BiggerPockets

Help Raise Money for Local Reno Charities at Sheep Dip

Monday, January 17

Help raise money for local Reno charities at 'Sheep Dip' on January 21st and 22nd, 2011 at 8pm at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Reno, NV.  For 47 years, this show has been comprised of local media members, politicians and members of the community who perform funny skits, silly songs and delightful dancing to lampoon local silliness that has happened in the Truckee Meadows area over the previous year.  Over the history of the show, more than $400,000 has been raised for local Reno area charities, such as:

• C*A*R*E Chest of Sierra Nevada
• Evelyn Mount Community Outreach
• Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation
• Nevada Diabetes Association

If you're interested in attending this year's 'Sheep Dip' follies, tickets are only $35.  For those who want to be a Big Dipper, ad sponsorships are available.  Download the form here.  Do you want to reserve a seat or table?  Simply call 775-356-3300 or visit the John Ascuaga's Nugget website here.

Head on out to John Ascuaga's Nugget on January 21st and 22nd, 2011 to have a great time and help raise money for local Reno charities at the 'Sheep Dip' show.  It's a great cause and a raucous good time!  If you're facing foreclosure in Reno, please contact me today to find out how I can help you avoid it.

Charlene Hamilton, Reno Relocation Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Reno real estate

Need to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time?

Monday, January 10

If you are like alot of American homeowners today, you may need to buy and sell a home at the same time.  For example, you got a job in another city or state and must sell your current home before you move while looking for another home to live in somewhere else.  Two of the most critical issues facing a Reno homeowner are money and timing.  What you don't do is just as important as what you do.  Following these tips will help you have a successful real estate transaction on both ends.

Keep a Notebook - Taking good, detailed notes will help make sure you don't miss anything.  Write down any questions you have for your real estate agent, lending company, inspector, etc.  Make a time line of important dates in your moving process.  For example, if you are moving to another city/state for a job, when do you absolutely need to move out of your current home?  Keeping detailed notes of any conversations you have, including times, dates, names and companies, as well as transactions that occur helps you keep track of finances as well as serves as backup in case of a dispute.

Get a Home Inspection - A home inspection report will inform you of any potential problems that may slow down the sale of your Reno home.  You may choose to repair these issues or reduce the list price by considering the cost to repair these issues.

Don't Delay Listing - Get your home listed for sale right away.  The longer you wait, the shorter time frame you will have to sell it before you need to move.

Rental Options - If you sell your old Reno home before you are ready to move into your new Reno home, talk to your agent about your rental options.  For example, some buyers will work with the seller by offering them a "rent-back" option for a short period of time.  This means that you will be able to stay in your home after to sell it by renting it back from the buyer while you wait for your new home purchase to be complete.

Be Flexible - By sticking strictly to your asking price, it may take longer to sell your home.  If an offer comes in that may be even slightly lower than asking price, you should consider taking it as long as it keeps you in line with your moving time frame.

Get it in Writing - Putting the exact window of dates you need your old home sold and your new Reno home closed will keep everyone on the same page and make your transition smoother.

If you need to buy and sell a home at the same time, please contact me.  I can help you with all your Reno real estate needs!

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Reno real estate

Pending Home Sales on the Rise

Monday, January 03

There's good news on the nationwide real estate front.  The National Association of REALTORS® recently reported that November 2010 showed an increase in pending home sales.  This continues an upward trend in pending home sales over the last five months.  There were 3.5% more contracts signed during the month of November than October 2010, according to the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI).  While this was still 5% lower than in November 2009, the broader trend over the last half of 2010 possibly indicates a slow recovery in the nation's real estate market.

Affordable home prices, low interest rates and improvements in the economy have helped buyers dip their toes in the local market, including first time home buyers, investors and retirees.  If mortgage rates remain low or even only rise slightly and the 2 million jobs that are expected to be added in 2011 do happen, there's a good chance that home sales will rise even higher. 

The Pending Home Sales Index varied in different parts of the country.  In the Northeast, there was a 1.8% increase.  In the Midwest, there was a 4.2% decrease.  The Southern region of the United States saw a 1.8% decrease as well.  However, the West saw an amazing 18.2% increase in pending home sales in November 2010 over October 2010 sales figures, which was also a slight increase over November 2009's PHSI.

As of today (January 3, 2011), the interest rates are as follows:

30-Year Fixed = 4.875%
30-Year Fixed FHA = 4.75%
15-Year Fixed = 4.25%
5-Year ARM = 3.375%
5-Year ARM FHA = 3.25%

Interest rates are expected to rise, with the 30-Year Fixed Rate projected to be around 5.3% by the end of the year.  Existing home sales are also expected to rise approximately 8% in 2011, with another 4% increase projected for 2012.  If you're interested in purchasing a Reno home, please contact me and I'll be happy to help.

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Specialist, your Reno relocation expert

New Year's Events in Reno

Monday, December 27

Now that the presents have been unwrapped, you may be thinking of what to do to say goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011.  Here are a few of the New Year's Events in Reno happening this Friday, December 31st:

Downtown Reno Fireworks
Celebrate the new year with a free fireworks show in downtown Reno.  Simply show up downtown at midnight to enjoy the spectacular light display.

Free Safe Ride Home Program
RTC Ride, RTC Rapid and RTC RAPIDCONNECT is offering free rides from 7pm December 31, 2010 to 4am January 1, 2011.  For more info on routes and bus schedule, please call 775-348-7433.

The Great Escape's New Year's Eve 2011 White Party
Location: 1575 S Virginia St, Reno.  Listen to live DJ's spinning tunes, fog machines, white scultpures and artwork and champagne cocktails.  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.  Call 775-848-9595 for more info.

John Ascuaga's Nugget New Year's Eve Party
Location: 1100 Nugget Ave, Sparks.  Enjoy special New Year's Eve menus at all Nugget restaurants as well as entertainment specifically for the evening.  The Celebrity Showroom will feature an all female tribute band called AC/DShe.  If you are in the casino at midnight, ring in the new year with complimentary champagne and party favors.  For more info, please call 800-648-1177.

Peppermill Hotel Casino's New Year's Eve Party
Location: 2707 S Virginia St, Reno.  For $75 per person, enjoy dinner in the Naples Ballroom from 8pm til after midnight.  Tickets are available for $50 each to watch the Rhythm Nation perform in the Capri Ballroom at 9:30pm.  Get dinner in Naples and entertainment in Capri for $115 total.  Or, go to the Edge Nightspot for the Glitz & Glamour New Year's Eve 2011 party.  For more info, please call 775-689-7444 or make reservations by calling 866-821-9996.

Silver Legacy Resort Casino's Rockin' the Dome
Location: 407 N Virginia St, Reno.  Listen to DJ Koz spin great dance music.  Tickets are $30 and include one drink.  For $20, enjoy VIP bottle service, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors at the Aura Ultra Lounge.  For a $20 cover, listen to the dueling pianos, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight at Rum Bullions Island Bar.  For something a little different, take in a 7:30pm or 10pm comedy show at Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club (call 775-325-7401 for details and reservations.

Wild River Grille New Year's Eve Party
Location: 17 S Virginia St, Reno.  Enjoy a four coarse meal, champagne toast and live music from 10pm to 1am.  Please call 775-284-7455 to make your reservation today.

The Knitting Factory Presents My Friends' New Year's Eve Party
Location: 211 N Virgiia St, Reno.  Listen to the Knitting Factory favorites Pinback, The Grouch, Brieves, Boggan and the Black Rock City All Stars starting at $47 for general admission tickets.  If you want to add in the hosted bar, tickets are $82.  However, if you want to really go VIP, get a table for four that includes various bottles of liquor for $995.  Doors will open at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm.  All attendees must be 18 or older.  For more info, please call 775-323-5648.

As always, stay safe.  Don't drink and drive.  Use a designated driver or Reno' free Safe Ride Home Program to enjoy yourself and not cause possible harm to anyone else.  That way, you can still enjoy any of these New Year's Events in Reno and enjoy New Year's Day as well.  Happy New Year!

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, your Reno real estate specialist

Reno Flood Awareness and Snow and Ice Control Plans

Monday, December 20

With the amount of rain and snow headed to the Reno area through the end of the year and the proximity of the Truckee River to the City of Reno, I thought it was important to share the Reno Flood Awareness and Snow and Ice Control plans so that you can be prepared in case of emergency:

Flood Awareness

• Gather your family together to formulate a plan on what to do in case of a flood: where to meet, who to call if you get separated, etc.
• Make an emergency kit with water (enough for 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days), canned food, canned milk, granola bars, baby formula, diapers, pet food, crackers, can opener, fire extinguisher, battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries, waterproof matches (or matches in a waterproof container), plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, eating utensils (plates, forks, knives, spoons, cups, etc), blankets, change of clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, rain gear, first aid kit, emergency kit and necessary medications.
• Emergency kit should also include hygiene supplies: soap, toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, comb, brush, bleach with rubber gloves and feminine hygiene products.
• Don't walk or drive through flowing water.  Even if the water appears shallow, it could be deeper than it looks or have a strong enough current to carry you away.
• Keep away from power lines and electrical wire.
• Be on alert for gas leaks.  Make sure everyone knows where the turnoff is for gas and how to turn it off.
• After the water recedes, clean everything that got wet thoroughly to avoid the possibility of mold or mildew.

Click here for Flash Flood Watches, Warnings and Advisories in the California/Nevada area.

Snow and Ice Control

During the months of November through March, the City of Reno keeps track of weather conditions daily to watch for any storms approaching the Reno area.  When snowfall reaches 4" or more on Reno streets, the city sends out snow plows to clear the road.  Reno trucks may also throw a sand/salt mixture (one part salt to five parts sand) at major intersections before the snowfall reaches 4" to keep the icy conditions to a minimum.

After a storm has passed through the Reno area, street sweepers are sent out to clean up the sand/salt mixture from the roads.  The city's plan is to have all streets cleared of the sand/salt mixture within four days of the end of a major storm.

I hope you found the above Reno Flood Awareness and Snow and Ice Control Plans above helpful.  It's important to have a plan in place before a possible disaster happens so that you will be as prepared as possible for what may happen.  Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, your Reno Relocation Specialist

Why Should You Use a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home

Monday, December 13

With access to information on the internet so readily available and in an era of the do-it-yourself attitude, why should you use a real estate agent to buy a home instead of doing it yourself?  There are numerous reasons why a professional is a better way to go with your real estate needs.  The following are just a few you should think about:

1. Experience and Knowledge - The right local real estate agent knows their Reno real estate market like the back of their hand because they are constantly out in the field.  They most likely know more about particular neighborhoods than a lone buyer would ever have time to learn.  They also have access to information that a simple online listing or an open house may not supply.  This can be valuable to have when it comes time to negotiate a price on a Reno home you're interested in.
2. Paperwork - If you've bought a home before, you are aware of the volumes of paperwork this transaction can generate.  If you are new to the Reno homeownership game, just think of how much paperwork and time it took to buy a car...and then multiply that by a thousand.  Since a REALTOR® is well versed in what documents need to be signed and when they need to be submitted, they can help make your home buying experience go much more smoothly.
3. Professional Support Network - When you hire a Reno REALTOR®, not only do you get the agent, but you also have access to their support network that typically includes home inspectors, title companies, insurance agents and more that they can recommend for you.  Since this is their job, real estate agents learn quickly who they can trust for services and who to look out for.
4. The Art of Negotiation - If nothing else, negotiating a deal is why you should use a professional.  This is their bread and butter.  It is also probably the least fun aspect of buying a home.  Having someone on your side who knows how to negotiate a deal can work out in your best interest.
5. How Much a Home Costs, How Much a Home is Worth - Since a Reno REALTOR® views homes all over the Reno area every day, they can help you determine what is a good value in the price range you are looking for.  They know whether a home has been on the market for a long time and is prime to be reduced or if it has even been reduced recently, possibly indicating a seller who is really interested in negotiating a deal.  This experience is extremely valuable.

So, if you find yourself asking why you should use a real estate agent to buy a home instead of doing it yourself, the above reasons should answer that question pretty well.  If you are looking for a Reno home, please contact me and I'll be more than happy to help you.

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, your Reno relocation specialist