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Get Ahead Of The Holiday Shopping Season With These Unique Nevada Gifts

November 9, 2022/in Blog, Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

November is a wonderful time of year in Nevada, with dropping temperatures, a newly snow-covered horizon, and exciting seasonal events. But with the holidays right around the corner, it can be a daunting season of gift shopping for Nevadans. Luckily, there’s no shortage of local goodies, Nevada knickknacks, and unique gifts sprinkled throughout the state, just waiting for you to find them!

Hand-Crafted Gifts

When looking for that perfect gift, there’s nothing better than a beautiful hand-crafted gift. Show your loved ones how much you care with a one-of-a-kind gift from one of these local businesses:

Pretty Little Paper Co.

This unique craft store will send you home with the cutest hoodies, t-shirts, and stickers for your friends and family.

Neon Cactus Vintage

This stunning vintage store holds stunning stained glass suncatchers, earrings, necklaces, and more!

Meridian Press

Take Nevada home with you at the Meridian Press with beautiful, hand-painted prints of the Truckee River, Sand Harbor, and our stunning local nature.

Sweets And Treats

Reno Food Tours

Savor every last bite of Reno’s local culinary scene with this guiding tour. Explore six delicious tastings from local favorites as you learn the secrets of Reno’s culinary past.

Black Rabbit Mead Co.

With choices of cucumber mint, pineapple jalapeno, and strawberry oak, any delicious glass from this first-in-Nevada meadery will be a gift to remember!

Sierra Nevada Chocolate Co.

Enjoy over 40 flavors of hand-made chocolate, caramel apples, and more with this locally loved chocolate store. You can even gift an edible version of The Reno Arch!

The Radish Hotel

Looking to go green with this season’s collection of gifts? The Radish Hotel offers sustainable and environmentally friendly holiday baskets filled to the brim with tasty honey, jams, granola, and locally-sourced produce.

Pampering Gifts

With our steaming hot mineral-rich springs, Nevada is one of the best places to kick your feet up and embrace a self-care day.

Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa

Soak up a beautiful holiday getaway or even a staycation at Nevada’s oldest and most treasured spring resort.

Sage House Soapworks

Locally made in Sparks, these gorgeous soaps will have you buying in bulk! These soaps boast shining colors woven into unique designs that smell like a dream.

Whether you’re getting ahead of the holidays or looking for a unique gift for that special someone, local Nevada businesses have you covered! Contact us if you’d like to learn more about what makes Nevada so wonderful during the holiday season!

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Best Hiking Trails in Reno to See the Fall Colors

October 31, 2022/in Blog, Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Tis’ the season for fantastic fall views of the Reno-Tahoe area! With crisp orange leaves, crystal blue lakes, and snowy white mountaintops, the fall season never fails to bring a kaleidoscope of stunning colors. Whether you’re one of many visitors traveling from all over the country to enjoy the incredible sights Nevada has to offer or a local lover of nature, here are some of the most picturesque hikes in the area. Get your cameras ready!

Mayberry Park

Perfect for families, this beautiful park lies alongside the Truckee River, making for some incredible fall views. With paved trails and nature walks, Mayberry Park allows families a calming walk along the river.

Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail

For even more scenic trails, Carson City has plenty of sights to see. At the base of the Eastern Sierra mountains, the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail has easily accessible trails that offer one-of-a-kind views. And don’t forget the year-round waterfalls that are nestled within Kings Canyon.

Galena Creek Trail

Bring your furry friends for a calm morning or afternoon stroll along the banks of Galena Creek! Inside the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this trail is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Marlette Lake Trail

For the more avid and adventurous hikers, the Marlette Lake trail offers miles of beautiful golden aspen trees. While the trail is more challenging than most, hikers can break while listening to melodic birdsong and trickling streams.

Reno Riverwalk District

While the Riverwalk District differs from the normal idea of a “nature trail,” there are still plenty of unique fall colors to enjoy at one of America’s most memorable riverwalks. Take in the burnt oranges and golden hues of a Nevada fall while enjoying an elegant meal out at the famous Reno Riverwalk.

There’s nothing quite like fall in Nevada. So come join us to celebrate the stunning change of season, experience fall like never before, and maybe even learn how you can call this irresistible place your home. Contact The David Morris Group to find your dream Nevada home!

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Fun and Interesting Facts About Nevada and Nevada Day

October 26, 2022/in Blog, Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

There’s nothing more beautiful than Nevada in the fall, with crisp burnt orange leaves, crystal clear lakes, and stunning mountaintops. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Nevada is a beautiful place to visit and live. There is always something interesting to learn, a new exciting event around every corner, or one of Nevada’s iconic celebrations like the beloved Nevada Day.

Fun Facts About Nevada

State bird: Mountain Bluebird

State flower: Sagebrush

State tree: Bristlecone Pine

State animal: Desert Bighorn Sheep

Highest point: Boundary Peak

Quirky Nevada Facts

Nevada is most commonly known for its vast deserts, thrilling casinos, and bustling nightlife, but the Silver State holds much more than meets the eye. Here are some little-known facts that set Nevada apart.

Las Vegas is home to over 150,000 hotel rooms, more than any other city in the United States
The Extraterrestrial Highway, otherwise known as State Route 375, is a famed highway running through Nevada, from Tonopah to Alamo. This 98-mile highway has been noted as a hub for UFO activity.
Nevada’s nickname “The Silver State” is due to its abundant gold production, actually marking it as the state with the largest gold production and fifth largest across the country.
Blue jeans were invented in Reno.
The oldest North American human mummy was discovered right in Nevada’s backyard.

Nevada Day

And, of course, we’d be remiss to discuss Nevada’s incredible culture and heritage without drawing attention to one of its most notable holidays – Nevada Day. Held annually on the last Friday of October, this holiday celebrates our unique and beloved state’s entry into the Union in 1864. While it has always been an important milestone to the state’s inhabitants, Nevada Day became an official state holiday in 1933 and has since become an incredible annual celebration among locals and visitors alike.

There truly is something special about this beautifully unique state. If you’re interested in calling this place your home, let us help! Contact The David Morris Group to find your dream Nevada home!

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Tips For Getting Your House Ready For Winter

October 21, 2022/in Blog, Reality of Real Estate, Reno Neighborhoods, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

It may seem preemptive to start preparing your house for winter during the cool fall months when apple-picking, running through corn mazes, and exciting fall festivals sound much more fun. But unless you’ve adequately winterized your home, the cold Nevada weather can cause severe damage to your house. So, get a head start on your winter home maintenance list to keep your home warm and safe during the colder months that are just around the corner. Here are some tips on how to get your home ready for winter.

Proper Insulation

Unless you prefer a frigid winter inside your home, insulation is your best friend this season. Cold winter temperatures can skyrocket your energy bill and transform your cozy living room into a freezing white tundra. Before the temperature drops, ensure that your windows, doors, and entryways are insulated appropriately.

Trim Any Branches

Trimming an overgrown yard might seem like the last thing you want to do as the weather gets colder. However, all it takes is one strong winter storm to uproot one of your trees or send overhanging branches flying onto your roof. Make sure tree limbs and branches are at least three feet away from your home.

Service Your Fireplace

Ensure that your fireplaces and chimneys are thoroughly inspected and serviced before winter arrives. While this may seem like an expensive task on your winter to-do list, it is a necessity! Unkept bricks could allow water leaks, and an unserviced fireplace could pose a serious threat to your home if left unchecked.

Inspect Your Roof

Roof leaks are the bane of any homeowner’s existence, but seasoned homeowners know that a pre-winter inspection can save you thousands of dollars in the future. Whether you’re hiring a professional or doing it yourself, look out for the following:

Any loose shingles
Cracked caulk
Rusted spots
Masses of debris
Worn rubber boots around vent pipes
Clogged gutters

Stay ahead of the cold with these tips on properly winterizing your home – you’ll save on energy costs and any potential winter damage, and ensure that this upcoming Nevada winter will be a comfortable one! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

What Does “Good Bones” Mean?

September 30, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

Buying a home is stressful and can feel overwhelming if it’s your first home. Then throw in terms like “load bearing,” “roof truss,” and “subfloor,” and you’re not sure what you’re even looking at anymore! We’ve heard the term “good bones” used to describe a house, but what does “good bones” mean? How can you determine if the house you fall in love with has them?

Materials and Foundation

The main thing people refer to when they say “a house has good bones” is that its structure is sound and its foundation is solid. A house has a skeleton that gives it shape and supports the outer coverings. That support is called the frame, which is considered the house’s bones. The bones consist of wooden beams, floor joists, wall studs, roof rafters, and related components.

Wood frame houses built in the first half of the 20th century were made of higher quality wood than those built today. The lumber in an old house may be more robust and better able to withstand the elements. Other home materials generally considered to be “good bones” are brick and concrete.

Doors

Interior doors can be a good indicator of the quality of construction or whether or not the house has settled. While it’s not uncommon for homes to settle a little, if none of the interior doors stay open or close completely, that is a structural problem – bad bones.

Corners

A good indication of structural problems is diagonal cracking in the corners of windows, stairs, doors, and other openings.

Sizeable Rooms

While you can add square footage to a home, increasing the size of interior rooms may be more challenging. For this reason, a house that feels “roomy” with nicely sized spaces and high ceilings can be referred to as having “good bones.”

Sturdy Roof

A home needs to have a durable roof that’s in good shape. It is safe to assume that a house with a properly aligned, intact roof with minor if not zero, wear and tear has good bones.

Windows

Well-constructed windows with ample natural lighting are a significant plus when buying a home. If the home has sturdy double-hung windows that easily open and close, you can say that the house has good bones.

Floors

While damaged or low-quality floors aren’t necessarily a deal-breaker, they are considered to be part of the “bones” of the home. If you can restore a home’s floors to their former glory, you can consider the house to have good bones.

Knowing when a home has good bones (or not!) can mean the difference between a smart purchase and a money pit. Regardless of how great a house looks, have a licensed home inspector thoroughly check it before you invest. An inspector will dig beneath the surface and make sure those “bones” really are as good as you were hoping.

If you have questions about the Reno real estate market or are ready to find your home with good bones, contact the David Morris Group or call (775) 828-3292. We’re happy to be your helpful guide.

Do These Home Projects Now to Avoid Costly Repairs This Winter

September 23, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

Home improvement projects may not be the first thing on your to-do list this fall, but preparing your home for the chillier months ahead is essential. Tackling a few chores while it’s still relatively warm will help make your home more efficient and more capable of withstanding whatever winter brings this year. Do these home projects now to avoid costly repairs this winter.

Chimney

Make sure the chimney is clean, clear, and in good shape. Small critters like squirrels and birds can sometimes reside in the chimney during the spring and summer months. Leaves and other materials can also get stuck inside, and a backup in the flue can cause a fire. Despite the horror of a charred animal, any blockage will become a stinky mess in your home. Get ahead of any smoke or ash-related incidents by giving the whole set-up a good cleaning!

Gutters

Fall will undoubtedly drop a ton of leaves into your gutters, so cleaning them out now is best to make room. Take some time (or have a handyman climb that ladder) to check your home’s gutters for potential blockages. Cleaning them out will allow water to drain properly, preventing water damage down the line. The cleaner your gutters are, the fewer high-cost repairs are in your future.

Roof

This summer has been HOT! Sun exposure and general wear and tear can cause roof and siding materials to warp, chip, and more. Fixing them now will be much easier than when a leak is buried under several feet of snow in the thick of winter.

Weather-Proofing

Make sure your doors and windows are adequately sealed against the elements. Cracked, chipped, or damaged seals can cause you to lose heat and have higher energy bills. Weatherstripping, caulking, or other protective materials keep the heat in and the nasty weather out. Also, ensure that doors and windows are properly attached to their frames, with no gaps or cracks.

Tackling these projects around your home now can help avert disaster later in the year. Have a trusted home repair pro take care of these check-ups, and if any repairs are needed, you can start coordinating those before the first cold snap blows in.

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.

Funding for Home Upgrades

September 9, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

Now that the market has shifted slightly, inventory is rising, and buyers have more options. As a result, you may need to reevaluate the appearance and condition of your home before you list. A little remodeling can increase your home value, but it shouldn’t break your bank. It is essential to research which home renovations are worth the investment before starting on upgrades. Once you’ve determined which renovations offer the highest return, you have to figure out how to fund them. Here are expert tips on how to find funding for home upgrades.

ROI

The 2022 Cost vs. Value Report for Reno, NV, found that curb-appeal projects, including changes to siding, garage doors, and windows had an average payback of 83 percent, compared with about 39 percent for interior upgrades like a major kitchen remodel. While kitchens and bathrooms are known to make or break a sale, be sure that your spending is compatible with the house’s total worth and that of your area if you plan to remodel. You don’t want to over-improve your home because you’ll never get that money back when you sell. It is advisable to check out comparable listings in your area before you begin renovations to keep pace with but not exceed the local market.

Budget

Whether you have money saved or are looking to take out a loan for your upgrade project, you need to create a ballpark estimate of what you are willing to spend. First, browse home improvement stores and sites for materials and fixtures that you like and price them so you can turn your estimate into a realistic budget. If pricing materials yourself feels daunting, you can enlist the help of a sales associate for smaller projects. They will be able to walk you through your options and answer your questions. For larger upgrades, however, it is advisable to enlist the help of a design consultant. A design consultant will be able to help with pricing options and ensure that you don’t leave anything out so that every necessary item makes it into your budget. For extreme renovations that require a contractor, a good rule of thumb is to get at least three estimates. The Real Remodeling Costs tool by Houzz is a great resource for city-by-city estimates on typical remodeling costs.

Financing

You can finance smaller projects with a credit card. You may already have one with a high credit limit and a low interest rate, or, depending on your credit score you could qualify for a new card with 0 percent interest for 12 months or longer. Just be sure to stay mindful of payments and get the balance paid in full before interest begins or you could wind up paying three times over for a small upgrade.

Most large hardware stores offer credit cards or financing options with introductory rates of low or no interest. If your entire project will be completed through the design arm of a large hardware store, that could be an excellent option.

Home Equity

There are a couple of options for using your home equity to fund home upgrades. The most flexible may be a home equity line of credit. A home equity line of credit uses your home as collateral for the amount of credit the lender approves. The upside is that you only pay interest on the money you draw out from the line of credit. The downside is that the interest rate is variable, which could get expensive if interest rates go up while you’re working to pay back the amount you’ve borrowed.

A home equity loan offers the security of a fixed interest rate. With the loan option you get a lump sum and pay interest on the entire amount over time until it’s paid back in full. An equity loan is a great option if interest rates are low, it will end up costing a lot more money to pay back if interest rates are high.

Run the numbers and figure out what makes sense for you, then budget accordingly. If an upgrade or renovation is simply out of your price range then reconsider the parameters of the project. Always consider the economic realities of an ever-changing market when considering home upgrades 1) don’t overbuild the rest of your home or your neighborhood 2) don’t go over budget or put yourself in financial trouble 3) take a step back and consider smaller cosmetic projects that have a big impact.

If you have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Things to Consider with a Cash Offer

August 22, 2022/in Blog, Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

In a competitive housing market, buyers are pulling out all the stops. You may have enough money to buy a house with cash. But is that a wise decision? As with many major financial decisions, there are pros and cons. Here are things to consider with a cash offer.

Savings & Interest Rates

Amortization is everything when considering financing over a cash purchase. Paying cash will save money on the overall cost of a new home in reference to the interest you’ll pay over the term of a loan. By the time you finish paying off a mortgage, the house will have cost you more than the initial purchase price because of the interest.

Attention of Buyers

A cash offer will likely give you an advantage in a competitive market. It can make all the difference in a multiple offer situation where everyone else is financing the purchase. Sellers will be more likely to accept a cash offer than one with a financing contingency. For example, a cash offer doesn’t require an appraisal on the property, so there is no risk of the deal going south.

Closing Cost & Time

More closing costs are involved in financing a property than paying in cash. For one, you won’t have to deal with a lender or their team of underwriters, and again, you won’t have to pay for an appraisal. The closing process typically takes around 30 days with financing, which can be shortened to as few as ten days with cash, which could be very attractive to sellers.

Long-Term Opportunity Cost

While you will save money by not paying mortgage interest, putting all your assets into a home could yield less money to invest in other endeavors. Tying up all of your liquidity on one asset could potentially cause you to miss out on a return that will be much larger over time. For example, while property typically accrues in value over time, it might not offer the same rate of return as investing in the stock market. One broker explained it best: “you could be making money with your money instead of locking it up in your home.” On the flip side, it’s a pretty great feeling to relax in a home that is 100% paid for rather than paying interest to big banks.

Emergency Funds

While owning your home outright can provide peace of mind because you’ll never have to worry about a mortgage payment, you don’t want to have all your money tied up in your house. You must have enough cash to cover maintenance expenses and emergencies. Homes aren’t always what they seem when glistening on the market. Once you begin to peel that onion, you’ll need enough liquidity to fix it up and make it yours.

Paying cash for a home instead of financing all or part of it is a big decision and should be made with the help of a trusted financial advisor. It is essential to consider all the above factors and ensure your short-term intentions align with your long-term goals.

If you are considering buying or selling your home and 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.

Back to School Safety Tips

August 9, 2022/in Blog, Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Going back to school is an exciting time for children! They look forward to seeing their friends and possibly meeting new ones. It can also be a time of unforeseen dangers, however. Here are some essential back-to-school safety tips.

Strangers

Talk to your children about who is authorized to pick them up and never to accept a ride from a stranger (even if the stranger knows their name). Some families have a code word that only they know, and if a stranger doesn’t know the family word, the child knows that person is not allowed to give them a ride. Be sure your child knows your phone number and address by heart and who to call if they cannot get a hold of you. Be sure the school has up-to-date contact information for your household and a list of trusted adults authorized to pick them up from school.

School Bus Safety

Talk to your child about exiting the bus and being on the lookout for passing cars. Most motorists are respectful of a stopped school bus, but there’s always one person not paying attention. Get to know the other parents of children who ride the bus. This will ensure that someone you know is looking out for your child when they get dropped off if you’re not there to pick them up immediately. Getting to know the school bus driver is also a good idea.

Walking Safety

Children should know to walk in a group if possible. This offers safety in two ways: it provides protection from someone who may wish to harm a single student, and a group of students will be more visible to drivers not paying attention. Make sure your child knows traffic rules, how to cross at the crosswalks, and to always walk on the sidewalk or path. If there are no sidewalks, teach your child to walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible so they can be aware of what is coming towards them.

Biking Safety

Before your child starts riding their bike to school, be sure to teach them the rules of the road while riding. Some motorists won’t yield to bicycles, and one slight mishap could be catastrophic. And, of course, helmets are non-negotiable.

While our area is a fantastic place to live with beautiful homes and great schools, the world isn’t as safe as it once was. Children need to know how to be aware of their surroundings and when something is ‘off.’ The more vigilant they are, the better off they will be!

For more information about our community and homes available in the current market, contact the David Morris Group. Call us at (775) 828-3292, and we’ll be happy to help you begin your home search.

Most Popular Home Design Trends

August 8, 2022/in Blog, Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

The most popular home design trends help us understand society’s overall mood and provide new ideas on how we want to decorate our own homes. Here are the top trending colors, materials, and styles that homeowners are using.

Color

There is a renewed interest in adding bright and bold colors to interiors, which is definitely a departure from the grey and beige of the past. This is a sign that folks are feeling more adventurous and optimistic. Bold colors and warm natural materials create a more interesting and welcoming space. This trend could be a post-pandemic effect; folks discovered that their space lacked uniqueness and style after being holed up in their homes for almost two years. A renewed interest in authentic decor that is joyful and inviting and reflects their personality has led to a demand for folks to reinvent their interiors.

Wallpaper

Homeowners are ready for a more lively interior. As a result, many interior designers have noticed a renewed interest in bold and unique wallpaper. It adds personality and style to a space that paint cannot accomplish alone.

Warmth

Creating a home that feels like a haven from the stresses of daily life is still very important. Folks want it to be a place to rest, relax and recharge. As a result, homeowners have been moving more toward finishes that add softness, warmth, and texture to their rooms.

Green has been a repeated hue in trend talks over the past couple of years. But lately, designers say there’s an increased interest in sage green, from walls to kitchen cabinets. Soft gray hues and wood-tone decor also bring a warm aesthetic into homes.

Natural Materials

Natural materials rarely go out of style, but they’ve spiked in popularity lately. These materials include the previously mentioned natural wood elements as well as various stone accents. Folks are using materials that feel more established or handmade and more authentic to their space.

Textures

Textural elements create inviting elements in a space. Texture awakens the senses and invites folks to reach out and touch while being at peace and relaxed. Items like wood, rattan, pottery, and metal, mixed with soft or smooth fabrics, create a visual feast for the eyes.

You may already have some of these items in your home that you’ve put away or long forgotten. Perhaps it’s time to join in on some of these most popular home design trends and add some personal pizazz to your space!

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 guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

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