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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What a Government Shutdown Really Means for the Housing Market

By KCM • November 6, 2025
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2026 Housing Market Outlook

By KCM • October 26, 2025
2026 Housing Market Outlook After a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may be the year things shift back into gear. Expert forecasts show more people are expected to move – and that could open the door for you to do the same. More Homes Will Sell With all of the affordability challenges at play over the past few years, many would-be movers pressed pause. But that pause button isn’t going to last forever. There are always people who need to move. And experts think more of them will start to act in 2026 (see graph below): What’s behind the change? Two key factors: mortgage rates and home prices. Let’s dive into the latest expert forecasts for both, so you can see why more people are expected to move next year. Mortgage Rates Could Continue To Ease The #1 thing just about every buyer has been looking for is lower mortgage rates . And after peaking near 7% earlier this year, rates have started to ease. The latest forecasts show that could continue throughout 2026, but it won’t be a straight line down (see graph below): There’s a saying: when rates go up, they take the escalator. But when they come down, they take the stairs. And that’s an important thing to remember. It’ll be a slow and bumpy process. Expect modest improvement in mortgage rates over the next year but be ready for some volatility. There will be volatility along the way as new economic data comes out. Just don't let it distract you from the bigger picture: the overall trend will be a slight decline. Forecasts say we could hit the low 6s, or maybe even the high 5s. And remember, there doesn't have to be a big drop for you to feel a change. Even a smaller dip helps your bottom line. If you compare where rates are now to when they were at 7% earlier this year, you’re already saving hundreds on your future mortgage payment. And that’s a really good thing. It’s enough to make a real difference in affordability for some buyers. Home Price Growth Will Be Moderate What about prices? On a national scale, forecasts say they’re still going to rise, just not by a lot. With rates down from their peak earlier this year, more buyers will re-enter the market. And that increased demand will keep some upward pressure on prices nationally – and prevent prices from tumbling down. So, even though some markets are already seeing slight price declines, you can rest easy that a big crash just isn’t in the cards. Thanks to how much prices rose over the last 5 years, even the markets seeing declines right now are still up compared to just a few years ago. Of course, price trends will depend on where you are and what’s happening in your local market. Inventory is a big driver in why some places are going to see varying levels of appreciation going forward. But experts agree we’ll see prices grow at the national level (see graph below): This is yet another good sign for buyers and overall affordability. While prices will still go up nationally, it’ll be at a much more sustainable pace. And that predictability makes it easier to plan your budget. It also gives you peace of mind that prices won’t suddenly skyrocket overnight. Bottom Line After a quieter couple of years, 2026 is expected to bring more movement – and more opportunity. With sales projected to rise, mortgage rates trending lower, and price growth slowing down, the stage is set for a healthier, more active market. So, the big question: will you be one of the movers making 2026 your year? Let’s connect if you want to get ready.

Why Home Prices Aren’t Actually Flat

By KCM • October 25, 2025
Why Home Prices Aren’t Actually Flat If you’ve been following real estate news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are flat. And at first glance, that sounds simple enough. But here’s the thing. The reality isn’t quite that straightforward. In most places, prices aren’t flat at all. What the Data Really Shows While we’ve definitely seen prices moderate from the rapid and unsustainable climb in 2020-2022, how much they've changed is going to be different everywhere. If you look at data from ResiClub and Zillow for the 50 largest metros, this becomes very clear. The real story is split right down the middle. Half of the metros are still seeing prices inch higher. The other half? Prices are coming down slightly (see graph below). The big takeaway here is “flat” doesn’t mean prices are holding steady everywhere. What the numbers actually show is how much price trends are going to vary depending on where you are. One factor that’s driving the divide? Inventory. The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University explains : “ . . . price trends are beginning to diverge in markets across the country. Prices are declining in a growing number of markets where inventories have soared while they continue to climb in markets where for-sale inventories remain tight .” When you average those very different trends together, you get a number that looks like it’s flat. But it doesn’t give you the real story and it’s not what most markets are feeling today. You deserve more than that. And just in case you're really focusing on the declines, remember those are primarily places where prices rose too much, too fast just a few years ago. Prices went up roughly 50% nationally over the past 5 years, and even more than that in some of the markets that are experiencing a bigger correction today. So, a modest drop in some local pockets still puts most of those homeowners ahead when it comes to the overall value of their home. And based on the fundamentals of today’s housing market, experts are not projecting a national decline going forward. So, what's actually important for you to know? If You’re Buying... You need to know what's happening in your area because that’s going to influence everything from how quickly you need to make an offer to how much negotiating power you’ll have once you do. In a market where prices are still inching up , waiting around could mean paying more down the line. In a market where they’re easing , you may be able to ask for things like repairs or closing cost help to sweeten the deal. The bottom line? Knowing your local trend puts you in the driver’s seat. If You’re Selling... You’ll want to be aware of local trends, so you’ll know how to price your house and how much you can expect to negotiate. In a market where prices are still rising , you may not need to make many compromises to get your home sold. But if you’re in a market where prices are coming down , setting the right price from the start and being willing to negotiate becomes much more important. The big action item for homeowners? Sellers need to have an agent’s local perspective if they want to avoid making the wrong call on pricing – and homes that are priced right are definitely selling. The Real Story Is Local The national averages can point to broad trends, and that's helpful context. But sometimes you’re going to need a local point of view because what’s happening in your zip code could look different. As Anthony Smith, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, article puts it: “While national prices continued to climb, local market conditions have become increasingly fragmented… This regional divide is expected to continue influencing price dynamics and sales activity as the fall season gets underway. ” That’s why the smartest move, whether you’re buying or selling, is to lean on a local agent who’s an expert on your market. They’ll have the data and the experience to tell you whether prices in your area are holding steady, moving up, or softening a bit – and how that could impact your move. Bottom Line Headlines calling home prices flat may be grabbing attention, but they’re not giving you the full picture. Has anyone taken the time to walk you through what we’re seeing right here, right now? If you want the real story about what prices are doing in our market, let’s connect.
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