Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker

April 21, 2022/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders often get confused as the same entity; they are not. The mortgage lender is the financial institution that approves the amount of financing and lends funds with the expectation of repayment. It is wise to shop around before committing to a lender, which is where the mortgage broker comes in.

The mortgage broker is an advocate who acts as an intermediary between the borrower and various lenders. They shop around on the borrower’s behalf to minimize the hassle of going back and forth from one lender to another. The mortgage broker’s function is to educate you, advocate for you, and find the best loan option.

There are four questions your mortgage broker should answer explicitly:

Who pays the broker fee?
What is the best interest rate?
What are the down payment options?
What are the closing costs?

Who pays the broker fee?

It’s important to ask upfront who pays your mortgage broker’s fees. Many mortgage lenders will pay the broker fees, but that can create a conflict of interest. The broker might charge you directly for their fee. Ask exactly how much the broker’s commission is and who is responsible for payment.

What is the best interest rate?

Ask your broker about the best interest rate for your situation. Your rate will depend on your debt-to-income ratio, loan repayment history, factors surrounding the property you’re seeking, and credit factors. The mortgage balance, loan term, and interest rates for which you qualify will determine your monthly payment. Ask questions until you are absolutely positive you understand your exact APR, do not accept a guesstimate.

What are the down payment options?

The down payment is the cash you will need to pay upfront to purchase a property. While lenders prefer a 20 percent down payment, different loan types and programs are available to help lower the cost. Your broker should be willing and able to explain every option and scenario.

What are the closing costs?

There are multiple fees involved in the home-buying process. Each lender may charge different amounts, which will affect how much money you need to bring to closing. Ask your mortgage broker about fees for things like inspection reports, credit reports, origination fees, the appraisal, home inspection, and titling. The broker should compare fee structures between lenders to help you find the one that best meets your needs.

A mortgage loan is usually the most significant purchase in one’s life, and it’s essential to have an advocate that you can trust. The mortgage broker you choose should be your guide to navigate through the various lending scenarios and find you the best possible option. They should be knowledgeable, patient, and willing to work diligently on your behalf.

If you would like more information about buying a home, or 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.

Why Does A Bunny Have Eggs?

April 4, 2022/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Have you ever wondered how eggs became part of our Easter tradition? Not only that but why the heck does a magic bunny hide those eggs?? What came first, the bunny or the egg?

The Bunny

The exact origins of the mythical hare are unclear. A straightforward explanation could be that rabbits, known to be prolific procreators, are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life. New life is strongly associated with Christianity and Easter, as is new life associated with spring. Therefore a bunny makes symbolic sense. But when did the magic one hop into the picture? And why does it hide eggs?

Some say the root of the egg-laying cottontail came from German origin and was introduced to American folklore by German settlers in the 1700s. The tale of an egg-laying rabbit called “Osterhase” (Ostern-Easter Hase-Hare). German legend has it that an impoverished mother didn’t have the means to buy her children a hearty meal to mark the end of Lent. Instead, she decorated eggs for her children on Easter morning and hid them in the garden for them to find. As the children collected the hidden eggs, they saw a giant rabbit hopping away. The children thought the hare had left the eggs. Hence, Osterhase! As the legend became more well-known, German children began making nests for Osterhase. They would put carrots in the nest in exchange for colorful eggs. The story and custom spread across the U.S. over time, and the nests eventually became decorated baskets. Chocolates and gifts in baskets are American traditions that have turned Easter into the 3rd highest retail spending holiday behind Christmas and Mother’s Day.

The Eggs

Eggs have long been associated with Easter as a symbol of fertility, new life, and rebirth, much like the rabbit. One could see how Christianity would associate eggs with Easter, a holiday that celebrates the resurrection. Ancient Greeks and Egyptians also connected eggs with fertility and power. Some early civilizations gifted eggs to the dead as a symbol of revitalization and protection from evil. And some even say Easter eggs are linked to pagan traditions celebrating spring.

Eggs were prohibited in medieval Catholicism during the religious Lenten fast, along with other foods. So while no one could eat eggs during Lent, no one told the chickens, and they continued to lay them. Folks would hard-boil their chicken eggs and store them to eat later. Because Lent ends in the lead-up to Easter, folks would decorate and paint their hard-boiled eggs to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting. This theory connects with the story of the mother in Germany, a predominantly Catholic country at the time, and it explains why she had beautiful eggs to hide in her garden!

Whatever your traditions may be, and whichever theory hops out at you the most, we can all agree that Easter and spring are a time of renewal, new life, and rebirth. We hope you have a wonderful Easter with family and friends! If you have questions about the Reno real estate market, we are happy to help! Contact the David Morris Group, or give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Things To Do Outside in the Reno Area

March 28, 2022/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

The spring equinox was on Sunday, March 20th, which marked the first day of spring! Now that the weather will be getting more agreeable, it’s time to get outside! Here is a list of fun, free outdoor activities to enjoy with friends and family.

HUNTER CREEK TRAIL

The Hunter Creek Trail is situated within 20 minutes of Downtown and Midtown Reno, and locals refer to it as the best urban area hiking trail in Reno. This trail is one of the most popular hikes due to its gorgeous mountain views and a spectacular 30-foot waterfall! A waterfall in the high desert is a rare find, but this one runs all year and makes a picture-perfect end to a hike in the Sierra foothills. The 6.4-mile trail is mainly used for day hiking and trail running from April through October. It’s dog-on-a-leash friendly and an easy-to-moderate hike.

IDLEWILD PARK

Idlewild Park features a skate park, free sports fields, rentable picnic shelters and a barbecue area. This 49-acre park is located on the Truckee River just west of downtown. The park has access to the river and there’s a water play feature for children. There are free parks for children with fun equipment for them to enjoy. The park also offers a beautiful rose garden, public sculptures and the seasonal Idlewild swimming pool. There is plenty of parking in many areas of the park. Idlewild is home to Reno Earth Day, held April 24th this year, and the Food Truck Friday food truck festival on Friday evenings will kick off in June

RIVERWALK AND ARTS DISTRICT

The Reno Arts District is a safe, fun and friendly area that celebrates Reno’s art, culture and history. Here you will find a medley of great restaurants, bars, shopping areas, bistros and cafes, and a walkway along the Truckee River. The central point of this area is Wingfield Park, located on an island in the middle of the river. The Riverwalk offers a Reno Wine Walk every third Saturday of the month, and this district is close to the National Automobile Museum and the Nevada Museum of Art.

MIDTOWN DISTRICT

The Midtown District of Reno is just south of Downtown and offers a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. Midtown has hundreds of public artworks and murals. You can spend a whole day just walking around this eclectic and funky part of town! You can hear and participate in musical jams, get your foodie fill at one of the wonderful restaurants, do some antique shopping or pick up some Burning Man gear at one of the unique boutiques! Midtown has regular special events like the annual Art Walk, monthly mural tours, and First Thursdays.

There is no shortage of things to do in Reno and it’s time to get out and about and enjoy! 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.

It’s Almost Time to List Your Home!

March 16, 2022/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

The perfect moment to list is just a few weeks away! If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, there’s a special week quickly approaching that you won’t want to miss! How do we know when that is? Realtor.com® told us in their fourth annual Best Time to Sell Report. According to their data, the best week of 2022 to list your home is April 10-16. Sellers who list during this week will benefit from a Spring buying season trifecta of strong demand, high asking prices, and quick home sales.

According to Realtor.com® Chief Economist Danielle Hale, “Homeowners who are thinking about selling this Spring still have time to get ready, with the majority of recently surveyed sellers indicating that listing preparations took 2-12 weeks.” However, now is the time to start checking your checklist and doing your to-dos!

How Good Is It?

Realtor.com® number crunchers predict, “Sellers who list from April 10-16 could secure asking prices that are 10.9% higher than at the start of the year and 1.4% above the average annual listing price, based on 2021 trends.” Realtor.com® also predicts that the low inventory and high demand for new homes could drive asking prices up more than 10% relative to initial asking prices in January of this year, that’s around $39,000 more!

So far in 2022, we’ve seen a record-breaking January, followed by a crazy-fast February. Sellers who list their homes during “Listapalooza” can expect more offers and bidding wars, resulting in higher asking prices and a faster sale than if you list later this year.

How Do They Know?

It’s in the numbers! In 2021, April 10-16 was a record week for an already hot market. On average, homes listed in this particular six-day period received 29% more views on Realtor.com® than the average week and sold six days faster than the average for the year. During this same week, homes sold 27 days faster last year than they did in 2019 BC (Before COVID).

Mortgage rates have been rising and will continue to do so. That adds fuel to the fire for buyers hoping to find the right home and lock relatively affordable mortgage payments before it’s too late.

New inventory is on the horizon. Builders have been accelerating production in an effort to progress against the supply gap. As the bottleneck of supplies begins to open and the price of materials begins to stabilize, new homes will add more inventory. More inventory will moderate the demand and bring listing prices down.

Let the countdown begin! If you’re ready to take advantage of “Listapalooza,” contact the David Morris Group | (775) 828-3292, and we’ll help you get ready for market!

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

March 10, 2022/in Reality of Real Estate, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, first-time homebuyers made up 34% of all buyers in 2021, with an average age of 33 years old. This data shows that millennials are still the most prominent home buyer demographic, with 82% of younger millennials and 48% of older millennials being first-time buyers last year. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, here are some things you can do to make your dream of homeownership come true.

Pay Down Your Debt

Buying a house is the most expensive purchase you’ll make, so you need to be as debt-free as possible before considering a home loan. The three most significant types of debt most new home buyers have are student loans, car loans, and credit cards. Paying down debt can be done. A good rule of thumb is to start paying off the smallest debts first. Student loans can be daunting, so start with what you can do. Consolidate high-interest credit cards into one monthly payment with a lower interest rate – then cancel the cards! Sell the car with a high payment for something with a lesser monthly burden. Getting out of debt isn’t easy, but you can do it!. Just take one step at a time, and when one thing is paid, move on to the next. Most importantly, don’t incur any new debts while paying down the existing ones.

Check Your Credit

Credit scores play a huge role in your ability to secure a mortgage loan. The minimum credit score most lenders have for a conventional loan is 620. It is possible to get a loan with a lower score, but the higher your score, the less interest you will pay. You can check your credit with your credit card company, online, or with a major credit bureau such as Equifax or Experian.

Know What You Can Afford

You need to sit down and decide how much you can afford to spend on a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, and household expenses. Be careful not to spread yourself so thin that you are unable to put a little bit of money in savings each month.

Get Pre-Approved

There is nothing worse than falling in love with a home only to realize you can’t afford it. Unless you plan to pay in cash, you need to get pre-approved for a loan. An initial consultation with a lender will help you determine your price range.

Hire a REALTOR®

Having a local professional guide you through the home buying process is more important than ever in this market. If you are serious about buying, you need a professional to help you find the perfect home within your budget. A REALTOR® will walk you through the information, talk you through the details, and help you make the right decisions. REALTORS® have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the largest centralized database of residential real estate listings in your area. While the internet offers some options to search for a home, the MLS is the only instant exposure to the market and is only available to Realtors®.

Once you have completed all of the prep steps, your REALTOR® will guide you through the rest of the process until you get to the closing table.

If you would like some more information about buying your first home, or 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.

Benefits of Selling a Home in a Seller’s Market

February 16, 2022/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

The real estate market is not a straight line of absolutes and certainties. There are many moving parts, some directly related to housing, and other indirect consequences of unforeseeable events that affect the supply and demand. While predictions are made each year, the housing market is cyclical, and yes – shift happens! Several factors must be at play for the real estate market to shift from favoring buyers to giving sellers the upper hand, or vice versa. According to fortune.com, “Demand for new homes is at a record high, but the inventory of new homes available is at a record low.” This data means that we are still in a Seller’s Market. A seller’s market occurs when more people are looking to buy with few homes available to purchase. What sort of advantages do sellers have when the demand exceeds the supply?

Less Time on the Market.

A larger number of people looking to buy fewer homes should increase the odds that your home will sell quickly. Homes that have been difficult to sell in the past or that may have been described as “unique” or “well-lived in” will have better odds in a seller’s market. However, it will take more than simply hanging a For Sale sign in your yard. Listing your home still requires a strategy and a plan. You’ll still want to take steps to provide value and attract buyers.

You May Get Multiple Offers.

Rather than feeling pressured to accept a lowball offer (or the only offer), sellers now have the option to look at the highest price and decide from a position of strength.

Seller Concessions are Less Negotiable.

Seller concessions are closing costs, or a percentage of the total closing costs, that the seller agrees to pay to finalize the transaction. Buyers have much less leverage to make requests or demands because sellers can stand their ground knowing they’ll probably receive several offers.

How long does a Seller’s Market last?

So many moving parts impact this question, and it would be great to see into the future to know for sure. The simple answer is that the seller’s market will last as long as demand exceeds supply or until an unforeseeable event shifts the scale. The bottom line is that if you’re thinking about selling and don’t have the time or inclination to haggle with buyers, now is the time!

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, or if you’re ready to list your home contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Gen Z Drawn to Reno

January 3, 2022/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

In a recent Gen Z City Index, Reno ranked 6th for the best places for Generation Z or “zoomers” to live. Gen Z covers individuals born between 1997 and 2012. The post-millennial generation is getting ready to head out into the world to make big life decisions. As they enter into adulthood, Reno is becoming a place where the zoomers are setting their sights to carve out their own path.

Gen Z City Index ranked several cities on various factors, including the availability of employment, the median home price, affordability of the area, gender pay gap, diversity, resident resources, and more. The list includes 30 cities, and six California cities cracked the top 10. Reno was able to snag the sixth spot in part due to its perfect score in equality. The study looked at the 2020 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index to weigh how cities handle nondiscrimination laws and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Reno also scored well in gender pay equity. The U.S. Census Bureau found that Reno has a wage gap of 6.88% between men and women, with only three other cities having a smaller pay gap. Reno saw the fifth-highest number of job opportunities, solidifying the city’s ranking as a great place for zoomers to live.

The 2020s will be a time for zoomers to age into adulthood and make their own way. As a college town that scored well in a variety of categories that are increasingly important to Gen Zers as they get older, Reno is likely going to continue to draw in the young adult demographics. With expanding technology and manufacturing job opportunities in Northern Nevada, booming economic activity, and the high quality of life offered to Reno residents, a young, talented, and driven workforce is sure to follow.

We’re excited to see what Generation Z will contribute to the evolving Reno area and how the University of Nevada, Reno will grow to fit the needs of the incoming students. Reno has always been accepting of new generations, new people, and new ideas, so we’re happy to see that Gen Z is so accepting of Reno.

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.

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.

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