Lake Tahoe, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, offers some of the best beach experiences in the United States. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot, a secluded getaway, or a vibrant beach scene, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. Here’s my guide to some of the most amazing beaches around Lake Tahoe.
If you are looking to buy or sell in the current Reno-Saprks real estate market it's important to stay up-to-date on the current and often changing market conditions. In my latest podcast, I am joined by Elena Boland from Wholesale Mortgage to discuss the essential real estate trends from May 2024 and what that means going forward. We cover key topics such as median home prices, current mortgage rates, and effective selling strategies.
When you're ready to sell your home, doing a little preparation beforehand can potentially help your home sell quicker and for a higher price. This can involve tasks such as decluttering, making necessary repairs, freshening up the interior and exterior with a new coat of paint, and enhancing curb appeal. Additionally, consulting with a real estate agent to set an optimal listing price and create an effective marketing strategy can further increase the likelihood of a swift and lucrative sale. Let's look at some tips I have put together to help you with getting your home ready for the market.
June is here and with it comes the excitement of summer to the Reno-Tahoe region. This month you can get outside and enjoy the warm weather with various events catering to many interests. In this blog post, I will highlight some of the fun outdoor events, including a few of my family's favorites, happening in Reno-Tahoe this June.
If you are looking for a picturesque suburban subdivision in South Reno, then Curti Ranch might be the perfect fit. This South Meadows community offers a prime location with easy access to urban conveniences while retaining a serene ambiance, Curti Ranch offers a harmonious blend of nature and modern living. In this blog, I will highlight some of the wonderful amenities that this area has to offer
Looking for a new place to call home can often feel overwhelming. The decision-making process can be filled with uncertainties and questions, with one of the biggest being, "Is it time to transition from renting to owning a home?"
Buying a house sight unseen can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and consideration, it can also be a successful endeavor. In this blog post, I highlight some tips for navigating the process. And check out my podcast episode, where I teamed up with Elena from Wholesale Mortgage to discuss buying houses in beautiful Northern Nevada, even when you can't physically be there to see them! If you're planning a move to Northern Nevada or considering buying a house sight unseen, this episode is a must-see.
In May, the Reno-Tahoe region comes alive with an array of events sure to captivate locals and visitors alike. From outdoor adventures in the breathtaking wilderness to local festivals and sporting events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we dive into the diverse and dynamic events unfolding in Reno-Tahoe this May.
This month Washoe Little League celebrated its 65th Opening Day of baseball. Incredibly, I have had the opportunity to coach seven of those 65 years now. While coaching baseball is a lot of time and effort, it has been a rewarding experience to work with so many kids and their families over the last seven years. We have met and made so many friends at the park that we can't go anywhere in Reno without knowing a kid or a parent.
Throughout the numerous seasons, my good friend Jason and I have dedicated ourselves to coaching our sons' baseball teams. With each of us having two boys of the same age, it has been a special journey witnessing their growth and development on the field. However, in the past couple of years, we have focused on coaching our younger sons, allowing our older boys to showcase their skills in the Majors Division under different mentors. This season marks the final chapter for our eldest sons as they will bid farewell to Washoe Little League. Starting from T-ball, these boys have conquered six different levels, including a challenging season disrupted by the pandemic. Their Little League experience has been nothing short of exhilarating, filled with cherished memories playing together and representing on All-Star teams. As we eagerly anticipate their performances this year, we reflect on the invaluable lessons they have learned about baseball and themselves throughout their journey in Little League.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or seasoned in the real estate game, navigating the terrain of home loans involves grasping various elements—from prevailing interest rates and contractual specifics to the array of loan options tailored to your needs. In this blog post, we've compiled a vital glossary of loan and lending terms to equip you with foundational knowledge for a smoother journey through the process of purchasing a new home.
Term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year terms. In general, the longer the term, the lower the monthly payment. However, shorter terms mean you pay less interest over the life of the loan.
Fixed vs. adjustable interest rates. A fixed-rate allows you to lock in a low interest rate as long as you hold the mortgage and, in general, is a good choice if interest rates are low. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) usually offers a lower rate that will rise as market rates increase. ARMs usually have a limit as to how much and how frequently the interest rate can be increased. These types of mortgages are a good choice when fixed interest rates are high or if you expect your income to grow significantly in the coming years.
Non-traditional mortgages. Also sometimes called “exotic,” these mortgage types were common in the run-up to the housing crisis, and often featured loans with low initial payments that increase over time.
Balloon mortgage. This is a form of non-traditional financing where your interest rate will be very low for a short period of time—often three to seven years. Payments usually only cover interest so the principal owed is not reduced. This type of loan may be a good choice if you think you will sell your home at a large profit in a few years.
Government-backed loans. These loans are sponsored by agencies such as the Federal Housing Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. They offer special terms, including reduced interest rates to qualified buyers. VA Loans are open to veterans, reservists, active-duty personnel, and surviving spouses and are one of the only options available for zero down payment loans. FHA loans are open to anyone, and while they do require a down payment, they can be as low as 3.5 percent. Drawbacks include a slower loan process and—for FHA loans—the need to pay mortgage insurance.
As the housing market shifts, so do lending practices. A mortgage broker—an independent professional who acts as an intermediary between you and lending institutions—may be able to help you find a better rate than you can on your own. Also, be sure to shop around; slight variations in interest rates, loan amounts, and terms can significantly affect your monthly payment.
It is important to do your research and understand what options are available for you. Many home buyers do not take the time to get prequalified for a new home loan. They also often do not take the time to shop around to find the best mortgage for their particular situation. It’s important to ask plenty of questions and make sure you understand the home loan process completely. You can learn even more about the process pre-approval process and what to expect here.
If you would like to learn even more about lending and home loans, our local market, and the entire real estate process, we have many videos with local experts available. Just visit our YouTube Channel and be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest real estate videos.