sparks nevada | David Morris Group

Reno to See Company Relocations and Expansions

August 28, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

In the last few years, Reno has redeveloped the city, and because of that, it’s found itself on several national ranking lists for best cities in a variety of categories. The most recent ranking has placed Reno as one of the top cities for corporate relocations and expansion projects in the next year.

The current times have caused many families and businesses to reevaluate their circumstances and make changes. That includes corporations making decisions on whether to relocate to mid-size cities over big cities.

The Site Selectors Guild conducted a survey in order to help determine the new trends in corporate location strategy and named Reno as one of the 11 cities that will be a top destination for companies to consider.

The survey also pointed out the top five industries with the most project activity, which could indicate the types of corporations we see moving to the area. Those industries include biotech and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation and logistics, and software and IT.

Reno’s geographic location, lower costs, and educated workforce have made the city a hub for technology companies and startups, and with this recent survey, we can only expect that to expand. Experts believe that this will bring in high-skilled, high-wage jobs to Reno in the next year.

The pandemic has highlighted that businesses and remote-workers are seeking out cities that are less congested, more affordable, and offer a high quality of life. Below are the cities named as the top destinations for new projects:

Boise, ID
Colorado Springs, CO
Columbia, SC
Columbus, OH
Greenville, SC
Huntsville, AL
Indianapolis, IN
Kansas City, MO
Raleigh-Durham, NC
Reno, NV
Tucson, AZ

We can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for The Biggest Little City and which corporations will benefit from Reno’s vast resources and drive amazing employment opportunities for the community. If you have questions about the benefits of living in Reno and our predictions for the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re more than happy to help you buy or sell your home. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Ghost Towns Outside of Reno

August 25, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

In times of social distancing, what better way to spend the day than exploring historic ghost towns? Just outside of Reno, you’ll find several towns with little to no residents, but buildings reminiscent of when it was a bustling town. Below are some of the most beloved ghost towns outside of Reno to explore.

Fort Churchill State Historic Park

About an hour outside of Carson City lies the Fort Churchill State Park. It’s a former United States Army Fort that was built to protect early settlers as they made their way across the American West. The fort’s ruins make a great adventure spot and can help you picture what life was like 150 years ago.

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

With a rich mining history, a crumbling ghost town, and 225 million-year-old marine reptile fossils, Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park has it all. You can check out many of the original buildings from 1890 when the town was first built.

Gold Point Ghost Town

Near the Nevada/California border lies a silver mining camp that was established in the early 1860s. The buildings from the Gold Point Ghost Town are still intact, so be sure to check out these historic homes, an old general store, bank buildings, stamp mill sites, and even a modern-day Sagebrush Saloon or two.

Unionville Ghost Town

Between Lovelock and Winnemucca is a little backcountry town with a population of fewer than 24 people and has the cabin ruins of a pretty famous former resident, Mark Twain! Unionville Ghost Town was founded in 1861, and it’s a must-visit for any history buff.

Virginia City

It wouldn’t be a true list of the best Nevada ghost towns without including Virginia City. It was home of the largest silver strike in the world, and visitors can stroll original wooden boardwalk-lined streets, visit haunted hotels, and sit in old-time saloons.

There are tons of places in Reno that are full of history, and we love all of the new and old places there are to explore. If you have questions about any of the communities in the area, or if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Reality of Real Estate: Homes Need Continuous Maintenance – The Ultimate Seasonal and Monthly Improvement Checklist

August 20, 2020/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

It’s no secret that homes need continuous maintenance, but you may be surprised to learn about some of the improvements that should be included on your running to-do list. As a homeowner or even a potential homeowner, it’s important to know about what the maintenance looks like. Use our checklists as a great foundation.

Monthly Maintenance Checklist:

Clean the furnace filter and A/C filter.
Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits.
Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.
Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
Inspect electrical cords for wear.
Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
Clean the garbage disposal.
Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.

Fall Maintenance Checklist:

Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
Check fireplace for damage or hazards, and clean fireplace flues. Have your fireplace professionally inspected.
Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
Touch up exterior siding.
Power-wash windows and siding.
Clean gutters and downspouts.
Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.
Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
Check water heater for leaks.

Winter Maintenance Checklist:

Cover your A/C unit.
Check basement for leaks during thaws.
Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.
Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.

Spring Maintenance Checklist:

Clean window and door screens.
Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures.
Refinish the deck.
Power-wash windows and siding.
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
Have A/C system serviced.
Fertilize your lawn.

Summer Maintenance Checklist:

Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges.
Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.
Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter.
Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
Check dishwasher for leaks.
Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.
Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed.
Seal tile grout.
Prune trees and shrubs.

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.

Property Spotlight: 4145 Lone Tree Lane

August 18, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

If you’re looking for your own private escape, you’ll be blown away by the comfort and style you’ll find at 4145 Lone Tree Lane. Located just minutes from the restaurants, retailers, and entertainment hot spots Reno is known for, you’re never far from everything you’ll need within the city.

The extended driveway pushes the three-bedroom, four-bathroom home from the street, giving more privacy to the property. The two-story home greets guests with a large pond outside the front door, immediately charming everyone that stops by. As you walk through the front doors, you’re met with a jaw-droppingly beautiful wall of windows and a wide-open floorplan that lets you see from the family room to the kitchen without your eyes straying from the gorgeous views the windows offer of your expansive backyard.

The natural light that floods this home highlights the beautiful wood accents and flooring throughout the home. The owner’s suite is located on the first floor and features an outdoor patio, a double-sided fireplace, and a spa-like bathroom that will have all your worries melting away at the end of the day.

Heading upstairs, you’ll find two more bedrooms and a large loft space that includes a fireplace and could be used for a multitude of purposes. This flex space allows the home to grow with you and change with your needs. With garage space that can fit up to six vehicles, you have the opportunity to convert some of that space into a workshop or gym for your personal hobbies.

Just steps from your door, you’ll find the Ballardini Ranch hiking trail, the perfect place to explore. This home also includes an adjacent lot, APN#04112011, for a total of 4.6 acres to call home.

This 3,885 square foot house is stunning and will be the perfect place to call home for years to come. For more information on this property, check out the slideshow and flyer here. If you’re curious about touring the property or learning more about the area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

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.

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