relocating to reno | David Morris Group

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!

Relocation Guide: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

June 29, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Moving takes a lot of planning and preparation. Starting early can save you from any added stress farther down the line. The best tip we can give you is to start sooner than you think you need to and use this ultimate moving checklist as a guideline to keep you on track for the big move.

Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving:

Compile a list of everything you want to move to your new home.
Research moving companies and request moving quotes.
Go through your belongings and discard anything you no longer use/need. A yard sale or donation center are great ways to get rid of some items.
Gather moving boxes and packing materials for your move. Use a Sharpie to label boxes.
Contact insurance companies (life, health, fire, auto, etc.) to inform them of your new address.
If you’re moving for work, you may be eligible for moving expenses. Contact your HR department for more information.
Contact the new school district for information on the registration process and begin gathering the necessary documents needed to send to the school.

Four Weeks Before Moving:

Contact utility companies to either set a turnoff or transfer date. If moving out of state, contact the new utility company to designate a turn on date.
Collect your medical records. Contact all of your doctors to obtain these documents for your records and have them transferred to a new medical facility near your new home.
Look in your pantry, fridge, and freezer and plan meals around the food you currently have, so you have less food to throw out or get rid of when you move.
High-end jewelry and valuables should be transferred to a safety deposit box during your move.

One to Three Weeks Before Moving:

Create an itinerary for moving day to ensure you are at the house when the movers arrive. Plan to have kids and pets stay with a family friend/relative.
Change your address with USPS.
Change your address with any bank accounts and credit cards.
Moving long distance? Be sure to have your vehicles serviced and oil changed before the long trip.
Cancel home services like the cleaning company, lawn services, pool services, etc.
Wrap up the majority of the packing. Just leave out the essentials to be packed last minute.
Collect items you will need for traveling and set them aside. Doing this will ensure you have everything you need until the moving company arrives at the new house.
Give your furniture a once-over and jot down any scratches and dents; that way, you can compare notes with the movers at the end of your partnership. You may also want to take pictures of the larger furniture pieces/valuable items, just in case you need to submit a claim for any damaged or missing items after the move.
Prepare a floor plan to designate where the furniture will go ahead of time. This will help the movers on move-in day.

Moving Day:

Do a walk-through to make sure no items are left behind.
Confirm your new address with the moving company and double-check that they have the correct contact information.
Move out! Turn off all lights and utilities, make sure all windows and doors are locked, and notify your real estate agent you have left the property.

If you need more tips to make moving easier or if you’re curious about the Reno area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!

Relocation Guide: Schools in the Reno-Sparks Area

April 26, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

When relocating, one of the most important steps to take involves researching schools and school districts. Even if you don’t have school-aged children in your household, school rankings can play a big role in the resale value of homes. Know what public and private school options are in the areas you’re thinking about moving to.

The Reno-Sparks area is served by schools in the Washoe County School District, which covers nearly 100 schools in Northern Nevada. Those schools include:

Elementary Schools:

Middle Schools:

High Schools:

If you’re curious about what schools students are zoned for in the neighborhoods you love in the Reno-Sparks area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!

Relocation Guide: Annual Events Happening in Reno, Sparks, and Tahoe

April 12, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities, Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

The Reno area has always been a hot spot for tourists. With tons of activities, beautiful weather, and a close proximity to Tahoe, it’s no wonder people looking for a fun vacation head to Northern Nevada. In fact, the annual events happening in Reno, Sparks, and Tahoe draw in people from all over the world. Some of the most notable events include:

January

New Year’s Fireworks, Dining, and Celebrations

February

Superbowl Viewings and Parties
Valentine’s Day Dining and Celebrations

March

Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry
Leprechaun Race
St. Patrick’s Day Dining and Celebrations

April

May

Northern Nevada Celtic Celebration
Mother’s Day Brunch and Activities
Moms on the Run
Spring Fever Revival
Chili on the Comstock and Craft Brew Tour
Memorial Day Celebration of Heroes Cruise
Summer Graduation Ceremonies

June

July

4th of July Parades, Fireworks, and Celebrations
Artown
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

August

September

October

November

Veteran’s Day Cruise Parade

December

Lighted Christmas Parade
Santa Pub Crawl
39 North Pole Village Holiday Lights Festival
Hidden Valley Parade of Lights
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Winter Graduation Ceremonies

There’s always something happening in the Reno area, and these annual events draw in local residents as well as tourists from other cities. Be prepared for a little extra traffic and some street closures during popular events like Street Vibrations and Hot August Nights. It’s good to know what to expect when moving to a mid-sized city with attractions that draw visitors in year-round.

If you have questions about living in a tourist city or you want to know more about what to expect when relocating to the Reno-Sparks area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!

Relocation Guide: The Benefits of Moving to a College Town

March 26, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Colleges have been known to strengthen the towns they’re a part of and draw in residents with no affiliation to the university. Reno takes great pride in its proximity to the oldest college in the state. The University of Nevada, Reno plays a big role in the city’s identity and offers a variety of benefits to those moving to a college town.

1. Active Sport Scene

Sports lovers will have their pick of sporting events to attend, and admission fees to a college game are much more affordable than what you’ll pay for a major league game. From football to basketball and baseball, the University of Nevada, Reno is home to great athletes and great sports facilities. You won’t want to miss a game. For baseball lovers, you can also catch a Reno Aces game!

2. Unique Dining Options

College towns are known for offering a variety of dining options to meet everyone’s tastes. You may have trouble choosing a place to grab a bite to eat or keeping up with the latest restaurants opening their doors in the area.

3. Ongoing Community Events

The university offers a variety of events for students, but they also host events for the community. You can find events that benefit local nonprofits, homecoming events, theater performances, singing and dancing showcases, and more.

4. Diverse Demographic

Universities recruit students, staff, and faculty from all over the globe. UNR also has a great study abroad program, which contributes to a community full of people from all walks of life. The college opens residents up to experience a variety of cultures and cultural events.

5. Healthy Job Market

Businesses and corporations often find that college towns have a healthy pool of talented and educated employees to pull from, making it enticing to open up shop in the community. Reno has drawn in businesses large and small for those exact reasons. The university itself also produces a variety of career opportunities.

These are just a few of the benefits of moving to a college town. Besides ample educational opportunities, the University of Nevada, Reno is just another facet to what makes the Biggest Little City in the World a wonderful place to call home. Contact the David Morris Group to learn more about living in a college town as well as why relocating to Reno may be a good fit for you. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!

Relocation Guide: Nevada Tax Advantages

March 12, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Living in Nevada, specifically in the Reno area, comes with a variety of benefits. From its close proximity to the blue waters of Lake Tahoe and the ski resorts to the never-ending list of events and activities going on around town, there’s a lot that already draws in new residents. But, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is all of the Nevada tax advantages.

No State Income Tax

To enjoy no state income tax, Nevada has to be your central place of residence, but you can do business and have residences in other states. Nevada just needs to be the state you have the closest ties or spend the most time out of the year. Becoming a Nevada resident will help you avoid state income taxes except for income that arises from sources within another state.

No Personal Income Tax

Many states force residents to pay taxes on income they’ve earned, and for high earners, this can result in high taxes. Nevada doesn’t tax an individual’s income earnings, allowing individuals to keep more of their hard-earned income in their pockets.

No Corporate Income Tax

A corporate tax is a tax on the profits of a corporation. The taxes are paid on a company’s taxable income, which includes revenue minus the cost of goods sold, general and administrative expenses, selling and marketing, etc.

No Franchise Tax

Many states impose a separate tax on at least some businesses, called a franchise tax. Simply put, this is a tax the state imposes for the privilege of doing business in the state. Franchise taxes are generally either a flat fee or an amount based on a business’s net worth.

While these are four of the largest tax advantages to calling Nevada home, there are more benefits to consider, including:

No inventory tax
No tax on issuance of corporate shares
No requirements of shareholders and directors to live in Nevada
No tax on sale or transfer of shares
No initial or minimum capital requirements
Anonymity of owners
Low property taxes
Business-friendly environment

There’s a lot to love about being a Reno resident, including the Nevada tax advantages you get to benefit from. If you’re hoping to move somewhere that will allow you to keep more money in your pocket and provide you with a great work-live-play atmosphere, Northern Nevada may be the right fit for you. Contact the David Morris Group to learn more about relocating to Reno. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market with you!

Relocation Guide: Things to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Reno

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

Less than an hour from Lake Tahoe and less than 4 hours from San Francisco, Reno offers the perfect location. With a bustling downtown area, great school districts, a variety of events, activities, and amenities available, the Biggest Little City is constantly drawing attention. The changing seasons, growing career opportunities, and love for the unique offer something for everyone to enjoy. If you are considering relocating, there are some things to ask yourself before moving to Reno.

Do you want a home in Reno, Sparks, or an outer city like Spanish Springs and Carson City?
Are you prepared for colder winters, some snow, and no humidity? Are you prepared for rapidly changing weather? (There’s a reason we say that if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.)
Will you be buying a home or renting a home?
What style of home are you looking for?
Are there schools, programs, or offices that you would like to be close to?
Is it important to be near parks, trails, green spaces, etc.?
Do you have reliable transportation, or will you be biking/walking/bussing where you go?
Are you planning to job search when you’re in Reno, or will you be coming with a job opportunity already mapped out? Are there other career opportunities in your field in the area?
Does your budget work with the average cost of living in Reno?
Do you want to be a part of a community that has an HOA?
Are you hoping to be a part of a community that is close-knit or keeps to themselves?
Do you have family and friends in the area, or will you need to build a network of friends in the area?
Are you planning to join in on the multitude of festivities happening throughout the year (May – October, especially)? Can you handle the number of tourists coming in for the well-known events?
Does Reno have the things you need? Think about your favorite foods, shops, grocery stores, etc.

These things to ask yourself before moving to Reno are a great jumping-off point. These questions will allow you to outline what you’re looking for and set you up for some great conversations with a real estate expert that knows the Reno area well. If you have any questions about relocating to Reno and what the area has to offer, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market with you!

Relocation Guide: How Does Reno Stack Up Against San Francisco?

February 18, 2021/in Reno Relocation Information, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

The Bay area draws in creatives, tech geniuses, and entrepreneurs of all kinds. San Francisco continues to be a beacon for those working in various fields, but with large spikes in industries working remotely, it has caused many to look to other cities that may be cheaper and offer a variety of amenities that aren’t offered in San Francisco. So, how does Reno stack up against San Francisco?

Cost Comparison:

The median price of homes sold in January of 2021 was $446,702 in Reno, while the median price of homes sold was $1,745,000 in San Francisco. The median price in Reno is 75% less than that of San Francisco.
It costs 61% less to rent in Reno than in San Francisco.
Costs to register your vehicle are 53% cheaper in Reno.
Transportation costs are 43% more in San Francisco.
Child care costs nearly 20% more in San Francisco.
Auto insurance is 15% cheaper in Reno.
Sales tax is roughly 3% less in Reno than in San Francisco.
Utilities cost 2% more in San Francisco.
Reno has no state income tax.

Commutes:

Commute times for Reno residents averages 20 minutes.
Commute times for San Francisco residents averages 45 minutes.
Average gas price for Reno is $2.77 and $3.23 for San Francisco, making commutes cheaper and faster in Reno.

Reno’s National Rankings in 2020:

#1 Best Small Cities of 2020 – BestCities.org
#4 Best-Performing Cities of 2020 – Milken Institute
#11 Best Places For Business And Careers – Forbes
#17 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America – Niche
#38 Best Places to Live – U.S. News and World Report
Top 100 Best Places to Live – Livability

Reno and San Francisco share a lot in common when it comes to climate. With nearly identical sunny days, Reno only differs from San Francisco in snowfall and colder winter temperatures. On average, Reno has a lower cost of living, shorter commute times, and continuously ranks well in national reports.

The Biggest Little City in the World is expanding and becoming a beacon for city dwellers that don’t want to give up outdoor amenities and close-knit communities for events, attractions, and businesses — Reno has it all in spades!

If you or someone you know is considering relocating to Reno, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share our insights on the city and make it a smooth transition from visitor to resident!

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