Charlene's Blog

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:26:05 -0600

Add a little culture to your life by attending some very fine performances at the Pioneer Performing Arts Center .

Reno is known worldwide, for its bright lights and gaming. Reno has also developed a fine reputation as America 's Adventure Place . The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts provides visitors and residents alike with bright lights, pure entertainment and an adventure in sights and sounds.

The Pioneer Center was completed in 1968 and is the focal point of Reno 's cultural activities. The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts is the official home of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Nevada Opera Association, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, and Reno Concerts. In addition, the Pioneer Center hosts the Broadway Comes to Reno series each year.

The Pioneer Center serves the cultural interest of the people of Reno, Sparks and the outlaying rural communities of Northern Nevada. The Center hosts over 120 events each year.

The Pioneer Center also sponsors several youth programs, creating, inspiring and nurturing the love of the arts with various live performances and educational programs for the elementary-aged children in Washoe County and the entire Northern Nevada .

This Friday, the Pioneer Center will be hosting the Reno Irish Dance Company performance of "A Mystical Magical Celtic Christmas". The performance should prove to be just what it's name implies - mystical and magical. The guest artist will be Owen Barrington who toured with the renown RiverDance group and was declared this year's Word Champion Irish Dancer. Reno resident Lauren Ashley Durant will play the lead girl in the story. Ryan Vettal, ( Carson City resident) who is only 11 years old, will thrill your hearts with his dance performances. Other featured performers include Sandra Hicks, Kimmy Scheible, Allison Bergr (all Reno residents) as well as Adrian Bermudez ( San Francisco ).

The Pioneer Center is a true asset to our community and never fails to delight its audiences.

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts Upcoming Events

Pioneer Center Youth Programs

Wanted: 100 Good Men

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:16:36 -0600

I came across an article in the RJG (Reno Journal Gazette) titled, "Wanted: 100 Good Men". I thought I would share it with you.

Good men (and women) are needed to mentor young people in the Greater Reno-Tahoe area. "Wanted: 100 Good Men"is a recruitment campaign to bring awareness for the need of more Big Brothers in the Big Brother/Sister program.

The campaign does not minimize the need for or the effect of women who participate in the Big Sister organization. Statistically and historically, women tend to volunteer more than men. The campaign has been directed to men for one reason: more men are needed as mentors.

There are more boys than girls waiting for a "Big". "Big" is the abbreviated name for Big Brothers and Sisters. "Littles" refer to the youth who have signed up to participate. Currently, there are a total of 209 "Littles" waiting for a "Big", of these, 122 are boys. These kids not only need someone special in their life, but want someone special in their life. The Big Brother and Big Sister programs, "Bigs" and "Littles" are all voluntary.

We all know that this is a time of economic restrictions for many families. The wonder of the Big Brother/Big Sister project is, more than money, the organization needs men (Bigs") who will give of their time. You do not have to be "well-to-do", you just need to be willing to care and spend an hour or two a week with your "Little".

Mentoring changes lives. Statistically, each of us directly impacts (changes) 100 lives in our life time. If this is true then for each life changed today, we will see and benefit from a 100 lives changed in the future. 100 Good Men multiplied by 100 "Littles" equals 10,000 changed lives; 10,000 multiplied by 10,000 equals 1 million. That is quite a legacy for just an hour or two a week. The organization's motto "Little moments. Big Magic" certainly applies to this equation.

What are the qualifications for the Big Brother/Sister program? A willing heart and a background check.

Whether you live in the Reno area or elsewhere, please consider being one of the 100 good men and women needed.

Could Nevada Benefit From the Bank of America Settlement?

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:57:28 -0500

There will be thousands of Nevada homeowners that may be able to benefit from the Bank of America settlement. Bank of America will modify several troubled mortgages to help struggling homeowners avoid loosing their homes.

The settlement is $8.4 billion, which will touch almost 400,000 homeowners across the nation who obtained mortgages through Countrywide Financial. Countrywide was bought-out by Bank of America in July. This new home retention program will help borrowers who financed their homes through pay option adjustable rate mortgages or subprime loans from Countrywide before January 1, 2008.

Some of the assistance will include reductions in loan principals and interest rates for eligible borrowers. Those who foreclose because they are not qualified for this program, will receive financial aid to help them move. The Nevada Attorney General's office has been working very closely with Countrywide and other states to help homeowners keep their homes.

Countrywide says the settlement could help over 11,000 Nevada borrowers. Nevada represents $2.6 billion in unpaid mortgages. Of the 11,000 borrowers, around 10,300 will be eligible for loan modifications.

Some modifications include:

~ Almost $2.2 million in prepayment penalties that will be waived for the state.

~ $219 million in mortgage reductions or the state of Nevada, which includes $70 million in principal write-downs.

~ Almost $2.3 million in delinquent fees that will be waived for the state..

For the 800 borrowers that have been foreclosed on already, they may be eligible for restitution. Restitution includes a cash for keys program, which the state has set aside $4.8 million for this purpose.

Many are confident that the program will provide necessary solutions to assist any borrowers in trouble, and set them back on track to stable home ownership.

Never Forget

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:54:11 -0500

Remember to "never forget" this Thursday which marks the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 Attack on the America.

We cannot dwell on the negative and we must go on with our lives. But let us never forget the fateful day in which heroes were made, lives were lost and America was changed forever.

I searched the Internet and my local newspaper the Reno Journal Gazette for "Never Forget" rallies or memorial services for the upcoming anniversary of September 11, here in the Greater Reno-Tahoe area. Unfortunately, I was unable to find anything posted in either the newspaper or on the Internet. There may or may not be organized "Never Forget" memorials in your area but we can demonstrate our committment to "never forget" in any of the following ways:

Fly the flag: place a flag in front of your home or business. Place a car flag on your antenna or a flag decal on your rear window or bumper.
Light a candle: place a lighted candle in a window which faces your street.
Remember with silence: at 8:45 a.m., take just a moment to be silent and remember.
Access one of the links below Monday through Thursday
Share the links below (or this blog) with family and friends

Never Forget:
Twin Tower Lights ( just scroll down)
September 11 Digital Archive
In Memory to all those who gave their lives on 9-11-2001
Remembering 9/11

For Parents and Teachers:
9/11 Lessons and Resources

To The Working Man - Thank You

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:22:35 -0500

Whether high or low on the pay scale, the working man is the backbone of this Country.

The Greater Reno-Tahoe area, like all towns and cities in the nation, would not be what it is today without those who are willing to put their "hand to the till".

Because of the working man and woman, the people who truly make the visionary's dream possible, I live in an area that has made numerous "Best Cities" list.

We are all inter-dependent on one another and without you, the "working man", there would not be a real estate industry. Because of those willing to labor and make the Reno area one of the most livable cities in the nation, I am able to meet the needs of those who come to live and work in our beautiful community.

So, from one working woman to all the working men and women of this country, and the Reno area in particular, I want to say thank you for all you do to make my life easier and enjoyable.

A toast and a song for all the working men and women of America

I think the Country Western Group Alabama expresses what I am trying to say in their song: Forty Hour Week (For a Livin')

The Real Estate Market In A Nutshell

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:48:11 -0500

In this blog I am going to put the real estate market, nationally and in the Greater Reno - Tahoe area, in a nutshell for you.

Nutshell Highlights:

Pending Sales Are Up
Bottom of the Market
Reno Market Snapshot
Slow Growth
Tax Credit (First Time Buyers)
Mortgage Loans
Inflation and Mortgage Rates

Pending Sales: Nationwide homes which entered escrow were up by 5.3%. The South made the biggest jump with an increase of 9.3% and the Western states were second in increased pending sales with an increase of 4.6%. The Northeastern states pending sales increased by 3.4%while the Midwestern states saw an increase of 1.3%.

Bottom of the Market: The housing recession appears to have reached bottom and is on the mend. Pending sale reports were up in every region of the country, indicating a definite turn-around in the housing market. Pending sales (homes entering escrow) are strong indicators of the real estate market's direction because pending sales become the closed sale reports for the next two to three months.

Reno Market Snapshot: Inventory is down slightly. Pending sales have held steady in both July and August. Foreclosures are still a driving force as well as short sales, keeping home prices very competitive and the most affordable in years. It is a great time for buyers to make homeownership theirs.

Slow Growth: The real estate market does appear to be turning around although analysts are predicting that growth in the market will be slow to moderate for the next year or so. When the housing market began its downward spiral most of the nation was considered to be overvalued. Today, the National City Corporation's Housing Valuation Analysis tells quite a different story. Most areas are considered to be valued correctly or to even be undervalued. Buyers in every region of the nation are recognizing this fact and are entering the real estate market in larger numbers.

Tax Credit: The Housing and Economic Recovery Act has, for a very limited time, made available to first time buyers a tax credit up to $7,500. Analysts are estimating that the tax credit could create two million real estate transactions, stimulating the market even more. The tax credit is like a 15 year, interest free loan. The money must be paid back to the IRS with a $500 recapture tax debit. The tax credit may or may not be a wise choice for you. For your personal financial situation you should speak with a financial planner or tax consultant.
Note: First time buyer is defined as anyone who has not owned a home in the past three years.

Mortgage Loan/Rates: Mortgage guidelines are changing. Due to tighten credit standards and changing guidelines, speaking to a mortgage lender now is a very wise choice. A qualified lender will be able to help you determine your buying power and the best time for you to buy. An example of this is the FHA loan down payment requirement which is approximately 3% but will be increasing to 3.5% after January 1, 2009FHA is currently the most popular of loans for first-time buyers due to its low down program and less stringent credit guidelines.

Inflation and Interest Rates: Fears of recession diminish each day. Experts are now predicting that the economy is in a slow growth period and will most likely continue in that vain for the next few years. However, the Feds are carefully watching the inflation rate which rose 0.3% according to the latest reports. Historically, if the economy experiences an inflationary period, interest rates rise, as they did last week. Today's rates are 6.57% up from 6.375%.

Interest rates greatly affect your purchasing power. Waiting for home prices to decrease further may not be the wisest decision if interest rates rise. Many economists are predicting that the interest rates will go up after the election. Currently, the Feds have made no move to raise or lower the short tem interest rate and continue to hold to their "wait and see" policy.

Be Part Of The Economic Solution

Good News For Buyers In Calvert County

100 Years and Counting

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:56:06 -0500

Recently, the Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center celebrated 100 years of service to the Reno community. There was no fanfare; no big cake lit with candles, no large bouquets of flowers, no celebration dinner, no fireworks. Instead, the day passed quietly with the unveiling of a statue of Saint Dominic at the Hospital.

Saint Dominic was the founder of the order in which the sisters of Saint Mary's serve.

They say God works in mysterious ways and this must be the case with the Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center. A group of sisters were traveling from their convent in California to fulfill a need in Kentucky when one of them became ill.

The group stopped in Reno to allow the nun to recover. The bishop came to the sisters and asked them to stay and fill the need in the Reno area by starting a Catholic School. Needless to say the nuns agreed.

Over 160 of these dedicated souls have blessed the Reno area with their service for one hundred years.

The nuns opened the school; the bishop told them was so needed, in 1877. Mount Saint Mary's Academy provided boarding school and day school to the children of Greater Reno area. In 1897 the convent began a novitiate program.

The sisters transformed their convent and school into a hospital in 1908 when a terrible flu epidemic hit the area. In those early days the hospital was known simply as the Sister's Hospital. In 1910 the sisters began a nursing school. IN 1923 the American College of Surgeons honored the hospital with accreditation.

The nursing school has since integrated and became a part of the nursing program at Reno's University of Nevada, the Orvis School of Nursing.

Today, seven sisters still reside at the convent and serve the community. Four of the sisters serve at the medical center which employs over 2,000 and serves nearly 200,000 people yearly. The remaining three sisters work in the community.

Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center continues to offer quality medical care through its main site, clinics, health centers, and mobile outreach vans.

In the words of Sister Maureen McInerney, "From the earliest days, some things have not changed... the main theme, the main emphasis, is that we are here for people in need."

The Reno community is thankful for all the years of dedication and service provided by the Dominican Sisters and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.

Nevada's Business Environment Ranks #6

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:47:48 -0500

Despite the downturn in the economy and the slump in real estate throughout the nation, Nevada's business climate continues to improve. Nevada's pro-business environment, location, climate and quality lifestyle make it a viable choice for business.

Development Counselors International of New York have completed a three-year survey in which it finds Nevada's pro-business climate one of the best in the country. More than 280 executives were surveyed.

Nevada'a overall ranking was rated as #6 in the nation by those surveyed as having one of the best climates for businesses in the nation. The economic climate in Nevada was ranked as #2 with growth prospects ranked as #8. Other factors considered were business costs (#26), labor market and the regulatory environment (#29) as well as quality of life which ranked #47. Nevada is the only state in the west to rank within the top ten.

Forbes has also completed its annual report of Best States To Do Business in and has ranked Nevada as the 19th best state, up from #22 last year.

In years past, California and New York were the number one places for doing business. Now these states rank as having the least favorable business climates due to the high cost of doing business. Geography is no longer the factor it once was. The recent advancements in computers and telecommunications have opened the doors for business to relocate to areas that offer them the best business opportunities and a quality lifestyle for their employees.

Hot August Nights

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:30:36 -0500

It will get real hot here in Reno beginning Thursday night (August 1) and remain hot for a full 10 days. I am not talking about the weather. I'm talking about one of the biggest events to be held in Reno each year.

The annual Hot August Nights event began 22 years ago in celebration of the rock-n-roll era (the 50's and 60's) and has developed into one of the biggest classic car shows in the world. It is estimated that over 800,000 will attend the 10 day event with over 5,000 cars registered as official participants. Another 5,000 classic cars will be seen in town, although not as official participants. Profits from many of the Hot August Nights events are donated to local charities.

Hot August Nights is a "sold out" event each year. Almost every hotel and motel in the Reno-Sparks area (anywhere within driving distance) is sold-out months in advance.

Rock-n-Roll music will resound throughout the streets. Music, food and events will be centered around the 50's and 60's theme. Included in the events are a Sock Hop, a Prom, Swap Meet and several Show-n-Shine car shows. The biggest event is the Hot August Nights Parade with over 2,000 cars riding two abreast through Downtown Reno (August 10 at 10 a.m.).

This week and next, Hot August Nights, Route 66, classic cars, hot rods, and rock-n-roll will be the subject of many newspaper, TV and radio features; it will be the talk of the town.

Hot August Nights is like the Fourth of July. It is something that must be experienced and always leaves you wanting just a little bit more and full of anticipation for next year.

Improving Reno's Quality of Life

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:19:05 -0500

The Reno City Council recently approved funding for improvements in the city's currently existing recreational facilities. This includes improvements in tennis courts, public pools, recreation centers, parks and public golf courses that will take place over the next two years. Most of this money will go towards repairing or replacing roofs, updating plumbing and electrical and upgrading the fire safety systems. Some of the money in this $7.5 million package is earmarked for making more noticeable improvements to users, such as improving the exterior as well as making the interiors more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The council is still working toward a longer-range plan of constructing additional recreational facilities to accommodate the growing Reno community by working with the University of Nevada and Washoe County as well as other non-profit organizations to acquire funding for more ball fields, tennis facilities, acquatic centers and other facilities over the next 5 to 20 years. For more information on what's happening with this new funding package, please contact the City of Reno.

Recent Real Estate Happenings

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:34:42 -0500

The Feds have taken over IndyMac, one of the largest providers of mortgage loans. IndyMac provided loans to the in between borrower. A borrower, who was not considered prime but was not a sub-prime borrower either.

For you the consumer this means that if you are not a prime borrower finding a loan product to match your financial situation will be a little more difficult. The mortgage credit crunch will be a little tighter. There are still loan products available and still financial institutions that will step into the gap to provide these types of loans but they will be fewer and farther between.

When considering a home purchase, pre-approval is more important than ever to both the buyer and the seller. Do not make the assumption that you cannot qualify for a home loan. Seek the advice of a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker, normally, has access to more loan products than bank lenders.

The government is considering backing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac if funds are needed. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac hold almost half of America's mortgages. Actually, these institutions are stable but Wall Street and economists are very nervous and want the extra reassurance. A negative perception of these giants would have a very negative affect on Wall Street, the economy and consumer confidence.

Interest rates have declined slightly in the past few weeks due to investors moving their investment funds to the bond market. Interest rates may continue on this downward trend or may spike sharply in the next few weeks. This week there will be three key factors that will influence the future of interest rates: retail sales and consumer inflation data reports as well as Ben Bernanke's report to Congress.

Interest rates will remain volatile until there is a clear picture regarding the direction of America's economy. Presently, not even the experts are in agreement. Half are saying that we will still see a recession and the other half say the economy will go into an inflationary period. Until the economy stabilizes and a clearer economic picture is seen the interest rate will be unpredictable. Changes in the interest rate will most likely be quick and sharp.

The good news on the economic forefront is that fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits and consumer confidence was up according to reports last week.

You can wait and see but I believe the wisest choice, at this juncture in time, is to lock in your rate rather than gamble. Interest rates are still lower than last year and homes are more affordable. If you are considering a home purchase it is an excellent time to buy.

Fuel Economy - The Next Factor

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:53:30 -0500

Even if fuel prices would reverse tomorrow, they are not likely to decline to what they were even a year ago.

The buzz in the various Real Estate news communities is what I am calling the "Next Factor". Real Estate forecasters, economist, analysts, and home builders are all talking about fuel efficiency and it's impact on all aspects of our lives. These experts believe that fuel economy will be the next factor influencing decision making in terms of home buying. Buyers are going to be very conscious of where their home is located in terms of their work location, shopping and entertainment. Homes that are within walking distance of work may become more attractive than a home with more square footage, bedrooms or baths.

Fuel economy will also be a factor in the decision making process in terms of what a home offers the buyer. Buyers will no longer be looking for the spa-tub master bath but instead will be looking for homes with dual-pane windows.

Reno is a city that offers easy commutes, affordable housing and recreational opportunities abound. I believe the Biggest Little City in the World is the Best Little City for living in the "Next Factor" world.

Our housing market is priced right

Cost of Living

Commuting in Reno is easy, with less commute time

Your Reno Relocation Headquarters

Celebrate! Fourth of July in the Greater Reno-Tahoe Area:

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:37:08 -0500

Reno will be celebrating Independence Day with an old-fashion parade, the first in several years. The two hour Parade will proceed down Virginia Street (between Court and Fifth) beginning at 10am.

After the Parade, you can take a break and enjoy your afternoon anyway you choose; but at 5p.m. head on over to the Rancho San Rafael Park (Virginia Street & McCarran Blvd.) for pre-fireworks celebration activities. Activities will include music, contests and, of course, great food! The pyrotechnics display Reno Celebrates America Fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm.

Sparks will be hosting their Independence Day celebrations at the Sparks Marina Park. Star Spangles Sparks has chosen to celebrate our Independence with a patriotic theme, "Support Our Troops". The celebration is slated to begin on July 3rd between the hours of 4 pm and 8pm. To participate in the "Model Milk Carton Boat Regatta" on July 4th you will need to register on July 3rd.

Star Spangles Sparks, Fourth of July events will begin with a traditional Pancake Breakfast beginning at 6 am. The official opening celebration will begin at 10am. Over 15,000 are expected to attend the Star Spangled Sparks affair featuring (tethered) Hot Air Balloon rides, a kite flying contest, and an Idol Song and Dance competition.

At 4pm, the Fourth of July celebration moves over to Victorian Square, which will feature live entertainment with aerial shows performed by The Dream Engine. The Fireworks display will begin at 9:46 pm from the towers of the Nugget. Just find a spot where you can see the Nugget and then look up for one of the greatest firework displays to be seen anywhere.

If you are celebrating at Lake Tahoe, you may enjoy the Firework display, Red, White, and Tahoe Blue, sponsored by Incline Village or take in a Laser show beamed off the mountains in Squaw Valley. Tahoe City will be celebrating with a display on the west shore at Commons Beach.

The Star Spangled Fourth - Lights on the Lake (one of the largest displays in the western states) will feature spectacular fireworks synchronized to music. You may view this amazing show from the water by booking a ride on one of Lake Tahoe's paddle-wheelers or choose a spot on the lakeshore.

To celebrate in "glory days" style, you can head out to Virginia City where festivities will include a parade at high noon and a Fireworks display after dark. For more information call (775) 687-4680.

However you choose to celebrate this great nation, be sure to put on your patriotic attire and wave our flag!

Reminder: Fireworks are illegal in Reno and Washoe County!

If you are a skilled professional - Reno wants you!

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:18:32 -0500

Considering relocating? Need a good job market for your professional skills? The Greater Reno-Tahoe region may be just the place for you.

With all of the woes of the country and especially the housing market, it's a great time to be living in Northern Nevada. Our economic forecast for 2008 is strong with many businesses moving into the area and building continuing. We are experiencing a resurgence of our downtown with the completion of the train trench project and now businesses as well as residents are beginning to experience downtown living/working. The expansion of one of our hospitals and a major casino also reinforce the confidence we have in our city. With a strong economy, low unemployment rate, moderate traffic and great weather, it's no wonder people continue to play and live here.

When companies are looking to expand or relocate, one of the factors that they consider is the job pool of skilled professionals in the area. Many of our companies want to expand, several companies want to relocate to the region but they need you.

Why relocate to the Greater Reno-Tahoe area?

Our job market needs skilled professionals.
Our Cost of Living is less expensive than many other metro areas.
Our housing market is priced exactly where it should be.

Median Sales Price $255,000.

Commuting in Reno is easy, with less commute time.
Reno has a wonderful moderate four season climate offering world famous outdoor recreational opportunities.
Reno is on many Best Cities lists because of the quality lifestyle it offers.

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, also known as EDAWN, along with a collation of companies have begun a recruitment campaign to attract young professionals to the Greater Reno-Tahoe Area.

Currently, EDAWN is targeting the San Francisco area emphasizing the many advantages of living and working in the Reno-Tahoe area. The Bay area was chosen as the first target area because of its nearby location and the many advantages the Reno region offers to those of the Bay area.

You do not have to be a Bay Area or California resident to enjoy the benefits of living in the Reno area (my family and I relocated from Chicago). I can tell you from personal experience that moving to Reno for professional and quality living was the best choice for our family and is one that we have never regretted.

For all of your Reno relocation answers visit Your Reno Relocation Headquarters. If you can't find the answer you are looking for here, please contact me. As a Reno Relocation Specialist, I am here to help.

Just Right

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:43:14 -0500

A few short years ago (2006), the Reno area was considered one of the most over-valued in the nation. In 2004, homes were considered fairly valued but by March 2005 homes were over valued by 29.4%. In 2006, this figure jumped to 40.6%. Price corrections began in 2007 when the 40% figure dropped to 25.3%.

Today, a new report by Global Insight/National City House Value Report has ranked the Reno area as being fairly valued. Actually, the report says that Reno is under-valued by 0.2%. This means our median home price of $251,500 is JUST RIGHT.

The report studied 330 metro areas, evaluating population density, income levels and interest rates as well as historically observed market discounts. Comparing these factors to the actual selling price of homes determines the over-valued/under-valued rating. Only 8 metro areas are still rated as over-valued in comparison to 53 areas in 2006.

Prices have declined in Reno because of an over inflated market, as well as the spike in foreclosures and short sales.

Everyone loves when home values are on the rise, even buyers. Homeowners/Seller's love the wind-fall equity; buyers feel they are investing wisely and will see a quick return on their dollar. But prices can only go so high before buyers are priced out of the market.

When buyers can no longer buy, prices will decline until the market corrects itself. At the same time Reno began to experience a correcting market, the poor lending practices that were quite popular during the inflation years came to "roost" causing a wave of foreclosures and short sales, which in turn caused the market to decline quite rapidly.

Currently foreclosure properties account for only 40% of the homes for sale in Reno; but 75% of the homes sold and in escrow are foreclosure properties. Due to this fact and the current standing inventory, we may still see some decline in values.

Considering that the Reno area is no longer over-valued and that interest rates have risen slightly (they are expected to continue to do so), waiting for further price reductions may not be the best answer.

Now that you have heard the good news: Property prices are just right. And you have heard the bad news: prices may still decline slightly and interest rates are going up. Consider this, Reno was considered a "best place to live when the market was over-valued and continues to be on several "Best Places" to live lists today. Now with home prices "just right", Reno has just become better than ever.

List	Ranking	Compared to	Report by:
Top 100 Best Places to Raise a Family	#31	257 cities	Best Life
Best Places For Relocating Families	#39	50 Best small-sized cities	Worldwide ERC And Primary Relocation
Best Place to Live and Launch a Business	#54	100 Best	Fortune
Best Place for Business and Careers	#137	200 Metro Areas	Forbes
Best Walking Cities	#1 in Nevada #69 nationally	500 Best Cities	Prevention MagazineAmerican Podiatric Medical Association
Best Places to Live in the West	Rank in top 20	20 Best Cities	American Cowboy Magazine

An Arm and A Leg

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:06:08 -0500

Just a few weeks ago, while traveling up North Virginia Street , I saw a sign at the gas station:
$3.86 - Unleaded
Premium - An Arm
Diesel - A Leg

I had to laugh at the honesty of that sign. Now that gas has broken the $4 mark, I am wondering if the gas station owner will be changing that sign to include other body parts.

The reason I am talking about gas prices is not to complain about them, even though I don't like them any more than you do. I am mentioning them because short commute times and miles can result in saving a lot of money these days.

If you are driving longer than 10 miles to work or if your driving time exceeds 15 minutes, moving to the Greater Reno-Tahoe area might be something you want to consider. The average drive from home to work in Reno, Nevada is 10 miles and the average commute time is 15 minutes!

According to CityTownInfo.com Reno gets a "trophy" for being in the top 5% for commute times when compared to cities of similar size. CNN Money.com finds Reno is one of the best places to live for the same reason.

If you live in the Reno and Sparks area, you can be very thankful you are not living in Chicago, Los Angeles or other major metro areas where commute times are an hour or longer.

If you are not fortunate enough to live in our area, I would suggest giving it some thought.

Find the lowest gas prices in Reno, Nevada

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Real Estate - Here and There

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:20:37 -0500

Real estate markets are changing throughout the nation. The worst in the housing crisis seems to be coming to an end. Sales are up in Washoe County as well as many other parts of the country. Even the hardest hit areas, such as California and Michigan , have seen a marked increase in the number of homes sold.

Here, in the Greater Reno-Tahoe area, home sales are still down compared to 2007; but for the past three months sales volumes have increased over the month prior. According to the most recent report by the University of Nevada, o verall home sales rose in April by 23% for single family homes and almost 9% for condominiums compared to home sales in March 2008.

Market data shows that buyers are seeing existing homes as the better value at this time. Existing home sales increased by over 39% in the month of April while new home sales decreased. Sparks experienced the largest increase, with sales up by a 124%!

Prices are still trending down in many areas of Washoe County but with the number of increased sales this trend could be nearing its end. Supply and demand is the biggest factor in the downward trend; currently there is still a 12 month supply of inventory on hand. The median sales price in Washoe County in the month of April was $299,000, the same as March 2008 but down about 9% from a year ago.

With the current trend of increasing sales, it is only a matter of time before the supply and demand issue will be balanced and prices will stabilize. I am not saying that we have reached the bottom of the market, but with the recent national and local figures, which have recently been reported, it does appear that the end of the declining market here in Washoe County and the nation may be in sight.

Curb Appeal

Charlene Hamilton (Keller Williams Group One Reno) — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:02:55 -0500

In the blink of an eye summer will be upon us. Here are a few tips for keeping your landscaping looking its best:

For homeowners that currently have their homes on the market, remember the first thing a buyer sees is your front yard. You always want it to look its best. There is nothing like curb appeal to say "come see me".

Due to emphasis on water conservation, it is recommended that watering the lawn is done in the evening and early morning hours. Three times a week is usually sufficient. If you see brown spots on your lawn, hand water these areas.

Longer blades of grass help to "shade" your lawn; so do not cut it too short. You should never cut the grass more than 1/3 of the leaf blade. During the summer months, it is best to allow an extra inch of growth. Longer grass shades the soil keeping the ground cooler and reduces evaporation.

A sharp mower is very important as this will cut the grass evenly. An evenly cut lawn will stay greener and lose less moisture. Do not mow the lawn when it is wet as this can cause brown spots. Also, you should not cut the grass during the heat of the day or when the grass needs watering and is overly dry. Save yourself some time and work. Only mow when it is needed. There are some grasses such as Bermuda that requires a closer cut to stay healthy. Check to see the recommendations for the type of lawn in your yard.

When planting flowers and greenery, use heat resistant and native plants. There are many beautiful plants that can brighten your yard and will grow nicely with minimum watering. Do not over prune during the summer months; just trim you hedges and shrubs so that they stay neat looking. There are products on the market that inhibit plant growth and yet produce a greater flowing effect.