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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Is There Really a “Best Day of the Year” to Score a Deal on a House?

By The Inner Circle • December 15, 2025
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How To Make Sure Your Sale Crosses the Finish Line

By KCM • December 12, 2025
How To Make Sure Your Sale Crosses the Finish Line If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale a seamless process, wouldn't you want to know about it? There’s a lot that happens from the time your house goes under contract to closing day. And a few things still have to go right for the deal to go through. But here’s what a lot of sellers may not know. There's one part of the process where some homeowners are hitting a road bump that’s causing buyers to back out these days. But don’t worry. The majority of these snags are completely avoidable, especially when you understand what’s causing them and how to be proactive. That’s where a great agent (and a little prep) can make all the difference. What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out The latest data from Redfin says 15% of pending home sales are falling through . And that’s not wildly higher than the 12% norm from 2017-2019. But it is an increase. That means roughly 1 in 7 deals today don’t make it to the closing table. But, at the same time, 6 out of 7 do. So, the majority of sellers never face this problem – and odds are, you won’t either. But you can help make it even less likely if you know how to get ahead. You might assume the main reason buyers are backing out today is financing. But that’s actually not the case. The most common deal breaker today, by far, is inspection and repair issues (see graph below): Here’s why that’s a sticking point for buyers right now: Buyers are already stretched thin from high prices and challenging mortgage rates, so they don’t have the appetite (or budget) for unexpected repairs. If they’re going to spend all that money, they want to get something that’s move-in ready. They don’t want to take on another high-cost project themselves. They have more homes to choose from, so if yours seems like a hassle or if you’re not willing to fix something, they can just move on. The sellers with the best agents have heard about this shift and they’re doing what they can to go in prepared. Enter the pre-listing inspection. What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection? It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a professional home inspection you schedule before your home hits the market. And while it’s not required, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it could be a valuable step for some sellers right now: “To keep deals from unraveling . . . it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing .” Think of it as a way to avoid future headaches. You’ll know what issues could pop up during the buyer’s inspection – and you’ll have time to fix them or decide what to disclose before you put your house on the market. This way, when the buyer’s inspector walks in, you’re ready. No surprises. No last-minute panic. No deal on the line. Is It Worth It? Generally speaking, a pre-listing inspection costs just a few hundred dollars. So, it’s not a big expense. And the information it gives you is invaluable. But before you make that investment, talk to your local agent. In some markets, it may not be worth it. And in others, it may be the best move you can make. It all depends on what’s happening where you are and what’s working for other local sellers. If your agent recommends getting one, they’ll also: Help you decide which issues to fix Prioritize repairs based on what buyers in your area are focusing on Connect you with trusted professionals to get the work done Ensure you understand local disclosure laws That small step could save your deal (and your timeline). Bottom Line So, if there was one simple step that could help make your home sale go according to plan, would you do it? If you’d rather deal with surprises on your terms (not with the clock ticking under contract), let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house. It may be worth it so you can hit the market confident, prepared, and in control.

The 3 Housing Market Questions Coming Up at Every Gathering This Season

By KCM • December 10, 2025
The 3 Housing Market Questions Coming Up at Every Gathering This Season Whether it’s at a family gathering, your company party, or catching up with friends over the holidays, the housing market always finds its way into the conversation. Here are the top three questions on a lot of people’s minds this season, and straightforward answers to help you feel more confident about the market. 1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?” Yes, more than you could a year or two ago. The number of homes for sale has been rising over the past few years. According to data from Realtor.com, there have been more than one million homes on the market for six straight months, something that hasn’t happened since 2019 (see graph below): That means two things: Buyers have more options. Sellers have more places they can move to next. Many homeowners who held off are realizing the shelves aren’t bare anymore. So, if you hit pause on your home search last year because nothing fit your needs, it may be worth another look. With more homes on the market now, you’re not competing for the same handful of listings like you were a couple of years ago. And because there’s a bit more to choose from, homes aren’t disappearing the minute they hit the market. That gives buyers more space to breathe, more options to compare, and a little more time to make a confident decision. 2. “Will I ever be able to afford a house?” Affordability is starting to improve. Finally. It’s been a tough few years for buyers. But this year brought some much-needed good news: Mortgage rates have been easing. Home price growth has been moderating. That adds up to a monthly mortgage payment that’s hundreds of dollars lower than it would have been just a few months ago (see graph below): Buying still isn’t easy, but the numbers are starting to improve. For a lot of people, that means buying a home is becoming a more realistic goal again. 3. “Should I wait for prices to come down?” A lot of people worry that the housing market is about to crash, but the data doesn’t point in that direction. Yes, the number of homes for sale has been rising, but it’s still nowhere near the level needed for prices to fall significantly on a national scale. On top of that, homeowners today have a lot of equity and are in a much stronger financial position than they were back in 2008. Of course, every local market is a little different. Some areas are still seeing prices climb, while others that saw huge spikes a few years ago are leveling off or seeing small corrections. But overall, the national picture is clear: experts surveyed by Fannie Mae project home prices will keep rising, just at a slower, more normal pace (see graph below): That’s why waiting for a major price drop to get a deal isn’t a very strategic plan. History shows the same thing over and over: people who spend time in the market tend to build the most long-term wealth, not the people who try to time the market perfectly. Bottom Line Talk about the housing market can feel loud and confusing, especially when you’re hearing so many different takes. If you want to understand what these trends mean for your goals, let’s connect and walk through it together.
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