The Reno and Sparks real estate market has seen some major changes over the last few years, what was once one of the hardest hit housing markets in the nation has been on the rebound. If you're like most, you're wondering where things are headed in 2016 and beyond. We're here to compare 2014 and 2015 as well as the trends we're seeing as we head into 2016. Over the last few years the market has transitioned from bank owned properties and short sale properties, accounting for only 4% of December 2015 sales. Amazingly traditional sales accounted for 92% of December 2015 sales. Housing prices have drastically changed for the better, a great thing for home owners but now becoming harder to find the once coveted 'deal' post-recession.

The graph

Recognizing Risk Factors In A Property

What does a typical homebuyer consider when purchasing a home? Paint color is a viable answer. How about the floor plan? Depending on the location of the home, the amount of available outdoor space might top the list too. Superficial characteristics and considerations such as these, though important, only partially answer the question every prospective homebuyer should be asking: is this property a good investment?

Granted, “good investment” is a nebulous phrase that is highly dependent on the decision maker because it boils down to desires. For instance, is the measuring stick to this question based in monetary return, a safe community for the family, or perhaps both? Regardless of personal qualifiers to this

Homeowner’s Association: What You Need To Know

Purchasing any type of property within a planned development such as condominiums, townhomes, and gated residential communities will typically bind a resident to a homeowner’s association (HOA). These organizations are intended to manage, for better or worse, the entire residential area via established common rules each owner must adhere to and enforce them accordingly.

Owning properties with an established HOA can prove to be hit-or-miss, depending on a multitude of variables. Before purchasing a premise within such a community, follow the suggested tips below to confirm these types of communities are a comfortable fit for your personal situation. 

General Purpose of a HOA

So what is all the

Hot Tub Purchasing Tips

Relaxation is a top desire on many people’s minds, especially after grinding it out at the J.O.B. for a minimum of 8 hours per day, 7 days a week. To satiate this desire, what first comes to mind? Vacation? Thoughts of giving your two week notice? For some people, a simple pleasure of an available hot tub massage is all that is needed for peace and relaxation.

As much as this device can offer, it is prudent to ensure you make an informed decision before handing $5,000+ over to a dealership and salesman. Prior to signing on the dotted line, take a deep breath, pause and do a little research. Provided below are some tips for starters. Happy hot tubbing!

For starters…advantages and disadvantages

If you’re considering

Pet Home Safety Tips

The term “pet” can be perceived as derogatory by many people when referencing their furry friends. Rightfully so, since many animals are considered part of the family unit, having earned an irreplaceable position in the home as well as our hearts. Hence why owners should take the necessary actions to keep them out of harms way.

Similar to childproofing a home when expecting a baby, there are many methods for “petproofing” a property to ensure their safety and continued enjoyment around the household. Broken down by room, below are a few precautionary actions that can be taken to minimize the risks lurking around the house

Kitchen and bathrooms

Pets, like children, have an inquisitive nature enticing them to open

Pest Home Safety Tips

Insects, bats, and rats, oh my! These creatures and critters are capable of entering any home via the tiniest means imaginable. Even more worrisome is the fact that their presence can remain unknown to even the most vigilant of homeowners.  Thankfully, there exist solutions capable of eliminating, or at least deterring, the most intolerable of infestations. Follow the do-it-yourself tips below for general guidance on how to prevent and remove pest infestations.

A clean home is a happy home

What possibilities might be attracting mice to your residence? The answer is rather obvious but surprisingly easily remedied. Cleaning your house regularly will remove most common factors attracting pests to your house. Focus on removing

A Homeowner's Toolkit

As the saying goes, there are only two things inevitable in life: death and taxes. For a homeowner though, one might argue to include maintenance and repairs. Looming in the near to distant future for most homeowners is typically some form of a malfunctioning item. A few examples include leaking faucets, busted outlets, broken staircases, chipped granite countertops, and sometimes even an occasional resettlement of the foundation.

Unfortunately, not all of life’s problems can be fixed with a few nails, a turn of a wrench, or slap of wood. In those cases, refer to a specialist (e.g., electrician, plumber, carpenter) who can professionally and expeditiously resolve the problem. For the less challenging of nuisances within your

Landscaping Design Tips

Very few homeowners want a barren backyard with a basic rectangular shape. This lack of creative design tends to be boring on the eyes and for the residential mower too! Quite frankly…it is just bland and unattractive. However, in an attempt to address this concern, many homeowners create elaborate landscape designs without realizing how difficult and time consuming the maintenance can typically be on these gardens.

Instead of diving into the deep end hoping to swim, follow the guidelines below for a smoother transition toward your own personal oasis. Though you won’t be able to create a garden rivaling any botanical gardens overnight, this methodical process will yield an attention-grabbing design easily maintained by the

Maintenance Tips For Your Home

Repairs are inevitably necessary for any home regardless of how diligent the homeowners are with periodic maintenance. Nonetheless, regular upkeep of common bad actors can significantly decrease the likelihood of occurrence and damage resulting from any problems. Listed below are a few of the most common maintenance problems and suggestions associated with home ownership.

Check the toilets

A leaking toilet can be difficult to discover initially and quite damaging if left unchecked. On a monthly basis, place red food coloring dye into the commode and let stand for approximately one hour. This will make it easy to spot any minor leaks that need your attention. If a leak is discovered, it is highly likely that the

Family Three-Day Home Emergency Kit

Disaster strikes at any moment, whether prepared or not. Unfortunately, “why do today what I can put off for tomorrow” tends to be the mantra many people habitually follow, especially when it comes to “potential” disasters. In their minds, focusing on situations that haven’t actually materialized when there are plenty of problems to solve now seems to be illogical and downright a waste of time.

Peace of mind is often an underrated reason for proactively preparing for an unknown future. However, imagine tackling the aftermath of a hurricane, flood, or even worse, the combination of the two, without emergency items readily available? Now, as the scout motto has it, can you truly be always prepared? Probably not.