, and exciting entertainment options.

Partnered with EDAWN’s efforts on bringing technology companies, manufacturing businesses, and non-gaming industries into the region, the city is making marked improvements to reduce its reliance on casinos and the gaming industry as a whole.

Every year Reno evolves and finds new opportunities to promote growth and change. Reno’s ability to bounce back and accept innovation makes us excited to see what 2022 has in store. 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!

Relocation Guide: Reno is One of the Best Ski Towns in the U.S.

December 13, 2021/in Reno Events and Activities, Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

We acknowledge that we may be a little biased to call Reno the best ski town in the U.S., but it’s true. With more than a dozen ski resorts just a short driving distance from the Biggest Little City in the World, we’re pretty lucky to be able to enjoy all of the amenities and winter sports offered by being so close to the mountains.

Northern Nevada also once had the highest concentration of ski and snowboard resorts in all of North America. While the area has slipped in the rankings slightly, there are no shortage of resorts to visit, including:

The Reno-Tahoe area gets more than 400 inches of snow each year, and the ski season often lasts from November through April. This fact alone draws in hundreds of skiers and snowboarders each year, but there are some places that only locals would know about, like Sky Tavern.

Sky Tavern has taught thousands of people how to ski or ride, and recently they won the coveted National Ski Area Association “Conversion Cup.” That’s an award given to the North American ski area deemed best at “creating lifelong enthusiasts.” Sky Tavern isn’t just known for teaching kids to navigate the fresh powder like pros. They also host a variety of programs and classes, including a ski swap and a ski and snowboard rental.

If you still don’t believe us when we say Reno is one of the best ski towns in the U.S., Reno was also voted the second-best ski town in the USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice 2016.

The snowy weather is just one of the things we love about calling Reno home. 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!

Relocation Guide: Earthquake Preparedness

November 15, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Did you know that the University of Nevada, Reno has a seismological laboratory? They monitor all of the earthquakes and tremors that occur in the area and keep a record of them. While many are relatively small and go undetected by residents, Reno has been known to experience larger earthquakes and aftershocks from earthquakes happening in California. With that information in mind, we’ve put together some earthquake preparedness tips that you should keep handy.

Create an Earthquake Kit

Every home should have an emergency kit with supplies that can sustain every individual in the house (including pets) for three days to a week. Items you should add to your emergency kit include:

Non-perishable food
Bottled water – 1-gallon per person per day
Battery-powered radio
First aid kit
Sleeping bags and blankets
Manual can opener
Waterproof/windproof matches
Flashlight and spare batteries
Water purification tablets
Utility knife
Emergency candles
Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
Essential medications
Extra clothing
Plastic bags and ties
Disinfectant
Paper cups and plates
Personal toiletries and hygiene products
Baby/infant supplies
Aluminum foil
Paper towels
Plastic utensils
Soap
Work gloves
Important documents

What to do During an Earthquake

If you are inside:

Get low to the ground and get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table, desk, etc. If there isn’t anything sturdy to cover you, head to an inside corner of the building and cover your head with your hands. Be sure to stay away from glass, windows, and anything that could fall on you.
If you’re in bed when the shaking begins, stay there and protect your head and body with your pillows and blankets. If there is a large light fixture/fan above you, move to a safer place.
If you’re close to a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway, use it as shelter, but remember to remain low and protect your head with your arms.
Stay in a safe place until the shaking stops, and do not use elevators.

If you are outside:

Stay outside and move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Find an open space you can stay until the shaking stops.

If you are in your car:

Stop where it is safe to do so and avoid being near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, lights, utility wires, etc.

What to Expect After an Earthquake

Aftershocks are common after an earthquake, and they can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake. These aftershocks are usually less violent than the main earthquake, but they can still do damage and should be handled just as earthquakes are.
Only use the phone for emergency calls as the lines can become jammed after a natural disaster.
Open cabinets cautiously as objects have likely been jostled and may fall out.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and all other flammable liquids immediately.
Inspect your chimneys for damage.
Inspect utilities.
- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.
- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician.
- Check for sewage and damage to the water lines. If sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.

Staying prepared for any emergency situation can help ease a stressful situation. We hope this earthquake preparedness guide helped you learn about how you should handle an earthquake should you ever experience one.

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!

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