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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The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High

By KCM • August 8, 2025
The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it's a strategy . And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp. The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one. Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do. Overpricing Comes at a Cost And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a year ago – or based on a neighbor’s sale that happened under completely different circumstances. Then, when their house doesn’t sell, they’re left with three tough choices: Drop the price : Cutting the price might help get more eyes on the house again, but it can also trigger red flags. Buyers may wonder what’s wrong with it. And that’s going to impact any offers you get after the price cut. Take it off the market : Some sellers give up on the idea of selling right now. The worst part about this is it means putting their future plans on the back burner. That dream of more space, downsizing, or relocating? On pause. Rent it out : Others go the landlord route, but managing tenants and navigating leases isn’t always the simple fallback it seems. Renting can work, but it’s often a lot more hassle than people expect. None of those options were part of the original plan. And honestly, none of them are where you should end up if you wanted to sell. Here’s a look at how a local agent’s expertise can help you avoid these headaches. Let's use price cuts as an example. Where You Live Makes a Difference While the number of price cuts is up nationally, data shows some parts of the country are seeing far more of them than others. It all comes down to how much inventory has grown in that area (see map below): As Realtor.com explains : “Regionally, price reductions in June were significantly more common in the South and West (23% of listings) than they were in the Northeast (13% of listings), reflecting the inventory divergence across these regions.” That means pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. What’s happening nationally might not reflect what’s happening in your zip code, and that’s why you shouldn’t try to determine your list price on your own. How a Great Agent Helps You Nail the Price A skilled agent doesn’t just toss out a number. As Zillow says: “ Well-priced homes are more likely to sell quickly, but pricing your home to sell quickly and for maximum dollar requires strategy and knowledge of your local market. You need to have a clear-eyed view of your home in relation to the competition, and knowledge about whether you’re in a buyers or sellers market. It also helps to know what buyers in your area can afford.” And that’s all knowledge your agent will have. They study your local market, compare recent sales, and factor in your goals and buyer behavior. Based on what’s happening where you live, sometimes the best play will be pricing right at current market value. Other times pricing a little lower actually will spark more offers and ultimately get you a better final sale price. So don’t skimp on the strategy or on your agent. With their local market know-how, you’ll be able to sell quickly, even in a shifting market. Bottom Line Overpricing can lead to tough choices you never want to face. But with the right price, and the right guidance, you can skip the stress and sell with confidence. Let’s connect so you have a pricing strategy that works for today’s market and gets you where you want to go.

What You Can Gain — Or Lose — Selling Your Home to an iBuyer

By Trending Homes • August 6, 2025
What You Can Gain — Or Lose — Selling Your Home to an iBuyer An iBuyer can help you to sell your house quickly by skipping some of the hassles of having a home on the market and letting you set your own timeline. But selling to an iBuyer — a real estate company that uses tech to buy and resell houses — isn’t for everyone. Not all homes will qualify, even if you live in an area where iBuyers operate. And while you can be sure that the sale will go through because there’s no mortgage involved, you won’t know whether you could have gotten a higher price for your home from a traditional buyer. Here are some pros and cons to consider before selling your home to an iBuyer. Pros of selling your home to an iBuyer Convenience Not having to prepare your home for sale or make it available for potential buyers can be a huge plus for sellers. “That’s something that’s hard to place dollar values on too, like getting your kids and dog out the door to facilitate home showings,” says Charles Stewart, who’s in corporate communications for Opendoor. “It’s not just the final dollar amount you’re getting, it’s the convenience factor.” Timing In a buyer’s market, the need to sell quickly can work against you. If a traditional buyer finds out you’re in a hurry, they could use that as leverage to make a lower offer. But with an iBuyer, it’s expected that the process will be fast. Though you can always request a new offer, iBuyers’ initial offers are usually valid for less than a week. An iBuyer can also help with timing in a hot real estate market . If you’re concerned about finding a new place, you can choose a closing date that’s further out (depending on the iBuyer, it can be as distant as 90 days). You may also be able to rent back your house after the iBuyer purchases it, buying you a bit more time. Predictability With an iBuyer, you know exactly when things will happen since you set the closing date and you don’t have to worry about the mortgage financing falling through at the last minute. “People who are moving across the country trying to time their move to the sale of their house, it’s next to impossible,” says Amanda Pendleton, communications manager for Zillow. With an iBuyer, you’ll know exactly when to hire the movers. Cons of selling your home to an iBuyer Qualifications Not only do you need to be in a market where iBuyers operate, but you also need to have they kind of home they’re looking for. Houses that need extensive repairs are out, but so are higher-end homes, houses that are highly customized and most older homes. “Each market has its own set of parameters,” says Tyler Hixson, director of real estate partnerships and strategy at Opendoor. “Whatever is the typical home for that market, the typical home is one that we can service.” Broadly, houses, condos, and townhomes that are relatively new are the most likely to fit the iBuyer model. Opportunity cost Since iBuyers are still relatively new, robust data on what they’re paying for homes is hard to come by. Studies have conflicting evidence, with some finding that iBuyer offers are close to market value, and others demonstrating wider gaps. Both Zillow Offers and Opendoor emphasize that they offer “fair market prices” based on both computer algorithms and human analysis (iBuyers do have actual boots on the ground in the markets where they operate). But since you’re dealing with a what-if scenario, you can’t truly know whether you would have gotten a better price by selling your house the traditional way. Repairs After you’ve agreed to an iBuyer’s offer, the iBuyer does an assessment (this is similar to, though not the same as, a home inspection). The assessment is designed to uncover things the iBuyer might need to repair or replace in order to sell your house . Though you can negotiate to do the repairs yourself, that may not be an option if you’re in a hurry to move. If the iBuyer does the repairs, the costs will be deducted from what they pay you, meaning the assessment could end up taking a big bite out of your original offer. Weighing the pros and cons of selling to an iBuyer Determining whether your property fits an iBuyer’s qualifications is a first, necessary hurdle. If it does, and you’re curious as to whether to take the next step, bear in mind that many iBuyers will give you an offer without requiring a commitment. You may be able to request offers from more than one iBuyer, depending on where you live. iBuyers generally make limited-time offers (you’ll usually have less than a week to accept), but seeing an actual number might give you a nudge to move forward. On the other hand, it could tip your hand toward going the traditional route and looking for a listing agent. Either way, you’ll need to decide what’s worth more to you. Don’t want to deal with prepping your house to sell and making your schedule work around showings? An iBuyer might be right for you. More concerned with maximizing your profit? Getting a savvy seller’s agent and doing a traditional sale may be a better bet. The article What You Can Gain — Or Lose — Selling Your Home to an iBuyer originally appeared on NerdWallet.

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?

By KCM • August 4, 2025
What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home? According to Fannie Mae , 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed. Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you think buying a home is out of reach for you right now, even if that’s not necessarily true. So, let’s look at what the data really says about credit scores and homebuying. There’s No One Magic Number There’s no universal credit score you absolutely have to have when buying a home. And that means there’s more flexibility than most people realize. Check out this graph showing the median credit scores recent buyers had among different home loan types: Here's what’s important to realize. The numbers vary, and there’s no one-size-fits-all threshold. And that could open doors you thought were closed for you. The best way to learn more is to talk to a trusted lender. As FICO explains : “While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single ‘cutoff score’ used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use . . .” Why Your Score Still Matters When you buy a home, lenders use your credit score to get a sense of how reliable you are with money. They want to see if you typically make payments on time, pay back debts, and more. Your score can impact which loan types you may qualify for, the terms on those loans, and even your mortgage rate. And since mortgage rates are a big factor in how much house you’ll be able to afford, that may make your score feel even more important today. As Bankrate says: “Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for .” That still doesn’t mean your credit has to be perfect. Even if your credit score isn’t as high as you’d like, you may still be able to get a home loan. Want To Boost Your Score? Start Here And if you talk to a lender and decide you want to improve your score (and hopefully your loan type and terms too), here are a few smart moves according to the Federal Reserve Board: Pay Your Bills on Time: This is a big one. Lenders want to see you can reliably pay your bills on time. This includes everything from credit cards to utilities and cell phone bills. Consistent, on-time payments show you’re a responsible borrower. Pay Down Your Debt : When it comes to your available credit amount, the less you’re using, the better. Focus on keeping this number as low as possible. That makes you a lower-risk borrower in the eyes of lenders – making them more likely to approve a loan with better terms. Review Your Credit Report : Get copies of your credit report and work to correct any errors you find. This can help improve your score. Don’t Open New Accounts : While it might be tempting to open more credit cards to build your score, it’s best to hold off. Too many new credit applications can lead to hard inquiries on your report, which can temporarily lower your score. Bottom Line Your credit score doesn’t have to be perfect to qualify for a home loan. But a better score can help you get better terms on your home loan. The best way to know where you stand and your options for a mortgage is to connect with a trusted lender.​
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