reno homes | David Morris Group

Winter Tree Care Tips

December 17, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Businesses, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Winter is often a season that has everyone neglecting their yards and their trees, but there are actually some things you should be doing to keep the outside landscaping looking beautiful and get ready for a stunning spring. Check out the winter tree care tips we’ve learned from our friends at Noah’s Park Tree Care!

The Benefits of Winter

Winter is actually a great time to spend some time taking care of your trees as it brings advantages like increased structural visibility, decreased stresses, decreased chances for pest infestation, and increased fruit production. With the shedding of a tree’s leaves, it’s much easier to look at the structure of the tree and gives you some insight into the health and the needs of the tree. Pruning is also much easier to take care of in the winter as trees are dormant and less likely to take on any stresses from the foliage loss.

Identifying a Dead Tree vs. a Dormant Tree

Are you wondering if you have a dead tree or a dormant tree on your hands? There are some things you can do to check!

Do you see any signs of budding? – A dormant tree will still have signs of small leaf buds in the dead of winter. They’re just waiting for spring to bloom. You’ll want to check each branch as branches with no buds or buds that are dry and shriveled could be signs of a dead branch and a tree in trouble.
Is your tree shedding its old bark and getting a new skin? – Just as leaves fall off and will grow back, tree bark does the same thing. Dormant trees will show signs of new bark, while a tree that is in trouble will show signs of shedding a layer but not replacing it. Be sure to also check for cracks in the trunk.
What’s under your tree’s twigs? – Grab a knife and scratch off a spot on a twig on your tree. In a dormant tree, the twig should be moist and bright green, while a tree in trouble will show a brittle, brown layer. Try this on a few twigs around the tree to get a complete view of your tree’s overall health. Another test you can perform is to bend a few twigs. If they break and are crunchy, they’re dead branches.

If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and great team to care for your trees, contact Noah’s Park Tree Care at (775) 376-0917. They offer winter inspections to help you identify if your trees are healthy and how to ensure they grow strong come the spring!

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.

Local Businesses that Make Great Gifts

December 7, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Hoping to spend more time shopping local in 2022? There are some amazing local businesses that offer some phenomenal gifts everyone would love to receive in the new year. Check out our guide to local businesses that make great gifts and treat your loved ones (or yourself) to something unique.

Toys for Children and Children at Heart

K/D Empire – 433 Pyramid Way
Kelekia Toys and Gifts – 3886 Mayberry Dr.
Learning Express Toys – 197 Damonte Ranch Pkwy D.
The Lark – 538 W. Plumb Ln. Ste. C
Toys N More – 4809 Kietzke Ln. Suite C.

For the Art Lover

Art House – 255 Crummer Lane
Nevada Fine Arts – 1301 S. Virginia St.
Wedge Ceramic Studio – 2095 Dickerson Rd.

For the Sustainable Shoppers and Carbon-Conscious

Down to Earth Composting
Replenish Refillery and Gift – 50 S Virginia St. Suite 3
Sierra Water – 2055 Dickerson Rd.
Waste Less Shop – 7300 Rancharrah Pkwy Suite 120

For the Old Soul and Vintage Collector

Bad Apple Vntg – 1001 S Virginia St.
Junkee Clothing Exchange and Antique Store – 960 S. Virginia St.
Red Chair – 3400 Lakeside Dr.
The Nest – 201 Keystone Ave.
The Vassar House – 221 Vassar St.

For the Avid Readers and Music Aficionados

Golden Owl Bookshop
Grassroots Books – 660 E Grove St.
Recycled Records – 822 S. Virginia St.
Sundance Books and Music – 121 California Ave.

For the Fashionista

Nomad Boutique – 736 S. Virginia St.
Sierra Belle – 726 S. Virginia St.
Wildwood Trading Post – 733 S. Virginia St.

There is no shortage of amazing local businesses to support in the Reno area. When you have a birthday, celebration, or holiday that springs up, keep these businesses in mind. 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.

Reno-Sparks Holiday Light Displays and Events

December 1, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Twinkling lights and Christmas trees will soon be on display everywhere, just as radio stations will be playing the soundtracks of the classic Christmas crooners. Getting into the holiday spirit isn’t hard when you live in the Reno-Sparks area, and there are so many events and activities to keep your calendar full throughout December.

Holiday Light Displays

Now – December 25 – Lights of Tanea
December 1 – Reno’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
December 3 – Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Lights
December 3 – 4 – Sparks 34th Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
December 4 – Light Up The Night Community Christmas Event
December 9 – 19 – Somersett Neighborhood of Lights
December 18 – Damonte Ranch Circle of Lights

Holiday Events

Now – December 26 – Santa’s Christmas Wonderland
Now – December 31 – Northern Lights Festival
Now – December 31 – Christmas on the Comstock
- Now – December 18 – Train O’ Lights
- December 1 – 18 – Believe Again – A Christmas Shopping Giveaway
- December 3 – Christmas in the Sierra Concert with David John & The Comstock Cowboys
- December 3 – 24 – Holiday Decorating Contest
- December 4 – The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl
- December 4 – Tidings & Tinsel at Piper’s Opera House
- December 4 – 5 – St. Mary’s Art Center 7th annual Holiday Faire
- December 4 and 11 – Parade of Lights
- December 4 and 11 – Magical Christmas Fireworks Show
- December 10 – 12 – A Comstock Christmas Carol by Piper’s Players
December 3 – 5 – “Spirit of the Season” from the Reno Philharmonic
December 4 – Tuba Christmas Concert
December 4 – 5 – Magic of Santa Arts and Crafts Faire
December 5 – 19 – TOCCATA presents “Messiah”
December 8 – Siamsa – A Celtic Christmas
December 9 – Pink Martini Holiday Show
December 10 – Annual Share Your Christmas Drive-By Food Drive
December 10 – 12 – The Nutcracker Ballet
December 10 – 18 – “A Christmas Carol” from Bruka Theatre
December 11 – Reno Santa Pub Crawl
December 11 – 12 – Reno Wind Symphony: A Holiday Celebration
December 17 – 19 – Reno Jazz Orchestra Home for the Holidays 2021
December 18 – January 1 – “Holiday Dreams” at the Grand Sierra Resort

We hope that your season is merry and bright! Spend some time enjoying the twinkling lights and the various holiday events that Northern Nevada is known for. If you need any recommendations on the best holiday celebrations around town or if you’d like to talk about buying or selling a home in the new year, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

New Home Builds – Increased Costs and Longer Timelines

November 23, 2021/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Across the nation, home building projects are increasing, and permits are being put in to expand communities. The same is happening in Northern Nevada, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on the supply chain, pushed back deadlines, increased costs, and made new home builds a lengthier and costlier process.

Reno home builders have received various letters alerting them to price increases on the materials they need to complete a project, price increases on labor and truck rental fees, and extended timelines to receive materials.

The pandemic accelerated the housing demand in Reno. In part due to Reno’s growing economy and ability to bounce back during hard times, the increase in millennials starting families and joining the home search, and the rise of remote working positions allowing people to live in cheaper cities while working for companies with headquarters in more costly states.

The need for new homes is only increasing, and the supply of homes on the market is at a standstill. Freddie Mac released an estimate at the end of 2020 that said the U.S. housing market was short 3.8 million single-family homes, roughly 50 years behind in supply levels needed to meet the long-term demand.

Unfortunately, builders are facing hardships to not only obtain the supplies they need but to find the workers they need to complete their jobs. Construction costs have increased roughly 20% to 25% in the last year and a half, and it’s not just lumber that builders are having a hard time getting their hands on. It’s vinyl, garage doors, concrete, appliances, and more.

While it is a challenging time for home builders, new developments are still in the works to meet the estimated population increase of 100,000 residents coming to the Reno-Sparks area in the next decade. This projection comes from the Northern Nevada Economic Planning Indicators Committee. There’s still a big push for new homes in the Reno area, and the Reno real estate market is expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future.

If you need more information on what this means for the Reno real estate market, or if you need to buy or sell a home in the current market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Best Yoga Studios in Reno

November 17, 2021/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Yoga is known to help connect the mind and body and help those who practice yoga gain strength and stamina. Over the years, yoga has grown in popularity and become a well-practiced form of exercise. As it’s grown, various yoga studios have opened in Northern Nevada to fit the demand. Let’s take a look at some of the best yoga studios in Reno.

Aspired Elements | 780 Smithridge Dr #300
Eagle Fitness | 6295 Sharlands Avenue
European Fitness Center | 2999 South Virginia Street
Inspired by Purpose Wellness Center & Yoga Studio | 2910 Mill Street
Juice Box Yoga | 631 Sierra Rose Drive | 1635 Robb Dr #3 | 1330 Scheels Drive F168
Katie Louvat Yoga | 720 Tahoe Street
Mountain Pose Yoga | 3677 Kings Row
Pure Barre | 748 South Meadows Parkway
Rishi Yoga | 1350 Stardust Street
Serenity Studio | 2690 Lennox St
Southrac | 9393 Gateway Drive
Temple Yoga | 190 California Avenue
The Studio | 1085 South Virginia Street
The Yoga Center Reno | 720 Tahoe Street
The Yoga Pearl | 2955 Vista Boulevard
Union Studio | 360 Kirman Ave
Yoga Loka | 6135 Lakeside Drive
Yoga Pod | 13981 South Virginia Street

If you’re looking to make some healthy changes to your lifestyle in the new year, consider adding yoga to your routine. There are a vast number of health benefits to both your mind and body, and with so many styles, you’re sure to find a class, instructor, and studio in the Reno area that fits your needs.

Major types of yoga include:

Vinyasa yoga
Hatha yoga
Iyengar yoga
Kundalini yoga
Ashtanga yoga
Bikram yoga
Yin yoga
Restorative yoga
Prenatal yoga
Anusara yoga
Jivamukti yoga

Each style of yoga focuses on something different, but all help to connect you with your mind and body. The best yoga studios in Reno offer classes and techniques that can help you achieve your health goals in 2022. If you need more helpful recommendations, or if you’d like to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

November Events

November 8, 2021/in Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

November always feels like the true start of the holiday season in Reno. The crisp mornings and the potential for snow to dust the walkways brings some holiday cheer. In between your Thanksgiving preparations, be sure to check out some of the November events happening around town!

November 3 – 14 – Hamilton | Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
November 9 – 13 – International Miniature Bullriding Association World Finals | Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
November 10, 17, 24 – Small Wonder Wednesdays | The Discovery
November 11 – Reno Veterans Day Parade | Downtown Reno
November 13 – Hands ON! Second Saturdays | Nevada Museum of Art
November 13 – Science Saturdays | National Automobile Museum
November 13 – 21 – Washoe County Library Book Sale | Reno Town Mall
November 13, 19, 27 – Wolf Pack Football | Nevada Football Stadium
November 18 – 39 North 3rd Thursday | Victorian Square
November 18 – 21 – Disney On Ice | Reno Events Center
November 19 – Warren Miller’s “Winter Starts Now” | Reno Ballroom
November 19 – 20 – Sky Tavern Ski Swap | 4813 Kietzke Ln
November 19 – 20 – 23rd Annual Fall Fest | Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gym
November 19 – 21 – Jurassic Quest | Reno-Sparks Convention Center
November 19 – December 24 – Polar Express | V&T Railroad
November 20 – Tipsy Turkey Wine Walk | Riverwalk District
November 20 – Holiday Family Arts Festival at Arts for All Nevada | Lake Mansion Arts & Cultural Center
November 25 – Scheel’s Turkey Trot | Sparks Marina
November 25 – Wobble Before You Gobble | Reno City Plaza

This is just the start of the holiday events happening in the Reno-Sparks area. If you need more ideas on what events you can attend throughout November, or if you’d like to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate: Predictions on Trends for Purchasing a Home in 2021

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

We can all admit that 2020 has been an unexpected year, and many are wondering what 2021 will hold. It’s been a question that many real estate professionals are fielding from their clients, and as your trusty real estate advisors, we’re here to offer some predictions on trends for purchasing a home in 2021.

Even Lower Mortgage Rates

2020 brought some of the lowest mortgage rates we’ve seen, but Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the National Association of REALTORS® are all predicting that those rates will fall again or stay flat in 2021. If you thought you missed out on getting a great 30-year fixed mortgage rate, you may be wrong!

Prices of Homes Will Increase

This year has marked a remarkable increase in home prices, and we’re likely to see more of the same in 2021, but at a slightly lower rate than that of 2020. Freddie Mac and the National Association of REALTORS® showed that prices increased by 5.8% in 2020, and they are likely to rise by 2.7% in 2021.

Making Compromises Will Be Necessary

Because of the bidding wars that are happening, it’s likely that you will need to closely look at the loan you’re pre-approved for and look at homes below that budget to account for higher deposits, full-price offers, multiple offer situations, and those waiving appraisals and inspections altogether. Take a hard look at what you need and what you want, then crunch the numbers on the down payment, lender’s fees, and property taxes you will face for the homes that meet your budget and the items on your needs list.

Inventory Will Remain Low

Unless buyers leave the market or new construction home builds increase exponentially, we will continue to see low monthly inventory. This is what will contribute to the increase in home prices that we talked about earlier. Low mortgage rates are incentivizing many to purchase a home now, but there’s a supply shortage of homes for buyers entering the market.

If you’re interested in learning more about the predictions we have on trends for purchasing a home in 2021, contact the David Morris Group at 775-828-3292. Our years of experience have made us experts on the Reno-Sparks real estate market, and we’re always happy to share our insights with you.

New Year’s Resolutions to Make Your House a Better Home

December 22, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Neighborhoods, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

2021 will be here in the blink of an eye, and while we can’t believe that 2020 has passed by already, it is once again time to make resolutions and goals for the new year. If your 2020 resolutions have more than a few things you couldn’t check off thanks to a global pandemic, make a few goals that you can achieve no matter what the year holds. Check out the New Year’s resolutions to make your house a better home.

Minimize energy use

With more time spent at home comes more energy used and higher utility bills. Take time to find ways you can cut costs. You can start by:

Unplugging appliances when they’re not in use.
Hang curtains to keep your home cooler in the summer.
Open blinds during the day to use natural light to brighten your home rather than light fixtures.
Add a timer to control how long your lights stay on.
Switch to energy-saving light bulbs.

Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it

Keeping a tidy home can be overwhelming, especially if you find that your weekends are consumed with deep cleaning. There may be some areas of your home that you’re overcleaning and some areas of your home that you’re neglecting. Create daily tasks that will help you maximize your time and keep your home tidy at all times.

Take on one DIY project a month

If you’re tired of the furniture in your home or you want to spruce up your space without breaking the bank, research a few DIY projects that you may want to try and put them into action. Trying something new and adding some sweat equity into your home can help you love your space.

Try seasonal trends

Home design is a lot like fashion — the trends change quickly and often seasonally. Research the latest home design trends and try them out in your home. It can be a simple change that you don’t spend a lot of time or money on, but it may open your eyes to new styles, colors, and themes that you like and may want to continue in your home.

Focus on your outside space

Your outdoor space is as much a part of making a house a home as the interior space is. Reno has beautiful seasons, and it’s important to have an outdoor area where you can spend time soaking up the sun, breathing in the fall air, and cuddling up by a fire pit in the brisk evenings. Think about investing in outdoor furniture, hammocks, a projector for outdoor movie nights, etc. Make it a fun and usable space.

If you’re in need of more New Year’s resolutions to make your house a home or you’re simply curious about the Reno-Sparks real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Latest Construction Projects Around Reno and Sparks

December 17, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Just as many of us have been using the time at home to build new skills, take on new projects, and think outside the box, the city of Reno has been doing the same. The future of Reno looks bright, and it’s partly because of some exciting developments that are on the horizon. Check out the latest construction projects around Reno and Sparks.

Reno City Center

The former Harrah’s casino is a part of a new project to turn downtown Reno into a place where live, work, and play culminate perfectly. The west tower isn’t slated to wrap for another two years, but when finished, it will include apartments, retail space, and public green space.

Keystone Commons

With financing secured, Keystone Commons has begun rolling forward on construction for the parking garage, four-story apartment building, and retail space. Some of the brands that have leased space in the upcoming development include In-N-Out Burger and Starbucks.

The Oddie District

The former Lowe’s building in Sparks is currently the site for a $30 million work-live development. It will feature 40,000 square feet set aside for a maker space component and 60,000 square feet set aside for “flex-tech” spaces that can double as living quarters. The massive project has also set aside 9,000 square feet for small businesses, 10,000 square feet for restaurants, and 8,000 square feet for a brewery/distillery.

Swope Middle School

In an effort to help alleviate any overcrowding, Swope Middle School is undergoing some construction to add a new gym, new classrooms, and new HVAC systems throughout the school. Construction is expected to finish by 2022.

T3

There’s some new momentum to report for the T3 development. Permits for a five-story apartment complex and a five-story parking garage have been submitted. There are also plans for retail and green space, but progress hasn’t started on those projects yet. With a completion date in 2023, this development will be one to watch out for in the coming years.

If you’re curious about any of the latest construction projects around Reno and Sparks or you’re simply curious about the Reno-Sparks real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate: Resolutions That Will Help First-Time Homebuyers Purchase a Home in the New Year

December 11, 2020/in Reality of Real Estate, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

With the new year almost here, now is the perfect time to start setting goals and creating plans for how to achieve those goals. 2021 could be your year to become a homeowner, and we have some resolutions that will help first-time homebuyers purchase a home in the new year.

Set a monthly savings goal and a down payment goal

Start off by looking at what you already have saved and how much money you would like to have that goes towards a down payment for your home. Then begin to look at your expenses each month, current wages, and calculate how much you can reasonably save each month to meet your goal. This can also help you see if you may need to find a side hustle or cut expenses to help you increase the savings you’re setting aside each month to meet your goal.

Avoid big purchases

Every penny you have should go towards paying for the things you need and saving for purchasing a home. Even if you’ve met your down payment goal, you’ll want to have money set aside to cover closing costs, home inspection fees, moving costs, home repair projects, HOA fees, home insurance costs, etc. The latest iPhone will still be there when you’re a homeowner. Sacrificing a big purchase now will pay off in the long run!

Begin reaching out and making connections with real estate professionals

You want to build relationships with people who can help you achieve your goal of purchasing a home. Create a list of potential real estate professionals you’d like to work with and interviewing them to see which one will be a good fit for you.

Begin meeting with lenders to talk about what kind of loan you qualify for

Meeting with lenders is a very important part of the homebuying process. You need to know how much house you can afford to buy as well as the interest rate to pay back the loan. If the interest rate is too high, it may have something to do with your debt-to-income ratio, and your lender may be able to give you advice on how to pay down your debt while saving for a home to score you a better deal on your mortgage!

Get your credit score checked and contest anything that’s wrong

Your credit score can also have an impact on the mortgage rates you’re offered, so be sure to get a detailed report and contest anything that is wrong or fraudulent to have it removed from your credit history.

2021 is your year to become a homeowner, but you’ll have to work hard to stick to your resolutions to make it happen. If you need more tips on how to become a homeowner in the new year, contact the David Morris Group at 775-828-3292!

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