The heating and cooling of your home accounts for approximately half of your monthly energy bill. A smart thermostat can help you regulate your energy usage more efficiently, saving you money. Did you know that NV Energy offers Reno homeowners a free smart thermostat for their property? It's true!How Reno Homeowners Can Get Their Free Smart ThermostatAll Reno homeowners serviced by NV Energy are eligible for a free smart thermostat. All you need is a central air conditioning system and a broadband internet connection with a router. NV Energy utilizes energy-efficient software to keep your smart thermostat working to its fullest potential. They also install a free gateway device on your router. This enables you to communicate with your thermostat via a downloadable app on your smartphone... 11/13/2017

As you are probably well aware of by now, Reno remains clearly a seller's market. Low inventory partnered with a high growth rate thanks to more jobs coming into the area helped push prices up. Both rents and home sale prices hit record highs over the summer. The only way to help ease this at the moment is to build more smaller houses, townhomes, and apartments. Late last week, a new Reno development announced plans to construct as many as 4700 housing units at Southeast Reno's former Butler Ranch.New Reno Development - Butler Ranch, Southeast RenoInstead of calling it "affordable housing", the California-based Newport Pacific Land hopes to achieve "attainable housing". They want to reach the market that can afford the median price for a Reno home ($335,000 as of September 2017). Curren... 11/06/2017

Winter is almost here. That means local haunts like Mount Rose, Diamond Peak (Incline Village) and Northstar at Tahoe (Truckee) should be opening for business soon. National Geographic released their list of the Top 10 Emerging Ski Towns and Reno skiing made the list. In fact, they were only bested by Ogden, UT.Reno SkiingThe experts at National Geographic looked for lesser-known destinations in North America to concentrate on. Locations like Jackson Hole, Telluride, Whistler, Aspen, and Vail tend to spring to mind when talking about the top places to ski. However, if you want great skiing without the huge crowds and expense, Reno skiing provides a great opportunity.Mount Rose Ski ResortLocals love Mount Rose. Located just 25 miles from downtown, beginners, intermediate and well-seasone... 10/30/2017

The September 2017 Reno-Sparks Market Report showed a significant drop in sales and median sale price from August. Year-over-year prices, on the other hand, went up. We firmly remain in a seller's market. September 2017 Reno-Sparks Market ReportReno-Sparks Home Sales - September 2017The Reno Sparks Association of REALTORS@ reported a total of 587 homes were sold in the Reno-Sparks area in September 2017. That marked a 7.3% decrease from the same time last year. It also showed an 18.2% drop off from August's 718. Reno-Sparks Inventory - September 2017New Reno-Sparks listings dropped dramatically. In September 2016, they showed 713 new listings on the market. They peaked at 839 in June. But they 22.9% to 550 last month. Inventory tightened up as well. The September 2017 Reno-Sparks Market... 10/23/2017

Special Events In Reno November 2017 Are you looking for something fun to do in Reno, NV this November? Check out these top notch special events happening here in our wonderful city. From the inspiring Reno Aerial Fest at the Reno~Sparks Convention Center, to the 20th Anniversary tour of Rent at the Poineer Events Center, to the 19th annual Turkey Trot at the Sparks Marina there is plenty of fun happening during the month of November 2017.      10/16/2017

Most of us are divided up into two groups: dog lovers and cat lovers. Sure, there's the small faction that loves both. An even smaller group can't stand either. But one thing is clear. According to REALTOR.com, Reno real estate is tops with dog lovers.Reno Real Estate Ranks #2 on Best Cities for Dog Lovers ListCats are fine. But there's nothing like the love of a dog. They always make you feel like you're the most important person in their life. So, I guess you can see where my loyalty lies. But, I'm not alone. Dogs occupy approximately 54 million US homes. Cats, on the other hand, can be found in 43 million homes.The folks at REALTOR.com recently put together a list of the Best Cities for Dog Lovers. Reno came in second among the 150 larger cities across the country, right behind Austi... 10/16/2017

The average Nevada home uses over 900 kWh of energy on average each month. That comes to around $110 per month in energy costs. The City of Reno wants all of us to make an effort to reduce our energy usage. They decided to lead by example. That's why they've reduced the energy usage in their facilities by 37% in just the last seven years. That saved taxpayers over $10 million. But, you don't have to spend tons of money to reduce your home's usage. Implement these no cost energy saving tips for Reno homeowners right now. You'll be saving money and energy in no time.No Cost Energy Saving Tips for Reno HomeownersLights Start small. Turn lights off when you exit a room. During the day, open up your curtains and use natural light from outside. Also, the sun provides a free heat source during... 10/09/2017

In mid-September, EDAWN announced the newest arrival to our Reno economy: tech startup Alchemy. They join a long line of tech-related businesses making Reno their home. Just another reason Reno is quickly becoming known as the next Silicon Valley.Who is Alchemy?Alchemy works with cloud-based Workday Student, Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and Workday Financial Management higher education programs. Currently, they employ 35 people (including those at their Pleasanton, CA office). They expect to have as many as 70 people under their employ in the next three years. Of those, approximately 40% will be located in Alchemy's Reno headquarters.Currently, Alchemy is hiring for several of its positions, including consultants, managers and even an educator for its university program. If yo... 10/02/2017

In good news, the August 2017 Reno Sparks Market Report indicated a decrease in the median sale price. Unfortunately, inventory tightened up even more. The area remains firmly in the Seller's favor.August 2017 Reno Sparks Market ReportTotal Reno Sparks Sales in August 2017According to the Reno Sparks Association of REALTORS@, a total of 678 Reno Sparks homes were sold in August 2017. That was 13.8% higher than the same time last year and 6.4% higher than July 2017.New Reno Sparks Inventory for August 2017Inventory continues to be an issue for Reno Sparks Buyers. While new listings decreased from last year, they actually went up from the previous month. In August 2016, 814 new listings hit the Reno Sparks real estate market. In August 2017, that number decreased by 11.9% to 717. On the o... 09/18/2017

Since its economic rebound, Reno found itself lacking in two areas: storage and affordable housing. Two different companies want to tackle these problems in one location. The location of the former Great Western Marketplace Reno is scheduled to become a storage facility and an apartment complex. New Reno Storage FacilitySix years after K-Mart closed its doors in 2008, Great Western Marketplace Reno opened. Their hope? To become an indoor marketplace with over 200 vendors selling artisan products, foodstuffs and other items under one roof. Unfortunately, that dream never reached its full potential. In August 2017, after three years of negotiation, the former Great Western Marketplace Reno found a new owner in Reid Hamilton with Sierra Storage LLC.Previously, Hamilton owned and operated H... 09/12/2017

While high tech dominates much of the Reno jobs front, our retail sector continues adding new businesses.  In fact, a brand new health conscious supermarket store is set to open its doors on September 13th.  But they need people to staff it.  That's why Reno Sprouts Farmers Market will be holding two job fairs later this week.Reno Sprouts Farmers Market Job FairsThe newest Reno Sprouts Farmers Market needs 150 people for several different positions within the company before it opens its doors next month.  The store's hiring team will be at the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa from 8am to 11:30am and 1pm to 6pm on August 2nd interviewing potential employees.  They return on August 3rd from 8am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4pm.  They are looking to fill positions as cashiers as well as clerks in t... 07/31/2017

Back in October 2016, Reno Land Inc. unveiled their plans for their Reno Park Lane Revelopment project.  At the time, they weren't sure when ground would be broken.  They only had their vision for what could become of the old eyesore known as the Park Lane Mall.  It now appears that we could be seeing the official Reno Park Lane groundbreaking by the end of this summer.Reno Park Lane Prepares for Official GroundbreakingJust a couple of weeks ago, several large pot holes in front of the theater were filled in after years of neglect.  This signaled to many the developer's preparation for official groundbreaking soon.  The only portions of the former Park Lane mall complex that will remain with the new Reno Park Lane property will be the Century Park Lane theater (with its adjacent parking... 07/24/2017

Summer in Reno means classic cars, Big Boy Toys and tons of great music.  That's right.  Reno Hot August Nights 2017 is coming soon.  And it's bringing even more amazing events to the Reno/Sparks/Virginia City area!Reno Hot August Nights 2017Hot August Nights kicks off in Virginia City on Friday, August 4th with a craft fair, show-n-shines, poker walk and more.  However, things REALLY heat up when they hit the Reno/Sparks area on August 8th.  That's when the Ultimate Classic Car Competition comes to the Nugget.  There'll be hula hoop contests, pie eating contest, jelly donut eating contest, craft fairs, classic car cruises, drag races and too many more events to list here between Tuesday, August 8th and Sunday, August 13th.  To find out the "what, when and where" of it all, please visit... 07/17/2017

As temperatures in Reno rise, so do interest rates and prices.  Unfortunately, inventory levels dropped yet again.  While great news for Sellers, it means Buyers have a tougher time finding Reno homes in a more affordable price range.  Read my June 2017 Reno Sparks Market Report below to learn more.June 2017 Reno Sparks Market Report*Total Reno Sparks Sales in June 2017According to statistics released by the Reno Sparks Association of REALTORS@ (RSAR), a total of 736 existing homes were sold in the Reno-Sparks area in June 2017.  This marks the highest monthly sales ever in RSAR's history.  It handily beat the previous record of 679 back in January 2005.  It also marked an 8.4% increase from May's total units sold and 11.3% more than June 2016.New Reno Sparks Listings and Inventory in J... 07/10/2017

~Sold And Closded In Reno NV 89503~ I’m pleased to announce that 1426 Wessex Circle in Reno is now SOLD and Closed courtesy of Terrie Leighton with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate representing the buyers.  My precious buyer is attending the University of Nevada Reno and is looking forward to homeownership in one of Reno's populor neighborhoods.   1426 Wessex Cir is nestled in Reno's established Old Northwest & is situated on a well kept street neer Lake Park, Rancho San Rafael (home of the Reno Balloon Races) and is close to UNR, schools & shopping. The putting green in the backyard may have insprired my buyer to write an offer on this awesome home. The community has no HOA. The home was built in 2001, offers 1943 square feet of living, 10ft ceilings, an open floorplan, lots of widdows that of... 07/07/2017

Tomorrow, we celebrate the 241st anniversary our nation's independence.  How will you commemorate the day?  Don't have any plans yet?  Here are a few places where you can watch the 2017 Reno area fireworks shows this 4th of July.2017 Reno Area FireworksReno FireworksWhat's more American than watching a game of baseball on the 4th of July.  The Reno Aces play the Tacoma Raniers in some minor league baseball action tomorrow night.  An amazing fireworks display is scheduled above the Greater Nevada Field afterwards.  Tickets cost $21 for general admission, with seniors (62+), military and kids under 12 years old receiving a $1 discount per ticket.  There are only a few tickets left for the game.  Visit the Reno Aces's website to purchase your tickets right now or contact the box office at ... 07/03/2017

The May 2017 Reno Sparks Market Report is out.  Inventory levels remain tight, forcing prices up even more.  In fact, Reno home prices hit their second highest level in over a decade.  So did total home sales for the month.  How does this impact Reno Buyers?  Read on to find out.May 2017 Reno Sparks Market Report*According to the Reno Sparks Association of REALTORS@, total sales of existing homes in the Reno Sparks area came in at 652 units during May 2017.  That was 9% higher than May 2016.  Sales surged 27% more than April 2017.  The only other time monthly sales were higher was back in January 2005 (679).  Reno home sales alone rose 9% from the same time last year.  Meanwhile, Sparks homes showed an 8% increase in the same time period.  Housing inventory decreased even further to 1.4... 06/26/2017

In their July 2017 edition (which comes out on June 20th), Outside Magazine reveals the winners of "America's Best Towns Ever" list.  To no one's surprise who lives in Reno real estate, our city made it onto this year's list.  In fact, we were named the "Best Low-Key Hideout".  Now, it may seem a little odd that a city that bills itself as "The Biggest Little City in the World" might be considered "low-key".  However, when you read on, you'll quickly understand why this makes perfect sense.Reno Real Estate - America's BestFor the last five years, Outside Magazine left it up to its readers to decide which American towns were the best and why.  Readers based their votes on the regular fare, such as exposure to the arts, recreational activities, food, etc.  However, the magazine figured wh... 06/19/2017

When you hear "summertime", do you think of hot barbecue and cold beer?  Sounds good to me.  Luckily, the Reno BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival 2017 takes place this weekend in downtown Reno.  Since this Sunday is Father's Day, maybe Dad should be your guest. What: Reno BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival 2017Where: Downtown RenoWhen: June 16th, 3pm to 9pm, & June 17th, 11am to 8pmAdmission:  Concert admission is free, Beer tasting  is $40 to $75Contact: Eldorado Resort Casino (800) 879-8879Reno BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival 2017Reno BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival 2017 activities begin this Friday at 3pm.  Tasting package booths remain open until 7pm.  Beer tasting booths stay open until 8pm.  While you savor the delicious barbecue and brews, relax with the bluesy music of the Jason King Band, Ma... 06/12/2017

Back in November 2016, I wrote about what's in store for Rancharrah Reno.  Reno Land Development purchased the historic estate in October 2015.  They wanted to keep part of the property for its original intended uses.  Retail, commercial and residential development was scheduled for the rest.  In just a few days, Rancharrah Reno opens to the public.  You won't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a true Reno treasure.What: Rancharrah Reno Grand OpeningWhere: Rancharrah (6001 Talbot Ln)When: Saturday, June 10th, 11am to 6pmRSVP: Rancharrah's Facebook Event Page (just click the "Going" tab under the event name)Rancharrah Reno Grand Opening EventGuests who attend the Rancharrah Reno grand opening event receive a special carriage ride tour of this amazing Reno property.  ... 06/05/2017