Reno Air Races Who says you need a strip of land to race on?  This week, the Reno/Stead Airport brings racing to the air at the 2013 Reno Air Races.  Watch as pilots compete against each other in the world's only closed course pylon racing event.  It's excitement at its best! What: Reno Air RacesWhere: Reno/Stead Airport (4895 Texas Ave, Reno)When: September 11-15, 2013 You don't want to miss what USA Today has called one of the 10 Best Air Shows in the world!  There will be six different classes of airplanes battling it out just 60 feet in the air during the 2013 Reno Air Races.  Some of these planes will fly more than 500 mph!  In addition to the races, there will be a display of military precision, a classic air show and other demonstrations for everyone to marvel at.  And, if that w... 09/09/2013

Great Reno Balloon Race 2013 Anyone who lives here knows that Reno has some of the most beautiful surroundings in the country.  September skies beg to be ridden.  The Great Reno Balloon Race 2013 is willing to take on that call. What: Great Reno Balloon Race 2013Where: Ranch San Rafael Regional Park (1595 N Sierra)When: September 6-8, 2013Admission: FREE Past Great Reno Balloon Race events have been awarded the honors of both Best Special Event in Reno and the Best Special Event in Northern Nevada.  One visit to the Great Reno Balloon Race 2013 and you'll see why.  First of all, you quickly find out that a balloon comes in many shapes and sizes.  For example, this year's race will include the Party Panda, Betty Jean the Butterfly and the inaugural flight of Hummingbird. Each morning beg... 09/02/2013

Reno Chicken Wing Society Cook-Off Chicken wings have become standard fare in most bars nowadays.  The Great International Chicken Wing Society created a contest over a decade ago to find out who in Reno offers up the best wings in the area.  This year marks the 12th annual Reno Chicken Wing Society Cook-Off.  And you, dear friends, are welcome to join in on the delicious delights for yourself. What: Reno Chicken Wing Society Cook-OffWhen: August 23-25, 2013, 10am to 8pmWhere: Atlantis Casino Resort-Spa (2800 S Virginia St) Several Reno bars and restaurants will be setting up booths for official judging of their own special chicken wing recipes.  Visitors can purchase a sample plate from any participating bar/restaurant on-site.  Awards will be presented to the top four winners at 2pm o... 08/19/2013

Can you say....."From Oversupply to Undersupply in a blink of an eye"?The housing market improvement in the Reno area is one of the strongest in the country, according to "Top 10 Turnaround Towns Report" by Realtor.com.Reno ranked 10th in the list of strongly improved cities within their housing market.Realtor.com reported that Reno's strong demand and decline in inventory combined to create double-digit price appreciation for the second quarter of this year.Reno's median list prices were 26% higher than 2012's second quarter, and inventory was down 29.1%.Looking back at how Reno and Las Vegas ranked in the second quarter of 2012:  Reno ranked 38 and Las Vegas ranked 70.The list of strongly improved cities within their housing market for the second quarter of 2013, made up of April, Ma... 08/13/2013

Reno Photo Contest The City of Reno is going to be overhauling their website.  The new design will be rolled out in September.  You can be a part of the new look by entering and winning the Reno Photo Contest. Thanks to a suggestion from a Reno resident on ThinkReno.org, residents are invited to add their submissions to the Reno Photo Contest that will help showcase what they like best about living in the Biggest Little City in the World.  From now until August 26th, 2013, the City will be accepting entries via either Pinterest or email from Reno residents that include photos of favorite spots they like to visit, a monument they like, restaurants, people or anything else that they believe best represents the Reno way of life. To enter via Pinterest, simply upload your photo to your Pint... 08/12/2013

Reno Hot August Nights 2013 August is finally here.  All Reno residents know what that means...Reno Hot August Nights 2013 has arrived!  Beginning tomorrow, August 6th and continuing through Sunday, August 11th, the streets of Reno will be buzzing with the sound of hot music and even hotter classic rides. Owners of more than 5,000 classic cars and hot rods are expected to show up for Reno Hot August Nights 2013.  These cars will be on display for judging at several Show-n-Shine events throughout the week.  The Best of Show winners for each day of judging (45 total) will go on to compete for the very first Barrett-Jackson Cup.  The Barrett-Jackson Auction is known as one of the greatest car auctions in the world.  They will be holding auctions for classic cars at the Reno-Sparks Conventi... 08/05/2013

Meatless Mondays in Reno Do you think vegetarians only eat bland birdseed and flavorless weeds?  You may be surprised just how tasty meat-free dishes can be.  Give your digestive system a break from cow, fish, chicken or pig and try a Meatless Monday in Reno. What: Meatless MondaysWhere: Wild River Grille (17 S Virginia St, Reno)When: Every Monday, 11am to 9pm Voted Reno's best patio by the Reno News & Review and Reno's Best Restaurant by Reno Magazine, Wild River Grille offers a special vegetarian menu on its Meatless Mondays in Reno.  In addition to their regular menu, every Monday they take advantage of the local produce that is in season to whip up a unique meatless menu full of flavor so rich, you won't even notice that there isn't any meat involved.  During the gorgeous summer eve... 07/29/2013

Dinner With Your Dog in Reno For many Reno families, their pets are more than just animals...they're members of the family.  Unless you take them to the park, the doggy spa or a pet supplies store, your furry friends usually end up staying at home while you are out and about.  Leaving them in the car while you are running errands is a definite NO-NO for any length of time, especially during the hot summer months.  One local Reno restaurant offers a unique dining experience that includes your ENTIRE family.  How about dinner with your dog in Reno? What: Dinner With Your Dog in RenoWhere: Wild River Grille (17 S Virginia St)When: Monday evenings through October 1, 2013 Every Monday evening through October 1st, the Wild River Grille holds Dinner With Your Dog night.  On those evenings only... 07/22/2013

RSAR came out with the June real estate market stats for Reno/Sparks. Below is an overview of the major points with the full report available by clicking on the picture to the right. The median sales price rose 1.6% to $222,000. That's up 30.6% from June 2012 Solds ended at 503 which was down 5.5% from May 2013 and down 2.5% from June 2012 There were 717 new listings. Down 5.8% from the previous month and up 7.2% from June 2012. 76% of these were regular sales which are good for everyone. Month's supply of inventory went up to 3.9 months. Still in a strong seller's market. For more information on buying or selling in Reno and Sparks contact me at (775) 750-1437 or Ricky@Resnv.com   07/18/2013

Free Weekly Concerts in Reno The City of Reno has long been known for its gambling establishments.  Its growing popularity has brought a wealth of other talents to the area as well.  Food and wine connoisseurs are quickly acknowledging the chefs and vintners found in the Reno area.  Musicians are seeing the value of honing their crafts here as well.  As part of Artown 2013, the Sierra Arts Foundation is holding free weekly concerts in Reno at their gallery located in the Riverside building throughout the rest of July. One weekly concert isn't enough.  Two will hardly do at all.  That's why the Sierra Arts Foundation has introduced three free weekly concerts in Reno this year.  In addition to the wildly popular Tuesday night spoken word and Wednesday Jazz night events, Sierra Arts is pro... 07/15/2013

   Median home price is up 22% year-to-date.  Buyers who continue to wait for home prices to decline, while interest rates have been increasing for the past five months, are  likely to lower their purchasing power. Summary: The fact remains that we are still in a seller's market and the demand for homes is very high.  This demand is mostly made up of homes in the under $250,000 price range.  In June 2013, 62 percent of the homes sold were priced at or below the $250,000 price.  Home buyers need to understand that if they continue to wait for home prices to decline, while interest rates have been increasing for the past five months, it is likely to lower their purchasing power. Reno, Sparks Median Home Price June 2013 median home price was up 1.6% to $222,000 compared to $218,500 in May ... 07/12/2013

Reno Buildings, Bites and Brews As the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno is typically identified with its gambling establishments.  However, it has quickly become just as well known for its food and wine thanks to some tremendously talented chefs and vintners in the Reno area.  If you're looking for a way to combine tasty food, locally brewed beers and a bit of Reno history, look no further.  The Reno Buildings, Bites and Brews tour fits the bill. What: Reno Buildings, Bites and BrewsWhere: Reno Riverwalk DistrictWhen: July 13, 2013 from 1pm to 4pmCost: $20 per person in advance, $25 pp day of, children 10 and younger are FREE Reno's monthly Wine Walk is one of its most popular events.  However, if you are not a wine connoisseur, the Reno Buildings, Bites and Brews tour may be more... 07/08/2013

Fireworks Over Reno 2013 This Thursday, we celebrate America's independence.  On her 237th birthday, skies will be lit up with fireworks over Reno 2013.  No matter where you live in Reno, there is a fireworks display conveniently scheduled within a short car ride of you. Schedule of Fireworks Over Reno 2013 Patriotic Music in the Park - Wingfield Park Glenn, 7:30pm to 10pm.  After the Reno Municipal Band plays patriotic-themed live music, a fireworks display is scheduled after dusk. Victorian Square - Victorian Square in Sparks, 4pm to 9:45pm.  A short drive from the City of Reno, John Ascuaga's Nugget is sponsoring an afternoon of family-friendly fun that will include live musical entertainment, clowns, balloon animals and face painting.  All this culminates in one of the best firework... 07/01/2013

Free Reno Telescope Viewings Attention Reno stargazers!  The MacLean Observatory is offering free Reno telescope viewings to all Reno community members every Friday evening from now through September 2nd (except for Friday, July 5th).  If you want to see the Milky Way, Mars or other major stars in our universe, you may want to take a trip to the Redfield Campus any Friday this summer. What: Free Reno Telescope ViewingsWhere: MacLean Observatory, Redfield Campus of Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center (18600 Wedge Pkwy, Reno)When: Every Friday (except July 5th) until September 2, 2013Time: After dark as long as weather permitsCost: Free Before or after you've taken advantage of the free Reno telescope viewings, why not take in the "Two Small Pieces of Glass" presentation about astr... 06/24/2013

Reno and Sparks, Nevada Market Report May 2013. If you are looking to buy or sell a home, read the report for statistics on sales, new listings and median price. Summary The May median sales price is at 2003 levels. In May 2003, interest rates were 5.48% compared to today's average interest rate of 3.54%, which for the current median price saves home buyers $230 per month with 5 percent down on a 30 year fixed loan. With low inventory levels, we anticipate this trend to continue at least through the end of the year. Reno/Sparks Median Home Sales Price May 2013, median price was up 6.1% to $218,000 compared to $205,375 in April 2013 and up 32.3% compared to $164,750 in May 2012. Median price is defined as the mid-point, where, for the time period identified, the price for one-half of th... 06/19/2013

NAR sent out a new list of the top 10 areas where prices are rising the most. Reno came in at #9 (+24.3% YoY). What's somewhat humorous about the list is all of these areas were known as top rated foreclosure areas. It seems the over correction in pricing wasn't just in Reno. The article and stats? can be read through the link below. Where Asking Prices Are Rising The Most     06/17/2013

Reno Summer Food Program In a country like ours, there is no reason anyone should ever go hungry...especially kids.  The Reno Summer Food Program keeps children 18 years of age and younger fed at various locations in the Reno area throughout the summer break.  All this is provided absolutely free of charge thanks to both the City of Reno and the US Department of Agriculture.  This helps ensure that all children, no matter what their parents' financial position is, will be fed even when school is out. Participating Reno Summer Food Program Locations Reno schools, parks and the community center will be providing nutrition for children through the Reno Summer Food Program between now and August.  There is no need to register or provide any financial information in order to participate.  An... 06/17/2013

Sunshine and Some Wind Today       06/12/2013

The Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors® came out with the May 2013 market stats. The full report can be viewed by clicking the picture to the right. A brief summary with comments is below. The median sales price rose 6.1% to $218,000 from April 2013 and is up 32% from May 2012. 6.1% in one month!!! That's ridiculous. Units sold was up to 513. A 7.8% increase from April but down 2.1% from May 2012. This is the highest units sold per month since November 2012 but is still hindered by the lack of inventory. Average price per sqft is up $121 per sqft. There were 750 new listings compared to 662 last month and 135 more than May 2012. 76% of these new listings were regular sales, 22% were short sales or REO, and 2% were court approval or "other". This regular sale ratio is the highest we've ... 06/11/2013

Reno Pigs and Pinot Wine...good.  Bacon...good.  Wine and pig-related food items?  Excellent!  The Reno Pigs and Pinot event being held at Reno's Grand Sierra Resort and Casino this Wednesday, June 12th brings good food and great wine together. Reno Pigs & Pino Event Details Venue: Charlie Palmer's Steak in the Grand Sierra Resort RenoTime: 6pmCost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door All guests at the Reno Pigs and Pinot event will sample several excellent California Pinot Noirs as well as others from around the country.  Executive Chef David Holman is creating a mouth-watering menu that includes a crispy house made pork belly and a delectable caramelized onion and Fontina pizza among other savory dishes.  You don't want to miss one moment of this heavenly, scrumptious evening.  Visit the ... 06/10/2013