reno homes | David Morris Group

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.

2020 Design Trend Predictions

January 15, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Just as we have our finger on the pulse of the Reno real estate market, we also keep track of what the next big thing will be when it comes to home decor and design. 2020 marks a whole new decade, and it’s sure to be the marker for new styles and new ideas in the trends we love.

Farmhouse Styles Continue to Dominate 2020

The continued love affair the world has with Fixer Upper and all of the shabby-chic designs that breathe new life to old and forgotten projects will continue to be a driving force for the 2020 design world. To capture the style that Chip and Joanna Gaines have turned into an empire, combine wood and steel pieces with neutral cream tones and pops of bold color. Go thrifting and find some items that you can put your own spin on to fit your home design needs.

Get Your Green Thumb Ready for a Garden Room

Plants continue to be one way to liven up any room, and more and more people are jumping into the trend. In fact, we predict it’ll be uncommon to walk into a home and not see at least a few succulents lying around. Be sure to learn all about what kind of plants will thrive in your home before making a garden room of your own.

Transition into Transitional Style Decor

We’re all in the process of remembering to write 2020 instead of 2019 on all of our dated papers, but that’s not the only transition the new year marks. In fact, this year, there will be more blends between the contemporary and the modern. Think of those green velvet couches that have a traditional style but feature a pop of color and texture in the fabric used. Blend the classics with something new, and you’ll be a transitional style expert before you know it.

Spanish Styles Aren’t Taking a Siesta

Stucco and clay textures with wrought-iron details will continue to be a staple of the year. Colorful tiles with interesting patterns are also another staple of the style, so if you’re planning on redoing your bathroom in 2020, you may want to think of incorporating something that will make you feel like you’ve entered a beautifully tiled Spanish villa.

2020 will be a time for breaking out of your comfort zone to try new things! Pick a new style, room, color, or idea to make your focus for the new year and see what comes from it. If you need more ideas on how to improve your home and get the most of the space you’re in, check out our Facebook page. If you have any questions about the real estate market and where Reno’s headed in 2020, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (775) 828-3292.

A Look Into Reno’s Hot Real Estate Market

December 31, 2019/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

A recent article confirmed what we already knew – Reno’s real estate market is sizzling! In fact, it’s hard to picture the market slowing down as we think of the current projects underway and the big booms we’ve seen in the last few years. With the buzz gaining attraction, let’s look into Reno’s hot real estate market.

Business Insider gathered insights from real estate professionals from a variety of markets to see if there were any cities that were repeatedly brought up as explosive markets. They found that there were 15 places that were brought up in a prediction of the most popular real estate markets for the next ten years.

While the study didn’t include an overall ranking system, it’s nice to see Reno included in such an important list among places like Long Island City in New York and Boston, Massachusetts. The news shows how Reno is an adaptable city that bounces back and finds new ways to thrive. After being one of the cities hit the hardest by the Great Recession, Reno is now making strides to be a real estate market that everyone turns to watch.

Many point to Reno being a market to watch for the city’s current draw to big businesses. Tesla is but one of the companies that have decided to set up shop in the neighborhood, and it’s creating a great influx of jobs and economic growth. With the International Airport allowing residents to jet off wherever their heart desires and no state income tax ensuring you keep more of your money in your pocket, Reno has many perks. These perks are drawing more and more California natives to move to the area to get away from the growing costs of living in our neighboring state.

With Reno’s current 1,000 homes in 120 days initiative, it will be exciting to see how these developments impact the future of Reno’s real estate market. We’re always happy to share our insights into the market, and if you have any questions on what your home may be worth in the current market, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (775) 828-3292.

How to Ring in the New Year in Reno

December 30, 2019/in Reno Events /by Shauna Morris

With the hours before we say goodbye to 2019 dwindling, it’s time to start your preparations on how to ring in the new year in Reno! The new decade is going to bring changes that will continue to shape the community, so why not get dressed up and welcome it in style?

Downtown Reno always knows how to throw a party, and New Year’s is no exception. Silver Legacy at THE ROW is running with a 1920’s theme. It only seems fair to pay tribute to the jazz clubs, sparkly fashion, and crisp cocktails that paved the way for 2020. This centennial celebration brings all the hope of the future while paying tribute to the legacy of the past, and it’s sure to make for a memorable new year!

The Nugget is hosting a variety of events that include free entertainment starting as early as 8 PM. DJ Milton Merlos will be playing at the Lobby Bar, and the Celebrity Showroom will host a dance party featuring Gruve Nation. For those looking for a truly unique experience, be sure to catch Cirque Musica Holiday Wishes performance in the Nugget Ballroom!

The Peppermill will be a festival of free champagne and party favors on the casino floor as it gets closer to midnight, but the real party will take place in the Capri Ballroom. The Party in Pink New Year’s Eve Party is a twist on the 80’s classic, Pretty in Pink. Dance along to your favorite 80’s hits and bring along your besties. It’s not a party without Duckie, after all.

If you’re looking to keep your New Year’s lowkey by hosting a party of your own, don’t miss the fireworks show from three different rooftops in Downtown Reno. The pop of color will ensure that your night ends with a bang and brings hope that 2020 will burn bright.

No matter how you decide to ring in the new year in Reno, we wish you a safe and happy holiday! If you think 2020 may be the year that you decide to buy or sell your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends at the David Morris Group. We can be reached at (775) 828-3292, and we’re always here to make sure that you have a home that will keep your family happy in the new decade.

Redevelopment Projects Give Old Businesses New Life in Reno

December 23, 2019/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

There used to be a time where you would drive downtown and see dilapidated motels and homes that needed some much-needed love to keep them standing, but that’s been something we’ve rapidly seen change over the last few years.

The expansion of the university and the cleanup projects happening in part due to the Neon Line District have brought a vibrancy to the community again. We’re seeing some continuous changes, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

In fact, Reno’s West Fourth Street is part of a current redevelopment project that will change an old motel into new apartments. The Courtyard Inn Motel is the latest piece of property to be bought up for the Neon Line District, and after the $5 million investment has been made, the motel will be a 38-unit apartment complex called Loft 601.

The new project will include plans to save 10% of the units for affordable senior housing. Loft 601 will be studio apartments with a new community room and kitchen for tenants to use. Construction is underway, and the target move-in date for renters is July 1.

In the last few years, Fourth Street alone has demolished or redeveloped 300 units of housing in hopes of updating the neighborhood and improving the living conditions in the aging properties. The overall end goal is to make the Neon Line District an attractive location for tourists and new renters alike, and that’s already been seen with the Burning Man art pieces along the corridor.

There are also talks about the Neon Line District being recognized by the city as its own district in order to seek funding for bike lanes and improvements to the general structure of the neighborhood.

Reno continues to be adaptable and thrive in any circumstance that’s thrown its way. We love keeping our finger on the pulse of these changes, and if you ever have any questions about what developments are underway and what it can mean for buying or selling a home, give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

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