www.CatherineNevadaHomes.com Blog

1st Quarter 2008 Reno, NV Real Estate Market

Mon, 19 May 2008 14:57:11 -0500

Challenging Housing Market Conditions Prevail in Washoe County During the First Quarter

First-time buyers continued to have their pick of Washoe County's available listing inventory, as real-estate-owned (REO) properties, oversupply, and numerous buyer incentives made homebuying conditions increasingly attractive during the first quarter of 2008. Median prices for single family detached homes in Washoe County dropped by 15 percent, year-over-year, according to a report by the research division of Prudential Nevada Realty based on analysis of MLS data. The county's housing market continued to exhibit symptoms of the nation's housing troubles, as incidences of pre-foreclosures and bank and lender-owned properties remained high. Market activity continued to fall, down 31 percent from the same period last year.

Of the eight Washoe County communities and property types surveyed, only single-family detached homes in North Reno experienced a median home price appreciation, rising by 12 percent, year-over-year. Entry-level pricing and first-time buyer activity are cited as reasons for the increase. Conversely, Incline Village -- the hardest hit community in the first quarter and typically a secondary-home market -- experienced a 63 percent drop in market activity, year-overyear,as housing prices in the area fell 24 percent, largely due to the impact of worsening housing conditions on buyer psyches. As reluctant first-time buyers continue to evaluate current market conditions, some of Washoe County's housing inventory is expectedto decline in the second and third quarters --typically busier selling periods for the area.

Median price for Q1 2008 is $317,330 and $372,843 in Q1 2007.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Network and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog should not be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

Do you Yelp?

Sun, 11 May 2008 17:39:40 -0500

Have you wondered if a certain restaurant offers good food and outstanding service? I came across this website http://www.yelp.com/reno-nv You can browse through all the reviews from customers. It pretty awesome!

Below is a borrowed picture from Flickr.com by sarabear.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by Active Rain and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog should not be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

Reno, NV May 2008 Special Events

Tue, 06 May 2008 19:03:14 -0500

Any Sex Offenders in Your Neighborhood?

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:58:41 -0500

Are you curios to find out if there is a sex offender in your neighborhood? Visit http://www.familywatchdog.us/ I typed in my office address, and I was relieved to find out that there are only two registered offenders in the entire 89523 zip.

This is a good website to forward to your clients.

Catherine T. Sinocruz, e-Pro, ABR, GRI, CRS
Broker-Salesperson
"Fluent in English & Tagalog"
www.CatherineNevadaHomes.com ~ Homes for Sale
info@CatherineNevadaHomes.com ~ Stay in Touch
Prudential Nevada Realty
1675 Robb Drive, Suite 6
Reno, NV 89523(775) 338-3757 Mobile

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by ActiveRain and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog should not be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

How Do You Treat Your Coop Agent? Part 2 With a Photo of Reno, NV

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:33:33 -0500

It is my business practice to give a client something nice after we close escrow. It is usually something nice that they can proudly display. Depending on their price range of their sale, I have given artwork, wall iron décor, candle holders, DVD player, silk plants, etc. My thought is that it can be conversation starter during a party, and my clients would mention that it's from me.

Our success also depends on the competence of our coop agents. Our coop agent also deserves some sort of gratitude. My coop agent usually receives a handwritten thank you card, and a $20 gift card to Office Depot after our pleasant transaction.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Motocross in Reno, NV

What do you do for your coop agent after you close an escrow?

Catherine T. Sinocruz, e-Pro, ABR, GRI, CRS
Broker-Salesperson
"Fluent in English & Tagalog"
http://www.catherinenevadahomes.com/ ~ Homes for Sale
info@CatherineNevadaHomes.com ~ Stay in Touch
Prudential Nevada Realty
1675 Robb Dr.
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 338-3757 Mobile

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Network and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog should not be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

What does your company do for the community?

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:34:34 -0500

Prudential Financial, in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, sponsors a nationwide awards program to honor young Americans who care about their communities. Thousands of young people across the country were considered for Prudential Spirit of Community Awards this year, and from all of these, two in Nevada have been selected for this special recognition ~ one middle level student and one high school student.

This year's state honoree is Christine Koski. Christine collected more than 1,000 new and gently used books for disadvantaged children and families in her community. Christine distributed promotional flyers, and then decorated donation boxes around schools, churches, and libraries. Christine sorted the books they received into age appropriate categories, erased pencil marks, and repaired damaged pages and delivered the donations to Washoe County's Read to Succeed Program

As a state honoree she receives the following.

~$1,000.
~All-expense-paid four-day trip to Washington D.C. with a parent or guardian.
~Engraved silver medallion.
~A chance to win "National Honoree" award.

I presented this award to Christine yesterday at her school assembly. Her parents and grandparents were there along with 940 students.

Congratulations, Christine!

For more information visit http://www.prudential.com/spirit

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Network and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog should not be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

How do I embed Scribd? With a Photo

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:49:26 -0500

Would you please explain to me step by step as to how can I embed Scribd to my blog in AR? I tried copying and pasting their HTML tags but it comes out as just bunch of HTML tags. Yes, I did paste in HTML tab. What did I miss?

Lake Tahoe

AR is filled with bunch of intelligent people. I am sure I can get some help in resolving this. Thank you!! :-)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Network and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog should not be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

What’s the scoop with Cyan by Centex?

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:49:24 -0500

Few months ago a client of mine was interested in purchasing a home at Cyan. It was a 5-month construction time, and the price was right. During our visit we asked few standard questions. One question that I asked was the flood zoning. Sure enough the builder's representative said that the entire community is located in Flood Zone A. They have submitted Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) and waiting for FEMA's approval. They have opened their sales office in August 2007, and they have not built any homes as of yet due to FEMA's approval.

Centex plays a low key on this issue. The builders' representative assured my client that FEMA will approve their LOMR-F by the time her home was built. The builder's representative even said that if they do not receive approval by the time they complete my client's home, they will pay for my client's flood insurance for a year. I reviewed their blank purchase agreement but none of these where addressed in the contract.

By all means, I am not a flood zoning expert. Visit http://www.fema.gov/ if you want more details about flood zoning. My client was very thankful that I asked the question. She ended up buying a resale home because she does not want to take the risks.

I met a gentleman who put in an earnest money for his home in August 2007. He said that the builders kept delaying his home's completion time. They did not tell him that the community was in a Flood Zone A, and it was the reason for the delay.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Damonte Ranch in South Meadows

As a buyer, what are some of the questions you ask the builders? Are you aware that your real estate professional can represent you when buying from a new subdivision?

As a real estate professional, what are some of the due diligence you do when representing buyers in new home construction?

How to Check if You are Paying too Much for Rent? With A Photo of Reno, NV

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:34:03 -0600

How to Check if You are Paying too Much for Rent? With A Photo of Reno, NV

Have you ever wondered if your landlord is overcharging you for rent? Here's a link that will help you on your research http://www.rentometer.com/.

Attention real estate professionals, this is also a good link to forward your investor clients.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

What are some other ways to check if you are being over charged for rent?

Catherine T. Sinocruz, e-Pro, ABR, GRI, CRS
Broker-Salesperson
"Fluent in English & Tagalog"
http://www.catherinenevadahomes.com/ ~ Homes for Sale
info@CatherineNevadaHomes.com ~ Stay in Touch
Prudential Nevada Realty
1675 Robb Drive, Suite 6
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 338-3757 Mobile

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Networkand its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog should not be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

How’s the Reno Market? Fourth Quarter 2007 With a Photo of Reno, NV

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:21:13 -0600

Median single-digit price decreases for standard two-story homes in Washoe County did little to entice buyers back into the housing market in the fourth quarter of 2007. Longer listing periods (+24 days) coupled with reduced market activity (-28%) continued to create challenging selling conditions, according to a report released today by the research division of Prudential Nevada Realty, based on an analysis of MLS data.

Median house prices dipped nine percent to $349,251, year-over-year, as many area homeowners decided to hold off on selling their homes until more stable market conditions return. With almost all of the markets surveyed in Washoe County experiencing median price decreases in the fourth quarter, it is expected that prices will continue to lower another five to 10 percent before the current market correction works its way through the area. Due to favorable pricing, seller incentives and low interest rates, current inventory presents excellent purchasing opportunities for buyers seeking homes at all pricing levels. In

the short term, challenging conditions will prevail; however, with a number of large commercial construction projects underway and a gradual return of investors to the area, fears of worsening market conditions have begun to subside.

Lake Tahoe 30-45 Minute Drive from Reno

How's your market?

What do you include in your e-newsletter? With a Photo from My Clients

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:57:18 -0600

What do you include in your e-newsletter? With a Photo from My Clients

Your typical newsletter usually includes tips in maintaining your home and something about real estate in general. Sure, I have those topics in my e-newsletters as well. Why not get our clients more engaged?

Below is a snap shot of what I include in my e-newsletter besides my typical real estate articles. Not only it makes my e-newsletters more interesting but it also reminds me to keep in touch with my clients. They are always happy to hear from me and always proud to share their stories and photos.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Mark and Aileen Sy on their first baby! Matthew "Aiden" Sy was born on January 8, 2008 in Renown Medical Hospital. He is 5.10 lbs.

Aileen is recuperating from her surgery. Mark is busy changing diapers. Don't you think Aiden would make a cute Tonka baby model?

What do you include in your e-newsletter?

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Network and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog should not be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

Who is your "Hidden Gem in the Rain" ~ Darleen McCullen

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:57:00 -0600

Tagged by Jonelle Simmons http://activerain.com/jsimons

My first reaction was, "Huh?" What is this all about? After reading Jonelle's blog, http://activerain.com/blogsview/371378/Hidden-Gem-In-The it all started to make sense. I am on a mission to discover talented AR blogger. I am not sure if I like the title hidden gem. I don't think she is hidden but she is definitely a gem!

Hidden Gem in the Rain

Darleen McCullen

http://activerain.com/darleenmccullen

Out of 70,000 members, why Darleen? This gal is not a newbie. She has about 29,000 points already. She is blogging her heart away. I have never met her nor talked to her. I'm sure some day we will. She always has fresh ideas not just in real estate but also in life as a whole. She is very down to earth. Keep up the good work, girl!

Challenging to pay it forward:

http://activerain.com/antoinettesellsnj

Antoinette Scognamiglio

http://activerain.com/trasner

Terry Rasner-Yacenda

Are Builders Flexible with their Terms? With a Photo of Reno, NV

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:51:54 -0600

Are Builders Flexible with their Terms? With a Photo of Reno, NV

This is becoming more common question from my clients. Buyers are so savvy nowadays. My response is "everything is negotiable." We also discuss the differences of negotiating with a builder and average home sellers. We also get into the pros and cons of new home and resale homes.

Builders here in Reno, NV are offering all sorts of incentives. To mention few things that builders do to entice buyers are credit towards closing cost, FREE refrigerator, FREE washer, FREE dryer, and FREE window coverings. Unlike resale homes, they do not budge on their asking price. Believe me, I have tried negotiating the price for my clients. The best thing they were able to offer my clients are 4% towards closing cost and FREE washer, dryer, window coverings, and refrigerator. By the way, we cannot use our standard paperwork. We have to use the builders' paperwork. They also require 1% of purchase price as earnest money.

Builders have gotten smart and only build homes as they get a buyer in escrow. This strategy keeps outstanding inventory to a minimum. Their construction time right now is 5-6 months due to weather constraints. Our homes do not have basement. We do not have tornadoes here.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Emerald Bay 45-minute Drive from Reno, NV

Are builders in your area more flexible? Do you have to use their paperwork? What is their construction time? What is their requirement for earnest money?

What’s the scoop with Reynen and Bardis Community? With A Photo of Reno, NV

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:41:36 -0600

What's the scoop with Reynen and Bardis Community?

A little bird told me that Reynen and Bardis Community is in trouble here in Reno, NV? Their sales offices were closed for the holiday and never reopened. I heard of this news about three weeks ago.

A local journalist contacted me to poke around a little. She also said that she saw a blog in Active Rain about it. I did not post this said blog. I didn't tell her anything of course because I am not aware of all the details.

The model homes at "The Estates" are now in MLS. It says that it is under Chapter 40 pending litigation. I am not sure what it all entails but I saw online that it is due construction defects. Someone even mentioned that they are in the verge of bankruptcy.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Which community initiated the class action lawsuit? So, what's the scoop?

Why Reno, NV Part 6? With Photos of Reno, NV

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:12:53 -0600

Why Reno, NV Part 6? With Photos of Reno, NV

Mountain Skiing and Snowboarding

Reno-Tahoe boasts the highest concentration of ski and snowboard resorts in North America. Within an hour of Reno you'll find 18 alpine resorts and a dozen beautifully groomed cross-country ski areas.

Our summit elevations range from 7,350 to 10,100 feet. That just about guarantees us 20-foot snow packs and ski seasons that can last from November until the Fourth of July!

Visit http://www.catherinenevadahomes.com/ , click on "Mountain Skiing Condition."

Pictures below were provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Snowshoeing

Ski resorts also offer guided tours for snow snowshoeing.

Snowmobile

If you are up for more adventures, there are plenty of place to snowmobile.

What is your favorite outdoor Winter adventure? Why? Don't be shy and share.

How to Effectively Get Feedback from Buyer’s Agent? With a Photo of Reno, NV

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:23:53 -0600

Option 1 ~ Phone Call

Good luck! Returning a phone call seems to be a dead business practice for some real estate practitioners. It is usually my first step. I leave them a message and let them know that they will be receiving an email through FeedbackNetwork.com.

Option 2 ~ Email

Create a template for feedback request. The issue with email is it sometimes gets dumped directly to people's "junk e-mail" folder.

Option 3 ~ Feedback Network or Something Similar (My Recommendation)

This is my favorite. My sellers love it. It sends multiple reminders to the buyer's agent with photos of the home to refresh their memory. You can set it up so that your sellers will get a copy of all answered feedback request. It also graphs of the feedback. Here's the link http://www.myfeedbacknetwork.com/

Option 4 ~ Supra's FREE Feedback Feature

Supra has a FREE feedback feature. You have to input the listing's information. Viola! You are all set. You can forward a copy of the reports to your sellers. Here's the link. Did I mention it's FREE? http://login1.suprakim.com/kimweblogin.asp

Option 5 ~ My technique, I use Option 1, 3, and 4. My diligence does pay off because I do get response for each showing.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Relaxing Spot in Peavine Mountain (Reno, NV)

What are some of the techniques you use to effectively get showing feedback?

Who Pays for Staging Service? With Photos

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:59:33 -0600

Staging is an integral part of my marketing plan when listing a home. Most of my clients agree with my enthusiasm of staging and are willing to pay. Once a while, clients ask me, "Who's paying for this service?"

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Laurie Nissen-Miller of The Interior Zone, http://www.theinteriorzone.com/, (775)846-2360. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Below is "Before and After" photos. Staging makes the home more memorable and adds warmth.

Have you paid for staging service before? What was the outcome?

Does this Warrant for A Nasty Message from the Seller? With a Photo of Reno, NV

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:48:02 -0600

A seller left me a nasty message on my voice mail message last night. He was angry that I moved things around his house. He said that he thought we were only doing a walk through. He also said some "colorful" words.

The seller was given five-day notice of our scheduled inspections. We had two inspectors (Certified Home and HVAC) in the home yesterday. We opened up the blinds to inspect the windows. We also neatly moved a stack of papers from the kitchen table to the kitchen countertop because my buyer and I needed to go over some paperwork. By the way, seller's agent was not present during the inspections. The inspections lasted about 3 hours. I turned off all the lights, left my business card, and secured the home. Yes, I forgot to move back the stack of papers and to close all the window blinds. It was a hectic evening so I did't remember about them until I played my voicemail message this morning. Yikes... :-(

In representing sellers, here's my business practice during inspections.

I notify my sellers ahead of time regarding the scheduled inspections.
I explain to them what to expect during inspections. I also remind them to put away valuables, guns, confidential papers, and prescriptions.
I attend the inspections so I have something to report to my sellers, build rapport with the buyers and buyers' agent, and also secure the place.

So here's what I did in this situation. I emailed the listing agent and explained as to what happened. I also told her to extend my apology to the seller. I definitely learned my lesson. I will be more careful next time and double check the home before I leave.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Cute Quail in Reno, NV

As listing agent, do you normally attend the inspections? Do you think leaving the blinds open and forgetting to move the stack of papers back to the kitchen table warrant for a nasty message from the seller? Have you had something similar happened to you before? Don't be shy and share your thoughts.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Network and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog cannot be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

How Do You Treat Your Coop Agent? Part 1 With a Photo of Reno, NV

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:40:10 -0600

Our job is stressful. No doubt about it! Looking back, I have burned couple of bridges in fighting for my clients. I regret burning those bridges because I now know the importance of camaraderie.

My business practice is to build rapport and camaraderie with my colleagues. Whenever I am in a heated conversation, I calmly say "It is not a good time to discuss this. Let me call you back when I'm ready." That puts me in control of my emotions. I will not allow the other agent to upset me otherwise I have lost control. This also gives me the opportunity to asses the situation and give the other agent space. This practice has saved me many relationships.

In reality, it's not about us. It's about our clients! Let's not get our egos get in the way of things.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

One of Many Beautiful Trails in Lake Tahoe (30 Minutes Away from Reno, NV)

What are some of the techniques you use to diffuse a situation? How do you treat your coop agent? Don't be shy and share your thoughts.

Catherine T. Sinocruz, e-Pro, ABR, GRI, CRS
Broker-Salesperson
"Fluent in English & Tagalog"
www.CatherineNevaHomes.com ~ Homes for Sale
info@CatherineNevadaHomes.com ~ Stay in Touch
Prudential Nevada Realty
1675 Robb Dr.
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 338-3757 Mobile

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Network and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog cannot be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

What is EPA Superfund Site? With a Photo of Reno, NV

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:34:05 -0600

Have you been asked by a client as to where are EPA's Superfund sites in our area? I was recently asked by a client regarding this subject matter. My fist reaction was "huh?, Who, What, Where?" I didn't say it out loud of course. As I did more research, I found out Superfund is federal government's program to clean up the nation's major hazardous waste sites. Below is a website that you can direct your clients. They can type in a zip code to see EPA regulated facilities, nearby landfills, and find out local businesses or governments have a permit to discharge waste water into rivers.

http://www.epa.gov/epahome/whereyoulive.htm

Conducting an environmental investigation is beyond our normal scope of work; therefore, direct your clients to this website to conduct their environmental due diligence.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Beautiful Truckee River

Have you heard of EPA Superfund site before? What was your first reaction?

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Active Rain Network and its members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Catherine T. Sinocruz of Prudential Nevada Realty. Catherine T. Sinocruz and Prudential Nevada Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community. Contents of this blog cannot be copied or reproduced without the consent of Catherine T. Sinocruz.

Why Reno, NV? Part 5 With a Photo of Reno, NV

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:29:46 -0600

There is always something going on. Here are some ways to enjoy our Holiday cheers.

December 1, 2007

UNR v. Louisiana Tech, 1:05 pm

Mackay Stadium - 348-PACK

December 1, 2007

Nor Cal Singles Tournament

National Bowling Stadium

December 8,12,16,19, 2007

UNR Men's Basketball

Lawlor Events Center - 348-PACK

December 1, 2007

Reno Philharmonic Spirit of the Season

Grand Sierra - 789-2000

December 7-9, 2007

Broadway at Pioneer Center "Evita"

www.pioneercenter.com

December 8, 2007

Brian Culbertson's "A Soulful Christmas"

John Ascuaga's Nugget Celebrity Showroom

800-648-1177

December 14-16, 2007

Nutcracker Ballet @ Pioneer Center

December 21, 2007

Van Morrison

Grand Sierra - 789-2000

December 22, 2007

Filipino Show Featuring Martin Nievera

Silver Legacy - 325-7401

December 28-31, 2007

Nevada Chamber Music Festival

www.renochamberorchestra.org/ncmf

December 29-30, 2007

Big Head Todd & The Monsters

John Ascuaga's Nugget - 800-648-1177

December 29, 2007

Bill Mahr

Silver Legacy - 325-7401

December 1, 2007

Sparks Hometowne Christmas

Victorian Square

December 1, 2007

Kendall Vineyards Wine Tasting

Grand Sierra - 789-2000

December 1, 2007

Victorian Christmas & Light Parade

Virginia City - 800-718-7587

December 7-9, 2007

7th Annual It's A "WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS" Arts

and Crafts Fair

Lazy 5 Regional Park - 424-3511

December 6, 2007

Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights

Downtown Carson City

December 31, 2007

Rockin' the Dome New Year's Eve Dance Party

Silver Legacy - 325-7401

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Our First Sign of Winter

What was your impression of Reno, NV before seeing all the photos in my blogs and list of events? Don't be shy and share your thoughts.

What are Some of the Nice Memories of your Clients? With a Photo of Reno, NV

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:16:18 -0600

Majority of my clients become friends of mine. They allow me to be part of their life and play a role in making a big decision in their life. As I write my thank you card to Mr. & Mrs. Buyers tonight on their successful escrow, I cannot help myself but feel a little sad. But why do I go through this emotion every time? Part of me is very happy for them as we have found them a place to call "home". Other part is sad because I know I will miss them.

I will miss Mr. Buyer's sense of humor. I will Mrs. Buyer's kind spirit. Most of all... their son. He sees beauty in little things.

We were viewing a house one evening. Their son pulled a dandelion from the front lawn and presented it to his mom as if it was a flower, and said "I Love You, Mom!" Aaawwwhhh! He is such a sweet boy. He saw beauty in that dandelion! To me it was just an unsightly weed but to him it was a beautiful flower.

In reality, I should not be sad. They are happy; therefore, I am happy. Close of escrow is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship! Clients for LIFE!

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Fall Colors in Reno, NV.

What are some of the nice memories of your clients? Don't be shy and share your thoughts.

Is There Such Thing as DoNotSpam.com? With a Photo of Reno, NV

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:00:34 -0600

We all have heard of DoNotCall.gov to register our phone number to eliminate telemarketers from calling us. Is there such thing as DoNotSpam.com or something similar? A website that we can all register our email address or maybe report notorious spammers would be very useful.

My ISP has a spam blocker, so as my Microsoft Outlook, and my server with GoDaddy also filters spam. There are some notorious spammers that need to be reprimanded. I have opted-out many times and still getting spams. I also delete emails if I don't recognize the senders. Spam mail is a big time waster.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Snow Capped Mountain in Reno, NV

What measures have you taken to minimize your spam mail? Don't be shy and share your ideas.

How Many More Homes? Part 2 With a Photo of Reno, NV

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:41:31 -0600

You may want to read my previous blog "How Many More Homes? Part 1" so this one would make more sense.

My client and I opened escrow couple days after one week of negotiations. She broke my previous record of 37 homes. She saw 40 homes prior to getting in escrow. The difference with her is that she has no internet access and don't believe in mobile phones. Ms. Buyer and I have been working diligently since July 2007. Talk about loyalty and dedication. We were determined to find her a home!

This woman is very admirable. She migrated to United States 10 years ago and has been working two jobs for 5 years now. She has two minimum wage jobs. She managed to save money for 20% down payment. She said that she always wanted to become a homeowner. She is a middle-aged woman who is buying her first home. She said that owning a home in her country is almost impossible for an average person to afford. She is ecstatic and nervous at the same time.

All the late nights and weekends showing her homes are worth it. Patience and persistence do pay off. Love your clients and your clients will love you back!

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Autumn in Reno

Ask yourself ~ would you stick around and continue to show a client homes even after he or she has seen 40 homes? What point is enough? How would you handle a client without mobile phone, computer, and works two jobs? Don't be shy and share your ideas.

Why Reno, NV? Part 4 More Photos of Reno, NV

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:07:56 -0600

Before we get started with more reasons why we love this place, let's review some figures for Washoe County from Bureau of Census.

2006
Population: 396,428

2004
Median Household Income $50,164

In Reno, there are NO corporate income taxes, personal income taxes, estate and/or gift taxes, unitary taxes, franchise taxes, inventory taxes and franchise taxes on income.

Here are few of the big companies who are taking advantage of our business friendly climate:

Microsoft
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Intuit
Cisco
Wal-Mart
Nordstrom
JCPenney
AT&T
Oracle

Pictures below were provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

Okay, for the fun stuff...

Hot Air Balloon Race (Rancho San Rafael Park)

The early morning hour acts much like a good cup of coffee without the side effect, while the air briskly releases hints of fall. Looking around you see over acres of fabric bellowing, gently introducing panels of vibrant color into the landscape. As hot air encompasses the material, the liftoff begins and your spirits ascend with the hot-air balloons as they take flight. All the excitement begins first weekend of September.

2006 Hot Air Balloon Race

Animal Ark (Red Rock Area about 20 minutes from Downtown)

It is a 38-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature center Northwest of Reno, Nevada. This facility's rural setting provides an ideal place to house non-releasable wildlife and allows the public a unique opportunity to view these animals in natural habitat exhibits through glass viewing areas.

Zulu the Cheetah

Truckee River Whitewater Park (Downtown Reno)

Five drop pools in the north channel and six in the south channel. Drop pools are round pools for kayaking maneuvers that decrease slightly in elevation with each successive pool, to keep them supplied with fresh water. This area is surrounded by grassy and shaded picnic areas.

Brave Kayaker

What was your impression of Reno, NV before seeing all of these photos? Don't be shy and share your ideas.

www.CatherineNevadaHomes.com Blog

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How to Check if You are Paying too Much for Rent? With A Photo of Reno, NVHave you ever wondered if your landlord is overcharging you for rent? Here's a link that will help you on your research http://www.rentometer.com/.

Attention real estate professionals, this is also a good link to forward your investor clients.

Picture below was provided by my talented friend Ken Terry (775) 772-7031. Check out my other blogs for more photos of Reno, NV.

What are some other ways to check if you are being over charged for rent?

Catherine T. Sinocruz, e-Pro, ABR, GRI, CRS Broker-Salesperson"Fluent in English & Tagalog"http://www.catherinenevadahomes.com/ ~ Homes for Saleinfo@CatherineNevadaHomes.com ~ Stay in TouchPrudential Nevada Realty1675 Robb Drive, Suite 6Reno, NV 89523(775) 338-3757 Mobile

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Have you ever wondered if your landlord is overcharging you for rent? Here's a link that will help you on your research http://www.rentometer.com/.

Catherine T. Sinocruz, e-Pro, ABR, GRI, CRS
Broker-Salesperson
"Fluent in English & Tagalog"
http://www.catherinenevadahomes.com/ ~ Homes for Sale
info@CatherineNevadaHomes.com ~ Stay in Touch
Prudential Nevada Realty
1675 Robb Drive, Suite 6
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 338-3757 Mobile