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The Reality of Real Estate – Ditch These Unrealistic Dreams

February 28, 2020/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

We’ve all been sucked into the HGTV vortex a time or two. You sit down to watch an episode of Property Brothers while eating your leftovers only to look up four episodes and four hours later to realize that it’s past your bedtime and that you now want to take a sledgehammer to a wall in your living room to open up the space. It’s hard not to fall under the spell of these home improvement shows, but it can also be hard to push these unrealistic home goals out of your head when it comes time to buy a home. We’re here to tell you that when you decide to enter the real estate market, you have to ditch these unrealistic dreams.

1. Pinterest Homes Live Only on Pinterest

Just like HGTV, Pinterest and Instagram can have you making a home want list a mile long and giving you expectations that will never be met. If you’re looking for a designer home, you’ll have to pay the designer price tag that comes along with it. It’s much easier to find a home that meets everything you need, has some of the items you want, and leaves you with a budget that you can save to add those designed features you’re looking for in your forever home.

2. Your Home Won’t Need Any Repairs

We can almost guarantee that when you get the home inspection report on a home you like, there will be items that need to be repaired and even some unforeseen maintenance that needs to be made within a year or two of moving in.

3. Remodeling is as Easy as it Looks in the TV Shows

HGTV shows major transformations that are packaged into 30 or 60-minute timeslots, but the reality is that remodels can take months for just one room in your home. They can also come with heavy price tags when you factor in the cost of labor and if you choose pricier materials.

We may have popped your reality TV fantasy bubble, but trust us, it’ll help you see the larger picture and focus on what’s important when searching for your home. We want to make sure you don’t get caught up in the glitz and glam, like so many others do. The David Morris Group is here to help offer the real-world advice you’ll need to navigate the Reno real estate market and find the right home for you. Never hesitate to reach out to us at (775) 828-3292.

10 Events to Go Mad For This March

February 26, 2020/in Reno Events /by Shauna Morris

Basketball isn’t the only event to get excited for this spring, especially in Reno and the surrounding areas. There are a ton of great shows, concerts, and festivals to check out come March, so be sure to check out our list of activities worth putting in your calendar.

1. Snowfest! – Feb. 28 – Mar. 8

North Lake Tahoe becomes a flurry of activities and events for people of all ages at this large Mardi Gras style festival. Check out the events happening here.

2. TLC – Mar. 6

Come and listen to the classic stylings of TLC and belt along to “Waterfalls,” “Creep,” “No Scrubs,” and “Unpretty.”

3. The Beach Boys – Mar. 7

With more than 50 years of making music under their belts, there’s no doubt that The Beach Boys put on a legendary show you can’t see anywhere else.

4. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Mar. 14

Sixty records later and Lynyrd Skynyrd is still tearing up the stage to put on a fun concert dedicated to the best Southern Rock songs that will always get people up and singing.

5. Reno Leprechaun Crawl – Mar. 14

Get dressed up, enjoy some great discount drinks at 20 different downtown locations, and participate in a few free giveaways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style!

6. 8th annual Leprechaun Race – Mar. 15

Grab the whole family and take part in a fun 5K through Midtown and the Wells Avenue District. If you beat Race178’s official leprechaun, you get a special prize!

7. Monster Jam – Mar. 20 – 22

Watch as these monster trucks tear up the tracks in a fierce competition full of all kinds of tricks. You’ll be able to see the trucks up close and take photos with the drivers.

8. Rob Lowe – Mar. 21

Rob Lowe is here to discuss the rises and falls he’s experienced throughout his lifetime. Take a glimpse into what it was like to be a child actor and power that into a long and successful career in Hollywood.

9. WinterWonderGrass – Mar. 27 – 29

Squaw Valley will transform the North Tahoe location into a festival of music, beer tasting, and fun. Make memories and tap into the side of you with deep bluegrass roots.

10. BANDSTAND – Mar. 27 – 29

Travel back to 1945 and watch as soldiers coming back from World War II are faced with the challenge of rebuilding their lives before they were deployed, but somehow find their voices in music and a competition to become the nation’s next great musical superstars.

We hope you find some time to check out a few of the great events hitting Reno this March! If you ever have any questions about what’s new in the area or are looking to move closer to your favorite venues, give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292.

Growing University Enrollment Leads to Big Decisions About Student Housing

February 21, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

Reno continues to undergo a series of changes that have skewed how residents, tourists, and families view the city. One of the most important changes includes the University of Nevada, Reno, and being labeled a “college town.” Year after year, the number of students enrolling in the university grows and so do the number of people calling Reno home, business coming to give the growing workforce sustainable careers, and changes to how the community is perceived.

Currently, there’s a need for extra student housing for the 2020-2021 school year, and recently the University of Nevada, Reno, has come to an agreement with surrounding residential buildings on ways that they can help house the students. Canyon Flats and Uncommon Reno are to residential buildings that will house over 800 students and residential staff in the coming academic school year.

While Argenta Hall is still under construction and not set to reopen until August of 2021, Nye Hall will reopen August of 2020 and will have over 500 beds to house students. Housing options are important for anyone looking to make a move, including those that are coming to Reno for higher education. Students will have the option to choose between Great Basin Hall, Peavine Hall, The Nevada Living Learning Community, Juniper Hall, Manzanita Hall, Canada Hall, Sierra Hall, Nye Hall, and now Canyon Flats and Uncommon Reno.

Canyon Flats and Uncommon Reno will have some great amenities, including live-in academic mentors to help tutor students in any troublesome courses, full-size washer and dryer in each unit, and large common areas. The newest student housing options are located close to campus and will have the same security measures that the other residence halls benefit from.

Reno has yet to stop evolving with the changes, and if you’re curious about how Reno’s culture, housing market, and population have changed over the years, we’re happy to give you a glimpse into Reno’s strong past, present, and future. There are so many benefits to being labeled a college town, and we love being a part of a community with such a growing and beloved university at the heart of the city. Give the David Morris Group a call for any and all of your Reno questions at (775) 828-3292.

Reno Restaurants Making Their Debut

February 18, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

If you have a large appetite for new experiences, recipes, and restaurants, Reno is here to deliver something new for you! There are a variety of businesses that are making their debut and are ready to serve all of you, so be sure to check out our list of the latest restaurants to try out.

1. Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse

Come hungry and leave full at this all-you-can-eat restaurant with an intimate and cozy atmosphere. There are a variety of chicken, lamb, pork, and beef skewers to sample and all cooked over an authentic wood-fire grill.

2. Food & Drink

Everyone loves a menu that centers on a few beloved items and items that are done well. That’s what you can expect to find at Food & Drink. Puffy-edged pizzas, flour tortilla tacos, and sweet and savory Liège waffles are the main items the menu focuses on here.

3. Local Beer Works

Roughly two dozen local craft beers are on tap, and crafters of all kinds are welcome at this new hot spot!

4. Lolo’s Filipino Restaurant

Lorry Shirey is bringing her family recipes to the hearts and tables of Reno families across the community. Classic Filipino dishes like adobo and pancit bihon will be highlighted on this diverse menu.

5. Sparks and Smoke BBQ

One of the best BBQ spots in Nevada recently moved from Clear Acre Lane to S. McCarran Blvd. Come by to check out the daily specials as well as the beef brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs on the menu.

6. Bab x Chicken

Bab Café South Reno recently underwent a little rebranding and has reopened as Bab x Chicken. The menu has some changes, including a new heavy feature on Korean fried chicken.

From brand new restaurants to restaurants debuting a new space or a new menu, there’s always something new to try! Explore these great restaurants and give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292 if you need any recommendations on places to visit in your neighborhood or advice on buying and selling a home in the current market.

5 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Reno Romantics

February 13, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

Love is in the air, and as Cupid’s favorite holiday approaches, it’s important to make sure you have the perfect plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Biggest Little City. Gather ‘round and take some notes on some great places to spend the sweet holiday with your loved one with our list of five Valentine’s Day date ideas for Reno romantics.

Washoe Public House

The Valentine’s Day dinner is served 4 PM till closing time with a specialty menu that includes items like a rich beet soup starter, housemade lobster cappelletti entree, and a rich, warm dark chocolate brownie. Guests have three items to choose from for each course, and the menu even features a variety of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. To take a peek at the Valentine’s Day menu, click here.

Perenn Bakery

If the thought of freshly baked bread, artisanal sandwiches, and pastries that would make the perfect Valentine’s Day picnic aren’t enough to get you to stop into Perenn Bakery, their specialty Valentine’s Day Red Chocolate Croissants should be. It’s the perfect day to begin the day on a sweet note and enjoy the special gifts around Reno.

Centro Bar and Kitchen

The Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe dinner at Centro includes three courses with two options for you to choose from. There’s also an option to include wine pairings for each course. While their regular menu won’t be available after 4 PM, the fixed menu has some great options for you to choose from. For a glimpse at what they’ll be serving for the holiday, click here.

The Emerson Cocktails & Food

If you already have Valentine’s Day plans but are looking for a place to grab a drink and a small snack before or after your evening is in full swing, The Emerson is where you’ll want to go. The cocktails are classics with a twist. The Ellis and The Marteen are a few of the favorites, just in case you needed a few recommendations.

The Wedge

If you’re looking for a way to spend quality time with your significant other, take a special Valentine’s Day pottery class at The Wedge. Share love, laughter, and a wheel as you craft something to take home. There will even be desserts and beverages provided. Check out the event for yourself here.

If you’re ever curious about how to spend the holidays in Reno, we can tell you that there are a variety of businesses here to help you make it special, and luckily we always have a few recommendations on where to go. For advice on the best date night spots or what the Reno real estate market is up to, give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate – You Have to Compromise

February 7, 2020/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Just like in friendships and relationships, the key to coming out of the home buying experience on top is to compromise. We’re not saying that you should compromise on everything, but holding out for a home that meets your budget, is in your ideal neighborhood, and has all of the bells and whistles you’d dreamt of is about as likely as hitting the lottery. It does happen, but not often enough to make it the rule.

So that leads to the question, what should you compromise on and what are factors that will heavily weigh in on deciding that a property isn’t right for you? We’ve been around long enough to know what compromises will help you find a home that you’ll spend many happy years growing and thriving in. Take a look at our list of where to begin making compromises:

1. Items that need to be repaired in a home

Unless you’re buying a home that’s been recently built, there’s likely to be items that need to be repaired. You’ll need some leniency when it comes to plumbing and electrical repairs. Your REALTOR® will be able to help you understand the severity of the repairs, but we warn you that if you’re looking at an older home with a roof that’s getting closer to the end of its life or items that aren’t up to the current code, it’s not reasonable to request the seller make those repairs before purchasing the home.

2. Pricing

Staying rigid on the price you’re willing to pay when you enter negotiations with a seller can have a huge hindrance on the process. If you’re not willing to work with the seller and come to a compromise, it’s likely to make them less willing to work with you. In a competitive market where the seller is receiving multiple offers, you want to be flexible. Keep your budget at the top of your mind and make sure your REALTOR® knows the real number you cannot exceed, but don’t put yourself in a situation that has the seller feeling boxed in and walking away from the transaction.

3. Look at the bigger picture

As you’re going through the process, focusing on your ultimate goal is crucial to your long-term happiness. It’s easy to get caught up in the nuances of negotiations but if the pesky details won’t matter in the long run, then don’t spend extra energy worrying about them. If things aren’t running quite how you expected, take a deep breath, remind yourself of what is important, and talk with your team about how you can compromise to make a deal both you and the seller can agree on.

The “dream home” may be a myth, but the “dream team” isn’t. If you’re looking to work with real estate professionals who will give you the real answers, insights, and advice about what it takes to buy or sell a home in Reno’s current market, the David Morris Group is who you should rely on. Never hesitate to give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

How to Avoid Home Inspection Nightmares

January 30, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

The home inspection may be one of the most important steps of selling your home. It can open the door for hard negotiations and come with costly repairs if you haven’t properly prepared your home for what the inspector will find. In fact, the home inspection process is where a lot of hidden costs lie for sellers, but it could increase the resale value of your home in the long run. Here’s what you should know about avoiding home inspection nightmares.

Prep for the Inspection

Just like your SATs, there’s no such thing as being too prepared for the inspection process. Look at sample home inspection reports, and do a walk-through of your home. Look at everything from the roof to the foundation, make notes, and get quotes on the cost to fix anything that sticks out to you.

Have Your Documents Ready for the Inspection

You want to have the documents for all of the maintenance and repairs you’ve made to your home ready for the inspector. This not only helps the process move along smoothly, but it shows how well you’ve kept up your home over the years. It never hurts to make a good impression.

Consider a Pre-Inspection

If you like to be prepared and have the opportunity to fix any and all issues your problem may have, consider getting a pre-inspection done before the buyer’s inspector comes out. Not all inspectors will find the same issues, but it gives you a better idea of where to focus your efforts and funds to get your home sold.

Take Action on Simple Fixes

There are some simple projects you can take on that will help ensure your inspection goes smoothly. Replace light bulbs, change the furnace filter, and ensure that all doors open and close properly – this includes cabinet and closet doors. Have your fuse box clearly labeled with the area of your home the switch corresponds to, and do your due diligence to check for any signs of leaks.

Taking these simple precautions can help you avoid being blindsided by what the home inspector finds and will help you close the deal on your home quickly. If you need help preparing for a home inspection or need some recommendations on who you can trust to take care of repairs, give the David Morris Group a call. We’re always happy to help and can be reached at (775) 828-3292 anytime.

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The Reality of Real Estate – The Triumph Stories Other Agents Won’t Tell You

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

If you are someone who has bought and sold a home before, you know that you’re experiencing a cluster of emotions: excitement, nerves, stress, relief, sadness, and sometimes frustration. As real estate professionals, we focus on the victories and don’t often share the real, behind-the-scenes stories of triumph. David Morris Group is an industry-leading name in the Reno, Sparks area (we don’t mind bragging, we’ve worked hard to get here) and has helped many individuals, families, and investors navigate the sometimes rough waters of real estate. We want to share the reality of real estate and what triumph really means when buying and selling a home in Reno or Sparks!

Spoiler alert: this one ends well for our clients. David Morris Group helped these sellers move into their forever home and guided them through their first traditional purchase in Reno. Selling their home was another matter. What other agents won’t tell you is that multiple offers, while very exciting, can be complex and confusing, and this home had several offers. Each offer had many different variables the sellers had to consider, which made choosing one difficult as well as setting a high expectation for exceedingly strong negotiations. The very first offer on the table became over-negotiated and fell apart before it even had a chance. The twist is that this first offer won the day. After allowing our clients to take a step back and reassess their goals, the buyer submitted a second offer that proved right for both parties. The sellers were able to say goodbye to their first home on a very high note!

The strength of a REALTOR® lies in guiding clients through a journey, not telling them how to make very personal decisions. Through the twist and turns of back-to-back transactions, David Morris Group acted in our truest, most honest and caring form by guiding the sellers through the process, explaining every step, discussing every decision, and ultimately empowering them to make the right decisions for themselves. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our real estate clients throughout Reno and Sparks!

Inside our Reno Food Adventures

January 23, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

No matter what kind of food you’re craving, Reno has it in spades. New restaurants are springing up before our eyes, so to keep up with the changing trends, we’ve gone on a few food adventures. We’re here to give you an inside perspective of the Rattlesnake Club and Von Bismarck.

Last summer, Rattlesnake Club opened its doors at 606 West Plumb Lane with a promise to deliver a culinary experience with a seasonal menu, original recipes, and a flavor profile that will have every guest singing its praises. With an on-site greenhouse and freshly roasted coffee, there was a ton drawing us to check out what they had to offer.

After looking through the menu, we can tell you that there are some fun options, and their cocktail list would make them the perfect spot to catch up with friends over dinner and drinks. While our experience got off to a rocky start, Rattlesnake Club quickly turned it around, and the kale salad and soup we ordered were wonderful. We’re already looking forward to going back for dinner.

Much like Rattlesnake Club, Von Bismarck opened its doors to the public last summer on Wells Avenue. With Eastern and Northern European traditions and a love for modern flair, Von Bismarck’s goal was to combine the two schools of thought for a completely unique dining experience. The communal seating and family-style servings are in place to get you to connect with those you’re dining with and leave with new friends and even better memories. The idea of sinking our teeth into traditional German cuisine brought us right to one of Von Bismarck’s tables.

Everything was beautifully presented, and we had the opportunity to sample a variety of small dishes. The items that stood out to us were the house-made pretzel, which is worth every carb-filled bite, and the cheesy spätzle puts any mac and cheese recipe to shame. The interior is cozy and inviting, and we’re looking forward to checking out the outside dining area and playspace when it’s open.

We’re wishing immense success to both of these wonderful restaurants, and if you ever need advice on anything from where to go for dinner to what changes we predict will happen in the Reno real estate market, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can be reached at (775) 828-3292 anytime.

Reno Welcomes Pioneers of All Kinds

January 15, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

Nevada has a rich background of being a land of opportunity for many hoping to strike it rich and make their name on the world, but Reno’s story has continued to evolve over the years. The city continues to be the place where prospectors and pioneers set their sights to introduce new changes, ideas, and conversations. Why is that?

Well, for starters, our city has a growing university that continues to educate a talented workforce in a variety of majors. Nearly three-quarters of the University of Nevada, Reno graduates stay in the city to take on new careers and start their own families.

With the open-minded environment and building excitement behind new opportunities, Reno continues to be a place where entrepreneurship thrives. If you have an idea, you’re likely to find a large group of mentors, volunteers, and team members to help you get your business off the ground. Some of the local entrepreneurship groups include 1 Million Cups Reno, Association of Motivated Professionals Meetup, and Northern Nevada SCORE Meetup for Small Business Owners.

There are also many established companies that continue to look for talent that can take their businesses to the next level. Microsoft, Tesla, Switch, and Apple are just some of the large names you’ll find employing several of the Reno residents. If you’re hoping to sell your latest innovation to a tech giant, the University of Nevada Innevation Center is the perfect hot spot for you.

The best part of the city is that with all of the attractions and activities that we have to offer, you’ll always have a wonderful work-life balance. When life gets a little too stressful, or you need to get the creative juices flowing again, be sure to hit up the great restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries or get outdoors and find a new hiking or biking trail to explore.

Reno will forever be a place for free-spirited thinkers, doers, and movers. If you have big dreams of starting your own business and being a leading pioneer in your industry, make Reno your headquarters. With that in mind, if you’re looking for a home with a dedicated office to help you begin your journey as a CEO, give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292.

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