reno new businesses | David Morris Group

The Reality of Real Estate: Crucial Tips for New Homeowners

August 17, 2020/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

You’ve found your dream home, made an offer, gone through inspections and negotiations, and are finally being handed the keys, but what’s next? You’ve just made one of the largest financial decisions of your life, and while there’s a lot of excitement and relief to have the keys in your hand, your job is just beginning. Below are some crucial tips for new homeowners to take care of.

Before you move in:

Change the locks – Before you move in, you’ll want to change all of the locks and reset the passcodes to any and all points of entry. You never know who the previous owners have given keys to or passcodes to, so to make sure you keep your new home secure, it’s best to switch out the locks.
Paint the house – Trying to paint rooms while you’re living in the home and have furniture and items in your home to avoid is an inconvenience to put it lightly. Take care of painting projects before bringing in your home items.
Deep clean the home – It’s likely that in the midst of showings and moving out, the previous owner had little time to hire a professional cleaner. Consider hiring a team to make sure you’re starting off your time in your home on the right foot.

After you move in:

Find a handyman – At some point, you’ll need something repaired or a project to tackle, and it’s always nice to have someone you can rely on for those things. Find a trustworthy handyman you can rely on to help you with a variety of home service needs.
Get to know your neighbors – You never know when you’ll need to ask them to water your lawn or grab the mail for you, so establish a good relationship with your neighbors from the start. It will also help to know who your neighbors are when it comes time to work on things together like trimming trees, replacing fences, etc.
Put important paperwork together – As a homeowner, you’ll inherit manuals, warranties, and a variety of other paperwork. It’s important to keep these things together and organize them in a folder for when you need them. Be sure to add to that folder as you make updates to your home – they will come in handy when you sell your home!

As a first-time homeowner, it’s crucial to have an idea of what to expect and how to handle the responsibility of owning your own home. The David Morris Group is always happy to show you the ins and outs of owning a home and help you make the transition from renter to homeowner seamlessly. Give us a call at 775-828-3292.

Get to Know Old Southwest Reno

August 12, 2020/in Reno Neighborhoods /by Shauna Morris

Outdoor adventures will never be far from your front door in the Old Southwest Reno neighborhood. As the oldest neighborhood in Reno, there’s a lot of history and charm attached to the community. We’re here to take you through the neighborhood virtually and help you get to know what draws residents to the community. Put on your seatbelts and keep all hands and feet inside the virtual car until the ride is over!

Homes

Old Southwest Reno has an eclectic vibe, like a lot of Reno neighborhoods, and is made up of mostly older homes built between 1920 and 1960. The tree-lined streets feature quaint brick homes as well as modern mansions located within blocks of one another. No matter what your style and list of wants and needs from your home, the Old Southwest Reno neighborhood is sure to have it in spades.

Amenities

As a resident of the Old Southwest Reno neighborhood, you’ll be in close proximity to parks, well-kept outdoor spaces, and eateries of all sorts. You can fish for bass or trout along the Truckee River; enjoy a round of golf at Washoe County Golf Course and the Lakeridge Golf Course; and head out for a bike ride, run, or walk along one of the nearby trails.

Located just five minutes from Midtown and Downtown Reno, residents can easily walk or bike to work, and they’re never far from the events taking place.

Schools

Roy Gomm Elementary School, Hunter Lake Elementary School, Jessie Beck Elementary School, Mount Rose Elementary School, Swope Middle School, and Reno High School of the Washoe County School District all serve the students in the Old Southwest neighborhood.

Old Southwest Reno has widely been regarded as one of the most desirable areas to live in, and if you have any questions about what we love about the community or which homes in the neighborhood are currently on the market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Some of the Most Photographed Places in Northern Nevada

July 30, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

As a city that not only has artists, but welcomes them with open arms, there’s no shortage of museums to visit, murals to check out, and writers taking up residence in local coffee shops. Reno residents have a knack for being creative free spirits, and it draws in tourists and visitors year after year. People are drawn to the areas of the city that show how picturesque the Reno area is. Below are some of the most photographed places in Northern Nevada for you to check out.

University Ridge Park
If you’re looking for a great spot to shoot the Reno skyline, University Ridge Park is a great option. You’re able to see the neon lights of the casinos as well as the mountains in the background. It’s a great place to visit for a sunset photo shoot.
The Reno Arch
As the most iconic symbol of our beloved Biggest Little City in the World, the Reno Arch is photographed, painted, and sculpted by thousands of artists and tourists yearly. The original arch can be found on Lake St. and the latest version of the arch can be found on Virginia St.
West Street Market
West Street Market has a variety of colorful Adirondack chairs set up against a red brick backdrop making it the perfect place for a summer photo shoot. You can often find many groups meeting up there during the Wine Walk for a few selfies.
Midtown and Downtown Reno murals
The murals around Reno provide fun backdrops for anyone visiting or living in Reno. If you’re not sure where you can find a great mural, be sure to check out the Downtown Reno Mural and Public Art Map.
Monkey Rock
Right behind Tunnel Creek, you’ll find a trail for a short hike to Monkey Rock. It offers some of the best views of Tahoe and the fun perk of trying to spot the rock shaped like a monkey.
Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Overlook
The Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Overlook is a pull-off area along Highway 431 that offers an amazing view of the lake and the valley below. The greens of the valley and the blues of the lake make a beautiful backdrop.
Virginia City
As an old mining town, Virginia City is filled with rustic charm and wonderful places to take photos. With old buildings, mining gear, and workers dressed like outlaws, there’s no shortage of photo ops here.

While Artown may be winding down, Reno is still a destination for art. Check out some of the most photographed places in Northern Nevada, and if you know any creative individuals that are looking to move to Reno, be sure to contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you search for a new home, so give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate: An Inside Look at the Costs of a Home Mortgage

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

There’s no substitute for talking with an experienced lender to give you all of the important details about your home mortgage and the rates they can give you, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give you the inside scoop on the costs and general factors associated with a home mortgage. Check out some of the important contributions you’ll have to understand and contend with as a homeowner.

Principal – The amount of money you borrowed to finance your home. If you’re looking to purchase a $300,000 home and made a $60,000 down payment, your principal would be $240,000.
Interest – The fee that lenders charge in exchange for the loans they give to homeowners. Mortgage interest rates fluctuate wildly and also depend on your debt-to-income ratio. The better your credit, the better you will look like a sound financial investment to lenders, and the better your interest rates.
Property tax – The taxes your local government levies on your property in order to pay for community amenities like snow plowing, street sweeping, funding public schools and fire departments, etc. Many lenders will have you build an escrow account that saves money for the property tax payment by charging a little extra for your mortgage payment each month and setting aside those extra funds into a separate account. When it’s time to pay your property taxes, your lender will take care of it from the funds you’ve set aside. Property taxes are a percentage of your home’s value.

There may be other costs associated with your home mortgage that your lender will outline for you. Before choosing a lender, be sure to ask questions about if they set aside an escrow account to help you pay for your property taxes and home insurance, along with the interest rates you qualify for.

Remember that you not only want the best deal, but a lender that communicates with you and is ready and willing to answer any and all questions and concerns you have as they arise. Who you partner with can have a meaningful impact on how you feel about purchasing and owning a home.

As a first-time homebuyer, it’s crucial to understand the responsibility and costs associated with owning your own home. The David Morris Group is always happy to show you the ins and outs of owning a home and help you make the transition from renter to homeowner seamlessly. Give us a call at 775-828-3292.

Reno Reads – The Local Authors and Books to Add to Your Reading List

July 27, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Still in need of ways to spend the time inside? Well, we come bearing gifts of some great books and authors to add to your summer reading lists. Check out these great storytellers, and be sure to share what you thought of the books with us!

Owen McKenna mystery series by Todd Borg
Looking for some thrilling mysteries to solve? This 17-book series has all kinds of twists and turns to have you guessing “who done it?” Follow former San Francisco homicide detective McKenna’s adventures through South Lake Tahoe.
Roughing It by Mark Twain
Mark Twain may be the most famous writer to coin a phrase here in Nevada. Go on a trek with the eccentric writer through the Wild West from 1861 through 1867 in this semi-autobiographical piece.
Battleborn by Claire Vay Watkins
The first collection of short stories set in a variety of Nevada settings that digs into the redemption of characters of all kinds. As the winner of several awards, you’ll want to pick up the boom and see why Claire has made her mark in Nevada’s history.
The River Underground: An Anthology of Nevada Fiction edited by Shaun Griffin
If you’re not sure what kind of story you’re looking to get lost in, try this compilation of works written by some of Nevada’s top writers.
This is Burning Man: The Rise of a New American Underground by Brian Doherty
If you find yourself missing Burning Man, pull this book from the shelf and dig into what has been described as the best chronicle of the annual festival.
The Man in the Wheatfield by Robert Laxalt
It wouldn’t be a Nevada reading list without a book from one of the first two writers named to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame, Robert Laxalt. Dive into a thrilling read of good vs. evil taking place in Nevada’s desert.

Spend some of the summer digging into Nevada’s history and creating some of your own for you and your family! If you have any recommendations on other great Reno reads, be sure to share them with us, and if you ever want to learn about the current real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you find out what your home is worth, search for a new home, or manage your property. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate: Defining “Pride of Ownership” and How it Plays Into Maintaining Your Home

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

If you’ve casually perused home search sites or been on home tours, you’ve likely heard or seen the phrase “pride of ownership.” That sounds like a nice phrase, but a quick Google search shows that some people have a negative connotation associated with it.

As a reliable real estate team who has seen our fair share of homes and homeowners over the years, we use “pride of ownership” to mean that a homeowner has taken great care in maintaining their home. We use it to show that this property stands out to us over some of the others in the area.

What do we look for in a home to label it a property that has “pride of ownership”?

Transformed spaces that are eyesores into useful and beautiful spaces – Think of this as a finished basement, attic, shed, garage, etc. They can often be dark spaces that are used for extra storage, but they are rarely places you want to spend your time. If a homeowner has gone above and beyond to turn it into a functional space for their family, you know that they’ve made the home a personal oasis and took extra care of it.
Unique features that set the home apart from others in the neighborhood – If a home is a custom build home or has things like unique light switches, remote-controlled fireplace, top of the line security system, etc., it shows that the homeowner wanted the home to show their personality and be functional to their lifestyle.
Appliances have been replaced – If the homeowner has recently replaced the roof, fence, A/C, it shows that they wanted to keep the home in great condition for themselves and the next owner. If the owner has also replaced things like the refrigerator, sinks, etc., it shows that the owner wanted the home to reflect their personal style or be more in line with what’s popular in today’s home designs.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may just see that there are pretty finishes or lots of square footage, but looking past that can give you a better idea of how the home has been maintained over the years. It also gives you a better idea of the responsibilities you’ll have as the owner.

If the home has a beautiful garden, a finished basement, and a “she shed,” you’ll have more to maintain. You’ll have to make sure the garden isn’t taken over by critters who like to feast on plants, the basement remains sealed from elements so it doesn’t make your home more costly to heat and cool, and ensure the shed is cleaned and used as often as your home to keep it from turning it into a spider shed!

As a first-time homebuyer, it’s crucial to see a home clearly and understand the commitment and responsibility associated with owning your own home. The David Morris Group is always happy to show you the ins and outs of owning a home and help you make the transition from renter to homeowner seamlessly. Give us a call at 775-828-3292.

The History of Hot August Nights

July 20, 2020/in Reno Events /by Shauna Morris

Usually, businesses, hotels, and venues would be prepping for one of Reno’s most well-known events, Hot August Nights. This year the event has been postponed until 2021. This is the first time in its 34 year history that the event has been postponed, but it’s been making its mark on our community’s history for years. Let’s take a look back.

How did Hot August Nights get its start?

On August 1, 1986, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center was hosting a live event featuring the Righteous Brothers, Wolfman Jack, and Jan & Dean. The event drew in thousands of spectators, and the nostalgia of the event had many talking about the classic cars and music of the 50s and 60s. It was decided that it was something that should be celebrated yearly, and because the event took place on a hot August night, the event practically named itself.

The first Hot August Nights was more of a throwback concert in the parking lot of the Convention Center to raise money for local charities, but the nostalgic feeling it brought sparked the idea of what it could be and what it has turned into.

Hot August Nights Now

That first party with 10,000 spectators has now turned into a flurry of festivities taking place throughout Reno, Sparks, and Virginia City at the beginning of August and drawing in over 800,000 people year after year. Hot August Nights continues to breed nostalgia for the 50s and 60s and celebrates classic cars and good ole rock n’ roll music.

Hot August Nights Foundation

The first Hot August Nights was created to help raise money for local charities, and nonprofit work is still a part of the Hot August Nights legacy. They created their own foundation in 2007 in order to provide children in need with funds and resources to help them with their education. The Hot August Nights Foundation helps provide:

Scholarships for secondary education including colleges, trade schools, junior colleges, and vocational schools.
Support to primary schools and its students in areas of economic hardship and, particularly, where children are at risk of not completing their education.
Promotion and support for other worthy educational and assistance programs for in-need and at-risk children.

Reno has a rich history, and we’re proud that Hot August Nights is a part of that history. We’re excited for its return next year! If you have questions about Reno and how the community has evolved through the years, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community and help you begin your home search when the time comes. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

5 Important Things to Know Before Moving to Reno

July 16, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

If you’ve been contemplating making a move to America’s Best Small City or know someone who is, there are some things you should familiarize yourself with before packing up your home and making the trek to our beautiful town!

1. We’re all about art, and we take our quirky culture seriously!

If you’re an artist or creative free spirit, you’ll feel right at home here. From our massive sculptures throughout the city, eye-catching murals, and variety of performance artists putting on a show, there’s always something to see. We even have a month-long event dedicated to artists called Artown.

2. Taking a lake day every few months is mandatory.

Ok, maybe “mandatory” is a little harsh, but if you get to a point where you can’t remember the last time you were in Tahoe, you’re doing something wrong. The water is every shade of blue you could imagine, and it’s so refreshing in the summer.

3. Keep an ice brush, raincoat, and a few outfit choices in your car.

The weather in Reno is fickle on a good day, and you’re likely to find that the weather in one part of town is completely different than the other. Having items in your car that keep you prepared for any type of weather is a necessity. Trust us, keeping a raincoat and umbrella in your car will save you on more than one occasion, like when the prefect sunny weather changes to thunderstorms in a matter of minutes.

4. Learn how to pronounce Nevada.

You will see bumper stickers that say things like, “It’s Nev-AD-duh, not Nev-AH-duh.” People around here take the pronunciation of Nevada seriously, so be sure to drop the “ah” sound before moving here.

5. What’s traffic?

If you’ve lived in a major city, you may have gotten used to it taking you anywhere from minutes to hours to get you to your destination due to traffic. We’ll tell you now that the “traffic” that some residents speak of is really just slowing down by five mph on I-80. The arrival time estimate that Siri gives you when you type a destination into Google Maps is more or less spot-on.

Reno is a wonderful place to call home, and if you’re looking for more information on what you should know before moving here, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community and help you begin your home search when the time comes. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Best Beaches in Tahoe, Reno, and Sparks

June 26, 2020/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Mild summers, nearly 80% of the year is full of sunshine, and a generous number of outdoor activities make Reno one of the best places to live. As soon as the last bits of the chilly weather moves out, many are looking to break out the sunscreen, towels, and bathing suits for a much-deserved beach day. Below are some of the best beaches in Tahoe, Reno, and Sparks to check out this summer!

Kings Beach State Recreation Area – If you’re looking for a great family-friendly beach with some great shops and restaurants to stop in for lunch, Kings Beach is a great option. With a large stretch of white sand beaches and some of the warmest waters in Tahoe, you’ll love splashing around all day.
Sand Harbor State Park – Spend the day soaking up the sun in some of the bluest waters in Tahoe. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for a great beach picnic.
Hidden Beach – If Sand Harbor is a little too crowded for you, you may want to check out Hidden Beach. Several areas of this beach are only accessible if you hike in, but the remote beach has some great boulders for sunbathing and jumping into the beautiful waters.
Chimney Beach – Chimney Beach is known for the stone chimney that’s still there from an old caretaker’s cabin. With deeper waters and a challenging hike, it’s a great beach for those looking to burn a few calories while having a fun day on the beach.
Zephyr Cove Beach – Zephyr Cove is one of the larger and more popular beaches in Lake Tahoe. It’s a great place to gather with larger groups. Play a few games of beach volleyball, rent water equipment, and go boating while you’re at Zephyr Cove.
Nevada Beach – Nevada Beach has some great views, which makes it an ideal place to enjoy a picnic or go swimming with friends.
The Sparks Marina – The Sparks Marina has it all. There are walking paths, trees, and sandy beaches surrounding a 77-acre lake that are used for windsurfing, sailing, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and boating.

There are a lot of great beaches to explore and a ton of outdoor activities to keep you and the family busy all summer long. If you’re hoping to move closer to your favorite beaches or are just curious about what the real estate market looks like currently, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community and help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate: The Smaller Details of Home Ownership That Can Have Major Costs

June 23, 2020/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, you’ve likely had your friends, family, and even your lenders talk to you about how much you can afford. You may have budgeted for mortgage payments, home insurance, and even property taxes, but what about pest control, lawn care, and add-ons?

Check out some of the most frequent home costs that people rarely plan for or understand before jumping in:

Cable, phone, and internet costs – Larger homes are notorious for needing wifi extenders or more expensive internet packages to ensure there’s a strong internet connection throughout the home. There can also be added costs if there’s a problem with the wiring, and an electrician has to come out to rewire or repair the lines.
DIY fails, renovations, and add-ons – HGTV has made many people feel empowered to tackle those home improvement projects that they’ve seen on TV or have been dreaming about since they bought the house. Unfortunately, no matter how many hours of Property Brother or Fixer Upper we’ve watched, it likely hasn’t made us contractors, plumbers, or counter installers. Trying to take on large projects may cost you more in the long run if you mess up, ruin materials, and have to call in an expert to fix your mistakes and do the job you originally wanted done.
1. Bonus tip: Add-ons and renovations can cost more than just the parts and labor to get the project finished. They can also increase your property taxes each year. Before starting any major add-on, contact David Morris Group to discuss your plans and how it affects home value.
Pest control – Instead of calling your landlord to spray for bugs or calling an exterminator to take care of any vermin like you did when you were a renter, now it’s your responsibility to pay what can be hefty bills to take care of pest problems. It’s recommended to spend a few hundred dollars to get your home inspected and sprayed every few months to be proactive rather than the thousands it can cost with a full infestation.
Lawn care and cleaning – Many find the added square footage and added outdoor space of a single-family home, while nice, is also hard to maintain by themselves. If you decide to enlist some help to keep your home clean and your lawn from growing too wild, you’ll be looking at a couple of hundred dollars of added expenses each month.

As a first-time homebuyer, it’s crucial to understand all of the costs that you will face as a homeowner and start budgeting for them early. The David Morris Group is always happy to show you the ins and outs of owning a home and help you make the transition from renter to homeowner seamlessly. Give us a call at 775-828-3292.

Posts