Movember in Reno Have you noticed an onslaught of male mustaches in Reno lately?  The facial hair frenzy is more than an upper lip warmer.  These guys could very well be celebrating Movember, an awareness campaign for men's health.  To celebrate Movember in Reno (and raise funds for the Movember movement), several restaurants, delis, bars and pubs in the Reno area will be selling a 2013 Papa Sibs Robust Porter.  All of the proceeds from the sales of this beer will go directly to the Movember Charity Event. The Movember movement helps raise awareness and funds for the research of prostate and testicular cancer.  What October was for breast cancer, November is for prostate and testicular cancer.  All "Mo Bros" began the month with a freshly shaved face, free from any hair other than their... 11/11/2013

Driving to work this morning I finally decided to stop to take this picture before it was too late. These lucky cows live at Ferrari-Farms in Reno, NV and get to enjoy feasting on pumpkins each fall. This scene always brings a smile to my face.      Ferrari-Farms is a locally owned, operated and has been opening up their farm every October to the public for over 16 years. It is located at 470 Mill Street in Reno. I guess we now know where our Pumpkin Spice Latte's come from each fall.   11/08/2013

Reno Veterans Day Parade 2013 If you weren't aware of it, Veterans Day is next Monday, November 11, 2013.  In observance, all government offices in Reno as well as public schools, the DMV and the local public libraries will be closed for the day.  A special Reno Veterans Day Parade 2013 is scheduled throughout downtown Reno on Monday to honor those brave men and women who have fought for our freedom in the past. What: Reno Veterans Day Parade 2013When: November 11, 2013 11am to 12pmWhere: Powning Park to 5th St, Reno Those marching bands you hear and the flag waving you see on Monday, November 11th will be the Reno Veterans Day Parade 2013.  Since I know you aren't going to want to miss getting a better view of it, I highly suggest you stake out your little piece of Reno real estate alo... 11/04/2013

NOW, is Reno’s cultural high point, considering our thriving local arts and culture scene with its theaters, galleries and local music. There’s Artown, Burning Man, Reno Jazz Festival, Aces Stadium. Seems like this is a golden age for Northern Nevada, the creative soul of the state. The investment of local government in  "Things We Like makes us Love It Here!!" To Get Involved If you're a local resident who wants to share why you love it here: Visit biggestlittlecity.org and click "share youre story." If you're a local who wants to share a great idea with the city of Reno: Visit thinkreno.org If you're a business that wants to get a taxi topper ad: Visit edawn.org, then click "About Edawn, "Join Us," then "Reno-Sparks Diversified Business Advertising Campaign" to learn more about ways ... 10/29/2013

Food for Fines at Reno Libraries 2013 Books are a wonderful way to pass the time.  Reno libraries are a great resource to find classic novels as well as new releases.  In addition to books, you can rent movies, surf the internet, learn how to work a computer and so much more.  In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, sometimes, we forget when our books are due.  This incurs a fine.  For three weeks in November, you can put away your wallet and settle your debt with canned goods with Food for Fines at Reno libraries 2013. What: Food for Fines at Reno Libraries 2103Where: Washoe County LibrariesWhen: November 4-25, 2013Cost: At least one non-perishable food item for each overdue bookContact: Jennifer Oliver (775) 327-8360 With the Food for Fines at Reno libraries 2013, Washoe Count... 10/28/2013

All the reasons RENO made the #9 spot, are all the reasons that us that are lucky enough to live here, LOVE RENO! Known as the "The Biggest Little City in the World", Reno is as much an outdoor recreation mecca as it is a casino city.  Reno is about 450 miles from Las Vegas, but it's considered a gaming and nightlife destination in its own right with several casinos and showplaces.  It truly shines, however, with an abundance of year-round recreation from snow skiing to mountain biking.  Reno is also home to Nevada's oldest university, the University of Nevada Reno (UNR). Here are some of the key points that makes Reno rank so high: Median home price $142,330 Population 225,561 Median Household income $51,525 Gross rent 2 bedroom  $815 Median travel time to work 15.65 minutes Closest a... 10/24/2013

     Frightmare at Victorian Square Scott Seidenstricker, owner and managaer of Frigtmare, visited Dracula's Castle in Romania's Transylvania to get inspiration for his latest creation. He too, has moved, taking Frigtmare to Victorian Square near the Century Theaters in Sparks.  Children 8 and younger are not advised. Cost is $15 and there also is a "Maze and Black Hole". Details:  www.frigtmare2013.com   Hours are Thursday through Sunday, opening 7 pm through Oct. 31.   Kingdom of Horrors This haunted house lies on the swampland of the Kilburn Estate.  It includes 26 rooms in all, and is located at 515 E. Seventh St. in Reno.  The cost is $10. Details:  www.kingdomofhorrors.com   Hours are Thursday through Sunday, opening at 6 p.m. through Nov. 2. Slaughter House Rise Nightclub owner S... 10/23/2013

FACTS ABOUT SB321, NEVADA'S NEW HOMEOWNER'S BILL OF RIGHTS Facts about SB321, Nevada's New Homeowner's Bill of Rights The Nevada Association of REALTORS® offers the following facts about SB321, the Homeowner's Bill of Rights law that took effect in Nevada on October 1, 2013. SB321 was sponsored by state Sen. Justin Jones.  It passed the state Senate and Assembly unanimously and was signed into law June 3 by Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. What SB321 Does: A key aspect of this law prohibits banks from "dual-tracking," or trying to foreclose on a home at the same time they are working toward a short sale with the homeowner. By preventing "dual-tracking," SB321 should promote and protect short sales as a more beneficial alternative to foreclosure for many Nevada homeowners. The law largely mir... 10/22/2013

Reno-Sparks, Nevada A great Place to Live! September 2013 median home price was up 2.2% to $224,900 and up 28.5% compared to $175,000 in September 2012.   Summary The drop in existing homes sales is not unlike the prior seasonal trends we have seen in the fall after school begins.  New listings are down comparatively and we are also seeing a positive trend in the leveling of median sales prices. Reno-Sparks Median Home Sales Price September 2013 median home price was up 2.2% to $224,900 compared to $220,000 in August 2013 and up 28.5% compared to $175,000 in September 2012. Median price is defined as the mid-point, where, for the time period identified, the price for one-half of the sales are higher and one-half are lower. Reno-Sparks Homes Sold September, 2013 homes sold was down -20.... 10/22/2013

Thanks to the Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors for sending out the September market stats. The full report can be viewed by clicking the picture to the right. A summary of the major points with comments is below. The median sales price rose again after a drop two months ago. It settled at $224,900. Just below its highest point of June 2013. The short sale median price actually dropped a little but REOs and regular sales rose enough to cause market appreciation. Expect the median sales price to bounce up and down a couple percentage points each month for the foreseeable future. Units sold dropped dramatically from 628 in August to 497 in September. This is caused by the normal seasonal sales drop in the fall and sellers trying to out do each other with list prices. Average days on mar... 10/21/2013

Reno Pumpkin Patches 2013 If you're like me, you haven't bought your Halloween pumpkin yet.  After you carve them, you only have a few good days before they become a wilted, soggy mess.  Instead of purchasing your pumpkin at the supermarket, head to one of these Reno pumpkin patches 2013.  Not only do you get to choose your pumpkin from local vendor, but you'll enjoy lots of other fun activities at the same time. Andelin Family Farm Pumpkin Patch Where: 8100 Pyramid Hwy, Spanish SpringsWhen: Now through Oct 31, 2013Hours: 10am to 3pm Mon through Thurs, 10am to 6pm Fri & SatContact: (775) 530-8032Admission: $6 per person + $1 extra for hayrideFeatures: Corn maze ($2 per person + admission price or $5 by itself Thurs through Sat only), pony and horse rides ($4 each, only available on Sat)... 10/21/2013

Reno Horse and Equestrian Property Resources and Tips We have helped many horse lovers buy and sell real estate in the Northern Nevada region over the years.  I added some enhanced information to our web site with additional resources and considerations for anyone who may be looking to purchase a home with horse zoning. Reno Horse Property Buying Tips and Resources I hope the information, references to other local areas, and the listings prove useful for anyone considering a horse property purchase in Reno or elsewhere in Northern Nevada. Mitch ArgonBroker/OwnerCalNeva Realty 10/20/2013

Reno Decompression 2013 What is Reno Decompression 2013?  You've probably heard of Burning Man.  That's the celebration of all things artistic in Nevada's Black Rock Desert held every summer.  A whole city springs up out of the barren desert, a community thrives and it is all torn down and returned back to nature by the end of the festival.  Reno Decompression 2013 is Reno's answer to Burning Man on a much smaller scale. What: Reno Decompression 2013Where: 555 E 4th St, RenoWhen: October 19, 2013, 8pmCost: $10 presale, $20 at the door (must be 21+ years old) Unlike the annual Burning Man Festival that can take anywhere from a week to a month to complete, Reno Decompression 2013 will be held in a single night.  Attendees and participants will have the opportunity to enjoy and interact wi... 10/14/2013

      Spectacular Scenery and Four Distinct Seasons.   There is always something to do in Reno-Sparks.  We have terrific weather, natural beauty and a welcoming community.  You are always within minutes of a naturally beautiful spot or trails for biking, hiking and other activities.  In the winter we are in close proximity to the 18 world-class ski resorts in Lake Tahoe and in the summer, Lake Tahoe offers endless things to do and see. The Truckee River flows from Lake Tahoe right through Reno and Sparks, offering lots of spots for fishing, swimming and floating, as well as biking and strolling along the banks. The Reno-Tahoe Open is an official stop on the PGA tour and held at Montreux in July.  Located in south Reno, the golf course is nestled beside the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There... 10/10/2013

Thank you to Ticor Title for the updated Washoe County foreclosure statistics. You can view the report by clicking on the picture to the right. Below are some comments. Whoa Nelly!!! There was a spike in the Notice of Default filings. Almost exactly opposite to the drop before AB284 in September 2011. Of course, this is caused by the implementation of SB321 on October 1, 2013. The banks were trying to get as many filings into the foreclosure mill as they could before they were handcuffed by SB321. At best, these filings will the hit market as REOs in 9-16 months . Though they could cause an increase in short sales. Probably not enough to affect the market overall. Expect, the October numbers to drop into the low teens (only 5 recorded as of 10/8/2013). If you're looking for an agent to ... 10/10/2013

Our third child is here and sleep is getting better? so it's time to start blogging again. The Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors sent out the August statistics a few weeks ago. You can view the whole report by clicking the picture to the right. Below is a brief overview with comments.... The median sales price rose to $220,000 after a short fall in July. I expect to see the median move up and down a couple thousand every month as it seems we're starting to top off the crazy price increases of the past year. The number of units sold hit 608 and is the highest amount of sales in the past year. Average days on market was at 94. Remember, these days on market include the 30-45 days of escrow. For regular sales it was 66 days and 73 days for REO/Bank Owned. Short sales are still taking for... 10/08/2013

Reno Italian Festival Real Italian living is all about la dolce vita...enjoying the good life.  We associate Italy with good food, great company and a relaxed lifestyle that is so far removed from the daily grind of life in America.  Italians seem to understand and embrace every moment of the day.  Eldorado Hotel Casino again brings the sweet life to our fair city with the Reno Italian Festival. What: Eldorado Italian FestivalWhere: Eldorado Hotel Casino (345 N Virginia St, Reno)When: October 12, 2013 10am to 6pm & October 13, 2013 10am to 5pm At the Reno Italian Festival, guests can sign up their team for the Bocce ball tournament.  The entry fee is $10.  The cash prize awarded will be determined by the amount of entries total.  For that real Italian experience in Reno, try the grape s... 10/07/2013

Reno Animal Wildlife Harvest Festival Humans aren't the only ones who get to enjoy the changing of the seasons.  The staff at Reno's Animal Ark Sanctuary utilize pumpkins for their Fall behavioral enrichment program.  You can watch the tigers, bears, owls, foxes and other animals discover their favorite foods served inside a pumpkin during the Reno Animal Wildlife Harvest Festival this Saturday, October 5, 2013. What: Reno Animal Wildlife Harvest Festival Where: Animal Ark Sanctuary (1265 Deerlodge Rd, Reno) When: October 5, 2013, 10:15am to 2:30pm Animals are fascinating creatures any day of the week.  However, when you throw in a unique wrapper for their meals (like the pumpkin), they become even more amazing to watch as they try to figure out what this new object in their environment... 09/30/2013

Reno Street Vibrations Fall Rally 2013 Get your motor runnin'.  Head out OFF the highways!  For the 18th year in a row, the City of Reno will be vibrating with the sounds of motorcycles.  The Reno Street Vibrations Fall Rally 2013 comes to town this Wednesday through Sunday.  And there is so much to see and do, it can't be contained to just one city! What: Reno Street Vibrations Fall Rally 2013Where: Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Virginia City and Lake TahoeWhen: September 25-29, 2013 The Reno Street Vibrations Fall Rally 2013 celebrates motorcycles, music and much more.  Daily motorcycle tours throughout the area are planned.  Live entertainment is scheduled every day, including a Jimmie Van Zant concert (free for registered VIPs).  There will be ride-in shows, motorcycle stunt shows, pok... 09/23/2013

Reno Historic Clock Dedication History is what makes us who we are today.  Preserving historic buildings, books, artwork and other items helps us remember where we came from.  This Wednesday, September 18th, the City of Reno and the philanthropic organization Club Cal Neva are inviting you to their Reno historic clock dedication ceremony in City Plaza. What: Reno Historic Clock DedicationWhere: City Plaza (10 N Virginia St)When: September 18, 2013 at 6:30pm From the mid-1800s until late into the 1930s, many prominent businesses (typically jewelry stores) in towns throughout the United States would advertise themselves by placing a beautiful, stand alone clock just outside their doors.  Since most people didn't own a timepiece of their own, these clocks were also the most accurate way to... 09/16/2013