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The Best Home Improvement Projects To Do This Spring

April 7, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

Spending the extra time inside means that you can get some much-needed home improvement projects taken care of. If Reno’s spring weather has you excited to roll up your sleeves and make changes, check out some of our recommendations on renovations to tackle in the coming weeks.

Stain Your Deck

We know that Reno’s summers are the perfect time to spend afternoons in your backyard, and a nice deck can be the right destination for BBQs and outdoor picnics. Staining your deck can restore it back to its original shine, so all you have to do is choose to change the color or just accentuate the wood grain!

Build a Fire Pit

Spring and fall evenings can get a little chilly, but if you still want to enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature and breathe in the Reno air, you’ll want a cozy place to sit. You can hire someone to build a fire pit for you, or you can make it a DIY project. As a bonus, it’ll make any backyard campout complete with s’mores.

Upgrade Your Garden

If you’re really looking to brighten up your backyard and make it a place that your family spends their days, a garden is the perfect project to take on. You can even create a butterfly garden that will have your family chasing the flying beauties during long afternoons.

Add a New Railing To Your Porch

Porches are another place that many families will be spending their days enjoying the sun. Give it an update by putting in a new railing. You can even go a step further and get new porch furniture for another vibrant season.

Anytime you have questions about how to improve your home, how to increase the resale value of your home, and how the Reno real estate market is changing, give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292.

Best Movies to Binge-Watch on Netflix

March 27, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

The endless scrolling through the list of movies available on Netflix can make it hard to choose which movie to put on next. While we’re all being advised to stay inside our Reno homes, now is the perfect time to work your way through some of the great movies available on Netflix. Below are some of our recommendations for comedies, family-friendly, and feel-good movies to watch.

Best Comedies:

Step Brothers – Brennan’s mother and Dale’s father have gotten married and moved in with one another, forcing the two grown boys to live together and share a room.
Wine Country – Six friends come together to celebrate a 50th birthday in Napa Valley. The trip will either bring them closer together or end their decades-long friendship.
Hitch – Step into a dating coach’s life as he helps a client find love while stumbling his way through it as well.
The Other Guys – Watch as two desk-bound NYPD detectives try to show their comrades they have what it takes to take on large cases and be in the field.

Best Family Watch-Together Movies:

The Edge of Seventeen – This movie is all about the ups and downs of being a teenager. Listen to Nadine’s story and how she deals with living in her older brother’s shadow.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – Lara Jean’s love letters find their way to each of the boys she’s loved, and now she has to deal with the aftermath.
Space Jam – An alien comes to Earth to steal the Looney Tunes, but in order to save themselves, they challenge the aliens to a basketball game and request the help of Michael Jordan.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation – The beloved monster family boards a summer cruise for a little relaxation, but they may run into trouble and love along the way.

Feel-Good Movies:

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark – There’s no adventure that’s quite like Indiana Jones and his archeological searches. He may be an underdog, but never underestimate his quick wit and quicker whip.
Hook – This Robin Williams classic brings a unique twist to the beloved Peter Pan story. Watch as Peter Pan returns to Neverland to save his family.
Set it Up – Two underappreciated workers set up their bosses with one another in order to give them the free time they’ve been craving. Will it work, or will it all backfire in the end?
National Treasure – Join Nicholas Cage and the rest of his treasure hunters as they steal the Declaration of Independence and search for answers left behind by the founding fathers.

We hope you’ve found some new movies to watch, and if you have any questions about how the current times have affected Reno and the Reno real estate market, contact David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292. We’re always here for you and happy to help in any way we can.

Activities to Do at Home and Close to Home

March 24, 2020/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Social distancing has been making headlines for days, and while we all may have to stay six feet from one another, there are still so many things you can do at home and around Reno! Take a look at some of our favorite ways to pass the time that will keep you a safe distance from one another.

Hit the hiking and biking trails.

The trails throughout the city offer some of the best views around, and the fresh air does everyone good when you’ve been cooped up for a few days. We recommend checking out the Wilber D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.

Take a virtual tour of famous museums.

If you love art, architecture, and culture but find it hard to travel to see all of the world’s most notable pieces of art, you can do it all from the comfort of your own couch. From the British Museum in London to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, these virtual tours are ready for you to explore.

Take an online workout class.

Since many gyms are closed nationwide, it’s important to still find a way to get your heart rate up and get in some active minutes. Your gym could be offering some great virtual classes for you to join in on, and there are even some YouTube tutorials on home workouts to try.

Support our local businesses.

Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day are all around the corner. With the extra time you have, why not do a little online browsing of some of our local shops to pick out some gifts for your loved ones? Bumblebee Blooms has some beautiful floral bouquets for Easter and Mother’s Day that you can purchase and schedule for delivery now. Micah Bank has a wonderful selection of jewelry for you to peruse. For the outdoorsy dad, Lakeshore Paddleboard Co. has a board to suit everyone.

Check out a few podcasts and audiobooks.

If you’re planning on working from home, but you’re used to the hubbub of an office and the chatter of your other coworkers, put on a podcast or an audiobook to get some background noise and learn something new along the way too.

There are so many activities to do while you’re at home or keep you close to home, so be sure to stay active and continue to help the Reno community where you can. If there’s anything we can do for you, or if you have any questions about the current real estate market, give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

David Morris Group - The Reality of Real Estate_ Finding Beauty in Your Home - Best Reno Real Estate Team - DMG - Reno Homes

The Reality of Real Estate: How to Find the Beauty in Your Current Home Instead of Selling

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

It’s easy to get caught up in the wow factors you see while viewing a property, but when you’ve closed on the deal, unpacked your items, and lived in the house for a few years, you’ll notice things that don’t quite work for your family or items that you have begun to hate about your home. When you find yourself focusing on the things that you’d like to change, we have some tips to help you find the beauty and fall in love with your space once again.

1. Add a feel-good factor.

If you have a favorite color that lifts your mood, a piece of artwork that you’ve always adored and would like to see hanging, or photos that always bring a smile to your face, then make them the focus of an area of your home you feel needs a little extra love. A bright focus wall in your living room, a gorgeous painting in the dining room, and a photo collage wall in your bedroom will draw the eye and immediately be the new talking point of the room.

2. Make donations.

You may be surprised how getting rid of unnecessary objects, clothes, and books can make you and your home feel lighter. It clears up space and can give you new ideas for how to use the space. Gather up the items that don’t add joy to the house and donate them to a local organization.

3. Tackle one project that could add a little wow factor.

There are all kinds of DIY projects for every budget and skill level. From making a chalkboard table to dressing up your house number sign, we recommend you get your hands dirty and try one of those projects that you’ve loved seeing on your favorite HGTV shows.

4. Look at the space in a new way.

Sometimes how the furniture is arranged can impact how you look at each room, so try to rearrange where you place things in order to give your home a new look and feel.

5. Draw attention to your home’s best features.

No matter how many things you don’t like, there are three more features you do like that can be highlighted to draw your attention. If you love the natural light that your windows bring in, add curtains or shades that will draw the eye when you have the sunlight streaming in. If you love the French doors, add a little pop of color to the doors themselves or the wall they’re located on to draw people’s eyes to them.

In this day and age, negative news makes more headlines than the positive, and it can skew how we look at the world and how we look at our own homes, but we guarantee there are always more things to love. Try these tips to help you find the beauty in your home before reaching out to the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292 to help you sell your home and find a new one.

New Event Venue Being Added to the Neon Line

March 16, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

The Reno Neon Line continues to revamp much of the city and bring in new additions that brighten and liven up the West Fourth Street corridor. Now the group in charge of the project has a new event venue being added to the Neon Line to begin working on.

The venue is called Sands Connect and has already begun construction between the Sands Regency hotel-casino and Gold Dust West. The goal is for Sands Connect to meet the growing demand for residents and visitors to have a central event space for them to gather for things like food truck festivals, exhibits, farmer’s markets, etc.

Sands Connect will have a festival tent as well as an open promenade with a picnic area to encourage people to spend time in the area. There will be an outdoor stage, a beer garden, and the historic Nystrom House that was moved from its previous location will be incorporated into the plans for the venue. Currently, the Nystrom House is expected to be turned into the main hub for guests to grab a drink or a bite to eat at events.

Just as the Sands Connect is honoring the history and revitalizing the Nystrom House, the group in charge is looking to continue to incorporate parts of Reno’s past by tying in several classic neon signs that were once seen along the streets of the city.

By next year, the event venue hopes to be a part of dozens of community events, and Sands Connect is taking charge of that goal by hosting a variety of events in the coming months. Below is a list of some of the events scheduled for Sands Connect in 2020:

June 5 – 7: Reno Art Fest at Sands Connect
July 3 – 5: Red, White, and Brew at Sands Connect
August 6 – 9: Sierra Nevada European Car Festival at Sands Connect
August 28 – 29: Camp Tiny Houses at Sands Connect
September 4 – 6: Labor Day Weekend Party at Sands Connect
September 7 – 9: Playa Transition at Sands Connect
September 11 – 12: Little Hero’s at Sands Connect
September 19 – 20: Taco Fest at Sands Connect
September 25 – 27: Street Vibrations at Sands Connect

If you’re curious about what the recent changes along the West Fourth Street corridor have done for the real estate market and your home’s value, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292. We’re always happy to share our insights and give you a quote on what your home is worth.

The Reality of Real Estate: How to Love Your Home’s Imperfections

March 12, 2020/in Reality of Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

It’s likely that when you purchase a home, you’ll notice things that you’d like to change. From the interior and exterior paint to the layout and function of your home, there’s bound to be some projects that you’d like to tackle to make your home customized to your style and needs. We’re here to help you realize that those imperfections are worth loving and that each home is unique.

Look for the positives in your home

It can be easy to focus on the negatives of your home, but there are surely many reasons why you decided to purchase your home – focus on them! Even some of the items that you may not love about your home may have some positive attributes that you appreciate.

If the carpet in your living room may not have been your first choice, but if it’s soft and feels wonderful to squish your toes into after a long day at work, focus on that. If the countertops in your kitchen aren’t your usual style but are easy to clean, focus on that. If you wish your fireplace had a more distinct fireplace, but your favorite memories involve sitting by the fire in the winter with your family, focus on that.

Don’t compare your home

When you visit your friends and family, it’s easy to feel envy creeping up at aspects of their home that you’d like to see in yours. Remember that everyone has a home to-do list on items that they’d like to change, so don’t let your home feel inferior to someone else’s.

Ignore the doubters and negative Nancies

We all have those people in our lives that we love unconditionally, but have the habit of pointing out flaws and giving constructive feedback that we haven’t asked for. The worst is when they point out things that we had yet to notice and after they leave, feeling the overwhelming need to start working on projects. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself of why you decided to purchase your home in the first place. Thank them for their tips and steer the conversation in a new direction.

Make a to-do list and consistently check off improvement tasks

If there are serious home improvement projects you’d like to tackle in order to make you fall in love with your home a little more, make a list of them, and make a gameplan of when and how you will take care of them. You don’t need to overwhelm yourself by doing it all at one time.

If you need a team that will give you the advice other agents won’t, reach out to the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you find a home you love to call home, so give us a shout at (775) 828-3292 anytime.

Spend Your Spring Exploring These Reno Golf Courses

March 6, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

With the new season arriving comes warmer weather and the chance to get outside to play a few of our favorite sports. From soccer and baseball to golf, the 60 and 70-degree weather calls for you to get outdoors and get active. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best Reno golf courses to check out.

Wolf Run Golf Club
The Wolf Run Golf Club is a perfect place to have a competitive round of golf or get in some practice for the upcoming season. The course includes a practice putting green, a chipping green with patio seating, and a driving range with a 100-yard short game area to practice chips and sand shots. The Wolf Run Golf Club is the proud home course of the University of Nevada Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams.

Lakeridge Golf Course
As one of the winners of the Best of Reno awards for several years, this golf course offers an experience unlike anything you’ll find at other courses. The Lakeridge Golf Course is well-known for the views of Reno and the surrounding mountains that the course is designed around.

Washoe Golf Course
As the first golf course in Reno, the Washoe Golf Course is all about making history. The course has varying sets of tees that cater to players of all ages and skill levels, so everyone can have a blast playing across the front nine and back nine.

With the amazing scenery that Reno has, every golf course gives you the chance to take in some amazing sights. We hope your calendar is full of wonderful spring activities that are on par with the beautiful weather we’re expecting to see across the Biggest Little City. If you need advice on more activities to take part in this spring, or if you’re looking to buy or sell a home this season, give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292. We’re always happy to lend a hand and offer up some tips about the community.

The Reality of Real Estate – Ditch These Unrealistic Dreams

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

We’ve all been sucked into the HGTV vortex a time or two. You sit down to watch an episode of Property Brothers while eating your leftovers only to look up four episodes and four hours later to realize that it’s past your bedtime and that you now want to take a sledgehammer to a wall in your living room to open up the space. It’s hard not to fall under the spell of these home improvement shows, but it can also be hard to push these unrealistic home goals out of your head when it comes time to buy a home. We’re here to tell you that when you decide to enter the real estate market, you have to ditch these unrealistic dreams.

1. Pinterest Homes Live Only on Pinterest

Just like HGTV, Pinterest and Instagram can have you making a home want list a mile long and giving you expectations that will never be met. If you’re looking for a designer home, you’ll have to pay the designer price tag that comes along with it. It’s much easier to find a home that meets everything you need, has some of the items you want, and leaves you with a budget that you can save to add those designed features you’re looking for in your forever home.

2. Your Home Won’t Need Any Repairs

We can almost guarantee that when you get the home inspection report on a home you like, there will be items that need to be repaired and even some unforeseen maintenance that needs to be made within a year or two of moving in.

3. Remodeling is as Easy as it Looks in the TV Shows

HGTV shows major transformations that are packaged into 30 or 60-minute timeslots, but the reality is that remodels can take months for just one room in your home. They can also come with heavy price tags when you factor in the cost of labor and if you choose pricier materials.

We may have popped your reality TV fantasy bubble, but trust us, it’ll help you see the larger picture and focus on what’s important when searching for your home. We want to make sure you don’t get caught up in the glitz and glam, like so many others do. The David Morris Group is here to help offer the real-world advice you’ll need to navigate the Reno real estate market and find the right home for you. Never hesitate to reach out to us at (775) 828-3292.

10 Events to Go Mad For This March

February 26, 2020/in Reno Events /by Shauna Morris

Basketball isn’t the only event to get excited for this spring, especially in Reno and the surrounding areas. There are a ton of great shows, concerts, and festivals to check out come March, so be sure to check out our list of activities worth putting in your calendar.

1. Snowfest! – Feb. 28 – Mar. 8

North Lake Tahoe becomes a flurry of activities and events for people of all ages at this large Mardi Gras style festival. Check out the events happening here.

2. TLC – Mar. 6

Come and listen to the classic stylings of TLC and belt along to “Waterfalls,” “Creep,” “No Scrubs,” and “Unpretty.”

3. The Beach Boys – Mar. 7

With more than 50 years of making music under their belts, there’s no doubt that The Beach Boys put on a legendary show you can’t see anywhere else.

4. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Mar. 14

Sixty records later and Lynyrd Skynyrd is still tearing up the stage to put on a fun concert dedicated to the best Southern Rock songs that will always get people up and singing.

5. Reno Leprechaun Crawl – Mar. 14

Get dressed up, enjoy some great discount drinks at 20 different downtown locations, and participate in a few free giveaways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style!

6. 8th annual Leprechaun Race – Mar. 15

Grab the whole family and take part in a fun 5K through Midtown and the Wells Avenue District. If you beat Race178’s official leprechaun, you get a special prize!

7. Monster Jam – Mar. 20 – 22

Watch as these monster trucks tear up the tracks in a fierce competition full of all kinds of tricks. You’ll be able to see the trucks up close and take photos with the drivers.

8. Rob Lowe – Mar. 21

Rob Lowe is here to discuss the rises and falls he’s experienced throughout his lifetime. Take a glimpse into what it was like to be a child actor and power that into a long and successful career in Hollywood.

9. WinterWonderGrass – Mar. 27 – 29

Squaw Valley will transform the North Tahoe location into a festival of music, beer tasting, and fun. Make memories and tap into the side of you with deep bluegrass roots.

10. BANDSTAND – Mar. 27 – 29

Travel back to 1945 and watch as soldiers coming back from World War II are faced with the challenge of rebuilding their lives before they were deployed, but somehow find their voices in music and a competition to become the nation’s next great musical superstars.

We hope you find some time to check out a few of the great events hitting Reno this March! If you ever have any questions about what’s new in the area or are looking to move closer to your favorite venues, give the David Morris Group a call at (775) 828-3292.

Growing University Enrollment Leads to Big Decisions About Student Housing

February 21, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

Reno continues to undergo a series of changes that have skewed how residents, tourists, and families view the city. One of the most important changes includes the University of Nevada, Reno, and being labeled a “college town.” Year after year, the number of students enrolling in the university grows and so do the number of people calling Reno home, business coming to give the growing workforce sustainable careers, and changes to how the community is perceived.

Currently, there’s a need for extra student housing for the 2020-2021 school year, and recently the University of Nevada, Reno, has come to an agreement with surrounding residential buildings on ways that they can help house the students. Canyon Flats and Uncommon Reno are to residential buildings that will house over 800 students and residential staff in the coming academic school year.

While Argenta Hall is still under construction and not set to reopen until August of 2021, Nye Hall will reopen August of 2020 and will have over 500 beds to house students. Housing options are important for anyone looking to make a move, including those that are coming to Reno for higher education. Students will have the option to choose between Great Basin Hall, Peavine Hall, The Nevada Living Learning Community, Juniper Hall, Manzanita Hall, Canada Hall, Sierra Hall, Nye Hall, and now Canyon Flats and Uncommon Reno.

Canyon Flats and Uncommon Reno will have some great amenities, including live-in academic mentors to help tutor students in any troublesome courses, full-size washer and dryer in each unit, and large common areas. The newest student housing options are located close to campus and will have the same security measures that the other residence halls benefit from.

Reno has yet to stop evolving with the changes, and if you’re curious about how Reno’s culture, housing market, and population have changed over the years, we’re happy to give you a glimpse into Reno’s strong past, present, and future. There are so many benefits to being labeled a college town, and we love being a part of a community with such a growing and beloved university at the heart of the city. Give the David Morris Group a call for any and all of your Reno questions at (775) 828-3292.

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