More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

Amber McDade • June 5, 2024

Why Buying a Home in Reno, NV, is More Than Just a Financial Investment

Buying a home in Reno, NV

With all the headlines about housing affordability, it's easy to focus solely on the financial aspects of buying a home. While it's crucial to ensure you can afford the home you purchase, it's equally important to remember why homeownership was so appealing in the first place. Buying a home in Reno, NV, is more than just a financial transaction. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights:


“The benefits of purchasing and owning your place of residence are both financial and emotional – pride in homeownership and the feeling of security are huge intangible benefits.”


Here are some of the emotional and lifestyle perks of homeownership that make it such a desirable goal, especially for first-time home buyers in Reno, NV.


A Sense of Satisfaction

Owning a home is often associated with better mental health and well-being. Achieving the milestone of buying a home provides a profound sense of satisfaction and pride. A recent article from the Mortgage Reports emphasizes this:


“By and large, homeownership brings more satisfaction than renting. . . Surveyees scored the overall happiness level of homeowners at 88% compared to 67% for renters.”


More Stability for Your Family

Homeownership offers the stability of putting down roots. If you're used to moving each time your lease renews and rent increases, owning a home allows you and your loved ones to stay put and build lasting relationships. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:


“Families also benefit from homeownership, with studies proving that parents are able to spend less time in a stressed state, therefore spending more time with their children. The ability for parents to feel stable has a huge impact on children’s behavioral issues, educational success, and future economic success.”


A Stronger Feeling of Community

Homeownership fosters a sense of belonging. According to FinHabits:


“Homeowners tend to be more involved in their local communities, leading to a stronger sense of belonging . . .”


Your home connects you to your neighborhood and the broader community, giving you a stake in its future. This connection encourages you to become more involved and to build long-term relationships with your neighbors.


The Ability To Make the Space Your Own

Owning a home means you can customize it to your liking. Unlike renting, where you're often limited in making changes, homeownership allows you to express your style and make improvements. Whether it’s small home projects or full-scale renovations, your house can evolve with your tastes and lifestyle, providing a unique sense of ownership and personal satisfaction.


Bottom Line

If you want to experience the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with buying a home in Reno, NV, let's discuss what steps you need to take to make this future a reality.


The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers in Reno, NV Are Making Today


First-time home buyers in Reno, NV, face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates, rising prices, and limited home supply, there’s a lot to consider. Avoid these common mistakes by leaning on a real estate agent for the best possible advice.


Putting Off Pre-approval

A lender will assess your finances to determine what they’re willing to loan for your mortgage, giving you a clear idea of your borrowing capacity. As CNET explains:


“If you wait to get preapproved until the last minute, you might be scrambling to contact a lender and miss the opportunity to put a bid on a home.”


Holding Out for Perfection

While you may have a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, it’s essential to be realistic. Inventory is still low, and finding a home that checks every box might be challenging. Investopedia notes:


“When you expect to find the perfect home, you could prolong the homebuying process by holding out for something better. Or you could end up paying more for a home just because it meets all your needs.”


Buying More House Than You Can Afford

With today’s mortgage rates and home prices, it’s tempting to stretch your finances to get the house you want. However, overextending your budget can lead to financial strain. Bankrate advises:


“Focus on what monthly payment you can afford rather than fixating on the maximum loan amount you qualify for.”


Not Working with a Local Real Estate Agent

Navigating the homebuying process alone can be overwhelming. A local real estate agent can provide professional guidance, market expertise, and support, making the process smoother and less stressful. As CNET explains:


“Attempting to buy a home without a real estate agent makes the process more arduous than it needs to be.”


Bottom Line

Avoiding common mistakes can save you time, frustration, and money. If you're buying a home in Reno, NV, connect with a real estate agent to help you navigate the process effectively.


How an Agent Helps Market Your House


When you're ready to sell your house in Reno, NV, you need an effective marketing strategy from your real estate agent. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that sellers highly value their agents' ability to market their homes. Here’s how an agent can help:


- Listing on the MLS: Ensures maximum visibility to other real estate agents and buyers, leading to increased traffic and offers.

- Using a Yard Sign: Attracts local interest and displays your agent’s contact information.

- Having an Open House: Generates interest and competition among buyers, potentially leading to better offers.

- Showcasing on the Agent’s Website: Reaches serious buyers ready to make a move.

- Social Networking: Expands the audience through the agent's social media presence.

- Providing Virtual Tours: Convenient for buyers, especially those relocating, showing the agent’s use of the latest technology.


Bottom Line

Marketing your house effectively involves various strategies. Working with a local real estate agent in Reno, NV, ensures you maximize your home's exposure and attract the right buyers. If you're ready to sell, let's chat about how to get started.


How Climate Risks Affect Your Next Home in Reno, NV


Climate change is an important consideration when buying a home in Reno, NV. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:


“Sixty-three percent of people who have moved since the pandemic began say they believe climate change is—or will be—an issue in the place they currently live.”


To ensure your investment is safe from environmental hazards, work with a local real estate agent who understands the area's risks, including wind, floods, and wildfires. Consider the quality of the home and the insurance needed to protect it.


- A Home Built to Last:

Ensure the home can withstand environmental hazards by incorporating building and remodeling techniques that protect against climate change effects.


- Insurance To Protect It:

Factor in the cost and availability of insurance, especially in areas where climate risks are significant,


Bottom Line

Climate change impacts real estate decisions. By planning ahead and seeking expert advice from a local real estate agent in Reno, NV, you can find a home that is both a safe and smart investment. Let’s connect to find the perfect home for you.


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Thinking About Renting Your House Instead of Selling? Read This First.

By KCM • September 18, 2025
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Mortgage Rates Just Saw Their Biggest Drop in a Year

By KCM • September 17, 2025
Mortgage Rates Just Saw Their Biggest Drop in a Year You’ve been waiting for what feels like forever for mortgage rates to finally budge. And last week, they did – in a big way. On Friday, September 5 th , the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to the lowest level since October 2024. It was the biggest one-day decline in over a year. What Sparked the Drop? According to Mortgage News Daily, this was a reaction to the August jobs report, which came out weaker-than-expected for a second month in a row. That sent signals across the financial markets, and then mortgage rates came down as a result. Basically, we're seeing signs the economy may be slowing down, and as certainty grows in the direction the economy is going, the markets are reacting to what is likely ahead. That historically brings mortgage rates down. Why Buyers Should Pay Attention Now But this isn’t just about one day of headlines or one report. It’s about what the drop means for you. This recent change saves you money when you buy a home. The chart below shows you an example of what a monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest) would be at 7% (where mortgage rates were in May) versus where rates roughly are now: Compared to just 4 months ago, your future monthly payment would be almost $200 less per month. That’s close to $2,400 a year in savings. How Long Will It Last? That really depends on where the economy and inflation go from here. Rates could drop lower, or they could inch up slightly. So, make sure you’re connected with a good agent and trusted lender. They’ll keep a close eye on inflation indicators, job market updates, and reactions to upcoming Fed policy to gauge where mortgage rates may go from here. But for now, focus on this. While no one can say for sure where rates are headed, the fact that rates broke out of their months-long rut is a good thing. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this could make the start of a new chapter. As Diana Olick, Senior Real Estate and Climate Correspondent at CNBC, says: “Rates are finally breaking out of the high 6% range, where they’ve been stuck for months.” And that’s gives you more reason to hope than you've had in quite some time. Bottom Line This is the shift you’ve been waiting for. Mortgage rates just saw their biggest decline in over a year. And if rates stay near this level, it could make a home you couldn’t afford just a few months ago feel possible again. What would today’s rates save you on your future monthly payment? Let’s connect so you can find out.

Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?

By KCM • September 16, 2025
Should You Still Expect a Bidding War? If you’re still worried about having to deal with a bidding war when you buy a home, you may be able to let some of that fear go. While multiple-offer situations haven’t disappeared entirely, they’re not nearly as common as they used to be. In fact, a recent survey shows agents reported only 1 in 5 homes (20%) nationally received multiple offers in June 2025 . That’s down from nearly 1 in 3 (31%) just a year ago – and dramatically lower than in June 2023 (39%) (see graph below): This trend means you should face less competition when you buy. That gives you more time to make decisions and the ability to negotiate price or terms. It Still Depends on Where You’re Buying Of course, national trends don’t tell the full story. Local dynamics matter, a lot. This second graph uses survey data from John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) to break things down by region to prove just how true that is. It shows, while the share of homes getting multiple offers has dropped pretty much everywhere, some areas are still seeing more offers than others: In the Northeast, 34% of homes (roughly 1 in 3) are still receiving multiple offers. That’s more than the national average. But in Southeast , that number drops to just 6%. What’s behind the difference? In general, the areas still seeing bidding wars tend to have lower-than-normal inventory . That imbalance between buyers and available homes keeps pressure on prices and competition. But markets with more listings are seeing conditions cool – and that means fewer bidding wars. Sellers Are More Flexible Than You Might Think Here’s another shift to show you just how much things have changed. According to a Redfin report, almost half of sellers are offering concessions, like covering their buyer’s closing costs or dropping their asking price to get their house sold. That’s a clear sign this isn’t the same ultra-competitive market we saw a few years ago. Back then, sellers rarely compromised. And buyers often waived their inspection or appraisal to try to make their offer stand out. Now, things are different. But again, how often this is happening is going to vary based on where you’re looking to buy. And that’s why you need a local agent’s expertise. Bottom Line If concerns about bidding wars have been holding you back, it may be time to take another look. Nationally, competition is down. In some markets, it’s down significantly. And with more sellers offering concessions, buyers today have more power and flexibility than they’ve had in a long time. Want to find out what the market looks like where you’re buying? Let’s connect.
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